Connector for mechanically fastening a first component to a second component and component connection

Abstract

Connector (76) for mechanically fastening a first component (12) to a second component (14), wherein the first component (12) has at least one first coupling groove (34) which has a first undercut (44) acting along a groove depth direction (38), and the second component (14) has at least one second coupling groove (52) which has a second undercut (62) acting along a groove depth direction (56), wherein the connector (76) is plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped and comprises: - a first engagement element (78) for anchoring in the first undercut (44), - a second engagement element (80) for anchoring in the second undercut (62), and - an application body (86) for positioning at least a portion of the first engagement element (78) in the first undercut (44) and at least a portion of the second engagement element (80) in the second undercut (62), characterized in that the loading body (86) is kinematically coupled to the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80), wherein at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80) is coupled to the loading body (86) via a gear.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector for mechanically fastening a first component to a second component according to the preamble of claim 1. The first component has at least one first coupling groove, which has a first undercut acting along a groove depth direction. The second component has at least one second coupling groove, which has a second undercut acting along a groove depth direction.

[0002] The invention is further directed to a component connection comprising a first component with at least one first coupling groove. A groove opening of the first coupling groove lies in a contact surface of the first component. Furthermore, the first coupling groove has a first undercut acting along a groove depth direction. The component connection also comprises a second component with at least one second coupling groove. A groove opening of the second coupling groove lies in a contact surface of the second component. Furthermore, the second coupling groove has a second undercut acting along a groove depth direction. The component connection additionally comprises a connector of the type mentioned above.

[0003] In this context, a groove depth direction is understood to be a direction that extends between a groove opening and a groove base. A groove opening is usually elongated. Otherwise, it is referred to as a hole or bore. The groove opening is generally located opposite the groove base. In a groove that is bounded on both sides along its extension direction, the groove opening is the only opening in the groove. In a groove that has one or two open ends along its extension direction, only the opening extending along the extension direction is considered a groove opening.

[0004] Therefore, one or both open ends do not constitute a groove opening. The same applies to openings resulting from other design elements, such as transverse grooves or transverse bores. In this context, a direction parallel to the longer side of the elongated groove opening is considered the direction of extension. Grooves that have a groove depth that changes along the direction of extension such that the groove depth decreases to zero at one or both ends of the groove are considered to be unilaterally or bilaterally limited grooves.

[0005] Accordingly, an undercut acting along a groove depth direction has an undercut in a direction from the groove base to the groove opening. Thus, an element engaging in the undercut cannot be pulled out of the groove along the groove depth direction because it forms a positive connection with the undercut.

[0006] Such undercuts and the associated coupling grooves can be produced using familiar tools and methods. The tools can be stationary or hand-held.

[0007] Connectors and component joints of the type mentioned above are generally known. They are used, for example, to mechanically fasten, i.e., connect, wooden components. Such components can be furniture parts. Alternatively, the components can be structural elements of a wooden structure, e.g., from the construction industry. However, it should be understood that the connectors and component joints mentioned above are not limited to a specific material class or a specific area of ​​application. They can also be used for components made of plastic, metal, ceramic, stone, etc.

[0008] In all conceivable applications, undercuts acting along a corresponding groove depth direction offer the advantage of allowing components to be fastened together with high reliability. In this case, the undercuts can create a positive connection. This is especially true compared to coupling grooves, which do not have such an undercut.

[0009] Furthermore, a connector according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 18 03 365 A. Furthermore, DE 10 2014 101 158 A1, DE 103 15 045 A1, DE 20 2007 003 061 U1, EP 3 436 710 B1, EP 3 488 114 B1, WO 2021 / 180353 A1, DE 10 2009 043 179 B4 and EP 1 990 549 A1 show known connectors.

[0010] The present invention is based on the object of providing a connector and an associated component connection which are simple and cost-effective while having a known high reliability of the connection.

[0011] The problem is solved by a connector for mechanically fastening a first component to a second component. The first component has at least one first coupling groove, which has a first undercut acting along a groove depth direction. The second component has at least one second coupling groove, which has a second undercut acting along a groove depth direction. The connector is plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped. Furthermore, the connector comprises a first engagement element for anchoring in the first undercut and a second engagement element for anchoring in the second undercut. In addition, the connector comprises an application body for positioning at least a portion of the first engagement element in the first undercut and at least a portion of the second engagement element in the second undercut.The loading body is kinematically coupled to the first engagement element and the second engagement element. In this context, the first undercut can be arranged in the region of the groove base of the first coupling groove. Alternatively or additionally, the second undercut can be arranged in the region of the groove base of the second coupling groove. Due to its plate shape or flat bar shape, the connector is particularly well suited to connecting components via coupling grooves. When the connector is assembled, a thickness direction of the connector, which corresponds to the smallest spatial dimension of the connector, extends along a groove width direction, i.e. perpendicular to a direction of travel of the groove and perpendicular to a groove depth direction. This makes the connector ideal for use in component connections that must only fill a comparatively small installation space.This applies particularly to the use of the connector for connecting plate-shaped components. In such an application, the thickness direction of the connector extends parallel to a thickness direction of the plate-shaped component in the assembled state. Furthermore, the plate shape or flat bar shape has the advantage that a holding force acting between the connector and each of the first and second components acts distributed over a comparatively large section of the first component and the second component. The holding force is introduced into the respective component via line contact between the connector and the first and / or second component or via surface contact between the connector and the first and / or second component. This results in comparatively small mechanical stresses within the first component and the second component.In addition, a linear or surface-like engagement can be realized between the connector and the first undercut and / or second undercut. This leads to a particularly secure and reliable fastening of the first component and the second component to one another. This is also contributed to by the fact that the connector has both a first engagement element and a second engagement element and that a single loading body is provided for both engagement elements. In this context, the loading body can both position the engagement elements into the respectively assigned undercut and position the engagement elements within the respectively assigned undercut. In the assembled state, the connector is therefore anchored in the first component and the second component simultaneously. The engagement elements can therefore also be referred to as anchoring elements or jaws.On the one hand, such a connector is structurally simple, which facilitates cost-effective production. On the other hand, it is easy to use, as it allows components to be quickly and easily attached to one another.

[0012] It should be noted that the effects and advantages explained with reference to the plate shape or flat bar shape are particularly evident compared to circular-cylindrical or round bar-shaped connectors, since plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped connectors can, in comparison, be coupled to the components to be connected over comparatively large sections. In this context, a predetermined component thickness often means that at least one dimension of the connector cannot be increased arbitrarily. In the case of a circular-cylindrical or round bar-shaped connector, this is usually the diameter. With plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped connectors, only the corresponding thickness is limited by the component thickness. The remaining dimensions can essentially be freely adjusted.

[0013] Furthermore, it is understood that the first engagement element and the second engagement element must protrude, at least in the assembled state and at least locally, from the other components of the plate-shaped or flat-bar-shaped connector in order to engage the associated undercut. Preferably, the first engagement element and the second engagement element protrude from the connector parallel to the thickness direction of the connector.

[0014] In one variant, the first engagement element and the second engagement element are made of a metal material. This allows the engagement elements to be anchored with particularly high reliability in the associated coupling grooves, especially in the undercuts present there.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element are / are firmly connected to the loading body. The first engagement element and / or the second engagement element can be manufactured in one piece with the loading body, e.g., by means of a casting or injection-molding process. Alternatively, the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element can be connected to the loading body during the manufacture of the connector, e.g., by a suitable joining process. In both variants, a structurally particularly simple and therefore particularly cost-effective connector is obtained. Assembly activities for manufacturing the connector are limited to the assembly of the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element or can be omitted entirely.

[0016] The loading body can have the shape of a circular disk section or the shape of a circular disk. The loading body is thus structurally simple and can be manufactured with little effort. In addition, such a shape is advantageous when it comes to positioning the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element in the respectively assigned undercut. A loading body in the shape of a circular disk section or circular disk has comparatively few geometric elements, e.g. corners and edges, which can undesirably collide with elements of the first component and / or the second component when the loading body is moved and can be blocked by them. Rather, such a shape of the loading body promotes the fact that, upon contact with the first component and / or the second component, it slides off the latter and is thus moved towards the desired position.In this context, an actuating element of the actuating body, i.e., an element through which an actuating force or torque can be introduced into the actuating body, can be arranged centrally in the circular disc section shape or centrally in the circular disc shape. This leads to a uniform, ideally symmetrical force distribution.

[0017] In one variant, at least one of the first engagement element and the second engagement element is designed as an arcuate projection. Such engagement elements can be positioned particularly easily in associated undercuts. Furthermore, such engagement elements are particularly suitable for interacting with arcuate groove sections and arcuate undercuts. In such a configuration, the engagement elements can be easily inserted into the associated undercut by means of a rotational movement of the connector.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the connector comprises, in addition to the first engagement element and the second engagement element, a third engagement element and a fourth engagement element.

[0019] The third engagement element is preferably designed to be anchored in a third undercut. Advantageously, the first coupling groove has the third undercut, wherein the third undercut acts along a groove depth direction of the first coupling groove. Furthermore, the fourth engagement element is preferably designed to be anchored in a fourth undercut. Advantageously, the second coupling groove has the fourth undercut, wherein the fourth undercut acts along a groove depth direction of the second coupling groove. The third engagement element can be provided at the same end of the connector as the first engagement element. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth engagement element can be arranged at the same end of the connector as the second engagement element. This results in a connector that can be anchored in the first coupling groove and / or in the second coupling groove with particularly high reliability.

[0020] In one design alternative, one or more of the engagement elements have at least one insertion bevel. This facilitates the insertion of the respective engagement element into an associated undercut.

[0021] In one variant, at least one of the engagement elements is coupled to the loading body via a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism enables the engagement element to move in a predetermined manner depending on the loading body. Loading one of the engagement elements by the loading body thus results in a predetermined movement of the engagement element, allowing it to engage reliably and in a predetermined manner in an associated undercut.

