Connector assembly and anchoring method

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector assembly (1) for anchoring in a lightweight building panel (30). The connector assembly (1) comprises a sliding element (2) and a sleeve element (3), wherein the sleeve element (3) is configured to receive the sliding element (2) therein. The sleeve element (3) comprises a circumferential wall (3.1) with a proximal flexible section (3.1. 1) and an inner abutment portion (3.1. 2), and the sliding element (2) comprises a head portion (2.1) and a distal body portion (2.2). The head (2.1) of the sliding element (2) is configured to radially expand the proximal flexible section (3.2) of the sleeve element (3) when the sliding element (2) is driven into the sleeve element (3) during installation. The distal body portion (2.2) of the sliding element (2) and / or the inner abutment portion (3.1) of the circumferential wall (3.1) of the sleeve element (3) is configured to allow relative movement during installation after overcoming resistance therebetween, and to secure the distal body portion (2.2) at the inner abutment portion (3.1. 2), preferably by means of a shear joint (10) formed at the interface between them. The invention also relates to a corresponding anchoring method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a connector assembly for anchoring in lightweight building panels and a corresponding anchoring method. Background Art

[0002] Lightweight building panels, or sandwich panels, typically comprise a three-layer structure, with two outer layers consisting of a thin, rigid material and a middle layer consisting of a thicker, lightweight material. The materials used can vary depending on the purpose of the sandwich panel, but ultimately this configuration should result in a panel that becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

[0003] Sandwich panels can be used in construction because the outer layer provides durability and the inner layer keeps the panel lightweight, resulting in a panel that is easily customisable and adaptable.

[0004] Lightweight sandwich panels have a variety of uses, including in the retail sector, such as shelving and displays; in the commercial sector, such as overhead or acoustic panels and oversized doors; in the trade sector, such as stalls and displays; in the leisure vehicle sector, particularly custom coaches; in the healthcare sector, including medical mobility units; in the marine sector, including superyachts and luxury ships; and in wall, ceiling, door, and countertop applications. Other applications include aircraft interiors, such as partition walls and cabin interior spaces, and floor panels for trams and trains.

[0005] US2011 / 0296788 A1 describes a method for anchoring a connector in a lightweight building element. The lightweight building element comprises a first building layer and a second building layer arranged at a distance from the first building layer, the method comprising the following steps: providing a connector comprising a sleeve element and a piston element, the piston element comprising a shaft portion and being movable in an axial direction relative to the sleeve element, while the sleeve element at least partially surrounds the shaft portion, wherein at least one of the sleeve element and the piston element comprises a thermoplastic material; providing a through hole in the first building layer, the through hole comprising a circumferential wall; inserting the connector until its distal portion abuts against the second building layer, the second building layer being arranged at a distance from the first building layer; coupling mechanical vibrations into the piston element while pressing the piston element towards the distal side, thereby liquefying at least a portion of the thermoplastic material at an interface portion between the sleeve element and the piston element, adjacent to the circumferential wall or distally relative to the circumferential wall, thereby generating liquefied thermoplastic material portion, and causing the liquefied thermoplastic material of the liquefied thermoplastic material portion to flow radially outward and into the structure of the first building layer and / or along the inner surface of the first building layer; and causing the liquefied thermoplastic material portion to resolidify to form a form-fitting connection with the first building layer, wherein at least one of the following conditions is met: the piston element reaches the distal end of the connector, after the step of inserting the connector is completed, the distal end of the piston element abuts the second building layer, and the distal end of the piston element includes a thermoplastic material portion that is at least partially liquefied by the step of coupling mechanical vibrations into the piston element during squeezing; during the stage of the step of coupling mechanical vibrations into the piston element, the sleeve element is supported by the second building layer, and the piston element is supported by the sleeve element without being in direct contact with the second building layer.

[0006] While the above solutions may provide sufficiently secure anchoring for connectors in lightweight building elements, there remains a need for a more efficient and better controlled method of anchoring connectors in lightweight building panels, ensuring a safer and more reliable anchoring without significantly affecting the lightweight material layers.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector and a corresponding improved anchoring method, whereby the above-mentioned disadvantages are overcome. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, these needs are addressed by a connector assembly for anchoring in lightweight building panels. The connector assembly comprises a sliding element and a sleeve element, wherein the sleeve element is configured to receive the sliding element therein. The sleeve element comprises a circumferential wall having a proximal flexible section and an inner abutment portion, and the sliding element comprises a head and a distal body portion. The head of the sliding element is configured to radially expand the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element when the sliding element is driven into the sleeve element during installation. Furthermore, the distal body portion of the sliding element and / or the inner abutment portion of the circumferential wall of the sleeve element are configured to allow relative movement after overcoming a resistance therebetween during installation, and to secure the distal body portion at the inner abutment portion, preferably by means of a shear joint formed at the interface therebetween.

[0009] The term "proximal flexible section" as used herein may include any type of configuration that allows the proximal section of the sleeve element to expand radially, i.e., in an outward direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly, so as to form (friction or clamping) engagement with the distal surface of the first building layer of the lightweight building panel when the sliding element is driven into the sleeve element during the installation process.

[0010] As used herein, the expression "configured to allow relative movement after overcoming resistance" specifically includes such interactions between a portion of the sliding element and a portion of the sleeve element, wherein the corresponding portion of the sliding element and / or the corresponding portion of the sleeve element have, at least initially, non-conforming geometries, and wherein the sliding element can be further drawn into the sleeve element only upon application of external vibrations and / or pressure. This can be achieved, in particular, by providing a liquefiable portion on the sliding element and / or the sleeve element, which forms a shear-jointed connection upon resolidification after installation. However, it is also conceivable, for example, to provide a predetermined breaking point or section having a constriction / widening on the sliding element and / or the sleeve element, which, after overcoming the corresponding resistance, results in a frictional or clamping connection between them.

[0011] The expression "when the sliding element is driven into the sleeve element" as used herein explicitly includes embodiments in which the proximal end face of the head of the sliding element protrudes beyond the proximal end of the sleeve element or beyond the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element so as to provide flushness with the first building layer of the lightweight building panel.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to direction and position, i.e., "proximal" refers to the side where an operator or machine (such as a sonotrode) applies mechanical vibration and / or pressure, while distal is the opposite side.

[0013] Preferably, the head of the sliding element has an outer diameter at its proximal end and the sleeve element has an inner diameter at its proximal end, wherein the outer diameter of the proximal end of the head of the sliding element is greater than the inner diameter of the proximal end of the sleeve element. In this way, expansion of the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element can be achieved in an efficient manner.

[0014] Preferably, the head of the sliding element tapers in a distal direction from an outer radial portion at its proximal end to an outer diameter of the main body portion, wherein the outer diameter of the distal main body portion substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the sleeve element at its proximal end. Preferably, the taper / reduction of the head of the sliding element comprises a substantially conical section. This configuration / arrangement has been shown to provide uniform expansion of the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element.

