EP1203547B1 - Connection device for glass plates - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector (10) for glass panels (2, 4) comprises an L-shaped rod with a central bore (15) in the end of each arm (11, 12). Bolts (17, 27) are fitted through bores (18) in the panels into these. Plugs (16, 26) may be fitted around the section of the bolt inside the panel. An Independent claim is included for a glass panel structure, especially an item of furniture, made using the connector.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a first glass plate with a second glass plate with a connecting element, wherein the connecting element at least has two elongated legs connected to each other and is formed so that in to connect the glass plates mounted state, the first leg in the first glass plate at a distance holding the plate edge substantially perpendicular to the first glass plate and the second leg in the second glass plate at a distance from the plate edge holding function substantially is arranged perpendicular to the second glass plate. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connecting element for such a connecting device and a glass plate construction.

State of the art

Connecting devices for connecting flat or curved glass plates, as z. B. are commonly used for the production of glass furniture, usually include unilaterally open, U-shaped profile Fittings or connecting parts in which the glass plates are added at their edges are. The U-profile parts are in the area of the edges of the glass plates on both sides of the Glass plates from the otherwise continuous plan surfaces (main surfaces) of the glass plates in front. Such on the plate edges on both sides of the main surfaces protruding fittings are undesirable. They make it impossible to create glass furniture with continuous, uniform Glass edges and / or plan glass surfaces.

From DE-U 295 00 609 is a device for connecting glass plates for creating Partitions made of glass known as e.g. in banks or sales shops for room layout be used. The glass plates are provided with holes at a distance to their edge, in which holding elements (Blend rosette, washer, clamping disc) are used. The holding elements are by an angled connecting part in the form of a round rod or a plate-shaped connecting element connected to each other. The rod-shaped or plate-shaped Connecting element runs parallel to the respective surface of the glass plate. The glass plate is fixed in each case between a rosette and an intermediate disc by a clamping screw. The clamping screw is passed through a spacer and into the plate-shaped Screwed connection element.

GB 2 338 003 discloses a system for fixing glass plates on the outside of a Building. The holder has two cylindrical bar elements which are perpendicular to the surface the glass plate stand. In this a screw is screwed from the outside, which clamp the glass plate between two pressure distribution discs. To connect the two Brackets are two more rod elements and a pin provided. The two mentioned further bar elements are with their one end to the holding cylinders and with their other End screwed in the journal. They run parallel to the surface of the glass plates.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is the specification of a connecting device for connecting planar or curved glass plates, which provide the creation of glass plate constructions with free glass plate edges and plan to allow glass surfaces.

Under a glass plate construction is in the course of the present specification and the claims understood any construction that has one or more interconnected Has glass plates. A glass plate construction may in particular be a piece of furniture. A glass plate construction However, other glass plates may be more comprehensive or made of glass plates be composite body, such. B. a building body, an aquarium, a container, etc.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of the independent claims. According to According to the invention, a connecting device comprises a connecting element for connection a first glass plate with at least one second glass plate. The connecting element has at least two connected elongated legs. It is designed such that - in a state mounted to connect the glass plates - the first leg of the first glass plate in a distance from the edge of the plate holds, with its longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular is arranged to the main surfaces of the first glass plate in the area of this leg. In analog Way holds the second leg, the second glass plate at a distance from the edge of the plate, wherein the longitudinal direction of the second leg in turn substantially perpendicular to the major surfaces the second glass plate is disposed near the second leg. The at least two legs are firmly connected to each other at one of their longitudinal ends and thereby form a connection angle.

