Base frame for a sanitary bathtub

Abstract

The invention relates to a base frame for a sanitary bathtub, comprising several profile rails (1) with a C-shaped profile and several profile connectors (2) detachably connectable thereto, the profile connectors having a head section (12) for engaging in a cavity (5) of the profile rail (1), an arm section (13, 14) for resilient support against the profile rail (1), and a connecting section (15) for a connecting part (3, 4), which can be a height-adjustable foot element or a fastening element for wall mounting, wherein the profile connectors (2) can be inserted into a longitudinal opening (11) of the profile rail (1) in a first rotational position with their head section (12) and can be rotated into a second rotational position, which is defined by a rotational stop (18, 19), wherein the head section (12) engages behind edge webs (9, 10) of the profile connector (2) in the second rotational position and is supported against them from the inside, and which has at least one arm section (13,14) is resiliently supported from the outside against the edge webs (9, 10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting arrangement, in particular for a base frame for a sanitary bathtub, and to a base frame for a sanitary bathtub with such a connecting arrangement. The base frame can be placed on a fixed floor, for example to receive and support a sanitary fixture in the form of a shower tray. Base frames can also be attached to fixed walls, for example to fix the base frame to an existing wall or a partition wall.

[0002] From DE 100 30 478 A1, a base frame for a sanitary bathtub, in particular a shower tray, is known. The base frame has a longitudinal strut, a node element attached to the longitudinal strut, and transverse struts screwed to the node element. The longitudinal and transverse struts support the sanitary bathtub at floor level and are arranged on height-adjustable foot elements. The foot elements have threaded studs that can be screwed into the toothed profile at any point along the profile rails.

[0003] From DE 103 58 622 B3, a modular base frame for a shower tray is known. The base frame comprises a plurality of profiles and connecting elements which are connected to each other by plug-in connection and together form a frame for supporting an edge of the tray, as well as a plurality of height-adjustable foot elements which support the frame.

[0004] From DE 20 2020 100 611 U1 a height-adjustable support foot for a support frame for showers and bathtubs is known.

[0005] From DE 60 2005 001 894 T2, a fastening arrangement for attaching an object to a profile element is known. The fastening arrangement comprises an elongated metal nut that can be inserted into a longitudinal slot of the profile element and rotated relative to it, a locking element with two spring arms extending in the longitudinal direction of the nut, and a washer.

[0006] From US patent 4,840,525 A, a connection arrangement is known with a retaining insert made of plastic on the top of a nut, which engages at lip-like edges on two opposite sides of a slot in a channel of a profile member when the nut connected to this retaining insert is pressed into the channel.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a connection arrangement that enables simple, quick, and secure attachment of a connecting part to a profile rail, and which can also be easily detached if necessary. The further objective is to propose a corresponding base frame for a sanitary bathtub with one or more such connection arrangements, thus enabling simple and quick assembly.

[0008] To solve the problem, a connection arrangement, in particular for a base frame for a sanitary tub, especially a bathtub or shower tray, is proposed, wherein the connection arrangement comprises: a profile rail with a C-shaped profile in cross-section, which encloses a cavity, wherein a longitudinal opening with an opening width is formed between two opposing edge webs of the profile rail; a profile connector that can be detachably connected to the profile rail and that is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the profile rail for assembly purposes; wherein the profile connector has a head section for engaging in the cavity of the profile rail, at least one arm section for resilient support on the profile rail, and a connecting section for connecting the profile connector to a connecting part;wherein in a first rotational position of the profile connector the head section can be inserted into the longitudinal opening of the profile rail, and wherein the profile connector can be rotated into a second rotational position, which is defined by a rotational stop, wherein in the second rotational position the head section engages behind the edge webs, so that the head section is supported from the inside against the edge webs, and the at least one arm section is resiliently supported from the outside against the edge webs.;

