Connector unit comprising nut receptacle

Abstract

A connector unit for providing a connection with a strut channel having two opposing lips, the connector unit comprising an elongated channel nut for engaging behind the lips of the channel, where the channel nut has a threaded bore for threadingly receiving a threaded rod, a rotary drive for rotating the threaded rod, a rotary drive for rotationally coupling a threaded rod to a channel nut to rotate the channel nut between a channel insertion rotational position and a channel engagement rotational position, and a lip insert for engagement between lips of the channel to provide a rotary seat on the channel, the rotary drive being configured to rotationally couple the threaded rod to the channel nut to rotate the channel nut between a channel insertion rotational position and a channel engagement rotational position. Wherein the rotary drive is connected to the lip insert, and wherein the lip insert comprises at least one first elastic tongue for elastically acting on the first lip of the channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector unit for providing a connection to a support channel, a channel connector including such a connector unit, and a connector device including such a channel connector. Background Technology

[0002] A related connector unit that shares some features with this connector unit is described in European patent application No. 22211903.4.

[0003] EP 3805579 A1 discloses a channel nut with an offset notch designed for engaging the lip of a support channel. The channel nut described in EP 3805579 A1 is used in a product sold under the name "Hilti MT-TL-M10". In this product, the channel nut is rotated via a plastic frame attached to it.

[0004] DE 10218602 A1, EP 1357304 B1 and EP 3927981 A1 disclose channel connectors in which pushing the channel connector into the channel causes rotation of the channel nut. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a connector unit, a channel connector, and a connector device that allow for particularly versatile, easy, and reliable installation, while performing particularly well.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the connector unit according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0007] Therefore, a connector unit is provided for providing a connection to a support channel having two opposing lips, the connector unit comprising: ● A slender channel nut, which is used to engage behind the lip of a channel, wherein the channel nut has a threaded hole for threadedly receiving a threaded rod. ● A rotary actuator for rotatably connecting a threaded rod to a channel nut, causing the channel nut to rotate between a channel insertion rotation position and a channel engagement rotation position. ● Lip insert, which engages between the lips of the channel to provide a rotary seat on the channel, wherein a rotary actuator is connected to the lip insert. ●The lip insert includes at least one first elastic tongue portion, which is used to elastically act on the first lip edge of the channel.

[0008] Therefore, the channel nut and the threaded rod are connected to rotate together by means of a rotary actuator. This allows the channel nut to be rotated from the channel insertion rotation position to the channel engagement rotation position by rotating the threaded rod. In the channel insertion rotation position, the channel nut can pass between the lips of the channel into the channel, and in the channel engagement rotation position, the channel nut engages behind the lip of the channel.

[0009] The lip insert is designed to be arranged at least partially between the lips of the channel, wherein the lip insert is geometrically locked between the lips to provide a rotating seat on the channel, which may have some gaps or may be tight.

[0010] A rotary actuator is designed to rotatably engage a threaded rod with a channel nut, causing the channel nut to rotate relative to the channel and / or relative to a lip insert engaged within the channel between a channel insertion rotation position and a channel engagement rotation position. The channel insertion rotation position and the channel engagement rotation position may have an angular offset of, for example, 60°. The rotation between the channel insertion rotation position and the channel engagement rotation position occurs about the axis of the threaded hole, which is the connector axis.

[0011] The rotary driver is connected to the lip insert, and specifically to the lip insert, to allow the rotary driver to rotate relative to the lip insert about the connector axis. The rotary driver is connected to the channel nut such that the channel nut rotates together with the rotary driver about the connector axis.

[0012] The lip insert is preferably a plastic component. The channel nut is preferably at least partially a metal component. The lip insert may have a channel for receiving the threaded rod when the threaded rod is rotatably coupled to the channel nut by means of a rotary actuator and / or when the threaded rod is threadedly received in the threaded hole of the channel nut.

[0013] The lip insert includes at least one first resilient tongue for elastically acting on a first lip of the channel, particularly for securing the lip insert to the channel. Providing at least one such first resilient tongue allows the lip insert to be pre-mounted on the channel, thereby pre-mounting the entire connector unit on the channel, and this can be achieved in a particularly easy manner, i.e., by simply pushing the lip insert between the channel lips. Alternatively, when coupled to a rotary drive, the positioning of the connector unit can be achieved via a threaded rod. Therefore, a particularly flexible connector can be achieved with particularly low effort. At least one first tongue and at least one second tongue (if available) can also help absorb the geometric tolerances of the channel and can center the lip insert on the channel, which can further improve operation.