According to the invention, the glass plates are each at a location spaced from the edge of the plate of one leg, each perpendicular to the major surfaces (i.e., in the case of plane) Glass plates perpendicular to the plane of the plate) of the glass plate in its immediate vicinity, that holds it. The plate edges of the glass plates are thus left blank. The can Legs are arranged substantially on one side of the glass plates that hold them. It No components or parts of the connecting device are required by the glass surface (i.e., the major surface) on the other side of the glass plates. The main surfaces on the side facing away from the connecting device side of the flat or curved glass plates can be completely free of protrusions projecting from these major surfaces. Such Glass surfaces are called plan. Overall, the possibility is created, the plate edges and each one main surface of the glass plates substantially free of protruding Components of the connecting device to keep. This brings many advantages in terms of Use of provided with such connectors glass plate constructions with yourself. In the case of glass furniture with flat glass plates z. B. two corresponding glass furniture arranged so coplanar with each other free space, coplanar tops of the glass plates be that these tops form a continuous flat glass surface that is free from is any of the surface protruding parts and is well usable as a work surface. Free glass plate edges and flat main surfaces also lend the glass plate constructions also a favorable, elegant appearance. This is further enhanced by the fact that the legs each arranged in a clearly defined, simple geometric relationship to the glass plates they are holding on.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention is in the of the connection point with the other leg distal end of at least one leg the connecting element has a bore running in the longitudinal direction of the leg, which can be provided with an internal thread. In the for attachment to this Leg provided glass plate is formed a passage. The connection device further comprises at least one provided with a screw head screw. The bore, the passage and the screw are according to this embodiment of the Invention designed and dimensioned such that for the purpose of fastening the Glass plate on the drilled leg, the screw in one through the Passing through arrangement leading screwed into the bore.

Preferably, the passage formed in the glass plate and that in the front side of the leg screwable screw designed and dimensioned in that The glass plate is screwed to the leg and the end remote from the leg (Outside) of the screw head flush with the surface removed from the leg (Main surface) of the glass plate is arranged. The surface (main surface) of the Glass plate on the side facing away from the connecting device side of the glass plate can then be completely smooth and free from over this surface protruding parts the connecting device are formed.

The connection device may further comprise a made of an elastic material Include expansion sleeve inserted into the formed in the glass plate passage can be. The screw is then in through the expansion sleeve therethrough leading arrangement screwed into the hole formed in the leg that the Expansion sleeve between the screw head and the leg in the screw longitudinal direction compressed and simultaneously spread across the screw longitudinal direction, to keep the glass plate free of play. The screw head and front side of the leg can have conical receiving parts for the expansion sleeve, and the expansion sleeve can be designed in the manner of a circular cylindrical, unslotted pipe section.

Preferably, the bore formed in the leg is a blind bore, the depth this blind bore, the screw, the expansion sleeve and the trained in the glass plate Passage are dimensioned such that after the complete screwing the screw into the blind bore, i.e., as soon as the screw tip at the bottom in the depth of the hole is present, the glass plate held by the expansion sleeve play becomes. This can be used to screw in the screws on the use of torque limiting tools are dispensed with.

In a connecting device with a screw and possibly an expansion sleeve are preferably the connecting element, the screw and possibly the Expansion sleeve made of the same uniform material, preferably a plastic, manufactured. The mentioned parts of the connecting device can, for. B. from a Carbon fiber reinforced plastic, in particular of a polyetheretherketone with a carbon fiber content of about 30% (also referred to as CF / PEEK) manufactured be. This can cause problems due to different thermal expansion coefficients avoided and a favorable appearance can be achieved. The Parts may be further preferably made by injection molding to reduce costs low for the connection device.

As an alternative to fixing the glass plates to the fasteners by means Screws that are screwed into the front of the legs are also different Mounting types possible. So z. B. a glass plate by means of an adhesive be attached to the leg of a Verbindungslements.

According to the invention, a connecting element for a connecting device is characterized for connecting a first glass plate to a second glass plate therethrough in that the connecting element has at least two interconnected elongated ones Has legs and is formed so that in mounted for connecting the glass plates Condition the first leg into the first glass panel at a distance from the edge of the panel holding function substantially perpendicular to the first glass plate and the second leg in the second glass plate at a distance from the plate edge holding Function is arranged substantially perpendicular to the second glass plate.