[0022] By means of the gear mechanism, the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element can be selectively moved into a retracted position or an extended position, for example, along a thickness direction of the connector. This occurs with high reliability and precision. The retracted position can be particularly suitable for easily inserting the connector into the first coupling groove and / or the second coupling groove and / or easily removing the connector from the first coupling groove and / or the second coupling groove. The extended position can be designed to anchor the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element in the respectively assigned undercut.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element can be selectively moved into a retracted position or an extended position, for example, along a longitudinal direction of the connector that runs transversely to the thickness direction of the connector and, in the assembled state, along a groove depth direction. This also occurs with high reliability and precision. The extended position can be particularly suitable for easily inserting the connector into the first coupling groove and / or the second coupling groove and / or easily removing the connector from the first coupling groove and / or the second coupling groove.The extended position can be coordinated with the groove depths of the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove in such a way that the first component and the second component are held at a defined distance from one another when the connector is inserted into both the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove and assumes the extended position. This distance corresponds to a retraction path, i.e. a distance over which the first component and the second component are moved towards one another when the connector is transferred into the retracted position until they abut one another via the respective contact surfaces. It is understood that in order to move towards one another or to be retracted, the first engagement element and the second engagement element must be anchored in the respectively assigned undercut. The retracted position can be designed to bring first and second components, which are to be fastened to one another by means of the connector, against one another.Such a system can be realized under force application.

[0024] In an alternative, the actuating body is kinematically coupled to at least one of a first engagement element and a second engagement element via a primary cam mechanism. In this context, the designation of the cam mechanism as primary serves merely for ease of explanation. A number of cam mechanisms is not implied. Cam mechanisms are simple and robust in design. Furthermore, a non-uniform transmission ratio between the actuating body and the engagement element can be realized in this way. Thus, at least one extended position and at least one retracted position can be easily realized using the primary cam mechanism.

[0025] The primary cam mechanism can have a cam surface arranged on the actuating body. Furthermore, the primary cam mechanism can have a counter-surface assigned to the cam surface, which is arranged on at least one of the first engagement element and the second engagement element or is operatively connected to at least one of the first engagement element and the second engagement element. The counter-surface is therefore provided directly on the assigned engagement element or on an intermediate element lying kinematically between the actuating body and the assigned engagement element. In this context, a counter-surface is assigned to the cam surface if it is intended to contact the cam surface in order to form the primary cam mechanism. The cam surface and the counter-surface can be of any shape, e.g.curved to effect any desired but predetermined translation between a movement of the loading body and a movement of the associated engagement element.

[0026] It is also possible for the primary cam mechanism to have a cam surface arranged on the actuating body and a counter-surface associated with the cam surface, which is arranged on a coupling element that kinematically couples the actuating body to at least one of a first engagement element and a second engagement element. For example, the coupling element can be used to bridge a distance between the actuating body and the associated engagement element. Furthermore, the coupling element can serve to arrange the cam surface and the counter-surface in a space-saving manner.

[0027] In one example, the coupling element is a coupling slide.

[0028] The cam surface of the primary cam mechanism and the associated counter surface can be self-locking at least in a predetermined relative position. In this way, the associated engagement element can be held in a predetermined relative position relative to the actuating body by means of the primary cam mechanism.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the application body is kinematically coupled to at least one of a first engagement element and a second engagement element via a secondary cam mechanism. In this context, the designation of the cam mechanism as secondary serves merely for ease of explanation. A number of cam mechanisms is not implied, although in a case in which the connector comprises a primary cam mechanism and a secondary cam mechanism, at least two cam mechanisms are naturally present. Cam mechanisms are simple and robust in construction. Furthermore, a non-uniform transmission ratio between the application body and the engagement element can be realized in this way. Thus, at least one extended position and at least one retracted position can be easily realized by means of the secondary cam mechanism.

[0030] The secondary cam mechanism can have a cam surface arranged on the actuating body. Furthermore, the secondary cam mechanism can have a counter-surface assigned to the cam surface, which is arranged on at least one of the first engagement element and the second engagement element or is operatively connected to at least one of the first engagement element and the second engagement element. The counter-surface is therefore provided directly on the assigned engagement element or on an intermediate element lying kinematically between the actuating body and the assigned engagement element. In this context, a counter-surface is assigned to the cam surface if it is intended to contact the cam surface in order to form the secondary cam mechanism. The cam surface and the counter-surface can be of any shape, e.g.curved to effect any desired but predetermined translation between a movement of the loading body and a movement of the associated engagement element.

[0031] The cam surface of the secondary cam mechanism and the associated counter surface can be self-locking at least in a predetermined relative position. In this way, the associated engagement element can be held in a predetermined relative position relative to the actuating body by means of the secondary cam mechanism.

[0032] In one variant, the primary cam mechanism and the secondary cam mechanism are coordinated such that, when the first component and the second component are assembled together, the first engagement element and the second engagement element are first moved into the extended position along a thickness direction of the connector. This anchors the first engagement element and the second engagement element in the respective associated undercut. The first engagement element and the second engagement element are then moved into the retracted position along a longitudinal direction of the connector that runs transversely to the thickness direction of the connector and, in the assembled state, along a groove depth direction. Thus, the first component and the second component are brought into contact with one another.When the primary cam mechanism moves the first engagement element and the second engagement element into the extended position along the thickness direction of the connector, and the secondary cam mechanism moves the first engagement element and the second engagement element into the retracted position along the longitudinal direction, the cam surfaces and mating surfaces forming the primary cam mechanism must first interact with each other. Only then may the cam surfaces and mating surfaces forming the secondary cam mechanism interact with each other. When disassembling the first component and the second component from each other, the described steps and processes are carried out in reverse order.

[0033] In one design alternative, the connector comprises a carrier, wherein the loading body is mounted on the carrier so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The loading body can be held by the carrier in a defined position relative to the associated engagement elements. Such a connector is particularly reliable in its function. Furthermore, the carrier can serve to position the connector within the first and / or the second coupling groove. In the event that the carrier serves to position the connector both within the first coupling groove and within the second coupling groove, the first component and the second component can be positioned relative to one another by means of the carrier. Forces can also be introduced into the connector or diverted from the connector over a comparatively large area by means of the carrier.The connector can thus connect the first and second components with a high holding force, which, however, results in only comparatively low mechanical stresses within the first and second components. The carrier is preferably designed with two shells, so that the loading body can be at least partially accommodated between the two shells of the carrier.

[0034] At least one of the first engagement element and the second engagement element can be mounted on the carrier so that it can be translationally displaced. Such translational displaceability can be used to engage the engagement element with an undercut. Alternatively or additionally, the translational displaceability can be used to move the first component and the second component toward each other. Consequently, the first component and the second component can be reliably placed against each other.

[0035] It is also possible for at least one of the first engagement element and the second engagement element to be connected to the support in an articulated manner. The joint is formed, for example, by a film hinge. The engagement element is thus held securely on the support while still being movable.

[0036] In another embodiment, the loading body comprises at least one loading arm that is rotatable about the rotation axis. By means of such an loading arm, an associated engagement element can be precisely and reliably subjected to an actuating force. Furthermore, the loading arm can form a lever element, by means of which comparatively small forces can be converted into comparatively large forces.

[0037] The loading arm can be made of a metal material. This type of loading arm is suitable for particularly high forces and is particularly durable.

[0038] At least one cam surface can be arranged at a free end of the actuating arm. The free end is understood to be the end facing away from the pivot point of the actuating arm. Consequently, a movement of the actuating arm actuates the cam mechanism associated with the cam surface.

[0039] In one embodiment, the loading body is bolt-shaped, at least in sections. Such a loading body is particularly compact. Preferably, a central axis of the bolt coincides with a rotational axis of the loading body.

[0040] At least one cam surface can be arranged on the outer circumference of a bolt-shaped section of the actuating body. Thus, the cam mechanism associated with the cam surface is actuated by a movement of the actuating body.

[0041] In one embodiment, the loading body has an actuating element for introducing an actuating force and / or an actuating torque. This allows the actuating force and / or the actuating torque to be easily and reliably introduced into the loading body. In one example, the actuating element is designed as an engagement opening. The engagement opening can be adapted to an actuating tool that can engage in the engagement opening to actuate the loading body. For example, the engagement opening has a hexagonal cross-section designed to accommodate one end of an Allen key. The engagement opening can be designed as a through-hole or a blind opening.

[0042] Preferably, to assemble the first component and the second component to one another, a rotation of the actuating tool of less than 180 degrees, in particular less than 170 degrees, and more particularly less than 160 degrees, is necessary. The connector can thus be conveniently actuated using the actuating tool. Repositioning the tool is thus rarely or never necessary.

[0043] The object is further achieved by a component connection. The component connection comprises a first component with at least one first coupling groove, the groove opening of which lies in a first contact surface of the first component and which has a first undercut acting along a groove depth direction. The component connection additionally comprises a second component with at least one second coupling groove, the groove opening of which lies in a second contact surface of the second component and which has a second undercut acting along a groove depth direction. Furthermore, the component connection comprises a connector according to the invention. The connector is arranged in sections within the first coupling groove and in sections within the second coupling groove. The first engagement element of the connector engages in the first undercut. The second engagement element of the connector engages in the second undercut.Furthermore, the first contact surface of the first component and the second contact surface of the second component contact each other. This results in the part of the connector accommodated in the first coupling groove and the part of the connector accommodated in the second coupling groove complementing each other to form the entire connector. The undercuts are preferably arranged in the area of ​​the groove base of the associated groove. The first component and the second component are thus extremely reliably fastened to each other. Furthermore, such a component connection is space-saving due to the fact that the connector is plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped.

[0044] In this context, at least one of the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove can be larger along its direction of extension than a dimension of the section of the connector received in the first coupling groove or the second coupling groove along the direction of extension of the respectively associated coupling groove. The respective section of the connector can therefore be displaced along the direction of extension by a certain distance within the associated coupling groove. This makes it possible for the first component and the second component to be fastened to one another in different relative positions along the direction of extension of the first coupling groove or the second coupling groove. This can be used to compensate for tolerances. For example, in this way, first and second components can be precisely connected to one another even though at least one of the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove is subject to a positional deviation or a positioning error.