[0009] One advantage of this connection design is that the profile connector can be quickly and reliably attached to a profile rail with a simple twisting motion. For ease of assembly, it is advantageous that the head section can be inserted into the profile rail's cavity at any desired position through the longitudinal opening, also known as the longitudinal slot. This eliminates the need for end-face mounting. The spring-loaded support of at least one arm section against the edge flanges clamps the profile connector firmly to the profile rail, preventing unintentional movement. If the profile connector needs to be repositioned, this can be easily achieved by pushing at least one arm section away from the profile rail, temporarily releasing the clamp.The profile connector can now be moved to the desired position with minimal effort. When at least one arm section is released, it is pressed elastically against the outer edges of the profile rail, thus re-establishing a positive connection between the profile connector and the profile rail. The connection to and adjustment along the profile rail can be carried out without tools using simple hand movements, resulting in quick and easy assembly.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the head section, viewed in cross-section or axial view, can have a first, larger diametrical extent that is greater than the width of the cavity, and a second diametrical extent that is smaller than the width of the cavity. The smaller diametrical extent of the head section allows it to be rotated past the side walls of the profile rail, starting from the first rotational position (insertion position). With further rotation, the head section, in the area of ​​the larger diametrical extent, then comes into contact with the side walls or abuts against them. In this second rotational position (fixing position), the head section engages the edge webs of the profile rail from the inside, so that the profile connector is positively locked to it in the axial direction, i.e., parallel to the axis of rotation.Due to the rotation stop, the profile connector assumes a defined rotational position relative to the profile rail. The outer contour of the head section, or its greatest diametrical extent, is designed such that the profile connector can be rotated 80° to 100°, particularly approximately 90°, from the first rotational position (insertion position) to the second rotational position (fixing position). Preferably, the profile connector can be rotated from the first rotational position to the second in only one defined direction. Preferably, this defined direction of rotation is clockwise. Accordingly, the profile connector can then only be rotated counterclockwise from the second rotational position back to the first.

[0011] Furthermore, the maximum height of the head section can be adapted to the height of the cavity, so that the head section is slidably clamped, at least in the second rotation position, between a connecting web of the profile rail and the edge webs of the profile rail. This results in good force transmission and sufficient fixation for the profile connector, which, in the assembled state, is preferably subjected to at least essentially only vertical forces. The height of the cavity preferably corresponds to the distance between the connecting web and the edge webs. The connecting web is located opposite the two edge webs of the C-shaped profile rail.

[0012] Preferably, at least in the second rotation position, there is axial play between the head section and the connecting web. This allows the profile connector to be moved along the profile rail by hand with minimal effort once the clamping is released by pushing at least one arm section away from the profile rail, without having to first rotate the profile connector back to its first rotation position or the insertion position. Advantageously, the axial play is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. In particular, the axial play is less than 0.4 mm and can be approximately between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm.When the connecting assembly is subjected to an external force acting on the profile rail, the axial play between the connecting web and an end face of the head section can be eliminated, as the external force displaces the connecting web, or the profile rail, towards the head section against the opposing spring force or clamping force of at least one arm section. The external force can be generated, for example, by the weight of a sanitary bathtub supported on the connecting assembly. Under load, the profile rail, with its connecting web, bears against the head section of the profile connector. This means that vertical forces acting on the profile rail under load are directly transferred into the head section and can be efficiently transmitted to the connecting element linked to the connecting section of the profile connector.This makes the connection arrangement particularly well-suited for absorbing external loads acting parallel to the axis of rotation. Conversely, the axial play between the head section and the connecting web is maintained in the unloaded state of the connection arrangement by the fact that at least one arm section, which is resiliently supported from the outside against the edge webs, presses the profile rail against a bottom side of the head section, and the connecting web is slightly spaced from the head section by the amount of axial play.

[0013] In one embodiment, the head section can have at least one end-face contact surface for supporting a connecting web of the profile rail on the profile connector, at least in the second rotation position. Preferably, the head section has a stepped end face with a base surface and the end-face contact surface, which may project axially relative to the base surface. In the loaded state of the connection arrangement, the connecting web and the end-face contact surface are in direct contact. Thus, axial play can occur between the end-face contact surface and the connecting web in the unloaded state. Furthermore, the end-face contact surface can be annular and concentric with the axis of rotation.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the head section can have at least one ramped surface with a gradient in the axial direction. A section-by-section ramped design of the bottom side of the head section simplifies the rotation of the profile connector from the first to the second rotation position. When the head section rotates from the first to the second position, the ramped surface can bear against an edge web of the profile rail, so that the head section is axially actuated away from the edge web towards the connecting web. This ensures secure contact and contact between the end face of the head section and the profile rail under load. In a further refinement, the ramped surface can transition into a bottom-side bearing surface for supporting the head section against the edge webs of the profile rail, at least in the second rotation position.The at least one ramp surface can be positioned in front of the bottom-side contact surface when the profile connector rotates from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. Preferably, in the unloaded state of the connection assembly, the at least one arm section presses the edge webs against the bottom side, in particular the at least one bottom-side contact surface of the head section. However, in the loaded state of the connection assembly, the at least one resiliently designed arm section yields elastically, so that the connecting web of the profile rail comes into contact with the end face of the head section and the edge webs are spaced apart from the bottom side of the head section. In the loaded state, there is therefore axial play between the head section, or rather the at least one bottom-side contact surface, and the edge webs.The axial play present on the bottom side when loaded can be of the same magnitude as the axial play present on the front side when unloaded.