[0014] At least one first resilient tongue may be specifically configured to frictionally engage the first lip of the channel. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one first resilient tongue may be configured to geometrically engage the first lip of the channel (i.e., provide a faceted fit engagement).

[0015] Preferably, the lip insert includes at least two first resilient tongues for elastically acting on the first lip of the channel, particularly for securing the lip insert to the channel. Providing two or more first resilient tongues can provide particularly good channel engagement with particularly low effort. In particular, the at least two first resilient tongues are spaced apart from each other and / or can operate elastically independently of each other.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lip insert includes at least one second resilient tongue, more preferably at least two second resilient tongues, for elastically acting on the second lip of the channel, particularly for securing the lip insert to the channel. Thus, both the first and second lips of the channel are individually engaged by the lip insert, which further improves channel engagement. At least one second resilient tongue may be specifically configured to frictionally engage the second lip of the channel. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second resilient tongue may be configured to geometrically engage the second lip of the channel (i.e., provide a faceted fit). In particular, the at least two second resilient tongues are spaced apart from each other and / or can elastically operate independently of each other.

[0017] Additional alignment devices may be provided optionally.

[0018] Particularly preferred is that the two first resilient tongues, the two second resilient tongues, and the threaded hole form a quincunx pattern in a viewing direction parallel to the axis of the threaded hole. Specifically, in a viewing direction parallel to the axis of the threaded hole (i.e., in the viewing direction entering the threaded hole and in the viewing direction parallel to the connector axis), the threaded hole forms the center point of the quincunx pattern surrounded by the resilient tongues. Providing four resilient tongues, each channel lip having two tongues, and a threaded hole providing the axis of rotation for the channel nut in a position substantially centrally located relative to the four resilient tongues (i.e., arranging these items in a quincunx pattern) provides particularly effective self-alignment, and more particularly effective self-alignment during the rotation of the channel nut.

[0019] Preferably, at least one first resilient tongue is integrally formed on the lip insert. Thus, at least one first resilient tongue and the remainder of the lip insert are a single piece. This can be advantageous in terms of manufacturing and performance. Additionally or alternatively, at least one second resilient tongue may be integrally formed on the lip insert.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector unit further includes two spacers protruding from the lip insert on opposite sides of the lip insert to define a predetermined spacing with adjacent connector units. Thus, when two connector units of this type are placed adjacent to each other between the lips of a channel, they can move relative to each other along the channel until they abut each other at their respective spacers, and this abutment defines a predetermined connector unit distance, which can, for example, match a hole pattern in a component intended to be attached to the connector unit. Therefore, superior versatility is achieved.

[0021] Preferably, each of the two spacers is generally flat, with the two spacers extending in a non-parallel relationship to each other. Having flat spacers reduces material action, and making them non-parallel allows the spacers of adjacent connector units to abut at an angle, which provides particularly reliable abutment, although the required material action is relatively low.

[0022] Further preferably, the rotary actuator includes a first pin, and the lip insert includes a first pin socket for receiving the first pin when the channel nut is in the channel insertion rotation position. This provides a locking mechanism that, for example, retains the channel nut in the channel insertion rotation position in a particularly easy and reliable manner during transport to the construction site. The channel nut is released to rotate out of the channel insertion rotation position by axial movement of the first pin from the first pin socket. The first pin socket provides a snap-fit ​​engagement mechanism for the first pin, which provides a stop that can be overcome by a certain amount of axial force. Such a snap-fit ​​engagement mechanism can further improve reliability because the channel nut is held until that amount of axial force has been applied. Particularly preferably, a first locking ridge is arranged at the first pin socket to provide a snap-fit ​​engagement mechanism for the first pin. Thus, the snap-fit ​​engagement mechanism includes a first locking ridge located at the first pin socket, which can be overcome by the first pin with a certain amount of force.

[0023] Alternatively, the rotary actuator may include a second pin, and the lip insert may include a second pin recess for receiving the second pin when the channel nut is in the channel insertion rotation position.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lip insert has at least one nut receptacle for receiving the channel nut when the channel nut is in the channel engagement rotational position, so as to rotatably lock the channel nut in the channel engagement rotational position.

[0025] The lip insert is provided with at least one nut receptacle that receives the channel nut when it is in the channel engagement rotational position, thereby geometrically locking the channel nut in that position. Thus, when received therein, at least one nut receptacle geometrically constrains the channel nut to prevent it from rotating back to the channel insertion rotational position. This provides particularly good and reliable performance. Furthermore, it provides a function to ensure that the channel nut only acts on the lip of the channel when it is received within the nut receptacle, preventing installation in an incorrect channel nut position, thereby further improving reliability and / or performance. If the channel nut is axially biased, particularly by means of a compression spring discussed later, the nut receptacle can also provide a snap-fit ​​function when the channel nut enters the nut receptacle, potentially providing the installer with audible, tactile, and / or optical feedback that the channel nut has reached the intended channel insertion rotational position. This can further improve performance and / or reliability.

