Fasteners and methods for joining two components

Abstract

Connecting means (100) for connecting two components (102), wherein the connecting means (100) comprises a base body (104) which includes a receiving channel (106) extending through the base body (104) for receiving a fastening element (108), wherein the receiving channel (106) is accessible at one end (110) through an insertion opening (112) of the base body (104) and at another end (114) through a fixing opening (116) of the base body (104), wherein the base body (104) further comprises an actuating opening (132) different from the insertion opening (112) and the fixing opening (116), through which the fastening element (108) arranged in the receiving channel (106) is accessible for actuating it, wherein the base body (104) comprises a base section (146) and one or more projections extending away from the base section (146) or Protruding anchoring sections (148) for anchoring the base body (104) in one of the components (102) are included.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting means that is used particularly in furniture and mechanical engineering. This connecting means can be used to connect, in particular, two components of a piece of furniture or two components of a machine.

[0002] Corresponding prior art examples are known in particular from US 3 279 830 A, US 4 944 627 A, US 5 096 324 A, DE 964 722 B, US 4 236 848 A and US 4 060 949 A.

[0003] The present invention is based on the object of providing a connecting means for connecting two components which is easy to manufacture and enables a stable and reliable connection of the two components.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a connecting means for connecting two components according to the independent claim. Advantageous developments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0005] Accordingly, the connecting means comprises a base body which comprises a receiving channel extending through the base body for receiving a fastening element, wherein the receiving channel is accessible at one end through an insertion opening of the base body and at another end through a fixing opening of the base body, wherein the base body further comprises an actuation opening different from the insertion opening and the fixing opening, through which the fastening element arranged in the receiving channel is accessible for actuation thereof.

[0006] Because the base body comprises an insertion opening and a fixing opening, the fastening element can preferably be arranged easily and securely in the base body and fixed thereto. Because the base body further comprises an actuation opening different from the insertion opening and the fixing opening, the fastening element can preferably be actuated through a particularly narrow and / or visually appealing access opening.

[0007] In particular, the combination of insertion opening, fixing opening and actuation opening enables convenient handling of the connecting device as well as a reliable and stable connection of the two components.

[0008] The insertion opening of the base body is preferably used to insert the fastening element into the receiving channel.

[0009] The fixing opening of the base body preferably serves to fix the fastening element on the one hand to the base body and on the other hand to another component.

[0010] The fastening element preferably partially protrudes from the fixing opening when the connecting means is mounted.

[0011] In particular, it can be provided that the fastening element, in the assembled state of the connecting means, engages behind the fixing opening of the base body on its inner side facing the receiving channel.

[0012] The actuating opening is preferably designed as an actuating slot.

[0013] The insertion opening and / or the fixing opening preferably each have a substantially circular cross-section taken perpendicular to a connection direction of the connecting element.

[0014] It can be advantageous if the base body is made in one piece.

[0015] For example, it can be provided that the base body is designed as a plastic injection-molded component or as a metal die-cast component.

[0016] It can be advantageous if the fastening element is a screw.

[0017] It can be provided that the insertion opening is larger than the screw head of the screw.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the fixing opening is smaller than the screw head of the screw.

[0019] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the fixing opening is larger than a threaded section of the screw.

[0020] The terms “larger” and “smaller” in this description and the appended claims are to be understood in particular to mean that the respective element (screw head, threaded section) can be passed through the opening (opening larger than the said element) or cannot be passed through the opening (opening smaller than the said element).

[0021] It may be advantageous if the fixing opening comprises one or more radially inwardly projecting projections which can be brought into engagement in particular with a threaded portion of a fastening element designed as a screw.

[0022] The fastening element is then secured against falling out of the base body, particularly when it is ready for assembly.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the actuating opening is smaller in at least one direction than a maximum, minimum and / or average outer diameter of the fastening element, taken perpendicular to a connection direction of the fastening element, in particular of a screw head and / or a threaded section of a fastening element designed as a screw.

[0024] The connection direction is preferably parallel to an insertion direction of the fastening element, in which the fastening element can be inserted through the insertion opening into the receiving channel.

[0025] Preferably, the connection direction is parallel to a main extension direction of the receiving channel.

[0026] It may be advantageous if the connection direction is parallel to a rotational axis of the fastening element. The fastening element is preferably designed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical about the rotational axis.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be provided that the axis of rotation of the fastening element is the axis about which the fastening element is rotatable or is rotated in order to fix it to the further component.

