Connection arrangement and base frame for a sanitary tub with the connection arrangement

Abstract

Connecting arrangement, in particular for a base frame (42) for a sanitary tub, the connecting arrangement comprising: a profile rail (1) with a profile which is C-shaped in cross-section and which encloses a cavity (5), wherein a longitudinal opening (11) with an opening width (B11) is formed between two opposite edge webs (9, 10) of the profile rail (1); a profile connector (2) which can be detachably connected to the profile rail (1) and which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (D) relative to the profile rail (1) for assembly purposes; wherein the profile connector (2) has a head section (12) for engaging in the hollow space (5) of the profile rail (1), at least one arm section (13, 14) for resilient support on the profile rail (1) and a connecting section (15) for connecting the profile connector (2) to a connecting part (3, 4), wherein the head section (12) has a stepped end face with a base surface (23) and a contact surface (22) projecting axially relative to the base surface (23) for supporting a connecting web (6) of the profile rail (1) on the profile connector (2); wherein in a first rotational position of the profile connector (2) the head section (12) can be inserted into the longitudinal opening (11) of the profile rail (1), and wherein the profile connector (2) is rotatable into a second rotational position defined by a rotation 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).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting arrangement, in particular for a subframe for a sanitary tub, as well as a subframe for a sanitary tub with such a connecting arrangement. The subframe can be placed on a stationary floor, for example, to accommodate and support a sanitary object in the form of a shower tray. However, subframes can also be attached to stationary walls, for example, to fix the subframe to an existing wall or a partition wall.

[0002] DE 100 30 478 A1 discloses a subframe for a sanitary tub, in particular a shower tray. The subframe comprises a longitudinal strut, a node element attached to the longitudinal strut, and cross struts screwed to the node element. The longitudinal and cross struts support the sanitary tub at the base 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] A modular subframe for a shower tray is known from DE 103 58 622 B3. The subframe comprises a plurality of profiles and connecting elements that are plug-in connected to each other and together form a frame for supporting one edge of the tray, as well as a plurality of height-adjustable foot elements that support the frame.

[0004] DE 20 2020 100 611 U1 shows a height-adjustable support foot for a support frame for shower and bathtubs.

[0005] DE 60 2005 001 894 T2 discloses a fastening arrangement for fastening an object to a profile element having a longitudinal slot. For this purpose, the fastening arrangement comprises an elongated metal nut, a locking element, and a washer. The nut has a length greater than the width of the longitudinal slot. Furthermore, the width of the nut should be selected such that the nut's longitudinal axis is aligned with the longitudinal slot, into which the profile element can be inserted through the longitudinal slot, whereupon it can be rotated to extend substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal slot. Furthermore, the locking element comprises a flange engagement device having two spring arms, each extending diametrically from an annular body of the locking element in the longitudinal direction of the nut.

[0006] US 4,840,525 A discloses a connecting arrangement comprising a plastic retaining insert on top of a nut, which engages 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. The unit can then be rotated so that the nut comes to rest with its longer main axis under the lip-like edges of the channel and assumes its correct position by touching the channel edges. In addition, a retaining device is structured and shaped so that, by manual operation, the nut comes to rest in the correct rest position with the longer side of the nut under the lip-like edges of the channel.Furthermore, the retainer is designed and shaped so that when the retainer and nut are rotated to their final rest position, the retainer presses against the outer surface of the channel, holding the nut in place through friction between the nut, retainer, and channel. The engagement between the retainer and channel occurs on the inwardly inclined sides of the channel rim.

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

[0008] To achieve this, a connecting arrangement is proposed, in particular for a base frame for a sanitary tub, in particular a bathtub or shower tray, the connecting arrangement comprising: a profile rail with a profile that is C-shaped in cross section and encloses a hollow space, wherein a longitudinal opening with an opening width is formed between two opposing edge webs of the profile rail; a profile connector that is detachably connectable 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 portion for engaging in the hollow space of the profile rail, at least one arm portion for resilient support on the profile rail, and a connecting portion for connecting the profile connector to a connecting part;wherein, in a first rotational position of the profile connector, the head portion can be inserted into the longitudinal opening of the profile rail, and wherein the profile connector can be rotated into a second rotational position defined by a rotational stop, wherein, in the second rotational position, the head portion engages behind the edge webs, so that the head portion is supported from the inside against the edge webs, and the at least one arm portion is resiliently supported from the outside against the edge webs. Furthermore, the head portion has a stepped end face with a base surface and a contact surface projecting axially relative to the base surface for supporting a connecting web of the profile rail on the profile connector.

