Connector assembly for mechanically fastening a first component to a second component, connector module, component connection, and method for producing a component connection

Abstract

A connector assembly (36) for mechanically fastening a first component to a second component is described. The first component has at least one first coupling groove, and the second component has at least one second coupling groove. The connector assembly (36) comprises a first connector unit (38) with a first engagement element (40) for anchoring in the first coupling groove, a second connector unit (54) with a second engagement element (56) for anchoring in the second coupling groove, and a coupling unit (80) for selectively coupling the first connector unit (38) and the second connector unit (56). The coupling unit (80) comprises a threaded rod (86). Furthermore, the threaded rod (86) is mounted on the first connector unit (38) in a captive manner and displaceably along a threaded rod central axis (88). The second connector unit (54) comprises a threaded element (64) which is designed to cooperate with the threaded rod (86).Furthermore, a connector module (120) for such a connector assembly (36) is presented. Furthermore, a component connection and a method for producing a component connection are presented.

Description

The invention relates to a connector assembly 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 invention is also directed to a connector module for such a connector assembly.In addition, the invention relates to 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. Furthermore, the component connection 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. In addition, the component connection comprises a connector assembly of the type mentioned at the beginning.The invention is also directed to a method for producing a component connection.In this context, a groove depth direction is understood to mean a direction which extends between a groove opening and a groove base. A groove opening is usually elongated. Otherwise, one speaks of a hole or a bore. The groove opening is generally situated opposite the groove base. In the case of a groove which is bounded on both sides along its direction of extension, the groove opening is the only opening of the groove. In the case of a groove which has one open end or two open ends along its direction of extension, only the opening extending along the direction of extension is regarded as a groove opening. The one or both open ends thus do not form a groove opening. The same applies to openings which result from other design elements, for example transverse grooves or transverse bores. In this context, a direction parallel to the longer side of the elongate groove opening is to be regarded as a direction of extension. Grooves which have a groove depth which changes along the direction of extension in such a way that the groove depth at one or both ends of the groove decreases to zero are regarded as grooves which are bounded on one side or on both sides.Accordingly, an undercut acting along a groove depth direction has an undercut with respect to a direction from the groove base to the groove opening. An element which engages in the undercut cannot therefore be pulled out of the groove along the groove depth direction, since it forms a positive connection with the undercut.Such undercuts and the associated coupling grooves can be produced using known tools using known methods. The tools may be stationary or hand-guided.Connector assemblies and component connections of the type mentioned at the beginning are fundamentally known. They are used, for example, to mechanically fasten, i.e. to connect, wood components to one another. Such components can be furniture parts in the broadest sense. Alternatively, the structural elements can be structural elements of a wood construction, for example from the field of civil engineering. However, it is understood that the connectors and component connections mentioned at the beginning are not restricted to a specific material class or a specific field of application. They can also be used easily for components made of plastic, metal, ceramic, stone, etc.In all conceivable applications, the undercuts acting along an associated groove depth direction have the advantage that the components can be fastened to one another with high reliability. Here, a form-fit connection can be realized by means of the undercuts. This applies in particular in comparison with coupling grooves which do not have such an undercut.The object of the present invention is to specify a connector assembly and an associated component connection which are simple to use with a known high reliability of the connection.The object is achieved by a connector assembly 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 assembly comprises a first connector unit with a first engagement element for anchoring in the first undercut. In addition, the connector assembly comprises a second connector unit with a second engagement element for anchoring in the second undercut. In addition, the connector assembly includes a coupling unit for selectively coupling the first connector unit and the second connector unit. The coupling unit comprises a threaded rod which is rotatable about a threaded rod central axis. In this case, the threaded rod is mounted on the first connector unit in a captive manner and displaceably along the central axis of the threaded rod. Further, the second connector unit includes a threaded member configured to cooperate with the threaded rod. In this context, a threaded rod is understood to mean a rod-shaped, i.e. elongated, component with a thread. In particular, the thread is designed as an external thread. Alternatively, the threaded rod is hollow at least in sections on the inside and the thread is designed as an internal thread. A central axis of the thread coincides with the threaded rod central axis. The fact that the threaded rod of the coupling unit is held on the first connector unit in a captive manner and displaceably along the threaded rod central axis has the effect that the connector assembly consists only of two sub-assemblies in a state in which the first connector unit and the second connector unit are not coupled. Such sub-assemblies may also be referred to as connector modules or connector halves. This facilitates the handling of the connector assembly, since each sub-assembly can be