[0026] In particular, when the channel nut is in the channel engagement rotation position, at least one nut housing is designed to axially receive the channel nut, that is, the positioning of the channel nut within the nut housing involves the axial displacement of the channel nut relative to the lip insert.

[0027] A rotary actuator may include means for geometrically, frictionally, and / or chemically engaging a threaded rod to a channel nut. It can simply be an adhesive layer that temporarily locks the threaded rod within a threaded hole. Particularly preferred is that the rotary actuator includes an actuator sleeve for receiving the threaded rod and an actuator base for connecting the actuator sleeve to the channel nut. This provides a design with particularly good performance and ease of manufacture. The actuator sleeve is aligned with the threaded hole of the channel nut such that the threaded rod can pass through the actuator sleeve into the threaded hole. The actuator sleeve and actuator base are preferably one-piece and / or plastic components. The actuator base may particularly be a frame. The actuator sleeve is preferably sized such that it frictionally engages the threaded rod inserted into the actuator sleeve. More particularly, the actuator sleeve may be sized such that it frictionally engages the tip of the thread of the threaded rod inserted into the actuator sleeve.

[0028] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator sleeve protrudes into the lip insert to provide a rotational bearing for the actuator sleeve within the lip insert. Thus, the channel nut is rotatably mounted on the lip insert via the actuator sleeve, which is connected to the actuator sleeve. This further improves performance and reliability. The actuator sleeve can be continuous, or it can be interrupted, for example to increase flexibility, such as to improve the snap-fit ​​and / or ratchet function described below.

[0029] The drive sleeve is preferably connected to the lip insert by means of an annular snap-fit ​​engagement. This provides a particularly easy anti-loss mechanism. The annular snap-fit ​​engagement may preferably include at least one snap-fit ​​tooth disposed on the drive sleeve.

[0030] Advantageously, the rotary actuator includes at least one ratchet tooth for engaging, particularly for axially engaging, a threaded rod. Thus, at least one tooth is provided that has a certain degree of elasticity, internally and / or externally, allowing the tooth to displace as the threaded rod passes through and subsequently return to its original position to engage in the threads of the threaded rod. Therefore, by pushing in the threaded rod, the axial connection between the rotary actuator and the threaded rod can be established in a particularly easy manner, which further facilitates handling. The ratchet tooth can be, for example, an annular segment or a helical segment.

[0031] Particularly preferred is that at least one ratchet tooth is provided on the drive sleeve, which can provide a particularly easy-to-build design and particularly good performance.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the channel nut includes a first flange and a second flange, a lip insert having a first nut seat for receiving the first flange of the channel nut when the channel nut is in the channel engagement rotational position, so as to lock the channel nut in the channel engagement rotational position, and the lip insert having a second nut seat for receiving the second flange of the channel nut when the channel nut is in the channel engagement rotational position, so as to lock the channel nut in the channel engagement rotational position. Thus, the channel nut has two projecting flanges, preferably connected by a web to give a U-shape, wherein providing two projecting flanges can provide particularly good interlocking with the inwardly curved channel lip. In particular, each flange may be provided with two notches for engaging the corresponding channel lip. The lip insert is provided with two nut seats for receiving one flange of each flange respectively, which can provide particularly good rotational interlocking in a particularly easy manner.

[0033] Preferably, the lip insert is formed for axial locking between the lips of the channel to provide an axial seat, particularly a unidirectional axial seat, on the channel. Therefore, the lip insert tapers from the rear region toward the tip region, and the dimensions of the tapered shape (which may be continuous, or preferably discontinuous, i.e., having a relatively abrupt change) are designed such that the lip insert can engage between the lips of the channel, but cannot be pulled across the lips of the channel when the lip insert is installed as intended. Thus, a particularly reliable orientation of the lip insert can be achieved in a particularly easy manner. At least one nut receptacle is specifically provided in the tip region of the lip insert.

[0034] Advantageously, the lip insert may have a rear flat portion for contacting the connector base. This allows for rotation of the lip insert relative to the connector base of the attachment member in a particularly easy and reliable manner.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a channel connector comprising: a connector unit as described herein; a connector base for abutting against a lip of a channel, wherein a lip insert is at least partially disposed between the connector base and a channel nut; and a threaded rod rotatably passing through the connector base and through the lip insert to a rotary actuator, wherein the rotary actuator engages the threaded rod with the channel nut. Thus, the connector unit is integrated into the channel connector as intended. The connector base may be part of an attachment component. Preferably, the connector base is a substrate.