[0009] One advantage of the connection arrangement is that the profile connector can be quickly and reliably attached to a profile rail with a simple twisting movement. In the interests of easy installation, it is advantageous that the head section can be inserted into the cavity of the profile rail at any desired position through the longitudinal opening, which can also be referred to as the longitudinal gap. Installation from the front is therefore not necessary. The spring-loaded support of at least one arm section against the edge webs clamps the profile connector firmly to the profile rail so that the profile connector can no longer be accidentally moved relative to it. If the profile connector needs to be moved to a different position, this can be done easily 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 virtually no force. When at least one arm section is released, it is elastically pressed from the outside against the edge webs of the profile rail, so that the profile connector is once again firmly connected to the profile rail. Connection to and adjustment along the profile rail can be performed with simple, tool-free movements, enabling quick and easy installation.

[0010] According to one possible embodiment, the head section, viewed in cross-section or in axial view, can have a largest first diametrical extension that is greater than the width of the cavity, and a second diametrical extension that is smaller than the width of the cavity. The smaller diametrical extension of the head section enables the head section to be rotated past the side walls of the profile rail, starting from the first rotational position (insertion position). Upon further rotation, the head section then comes into contact with the side walls in the area of ​​the larger diametrical extension or strikes against them. In this second rotational position (fixing position), the head section engages behind the edge webs of the profile rail from the inside, so that the profile connector is positively fixed to it in the axial direction, i.e. parallel to the rotation axis.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 the largest diametrical extension is designed in such a way that the profile connector can be rotated by 80° to 100°, in particular by approximately 90°, starting from the first rotational position (insertion position) until it reaches the second rotational position (fixing position). The profile connector can preferably be rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational position in only one defined direction of rotation. The defined direction of rotation is preferably a right-hand rotation or a clockwise rotation. Accordingly, the profile connector can then only be rotated from the second rotational position back to the first rotational position by a left-hand rotation.

[0011] Furthermore, the maximum height of the head section can be adapted to the height of the cavity, so that the head section is clamped, particularly slidably, between a connecting web of the profile rail and the edge webs of the profile rail, at least in the second rotational position. 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, there is axial play between the head section and the connecting web, at least in the second rotational position. This allows the profile connector to be moved by hand along the profile rail with virtually no force once the clamping is released by pushing at least one arm section away from the profile rail, without the profile connector having to be rotated back to its first rotational position, or the insertion position. The axial play is expediently in a range of 0.1 millimeters to 1 millimeter. In particular, the axial play is less than 0.4 millimeters and can be approximately between 0.1 millimeters and 0.2 millimeters.When the connecting arrangement is loaded by a force acting on the profile rail from the outside, the axial play between the connecting web and one end face of the head section can be eliminated because the external force shifts the connecting web, or the profile rail, towards the head section against the spring force or clamping force of at least one arm section that counteracts the external force. The external force can be generated, for example, by the weight of a sanitary bathtub supported on the connecting arrangement. When loaded, the profile rail is supported by the connecting web on the head section of the profile connector. As a result, vertical forces acting on the profile rail in the loaded state are introduced directly into the head section and can be easily transferred to the connecting element connected to the connecting section of the profile connector.This makes the connecting arrangement particularly well-suited for absorbing external loads acting on the connecting arrangement parallel to the axis of rotation. In contrast, the axial play between the head section and the connecting web is maintained in the unloaded state of the connecting 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 axial play.

[0013] According to 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 rotational position. The head section has a stepped end face with a base surface and the end-face contact surface, which can be designed to protrude 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. The axial play can thus be formed between the end-face contact surface and the connecting web in the unloaded state. Furthermore, the end-face contact surface can be annular and can be designed concentrically to the axis of rotation.