[0015] Furthermore, the maximum width of the head section can be adapted to the width of the cavity, allowing the head section to be moved along the profile rail, at least in the second rotation position. It is advantageous if the maximum width of the head section is such that, in the second rotation position, radial play is created between the flanks of the profile rail and the sides of the head section facing the flanks. This allows the sides of the head section to slide along the flanks when the profile connector is moved. Advantageously, the radial play on each side is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. In particular, the radial play is less than 0.4 mm and can be approximately between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm. The width of the cavity preferably corresponds to the distance between the two parallel and opposite flanks of the profile rail.

[0016] The profile connector comprises at least one arm section, or preferably exactly two arm sections, extending radially away from the axis of rotation of the profile connector in opposite directions. The two arm sections can be designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central plane of the profile connector. The following features are described for the sake of simplicity for one arm section, but it is understood that they can also apply to a second arm section or even further arm sections.

[0017] The arm section can have a clamping element that, in the second rotation position, is spring-loaded against the outer edge webs. The spring-loaded clamping element creates a positive connection between the profile connector and the profile rail. The clamping force of the arm sections counteracts the supporting force of the head section, both relative to the edge webs.

[0018] Preferably, the clamping element has a projection, particularly an elongated one, which, in the second rotational position, engages between the two edge webs or into the longitudinal opening of the profile rail, thus preventing the profile connector from rotating. The length of the projection corresponds at least approximately to the width of the longitudinal opening. The projection can be positioned centrally on the clamping element, which, for external support against the edge webs, has a greater length than the width of the longitudinal opening. In addition to preventing rotation, the engagement of the projection in the longitudinal opening produces a clicking sound, which serves as an acoustic signal to the installer that the locking position has been reached.

[0019] The arm section can have an actuating element at its free end, which allows the arm section or the clamping element to be spring-loaded away from the profile rail. Preferably, the actuating element is designed as a handle projecting downwards from the arm section. When using two arm sections, the two actuating elements can be pressed towards each other with one hand, so that the two arm sections with their clamping elements are lifted from the underside of the profile rail and the clamping is released. Advantageously, the two arm sections can be moved towards each other using the thumb and forefinger of the hand. The profile connector can then be moved along the profile rail in the second rotational position and / or, if necessary, rotated relative to it into the first rotational position.

[0020] In one possible design, the distance between the clamping element and / or the actuating element and the axis of rotation is greater than half the width of the profile rail. This allows a connecting element, such as a foot or a fastening element, to be inserted between the clamping or actuating elements and thus positioned close to the profile rail. This can be advantageous, for example, for low-profile structures like a walk-in shower tray, as the axial installation space of the connection assembly is limited.

[0021] The C-shaped profile rail can have two parallel flanks connected by a connecting web. At the free ends of the flanks, the edge webs can be arranged at right angles, particularly curved inwards. The edge webs can be aligned parallel to the connecting web. The profile rail is preferably made of metal.

[0022] Preferably, the head section and the at least one arm section are formed as a single piece. In particular, the component forming the head section and the at least one arm section is a plastic part, for example, an injection-molded plastic part. The connecting section of the profile connector can be made of metal or plastic.

[0023] The problem is further solved by a base frame for a sanitary tub, in particular a bathtub or shower tray, wherein the base frame comprises: several connection arrangements which can be designed according to one or more of the embodiments mentioned above, wherein in at least one of the connection arrangements the connecting element of the respective profile connector is a height-adjustable foot element for supporting the base frame on a fixed floor or a fastening element for attaching the base frame to a fixed wall. The base frame according to the invention offers the same advantages as those described in connection with the connection arrangement according to the invention, so reference is made here, for the sake of brevity, to the above description.