[0028] For example, it can be provided that the connection direction is substantially parallel to a main extension direction of an actuating opening designed as an actuating slot.

[0029] The connection direction is preferably a fastening direction in which a force acting between the two components by means of the connecting means is directed.

[0030] It can be provided that the fastening element comprises an engagement portion which a user of the connecting means can engage by means of a tool to actuate the fastening element.

[0031] Preferably, the tool for actuating the fastening element together with the engagement section forms an angular gear.

[0032] For this purpose, the engagement section is designed in particular as a male or female element of a hexagonal connection or hexagonal connection.

[0033] Preferably, the engagement section is arranged and / or formed on a screw head of a fastening element designed as a screw.

[0034] The male part of the connection is preferably designed as a round head, in particular to be able to actuate the fastening element even when the tool is aligned at an angle.

[0035] It may be advantageous if the base body comprises, for example, a cuboid-shaped base section and one or more anchoring sections projecting or protruding from the base section for anchoring the base body in one of the components.

[0036] At least one anchoring section is preferably designed as a cylindrical thickening of an end of the base body facing away from the fixing opening.

[0037] At least one anchoring section can be designed, for example, as an anchoring bolt projecting from the base section perpendicularly or obliquely to a connection direction of the connecting means.

[0038] It can be provided that the actuating opening extends in a direction parallel to a connection direction of the connecting means over at least approximately one third, in particular at least approximately half, of a length of the base body taken in the connection direction.

[0039] In particular, it can be provided that the actuating opening extends in a direction parallel to a connection direction of the connecting means over at least approximately two thirds of a length of the base body taken in the connection direction.

[0040] An outer side of the base body facing away from the receiving channel is preferably provided at least in sections with one or more anchoring elements, in particular anchoring ribs, for anchoring the base body in a component.

[0041] In particular, anchoring in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction is possible by means of the anchoring ribs.

[0042] However, it can also be provided that the anchoring ribs are used to anchor the base body in a direction parallel to the connection direction.

[0043] It may be advantageous if, in addition to the fastening element and the base body that can be arranged in a first of the two components, the connecting means comprises a counterpart that can be secured to a second of the two components. To connect the two components, the fastening element can preferably be brought into engagement with the counterpart, for example, by screwing, starting from the base body.

[0044] The base body preferably comprises one, two or more positioning projections which extend away from the base body in the connecting direction, in particular in a region of the fixing opening.

[0045] The positioning projections can in particular be guided into a bore or a counterpart in the second component in order to enable simple relative positioning of the two components before fixing the fastening element.

[0046] The connecting element is particularly suitable for use in combination with two components. One of the components preferably has a recess corresponding to the outer shape of the base body of the connecting element, so that the base body can be secured in the component with a positive fit.

[0047] The combination according to the invention preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the connecting means according to the invention.

[0048] The recess in one of the components is preferably accessible both from a main side of the, for example, plate-shaped component and from a narrow side of this component.

[0049] When the connecting means is assembled, the fastening element preferably extends beyond the narrow side of the component and / or into the further component.

[0050] The components are preferably furniture parts or machine parts.

[0051] The base body of the connecting element can be fixed to and / or in one of the components, for example, by means of a press fit and / or an adhesive connection.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the base body can be fixed to and / or in one of the two components by means of a screw connection, by means of one or more impact bolts, by means of a dovetail connection and / or by means of one or more tenons.

[0053] The tool for actuating the fastening element can preferably be brought into direct engagement with the fastening element.

[0054] To connect the two components, the fastening element can be fixed to one component, for example by means of the base body, and can directly or indirectly engage the other component and / or be brought into engagement with the other component.

[0055] A fastening element designed as a screw can, for example, be a Torx screw, an Allen screw, a Euro screw, a Spax screw or a screw with an M thread with regard to a screw head and / or a threaded section.

[0056] Particularly in the case of an indirect attachment of the fastening element to and / or in the further component, a counterpart is preferably arranged, in particular fixed, in and / or on the further component. The fastening element preferably engages this counterpart.

[0057] The counterpart can be, for example, a push-in plate, a drive-in sleeve, a ramp sleeve, a drive-in nut or a glue-in nut.

[0058] The present invention further relates to a method for connecting two components.