[0045] The connection between the first component and the second component can, in principle, be designed in any way. Preferred variants include a corner joint, a butt joint, or a miter joint. In the latter case, the plate or flat bar shape of the connector is particularly advantageous, as this shape also allows it to be used in miter joints.

[0046] An access channel for a tool can be provided on the first component and / or the second component, wherein the access channel extends from an outer surface of the workpiece into the first coupling groove and / or into the second coupling groove. The loading body, in particular an actuating element of the loading body, can be reliably reached via such an access channel. This allows the connector to be reliably actuated.

[0047] According to one variant, the access channel is open toward the associated contact surface. Such an access channel can also be referred to as a groove. This runs transversely to the associated coupling groove. To create such a transverse groove in a predetermined position relative to the coupling groove, no drilling template is required, as this groove can be machined starting from the contact surface. The transverse groove is thus easy to produce, using a router or a dowel cutter. Of course, the transverse groove, as well as the first and second coupling grooves, can also be produced using an industrial CNC milling machine.

[0048] Preferably, the actuating element of the connector is positioned at an end of the access channel near the coupling groove. Thus, the actuating element can be easily reached with an associated tool.

[0049] The invention is explained below using various embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a component connection according to the invention according to a first embodiment, wherein the component connection comprises a connector according to the invention according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of a component connection according to the invention according to a second embodiment, wherein the component connection also comprises the connector according to the invention according to the first embodiment, Fig. 3 a section along the plane III through a first component and a second component of the component connections according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, Fig. 4 the cut from Fig. 3 in a perspective view, Fig. 5 the connector according to the first embodiment in an isolated, perspective view, Fig. 6 a connector according to a second embodiment in a side view, Fig. 7 a section along the plane VII-VII through the connector of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a view of the connector from Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 along direction VIII in Fig. 6, Fig. 9 a component connection according to the invention according to a third embodiment in a perspective view, wherein the component connection comprises a connector according to the invention according to a third embodiment and wherein an actuating tool is additionally shown, Fig. 10 the component connection according to the invention from Fig. 9 in a sectional view along the plane X, again showing the operating tool, Fig. 11 shows the connector according to the third embodiment in a perspective view, wherein the actuating tool is also shown, Fig. 12 the connector Fig. 11 in an exploded view, Fig. 13 a variant of the connector from the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 in an exploded view, Fig. 14 shows a process for producing the component connection according to the third embodiment, Fig. 15 to 19 further variants of the connector according to the third embodiment, Fig. 20 a component connection according to a fourth embodiment, which also comprises the connector according to the third embodiment, wherein an actuating tool is additionally shown, Fig. 21 a component connection according to a fifth embodiment, comprising two connectors according to the third embodiment, Fig. 22 is an illustration of a force flow in component connections using the connector according to the third embodiment, Fig. 23 shows a component connection according to a sixth embodiment in an exploded view, wherein the component connection comprises a connector according to a fourth embodiment, Fig. 24 the connector according to the fourth embodiment in an isolated, perspective view, Fig. 25 shows a process for producing the component connection according to the sixth embodiment, wherein an operating tool is additionally shown, and Fig. 26 further variants of the connector according to the fourth embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a component connection 10 according to a first embodiment.

[0051] The component connection comprises a first component 12 and a second component 14.

[0052] A first contact surface 16 is provided on the first component 12.

[0053] The second component 14 comprises a second contact surface 18.

[0054] In a state in which the first component 12 and the second component 14 are fastened to each other, the first contact surface 16 and the second contact surface 18 contact each other (see also Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).

[0055] The first component 12 further comprises two positioning grooves 20a, 20b, the groove openings 22a, 22b of which are located in the first contact surface 16.

[0056] A respective associated groove depth direction 24a, 24b of the positioning grooves 20a, 20b thus runs perpendicular to the first contact surface 16.

[0057] In a plan view of the first contact surface 16, the two positioning grooves 20a, 20b each have a substantially rectangular cross-section, with the corners of the rectangular cross-section being rounded. A direction parallel to the longer side of the rectangular cross-section can be referred to as the direction of extension of the respective positioning groove 20a, 20b.

[0058] A groove depth, ie a dimension of the positioning grooves 20a, 20b along the respectively assigned groove depth direction 24a, 24b is constant in both positioning grooves 20a, 20b along the direction of travel.

[0059] The second component 14 also comprises two positioning grooves 26a, 26b, whose groove openings 28a, 28b are located in the second contact surface 18.

[0060] The positioning groove 26a is arranged such that in the assembled state of the first component 12 and the second component 14, the groove opening 28a is opposite the groove opening 22a.

[0061] The positioning groove 26b is arranged such that in the assembled state of the first component 12 and the second component 14, the groove opening 28b is opposite the groove opening 22b.

[0062] A respective associated groove depth direction 30a, 30b of the positioning grooves 26a, 26b accordingly runs perpendicular to the second contact surface 18.

[0063] In a plan view of the second contact surface 18, the two positioning grooves 26a, 26b each have a substantially rectangular cross-section, with the corners of the rectangular cross-section being rounded. A direction parallel to the longer side of the rectangular cross-section can be referred to as the direction of extension of the respective positioning groove 26a, 26b.

[0064] A groove depth, ie a dimension of the positioning grooves 26a, 26b along the respectively assigned groove depth direction 30a, 30b is constant in both positioning grooves 26a, 26b along the direction of travel.

[0065] The component connection 10 further comprises two positioning elements 32a, 32b, which in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 are designed as so-called flat dowels.

[0066] Advantageously, the positioning element 32a is arranged in a precise fit, ie free of play, in the positioning grooves 20a, 26a and the positioning element 32b is arranged with play in the direction of extension or extension of the positioning grooves 20b, 26b.

[0067] As can be seen from the illustration in Fig. 2, the positioning elements 32a, 32b can also be designed as so-called round dowels. Furthermore, the component connection 10 corresponds to Fig. 2 of the component connection 10 from Fig. 1.

[0068] In a state in which the first component 12 and the second component 14 are fastened to one another, the positioning element 32a is received in sections in the positioning groove 20a and the positioning groove 26a, wherein the sections of the positioning element 32a received in the positioning grooves 20a, 26a complement each other to form the entire positioning element 32a.

[0069] The positioning element 32b is received in sections in the positioning groove 20b and the positioning groove 26b, wherein the sections of the positioning element 32b received in the positioning grooves 20b, 26b complement each other to form the entire positioning element 32b.

[0070] The positioning elements 32a, 32b ensure that the first component 12 and the second component 14 can only be fastened to one another in a predetermined relative position.

[0071] The first component 12 also has a first coupling groove 34, the groove opening 36 of which lies in the first contact surface 16 (see also Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).

[0072] A groove depth direction 38 of the first coupling groove 34 again runs perpendicular to the first contact surface 16.

[0073] In contrast to the positioning grooves 20a, 20b, 26a, 26b, however, a groove base 40 of the first coupling groove 34 is formed as a section of a circular cylindrical surface. Thus, the groove depth of the first coupling groove 34 is not constant. Rather, the groove depth is zero at a first end 42a of the first coupling groove 34 along the direction of travel, then increases continuously along the direction of travel to a deepest point, and then decreases continuously again, so that at a second end 42b of the first coupling groove 34, which is opposite the first end along the direction of travel, the groove depth is again zero.

[0074] A central axis M of the circular cylinder surface forming the groove base 40 lies outside the first component 12.

[0075] The first coupling groove 34 also has a first undercut 44 which acts along the groove depth direction 38 and is arranged in the region of the groove base 40.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the first undercut is designed as a transverse groove running along the groove base 40, wherein a groove depth direction 46 of the transverse groove is parallel to the central axis M.

[0077] The first coupling groove 34 further has a third undercut 48, which acts along the groove depth direction 38 and is arranged in the region of the groove base 40. The third undercut 48 is provided on a wall of the first coupling groove 34 opposite the first undercut 44.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the third undercut 48 is designed as a transverse groove running along the groove base 40, wherein a groove depth direction 50 of the transverse groove is parallel to the central axis M.

[0079] It is noted that the designation of the undercut as the third undercut is for convenience only and does not imply a number of undercuts.

[0080] The second component 14 has a second coupling groove 52, the groove opening 54 of which lies in the second contact surface 18 (see also Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).

[0081] The groove opening 54 of the second coupling groove is arranged such that, in a state in which the first component 12 and the second component 14 are fastened to one another, it is opposite the groove opening 36 of the first coupling groove 34.

[0082] A groove depth direction 56 of the second coupling groove 52 runs perpendicular to the second contact surface 18.

[0083] As already explained with reference to the first coupling groove 34, a groove base 58 of the second coupling groove 52 is formed as a section of a circular cylindrical surface. Thus, the groove depth of the second coupling groove 52 is not constant. Rather, the groove depth is zero at a first end 60a of the second coupling groove 52 along the direction of extension, then increases continuously along the direction of extension to a deepest point, and then decreases continuously again, so that at a second end 60b of the second coupling groove 52, which is opposite the first end 60a along the direction of extension, the groove depth is again zero.

[0084] A central axis M of the circular cylinder surface forming the groove base 58 lies within the second component 14, wherein the groove base 58 runs perpendicular to the contact surface 18.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the center axis M of the groove base 40 of the first coupling groove 34 and the groove base 58 of the second coupling groove 52 coincide when the first component 12 and the second component 14 are fastened to one another.

[0086] The second coupling groove 52 also has a second undercut 62 which acts along the groove depth direction 56 and is arranged in the region of the groove base 58.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the second undercut 62 is designed as a transverse groove running along the groove base 58, wherein a groove depth direction 64 of the transverse groove is parallel to the central axis M.