associated with a coupling groove. A user must thus take care of comparatively few sub-assemblies. It is emphasized that the displaceability of the threaded rod relative to the first connector unit and the captive connection of the threaded rod and the first connector unit are present in the same state of the connector assembly. In other words, the displaceability and the reliability are always present simultaneously. This is particularly true in a state where the first connector unit and the second connector unit are not coupled. Moreover, in a state in which the first connector unit and the second connector unit are not coupled, the first connector unit and the second connector unit can be anchored in the associated coupling groove independently of each other. More precisely, the first engagement element and the second engagement element can be anchored independently of one another in the respectively associated undercut. Only after the first connector unit and the second connector unit are anchored in the respectively associated coupling groove does a user have to take care of the coupling of the first connector unit and the second connector unit. In such a situation, the first connector unit and the second connector unit are already fixedly held in the respectively associated coupling groove. The displaceability of the threaded rod relative to the first connector unit facilitates the reliable and mechanically stable coupling of the first connector unit and the second connector unit. This is achieved by the threaded rod cooperating with the threaded element. Selective coupling means that the user can selectively couple the first connector unit and the second connector unit by means of the coupling unit. For this purpose, the user must actuate the connector assembly, more precisely the coupling unit. In one example, the threaded rod is screwed into the threaded element by rotation about the threaded rod central axis. This results in a mechanically stable and robust connection of the first component and the second component, which can be produced easily.A connector assembly according to the invention can be used in particular for connecting two plate-shaped components, which are each provided with a coupling groove. The plate-shaped components can be work plates, for example for a kitchen. In this context, a connector assembly according to the invention can also be referred to as a countertop connector.In one embodiment, the first engagement element is elastically deformable at least in sections. Alternatively or additionally, the second engagement element is elastically deformable at least in sections. Such engagement elements can be anchored with particularly high reliability in the respectively associated undercut. This can be achieved, for example, in that the respective engagement element has to be elastically deformed or prestressed as long as it is already accommodated at least in sections in the respectively assigned coupling groove, but is not yet anchored in the assigned undercut. In a state in which the engagement element is anchored in the respectively associated undercut, it is relaxed or less prestressed. In this way, the engagement element is anchored particularly reliably in the respectively associated undercut. In other words, each of the at least partially elastically deformable engagement elements can be anchored in the respectively associated undercut in the manner of a clip.In one example, the deformable portion of the first engagement element and / or of the second engagement element can be elastically compressed at least 15% with respect to an outer dimension of this portion starting from an undeformed state. Preferably, this section can be elastically compressed at least by 20% starting from an undeformed state. The outer dimension is, for example, a thickness or width of the first engagement element and / or of the second engagement element. In one example, both the first engagement element and the second engagement element have a thickness of 13 mm in the undeformed state and can be elastically compressed to a thickness of 10 mm, i.e. can be elastically compressed by approximately 23%. In this way, the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element can be anchored particularly reliably in an associated undercut.The first connector unit may include a first blocking member for blocking deformation of the first engagement member. Alternatively or additionally, the second connector unit may comprise a second blocking member for blocking deformation of the second engagement member. By means of the first blocking element and / or the second blocking element, a deformation of the respectively assigned engagement element can thus be selectively prevented. In particular, a deformation of the respectively assigned engagement element can be prevented in this case when the respectively assigned engagement element is anchored in the respectively assigned undercut. By means of the first blocking element and / or the second blocking element, the respectively assigned engagement element can thus be locked in the respectively assigned undercut. In this way, a particularly reliable anchoring of the engagement elements in the respectively associated undercuts and coupling grooves can be achieved.According to one variant, the first blocking element is held captive on the first engagement element. Alternatively or additionally, the second blocking element is held captive on the second engagement element. This means that the first blocking element and the first engagement element are mechanically contiguous, so that they cannot automatically separate from one another. In the same way, this means that the second blocking element and the second engagement element are mechanically connected, so that they cannot be automatically released from one another. For example, the first blocking element is mounted on the first engagement element by means of a linear guide. The reliability is thereby brought about by the linear guide. In another example, the second blocking element is mounted on the second engagement element by means of a linear guide. The reliability is thereby brought about by the linear guide. In this context, a linear guide can also be referred to as a sliding guide. In the case of the first blocking element and in the case of the first engagement element, the linear guide can comprise a section of the threaded rod. The fact that the first blocking