[0036] The channel connector can be shipped to the installer as is. Alternatively, the components of the channel connector can be shipped separately and assembled by the installer.

[0037] Particularly preferred is that the channel connector further includes a compression spring and an axially abutting portion disposed on the threaded rod. The compression spring acts indirectly or directly on the axially abutting portion of the threaded rod, and preferably also indirectly via the connector base on the lip insert, to bias the channel nut onto the lip insert. The channel nut is coupled to the threaded rod via a rotary actuator. This biasing provides the snap-fit ​​effect discussed above when the channel nut is aligned with the nut housing in the channel engagement rotation position, and can subsequently provide a pre-installation force that provides some engagement of the channel nut on the channel lip, such that the channel connector is secured but still allows sliding on the channel.

[0038] The axially abutting portion is preferably fixed to the threaded rod to rotate together with it, which allows the channel nut to be rotated by rotating the axially abutting portion. Preferably, the axially abutting portion and the threaded rod are integral components. Particularly preferred is that the axially abutting portion is the head of the threaded rod, especially an integral head. The head can be, for example, a hexagonal head.

[0039] The compression spring is preferably a conical spring. This prevents the spring windings from overlapping when tightening the threaded rod, thus providing a particularly defined force.

[0040] Advantageously, the compression spring is clamped to the threaded rod. This provides an anti-loss mechanism in a particularly easy manner, and / or it allows the threaded rod and compression spring to be handled as a single unit with particular ease.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a connector device including the channel and the channel connector.

[0042] Throughout this document, wherever the terms “axial,” “longitudinal,” “radial,” and “circumferential” are used, they should specifically refer to the connector axis, which is the axis of the threaded hole of the channel nut, and also the intended axis of rotation of the channel nut between the channel insertion rotational position and the channel engagement rotational position, which is the axis perpendicular to the channel opening when the connector unit and / or channel connector are installed as intended.

[0043] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments schematically depicted in the accompanying drawings. Within the scope of the invention, the various features of the exemplary embodiments presented below may be implemented individually or in any combination. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector unit. Figure 2 This is a side view of the connector unit, and Figure 3 This is a top view of the connector unit.

[0045] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 A top view of the lip insert of the connector unit. Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the lip insert. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the lip insert from below, and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the lip insert from above.

[0046] Figure 8 yes Figures 1 to 3 Top view of the rotary driver of the connector unit. Figure 9 This is the first side view of the rotary driver. Figure 10 This is the second side view of the rotary driver. Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the rotary drive, and Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotary drive.

[0047] Figures 13 to 31 The successive stages during the possible installation sequence of the channel connector on the support channel are shown in different views. Figures 1 to 3 The channel connector of the connector unit. Specifically, - Figures 13 to 17 The insertion phase (first phase) is shown, in which the channel connector is... Figure 13 The perspective view shows that, in Figure 14 The image is shown in a side view (where the passageway is partially omitted). Figure 15 China and Israel according to Figure 14 The sectional view DD is shown, and in Figure 16 and Figure 17 The middle section is shown in two different cross-sectional side views; - Figures 18 to 21 The intermediate rotation stage (second stage, after the first stage) is shown, in which the channel connector is... Figure 18 The middle section is shown in a side view (where the passage is partially omitted), and in Figure 19 China and Israel according to Figure 18 The sectional view DD is shown, and in Figure 20 and Figure 21 The middle section is shown in two different cross-sectional side views; - Figures 22 to 26 The snap-fit ​​stage (the third stage, following the second stage) is shown, in which the channel connector is... Figure 22 The perspective view shows that, in Figure 23 The image is shown in a side view (where the passageway is partially omitted). Figure 24 China and Israel according to Figure 23 The sectional view DD is shown, and in Figure 25 and Figure 26 The middle section is shown in two different cross-sectional side views; - Figures 27 to 31 The final stage (the fourth stage, following the third stage) is shown, in which the channel connector is... Figure 27 The perspective view shows that, in Figure 28 The image is shown in a side view (where the passageway is partially omitted). Figure 29 China and Israel according to Figure 28 The sectional view DD is shown, and in Figure 30 and Figure 31 The image is shown in two different cross-sectional side views. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The channel connector is designed to connect to the elongated support channel 80, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 13 As shown. The support channel 80 can be, for example, a C-shaped channel as shown, or it can be a V-shaped or other different shaped channel. The channel 80 includes an opening, wherein the channel 80 includes two lips 81, 82 located on the sides of a slot 83 that provides passage from the outside of the channel 80 to the inside of the channel 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the lips 81, 82 are inwardly curved, but this is only an example, and in other embodiments, they can be different shapes, including flat shapes.