[0015] Preferably, the proximal flexible section of the circumferential wall of the sleeve element comprises two or more longitudinal grooves, wherein a wing portion is formed between each two adjacent longitudinal grooves. Preferably, the longitudinal grooves of the circumferential wall of the sleeve element each comprise an arc / arcuate portion. Thus, the flexibility feature can be provided in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

[0016] Preferably, the main body portion of the sliding element includes a plurality of notch-like indentations on its distal outer circumference, which form part of the abutment structure of the main body portion of the sliding element. Preferably, the plurality of notch-like indentations are evenly distributed around the distal outer circumference of the main body portion of the sliding element. Further preferably, the notch-like indentations include an arcuate / arcuate portion. The notch-like indentations can serve as spaces for at least partially receiving liquefied thermoplastic material during the installation process. Furthermore, the notch-like indentations are designed to provide an appropriate resistance that must be overcome to allow relative movement between the sliding element and the sleeve element.

[0017] Preferably, a columnar element is arranged between the notch-like indentations, the columnar element also forming part of the abutment structure of the main body portion of the sliding element.The columnar element provides the necessary initial stability.

[0018] Preferably, the cylindrical element comprises a longitudinal protrusion at an outer wall thereof. The longitudinal protrusion is configured to prevent relative rotation between the sliding element and the sleeve element.

[0019] Preferably, the abutment structure of the main body portion of the sliding element is adapted to at least partially liquefy under the application of mechanical vibration and / or pressure. Thus, a prerequisite is provided for the subsequent shear joint connection between the sliding element and the sleeve element.

[0020] Preferably, the inner abutment portion of the sleeve element comprises an inner circumferential projection, which defines an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the abutment structure of the main body portion, in particular in the region of the cylindrical element in the unliquefied state. In this context, it is also noted that, preferably, the front end face of the distal abutment structure of the distal main body portion of the sliding element does not contact the circumferential projection of the sleeve element in the middle and / or rear wall region of the notch-shaped recess. In this way, accordingly, with the aid of this design, an optimally balanced load during the installation process is achieved. In other words, the size of the non-contact area of ​​the front end face of the distal abutment structure with the upper end face of the circumferential projection (i.e., relative to the size of the contact area) can be used to adjust the resistance that must be overcome to allow relative movement between the sliding element and the sleeve element.

[0021] Preferably, the inner side abutment portion of the sleeve element is adapted to at least partially liquefy under the application of mechanical vibration and / or pressure.Therefore, also the prerequisite for the subsequent shear engagement connection between the sliding element and the sleeve element is provided.

[0022] Preferably, the variable diameter of the abutment structure of the main portion of the sliding element in the region of the notch-like recess is at least partially / section-wise larger than the inner diameter defined by the inner abutment portion of the sleeve element. Thus, it is ensured (i.e., as previously described, by providing appropriate adjustment of the resistance that must be overcome to allow relative movement between the sliding element and the sleeve element) that the sliding element passes through the inner abutment portion (i.e., when one or both components are at least partially liquefied) and is ultimately received in the sleeve element.

[0023] Preferably, the inner abutment portion is arranged on the circumferential wall of the sleeve element in the longitudinal direction distally below the wings and the longitudinal grooves.In this way, the functionality of the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element is not impaired.

[0024] Preferably, the wings of the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element include longitudinal slots on their inner wall. These longitudinal slots are provided to prevent relative rotation between the sliding element and the sleeve element. In particular, the longitudinal slots are configured to engage with corresponding longitudinal protrusions on the outer side wall of the columnar element (e.g., for pre-assembly purposes).

[0025] Preferably, the distal abutment structure of the main portion of the sliding element is adapted to form a shear joint at an interface with the inner abutment portion of the sleeve element after resolidification. Preferably, the interface is formed between the inner front surface of the circumferential projection of the sleeve element and the outer sidewall portion of the liquefied abutment structure of the main portion of the sliding element, wherein the interface extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly. This configuration has been shown to provide a very effective and secure connection.

[0026] Preferably, the sleeve element comprises an abutment structure at its distal end, the abutment structure being adapted to at least partially liquefy under application of mechanical vibration and / or pressure. Preferably, the abutment structure at the distal end of the sleeve element comprises a toothed configuration. Further preferably, the toothed configuration comprises teeth and gaps, wherein the circumferential length of the teeth is greater than the circumferential length of the gaps. Preferably, the circumferential length of the teeth is in the range of about 1.5 times to about 2.5 times the circumferential length of the gaps, more preferably about 2 times the circumferential length of the gaps. Thus, a secure connection to the second building layer of the lightweight panel can be achieved, while also providing a counterload during installation, i.e., due to the increased contact surface with the proximal surface of the second outer building layer.

[0027] Preferably, the sliding element includes a central through-hole. This through-hole can be used to install standard components required by the automotive or aviation industries, for example. Preferably, the through-hole includes a funnel-shaped insertion section in the head area. This shape facilitates insertion. Preferably, a sleeve-shaped metal insert is arranged in the through-hole of the sliding element. In this way, the stability of the installation of the above-mentioned components can be increased. Preferably, the sleeve-shaped metal insert includes first and second coupling mechanisms corresponding to the first and second coupling mechanisms on the inner wall of the sliding element. The first and second coupling mechanisms can be in the form of corresponding circumferential recesses and circumferential protrusions (i.e., on the metal insert and / or on the inner wall of the sliding element), wherein the protrusions and recesses can take any suitable shape and be provided in any suitable number. This provides a stable anchoring of the metal insert in the sliding element. However, the sleeve-shaped metal insert can also be integrated into the inner wall of the sliding element.

[0028] Preferably, the sliding element is made of a thermoplastic material, at least a portion of which is liquefiable. Similarly, the sleeve element is preferably formed of a thermoplastic material, at least a portion of which is liquefiable. In this way, the necessary relative movement between the sliding element and the sleeve element can be achieved during the installation process (i.e., when mechanical vibrations and / or pressure are applied), and the necessary joint-type connection between the sliding element and the sleeve element, and between the sleeve element and the second building layer of the lightweight building panel, can be achieved.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for anchoring a connector assembly in a lightweight building panel, wherein the connector assembly comprises a sliding element and a sleeve element, the sleeve element being configured to receive the sliding element, wherein the lightweight building panel comprises at least a first outer building layer and a mezzanine. The method comprises the following steps: providing a lightweight building panel having a preformed hole for receiving the connector assembly; introducing the sleeve element of the connector assembly into the preformed hole of the lightweight building panel and bringing the distal abutment structure of the main body of the sliding element into contact with the inner abutment portion of the sleeve element (this expression explicitly includes embodiments in which the sliding element and the sleeve element are preassembled before the sleeve element is introduced into the preformed hole), the distal abutment structure of the main body of the sliding element and / or the inner abutment portion of the sleeve element being adapted to liquefy under the application of mechanical vibration and / or pressure; coupling mechanical vibration into the proximal end face of the head of the sliding element and / or applying pressure thereon so as to cause energy absorption between the distal abutment structure of the main body of the sliding element and the inner abutment portion of the sleeve element, and so as to at least partially The distal abutment structure of the main part of the sliding element and / or the inner abutment part of the sleeve element are liquefied, thereby generating a material flow between the distal abutment structure and the inner abutment part; the sliding element is driven vertically downward into the sleeve element, thereby expanding the proximal flexible section of the circumferential wall of the sleeve element by means of the head of the sliding element, wherein the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element engages with the distal surface of the first outer building layer of the lightweight building panel; and the material flow causes the distal abutment structure of the main part of the sliding element to overcome (and accordingly fit through) and slide along the inner abutment part of the sleeve element; and the material flow is re-solidified, whereby the distal abutment structure of the sliding element is fixed to the inner abutment part of the sleeve element, preferably by forming a shear joint at the interface between them.