Preferably, the connecting element is formed as a one-piece molded part. This is advantageously made of a uniform material, in particular of carbon fiber reinforced Plastic, for example, a polyetheretherketone with a Carbon fiber content of about 30% made. This can give a favorable appearance be achieved without the material must be colored. Indeed, CF-PEEK has inherently an advantageous black-gray color, which contributes to the connecting part the use of a glass furniture gives a discreet, elegant look. The one-piece molding can be further manufactured by injection molding.

However, there are multi-part fasteners possible, in particular the Legs may be formed as separate parts, each such a connection element are composable, that the legs are firmly connected are. This may include the assembly of the connector for connection facilitate the glass plates.

To connect two glass plates to be arranged at right angles to each other allow, at least two of the legs of the connecting element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention at a right angle to each other be arranged. In the case of 3 legs, all three legs can each be arranged at right angles to each other's two legs to make a connection of three each to be arranged at right angles to each other to arrange glass plates. Preferably, all three legs are the same length. Such an invention element is then due to its geometrically simple shape inexpensive to manufacture and also has a favorable appearance.

A connector may be provided with two, three or more legs and connected be provided by two, three or more glass plates. It can be a Glass plate sometimes held by two legs of a single connecting element become. However, the number of legs of a connector is always at least the same size as the number of glass plates, by means of the connecting element to connect with each other.

According to a preferred variant of the invention, a connecting element can continue be formed such that it is for connecting two glass plates having an interior angle include, on the side facing the inner angle of the glass plates can be arranged. In this way, the connecting element in a be arranged from the outside hidden area. According to other variants of the invention However, fasteners are also possible, which on the outside be arranged by two angle enclosing glass plates can or which connect two mutually parallel plates together.

A glass plate construction according to the invention is provided with a first glass plate, a second glass plate and a connection element comprising a connecting device provided for connecting the first glass plate with the second glass plate. The connecting element has a first elongated leg and a second elongated leg Leg up and is designed so that in mounted for connecting the glass plates Condition the first leg into the first glass plate at a distance from the edge of the plate Function substantially perpendicular to the first glass plate and the second leg essentially in the second glass plate at a distance from the plate edge holding function is arranged perpendicular to the second glass plate.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the glass plate construction is a furniture. According to other variants of the invention, the one glass plate construction but also other glass plates more comprehensive or composed of glass plates Be body, so z. B. a building body, an aquarium, a Storage of bulk material or liquids of suitable containers, etc.

In the case of an inventive glass plate construction in the form of a piece of furniture can on one of the glass plates holding leg of the connecting element another Be kept part of the furniture, such. B. a part of a drawer device, a Part of a furniture door or similar.

The furniture can be further equipped with one or more furniture rolls and with a connecting device comprising a screw provided with a screw head which is used for the purpose of attaching one of the glass plates to a leg of the Connecting element in through a trained in this glass plate passage leading assembly screwed into a running in the longitudinal leg bore is, which formed in the front of the glass plate holding this leg is. Preferably, by means of this screw at the same time a furniture roll on the Removed from the connecting element side of the glass plate attached to the furniture.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims result in further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of Invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine Verbindungsvorrichtung zur Verbindung von zwei Glasplatten gemäss einer bevorzugten Ausführungsart der Erfindung in einer vereinfachten Querschnittansicht entlang der Linie A-A in Fig. 3;

Fig. 2

ein mit der Verbindungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 versehenes Möbel gemäss einer bevorzugten Ausführungsart der Erfindung in einer vereinfachten Ansicht von vorne;

Fig. 3

das Möbel aus Fig. 2 in einer vereinfachten Seitenansicht.