[0059] In this regard, the invention is based on the object of providing a method for connecting two components which is easy to carry out and enables a stable and reliable connection of two components.

[0060] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the method for connecting two components comprises the following: Providing a component, in particular a plate-shaped component; Creating a recess by machining the component, in particular by means of a milling machine in which a milling head is rotated about an axis of rotation running perpendicular to a main side of the component, in particular a main side of the plate-shaped component; Inserting a base body of a connecting means into the recess, in particular inserting a base body of a connecting means according to the invention into the recess; Connecting the components to one another by actuating a fastening element of the connecting means arranged in the base body.

[0061] The method according to the invention preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the connecting means according to the invention.

[0062] It may be advantageous if the fastening element is inserted into the base body before the base body is arranged in the recess of the component.

[0063] The fastening element is preferably inserted into the base body through an insertion opening in the base body. The insertion opening is preferably inaccessible when the base body is mounted and arranged in the recess of the component.

[0064] Preferably, in the assembled state of the base body, in which it is arranged in the recess of the component, a fixing opening of the base body and an actuating opening of the base body are accessible.

[0065] The fastening element preferably protrudes from the base body through the fixing opening, but is preferably held in the base body in a form-fitting manner due to an undercut.

[0066] Both the fixing opening and the actuating opening are preferably smaller in at least one direction of extent than a maximum outer diameter of the fastening element, in particular with respect to an axis of symmetry or axis of rotation or longitudinal axis of the fastening element.

[0067] The fastening element can preferably not be removed from the base body through the fixing opening or the actuating opening.

[0068] The recess and / or the base body of the connecting means are preferably shaped such that the recess provided in the component is or can be filled substantially completely with the base body by means of the base body.

[0069] The recess preferably extends both in a main side of the component and in a secondary side, in particular a narrow side, of the component. Preferably, a connection direction of the connecting means is oriented perpendicular to a secondary side, in particular a narrow side, of the component.

[0070] However, an oblique alignment of the connection direction relative to the narrow side can also be provided.

[0071] For example, an end face of the base body in which the fixing opening is arranged is aligned substantially perpendicular to the connection direction.

[0072] Furthermore, it can be provided that the end face in which the fixing opening is arranged forms an angle of, for example, approximately 45° with the connecting direction. This allows the connecting means to be used in particular for connecting two mitred panels.

[0073] The fastening element is preferably mounted and / or received in the base body so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation running parallel to the connection direction.

[0074] For example, a fastening element designed as a screw can be screwed directly into the second component by turning it using a tool. Alternatively, the fastening element can be screwed into a counterpart arranged on and / or in the second component.

[0075] The fastening element is preferably accessible through the actuating opening in order to set the fastening element in a rotary movement by means of a tool.

[0076] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0077] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a connecting means, in which a base body is provided for receiving a fastening element, wherein the fastening element can be introduced into the base body through an insertion opening and, in an assembled state of the connecting means, partially protrudes from a fixing opening of the base body; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of the connecting means from Fig. 1, wherein a base body of the connecting means is shown in a longitudinal section; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of the connecting means with the cut base body from Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a schematic plan view of a top side of the connecting means of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a schematic plan view of a front side of the connecting means from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 a schematic plan view of an end of the base body opposite the front side; Fig. 7 an enlarged schematic perspective view of the front side of the base body of the connecting means from Fig. 1; Fig. 8 a schematic perspective view of a component which has a recess for receiving the base body of the connecting means from Fig. 1; Fig. 9 one of the Fig. 8 corresponding schematic perspective representation of the component including a connecting means arranged in the recess; Fig. 10 a schematic longitudinal section through the connecting means of Fig. 1, wherein a fastening element designed as a screw is introduced into the base body through an insertion opening of the base body; Fig. 11 one of the Fig. 10 corresponding schematic representation of the connecting means, wherein the fastening element is actuated by means of a tool through an actuating opening of the base body; Fig. 12 one of the Fig. 10 corresponding schematic representation of the connecting means, wherein the fastening element has been brought into a connected state by means of the tool, in which the fastening element engages the further component or a counterpart arranged in the further component in order to connect the two components to one another; Fig. 13 one of the Fig. 1 corresponding schematic perspective representation of a second embodiment of a connecting means, in which a base body is provided with an end face running obliquely to the connecting direction; Fig. 14 one of the Fig. 12 corresponding schematic sectional view of the connecting means from Fig. 13 together with two components connected to each other by means of this connecting means; Fig. 15 a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a connecting means, in which a base body is provided with an anchoring bolt and a plurality of positioning projections; Fig. 16 a schematic plan view of the main body of the connecting means from Fig. 15; Fig. 17 a schematic side view of the main body of the connecting means from Fig. 15; Fig. 18 a schematic plan view of a front side of the base body of the connecting means from Fig. 15; Fig. 19 a schematic perspective view of a counterpart designed as a slide-in plate for fixing to another of the two components and for connection to a fastening element of a connecting means; Fig. 20 a schematic perspective view of a counterpart designed as a drive-in sleeve; Fig. 21 a schematic perspective view of a counterpart designed as a ramp sleeve; Fig. 22 a schematic perspective view of a counterpart designed as a drive-in nut; and Fig. 23 a schematic perspective view of a counterpart designed as a glue-in nut.