[0030] Preferably, the interface between the sliding element and the sleeve element is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly.In this way, a particularly strong shear joint can be formed between the sliding element and the sleeve element.

[0031] Preferably, the sleeve element is introduced into the preformed hole until the distal end of the sleeve element, including the toothed abutment structure, contacts the proximal surface of the second outer building layer of the lightweight building panel. Preferably, the toothed abutment structure at the distal end of the sleeve element at least partially liquefies, thereby generating a material flow between the toothed abutment structure and the proximal surface of the second outer building layer, thereby providing an increased contact area between the distal end of the sleeve and the proximal surface of the second outer building layer. The increased contact area between the distal end of the sleeve and the proximal surface of the second outer building layer generates a counterload that encourages the distal abutment structure of the main body of the sliding element to slide around and along the inner abutment portion of the sleeve element. Preferably, the material flow subsequently resolidifies, whereby the sleeve element is secured to the second outer building layer of the lightweight building panel, preferably by forming a T-joint at a substantially horizontal interface therebetween.

[0032] Preferably, the head of the sliding element has an outer diameter at its proximal end and the sleeve element has an inner diameter at its proximal flexible section, wherein the outer diameter of the proximal end of the head of the sliding element is larger than the inner diameter of the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element so that during installation, the inner diameter of the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element expands to an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the pre-formed hole in the first outer building layer. This configuration has been shown to provide a uniform and effective expansion function.

[0033] Preferably, the distal abutment structure of the main body portion of the sliding element includes a plurality of notch-like indentations configured to provide a predefined counterload (resistance) before the portion liquefies and the sliding element is driven vertically downward into the sleeve element. Preferably, a columnar element is formed between the notch-like indentations, the columnar element including longitudinal projections on its outer sidewall, the longitudinal projections configured to prevent relative rotation between the sliding element and the sleeve element. Further preferably, the proximal flexible section of the circumferential wall of the sleeve element includes wings having longitudinal slots on its inner wall, the longitudinal slots configured to prevent relative rotation between the sliding element and the sleeve element. In particular, the longitudinal slots are configured to engage with corresponding longitudinal projections on the outer sidewall of the columnar element (e.g., for preassembly purposes). Preferably, the first and second outer building layers each comprise a building layer material and are thinner and denser than the sandwich layer of the lightweight building panel.

[0034] Preferably, the first exterior building layer (and optionally, if applicable, both the first and second exterior building layers) comprises a fiber-reinforced material, i.e., is composed of a fiber composite material. In particular, the first exterior building layer (or both exterior building layers) may comprise glass fiber reinforcement and / or carbon fiber reinforcement and / or natural fiber reinforcement (flax, hemp, etc.). The manufacturing process may include a deep drawing / embossing step that involves reorienting the fibers. To this end, the fiber material used may optionally have a structure particularly suitable for draping. Such textile structures may, for example, include woven fabrics (especially elastic woven fabrics, such as 1-4 weaves or even 1-8 weaves), knitted fabrics, etc.

[0035] For example, the interlayer may comprise a macroscopic, specialized structure with a predominantly hollow space, resulting in a relatively low density. For example, the interlayer may comprise vertically extending walls (walls extending parallel to the axis) between the first and second outer building layers. In various embodiments, such walls form a honeycomb structure. Examples of such structures include cardboard or aramid structures, such as cardboard or aramid honeycomb structures, with or without impregnation. Also suitable as the first object of the present invention are lightweight building elements comprising an interlayer comprising a thermoplastic wall structure, such as a thermoplastic, for example, a polypropylene honeycomb structure. Additionally or alternatively, the interlayer may comprise a porous material, such as a polymer foam. In addition to the specialized structure and / or porous material, the interlayer may also comprise an adhesive, such as a foaming adhesive, such as a PU adhesive, at the interface between the building layer and the interlayer.

[0036] It is further preferred that the sliding element and the sleeve element are made of a thermoplastic material, wherein a portion of the thermoplastic material is liquefiable.

[0037] As used herein, the term "liquefiable thermoplastic material," "liquefiable material," or "thermoplastic" is used to describe a material comprising at least one thermoplastic component that becomes liquid (flowable) when heated, particularly by frictional heating, i.e., when placed on one of a pair of surfaces in contact and in relative oscillatory motion. In certain circumstances, such as when a connector must bear considerable loads, it may be advantageous if the material has an elastic modulus greater than 0.5 GPa. In various other embodiments, the elastic modulus may be below this value. Thermoplastic materials are well known in the automotive and aerospace industries. For the purposes of the method according to the present invention, thermoplastic materials known for use in these industries can be used, in particular. Thermoplastic materials suitable for the method according to the present invention are solid at room temperature (or at the temperature at which the method is carried out). They preferably comprise a polymer phase (particularly based on C, P, S, or Si chains) that transforms from a solid to a liquid or flowable state above a critical temperature range, for example, by melting, and transforms back into a solid material upon cooling again below the critical temperature range, for example, by crystallization, whereby the viscosity of the solid phase is several orders of magnitude (at least three orders of magnitude) greater than that of the liquid phase. Thermoplastic materials generally comprise polymer components that are not covalently crosslinked or crosslinked in such a way that the crosslinks are reversibly opened when heated to a temperature equal to or above the melting temperature range. The polymer material may also comprise fillers, such as fibers or particles of a material that is not thermoplastic or has such a thermoplasticity that the thermoplasticity includes a melting temperature range that is much higher than the melting temperature range of the base polymer. In the present context, a "non-liquefiable" material is generally a material that does not liquefy at the temperatures reached during the processing process, and therefore in particular a material that does not liquefy at the temperatures at which the thermoplastic material of the connector liquefies. This does not exclude the possibility that the non-liquefiable material can liquefy at a temperature that is not reached during the process, which temperature is generally much higher (e.g. at least 80° C. higher) than the liquefaction temperature of one or more thermoplastic materials that liquefy during the process. The liquefaction temperature is the melting temperature of the crystalline polymer. For amorphous thermoplastics, the liquidus temperature (also referred to herein as the "melting temperature") is the temperature above the glass transition temperature at which the thermoplastic material becomes sufficiently flowable, sometimes referred to as the "flow temperature" (sometimes defined as the lowest temperature at which it can be extruded), e.g., the viscosity drops to 10 4 Pa*s or less (down to 10 in many embodiments, particularly for polymers with essentially no fiber reinforcement). 3For example, the non-liquefiable material may be a metal, such as aluminum or steel, or wood, or a hard plastic, such as a reinforced or unreinforced thermosetting polymer or a reinforced or unreinforced thermoplastic, whose melting temperature (and / or glass transition temperature) is significantly higher than the melting temperature / glass transition temperature of the liquefiable part, for example, whose melting temperature and / or glass transition temperature is at least 50° C. higher, or at least 80° C. higher, or at least 100° C. higher.