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Fig. 1

a connection device for connecting two glass plates according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a simplified cross-sectional view along the line AA in Fig. 3;

Fig. 2

a provided with the connecting device of Figure 1 furniture according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a simplified view from the front;

Fig. 3

the furniture of Fig. 2 in a simplified side view.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

In Fig. 1 is a connecting device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a simplified cross-sectional view. In Fig. 2 is a cuboid, with drawers 51, 52, 53, 54 equipped glass cabinet in a simplified View from the front, with the floor, ceiling, back and side walls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 of the glass cabinet made of flat, rectangular glass plates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, by means of the connection device shown in Fig. 1 and further Connecting devices of the same type are interconnected. Fig. 3 shows this glass cabinet in a simplified view from the side.

The glass cabinet shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises a first, horizontal arranged glass plate 1 (bottom plate), which forms the bottom of the glass cabinet, two of the bottom plate extending vertically upwards and parallel to each other arranged glass plates 4, 5 (side wall panels), which form the side walls, a vertical and at right angles to the side walls 4, 5 arranged, the rear wall. 3 the glass cabinet forming glass plate 3 (rear wall panel) and a the ceiling 2 of the Glass cabinet forming glass panel 2 (ceiling panel), which horizontally over the side and Rear wall panels 4, 5, 3 is arranged. The front of the five glass plates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 composite cuboidal outer shell of the glass cabinet is open, so that arranged in Schrankinnem drawers 51, 52, 53, 54 front can be pulled out of the glass cabinet.

1, the connection device is shown in an enlarged partial view, which in the area of a front upper corner of the glass cabinet, the ceiling plate. 2 connects with a side wall panel 4. The connecting device shown in Fig. 1 comprises a connecting element 10 which has two substantially identically formed, has elongated legs 11, 12. The two legs 11, 12 are each substantially formed circular cylindrical and arranged such that their leg in the longitudinal direction extending cylinder axis include a right angle. That the two legs 11, 12 comprehensive, total angular connection element 10 is formed as a one-piece molding, so that the two legs 11, 12 at their Connecting angle arranged longitudinal ends are firmly connected. The Connecting element 10 is a molded part produced by injection molding, which essentially of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the form of polyetheretherketone (CF / PEEK), wherein the carbon fiber content is about 30%.

The two legs 11, 12 of the connecting element 10 shown in Fig. 1 are in Essentially identical. A leg 11 serves to hold the ceiling plate 2, in conjunction with an expansion sleeve 16 described below and a Screw 17. The other leg 12 holds in the same way the side wall plate 4, in Connection with a further expansion sleeve 26 and a further screw 27, wherein the screws 17, 27 and the expansion sleeves 16, 26 for holding the ceiling and side wall panels 2, 4 are identical.

The remote from the connection angle of the connecting element 10 end face of the Ceiling plate 2 holding, circular cylindrical leg 11 is the outer circumference along as one from the outer circumference of the cylinder jacket to radially, perpendicular to the cylinder axis formed inwardly extending support portion 13, on which the the Leg 11 facing surface of the ceiling plate 2 held by it rests. The Supporting part 13 has substantially the shape of a circular disk 13, the outer circumference the cylinder circumference of the leg 11 corresponds. On the inner periphery of the annulus ring 13 then the front side of the leg 11 is a conical projection 14 formed by the support portion 13 in leg longitudinal direction of the connection angle protrudes away, wherein the outer shape of the projection 14 towards the outside, i.e. in leg longitudinal direction of the support section 13 away, tapers conically.

In the assembled state of the connecting device, as shown in Fig. 1, projects this projection 14 in a in the ceiling plate 2 in the manner of a circular cylindrical Bore formed transversely to the plane of the ceiling plate 2 through it leading passage 18 into it. The passage 18 is at one of all edges formed the ceiling plate 2 distant point in the ceiling plate 2. Of the Diameter of this passage 18 is sized so that it is smaller than that Outer diameter of the circular ring-shaped bearing part 13 (or the diameter of the ceiling plate 2 holding leg 11), but larger than the inner diameter this support part 13 (or the maximum diameter of the cone-shaped Projection 14).