[0078] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0079] One in the Fig. The first embodiment of a connecting means designated as a whole by 100 shown in Figures 1 to 12 serves, for example, to connect two components 102, in particular furniture parts or machine parts.

[0080] The connecting means 100 comprises a base body 104, which is in particular formed in one piece as a plastic injection-molded component or as a metal die-cast component.

[0081] The base body 104 comprises a receiving channel 106 for receiving a fastening element 108. The receiving channel 106 preferably extends through the base body 104.

[0082] One end 110 of the receiving channel 106 preferably forms an insertion opening 112 of the base body 104 through which the fastening element 108 can be inserted into the receiving channel 106 of the base body 104.

[0083] Another end 114 of the receiving channel 106 preferably forms a fixing opening 116 of the base body 104.

[0084] The fastening element 108 can be fixed or is fixed on and / or in this fixing opening 116 in order to connect the two components 102 to one another.

[0085] The insertion opening 112 is preferably larger than the fixing opening 116.

[0086] In particular, it is provided that the fastening element 108 can be passed completely through the insertion opening 112, while only a part of the fastening element 108 fits through the fixing opening 116.

[0087] In the assembled state of the connecting means 100, the fastening element 108 preferably only partially protrudes from the fixing opening 116.

[0088] At the end 114 of the receiving channel 106 facing the fixing opening 116, the latter preferably has a tapered section 118.

[0089] This tapered section 118 is preferably engaged behind by means of the fastening element 108 in order to prevent undesired pushing or pulling out of the fastening element 108 through the fixing opening 116.

[0090] The fastening element 108 is, for example, a screw 120.

[0091] A screw head 122 of the screw 120 is preferably dimensioned such that it does not pass through the tapered section 118, but rather engages behind it with respect to a connection direction 124 of the connecting means 100.

[0092] A threaded portion 126 of the screw 120, however, is preferably dimensioned such that it can be passed through the tapered portion 118 and thus can protrude from the fixing opening 116.

[0093] The fixing opening 116 is preferably arranged and / or formed in an end face 128 of the base body 104.

[0094] The front side 128 is in the Fig. 1 to 12, the embodiment of the connecting means 100 is aligned substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction 124.

[0095] As in particular the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the receiving channel 106 of the connecting means 100 is, for example, formed substantially rotationally symmetrical about a rotation axis 130.

[0096] The rotation axis 130 is preferably also a rotation axis 130 about which the fastening element 108 can be rotated to connect the two components 102.

[0097] In a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 130, the screw head 122 of the fastening element 108 designed as a screw 120 preferably has an outer diameter D A which is larger than an inner diameter D I of the tapered section 118 of the base body 104.

[0098] In addition to the insertion opening 112 and the fixing opening 116, the base body 104 preferably comprises an actuation opening 132.

[0099] The receiving channel 106 is preferably also accessible through this actuating opening 132.

[0100] In particular, it is provided that the fastening element 108, which is arranged in the receiving channel 106, is accessible through the actuating opening 132.

[0101] A tool 134 can preferably be brought into engagement with the fastening element 108 through the actuating opening 132, in particular in order to actuate it.

[0102] The fastening element 108 preferably has an engagement portion 136 on which the tool 134 can engage to actuate the fastening element 108.

[0103] The engagement section 136 is, for example, a hexagon socket or a hexagon socket, on which, for example, a ball head 138 of the tool 134, which is designed to be complementary thereto, can engage.