[0014] According to one possible embodiment, the head section can have at least one ramp surface with a gradient component in the axial direction. A partially ramp-like design of a base side of the head section simplifies the rotation of the profile connector from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. When the head section is rotated from the first to the second rotational position, the ramp surface can be supported against an edge web of the profile rail, so that the head section is subjected to axial pressure away from the edge web in the direction of the connecting web. This ensures secure contact and engagement of the end face of the head section with the profile rail in the loaded state. In further detail, the ramp surface can transition into a base-side contact surface for supporting the head section against the edge webs of the profile rail, at least in the second rotational position.The at least one ramp surface can be arranged in front of the base-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 connecting arrangement, the at least one arm section presses the edge webs against the base side, in particular the at least one base-side contact surface of the head section. However, the at least one resilient arm section yields elastically in the loaded state of the connecting arrangement, 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 from the base side of the head section. In the loaded state, there is therefore axial play between the head section, or the at least one base-side contact surface, and the edge webs.The axial play present on the base side in the loaded state can correspond in size to the axial play present on the front side in the unloaded state.

[0015] Furthermore, the greatest width of the head section can be adapted to the width of the cavity so that the head section can be moved along the profile rail at least in the second rotational position. It is advantageous if the greatest width of the head section is such that in the second rotational position a radial play is created between the flanks of the profile rail and the sides of the head section facing the flanks. In this way, the sides of the head section can be slidably moved along the flanks when the profile connector is moved. The radial play per side is expediently in a range of 0.1 millimeters to 1 millimeter. In particular, the radial play is less than 0.4 millimeters and can be approximately between 0.1 millimeters and 0.2 millimeters. The width of the cavity preferably corresponds to the distance between the two parallel and oppositely aligned flanks of the profile rail.

[0016] The profile connector comprises at least one arm section, or preferably exactly two of the arm sections, which extend radially away from the rotational axis of the profile connector in opposite directions. The two arm sections can be designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to a center plane of the profile connector. The following features are described for the sake of simplicity for one arm section, although 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 part that, in the second rotational position, is resiliently supported from the outside against the edge webs. The resilient contact of the clamping part creates a force-locking connection between the profile connector and the profile rail. The clamping force of the arm sections counteracts the supporting force of the head section, each relative to the edge webs.

[0018] The clamping part preferably has a particularly elongated projection which, in the second rotational position, engages between the two edge webs or into the longitudinal opening of the profile rail, so that the profile connector is secured against rotation. The length of the projection corresponds at least approximately to the width of the longitudinal opening. The projection can be arranged centrally on the clamping part, which has a greater length than the width of the longitudinal opening for external support against the edge webs. In addition to the anti-rotation protection, the snapping of the projection into the longitudinal opening generates a snapping sound that serves as an acoustic signal to the installer that the fixing position has been reached.

[0019] The arm section can have an actuating part at its free end, with which the arm section or the clamping part can be resiliently urged away from the profile rail. Preferably, the actuating part is designed as a handle protruding downwards from the arm section. When two arm sections are used, the two actuating parts can be urged towards each other with one hand so that the two arm sections with their clamping parts are lifted from the underside of the profile rail and the clamping is released. The two arm sections can expediently be moved towards each other with the thumb and index finger of the hand. The profile connector can now be moved along the profile rail in the second rotational position and / or rotated relative to the profile rail into the first rotational position if necessary.

[0020] According to one possible embodiment, the distance between the clamping part and / or the actuating part and the rotation axis is greater than half the width of the profile rail. This allows a connecting part to be connected to the connecting section, such as a base element or a fastening element, to be inserted between the clamping or actuating parts and thus positioned close to the profile rail. This can be advantageous, for example, for flat structures, such as a ground-level shower tray, since the axial installation space of the connecting arrangement is limited.

[0021] The profile rail, which has a C-shaped cross-section, can have two parallel flanks that are connected by the connecting web. At the free ends of the flanks, the edge webs can be arranged at right angles, in particular curved inward. 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 designed 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 object is further achieved by a subframe for a sanitary tub, in particular a bathtub or shower tray, wherein the subframe comprises a plurality of connecting arrangements designed according to one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments, wherein in at least one of the connecting arrangements, the connecting element of the respective profile connector is a height-adjustable foot element for supporting the subframe on a stationary floor or a fastening element for fastening the subframe to a stationary wall. The subframe according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in connection with the connecting arrangement according to the invention, so that reference is made here for short to the above description.