[0049] The channel connector includes a connector base 3, which is sized and designed to abut against the lips 81 and 82 of the channel 80 from the outside of the channel 80, i.e., the connector base 3 is large enough that it will not enter the slot 83 provided between the lips 81 and 82. The connector base 3 may be part of or integral with the attachment element. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment element is an L-shaped bracket, but this is merely an example.

[0050] The channel connector also includes, for example, an elongated channel nut 10 made of steel. The channel nut 10 includes an internally threaded hole 18, see, for example... Figure 3 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 The threaded hole 18 is intended for threaded reception of the threaded rod 50 of the channel connector (the threaded rod 50, for example, in...). Figure 13 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 (As shown in the diagram). The channel nut 10 is elongated and has a width smaller than the slot 83 provided at the opening of the channel 80, and a length wider than the slot 83 provided at the opening of the channel 80. Therefore, the channel nut 10 can be inserted into the channel 80 through the slot 83 and subsequently locked behind the lips 81 and 82 of the channel 80 by rotating the channel nut 10 about the axis of the threaded hole 18 (which is the connector axis) from a channel insertion rotational position to a channel engagement rotational position. In this embodiment, the channel nut 10 is U-shaped and includes a first flange 11, a second flange 12, and a web 13 connecting the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 to each other. The threaded hole 18 is provided within the web 13. In this embodiment, the threaded hole 18 is flanged to achieve a greater thread height, but this is only an example. Each of the flanges 11 and 12 has two recesses 19, each recess for receiving one of the lips 81 and 82 of the channel 80, respectively. By way of example, in Figure 1 The notch in notch 19 is referenced.

[0051] The channel connector also includes a rotary driver 20, which is made of, for example, a plastic material, and Figures 8 to 12 The details are shown below. The rotary driver 20 is intended for use with the threaded rod 50 of the channel connector (the threaded rod, for example, in...). Figure 13 , Figure 16 and Figure 17(As shown in the diagram) rotatably coupled to the channel nut 10, such that the threaded rod 50 and the channel nut 10 can rotate together about a connector axis coinciding with the axis of the threaded hole 18, allowing the channel nut 10 to rotate between a channel insertion rotation position and a channel engagement rotation position by rotating the threaded rod 50. The rotary actuator 20 includes an actuator base 21 and an actuator sleeve 25 designed to receive the threaded rod 50, the actuator base having a biplane and / or frame-like geometry, and connecting the actuator sleeve 25 to the channel nut 10. The rotary actuator 20 also includes at least one tooth 27', 27'', which protrudes into the actuator sleeve 25 and is designed to engage the threads of the threaded rod 50, thereby geometrically and / or frictionally coupling the threaded rod 50 to the rotary actuator 20, and thus to the channel nut 10 to which it is attached. In this embodiment, two separate teeth 27', 27'' are provided, each of which is generally helical. At least one tooth 27', 27'' and / or the actuator sleeve 25 has some elasticity, which allows at least one tooth 27', 27'' to continuously engage the threads of the threaded rod 50 in a ratchet-like manner when the threaded rod 50 is axially inserted into the actuator sleeve 25. The insertion opening and the bottom opening of the actuator sleeve 25 are opposite openings of the actuator sleeve 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary actuator 20 is a monolithic piece, i.e., all its parts are integral. However, this is merely an example.

[0052] The channel connector also includes, for example, a lip insert 30 made of a plastic material. The lip insert 30 has a geometry that engages with channel lips 81 and 82 to provide a bidirectional rotational (about the connector axis, which is perpendicular to the opening of the channel when the lip insert is installed as intended) seat and a unidirectional axial (in the direction of the connector axis) seat. In other words, the lip insert 30 is sized such that it can be positioned between lips 81 and 82 (without being pulled through lips 81 and 82), wherein the lip insert 30 is geometrically locked (preferably with some clearance) to prevent rotation about the connector axis through lips 81 and 82. The lip insert 30 includes two first resilient tongues 61', 61'' disposed on a first side of the lip insert 30, and two second resilient tongues 62', 62'' disposed on opposite second sides of the lip insert 30. When the lip insert 30 is positioned between lips 81 and 82, the first resilient tongues 61', 61'' are designed to resiliently engage the first lip 81, while the second resilient tongues 62', 62'' are designed to resiliently engage the second lip 82. The resilient tongues 61', 61'', 62', 62'' provide elasticity to accommodate tolerances in the width of the slot 83 positioned between lips 81 and 82. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient tongues 61', 61'', 62', 62'' can resiliently lock the lip insert 30 in a pre-installed position between lips 81 and 82.