[0104] As in particular the Fig. 3, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the tool 134 for actuating the fastening element 108 is rotatable about an attack axis 140 aligned obliquely to the rotation axis 130.

[0105] For example, an angle α (alpha) of approximately 30° can be provided between the rotation axis 130 and the attack axis 140.

[0106] The tool 134 can thus be guided particularly obliquely through the actuating opening 132.

[0107] The actuating opening 132 is therefore preferably designed as an actuating slot 142.

[0108] The ball head 138 and the engagement section 136 preferably form an angular gear 144 with which the rotational movement of the tool 134 can be transmitted to the fastening element 108.

[0109] For anchoring the base body 104 in a component 102, the base body 104 preferably has a base portion 146 and one or more anchoring portions 148 protruding or projecting from the base portion 146.

[0110] An anchoring section 148 can be formed, for example, as a cylindrical thickening 150 of the end 110 of the base body 104 facing away from the end face 128.

[0111] The one or more anchoring sections 148 protrude in particular in one or more directions perpendicular to the connecting direction 124 from the base section 146, so that the base body 104 can be fixed in particular in a form-fitting manner in a recess 152 in a component 102 that is complementary to the base body 104 (see in particular the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9).

[0112] As in particular Fig. As can be seen from Figure 8, the recess 152 is preferably arranged and / or formed in a component 102 such that the recess 152 extends both in a main side 154 and in a narrow side 156 of the component 102. The orientation of the recess 152 is preferably selected such that the connecting direction 124 is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the narrow side 156.

[0113] As can be seen particularly from a comparison of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the recess 152 and the base body 104 are preferably designed to be complementary to one another, so that the recess 152 can be substantially completely filled by the base body 104.

[0114] An outer side 158 of the base body 104 facing away from the receiving channel 106 is preferably provided with one or more anchoring ribs 160.

[0115] The anchoring ribs 160 are in particular linear barbs which enable the insertion of the base body 104 into the recess 152, but make it difficult to remove the base body 104 from the recess 152.

[0116] As in particular Fig. 7, it can be provided that the tapered section 118 of the base body 104 comprises one or more holding projections 162, for example holding ribs 164.

[0117] By means of these retaining projections 162, the inner diameter D I of the tapered section 118 is locally reduced, so that in particular a threaded section 126 of a fastening element 108 designed as a screw 120 can be received in the tapered section 118 in a clamping or locking manner.

[0118] The fastening element 108 can thereby be held on the base body 104 and in particular secured against unwanted falling out of the base body 104.

[0119] The above-described embodiment of a connecting means 100 functions in particular as follows: Two components 102 to be connected to each other are preferably prepared by making a recess 152 in a first component 102a (see in particular the Fig. 8).

[0120] The shape of the recess 152 is in particular complementary to the shape of the base body 104 of the connecting means 100, so that the base body 104 can be fixed in the recess 152 in a form-fitting manner.

[0121] The positive connection refers in particular to the connection direction 124, in which a force acts that later connects the two components 102.

[0122] The recess 152 is introduced into the first component 102a, for example, by means of a milling machine.

[0123] A second component 102b is provided, for example, with a bore 166 (see in particular Fig. 11).

[0124] The connecting means 100 is preferably prepared for assembly of the same and the components 102 by inserting the fastening element 108, which is designed, for example, as a screw 120, through the insertion opening 112 into the receiving channel 106 of the base body 104.

[0125] The fastening element 108 is in particular pushed through the receiving channel 106 until the fastening element 108 engages with the holding projections 162 and is thereby securely held on the base body 104.

[0126] The base body 104 is then inserted together with the fastening element 108 into the recess 152 of the first component 102a.

[0127] The two components 102 are then arranged in the desired position to be fixed by means of the connecting means 100.

[0128] In particular, a threaded section 126 of the fastening element 108 designed as a screw 120, which protrudes from the fixing opening 116, can already be inserted in sections into the bore 166 of the second component 102b.

[0129] In a next step, the tool 134 is passed through the actuating opening 132 and engaged with the engagement portion 136 of the fastening element 108.

[0130] By turning the tool 134, the fastening element 108 can then be set into rotation.

[0131] In particular, the fastening element 108 is thereby screwed into the bore 166 of the second component 102b.

[0132] The two components 102 are thereby firmly connected to one another.