[0024] Furthermore, the respective foot element can be screwed to the connecting section of the profile connector for height adjustment. This allows the base frame to be easily aligned when placed on the floor.

[0025] Furthermore, the respective fastening element can be releasably clamped to the connecting section of the profile connector by means of a clamping element. The clamping element can be designed 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 associated profile rail to the stationary wall. The fastening element can, for example, be an angle element 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. 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 rotational position (inserted 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, wherein the profile connector is shown in a second rotational position (fixing position); Fig. 3 a perspective view obliquely from above of the connection arrangement from the Fig. 1, in which the profile connector is shown in the first rotational position (insertion position); Fig. 4 a perspective view obliquely from above of the connection arrangement from the Fig. 2, in which the profile connector is shown in the second rotational position (fixing position); Fig. 5 a top view of the profile connector according to the invention, which is clamped to the fastening element; Fig. 6 a perspective view from above of the profile connector from the Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is clamped to the fastening element; Fig. 7 a side view of the profile connector from the Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is clamped to the fastening element; Fig. 8 another side view of the profile connector from the Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is clamped to the fastening element; Fig. 9 a perspective view from above of the profile connector from the Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screw-connected to a base element; Fig. 10 another perspective view from above of the profile connector from the Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screw-connected to the base element; Fig. 11 a side view of the profile connector from the Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screw-connected to the base element; Fig. 12 another side view of the profile connector from the Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screw-connected to the base element; Fig. 13 a cross-sectional view of the profile connector from the Fig. 5, wherein the profile connector is screw-connected to the base element; and Fig. 14 a perspective view obliquely from below of a base frame according to an embodiment.

[0027] In the Fig. 1 to 13, a connecting arrangement for a base frame for a sanitary tub, in particular a shower tray, according to one embodiment is shown. Fig. 1 to 13 are described together below.

[0028] The connection arrangement comprises a profile rail 1 and a profile connector 2. By means of the profile connector 2, a connecting part 3, 4 can be connected to the profile rail 1. Merely to clarify the interaction of the profile connector 2 with a connecting part, Fig. 1 to 13 the profile connector 2 is shown together with the connecting part 3, 4. Specifically, in the Fig. 1 to 8, the connecting part is an example of a fastening element 3 clamped to the profile connector 2 for fastening the profile rail 1 to a stationary structure, for example a wall in a sanitary area. Fig. 9 to 13, the connecting part is, by way of example, a foot element 4 screw-connected to the profile connector 2 for the height-adjustable support of the profile rail 1 on a stationary 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 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 rotation axis D relative to the profile rail 1 for assembly purposes. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 show 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. The Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 show 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. 5, the head section 12 has a largest first diametrical extension L1, which is greater than the width B5 of the cavity 5, and a second diametrical extension L2, which is smaller than the width B5 of the cavity 5. The smaller second diametrical extension L2 of the head section 12 enables the head section 12 to be rotated past the flanks 7, 8 of the profile rail 1, starting from the first rotational position (insertion position). Upon further rotation about the rotation axis D, the head section 12 then comes into contact with the flanks 7, 8 in the region of the first diametrical extension L2 or strikes against them. In this second rotational position (fixing position), the head section 12 engages behind the edge webs 9, 10 of the profile rail 1 from the inside, so that the profile connector 2 is positively fixed to them in the axial direction.Due to the rotation stop, the profile connector 2 assumes a defined rotation position relative to the profile rail 1 in the second rotation position. The outer contour of the head section 12 or the largest diametrical extension L1 is designed such that the profile connector 2 can be rotated by approximately 90° starting from the first rotation position until the second rotation position is reached.

[0033] The outer contour of the head section 12 is defined by two longitudinal sides 16 arranged parallel to one another and two transverse sides 17 arranged parallel to one another. In each of two diametrically opposite 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 an angle of 90 degrees. Furthermore, the outer contour of the head section 12 has two further diametrically opposite 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 of which connects one of the two longitudinal sides 16 and one of the two transverse sides 17.The 90-degree corners 18, 19 form the rotation stop, so that the profile connector 2 can only be rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position by a clockwise rotation about the rotation axis D. Similarly, the profile connector 2 can only be rotated from the second rotation position back to the first rotation position by a counterclockwise rotation about the rotation axis D.