[0053] In the viewing direction parallel to the axis of the threaded hole 18, that is, in the viewing direction parallel to the connector axis, this view is, for example, in Figure 3 As shown, the resilient tongues 61', 61'', 62', 62'' and the threaded hole 18 form a quincunx shape, with the threaded hole 18 centrally located between the resilient tongues 61', 61'', 62', 62''. The resilient tongues 61', 61'', 62', 62'' are integrally formed on the lip insert 30. Their respective free ends protrude downwards, i.e., downwards in the axial direction facing the channel nut 10.

[0054] The lip insert 30 includes at least one nut receptacle 31, 32. This nut receptacle 31, 32 is designed to receive the channel nut 10 by axially displacing the channel nut 10 toward the lip insert 30 when the channel nut 10 is in the channel 80 engaged rotational position. Once the channel nut 10 is received in at least one nut receptacle 31, 32 of the lip insert 30, the lip insert 30 geometrically and rotationally locks the channel nut 10 in the channel 80 engaged rotational position (possibly with some clearance, but possibly tightly fitted). In the illustrated embodiment, two slotted nut receptacles 31, 32 are provided, the first nut receptacle 31 designed to receive a first flange 11 of the channel nut 10, and the second nut receptacle 32 designed to receive a second flange 12 of the channel nut 10. The lip insert 30 has a rear flat portion 33 for contacting the connector base 3, which, for example, in… Figure 1 The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the components. The drive sleeve 25 of the rotary drive 20 protrudes into the lip insert 30, providing a rotational bearing for the drive sleeve 25 within the lip insert 30. This allows the rotary drive 20 and the channel nut 10 connected thereto to rotate relative to the lip insert 30 about the connector axis. The drive sleeve 25 is connected to the lip insert 30 by means of an annular snap-fit ​​engagement. This annular snap-fit ​​engagement may include radially outwardly projecting radial snap teeth 29', 29'' on the drive sleeve, and corresponding radial snap teeth 39', 39'' on the lip insert 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip insert 30 is a single piece, meaning all its parts are integral. However, this is merely an example.

[0055] The radial snap teeth 29', 29'' have contact surfaces for the corresponding radial snap teeth 39', 39''. For example, in... Figure 10 As can be seen, these contact surfaces can be inclined toward the corresponding radial snap teeth 39', 39'', so that the snap teeth 29', 29'' form hooks. Similarly, the contact surfaces of the radial snap teeth 39', 39'' can be inclined toward the radial snap teeth 29', 29'', so that the snap teeth 39', 39'' form hooks. Providing hooks at the snap teeth can provide particularly good mutual engagement.

[0056] The lip insert 30 has a channel 38 for the threaded rod 50, the channel 38 in Figure 3The reference numerals are indicated in the accompanying drawings. Channel 38 is aligned with the driver sleeve 25 and / or with the threaded hole 18 and / or with the rod channel in the connector base 3, such that the threaded rod 50 can pass through the channel in the connector base 3, through channel 38, and through the driver sleeve 25 into the threaded hole 18. The connector axis passes through the rod channel in the connector base 3, through channel 38, through the driver sleeve 25, and / or through the threaded hole 18. When assembling the connector, the lip insert 30 is axially arranged between the connector base 3 and the channel nut 10.

[0057] The rotary actuator 20 includes a first pin 51, and the lip insert 30 includes a first pin recess 53 for receiving the first pin 51 when the channel nut 10 is in the inserted rotational position of the channel 80. The first pin 51 protrudes radially from the actuator sleeve 25. In this embodiment, the first pin recess 53 is an axially extending slot. Engagement of the first pin 51 within the first pin recess 53 secures the channel nut 10 in the inserted rotational position of the channel 80, for example, during transport. This securing can be overcome by pushing the first pin 51 out of the first pin recess 53, particularly by axial pushing. In this embodiment, a first locking ridge 55 (see...) Figure 4 A first locking ridge 55 is provided at the axially extending groove forming the first pin insertion hole 53, wherein the first locking ridge 55 provides a snap-fit ​​engagement mechanism that requires some force to axially push the first pin 51 out of the first pin insertion hole 53, thereby providing additional locking.