[0088] The second coupling groove 52 further has a fourth undercut 66, which acts along the groove depth direction 56 and is arranged in the region of the groove base 58. The fourth undercut 66 is provided on a wall of the second coupling groove 52 opposite the second undercut 62.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth undercut 66 is designed as a transverse groove running along the groove base 58, wherein a groove depth direction 68 of the transverse groove is parallel to the central axis M.

[0090] Furthermore, an access channel 70 for a tool 72 is provided on the second component 14.

[0091] In the figures, the tool 72 is designed as a so-called Allen key, which is to be understood merely as an example.

[0092] It is emphasized that the tool 72 is shown only for a better understanding of the component connection 10, but is not a component of the component connection 10.

[0093] The access channel 70 extends from a workpiece outer surface 74, which in the illustrated example adjoins the second contact surface 18 perpendicularly, into the second coupling groove 52. In other words, the access channel 70 penetrates a side wall of the second coupling groove 52.

[0094] Thus, the tool 72 can reach a connector, to be explained later, which is arranged in the second coupling groove 52 via the access channel 70.

[0095] In addition, the access channel 70 is open in the direction of the second contact surface 18.

[0096] The access channel 70 can thus be regarded as a groove running transversely to the second coupling groove 52, wherein a direction of extension of the groove forming the access channel is arranged perpendicular to the direction of extension of the second coupling groove 52 and a groove opening of the groove forming the access channel 70 lies within the second contact surface 18.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the central axis M runs through the access channel 70.

[0098] The component connection 10 also comprises a connector 76 according to a first embodiment. This is shown in the Fig. 5 shown in isolation.

[0099] The connector 76 is plate-shaped overall.

[0100] It comprises a first engagement element 78, which is designed to anchor the connector 76 in the first undercut 44, a second engagement element 80, which is designed to anchor the connector 76 in the second undercut 62, a third engagement element 82, which is designed to anchor the connector 76 in the third undercut 48 and a fourth engagement element 84, which is designed to anchor the connector 76 in the fourth undercut 66.

[0101] Furthermore, the connector 76 has a loading body 86 which is arranged in the Fig. 5 has the shape of a circular disc section.

[0102] An actuating element 88 is provided on the loading body 86.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 88 is designed as a through-hole with a hexagonal cross-section. This cross-section is dimensioned such that it can cooperate with the tool 72.

[0104] The actuating element 88 is arranged centrally in the actuating body 86 if its circular disc section shape is conceptually expanded to a complete circular disc. In other words, a central axis of the conceptually expanded actuating body 86 and a central axis of the actuating element 88 coincide.

[0105] The first engagement element 78, the second engagement element 80, the third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 are kinematically coupled to the loading body 86 in that the first engagement element 78, the second engagement element 80, the third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 are fixedly connected to the loading body 86.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement element 78, the second engagement element 80, the third engagement element 82, the fourth engagement element 84 and the loading body 86 are manufactured in one piece, e.g. as an injection-molded part.

[0107] The first engagement element 78, the second engagement element 80, the third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 are each designed as an arcuate projection on the loading body 86.

[0108] In this case, a curvature of the first engagement element 78, the second engagement element 80, the third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 each essentially corresponds to a curvature of the transverse groove forming the associated undercut 44, 48, 62, 66.

[0109] The first engagement element 78 and the second engagement element 80 protrude from the same side of the circular disc-shaped loading body 86. In the Fig. 5 shows this side of the loading body 86 facing forward.

[0110] With respect to the central axis of the actuating element 88, the first engagement element 78 and the second engagement element 80 are arranged diametrically opposite each other.

[0111] The third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 also protrude from the same side of the circular disk-shaped application body 86. However, this side is opposite the side from which the first engagement element 78 and the second engagement element 80 protrude.

[0112] With respect to the central axis of the actuating element 88, the third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 are also arranged diametrically opposite each other.

[0113] In a direction perpendicular to the circular disk-shaped loading body 86, i.e., parallel to the center axis of the actuating element 88, the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 are arranged side by side. The same applies to the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84.

[0114] In the component connection 10, the first component 12 and the second component 14 are fastened to one another by means of the connector 76.

[0115] In order to form the component connection 10, the connector is therefore first formed as shown in Fig. 1, inserted into the second coupling groove 52.

[0116] In this state, the actuating element 88 is positioned at a coupling groove-side end of the access channel 70.

[0117] Furthermore, the first engagement element 78 and the second engagement element 80 engage in the second undercut 62. The first engagement element 78 and the second engagement element 80 are dimensioned such that they can be received in the groove forming the second undercut 62.

[0118] The third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 engage in the fourth undercut 66.

[0119] The third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 are also dimensioned such that they can be received in the groove forming the fourth undercut 66.

[0120] Then, the first component 12 and the second component 14 are inserted into one another using the positioning elements 32a, 32b such that the first contact surface 16 and the second contact surface 18 contact each other.

[0121] The tool 72 is then brought into engagement with the actuating element 88 via the access channel 70, and the connector 76 is rotated substantially 90 degrees using the tool 72. In the illustrated embodiment, this is done clockwise.

[0122] As a result, the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 move into the first coupling groove 34.

[0123] More precisely, the first engagement element 78 moves into the first undercut 44 and the third engagement element 82 moves into the third undercut 48.

[0124] At the same time, the second engagement element 80 moves within the second undercut 62 in the direction of the lowest point of the second coupling groove 52. The fourth engagement element 84 also moves within the fourth undercut 66 in the direction of the lowest point of the second coupling groove 52.

[0125] It will be appreciated that this may be reversed if the connector 76 is rotated in an opposite direction, i.e., counterclockwise, by means of the tool 72.

[0126] After the actuating element 88 is provided on the loading body 86, the loading body 86 is used to position the first engagement element 78 in the first undercut 44, the second engagement element 80 in the second undercut 62, the third engagement element 82 in the third undercut 48 and the fourth engagement element 84 in the fourth undercut 66.

[0127] Thus, the first component 12 and the second component 14 are connected by means of the connector 76.

[0128] The connector 76 is arranged partially within the first coupling groove 34 and partially within the second coupling groove 52. At the same time, the connector 76 is completely accommodated within the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52.

[0129] In this context, the dimensions of the first coupling groove 34, the second coupling groove 52, and the connector 76 can be coordinated with one another in such a way that the connector 76 can assume the described position at least in the region of the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52, respectively, solely by utilizing an elastic extensibility of the connector 76 and / or an elastic deformability of the first component 12 and the second component 14. An independent and undesired reversing of the connector 76 is excluded in this context due to the frictional forces acting between the first coupling groove 34 and the connector 76, as well as between the second coupling groove 52 and the connector 76.

[0130] Alternatively, the first coupling groove 34 and / or the second coupling groove 52 can be designed such that the respective associated groove base 40, 58, which has previously been described as a section of a circular cylinder surface characterized by a constant radius, is designed as a curved path. Starting from the shape of a circular cylinder surface, this curved path has a continuously increasing radius along a rotation direction in which the connector 76 is rotated. In this configuration, when the connector 76 is rotated by means of the tool 72, the first component 12 and the second component 14 are moved toward one another and successively clamped by the connector.

[0131] In this variant, too, an independent and undesired turning back of the connector 76 due to the frictional forces acting between the first coupling groove 34 and the connector 76 as well as between the second coupling groove 52 and the connector 76 is excluded.

[0132] In the Fig. 6 to 8, a second embodiment of the connector 76 is shown. The connector 76 according to the second embodiment can be used instead of the connector 76 according to the first embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 5, in the component connection 10 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be used.

[0133] In the following, only the differences from the connector 76 according to the first embodiment will be discussed. Identical or corresponding elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0134] In the second embodiment, the loading body 86 has the shape of a complete circular disk.

[0135] The first engagement element 78, the second engagement element 80, the third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 are again each designed as an arcuate projection on the loading body 86.

[0136] However, in each of the first engagement element 78, second engagement element 80, third engagement element 82 and fourth engagement element 84, a radially inwardly facing surface is now designed as a curved surface, the radial distance of which from the center of the circular disk decreases along the direction R. For better visibility of this shape, Fig. 6 two auxiliary lines H1, H2 are drawn, each with a constant radius.

[0137] The connector 76 according to the second embodiment is screwed into the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52 in the same way as the connector 76 according to the first embodiment for connecting the first component 12 and the second component 14. Due to the design of the first engagement element 78, the second engagement element 80, the third engagement element 82, and the fourth engagement element 84 with the curved surface described above, rotating the connector 76 relative to the coupling grooves 34, 52 causes the first component 12 and the second component 14 to move toward one another and the connector 76 to successively clamp in the coupling grooves 34, 52.

[0138] It is understood that in all variants of the component connections 10 from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the positioning elements 32a, 32b are optional.

[0139] Fig. 9 shows a component connection 10 according to a third embodiment.

[0140] In the following, only the differences from the first and second embodiments of the component connection 10 will be explained. Otherwise, reference can be made to the above explanations. As before, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding elements.

[0141] A first difference between the third embodiment of the component connection 10 and the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that in the component connection 10 according to the third embodiment, no positioning grooves are present and no positioning elements are used. These are no longer necessary, as will be explained below.

[0142] A further difference concerns the course of the groove bases 40, 58 of the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52.

[0143] In contrast to the first two embodiments, the groove bases 40, 58 in the third embodiment are designed as flat surfaces which extend substantially parallel to the first contact surface 16 or to the second contact surface 18.

[0144] The first undercut 44 and the third undercut 48 are further designed as transverse grooves running along the groove base 40. The transverse grooves forming the undercuts 44, 48 thus run rectilinearly in the third embodiment. The corresponding groove depth directions run parallel to a width direction of the first coupling groove 34.

[0145] The same applies to the second undercut 62 and the fourth undercut 66. These are also designed as transverse grooves running along the groove base 58. The transverse grooves forming the undercuts 62, 66 thus run rectilinearly in the third embodiment. The corresponding groove depth directions run parallel to a width direction of the second coupling groove 52.

[0146] An additional difference is that in the component connection 10 according to the third embodiment, a connector 76 according to a third embodiment is used. This is shown in the Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 shown in detail.

[0147] The connector 76 according to the third embodiment comprises a carrier 90.