[0034] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 it can be seen 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. 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 rotational position, a clearance fit, or rather a radial clearance S7, S8, occurs 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 referred to as the greatest width of the head section 12, is greater than the width B12.

[0035] The head section 12 has a frontal contact surface 22, which in the second rotational position is spaced from the connecting web 6 of the profile rail 1, forming an axial play S22. The contact surface 22 projects axially relative to a frontal 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 rotational axis D. Essentially annular means that the contact surface 22, as shown in the Fig. 5, can be trimmed by the two longitudinal sides 16. Furthermore, the contact surface 22 can be delimited radially inwardly by an opening 24, which is designed, here as an example, as a hexagonal hole. In principle, this opening 24 can also have a different geometric shape, for example, a round shape.

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

[0037] Furthermore, the head section 12 has a base-side contact surface 27, which in the second rotational position is in contact with the edge webs 9, 10 and is supported against them. In an imaginary extension to the rounded corners 20, 21, the head section 12 has a ramp surface 28 on the base side, which merges into the base-side contact surface 27. The ramp surfaces 28 have a gradient component in the axial direction, so that when the head section 12 is rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the ramp surfaces 28 can be supported against the edge webs 9, 10. As a result, the head section 12 is axially loaded away from the edge webs 9, 10 in the direction of the connecting web 6 when transferred to the second rotational position. Fig. 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 rotational 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 front-side contact surface 22 and the bottom-side contact surface 27 and, due to the clearance S22, is slightly smaller than the height H5 of the cavity 5 of the profile rail 1. The height H5 is defined by the distance between the connecting web 6 and the edge webs 9, 10.

[0038] Below the base-side contact surface 27 of the head section 12, the profile connector 2 has a clamping plate 29 that is firmly connected to the head section 12. A gap 30 is formed between the clamping plate 29 and the base-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 rotational position, the edge webs 9, 10 engage in the gap 30 and are then arranged between the base-side contact surface 27 and the clamping plate 29.

[0039] The two arm sections 13, 14 protrude radially outward from the clamping plate 29. Together with the clamping plate 29 and the head section 12, the two arm sections 13, 14 form a one-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 mirror-symmetrically with respect to a center plane of the profile connector 2, in which the rotation axis D lies. The arm sections 13, 14 each have a clamping part 31 at their free ends. A distance L31 of the respective clamping part 31 from the rotation axis D is greater than half the width B1 of the profile rail 1, as shown, for example, in the Fig. 1 can be seen. In the second rotational position, the two clamping parts 31 are resiliently supported from the outside against the edge webs 9, 10. The resilient contact of the clamping parts 31 creates a force-locking connection between the profile connector 2 and the profile rail 1. The clamping force of the arm sections 13, 14 counteracts the supporting force of the head section 12, in each case relative to the edge webs 9, 10. The respective clamping part 31 can have a projection 32 which, in the second rotational position, engages in the longitudinal opening 11 formed between the two edge webs 9, 10, so that the profile connector 2 is secured against rotation in the second rotational position. When the projections 32 snap into the longitudinal opening 11, a snapping sound is generated which serves as an acoustic signal to the fitter that the second rotational position (fixing 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 greater 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 part 33 at their free ends, which protrudes from a side of the respective arm section 13, 14 facing away from the clamping part 31. The actuating parts 33 are designed as handles projecting downward from the arm sections 13, 14. The two actuating parts 33 can be pushed toward each other with one hand, so that the two arm sections 13, 14 with their clamping parts 31 are lifted off 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 is inserted with the head section 12 through the longitudinal opening 11 into the cavity 5 of the profile rail 1. The two actuating parts 33 are then pushed towards each other with one hand, and the profile connector 2 is rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational position by rotating them clockwise about the rotation axis D. It is advantageous if the actuating parts 33 are only pushed towards each other by hand far enough so that the projections 32 slide along the edge webs 9, 10 when rotating into the second rotational position, so that they can audibly snap into the longitudinal opening 11 when the second rotational position is reached. After the 90-degree rotation, the transverse sides 17 of the head section 12 now rest against the flanks 7, 8 of the profile rail 1, forming the radial play S7, S8.