[0024] Furthermore, each foot element can be screwed to the connecting section of the profile connector in a height-adjustable manner. This allows the base frame to be easily aligned when placed on the floor.

[0025] Furthermore, the respective fastening element can be detachably clamped to the connecting section of the profile connector by means of a clamping element. The clamping element can be in the form of a clamping nut that is screwed to the connecting section. The fastening element serves to connect the profile connector or the profile rail connected to it to the fixed wall. The fastening element can, for example, be an angle bracket made of sheet metal, which has an opening on each of its two legs, particularly in the form of an elongated hole, for fastening.

[0026] Preferred embodiments are explained below with reference to the drawing figures. Herein, it is shown Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view of a connection arrangement with a profile rail and a profile connector according to a first embodiment, wherein the profile connector is shown in a first rotation position (insertion position) and is clamped with a fastening element in the form of a wall angle; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the connection arrangement from the Fig. 1, where the profile connector is shown in a second rotation position (fixing position); Fig. 3 a perspective view from a slightly oblique angle of above onto the connection arrangement Fig. 1, in which the profile connector is shown in the first rotation position (insertion position); Fig. 4 a perspective view from a slightly oblique angle of above of the connection arrangement Fig. 2, in which the profile connector is shown in the second rotation position (fixing position); Fig. 5 a top view of the profile connector according to the invention, which is clamped with the fastening element; Fig. 6 a perspective view from a diagonal top onto the profile connector Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is clamped to the fastening element; Fig. 7 a side view of the profile connector Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is clamped to the fastening element; Fig. 8 another side view of the profile connector Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is clamped to the fastening element; Fig. 9 a perspective view from a slanted top view of the profile connector Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screwed to a base element; Fig. 10 Another perspective view from a diagonal top view of the profile connector Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screwed to the base element; Fig. 11 a side view of the profile connector made of Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screwed to the base element; Fig. 12 another side view of the profile connector from Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screwed to the base element; Fig. 13 a cross-sectional view of the profile connector made of Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screwed to the base element; and Fig. 14 a perspective view from below at an oblique angle of a base according to one embodiment.

[0027] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 13 show a connection arrangement for a base frame for a sanitary tub, in particular a shower tray, according to one embodiment. Fig. Items 1 to 13 will be described together below.

[0028] The connection arrangement comprises a profile rail 1 and a profile connector 2. A connecting part 3, 4 can be connected to the profile rail 1 by means of the profile connector 2. The following is shown in the diagram only to illustrate the interaction of the profile connector 2 with a connecting part. Fig. Figures 1 to 13 of the profile connectors 2 are shown together with the connecting part 3, 4. Specifically, in the Fig. 1 to 8 the connecting part, for example a fastening element 3 clamped with the profile connector 2 for attaching the profile rail 1 to a fixed structure, for example a wall in a sanitary area. In the Fig. 9 to 13, the connecting part is, by way of example, a foot element 4 screwed to the profile connector 2 for height-adjustable support of the profile rail 1 on a fixed structure, for example a floor in a sanitary area.

[0029] The profile rail 1 is preferably formed from sheet metal and has a C-shaped profile in cross-section that encloses a cavity 5. Specifically, the profile rail 1 has a connecting web 6, two flanks 7, 8 projecting from the connecting web 6, and two edge webs 9, 10 projecting from the flanks 7, 8. The free ends of the edge webs 9, 10 face each other and define a longitudinal opening 11 with an opening width B11 between them.

[0030] The profile connector 2 has a head section 12 for engaging in the cavity 5 of the profile rail 1, two arm sections 13, 14 for resilient support on the profile rail 1 and a connecting section 15 for connecting the profile connector 2 to the connecting part 3, 4.

[0031] The profile connector 2, which can be detachably connected to the profile rail 1, is designed to be rotatable about a pivot axis D relative to the profile rail 1 for assembly purposes. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the connection arrangement with the profile connector 2 in a first rotational position, in which the head section 12 can be inserted or is inserted through the longitudinal opening 11 into the cavity 5 of the profile rail 1. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the connection arrangement with the profile connector 2 in a second rotational position, in which the head section 12 engages behind the edge webs 9, 10. In the second rotational position, the head section 12 is supported from the inside against the edge webs 9, 10, and the arm sections 13, 14 are resiliently supported from the outside against the edge webs 9, 10.