[0038] Specific examples of thermoplastic materials used herein include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyetherimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfone (PSU, PES, etc.), polyamide (e.g., polyamide 12, polyamide 11, polyamide 6, or polyamide 66), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyoxymethylene, or polycarbonate ethane, polycarbonate, or polyester carbonate, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylate-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA), styrene-acrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, or various copolymers or mixtures of these.

[0039] In addition to thermoplastic polymers, the thermoplastic material may also include suitable fillers, such as reinforcing fibers, such as glass and / or carbon fibers. The fibers may be short fibers. Long fibers or continuous fibers may be particularly useful for the unliquefied portion of the first and / or second object during the process. The fiber material, if any, may be any known material for fiber reinforcement, in particular carbon, glass, Kevlar fibers, ceramics, such as mullite, silicon carbide or silicon nitride, high-strength polyethylene (Dyneema), etc. Other fillers that do not have a fiber shape are also possible, such as powder particles.

[0040] Mechanical vibrations or oscillations suitable for use in embodiments of the method according to the present invention preferably have a frequency in the range of 2 kHz to 200 kHz (even more preferably in the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, or in the range of 20 kHz to 40 kHz) and an oscillation energy of 0.2 W to 20 W per square millimeter of active surface. The vibrating tool (e.g., a sonotrode) is designed, for example, such that its coupling-in / coupling surface oscillates primarily in the direction of the tool axis (longitudinal vibration) and has a peak-to-peak amplitude in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm, preferably in the range of approximately 60 μm to 90 μm. Such preferred vibrations are generated, for example, by ultrasonic devices, such as those known from ultrasonic welding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The connector and anchoring method of the present invention are described in more detail below by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the connector assembly of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a sliding element of the connector assembly of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 A perspective view of a sleeve member of a connector assembly of the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the connector assembly of the present invention in a pre-assembled state;

[0046] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a sliding element of a connector assembly of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a sleeve element of a connector assembly of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of the present invention in a pre-assembled state;

[0049] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the connector assemblies of the present invention connected together (on the exterior of lightweight building panels);

[0050] Figure 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of the present invention when fully anchored in a lightweight building panel;

[0051] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view showing a preferred embodiment of the connector assembly of the present invention having an elongated sliding element and an elongated sleeve element; and

[0052] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view showing a preferred embodiment of the sliding element of the connector assembly of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In the following description, certain terms are used for convenience and are not intended to limit the present invention. The terms "right", "left", "up", "down", "below" and "above" refer to directions in the figures. The terms include the terms explicitly mentioned and their derivatives and terms with similar meanings. In addition, spatial relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "proximal", "distal" may be used to describe the relationship between an element or feature structure and another element or feature structure as shown in the figure. These spatial relative terms are intended to cover different positions and orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the positions and orientations shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as being "under" or "below" other elements or feature structures will be "above" or "above" other elements or feature structures. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can cover both the position and orientation of the above and below. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used in the text are interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the description of movement along and around various axes includes various special device positions and orientations.

[0054] In order to avoid repetition of the drawings and the description of various aspects and exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to multiple aspects and embodiments. Omitting an aspect from the description or drawings does not mean that the aspect is missing from the embodiment incorporating the aspect. On the contrary, the aspect can be omitted for the sake of clarity and a lengthy description is avoided. In this context, the following applies to the rest of this specification: if, in order to make the drawings clear, the drawings contain reference numerals that are not set forth in the directly relevant part of the specification, reference may be made to the reference numerals in the preceding or subsequent explanatory sections. In addition, for the sake of clarity, if reference numerals are not set for all features of a component in one drawing, reference is made to other drawings showing the same component. Similar reference numerals in two or more drawings represent identical or similar elements.

[0055] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the connector assembly 1 of the present invention, wherein the sliding element 2 and the sleeve element 3 are pulled apart along the longitudinal axis X. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sliding element 2 and the sleeve element 3 are shown separately.

[0056] As can be seen, the sliding element 2 comprises a head 2.1 having a proximal end face 2.1.1 from which a circumferential rim 2.1.2 extends perpendicularly in the distal direction. The rim 2.1.2 at the proximal end of the head 2.1 is followed by a tapered / conical or tapered section 2.1.3 which extends transversely in the distal direction until it reaches a distal body portion 2.2 which extends substantially perpendicularly in the distal direction.

[0057] At the distal end of the distal body portion 2.2, columnar elements 2.3.2 and notch-like indentations 2.3.1 are formed in an alternating manner in the outer wall, representing the distal abutment structure 2.3 of the distal body portion 2.2 having a bottom end surface 2.3.3. The notch-like indentations 2.3.1 are formed in an arcuate portion in the outer wall of the distal body portion 2.2, and the space defined by the notch-like indentations 2.3.1 narrows in the radial direction (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X). At least some of the columnar elements 2.3.2 include longitudinal protrusions 2.3.2.1 formed thereon. In addition, the lower portion of the columnar elements 2.3.2 includes a slightly radially flared portion 2.3.2.2, the outer diameter of which is slightly larger than the outer diameter at the proximal end of the body portion 2.2, i.e., at the transition portion to the tapered section 2.1.3 of the head portion 2.1. Furthermore, the sliding element 2 comprises a centrally arranged through-opening 2.4 having a funnel-shaped insertion section 2.4.1.

[0058] The sleeve element 3 comprises a circumferential wall 3.1, which includes a proximal flexible section 3.1.1 comprising alternating longitudinal slots 3.1.3 and wings 3.1.4 formed between each pair of adjacent longitudinal slots 3.1.3. The inner walls of the wings 3.1.4 of the proximal flexible section 3.1.1 are provided with longitudinal slots 3.1.4.1 and slightly recessed radial recesses 3.1.4.2, which are arranged below the longitudinal slots 3.1.4.1. The radial recesses 3.1.4.2 are designed to correspond to the radially flared portions 2.3.2.2 of the cylindrical element 2.3.2 of the distal body portion 2.2 of the sliding element 2. Furthermore, immediately below the bottom of the arcuate longitudinal groove 3.1.3, an inner abutment portion 3.1.2 is provided at the inner wall of the sleeve element 3. This inner abutment portion is in the form of an inner circumferential protrusion having a front surface 3.1.2.1 and an upper end surface 3.1.2.2. This inner abutment portion is formed as a step feature structure, against which the bottom end surface 2.3.3 of the distal body portion 2.2 of the sliding element 2 abuts in an initial state, as will be further described below.

[0059] At its distal end, the sleeve element 3 includes an abutment structure 3.2 having a toothed configuration. The toothed configuration comprises alternating teeth 3.2.1 and gaps 3.2.2, the function of which will be described further below. The circumferential length of the teeth 3.2.1 is greater than the circumferential length of the gaps 3.2.2. Preferably, the circumferential length of the teeth 3.2.1 is in the range of approximately 1.5 times to approximately 2.5 times the circumferential length of the gaps 3.2.2, and more preferably, is approximately twice the circumferential length of the gaps 3.2.2. The inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2 of the sleeve element 3 terminates above the teeth 3.2.1 and gaps 3.2.2 of the abutment structure 3.2.2.