[0043] 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 has to manually push the two actuating parts 33 towards each other to lift the clamping parts 31 from the profile rail 1, thus releasing the clamping. The profile connector 2 can now be moved to the desired position by hand and with virtually no force. When the two actuating parts 33 are released, the clamping parts 31 are elastically pressed against the edge webs 9, 10 of the profile rail 1 from the outside, so that the profile connector 2 is once again force-fittingly connected to the profile rail 1.

[0044] In the second rotational position, the profile connector 2 is fixed to the profile rail 1 and can be loaded in the axial direction. The connecting assembly can be supported on a stationary component via the connecting part 3, 4. If the connecting assembly is now loaded by an external force, the profile rail 1 with the connecting web 6 is pressed against the frontal contact surface 22, so that the play S22 is eliminated. At the same time, the profile rail 1 presses with the two edge webs 9, 10 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 play occurs between the edge webs 9, 10 and the base-side contact surfaces 27 in the loaded state, which at least approximately corresponds in size to the play S22 present on the front side in the unloaded state.

[0045] To disassemble the profile connector 2, the clamping is first released by pushing the two actuating parts 33 toward each other, and the profile connector 2 is rotated from the second rotational position back to the first rotational position. Only in the first rotational position can the head section 12 be removed through the longitudinal opening 11.

[0046] The connecting section 15 is arranged between the two actuating parts 33 and 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.

[0047] In the Fig. 5 to 8, the profile connector 2 is shown together with the fastening element 3 for fastening the profile rail 1 to a stationary structure, for example, a wall in a sanitary area. The fastening element 3 can, for example, be an angle element made of sheet metal, which has an opening 36, 37 on each of its two legs 34, 35, in particular in the form of an elongated hole for fastening. The fastening element 3 is releasably clamped to the connecting section 15 of the profile connector 2 arranged on the screw means 26 by means of a clamping element 38. The clamping element 38 is, here, a wing nut that is screwed by hand to the screw means 26 having an external thread. The screw means 26 can be a hexagon screw, for example, with a thread length of 20 millimeters to 50 millimeters and a diameter of M8 standardized according to DIN 933, although other screw sizes are also conceivable and possible.The screw head of the hexagon screw is inserted into the opening 24 in a twist-proof manner. The leg 34 of the fastening element 3 is clamped between the clamping plate 29 and the tensioning element 38 in the clamped state. The leg 35 can be screwed to a vertically aligned building wall (not shown).

[0048] In the Fig. 9 to 13, the profile connector 2 is shown together with the height-adjustable base element 4 for supporting the profile rail 1 against a stationary structure, for example, a floor in a sanitary area. The base element 4 has a central threaded bore 39, by means of which the base element 4 is screwed onto the connecting section 15 of the screwing means 26. The screwing means 26 can be a threaded bolt that can be pressed into the bore 25. In principle, however, it is also possible for the screwing means 26 to be a screw, in particular a hexagon screw, as described above. To fix the desired length of the base element 4, a nut 40 is provided here, which is screwed onto the base element 4 from above. A cap 41 is attached to the underside of the base element 4, which cap rests on the stationary floor when erected.

[0049] In the Fig. 14 shows a subframe for a sanitary tub, in particular a shower tray, according to one embodiment. The subframe 42 serves, in a conventional manner, to support the sanitary tub (not shown) against a stationary base (not shown), for example, a floor in a sanitary area.