Centered in the cone tip defining the front of the formed on the leg end face Projection 14 is an internally threaded cylindrical Blind bore 15 is formed, which is coaxial from the cone tip to the cylinder axis leg 11 in the leg longitudinal direction towards the connection angle with the other Leg 12 of the connecting element 10 extends. In this leg 11 trained Blind bore 15, a screw 17 is received, which with a threaded bolt 22 and a conical screw head 21 is provided. The cone shape of the Screw head 21 is movable with respect to a direction transverse to the leg longitudinal direction (i.e., parallel to the leg length direction) Front side of the leg 11) arranged symmetry plane substantially symmetrical to the cone shape of the protrusion 14 formed on the front side of the leg 11. the minimum diameter, the maximum diameter and the length in axial Direction of the two conical shapes of the projection 14 on the one hand and the screw head 21, on the other hand, are substantially the same, the two cone shapes being coaxial to each other, are arranged with cone tips facing each other.

The screw 17 is made of the same material as the connecting element 10, namely a carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the form of polyetheretherketone with a carbon fiber content of about 30%, with the screw 17 together the thread has been produced in a flow molding process.

In the formed in the ceiling plate 2 passage 18 is a substantially hollow cylindrical, designed in the manner of an unslotted pipe section Spreizhülse 16 inserted, which is made of an elastic material. In the in Fig. 1 illustrated example, the expansion sleeve 16 is again made of carbon fiber reinforced Plastic in the form of polyetheretherketone having a carbon fiber content of about 30% made. The outer diameter of the expansion sleeve 16 corresponds to the inner diameter formed in the ceiling plate 2 kreiszylinderfömigen passage 18. The inner diameter of the expansion sleeve 16 is slightly larger than the minimum Diameter of the cone shapes of the screw head 21 and the projection 14th at the front of the leg 11, but smaller than the maximum diameter of this Cone shapes.

For mounting the connecting device shown in Fig. 1 is first the Expansion sleeve 16 inserted into the passage 18 formed in the ceiling plate 2. Subsequently, the ceiling plate 2 together with the expansion sleeve 16 perpendicular to Longitudinal direction of the provided for holding the ceiling plate 2 leg 11 of the connecting element 10 arranged such that the this leg 11 facing surface the ceiling plate 2 at the trained on the front side of this leg 11 support section 13 rests and formed on the front side of this leg 11 projection 14 in the formed in the ceiling plate 2 passage 18 and in the in this Passage 18 inserted expansion sleeve 16 projects into it.

Thereafter, the side facing away from the connecting element 10 side of the ceiling plate 2 ago the threaded bolt 22 of the screw 17 by the in the ceiling plate. 2 trained passage 18 or through the used in this passage 18 Spreizhülse 16 passed and formed in the in the front side of the leg 11 Blind hole 15 screwed. In this case, the expansion sleeve 16 in the longitudinal direction of the screw (i.e., in the leg longitudinal direction) between the screw head 21 and the at Front of the leg 11 formed projection 14 slightly compressed and consequently, due to the conical shapes of the screw head 21 and the projection 14 and the elasticity of the expansion sleeve 16 in the radial direction (i.e. Leg longitudinal direction) a little spread. By spreading the expansion sleeve 16 is its outer surface to the inner surface of the formed in the ceiling plate 2 passage 18 pressed.

The depth of the blind bore 15, the length of the screw 17, the cone shapes of the Screw head 21 and the projection 14 on the front side of the leg 11, the Expansion sleeve 16 and formed in the ceiling plate 2 passage 18 are such measure that - after completely screwing the screw 17 into the blind hole 15, that is, as soon as the tip of the threaded bolt 22 of the screw 17 at the bottom the blind bore 15 is present - on the one hand, the expansion sleeve 16 firmly and without play the conical surfaces of the screw head 21 and the projection 14 on the leg 11 of the Connecting element 10 is received and on the other hand, the ceiling plate 2 play is held by the expansion sleeve 16. In this state shown in Fig. 1 of Connecting device, the ceiling plate 2 as a whole firmly and without play with the Connecting element 10 connected. Further, the screw 17 is formed and dimensioned that in this state, the removed from the leg 11 end face of the screw head 21 (i.e., the outside of the screw head 21) is flush with that of the leg 11 remote surface of the ceiling plate 2 is arranged, so that no total Project parts of the connecting device beyond this surface.