[0060] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the sliding element 2 has been inserted into the sleeve element 3 until the distal body portion 2.2 of the sliding element 2 abuts with its distal abutment structure against the inner abutment portion 3.1.2 of the sleeve element 3. In this position, the tapered section 2.1.3 of the head portion 2.1 has not yet come into contact with the wings 3.1.4 of the proximal flexible section 3.1.1 of the sleeve element 3. The proximal ends of the longitudinal projections 2.3.2.1 protrude above the upper edges of the wings 3.1.4 of the sleeve element 3. In this position, the longitudinal projections 2.3.2.1 engage with the longitudinal slots 3.1.4.1 in the inner wall of the wings 3.1.4 of the proximal flexible section 3.1.1 (above the teeth 3.2.1), thereby preventing relative rotation between the sliding element 2 and the sleeve element 3. The notch-like recess 2.3.1 of the distal body portion 2.2 of the sliding element 2 is partially visible through the longitudinal slot 3.1.3 of the sleeve element 3.

[0061] exist Figure 5 In FIG, a cross-sectional view of the sliding element 2 is shown, showing the diameters of the different sections of the sliding element 2. The region of the rim 2.1.2 or the proximal end face of the head 2 comprises the largest outer diameter D1. Starting from the rim 2.1.2, the head tapers in a tapered section 2.1.3 to a proximal diameter D2 of the distal body portion 2.2. This diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter D2 at the distal end of the distal body portion 2.2, i.e. in the region of the radially flared portion 2.3.2.2 of the cylindrical element 2.3.2. 2’ The diameter D3 formed between the rear walls of the notch-shaped gap 2.3.1 is smaller than the diameters D2 and D 2’ , but is larger than the diameter D4 of the through hole 2.4.

[0062] exist Figure 6 In FIG, a cross-sectional view of the sleeve element 2 is shown, showing the diameters of the different sections of the sleeve element 3. The upper region of the proximal flexible section 3.1.1 comprises the maximum inner diameter d1. In the lower region of the proximal flexible section 3.1.1, i.e. at the radial recess 3.1.4.2, the diameter d 1’ Slightly larger in order to provide a secure hold of the inserted sliding element 2, as shown below in conjunction with Figure 7 As further described, the inner diameter d2 of the inner circumferential protrusion or abutment portion 3.1.2 of the sleeve element 3 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter d1 and the inner diameter d2 of the proximal flexible section 3.1.1. 1’ In other words, the abutment portion is formed as a stepped feature with a front surface 3.1.2.1 and an upper end surface 3.1.2.2. It can also be seen that the teeth 3.2.1 of the toothed abutment structure at the distal end of the sleeve element 3 include beveled surfaces 3.2.1.1 that can act as energy concentrators. The proximal end surface 3.3 of the sleeve element 3 is generally flat.

[0063] Figure 7A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of the present invention is shown, with the sliding element 2 having just been inserted into the sleeve element 3. The sliding element's head 2.1 protrudes from the upper end of the proximal flexible section 3.1.1 of the sleeve element 3, while the upper end of the distal body portion 2.2 of the sliding element 2 abuts the inner wall of the proximal circumferential section 3.1.1 without expanding the latter. The radially flared portions 2.3.2.2 of the cylindrical element of the sliding element 2 abut with their bottom end faces against the inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2 of the sleeve element 3 and are laterally received in radial recesses 3.1.4.2 in the lower portion of the proximal flexible section 3.1.1 of the sleeve element, thereby ensuring that the sliding element 2 is securely held in this pre-installed position. It should be understood that in the region of the notch-like recess, the distal body portion of the sliding element 2 does not abut, or only partially abuts, the inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2 of the sleeve element 3. Therefore, these regions can also serve as energy concentrators. The diameter D3 formed between the rear walls of the notch-shaped indentation 2.3.1 is smaller than the inner diameter d2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2, while the outer diameter D2 of the distal body portion is larger than the inner diameter d2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2. 2’ At least partially / section-wise (i.e. in particular in the region of the radially outwardly flared portion 2.3.2.2) is larger than the inner diameter d2 defined by the inner abutment portion / inner circumferential protrusion of the sleeve element 3 (in the region of the middle and rear wall of the notch-shaped recess, the variable diameter D 2’ Still smaller than the inner diameter d2, thereby creating a non-contact area N). The size of the non-contact area N between the upper end face of the inner circumferential protrusion and the front end face / front surface of the distal body portion of the sliding element (i.e., relative to the size of the corresponding contact area) serves to adjust the resistance that must be overcome to allow relative movement between the sliding element and the sleeve element, as generally described above.

[0064] Figure 8 The connector assembly 1 of the present invention is shown schematically, wherein the sliding element 2 and the sleeve are in a connected state outside the lightweight building panel 10, with the teeth 3.2.1 of the toothed abutment structure at the distal end of the sleeve element still intact. The head of the sliding element 2 expands the proximal circumferential section of the sleeve element to a diameter d at its edge region. 1’, wherein the rim of the head still at least partially protrudes above the upper end of the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element 3. In the region of the interface S between the inner side wall of the sleeve and the outer side wall of the distal body portion of the sliding element 2, a shear joint (not shown) is formed by means of the liquefied material portion of the circumferential protrusion of the sleeve element 3 and / or the liquefied material portion of the abutment structure of the distal body portion of the sliding element 2 (i.e., the abutment structure formed by the notch-like indentation and the columnar element). In other words, in this state, the inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2 of the sleeve element 3 and the distal abutment structure 2.3 of the sliding element 2 have already at least partially liquefied, so that they are marked as 3.1.2' and 2.3' in this figure.

[0065] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view shows the inventive connector assembly 1 fully anchored in a lightweight building panel 10. It can be seen that the sonotrode 20 with its coupling surface 20.1 has been lifted off the proximal end surface 2.1.1 of the head of the sliding element 2, into which the vibrations generated by the sonotrode 20 are coupled and exert pressure. The proximal end surface 2.1.1 is essentially flush with the proximal surface 10.1.2 of the first outer building layer 10.1 of the lightweight building panel 10. The tapered section and rim of the head 2.1 of the sliding element 2 have expanded the wings 3.1.4 of the proximal flexible section of the sleeve element 3, so that they engage with the distal surface 10.1.1 of the first outer building layer 10.1 in a clamping and correspondingly frictional manner. This means that the inner diameter of the proximal flexible section essentially corresponds to the inner diameter d of the preformed hole 11 in the region of the first outer building layer 10.1. h Consequently, the material of the interlayer 10.3 arranged between the first outer building layer 10.1 and the second outer building layer 10.2 of the lightweight building panel 10 is radially compressed to a certain extent.