[0032] The head section 12 has in cross-section, or in the Fig. Figure 5 shows a first diametral extent L1, which is larger than the width B5 of the cavity 5, and a second diametral extent L2, which is smaller than the width B5 of the cavity 5. The smaller second diametral extent L2 of the head section 12 allows the head section 12 to be rotated past the flanks 7, 8 of the profile rail 1, starting from the first rotation position (insertion position). Upon further rotation about the axis of rotation D, the head section 12 then comes into contact with, or abuts against, the flanks 7, 8 in the region of the first diametral extent L2. In this second rotation position (fixing position), the head section 12 engages the edge webs 9, 10 of the profile rail 1 from the inside, so that the profile connector 2 is positively locked to them in the axial direction.Due to the rotation stop, the profile connector 2 assumes a defined rotational position relative to the profile rail 1 in the second rotational position. The outer contour of the head section 12, or rather its greatest diametrical extent L1, is designed such that the profile connector 2 can be rotated approximately 90° from the first rotational position until the second rotational position is reached.

[0033] The outer contour of the head section 12 is defined by two parallel longitudinal sides 16 and two parallel transverse sides 17. At each of two diametrically opposed corners 18, 19, the distance between which corresponds to the first diametrical extent L1, one of the two longitudinal sides 16 and one of the two transverse sides 17 meet at a 90-degree angle. Furthermore, the outer contour of the head section 12 has two further diametrically opposed corners 20, 21, the distance between which corresponds to the second diametrical extent L2. The further corners 20, 21 are designed as rounded corners, each connecting one of the two longitudinal sides 16 and one of the two transverse sides 17.The 90-degree corners 18 and 19 form the rotation stop, so that the profile connector 2 can only be rotated clockwise around the axis of rotation D from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. Conversely, the profile connector 2 can only be rotated counterclockwise around the axis of rotation D back from the second rotation position to the first rotation position.

[0034] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 7 shows that the width B12 of the head section 12 is defined by the distance between the two transverse sides 17 and corresponds approximately to the opening width B11 of the longitudinal opening 11 of the profile rail 1. In the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 8 shows that the length L12 of the head section 12 is defined by the distance between the two longitudinal sides 16 and is slightly smaller than the width B5 of the cavity 5 of the profile rail 1, so that in the second rotation position a clearance fit, or radial clearance S7, S8, is created between the two flanks 7, 8 of the profile rail 1 and the transverse sides 17 of the head section 12. The length L12, which can also be described as the maximum width of the head section 12, is greater than the width B12.

[0035] The head section 12 has an end-face contact surface 22 which, in the second rotation position, is spaced from the connecting web 6 of the profile rail 1, forming an axial clearance S22. The contact surface 22 projects axially from an end-face base surface 23 of the head section 12, so that the head section 12 can only come into contact with the connecting web 6 along the contact surface 22. The contact surface 22 is essentially annular and arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation D. Essentially annular means that the contact surface 22, as shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the two longitudinal sides 16 can be trimmed. Furthermore, the contact surface 22 can be radially bounded on the inside by an opening 24, which here is designed as a hexagonal hole. In principle, this opening 24 can also have a different geometric shape, for example, a round shape.

[0036] The opening 24 is adjoined by a central bore 25, which is arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation D and extends through the profile connector 2. A screw element 26, for example in the form of a hexagonal screw or a firmly embedded or pressed-in threaded rod, can be inserted in the opening 24 or the bore 25. The part of the screw element 26 protruding from the head section 12 on the bottom side forms the connecting section 15 of the profile connector 2 for connecting to the connecting part 3, 4.

[0037] Furthermore, the head section 12 has a bottom-side contact surface 27 which, in the second rotation position, is in contact with and supported against the edge webs 9, 10. Extending imaginarily to the rounded corners 20, 21, the head section 12 has a ramp surface 28 on its bottom side, which transitions into the bottom-side contact surface 27. The ramp surfaces 28 have a slope component in the axial direction, so that when the head section 12 is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the ramp surfaces 28 can support themselves against the edge webs 9, 10. This causes the head section 12 to be axially acted upon when moved into the second rotation position, away from the edge webs 9, 10 and towards the connecting web 6. Fig. Figure 2 shows that the maximum height H12 of the head section is adapted to the height H5 of the cavity 5, so that the head section 12 is slidably clamped in the second rotation position between the connecting web 6 and the edge webs 9, 10 of the profile rail 1. The height H12 of the head section 12 is defined by the distance between the end-face contact surface 22 and the bottom-face contact surface 27 and is slightly smaller than the height H5 of the cavity 5 of the profile rail 1 due to the clearance S22. The height H5 is defined by the distance between the connecting web 6 and the edge webs 9, 10.