In an analogous manner, the side wall panel 4 is then attached to the other leg 12 of the mounted in Fig. 1 connecting element 10 to the ceiling plate 2 by means of connect the connecting device shown in Fig. 1 with the side wall panel 4.

The glass cabinet shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is provided with four connecting devices, each comprising a two-legged connecting element 10, 30, 35, 40. These connecting devices serve to connect the ceiling plate 2 with the both side wall panels 4, 5 and the two side wall panels 4, 5 with the bottom plate 1 in the area of the four front corners of the cuboid glass cabinet. Four further, similar to the connection device shown in Fig. 1 connecting devices serve to connect the ceiling plate 2, the side wall panels 4, 5, the bottom plate 1 and the rear wall plate 3 in the region of the four rear corners the glass cabinet, wherein the connecting elements 60, 65 of these connecting devices each three perpendicular to each other, in the manner of edges of a cube corner comprise mutually arranged and interconnected legs.

As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, are at the substantially horizontal from the side wall panels 4, 5 in the cabinet interior projecting legs 12 of the connecting elements 10, 30, 60 of the upper connecting devices vertically extending frame struts 71, 72, 73 suspended, the part of one in the glass cabinet arranged drawer frame are. Below are these frame struts 71, 72, 73 in the substantially horizontally from the side wall panels 4, 5 in the Cabinet interior protruding legs of the connecting members 40, 35, 65 of the lower Mounted connection devices.

The glass cabinet shown in Fig. 2 and 3 is further with four furniture rollers 81, 82, 83rd equipped. These are fastened by screws to the underside of the bottom plate 1, these bolts being respectively through those for the lower connecting devices formed in the bottom plate 1 passages and in these passages arranged expansion sleeves are guided. The screws are in the blind holes screwed in the front sides of the base plate 1 holding legs of the Connecting elements 40, 35, 65 of the lower connecting devices formed are. The screws thus serve at the same time for attaching the furniture rollers 81, 82, 83 on the glass cabinet and for connecting the bottom plate 1 with the connecting elements 40, 35, 65 and via these with the rear wall and the side wall panels 3, 4, 5th

In summary, it should be noted that the invention provides a connecting device is created for joining flat or curved glass plates, which the creation of glass plate constructions with free Glasplattenrändem and plan to make glass surfaces possible.

Claims (14)