[0066] Furthermore, in the region of the interface S in the distal region between the sliding element and the sleeve element, the resolidified thermoplastic material of the inner circumferential protrusion of the sleeve element and of the distal abutment structure of the sliding element forms a substantially vertical shear joint 4. In the anchoring position A, the resolidified thermoplastic material generally does not fill the entire hollow space 12 between the sleeve element and the sliding element and in particular does not penetrate outwards into the interlayer 10.3 of the lightweight building panel 10.

[0067] At the distal end of the sleeve element, the teeth 3.2.1 of the toothed abutment structure 3.2 have at least partially liquefied, and the resolidified thermoplastic material forms a T-joint connection 13 (or multiple T-joint connections) with the proximal surface 10.2.1 of the second outer building layer 10.2. Portions of the gaps 3.2.2 of the toothed abutment structure 3.2 may remain free of thermoplastic material.

[0068] Thus, a total of three anchoring locations are formed, namely the anchoring location A between the distal surface 10.1.1 of the first outer building layer 10.1 and the wing 3.1.4 of the sleeve element (clamping engagement and corresponding frictional engagement), the anchoring location or interface S between the sliding element and the sleeve element (vertical shear joint), and the anchoring location B between the toothed abutment structure 3.2 of the sleeve element and the proximal surface 10.2.1 of the second outer building layer 10.2 (horizontal T-junction). However, it is generally conceivable to provide only the anchoring locations A and S in order to achieve improved anchoring.

[0069] like Figure 9 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the installation process of the connector assembly 1 of the present invention in a lightweight building panel 10 from an initial state to an installed or fully anchored state is exemplarily described below (with reference back to the reference numerals in the previous figures).

[0070] In the initial state, the sleeve element 3 is located in a pre-formed hole 11 previously formed in the first outer building layer 10.1 and the interlayer 10.3 of the lightweight building panel 10. The teeth 3.2.1 of the distal abutment structure 3.2 are in contact with the proximal surface 10.2.1 of the second outer building layer 10.2 of the lightweight building panel 10. The distal body portion 2.2 of the sliding element is located in the sleeve element 3, wherein the bottom end surface 2.3.3 of the distal abutment structure 2.3 of the sliding element 2 is in contact with the upper end surface 3.1.2.2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2 of the sleeve element 3. The tapered section 2.1.3 of the sliding element 2 is located outside (above) the proximal end surface 3.3 of the sleeve and the first outer building layer 10.1 of the lightweight building panel 10. The sonotrode 20 then presses its coupling surface 20.1 against the proximal end face 2.1.1 of the head 2.1 of the sliding element 2 with a predetermined force and couples ultrasonic vibrations and correspondingly mechanical vibrations into the proximal end face 2.1.1.

[0071] The vibrations are then transmitted via the proximal end face of the sliding element 2, the head portion of the sliding element 2, and the distal body portion to the bottom end face 2.3.3, which abuts against the upper end face 3.1.2.2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2 of the sleeve element 3. The vibrations are further transmitted to the inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2 (i.e., due to the abutment), and then to the distal abutment structure 3.2 of the sleeve element 3, where a first liquefaction point and corresponding material flow preferably occur. The teeth 3.2.1 of the sliding element 2 at least partially collapse due to the liquefaction and are ultimately connected to the second outer building layer 10.2 of the lightweight building panel 10 (i.e., depending on the structure and material of the second outer building layer). When the teeth 3.2.1 have collapsed and accordingly liquefied, the contact surface relative to the proximal surface 10.2.1 of the second outer building layer 10.2 increases so that the counterload is sufficient to force the sliding element 2 downwards through the inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2 of the sleeve element 3. This results in a liquefaction (second material flow) of the material of the sliding element 2 (distal abutment structure 2.3) and the sleeve element 3 (inner circumferential protrusion 3.1.2) in general, thereby creating a vertical shear joint 4 at the interface S between the sleeve element 3 and the sliding element (i.e. when the material resolidifies).

[0072] During the vertical downward movement of the sliding element 2, the tapered section 2.1.3 is pressed into the proximal flexible section 3.1.1 of the sleeve element 3. Due to the aforementioned geometric dimensions, the wings 3.1.4 are elastically pushed in the radial direction away from the longitudinal axis X. This increases the initial inner diameter d1 of the proximal flexible section 3.1.1 to a maximum inner diameter d 1’ (i.e. at the proximal end) so that the wings 3.1.4 expand radially below the distal surface 10.1.1 of the first outer building layer 10.1, which results in a clamping engagement and corresponding frictional engagement. Thus, the connector assembly 1 is prevented from being vertically removed from the lightweight building panel 10 (e.g. pulled out) because the inner diameter (diameter d 1’ ) corresponds substantially to the diameter d of the preformed hole 11 h , the diameter d h It corresponds essentially to the outer diameter D1 of the head 2.1 in the region of the rim 2.1.2.

[0073] Figure 10 A slimmer version of the connector assembly 1 of the present invention is shown. In particular, the proximal circumferential section 3.1.1 of the sleeve element 3 and the distal body portion 2.2 of the sliding element 2 have a greater length than in the previous embodiment, allowing for use with correspondingly thicker lightweight building panels. Furthermore, the length of the circumferential protrusion 3.1.2 is greater than in the previous embodiment, while the distal abutment structure 2.3 of the sliding element 2 (and the resulting shear joint) remains essentially unchanged, thereby allowing for the additional length.

[0074] exist Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole 2.4 of the sliding element is formed by a metal insert 5. In this particular embodiment, the metal insert 5 includes two circumferential protrusions as first coupling means 5.1 and a circumferential recess formed between the two circumferential protrusions as second coupling means 5.2, which positively / positively engage with corresponding circumferential recesses as first coupling means 2.5 of the sliding element 2 and corresponding circumferential protrusions as second coupling means 2.6 of the sliding element. A circumferential recess 2.1.4 is formed in the proximal surface 2.1.1 of the head, for example, for receiving a corresponding mounting component.

[0075] This specification and the drawings illustrating various aspects and embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limiting the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, although the invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description, such illustrations and descriptions should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification and claims. In some cases, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that changes and modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention encompasses other embodiments having any combination of the features of the different embodiments described above and below.

[0076] The present disclosure also encompasses all other features shown in the drawings, even though they may not have been individually described in the preceding or following description. Furthermore, individual alternatives of the embodiments and their features described in the drawings and description may be disclaimed from the subject matter of the present invention or from the disclosed subject matter. The present disclosure encompasses subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or exemplary embodiments, as well as subject matter containing said features.

[0077] Furthermore, in the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may perform the functions of multiple features recited in the claims. The mere fact that specific measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. The terms "substantially / approximately", "about", "approximately" etc. in conjunction with an attribute or value particularly also clearly define the attribute or clearly define the value, respectively. The term "about" in the context of a given numerical value or range refers to a value or range, for example, within 20%, within 10%, within 5% or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be directly coupled electrically or mechanically, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any figure marks in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection.