[0058] The rotary actuator 20 includes a second pin 52, and the lip insert 30 includes a second pin recess 54 for receiving the second pin 52 when the channel nut 10 is in the inserted rotational position of the channel 80. The second pin 52 protrudes radially from the actuator sleeve 25. In this embodiment, the second pin recess 54 is an axially extending slot. Engagement of the second pin 52 within the second pin recess 54 secures the channel nut 10 in the inserted rotational position of the channel 80, for example, during transport. This securing can be overcome by pushing the second pin 52 out of the second pin recess 54, particularly by axial pushing. In this embodiment, a second locking ridge 56 (see...) Figure 4 A second locking ridge 56 is provided at the axially extending groove forming the second pin insertion hole 54, wherein the second locking ridge 56 provides a snap-fit ​​engagement mechanism that requires some force to axially push the second pin 52 out of the second pin insertion hole 54, thereby providing additional locking.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the first pin 51 is configured to abut against the first flange 11, and the second pin 52 is configured to abut against the second flange 12. These abutments provide enhanced stiffness, particularly unidirectional stiffness, to the pins 51 and 52, which improves the operation of the aforementioned latching mechanism of the pins 51 and 52.

[0060] The connector unit also includes two spacers 71, 72 that project from the lip insert 30 onto opposite sides of the lip insert 30 to define a predetermined distance from adjacent connector units. In this embodiment, each of the two spacers 71, 72 is a frame-like structure with a through channel, but this is merely an example. When two connector units are arranged adjacently within the same support channel, the spacers are designed to provide a predetermined distance. By way of example, each of the two spacers 71, 72 is generally flat, extending in a non-parallel relationship and not perpendicular to the connector axis, which ensures reliable abutment despite the flat construction.

[0061] The channel nut 10, the rotary driver 20, and the lip insert 30 form a connector unit, which is part of the channel connector.

[0062] The channel connector also includes the previously mentioned threaded rod 50. The threaded rod passes through a channel in the connector base 3 and through a channel 38 in the lip insert 30 into the driver sleeve 25.

[0063] The channel connector also includes an axial abutment portion 58 disposed on the threaded rod 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the axial abutment portion 58 is an integrally formed head on the threaded rod 50, particularly a hexagonal head; however, this is merely an example. The channel connector also includes a compression spring 59 abutting against the axial abutment portion 58 of the threaded rod 50 on one side and against the lip insert 30 on the other side, i.e., via the connector base 3. The compression spring 59 biases the channel nut 10, which is coupled to the threaded rod 50 by means of a rotary actuator 20, onto the lip insert 30, and when the channel nut 10 reaches the channel 80 engagement rotation position, it can force the channel nut 10 into at least one nut receptacle 31, 32 of the lip insert 30, thereby forming a snap-fit ​​mechanism in which the channel nut 10 snaps into at least one nut receptacle 31, 32.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the compression spring 59 is, for example, a conical spring.

[0065] The following describes the possible installation sequence of the channel connector on channel 80. Figures 13 to 17In the first stage of the installation sequence shown, the channel connector is in the insertion configuration, with the channel nut 10 in the inserted rotational position of the channel 80, wherein the channel nut 10 is rotated relative to at least one nut housing 31, 32, and wherein the compression spring 59 is slightly pre-tensioned. In the insertion configuration of the channel connector, the threaded rod 50 may terminate just before the threaded hole 18 of the channel nut 10, as shown. However, in other embodiments, the threaded rod 50 may already reach the threaded hole 18 of the channel nut 10 in the insertion configuration. Guided by the channel nut 10, the connector is inserted into the channel 80 via lips 81, 82 until the connector base 3 and the lip insert 30 abut against the lips 81, 82 of the channel 80, such that the lip insert 30 provides axial and rotational seating on the channel 80. Resilient tongues 61', 61'', 62', 62'' engage the corresponding lips 81, 82 and may provide pre-installation locking and alignment.

[0066] Then, the threaded rod 50 is pushed axially downwards, i.e., towards the channel nut 10. Since the threaded rod 50 axially abuts against the channel nut 10 and / or the rotary actuator 20, this axial movement causes the channel nut 10 and the rotary actuator 20 to move axially away from the lip insert 30 until pins 51 and 52 overcome their respective snap-fit ​​engagement mechanisms and leave their respective pin holes 53 and 54, thereby allowing the channel nut 10, previously rotatably locked in the channel 80 insertion rotation position, to now rotate about the connector axis. The threaded rod 50 is then rotated about the connector axis, for example, by manually rotating the axially abutting portion 58 attached to the threaded rod 50. The rotational engagement provided by the rotary actuator 20 causes the channel nut 10 to rotate together with the threaded rod 50. The height of the lip insert 30 is high enough that the rotation of the channel nut 10 resting on the lip insert 30 is not hindered by the height of the lips 81, 82, which allows the channel nut 10 to rotate behind the lips 81, 82. Figures 18 to 21 The intermediate rotation stage following this rotation is shown. The quincunx arrangement of threaded holes 18 centrally located between the resilient tongues 61', 61'', 62', 62'' helps to maintain the locking and alignment provided by the resilient tongues 61', 61'', 62', 62'' well during this rotation.