[0038] Below the bottom-side contact surface 27 of the head section 12, the profile connector 2 has a clamping plate 29, which is fixedly connected to the head section 12. A gap 30 is formed between the clamping plate 29 and the bottom-side contact surface 27. The height of the gap H30 is approximately the size of the clearance S22 greater than the profile thickness A of the profile rail 1. In the second rotation position, the edge webs 9, 10 engage in the gap 30 and are then positioned between the bottom-side contact surface 27 and the clamping plate 29.

[0039] Radially outward from the clamping plate 29, the two arm sections 13, 14 project. Together with the clamping plate 29 and the head section 12, the two arm sections 13, 14 form a single-piece component. Preferably, the head section 12, the clamping plate 29, and the two arm sections 13, 14 are a plastic part, for example, an injection-molded plastic part.

[0040] The arm sections 13, 14 are designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central plane of the profile connector 2, in which the axis of rotation D lies. Each arm section 13, 14 has a clamping element 31 at its free end. A distance L31 of the respective clamping element 31 from the axis of rotation D is greater than half the width B1 of the profile rail 1, as shown, for example, in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1. In the second rotation position, the two clamping elements 31 are spring-supported from the outside against the edge webs 9, 10. The spring-loaded clamping elements 31 create a positive connection between the profile connector 2 and the profile rail 1. The clamping force of the arm sections 13, 14 counteracts the support force of the head section 12, each relative to the edge webs 9, 10. Each clamping element 31 can have a projection 32 which, in the second rotation position, engages in the longitudinal opening 11 formed between the two edge webs 9, 10, thus preventing the profile connector 2 from rotating in the second rotation position. When the projections 32 snap into the longitudinal opening 11, a clicking sound is produced, which serves as an acoustic signal to the installer that the second rotation position (locking position) has been reached. The width B32 of the projections 32 corresponds approximately to the width B11 of the longitudinal opening 11.The width B31 of the clamping part 31 is larger than the width B11 of the longitudinal opening 11 and smaller than the width B1 of the profile rail 1.

[0041] Furthermore, the arm sections 13, 14 each have an actuating element 33 at their free ends, projecting from a side of the respective arm section 13, 14 facing away from the clamping element 31. The actuating elements 33 are designed as handles projecting downwards from the arm sections 13, 14. The two actuating elements 33 can be pressed towards each other with one hand, so that the two arm sections 13, 14 with their clamping elements 31 are lifted from the edge webs 9, 10 of the profile rail 1 and the clamping is released.

[0042] To connect the profile connector 2 to the profile rail 1, the profile connector 2, with its head section 12, is inserted through the longitudinal opening 11 into the cavity 5 of the profile rail 1. Then, the two actuating parts 33 are pressed towards each other by hand, and the profile connector 2 is rotated clockwise around the axis of rotation D from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. It is advantageous if the actuating parts 33 are only pressed towards each other by hand to the extent that the projections 32 slide along the edge ribs 9, 10 when rotating into the second rotation position, so that they can audibly snap into the longitudinal opening 11 when the second rotation position is reached.

[0043] After the 90-degree rotation, the transverse sides 17 of the head section 12 now lie against the flanks 7, 8 of the profile rail 1, forming the radial clearance S7, S8.

[0044] If the position of the profile connector 2 on the profile rail 1 needs to be changed, it can remain in its second rotational position according to the invention. This simplifies the assembly process. The installer only needs to manually press the two actuating parts 33 towards each other to lift the clamping parts 31 from the profile rail 1, thus releasing the clamp. The profile connector 2 can now be moved to the desired position by hand with minimal effort. When the two actuating parts 33 are released, the clamping parts 31 are elastically pressed against the outer edges 9, 10 of the profile rail 1, so that the profile connector 2 is once again positively connected to the profile rail 1.