[0078] List of reference numerals:

[0079] 1 Connector assembly

[0080] 2 sliding elements

[0081] 2.1 Head

[0082] 2.1.1 Proximal end face

[0083] 2.1.2 Edge

[0084] 2.1.3 Conical / tapered section

[0085] 2.1.4 Circumferential recess

[0086] 2.2 (distal) main part

[0087] 2.3 (Far side) abutment structure

[0088] 2.3' after liquefaction

[0089] 2.3.1 Notch

[0090] 2.3.2 Columnar elements

[0091] 2.3.3 Bottom end face

[0092] 2.3.2.1 Longitudinal protrusion

[0093] 2.3.2.2 Radial expansion

[0094] 2.4 Through Hole

[0095] 2.4.1 Funnel-shaped insertion section

[0096] 2.5 First connecting mechanism

[0097] 2.6 Second connection mechanism

[0098] 3 Sleeve element

[0099] 3.1 Circumferential wall

[0100] 3.1.1 Proximal flexible section

[0101] 3.1.2 Inner abutment portion (inner circumferential protrusion)

[0102] 3.1.2 After liquefaction

[0103] 3.1.2.1 Front surface (inner circumferential protrusion) / energy concentrator

[0104] 3.1.2.2 Upper end surface

[0105] 3.1.3 Longitudinal groove

[0106] 3.1.4 Wing

[0107] 3.1.4.1 Longitudinal slots

[0108] 3.1.4.2 Radial recess

[0109] 3.2 Abutment structure

[0110] 3.3 Proximal end face

[0111] 3.2.1 Teeth

[0112] 3.2.1.1 Inclined Surface / Energy Concentrator

[0113] 3.2.2 Clearance

[0114] 4 Shear joint

[0115] 5 Metal inserts

[0116] 5.1 First connecting mechanism

[0117] 5.2 Second connection mechanism

[0118] 10 Lightweight building panels

[0119] 10.1 First external building layer

[0120] 10.1.1 Distal surface

[0121] 10.1.2 Nearside surface

[0122] 10.2 Second external building layer

[0123] 10.2.1 Nearside surface

[0124] 10.3 Interlayer

[0125] 11 Preformed holes

[0126] 12 Hollow Space

[0127] 13 T-joint connection

[0128] 20 Ultrasonic welding electrode (schematic)

[0129] 20.1 Coupling Surface

[0130] d1 inner diameter of the proximal flexible section

[0131] d 1’ Inner diameter of the expanded proximal flexible section

[0132] d2 Inner diameter of inner abutment portion / inner circumferential protrusion

[0133] D1 outer diameter of the head (proximal end)

[0134] D2 Outer diameter of the distal body portion

[0135] D 2’ Variable outer diameter of the distal body portion in the region of 2.3.1

[0136] D3 Diameter of the distal body portion (in the notch)

[0137] D4 diameter of the through hole

[0138] d h Inner diameter of preformed hole

[0139] A Anchoring position

[0140] B Anchorage position

[0141] N Non-contact area

[0142] S interface / anchor position

[0143] X Longitudinal axis of the connector assembly

Claims

1. A connector assembly (1) for anchoring in a lightweight building panel (30), the connector assembly (1) comprising a sliding element (2) and a sleeve element (3), wherein the sleeve element (3) is configured to receive the sliding element (2) therein, wherein The sleeve element (3) comprises a circumferential wall (3.1) having a proximal flexible section (3.1.1) and an inner abutment portion (3.1.2), The sliding element (2) comprises a head portion (2.1) and a distal body portion (2.2), wherein The head (2.1) of the sliding element (2) is configured to radially expand the proximal flexible section (3.2) of the sleeve element (3) when the sliding element (2) is driven into the sleeve element (3) during installation, and The distal body portion (2.2) of the sliding element (2) and / or the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the circumferential wall (3.1) of the sleeve element (3) are configured to allow relative movement after overcoming the resistance between the distal body portion and the inner abutment portion during installation, and to fix the distal body portion (2.2) at the inner abutment portion (3.1.2), preferably by means of a shear joint (10) formed at the interface between the distal body portion and the inner abutment portion.

2. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The head (2.1) of the sliding element (2) has an outer diameter (D1) at its proximal end, and the sleeve element (3) has an inner diameter (d1) at its proximal end, wherein the outer diameter (D1) of the proximal end of the head (2.1) of the sliding element (2) is greater than the inner diameter (d1) of the proximal end of the sleeve element (3).

3. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The head (2.1) of the sliding element (2) tapers in the distal direction from an outer diameter (D1) at its proximal end to an outer diameter (D2) of the main body portion (2.1), wherein the outer diameter (D2) of the distal main body portion (2.2) substantially corresponds to the inner diameter (d1) of the sleeve element (3) at its proximal end.

4. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The tapering portion of the head (2.1) of the sliding element (2) comprises a substantially conical section (2.1.3).

5. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The proximal flexible section (3.1.1) of the circumferential wall (3.1) of the sleeve element (3) comprises two or more longitudinal grooves (3.1.3), wherein a wing (3.1.4) is formed between every two adjacent longitudinal grooves (3.1.3).

6. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The longitudinal grooves (3.1.3) of the circumferential wall (3.1) of the sleeve element (3) each comprise an arcuate portion.

7. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The main body portion (2.2) of the sliding element (2) comprises a plurality of notch-like indentations (2.3.1) at its distal outer circumference, the notch-like indentations forming part of the distal abutment structure (2.3) of the main body portion (2.2) of the sliding element (2).

8. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of notch-like indentations (2.3.1) are evenly distributed around the distal outer circumference of the main body portion (2.2) of the sliding element (2).

9. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The notch-shaped gap (2.3.1) comprises an arc-shaped portion.

10. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein: Between the notch-like indentations (2.3.1) a columnar element (2.3.2) is arranged, said columnar element also forming part of the abutment structure (2.3) of the main body portion (2.2) of the sliding element (2).

11. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The columnar element (2.3.2) comprises a longitudinal protrusion (2.3.2.1) at its outer wall.

12. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The abutment structure (2.3) of the main body portion (2.2) of the sliding element (2) is adapted to at least partially liquefy under application of mechanical vibration and / or pressure.

13. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element comprises an inner circumferential protrusion, the inner diameter (d2) defined by the inner circumferential protrusion being smaller than the outer diameter (D2) of the abutment structure (2.3) of the main body portion (2.2), in particular in the region of the columnar element (2.2.2) in the non-liquefied state.

14. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (2) is adapted to at least partially liquefy under application of mechanical vibration and / or pressure.

15. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The abutment structure (2.3) of the main part (2.2) of the sliding element (2) has a variable diameter (D 2’ ) is at least partially larger than the inner diameter (d2) defined by the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3).

16. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The inner abutment portion (3.1.2) is arranged distally below the wings (3.1.4) and the longitudinal grooves (3.1.3) in the circumferential wall (3.1) of the sleeve element (3) in the longitudinal direction.

17. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The wings (3.1.4) of the proximal flexible section (3.1.1) of the sleeve element (3) comprise longitudinal slots (3.1.4.1) at their inner wall.

18. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein: The distal abutment structure (2.3) of the main body portion (2.2) of the sliding element (2) is adapted to form a shear joint (4) at an interface (S) with an inner circumferential protrusion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3) in a liquefied state.

19. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 18, wherein The interface (S) is formed between the inner front surface (3.1.2.1) of the inner circumferential protrusion of the sleeve element (3) and the outer side wall portion (2.3) of the liquefied abutment structure of the main body portion (2.1) of the sliding element (2), wherein the interface (S) extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the connector assembly (1).

20. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sleeve element (3) comprises an abutment structure (3.2) at its distal end, the abutment structure at the distal end of the sleeve element being adapted to at least partially liquefy under application of mechanical vibrations and / or pressure.

21. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein: The abutment structure (3.2) at the distal end of the sleeve element (3) comprises a toothed configuration.

22. The connector assembly of claim 21, wherein: The toothed structure comprises teeth (3.2.1) and gaps (3.2.2), wherein preferably, the circumferential length of the teeth (3.2.1) is greater than the circumferential length of the gaps (3.2.2), preferably, the circumferential length of the teeth (3.2.1) is in the range of about 1.5 times to about 2.5 times the circumferential length of the gaps (3.2.2), more preferably, it is about 2 times the circumferential length of the gaps (3.2.2).

23. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sliding element (2) comprises a central through hole (2.4).

24. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 23, wherein The through-opening (2.4) comprises a funnel-shaped insertion section (2.4.1) in the region of the head (2.1).

25. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A sleeve-shaped metal insert (5) is arranged in the through-hole (2.4) of the sliding element (2).

26. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 25, wherein The sleeve-shaped metal insert (5) comprises first and second coupling means (5.1; 5.2) corresponding to first and second coupling means (2.5; 2.6) of the inner wall of the sliding element (2).

27. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sliding element (2) is made of a thermoplastic material, wherein at least a portion of the thermoplastic material is liquefiable.

28. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sleeve element (3) is made of a thermoplastic material, wherein at least a portion of the thermoplastic material is liquefiable.

29. A method of anchoring a connector assembly (1) in a lightweight building panel (10), wherein: The connector assembly (1) comprises a sliding element (2) and a sleeve element (3), wherein the sleeve element (3) is configured to receive the sliding element (2), wherein the lightweight building panel (10) comprises at least a first outer building layer (10.1) and an interlayer (10.2), the method comprising the following steps: - providing a lightweight building panel (10) having a pre-formed hole (11) for receiving the connector assembly (1); - introducing the sleeve element (3) of the connector assembly (1) into the pre-formed hole (11) of the lightweight building panel (10) and bringing the distal abutment structure (2.3) of the main part (2.1) of the sliding element (2) into contact with the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3), the distal abutment structure (2.3) of the main part (2.2) of the sliding element (2) and / or the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3) being adapted to liquefy under application of mechanical vibration and / or pressure; - coupling mechanical vibrations into the proximal end face (2.1.1) of the head (2.1) of the sliding element (2) and / or applying pressure on the proximal end face of the head so as to cause energy absorption between the distal abutment structure (2.3) of the main body (2.2) of the sliding element (2) and the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3), and so as to at least partially liquefy the distal abutment structure (2.3) of the main body (2.2) of the sliding element (2) and / or the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3), thereby generating a material flow between the distal abutment structure and the inner abutment portion; - driving the sliding element (2) vertically downwards into the sleeve element (3), o thereby expanding a proximal flexible section (3.1.1) of the circumferential wall (3.1) of the sleeve element (3) by means of the head (2.1) of the sliding element (2), wherein the proximal flexible section (3.1.1) of the sleeve element (3) engages with a distal surface (10.1.1) of the first outer building layer (10.1) of the lightweight building panel (10); The material flow causes the distal abutment structure (2.3) of the main body portion (2.1) of the sliding element (2) to overcome the resistance of the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3) and slide along the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3); - causing the material flow to resolidify, whereby the distal abutment structure (2.3) of the sliding element (2) is fixed to the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3), preferably by forming a shear joint (4) at the interface (S) between the distal abutment structure and the inner abutment portion.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The interface (S) between the sliding element (2) and the sleeve element (3) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the connector assembly (1).

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein The sleeve element (3) is introduced into the preformed hole (11) until the distal end of the sleeve element (3) comprising the toothed abutment structure (3.2) contacts the proximal surface (10.3.1) of the second outer building layer (10.2) of the lightweight building panel (10).

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein The toothed abutment structure (3.2) at the distal end of the sleeve element (3) is at least partially liquefied, thereby generating a material flow between the toothed abutment structure (3.2) and the proximal surface (10.2.1) of the second external building layer (10.2) so as to provide an enlarged contact area of ​​the distal end of the sleeve element and the proximal surface (10.2.1) of the second external building layer (10.2).

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein The expanded contact area between the distal end of the sleeve element (3) and the proximal surface (10.2.1) of the second outer building layer (10.2) generates a counterload, which supports the distal abutment structure (2.3) of the main body (2.2) of the sliding element (2) to overcome the resistance of the inner abutment portion (3.1.2) of the sleeve element (3) and slide along the inner abutment portion.

34. The method according to claim 32 or 33, wherein The material flow subsequently resolidifies, whereby the sleeve element (3) is fixed to the second outer building layer (10.2) of the lightweight building panel (10), preferably via a T-joint (6) formed between the sleeve element and the second outer building layer.

35. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein The head (2.1) of the sliding element (2) has an outer diameter (D1) at its proximal end, and the sleeve element (3) has an inner diameter (d1) at its proximal flexible section (3.1.1), wherein the outer diameter (D1) of the proximal end of the head (2.1) of the sliding element (2) is larger than the inner diameter (d1) of the proximal flexible section (3.1.1) of the sleeve element (3), so that during installation, the inner diameter (d1) of the proximal flexible section (3.1.1) of the sleeve element (3) is expanded to a size that is equal to the inner diameter (d1) of the preformed hole (11) in the first outer building layer (10.1). h ) are basically the same inner diameter (d 1’ ).

36. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein The distal abutment structure (2.3) of the main body portion (2.2) of the sliding element (2) comprises a plurality of notch-like indentations (2.3.1) configured to provide a predefined counterload before the portion liquefies and the sliding element (2) is driven vertically downward into the sleeve element (3).

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein A columnar element (2.3.2) is formed between the notch-like indentations (2.3.1), the columnar element comprising a longitudinal protrusion (2.3.2.1) at its outer side wall, the longitudinal protrusion being configured to prevent relative rotation between the sliding element (2) and the sleeve element (3).

38. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein The proximal flexible section (3.1.1) of the circumferential wall (3.1) of the sleeve element (3) comprises a wing (3.1.4) having a longitudinal slot (3.1.4.1) on its inner wall, the longitudinal slot being configured to prevent relative rotation between the sliding element (2) and the sleeve element (3).

39. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 38, wherein The first outer building layer (10.1) comprises a building layer material and is thinner and denser than the interlayer (10.2) of the lightweight building panel (10).

40. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 39, wherein The second outer building layer (10.3) comprises a building layer material and is thinner and denser than the interlayer (10.2) of the lightweight building panel (10).

41. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 40, wherein The sliding element (2) is made of a thermoplastic material, wherein a portion of the thermoplastic material is liquefiable.

42. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein The sleeve element (3) is made of a thermoplastic material, wherein a portion of the thermoplastic material is liquefiable.

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