[0067] The channel nut 10 is further rotated about the connector axis by means of the threaded rod 50 until the channel nut 10 reaches the engaged rotational position of the channel 80. In this rotational position, the first flange 11 is parallel to the first nut housing 31, and the second flange 12 is parallel to the second nut housing 32. Once the channel nut 10 reaches the engaged rotational position of the channel 80, the pretension of the compression spring 59 causes the channel nut 10, more specifically its flanges 11 and 12, to snap into the corresponding nut housings 31 or 32, thus providing the installer with tactile feedback of reaching the correct installation position. The flanges 11 and 12 are then pre-tensioned against the lips 81, 82 by means of the compression spring 59, which provides some initial installation force that still allows the connector to shift laterally along the channel 80 (especially if the threaded rod 50 is slightly pressed in against the force of the compression spring 59). In particular, in this state, the notches 19 in the flanges 11 and 12 interlock with the corresponding lips 81, 82. The resulting snap-in stage is... Figures 22 to 26 As shown in the diagram. In this embodiment, the channel nut 10 has an angular offset of 60° (around the connector axis) between the channel 80 engagement rotation position and the channel 80 insertion rotation position. However, different angular offsets, such as 90°, are also conceivable.

[0068] Finally, screw the threaded rod into the threaded hole 18 to tighten the channel nut 10 onto the channel lips 81, 82 and generate the final locking force. Figures 27 to 31 The final stage of full tightening and / or full twisting is shown. In particular, in this final state, the edges of the notches 19 in flanges 11 and 12 may engage with the corresponding lips 81, 82 to provide a shape-locking connection.

Claims

1. A connector unit for providing a connection to a support channel (80) having two opposing lips (81, 82), the connector unit comprising ● Elongated channel nut (10) for engaging behind the lip (81, 82) of the channel (80), wherein the channel nut (10) has a threaded hole (18) for threadedly receiving a threaded rod (50). ● Rotary driver (20), the rotary driver being used to rotatably connect the threaded rod (50) to the channel nut (10), such that the channel nut (10) rotates between a channel (80) insertion rotation position and a channel (80) engagement rotation position, and ● Lip insert (30), the lip insert for engaging between the lips (81, 82) of the channel (80) to provide a rotary seat on the channel (80), wherein the rotary driver (20) is connected to the lip insert (30). ●The lip insert (30) includes at least one first elastic tongue (61', 61''), which is used to elastically act on the first lip (81) of the channel (80).

2. The connector unit according to claim 1, Its features are, The lip insert (30) includes at least two first elastic tongues (61', 61'') for elastically acting on the first lip (81) of the channel (80).

3. The connector unit according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The lip insert (30) includes at least two second elastic tongues (62', 62'') for elastically acting on the second lip (82) of the channel (80).

4. The connector unit according to the combination of claims 2 and 3, Its features are, The two first elastic tongues (61', 61''), the two second elastic tongues (62', 62''), and the threaded hole (18) form a quincunx shape in the viewing direction parallel to the axis of the threaded hole (18).

5. The connector unit according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The at least one first elastic tongue portion (61', 61'') is integrally formed on the lip insert (30).

6. The connector unit according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The connector unit further includes two spacers (71, 72) that protrude from the lip insert (30) on opposite sides of the lip insert (30) to define a predetermined spacing with adjacent connector units.

7. The connector unit according to claim 6, Its features are, Each of the two spacers (71, 72) is generally flat, wherein the two spacers (71, 72) extend in a non-parallel relationship to each other.

8. The connector unit according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The rotary driver (20) includes a first pin (51), and the lip insert (30) includes a first pin socket (53) for receiving the first pin (51) when the channel nut (10) is in the insertion rotation position of the channel (80).

9. The connector unit according to claim 8, Its features are, A first locking ridge (55) is arranged at the first pin insertion hole (53) to provide a snap-fit ​​engagement mechanism for the first pin (51).

10. A channel connector, the channel connector comprising The connector unit according to any one of the preceding claims A connector base (3) for abutting against the lips (81, 82) of the channel (80), wherein the lip insert (30) is at least partially disposed between the connector base (3) and the channel nut (10), and A threaded rod (50) is rotatably passed through the connector base (3) and through the lip insert (30) to reach the rotary driver (20), wherein the rotary driver (20) connects the threaded rod (50) to the channel nut (10).

11. A connector device comprising a channel (80) and a channel connector according to claim 10.

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