[0133] A force transmission along the connection direction 124 then takes place on the one hand between the second component 102b and the threaded portion 126 of the fastening element 108 designed as a screw and on the other hand between the anchoring portion 148 of the base body 104 and the recess 152 in the first component 102a.

[0134] The force transmission between the base body and the fastening element 108 takes place between the screw head 122 and the tapered section 118.

[0135] By suitable design of the anchoring section 148, preferably also large forces can be transmitted from the first component 102 or to the first component 102 without having to fear an undesired tearing out of the recess 152 in the region of the narrow side 156.

[0136] In particular, the arrangement of the anchoring section 148 or the anchoring sections 148 at the end 110 of the base body 104 facing away from the fixing opening 116 can cause the forces acting on the first component 102a to be transmitted at a large distance from the narrow side 156.

[0137] One in the Fig. 13 and Fig. The second embodiment of a connecting means 100 shown in Figure 14 differs from that shown in the Fig. 1 to 12 essentially in that the end face 128 of the base body 104 is aligned obliquely to the connecting direction 124.

[0138] The connecting means 100 according to the Fig. 13 and Fig. The second embodiment shown in Figure 14 is particularly suitable for connecting two mitred components 102.

[0139] In particular, the end face 128 of the base body 104 is aligned at an inclination of 45° to the connection 124, so that the connecting means 100 is particularly suitable for connecting two components 102 to be arranged at a 90° angle to each other, if these components 102 are each provided with a 45° miter.

[0140] Furthermore, the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the second embodiment of the connecting means 100 is similar in structure and function to that shown in the Fig. 1 to 12, so that reference is made to the above description thereof.

[0141] One in the Fig. The third embodiment of a connecting means 100 shown in Figures 15 to 18 differs from that shown in Figures Fig. 1 to 12 essentially in that the base body 104 has an anchoring bolt 168 instead of the cylindrical thickening 150.

[0142] The anchoring bolt 168 extends in particular perpendicular to a main side 154 of the first component 102a, in which the base body 104 can be fixed, away from the base section 146 of the base body 104.

[0143] The anchoring bolt 168 is preferably arranged at the end 110 of the base body 104 facing away from the fixing opening 116.

[0144] Furthermore, the Fig. In the third embodiment of the connecting means 100 shown in Figures 15 to 18, the base body 104 comprises one or more, for example four, positioning projections 170.

[0145] The positioning projections 170 are arranged in particular on the end face 128 of the base body 104 and form, for example, an annular extension of the fixing opening 116 and / or the tapered section 118.

[0146] The positioning projections 170 serve in particular to position the base body 104 independently of the fastening element 108 relative to a bore 166 in the second component 102b by inserting the positioning projections 170 into the bore 166 of the second component 102b during the alignment of the components 102 relative to one another before the fastening element 108 is fixed.

[0147] Furthermore, the Fig. 15 to 18, the third embodiment of the connecting means 100 is similar in structure and function to the one shown in the Fig. 1 to 12, so that reference is made to the above description thereof.

[0148] In the Fig. 19 to 23 show optional counterparts 172 of the connecting means 100.

[0149] The illustrated counterparts 172 are used in particular individually in combination with a base body 104 and a fastening element 108 if the fastening element 108 is not to be fixed directly to the second component 102b for any reason.

[0150] In these cases, one of the counterparts 172 or a counterpart 172 not shown is fixed to the second component 102b, for example screwed, locked, glued, etc.

[0151] The fastening element 108 then does not engage directly with the second component 102b to connect the two components 102 together. Rather, the fastening element 108 is then preferably engaged with the counterpart 172 in and / or on the second component 102b.

[0152] The counterpart 172 can, for example, be a slide-in plate (see Fig. 19), a drive-in sleeve (see Fig. 20), a ramp sleeve (see Fig. 21), a drive-in nut (see Fig. 22) or a glue nut (see Fig. 23).

[0153] In further (not shown) embodiments of connecting means 100, individual or multiple features of the embodiments described above can be combined with one another as desired.