1. Connection device for connecting at least one first glass plate (2) to a second glass plate (4), with a connection element (10) which has at least two oblong legs (11, 12) which are connected together, which element is formed such that, when assembled for connecting the glass plates (2, 4), the first leg (11) holds the first glass plate (2) at a spacing from the plate edge thereof and is at the same time disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first glass plate (2), and the second leg (12) holds the second glass plate (4) at a spacing from the plate edge thereof and is at the same time disposed substantially perpendicularly to the second glass plate (2), characterised in that the at least two legs (11, 12) are firmly connected together at one of their longitudinal ends and thereby form a connection angle.
2. Connection device according to Claim 1, characterised in that it comprises at least one screw (17) which is provided with a screw head (21) and which, for the purpose of fastening one of the glass plates (2) to a leg (11) of the connection element (10), in an arrangement passing through a passage (18) which is formed in this glass plate (2), can be screwed into a bore (15) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the leg and is formed in the front side of the leg provided to hold this glass plate (2).
3. Connection device according to Claim 2, characterised by a formation of the screw (17) and of the passage (18) which is formed in the glass plate (2) such that, when the glass plate (2) is firmly screwed to the leg (11), the front side of the screw head (21) which is remote from the leg (11) is disposed flush with the surface of the glass plate (2) which is remote from the leg (11).
4. Connection device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterised in that it also comprises an expansion sleeve (16) made of a resilient material which, in an arrangement surrounding the screw (17), is disposed in the passage (18) of the glass plate (2) and, by screwing the screw (17) into the bore (15) which is formed in the leg (11), can be compressed between the screw head (21) and the leg (11) in the longitudinal direction of the screw such that it is expanded transversely to the longitudinal direction of the screw in order to hold the glass plate (2) free from play.
5. Connection device according to Claim 4, characterised in that the bore (15) which is formed in the leg (11) is a blind bore (15), and the depth of this blind bore (15), the screw (17), the expansion sleeve (16) as well as the passage (18) which is formed in the glass plate (2) are dimensioned such that, after completely screwing the screw (17) into the blind bore (15), the glass plate (2) is held by the expansion sleeve (16) free from play.
6. Connection device according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the connection element (10), the screw (17) and optionally the expansion sleeve (16) are made of the same uniform material, preferably of a carbon fibre-reinforced plastics material, in particular of a polyetheretherketone with a carbon fibre proportion of approximately 30%.
7. Connection element (10) for a connection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 for connecting at least one first glass plate (2) to a second glass plate (4), wherein the connection element (10) has at least two oblong legs (11, 12) which are connected together, which element is formed such that, when assembled for connecting the glass plates (2, 4), the first leg (11), in its function holding the first glass plate (2) at a spacing from the plate edge, is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first glass plate (2), and the second leg (12), in its function holding the second glass plate (4) at a spacing from the plate edge, is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the second glass plate (4), characterised in that the at least two legs (11, 12) are firmly connected together at one of their longitudinal ends and thereby form a connection angle.
8. Connection element (10) according to Claim 7, characterised in that it is formed as a one-piece moulded part.
9. Connection element (10) according to Claim 7 or 8, characterised in that at least two of the legs (11, 12) are disposed at a right angle to one another in order to enable two glass plates (2, 4) which are to be disposed at a right angle to one another to be connected.
10. Connection element (10) according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterised in that, in order to connect the two glass plates (2, 4) in an arrangement which forms an internal angle, it is formed such that it can be disposed on the sides of the glass plates (2, 4) which face the internal angle.
11. Glass plate construction with at least one first glass plate (2), a second glass plate (4) and a connection device comprising a connection element (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 for connecting the first glass plate (2) to the second glass plate (4), wherein the connection element (10) has a first oblong leg (11) and a second oblong leg (12) and is formed such that, when assembled for connecting the glass plates (2, 4), the first leg (11) holds the first glass plate (2) at a spacing from the plate edge thereof and is at the same time disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first glass plate (2), and the second leg (12) holds the second glass plate (4) at a spacing from the plate edge thereof and is at the same time disposed substantially perpendicularly to the second glass plate (4), characterised in that the at least two legs (11, 12) are firmly connected together at one of their longitudinal ends and thereby form a connection angle.
12. Glass plate construction according to Claim 11, characterised in that it is a piece of furniture.
13. Glass plate construction according to Claim 12, characterised in that a further part (71) of the piece of furniture is held at a leg (12), holding one of the glass plates (4), of the connection element (10).
14. Glass plate construction according to Claim 12 or 13, with a connection device according to Claim 2 which comprises at least one screw which is provided with a screw head and which, for the purpose of fastening one of the glass plates to a leg of the connection element (40), in an arrangement passing through a passage which is formed in this glass plate (1), is screwed into a bore which extends in the longitudinal direction of the leg and is formed in the front side of the leg which holds this glass plate (1), characterised in that a furniture castor (81) is also attached by means of this screw to the side of the glass plate (1) which is remote from the connection element (40).

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