[0148] This is in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 is designed in one piece and comprises a first double-T-shaped wall element 92 with a first bearing opening 94 and a second double-T-shaped wall element 96 with a second bearing opening 98.

[0149] The two wall elements 92, 96 are arranged opposite each other at a certain distance and are coupled at two opposite ends each with a connecting section 100, 102.

[0150] The two connecting sections 100, 102 are designed to abut against respective opposite ends of the first coupling groove 34 and / or the second coupling groove 52 when the connector 76 is arranged within the first coupling groove 34 and / or within the second coupling groove 52. Thus, the first component 12 and the second component 14 can be brought into a predefined relative position by means of the carrier 90.

[0151] The carrier 90 consequently fulfills a function which is taken over in the component connection 10 according to the first embodiment and according to the second embodiment by the positioning element 32a and / or the positioning element 32b.

[0152] In a component connection that uses two or more connectors 76 according to the third embodiment, it is also conceivable to design at least one of the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52 for at least one of the connectors 76 along its direction of extension larger than a corresponding dimension of the connector 76. Such a first coupling groove 34 or second coupling groove 52 can be used for tolerance compensation.

[0153] The loading body 86 is mounted on the carrier 90 via the first bearing opening 94 and the second bearing opening 98 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis A.

[0154] Furthermore, the loading body 86 now comprises a first loading arm 104, a second loading arm 106 as well as a first holding arm 108 and a second holding arm 110.

[0155] The first application arm 104 and the second application arm 106 extend in diametrically opposite directions with respect to the rotation axis A.

[0156] The first holding arm 108 and the second holding arm 110 also extend in diametrically opposite directions with respect to the rotation axis A.

[0157] Accordingly, the first loading arm 104, the second loading arm 106, the first holding arm 108 and the second holding arm 110 are also rotatable about the rotation axis.

[0158] The function of the first application arm 104, the second application arm 106, the first holding arm 108 and the second holding arm 110 will be explained in more detail below.

[0159] The connector 76 according to the third embodiment further comprises a total of four engagement elements, ie, a first engagement element 78, a second engagement element 80, a third engagement element 82 and a fourth engagement element 84.

[0160] Each of the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 is now designed as an independent component. In particular, the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 are designed as separate components from the loading body 86.

[0161] In the Fig. 11 and Fig. In the variant shown in Figure 12, the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 are also designed as identical parts.

[0162] Each of the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 is mounted on the carrier 90 so that it can be moved in translation.

[0163] For this purpose, the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 each have a guide tongue 78a, 82a, which are displaceably mounted in an associated guide rail 112 formed on the first connecting section 100.

[0164] A displacement direction corresponds to the groove depth direction 38, 56 when the connector 76 is arranged in the first coupling groove 34 and / or the second coupling groove 52.

[0165] The second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84 each also comprise a guide tongue 80a, 84a. These are slidably mounted in an associated guide rail 114 formed on the second connecting section 102.

[0166] A displacement direction again corresponds to the groove depth direction 38, 56 when the connector 76 is arranged in the first coupling groove 34 and / or the second coupling groove 52.

[0167] In the connector 76 according to the third embodiment, the loading body 86 is kinematically coupled to each of the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 via a primary cam gear.

[0168] All primary cam mechanisms are designed to insert the associated engagement element 78, 80, 82, 84 into the associated undercut 44, 48, 62, 66 when the connector 76 is positioned in the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52.

[0169] In detail, the first engagement element 78 is kinematically coupled to the loading body 86, more precisely to the first loading arm 104, via a first primary cam gear 116.

[0170] The first primary cam mechanism 116 comprises a cam surface 116a, which is arranged at a free end of the first actuating arm 104. The cam surface 116a extends obliquely with respect to a circumferential direction of the first actuating arm 104, which is rotatable about the rotation axis A.

[0171] A corresponding counter surface 116b is arranged on the first engagement element 78. More specifically, the counter surface 116b is formed on an inner side of the first engagement element 78.

[0172] When the cam surface 116a slides against the counter surface 116b, the first engagement element 78 is displaced outwardly relative to the carrier 90. Thus, the first engagement element 78 is moved into its extended position along the thickness direction of the connector 76.

[0173] Analogously, the second engagement element 80 is kinematically coupled to the loading body 86, more precisely to the second loading arm 106, via a second primary cam gear 118.

[0174] The second primary cam mechanism 118 comprises a cam surface 118a, which is arranged at a free end of the second actuating arm 106. The cam surface 118a extends obliquely with respect to a circumferential direction of the second actuating arm 106, which is rotatable about the rotation axis A.

[0175] A corresponding counter surface 118b is arranged on the second engagement element 80. More specifically, the counter surface 118b is formed on an inner side of the second engagement element 80.

[0176] When the cam surface 118a slides against the counter surface 118b, the second engagement element 80 is displaced outwardly relative to the carrier 90. Thus, the second engagement element 80 is moved into its extended position along the thickness direction of the connector 76.

[0177] Accordingly, the third engagement element 82 is kinematically coupled to the application body 86, more precisely to the first application arm 104, via a third primary cam gear 120.

[0178] The third primary cam mechanism 120 comprises a cam surface 120a, which is arranged at a free end of the first actuating arm 104. The cam surface 120a extends obliquely with respect to a circumferential direction of the first actuating arm 104, which is rotatable about the rotation axis A.

[0179] A corresponding counter surface 120b is arranged on the third engagement element 82. More specifically, the counter surface 120b is formed on an inner side of the third engagement element 82.

[0180] When the cam surface 120a slides against the counter surface 120b, the third engagement element 82 is displaced outwardly relative to the carrier 90. Thus, the third engagement element 82 is moved into its extended position along the thickness direction of the connector 76.

[0181] In this context, the cam surface 116a and the cam surface 120a are arranged on a head 104a of the first application arm 104.

[0182] Viewed radially, the head 104a has the shape of a wedge beveled on both sides. By actuating the first actuating arm 104, it can be pushed like a wedge between the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82, so that they are spread apart by the head 104a and thus each assumes its extended position along the thickness direction of the connector 76.

[0183] Furthermore, the fourth engagement element 84 is kinematically coupled to the application body 86, more precisely to the second application arm 106, via a fourth primary cam gear 122.

[0184] The fourth primary cam mechanism 122 comprises a cam surface 122a, which is arranged at a free end of the second actuating arm 106. The cam surface 122a extends obliquely with respect to a circumferential direction of the second actuating arm 106, which is rotatable about the rotation axis A.

[0185] A corresponding counter surface 122b is arranged on the fourth engagement element 84. More specifically, the counter surface 122b is formed on an inner side of the fourth engagement element 84.

[0186] When the cam surface 122a slides against the counter surface 122b, the fourth engagement element 84 is displaced outwardly relative to the carrier 90. Thus, the fourth engagement element 84 is moved into its extended position along the thickness direction of the connector 76.

[0187] In this context, the cam surface 118a and the cam surface 122a are arranged on a head 106a of the second application arm 106.

[0188] Viewed radially, the head 106a has the shape of a wedge beveled on both sides. By actuating the second actuating arm 106, it can be pushed like a wedge between the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84, so that they are spread apart by the head 106a and thus each assumes its extended position along the thickness direction of the connector 76.

[0189] Furthermore, in the connector 76 according to the third embodiment, the loading body is kinematically coupled to each of the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 via a secondary cam gear.

[0190] All secondary cam mechanisms are designed to translationally pull the associated engagement element 78, 80, 82, 84 along the direction specified by the respective guide rail 112, 114 toward a center point of the connector 76. The secondary cam mechanisms thus cause the associated engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 to be moved into their retracted position in a longitudinal direction of the connector.

[0191] In a situation in which the connector 76 is positioned in the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52 and the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 engage in a respective associated undercut 44, 48, 62, 66, the first component 12 and the second component 14 can be moved towards one another by means of the secondary cam gear and / or can be placed against one another if necessary under the application of force.

[0192] In detail, the first engagement element 78 is kinematically coupled to the loading body 86, more precisely to the first loading arm 104, via a first secondary cam gear 124.

[0193] The first secondary cam mechanism 124 comprises a cam surface 124a, which is arranged at a free end of the first actuating arm 104. The cam surface 124a is formed on a radially inward-facing side of the head 104a and has the shape of a circular cylindrical surface section, i.e., it is curved with a constant radius. An axis of curvature runs parallel to the rotation axis A.

[0194] A corresponding counter surface 124b is arranged on a projection on an inner side of the first engagement element 78. The counter surface 124b points radially outward with respect to the rotation axis A.

[0195] The counter surface 124b is also curved around an axis of curvature that runs parallel to the rotation axis A. However, the radius of curvature is not constant, but increases continuously along an actuation direction.

[0196] When the cam surface 124a slides against the counter surface 124b, the first engagement element 78 is thus pulled inwardly relative to the carrier 90, ie, in the direction of the rotation axis A. Thus, the first engagement element 78 is moved into the retracted position relative to the longitudinal direction of the connector 76.

[0197] The second engagement element 80 is kinematically coupled to the loading body 86, more precisely to the second loading arm 106, via a second secondary cam gear 126.

[0198] The second secondary cam mechanism 126 comprises a cam surface 126a, which is arranged at a free end of the second actuating arm 106. The cam surface 126a is formed on a radially inward-facing side of the head 106a and has the shape of a circular cylindrical surface section, i.e., it is curved with a constant radius. An axis of curvature runs parallel to the rotation axis A.

[0199] A corresponding counter surface 126b is arranged on a projection on an inner side of the second engagement element 80. The counter surface 126b points radially outward with respect to the rotation axis A.

[0200] The counter surface 126b is also curved around an axis of curvature that runs parallel to the rotation axis A. However, the radius of curvature is not constant, but increases continuously along an actuation direction.

[0201] When the cam surface 126a slides against the counter surface 126b, the second engagement element 80 is thus pulled inwardly relative to the carrier 90, ie, in the direction of the rotation axis A. Thus, the second engagement element 80 is moved into the retracted position relative to the longitudinal direction of the connector 76.