[0154] For example, even in the Fig. 15 to 18, the third embodiment of the connecting means 100 has an obliquely aligned end face 128 according to the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 shown second embodiment may be provided. List of reference symbols 100 lanyards 102 component 102a first component 102b second component 104 basic bodies 106 recording channels 108 Fastener 110 End 112 insertion opening 114 End 116 fixing opening 118 Tapering section 120 screw 122 screw head 124 Connection direction 126 threaded section 128 front side 130 Rotation axis 132 operating opening 134 tools 136 Attack Section 138 ball head 140 Attack axis 142 operating slot 144 Angle gears 146 Base Section 148 Anchoring section 150 thickening 152 recess 154 Main page 156 narrow side 158 Outside 160 anchoring rib 162 retaining projection 164 retaining rib 166 bore 168 anchor bolts 170 Positioning projection 172 counterpart o(alpha) angle D A Outer diameter D I inner diameter

Claims

[1] Connecting means (100) for connecting two components (102), wherein the connecting means (100) comprises a base body (104) which comprises a receiving channel (106) extending through the base body (104) for receiving a fastening element (108), wherein the receiving channel (106) is accessible at one end (110) through an insertion opening (112) of the base body (104) and at another end (114) through a fixing opening (116) of the base body (104), wherein the base body (104) further comprises an actuating opening (132) different from the insertion opening (112) and the fixing opening (116), through which actuating opening the fastening element (108) arranged in the receiving channel (106) is accessible for actuating the same,wherein the base body (104) comprises a base portion (146) and one or more anchoring portions (148) projecting or protruding from the base portion (146) for anchoring the base body (104) in one of the components (102). [2] Connecting means (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating opening (132) is designed as an actuating slot (142). [3] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the base body (104) is formed in one piece. [4] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the base body (104) is designed as a plastic injection-molded component or as a metal die-cast component. [5] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the fastening element (108) is a screw (120) and a) that the insertion opening (112) is larger than a screw head (122) of the screw (120) and / or b) that the fixing opening (116) is smaller than the screw head (122) of the screw (120) and / or c) that the fixing opening (116) is larger than a threaded section (126) of the screw (120). [6] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the actuating opening (132) is smaller in at least one direction than a maximum, minimum and / or average outer diameter (D A ) of the fastening element (108), in particular a screw head (122) and / or a threaded portion (126) of a fastening element (108) designed as a screw (120). [7] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat the fastening element (108) comprises an engagement portion (136) which a user of the connecting means (100) can engage by means of a tool (134) to actuate the fastening element (108). [8] Connecting means (100) according to claim 7, characterized by that a tool (134) for actuating the fastening element (108) together with the engagement section (136) forms an angular gear (144). [9] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the base section (146) of the base body (104) is cuboid-shaped. [10] Connecting means (100) according to claim 9, characterized by that at least one anchoring section (148) is designed as a cylindrical thickening (150) of an end (110) of the base body (104) facing away from the fixing opening (116). [11] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized bythat at least one anchoring section (148) is designed as an anchoring bolt (168) projecting from the base section (146) perpendicularly or obliquely to a connecting direction (124) of the connecting means (100). [12] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the actuating opening (132) extends in a direction parallel to a connecting direction (124) of the connecting means (100) over at least approximately one third, in particular at least approximately half, of a length of the base body (104) taken in the connecting direction (124). [13] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that an outer side (158) of the base body (104) facing away from the receiving channel (106) is provided at least in sections with anchoring ribs (160) for anchoring the base body (104) in a component (102). [14] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by in that the connecting means (100), in addition to the fastening element (108) and the base body (104) which can be arranged on and / or in a first of the two components (102), comprises a counterpart (172) which can be fixed on and / or in a second of the two components (102), wherein the fastening element (108) can be brought into engagement with the counterpart (172) in order to connect the two components (102). [15] Connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the base body (104) comprises one, two or more positioning projections (170) which extend away from the base body (104) in the connecting direction (124) in a region of the fixing opening (116). [16] Combination of two components (102) and a connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein one of the components (102) preferably comprises a recess (152) corresponding to an outer shape of the base body (104) of the connecting means (100), so that the base body (104) can be fixed in a form-fitting manner in the component (102). [17] A method for joining two components (102), comprising: - Providing a particularly plate-shaped component (102); - making a recess (152) by machining the component (102), in particular by means of a milling machine in which a milling head is rotated about an axis of rotation (130) running perpendicular to a main side (154) of the component (102); - introducing a base body (104) of a connecting means (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15 into the recess (152); - Connecting the components (102) to one another by actuating a fastening element (108) of the connecting means (100) arranged in the base body (104).

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