[0050] The base frame 42 has a frame, which is rectangular in shape here, made up of several of the aforementioned connecting arrangements. In the erected state, the profile rails 1 are arranged with the longitudinal openings 11 facing the stationary floor. By means of the height-adjustable foot elements 4, of which the base frame 42 comprises 13 foot elements 4, the height of the base frame 42 is adjustable and the profile rails 1 can be aligned horizontally. For the sake of clarity, 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 stationary wall (not shown) in the sanitary area, the base frame 42 has, here as an example, a fastening element 3. In the assembled state, the sanitary tub rests on the base frame 42, so that the connecting arrangements forming the base frame 42 are loaded in the axial direction, i.e., parallel to the rotation axis D (loaded state). List of reference symbols 1 profile rail 2 profile connectors 3 Connecting part or fastening element 4 Connecting part or foot element 5 Cavity 6 connecting bridge 7 flank 8 flank 9 Edge bar 10 edge web 11 Longitudinal opening 12 head section 13 arm section 14 arm section 15 connecting section 16 Long side 17 short side 18 Corner 19 Corner 20 corner 21 Corner 22 contact surface 23 floor space 24 Opening 25 bore 26 screw tools 27 contact surface 28 ramp area 29 clamping plate 30 gap 31 clamping part 32 lead 33 Actuating part 34 legs 35 legs 36 Opening 37 Opening 38 clamping element 39 threaded hole 40 mother 41 cap 42 Undercarriage A profile thickness B Width D axis of rotation H Height L extension S game

Claims

[1] Connecting arrangement, in particular for a base frame (42) for a sanitary tub, the connecting arrangement comprising: a profile rail (1) with a profile which is C-shaped in cross-section and which encloses a cavity (5), wherein a longitudinal opening (11) with an opening width (B11) is formed between two opposite edge webs (9, 10) of the profile rail (1); a profile connector (2) which can be detachably connected to the profile rail (1) and which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (D) relative to the profile rail (1) for assembly purposes; wherein the profile connector (2) has a head section (12) for engaging in the hollow space (5) of the profile rail (1), at least one arm section (13, 14) for resilient support on the profile rail (1) and a connecting section (15) for connecting the profile connector (2) to a connecting part (3, 4), wherein the head section (12) has a stepped end face with a base surface (23) and a contact surface (22) projecting axially relative to the base surface (23) for supporting a connecting web (6) of the profile rail (1) on the profile connector (2); wherein in a first rotational position of the profile connector (2) the head section (12) can be inserted into the longitudinal opening (11) of the profile rail (1), and wherein the profile connector (2) is rotatable into a second rotational position which is defined by a rotation 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). [2] Connecting arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the head portion (12) viewed in cross-section has a largest first diametrical extension (L1) which is greater than the width (B5) of the cavity (5) and a second diametrical extension (L2) which is smaller than the width (B5) of the cavity (5). [3] Connecting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the head section (12) has a greatest height (H12) which is adapted to the height (H5) of the cavity (5), so that the head section (12) is clamped at least in the second rotational position between the connecting web (6) of the profile rail (2) and the edge webs (9, 10). [4] Connecting arrangement according to claim 3, characterized by that at least in the second rotational position there is an axial play (S22) between the head section (12) and the connecting web (6). [5] Connecting arrangement according to claim 4, characterized by that the frontal contact surface (22) is annular and is arranged in particular concentrically to the axis of rotation (D). [6] Connecting arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by in that the head section (12) has at least one ramp surface (28) with a gradient 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 rotational position into the second rotational position, so that the head section (12) is axially loaded away from the edge web (9, 10). [7] Connecting arrangement according to claim 6, characterized bythat the ramp surface (28) merges into a base-side contact surface (27) for supporting the head section (12) on the edge webs (9, 10) of the profile rail (1). [8] Connecting arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the at least one arm section (13, 14) has a clamping part (31) which, in the second rotational position, is resiliently supported from the outside against the edge webs (9, 10). [9] Connecting arrangement according to claim 8, characterized by that 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 rotational position, so that the profile connector (2) is secured against rotation. [10] Connecting arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat the 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 resiliently urged away from the profile rail (1). [11] Connecting arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 10, 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). [12] Connecting arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, 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 mirror-symmetrically with respect to a center plane of the profile connector (1). [13] Underframe for a sanitary tub, in particular a bath or shower tray, wherein the underframe comprises a plurality of connecting arrangements according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein in at least one of the connecting arrangements the connecting element of the respective profile connector (1) is a height-adjustable foot element (4) for supporting the underframe (42) on a stationary floor or a fastening element (3) for fastening the underframe (42) to a stationary wall. [14] Underframe according to claim 13, characterized by that the respective foot element (4) is screw-connected to the connecting section (15) of the profile connector (1) in a height-adjustable manner, and / or that the respective fastening element (3) is releasably 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 screw-connected to the connecting section (15).

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