[0045] In the second rotational position, the profile connector 2 is fixed to the profile rail 1 and can be subjected to axial load. The connection assembly can be supported on a stationary component via the connecting part 3, 4. When the connection assembly is subjected to an external force, the profile rail 1 with the connecting web 6 is pressed against the end-face contact surface 22, thus eliminating the clearance S22. Simultaneously, the profile rail 1 with its two edge webs 9, 10 presses against the arm sections 13, 14, which, provided the external force is greater than the clamping force or spring force of the arm sections 13, 14, yield elastically. Accordingly, an axial clearance develops between the edge webs 9, 10 and the bottom-face contact surface 27 under load, which corresponds at least approximately in magnitude to the clearance S22 present at the end face in the unloaded state.

[0046] To disassemble the profile connector 2, the clamping is first released by striking the two actuating parts 33 against each other, and the profile connector 2 is then rotated from the second rotation position back to the first rotation position. Only in the first rotation position can the head section 12 be removed through the longitudinal opening 11.

[0047] The connecting section 15 is arranged between the two actuating parts 33. It has an external thread and can be of different lengths depending on which connecting part 3, 4 is to be connected to the profile connector 2.

[0048] In the Fig. Figures 5 to 8 show the profile connector 2 together with the fastening element 3 for attaching the profile rail 1 to a fixed structure, for example, a wall in a sanitary area. The fastening element 3 can, for example, be an angle bracket made of sheet metal, which has an opening 36, 37 on each of its legs 34, 35, in particular in the form of an elongated hole for fastening. The fastening element 3 is detachably clamped to the connecting section 15 of the profile connector 2, which is arranged on the screw 26, by means of a clamping element 38. The clamping element 38 is, in this case, a wing nut, which is screwed by hand to the screw 26, which has an external thread. The screw 26 can be a hexagon head screw, for example, with a thread length of 20 mm to 50 mm and a diameter standardized according to DIN 933, M8, although other screw sizes are also conceivable and possible.The head of the hexagon screw is securely inserted in the opening 24 to prevent rotation. The leg 34 of the fastening element 3 is clamped between the clamping plate 29 and the clamping element 38 in the tensioned state. The leg 35 can be screwed to a vertically oriented building wall (not shown).

[0049] In the Fig. Figures 9 to 13 show the profile connector 2 together with the height-adjustable foot element 4 for supporting the profile rail 1 against a fixed structure, for example, a floor in a sanitary area. The foot element 4 has a central threaded bore 39 by means of which the foot element 4 is screwed onto the connecting section 15 of the screw element 26. The screw element 26 can be a threaded bolt that may be pressed into the bore 25. However, it is also possible for the screw element 26 to be a screw, in particular a hexagonal screw, as described above. To fix the desired length of the foot element 4, a nut 40 is provided, which is screwed onto the foot element 4 from above. A cap 41 is attached to the underside of the foot element 4, which rests on the fixed floor when the foot element 4 is in the upright position.

[0050] In the Fig. Figure 14 is a base frame for a sanitary tub, in particular a shower tray according to one embodiment. The base frame 42 serves, in a manner known per se, to support the sanitary tub (not shown) against a stationary surface (not shown), for example a floor in a sanitary area.

[0051] The base frame 42 has a frame, which is rectangular in design here, made up of several of the aforementioned connection arrangements. In the erected state, the profile rails 1 with the longitudinal openings 11 are arranged facing the stationary floor. By means of the height-adjustable foot elements 4, of which the base frame 42 comprises 13 foot elements 4 as an example, the height of the base frame 42 can be adjusted and the profile rails 1 can be aligned horizontally. For the sake of clarity, in the Fig.14 Only one of a total of 13 profile connectors 2 connected to the base element 4 is provided with a reference numeral. In order to be able to attach the base frame 42 to an adjacent fixed wall (not shown) in the sanitary area, the base frame 42 has, here by way of example, a fastening element 3. In the assembled state, the sanitary bathtub is supported on the base frame 42, so that the connection arrangements forming the base frame 42 are loaded in the axial direction, i.e. parallel to the axis of rotation D (loaded state). Reference symbol list 1 profile rail 2 profile connectors 3 Connection part or fastening element 4 Connection part or foot element 5 Cavity 6 connecting bridge 7th flank 8 flank 9 Edge 10 Edge bar 11 Longitudinal opening 12 Head section 13 arm section 14 arm section 15 Connecting section 16 Long side 17 cross side 18 Corner 19 Corner 20 Corner 21 Corner 22 Plant area 23 Base area 24-hour opening 25 bore 26 Screws 27 Plant area 28 ramp area 29 clamping plate 30 gap 31 Clamping part 32 lead 33 Actuating part 34 thighs 35 thighs 36 Opening 37 Opening 38 clamping element 39 Threaded hole 40 mother 41 cap 42 Base frame A profile thickness B Width D axis of rotation H height L extension S game