[0202] The third engagement element 82 is also kinematically coupled to the loading body 86, more precisely to the first loading arm 104, via a third secondary cam gear 128.

[0203] The third secondary cam mechanism 128 comprises a cam surface 128a, which is arranged at a free end of the first actuating arm 104. The cam surface 128a is formed on a radially inward-facing side of the head 104a and has the shape of a circular cylindrical surface section, i.e., it is curved with a constant radius. An axis of curvature runs parallel to the rotation axis A.

[0204] A corresponding counter surface 128b is arranged on a projection on an inner side of the third engagement element 82. The counter surface 128b points radially outward with respect to the rotation axis A.

[0205] The counter surface 128b is also curved around an axis of curvature that runs parallel to the rotation axis A. However, the radius of curvature is not constant, but increases continuously along an actuation direction.

[0206] When the cam surface 128a slides against the counter surface 128b, the third engagement element 82 is thus pulled inwardly relative to the carrier 90, ie, in the direction of the rotation axis A. Thus, the third engagement element 82 is moved into the retracted position relative to the longitudinal direction of the connector 76.

[0207] Furthermore, the fourth engagement element 84 is kinematically coupled to the loading body 86, more precisely to the second loading arm 106, via a fourth secondary cam gear 130.

[0208] The fourth secondary cam mechanism 130 comprises a cam surface 130a, which is arranged at a free end of the second actuating arm 106. The cam surface 130a is formed on a radially inward-facing side of the head 106a and has the shape of a circular cylindrical surface section, i.e., it is curved with a constant radius. An axis of curvature runs parallel to the rotation axis A.

[0209] A corresponding counter surface 130b is arranged on a projection on an inner side of the fourth engagement element 84. The counter surface 130b points radially outward with respect to the rotation axis A.

[0210] The counter surface 130b is also curved around an axis of curvature that runs parallel to the rotation axis A. However, the radius of curvature is not constant, but increases continuously along an actuation direction.

[0211] When the cam surface 130a slides against the counter surface 130b, the fourth engagement element 84 is thus pulled inwardly relative to the carrier 90, ie, in the direction of the rotation axis A. Thus, the fourth engagement element 84 is moved into the retracted position relative to the longitudinal direction of the connector 76.

[0212] The first holding arm 108 and the second holding arm 110 serve to hold the respectively associated engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 in a predetermined position when the primary cam gears 116, 118, 120, 122 and / or the secondary cam gears 124, 126, 128, 130 are not yet effective, e.g. because the application arms 104, 106 are in a position in which they do not contact the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84.

[0213] In the illustrated third embodiment of the connector 76, the first retaining arm 108 is associated with the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82. The first retaining arm 108 has a radially outward-facing retaining surface 108a.

[0214] Opposite this holding surface 108a, the first engagement element 78 has a counter-holding surface 78b, and the third engagement element 82 has a counter-holding surface 82b. These can rest against the holding surface 108a when the first holding arm is positioned accordingly, so that the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 cannot be displaced further in the direction of the rotation axis A.

[0215] The second holding arm 110 is associated with the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84. The second holding arm 110 also has a radially outward-facing holding surface 110a.

[0216] Opposite this holding surface 110a, the second engagement element 82 has a counter-holding surface 82b, and the fourth engagement element 84 has a counter-holding surface 84b. These can rest against the holding surface 110a when the second holding arm 110 is positioned accordingly, so that the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84 cannot be displaced further in the direction of the rotation axis A.

[0217] Fig. Figure 13 shows a variant of the connector 76 according to the third embodiment, which differs from the variant of the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 is distinguished by the fact that the support 90 is constructed from two support components 90a, 90b.

[0218] The support components 90a, 90b are also designed as identical parts.

[0219] Otherwise, the connector 76 corresponds to Fig. 13 the connector from the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12.

[0220] Fig. 14 shows a process for producing the component connection 10 according to the third embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. The component connection 10 comprises the connector 76 according to the third embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 is shown.

[0221] In this context, the Fig. Figure 14 shows three situations that follow one another during the production of the component connection 10. These situations are designated a), b), and c). Each situation a), b), and c) is illustrated using two sectional views. These are designated (1) and (2) in each situation, with the section being defined in the other figure, i.e., section (1) is defined in view (2), and vice versa.

[0222] In situation a), the connector 76 is inserted into both the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52. The loading body 86 is in a position in which the holding surface 108a of the first holding arm 108 rests against the counter-holding surfaces 78b, 82b of the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82.

[0223] The holding surface 110a of the second holding arm 110 rests against the counter-holding surfaces 80b, 84b of the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84.

[0224] The length of the holding arms 108, 110 and the positions of the counter-holding surfaces 78b, 80b, 82b, 84b on the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 are matched to the groove depths of the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52 in such a way that a gap of width D results between the first contact surface 16 and the second contact surface 18 when the connector 76 rests against both the groove base 40 and the groove base 58.

[0225] The engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 do not yet engage in the associated undercuts 44, 48, 62, 66.

[0226] Furthermore, the connecting sections 100, 102 each abut one end of the first coupling groove 34 and one end of the second coupling groove 52. Thus, the first component 12 and the second component 14 assume a predetermined relative position to one another.

[0227] In situation b), the loading body 86 is rotated approximately 15 degrees clockwise compared to situation a). The clockwise direction thus corresponds to the actuation direction of the loading body 86.

[0228] In this context, the loading body 86 can be actuated, for example, by means of a Fig. 14 not shown tool, which engages in the actuating element 88.

[0229] In situation b), the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 are now spread by means of the respectively associated primary cam gear 116, 118, 120, 122, so that they engage in the respectively associated undercuts 44, 48, 62, 66.

[0230] As for the secondary cam mechanisms 124, 126, 128, 130, the associated cam surfaces 124a, 126a, 128a, 130a already rest against a section of the associated counter surfaces 124b, 126b, 128b, 130b located at the front along the actuation direction. However, these sections are configured such that the secondary cam mechanisms 124, 126, 128, 130 do not yet cause any movement of the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84. Such a movement would also be blocked by the retaining arms 108, 110, which, even in situation b), still rest against the associated counter-holding surfaces 78b, 80b, 82b, 84b.

[0231] In situation c), the loading body 86 is rotated clockwise by approximately 90 degrees compared to situation b).

[0232] The cam surfaces 124a, 126a, 128a, 130a of the secondary cam gears 124, 126, 128, 130 interact with the sections of the associated counter surfaces 124b, 126b, 128b, 130b located further back in the actuation direction in such a way that the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 are each pulled translationally in the direction of rotation axis A by means of the secondary cam gears 124, 126, 128, 130.

[0233] This results in the first contact surface 16 and the second contact surface 18 contacting each other. This contact can be subjected to force.

[0234] In the position prevailing in situation c), the secondary cam mechanisms 124, 126, 128, 130 can also be self-locking. The first component 12 is thus reliably attached to the second component 14.

[0235] The above explanations relate to a component connection 10 according to the third embodiment, which is designed as a corner connection.

[0236] The Fig. 15 to 19 show further variants of the connector 76 according to the third embodiment.

[0237] The connector 76 is in all Fig. 15 to 19 shown cut along a median plane.

[0238] Furthermore, to increase clarity in all Fig. 15 to 19, the loading body 86 is not shown. The support is shown only in sections, so that only sectioned parts of the connecting sections 100, 102 are visible. In particular, the wall elements 92, 96 are not visible.

[0239] The variants of the Fig. Figures 15 to 19 concern the design of the mating surfaces of the secondary cam mechanisms. Due to the cross-sectional view of the connector, the explanations are based on the mating surface 128b of the third secondary cam mechanism 128 and the mating surface 130b of the fourth secondary cam mechanism 130. It is understood that the explanations apply equally to the remaining secondary cam mechanisms 124, 126.

[0240] In Fig. In this context, Figure 15 shows a variant in which the counter surface 128b and the counter surface 130b are analogous to the representations in the Fig. 11 to 14.

[0241] The counter surface 128b and the counter surface 130b thus have a radius of curvature that continuously increases slightly along the actuation direction B. This results in a moderate increase in force when the third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 are pulled closer. Furthermore, the third engagement element 82 and the fourth engagement element 84 are moved uniformly toward each other with respect to their displacement path.

[0242] In contrast, the counter surface 128b and the counter surface 130b in the variant according to Fig. 16 each one compared to the variant from Fig. 15 flattened section 128c, 130c, which is located at the front along the actuation direction B.

[0243] When the third secondary cam mechanism 128 and the fourth secondary cam mechanism 130 are actuated, the force required to move the engagement elements 82, 84 therefore increases very slowly, but ends at a level which is similar to that of the variant according to Fig. 15 is comparable.

[0244] This is accompanied by a comparatively slow movement of the engagement elements 82, 84 towards each other.

[0245] The variant in Fig. 17 shows the reverse case.

[0246] Here, the counter surface 128b and the counter surface 130b each have a different Fig. 15 steep section 128d, 130d, which is located at the front along the actuation direction B.

[0247] When the third secondary cam gear 128 and the fourth secondary cam gear 130 are actuated, a comparatively high force is initially required to move the engagement elements 82, 84.

[0248] This is accompanied by a comparatively rapid movement of the engagement elements 82, 84 towards each other.

[0249] In the variant according to Fig. 18, the counter surface 128b and the counter surface 130b each have a holding section 128e, 130e. A holding section 128e, 130e is understood to be a section of the counter surfaces 128b, 130b, upon whose interaction with the associated curved surface 128a, 130a, the engagement elements 82, 84 are not moved toward each other or are moved toward each other only to an insignificant extent.

[0250] The third secondary cam mechanism 128 and the fourth secondary cam mechanism 130 can therefore be operated in two stages, wherein in a first stage the respective cam surface 128a, 130a is moved to the associated holding section 128e, 130e and in a second stage is moved further starting from the holding section 128e, 130e.

[0251] In the variant from Fig. 19, the counter surface 128b and the counter surface 130b each have a locking section 128f, 130f.

[0252] Each of the locking sections 128f, 130f comprises a serrated profile, a wave profile, or a combined serrated and wave profile. The respective associated curved surface 128a, 130a can thus engage in the locking section 128f, 130f by engaging in one or more associated gaps between the serrations and / or waves.

[0253] In this way, on the one hand, the achievement of a desired operating state of the connector 76 can be signaled haptically and / or acoustically to an operator of the connector 76.

[0254] In addition, the locking sections 128f, 130f increase the self-locking of the associated secondary cam gear 128, 130. Such connectors 76 thus offer a high level of protection against unwanted loosening.

[0255] It is understood that the variants from the Fig. 15 to 19, which were explained with reference to the third embodiment of the connector 76, also apply to the connector 76 according to the second embodiment (cf. in particular Fig. 6) can be transferred.

[0256] Thus, the radially inwardly facing surfaces of the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84, which interact with the undercuts 44, 48, 62, 66 of the coupling grooves 34, 52 and are designed as curved surfaces whose radial distance to the center of the circular disk decreases along the direction R, can also be provided with holding sections or locking sections, as shown in the Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 are shown.

[0257] It is also possible to use the variants from the Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, to provide the radially inwardly facing surfaces of the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 of the connector 76 according to the second embodiment with flattened sections and / or steep sections, so that a desired force and path progression results when the components 12, 14 are fastened to one another by means of the connector 76.

[0258] The variants from the Fig. 15 to 19, which were explained with reference to the third embodiment of the connector 76, can also be transferred to component connections which use the connector 76 according to the first embodiment (cf. Fig. 1 to 5).

[0259] In this context, a holding section and / or a locking section can be provided on at least one surface forming one of the undercuts 44, 48, 62, 66 of the coupling grooves 34, 52.

[0260] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a flattened section and / or a steep section on at least one surface forming one of the undercuts 44, 48, 62, 66. Thus, a desired force and displacement pattern can be set when the components 12, 14 are fastened to one another by means of the connector 76 according to the first embodiment.

[0261] As shown by Fig. 20, the connector 76 according to the third embodiment can, however, also be used in a component connection 10 according to a fourth embodiment, which is designed as a miter connection.

[0262] Likewise, the connector 76 according to the third embodiment can be used in a component connection 10 according to a fifth embodiment, which is designed as a center-part connection. Fig. 21. More precisely, two connectors 76 according to the third embodiment are used here.

[0263] Fig. Figure 22 shows a variant of the component connection according to the third embodiment. As before, the component connection 10 includes the connector 76 according to the third embodiment.

[0264] In the variant according to Fig. 22 all engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 as well as the loading body 86 are made of a metal material.

[0265] The carrier 90 is made of a plastic material.

[0266] This results in the situation that the force flow between the first component 12 and the second component 14 occurs exclusively via components made of metal material. Fig. 22 by means of two arrows F1, F2.

[0267] In Fig. 23 shows a component connection 10 according to a further embodiment.

[0268] In the following, only the differences from the previously explained embodiments of the component connection 10 will be discussed. As before, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding elements.

[0269] In particular, in the embodiment according to Fig. 23 the first component 12 with the first coupling groove 34 and the second component 14 with the second coupling groove 52 with regard to the general shape of the coupling grooves 34, 52 the already based on the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 explained components 12, 14. Reference is made to these explanations.

[0270] However, a difference to the previous embodiments is that in the component connection 10 according to Fig. 23, a connector 76 according to a fourth embodiment is used. This is shown in Fig. 24 shown in detail.

[0271] The connector 76 according to the fourth embodiment again comprises a one-piece carrier 90 on which the loading body 86 is rotatably mounted.

[0272] However, the loading body 86 is now essentially bolt-shaped, as will be explained later.

[0273] Furthermore, the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84 are now each pivotally connected to the carrier 90.

[0274] In the illustrated embodiment, the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84 are also manufactured in one piece with the carrier 90. The articulated connection is realized by a film hinge 132, 134. A translational guide of the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84 on the carrier 90 is thus no longer necessary.

[0275] Furthermore, the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 are now designed as an integral component. However, the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 are still movable relative to each other in order to engage the associated undercuts.

[0276] In addition, the connector 76 according to the fourth embodiment comprises a coupling element 136 in the form of a coupling slide 138.

[0277] The coupling slide 138 comprises a first wedge portion 140 which is designed to spread the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 away from each other so that these engagement elements 78, 82 can engage in the associated undercuts.

[0278] Furthermore, a second wedge section 142 is provided on the coupling slide 138, which is designed to spread the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84 away from each other so that these engagement elements 80, 84 can engage in the associated undercuts.

[0279] In the connector 76 according to the fourth embodiment, only a single primary cam gear 116 is provided, which can also be referred to as the first primary cam gear.

[0280] The coupling element 136, ie the coupling slide 138, is kinematically coupled to the loading body 86 via the primary cam gear 116.

[0281] The primary cam mechanism 116 comprises a cam surface 116a, which is arranged on an outer circumference of the bolt-shaped loading body 86 (see also Fig. 25).

[0282] An associated counter surface 116b is formed by an inner circumference of an opening 144 on the coupling element 136, ie on the coupling slide 138 (see also Fig. 25).

[0283] When the curved surface 116a slides against the counter surface 116b, the coupling slide 138 is thus translationally displaced such that its first wedge portion 140 is pulled between the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82, spreading them apart. At the same time, the second wedge portion 142 is pushed between the second engagement element 80 and the fourth engagement element 84, spreading them apart.

[0284] A situation in the manufacture of a component connection 10, in which such a spreading leads to the engagement of the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 in the respectively associated undercut 44, 48, 62, 66, is shown in Fig. 25 a).

[0285] In addition, the connector 76 according to the fourth embodiment includes a single secondary cam gear 124, which may also be referred to as a first secondary cam gear.

[0286] The secondary cam mechanism 124 comprises a cam surface 124a, which is arranged on an outer circumference of the bolt-shaped loading body 86. The cam surface 124a is arranged axially adjacent to the cam surface 116a with respect to a bolt center axis.

[0287] An associated counter surface 124b is formed on the integral component comprising the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82.

[0288] When the cam surface 124a slides on the counter surface 124b, a displacement of the integral component comprising the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 in the direction of the loading body 86 is successively released.

[0289] Fig. 25 shows a process for producing the component connection 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 23. The component connection 10 comprises the connector 76 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 is shown.

[0290] In this context, the Fig. Figure 25 shows three situations that follow one another during the production of the component connection 10. These situations are designated a), b), and c). Each situation a), b), and c) is illustrated using two sectional views. These are designated (1) and (2) in each situation, with the section being defined in the other figure, i.e., section (1) is defined in view (2), and vice versa.

[0291] In situation a), the connector 76 is inserted into both the first coupling groove 34 and the second coupling groove 52. The loading body 86 has already been rotated by approximately 65 degrees from an initial position, which in the present example is done by means of the tool 72, which engages the actuating element 88.

[0292] In situation a), the engagement elements 78, 80, 82, 84 are therefore spread by means of the primary cam mechanism 116 and the coupling slide 138, which comprises the first wedge section 140 and the second wedge section 142, so that they engage in the respectively associated undercuts 44, 48, 62, 66.

[0293] As regards the secondary cam mechanism 124, the associated cam surface 124a and the associated counter surface 124b abut each other, whereby a predetermined distance is established between the carrier 90 and the integral component comprising the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82.

[0294] For this reason, there is also a gap with the width D between the first contact surface 16 and the second contact surface 18.

[0295] In this context, the cam surface 124a and the counter surface 124b are held in contact with each other in that the coupling slide 138 spreads the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 away from each other by means of the first wedge section and in the process also acts on the integral component comprising the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 in the direction of the actuating body 86.

[0296] In situation b), the loading body 86 was rotated by a further approximately 35 degrees compared to situation a). In doing so, the coupling slide 138 was further displaced by means of the primary cam mechanism 116. Furthermore, a translational movement of the integral component comprising the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 relative to the carrier 90 was enabled by means of the secondary cam mechanism 124, so that the integral component comprising the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 could be displaced into the carrier 90 and the first contact surface 16 and the second contact surface 18 could be brought into contact with one another. Thus, there is no longer a gap between the first contact surface 16 and the second contact surface 18.

[0297] In situation c), the loading body 86 was rotated by a further approximately 80 degrees compared to situation b). In doing so, the coupling slide 138 was displaced further by means of the primary cam mechanism 116. Furthermore, a further translational movement of the integral component comprising the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 relative to the carrier 90 was enabled by means of the secondary cam mechanism 124, so that the integral component comprising the first engagement element 78 and the third engagement element 82 was displaced maximally into the carrier 90. The first contact surface 16 and the second contact surface 18 thus abut one another under the application of force.

[0298] In the position prevailing in situation c), the primary cam mechanism 116 and the secondary cam mechanism 124 can be self-locking. The first component 12 is thus reliably attached to the second component 14.

[0299] In order to further facilitate handling of the connector 76 according to the fourth embodiment, a direction indicator 146 can optionally be provided on the actuating body 86 and / or on the carrier 90, which indicates a direction of rotation of the actuating body 86 corresponding to the closing direction of the connector 76. In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 24, the direction indicator 146 comprises three arrows. It should be understood that just one or two of these arrows may constitute a useful direction indicator 146.

[0300] Furthermore, the connector 76 according to the fourth embodiment can optionally have one or more position indicators 148. The position indicators indicate the position of the loading body 86 relative to the other components of the connector 76. Thus, it can be determined whether the connector is in an open or closed position. Intermediate positions are also recognizable. In the embodiment according to Fig. 24, the position indicator 148 comprises three short lines. Two of these lines are positioned on the carrier 90, and one of these lines is provided on the loading body 86.

[0301] The Fig. 26 shows further variants of the connector 76 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0302] In the Fig. 26 only the relevant details of the connector 76 are shown. These correspond to section XXVI of Fig. 25 a) (1).