Claims

[1] Base frame for a sanitary tub, in particular a bathtub or shower tray, with several connection arrangements, each comprising a profile rail (1) and a profile connector (2) that can be detachably connected to the profile rail (1) and which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) relative to the profile rail (1) for assembly purposes, wherein the profile rail (1) has a C-shaped profile enclosing a cavity, wherein a longitudinal opening (11) is formed between two opposing edge webs (9, 10) of the profile rail (1), wherein the profile connector (2) has a head section (12) for engaging in the cavity (5), at least one arm section (13, 14) for resilient support against the profile rail (1) and a connecting section (15) for connecting to a connecting part, wherein the profile connector (2) can be inserted into the longitudinal opening (11) of the profile rail (1) in a first rotational position with its head section (12) and can be rotated into a second rotational position, which is defined by a rotational stop (18, 19), wherein in the second rotational position the head section (12) engages behind the edge webs (9, 10) so that the head section (12) is supported from the inside against the edge webs (9, 10), and the at least one arm section (13, 14) is resiliently supported from the outside against the edge webs (9, 10), wherein at least one of the connection arrangements is a connecting part connected to the profile connector (1) is a height-adjustable foot element (4) for supporting the base frame (42) on a fixed floor or a fastening element (3) for attaching the base frame (42) to a fixed wall. [2] Base frame according to claim 1, characterized by , that the respective foot element (4) is screwed to the connecting section (15) of the profile connector (1) in a height-adjustable manner, and / or that the respective fastening element (3) is detachably clamped to the connecting section (15) of the profile connector (1) by means of a clamping element (38), wherein the clamping element (38) is in particular a clamping nut which is screwed to the connecting section (15). [3] Base frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the head section (12) in cross-section has a largest first diametral extent (L1) which is greater than the width (B5) of the cavity (5) and a second diametral extent (L2) which is smaller than the width (B5) of the cavity (5). [4] Base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the head section (12) has a maximum height (H12) which is adapted to the height (H5) of the cavity (5) such that the head section (12) is clamped at least in the second rotation position between a connecting web (6) of the profile rail (2) and the edge webs (9, 10), wherein at least in the second rotation position there is an axial play (S22) between the head section (12) and the connecting web (6). [5] Base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the head section (12) has a stepped end face with a base surface (23) and a contact surface (22) projecting axially from the base surface (23) for supporting a connecting web (6) of the profile rail (1) on the profile connector (2), wherein the end face contact surface (22) is designed in an annular shape and is in particular arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation (D). [6] Base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the head section (12) has at least one ramp surface (28) with a slope component in the axial direction (R), wherein the ramp surface (28) is supported against at least one of the edge webs (9, 10) of the profile rail (1) when the head section (12) is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, so that the head section (12) is acted upon axially away from the edge web (9, 10), wherein the ramp surface (28) transitions into a bottom-side contact surface (27) for supporting the head section (12) against the edge webs (9, 10) of the profile rail (1). [7] Base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the at least one arm section (13, 14) has a clamping part (31) which is resiliently supported against the edge webs (9, 10) from the outside in the second rotation position, wherein the at least one clamping part (31) has a projection (32) which engages between the two edge webs (9, 10) of the profile rail (1) in the second rotation position, so that the profile connector (2) is secured against rotation. [8] Base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that at least one arm section (13, 14) has an actuating part (33) at its free end, with which the arm section (13, 14) or the clamping part (31) can be spring-loaded away from the profile rail (1). [9] Base frame according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by , that the distance (L31) of the clamping part (31) and / or the actuating part (33) from the axis of rotation (D) is greater than half the width (B1) of the profile rail (1). [10] Base frame according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the profile connector (2) has two of the arm sections (13, 14) which extend radially in opposite directions from the axis of rotation (D) and which are designed in particular to be mirror-symmetric with respect to a median plane of the profile connector (1).

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