[0303] For a better understanding, Fig. 26 a) extract XXVI from Fig. 25 a) (1) is shown in an enlarged form. There, the primary cam mechanism 116 can be seen, which includes the cam surface 116a and the counter surface 116b.

[0304] In this variant, the coupling slide 138 is initially displaced comparatively quickly by rotation of the actuating body 86. In the area of ​​the end position (see also Fig. 25 b) and c)), a comparatively high force must be applied to further rotate the loading body 86 and thus further displace the coupling slide 138. In this range, a comparatively slow displacement of the coupling slide 138 occurs.

[0305] In the variant from Fig. 26 b) the curved surface 116a comprises a holding section 116e.

[0306] The primary cam mechanism 116 can therefore be actuated in two stages, wherein in a first stage, the cam surface 116a is moved to the associated holding section 116e, i.e., until the holding section 116e rests against the counter surface 116b. In a second stage, the actuating body 86 is rotated further from this position.

[0307] The holding portion 116e may be configured such that automatic movement of the components of the connector 76 is excluded when the holding portion 116e abuts the mating surface 116b.

[0308] In the variant according to Fig. 26 c), the curved surface 116a includes a locking section 116f. This section is composed of several flat surface segments. Thus, the boundary lines between the individual surface segments are not radii, but edges.

[0309] The rolling action of these edges on the counter surface 116b causes sudden changes in the reaction force acting on an actuating tool. In this way, an operator of the connector 76 can be signaled haptically and / or acoustically when a desired operating state of the connector 76 has been reached.

[0310] In addition, the locking section 116f increases the self-locking of the associated primary cam gear 116. Such connectors 76 thus offer a high level of protection against unwanted loosening.

[0311] The Fig. Figure 26 d) shows a variant in which the path along which the coupling slide 138 is displaced and the force required for this movement have a particularly uniform course. This is achieved by eliminating abrupt radius jumps in the effective area of ​​the curved surface 116a, i.e., the radius of the curved surface 116a changes only continuously. The rate of change is comparatively small.

[0312] Another variant is in Fig. 26 e).

[0313] In this variant, the coupling slide 138 is initially displaced comparatively slowly by rotation of the actuating body 86. In the process, the necessary force also increases comparatively slowly. Only a comparatively short section of the cam surface 116a is provided for this purpose. Thus, an end position (see also Fig. 25 b) and c)) are achieved comparatively quickly. List of reference symbols 10 Component connection 12 first component 14 second component 16 first contact area 18 second contact surface 20a Positioning groove 20b Positioning groove 22a Slot opening of the positioning groove 20a 22b Slot opening of the positioning groove 20b 24a Groove depth direction of the positioning groove 20a 24b Groove depth direction of the positioning groove 20b 26a Positioning groove 26b Positioning groove 28a Slot opening of the positioning groove 26a 28b Slot opening of the positioning groove 26b 30a Groove depth direction of the positioning groove 26a 30b Groove depth direction of the positioning groove 26b 32a Positioning element 32b Positioning element 34 first coupling groove 36 Slot opening of the first coupling slot 38 Groove depth direction of the first coupling groove 40 Groove base of the first coupling groove 42a first end of the first coupling groove 42b second end of the first coupling groove 44 first undercut 46 Groove depth direction of the transverse groove forming the first undercut 48 third undercut 50 Groove depth direction of the transverse groove forming the third undercut 52 second coupling groove 54 Slot opening of the second coupling slot 56 Groove depth direction of the second coupling groove 58 Groove base of the second coupling groove 60a first end of the second coupling groove 60b second end of the second coupling groove 62 second undercut 64 Groove depth direction of the transverse groove forming the second undercut 66 fourth undercut 68 Groove depth direction of the transverse groove forming the fourth undercut 70 access channel 72 tools 74 Workpiece outer surface 76 connectors 78 first engagement element 78a Guide tongue of the first engagement element 78b Counter-holding surface of the first engagement element 80 second engagement element 80a Guide tongue of the second engagement element 80b Counter-holding surface of the second engagement element 82 third engagement element 82a Guide tongue of the third engagement element 82b Counter-holding surface of the third engagement element 84 fourth engagement element 84a Guide tongue of the fourth engagement element 84b Counter-holding surface of the fourth engagement element 86 loading bodies 88 Actuating element 90 carriers 90a support component 90b support component 92 first wall element 94 first warehouse opening 96 second wall element 98 second warehouse opening 100 connecting section 102 connecting section 104 first loading arm 104a Head of the first application arm 106 second loading arm 106a Head of the second loading arm 108 first holding arm 108a Holding surface of the first holding arm 110 second holding arm 110a Holding surface of the second holding arm 112 guide rail 114 Guide rail 116 first primary cam gear 116a Cam surface of the first primary cam gear 116b Counter surface of the first primary cam gear 118 second primary cam gear 118a Cam surface of the second primary cam gear 118b Counter surface of the second primary cam gear 120 third primary cam gear 120a Cam surface of the third primary cam gear 120b Counter surface of the third primary cam gear 122 fourth primary cam gear 122a Cam surface of the fourth primary cam gear 122b Counter surface of the fourth primary cam gear 124 first secondary cam gear 124a Cam surface of the first secondary cam gear 124b Counter surface of the first secondary cam gear 126 second secondary cam gear 126a Cam surface of the second secondary cam gear 126b Counter surface of the second secondary cam gear 128 third secondary cam gear 128a Cam surface of the third secondary cam gear 128b Counter surface of the third secondary cam gear 128c flattened section 128d steep section 128e stopping section 128f rest section 130 fourth secondary cam gear 130a Cam surface of the fourth secondary cam gear 130b Counter surface of the fourth secondary cam gear 130c flattened section 130d steep section 130e stopping section 130f rest section 132 film hinge 134 film hinge 136 coupling element 138 coupling slide 140 first wedge section 142 second wedge section 144 Opening 146 Direction indicator 148 Position display A rotation axis B Actuating direction D Width of the gap F1 Arrow F2 Arrow H1 auxiliary line H2 auxiliary line M central axis R Direction along which the radius decreases

Claims

[1] Connector (76) for mechanically fastening a first component (12) to a second component (14), wherein the first component (12) has at least one first coupling groove (34) which has a first undercut (44) acting along a groove depth direction (38), and the second component (14) has at least one second coupling groove (52) which has a second undercut (62) acting along a groove depth direction (56), wherein the connector (76) is plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped and comprises: - a first engagement element (78) for anchoring in the first undercut (44), - a second engagement element (80) for anchoring in the second undercut (62), and - an application body (86) for positioning at least a portion of the first engagement element (78) in the first undercut (44) and at least a portion of the second engagement element (80) in the second undercut (62), characterized by that the loading body (86) is kinematically coupled to the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80), wherein at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80) is coupled to the loading body (86) via a gear. [2] Connector (76) according to claim 1, wherein the application body (86) is kinematically coupled to at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80) via a primary cam gear (116, 118). [3] Connector (76) according to claim 2, wherein the primary cam mechanism (116, 118) has a cam surface (116a, 118a) which is arranged on the application body (86), and a counter surface (116b, 118b) associated with the cam surface (116a, 118a), which is arranged on at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80) or is operatively connected to at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80). AS:TOP [4] Connector (76) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the primary cam mechanism (116) has a cam surface (116a) which is arranged on the application body (86), and a counter surface (116b) associated with the cam surface (116a), which is arranged on a coupling element (136) which kinematically couples the application body (86) to at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80). [5] Connector (76) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the loading body (86) is kinematically coupled to at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80) via a secondary cam gear (124, 126). [6] Connector (76) according to claim 5, wherein the secondary cam mechanism (124, 126) has a cam surface (124a, 126a) which is arranged on the application body (86), and a counter surface (124b, 126b) associated with the cam surface (124a, 126a), which is arranged on at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80) or is operatively connected to at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80). [7] Connector (76) according to one of claims 2 to 6, comprising a carrier (90), wherein the loading body (86) is mounted on the carrier (90) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (A). [8] Connector (76) according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80) is mounted on the carrier (90) in a translationally displaceable manner. [9] Connector (76) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one of the first engagement element (78) and the second engagement element (80) is pivotally connected to the carrier (90). [10] Connector (76) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the application body (86) comprises at least one application arm (104, 106) which is rotatable about the rotation axis (A). [11] Connector (76) according to claim 10 and at least one of claims 3, 4, 6 and 7, wherein at least one curved surface (116a, 118a, 124a, 126a) is arranged at a free end of the application arm (104, 106). [12] Connector (76) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the loading body (86) is at least partially bolt-shaped. [13] Connector (76) according to claim 12 and at least one of claims 3, 4 and 6, wherein at least one curved surface (116a, 124a) is arranged on an outer circumference of a bolt-shaped portion of the application body (86). [14] Component connection (10), comprising a first component (12) with at least one first coupling groove (34), the groove opening (36) of which lies in a first contact surface (16) of the first component (12) and which has a first undercut (44) acting along a groove depth direction (38), a second component (14) with at least one second coupling groove (52), the groove opening (54) of which lies in a second contact surface (18) of the second component (14) and which has a second undercut (62) acting along a groove depth direction (56), and a connector (76) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (76) is arranged in sections within the first coupling groove (34) and in sections within the second coupling groove (52), wherein the first engagement element (78) of the connector (76) engages in the first undercut (44) and the second engagement element (80) of the connector (76) engages in the second undercut (62), and wherein the first contact surface (16) of the first component (12) and the second contact surface (18) of the second component (14) contact each other. [15] Component connection (10) according to claim 14, wherein an access channel (70) for a tool (72) is provided on the first component (12) and / or on the second component (12), wherein the access channel (70) extends from a workpiece outer surface (74) into the first coupling groove (34) and / or into the second coupling groove (52). [16] Component connection (10) according to claim 15, wherein the access channel (70) is open in the direction of the associated contact surface (16, 18). [17] Component connection (10) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein an actuating element (88) of the connector (76) is positioned at a coupling groove-side end of the access channel (70).

Images