element is mounted on the first engagement element in a captive manner and the second blocking element is mounted on the second engagement element in a captive manner simplifies the handling of the connector assembly. A user therefore does not have to handle the first blocking element separately from the first engagement element and does not have to handle the second blocking element separately from the second engagement element.Preferably, the threaded element is fixedly connected to the second engagement element. In this connection, the threaded element and the second engagement element can be embodied in one piece. For example, in this context, the threaded element is designed as a threaded sleeve. Such a configuration allows a mechanically stable and reliable connection of the first connector unit to the second connector unit comprising the second engagement element. Moreover, such a configuration is structurally simple and thus easy to manufacture.The first engagement element can have an opening or a channel for receiving the threaded rod. Such an opening or such a channel allows the threaded rod to be displaced in a defined manner relative to the first engagement element. At the same time, this is structurally simple. The reliability can be ensured in this case by the threaded rod having a protruding element and / or a thickening which cannot be pushed through the opening or the channel.In one embodiment, the first engagement element comprises a base section having two legs protruding from the base section in the same direction. A protruding engagement section is arranged at a free end of at least one leg. Alternatively or additionally, the second engagement element comprises a base section with two limbs projecting from the base section in the same direction. A protruding engagement section is arranged at a free end of at least one leg. In this connection, the engagement sections project from the free end of the respectively assigned at least one leg in each case outwards, that is to say in a direction pointing away from the respectively other leg. In one example, a protruding engagement portion is arranged on each of the legs at the free end. In this example, the engaging portions project in opposite directions from the associated leg. The engagement portions thus point away from each other. In other words, the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element are U- or C-shaped. The engaging portions are provided at the respective free ends of the U-shape or C-shape. Such engagement sections are particularly well suited to be accommodated in the respectively associated undercut. Moreover, engagement elements shaped in this way are particularly suitable for being designed to be elastically deformable, at least in sections. The engagement elements can be designed such that the free ends of the legs can be elastically bent toward one another and away from one another with respect to the respectively associated base section.In one example, in the first engagement element and / or in the second engagement element, a length of the engagement portion, which is measured along an extension direction of that limb at which the engagement portion is provided, is significantly smaller than a length of the limb along its extension direction. The length of the leg is at least three times, preferably at least five times, the length of the engagement section. Such a configuration promotes the elastic deformability and leads to the engagement sections being able to be accommodated well in the respectively associated undercut.According to one embodiment, the first blocking element can be received or accommodated between the two limbs of the first engagement element. Alternatively or additionally, the second blocking element can be received or received between the legs of the second engagement element. In this way, a compact structure of the connector assembly is achieved. In addition, a deformation of the first engagement element and of the second engagement element by means of the respectively assigned blocking element can thus be prevented in a simple and reliable manner.The coupling unit can comprise a tool interface which is drivingly coupled to the threaded rod. The threaded rod can thus be actuated via the tool interface by means of a tool. This facilitates use of the connector assembly. In particular, in this way, the threaded rod can be brought into co-operations with the threaded element, for example, screwed into the threaded element. The cooperation between the threaded rod and the threaded element can also be released again by means of a tool via the tool interface, for example by the threaded rod being screwed out of the threaded element.In one variant, the coupling unit comprises a gear, in particular a gear drive, which drivingly couples the tool interface and the threaded rod. The transmission provides a transmission ratio between the tool interface and the threaded rod. As a result, for example, a torque which is provided at the tool interface can be translated into a greater torque which is applied to the threaded rod in comparison therewith. This facilitates the operation of the connector assembly. In particular, a mechanically particularly stable coupling between the first connector unit and the second connector unit can be achieved in this way. Comparatively low mechanical forces and torques are necessary for this purpose.The tool interface may be rotatable about a tool interface central axis. The tool interface central axis can be oriented perpendicular to the threaded rod central axis. The rotatable tool interface has the effect that only a comparatively small space is required for actuating the tool interface. The tool interface can therefore also be reliably actuated in constricted spatial conditions. The orientation of the tool interface central axis perpendicular to the threaded rod central axis facilitates the accessibility of the tool interface. This also simplifies the use of the connector assembly.In one variant, the coupling unit comprises a positioning element which is designed to position the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove relative to one another. After the first coupling groove is formed in the first component and the second coupling groove is formed in the second component, a relative positioning of the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove with respect to one another also brings about a relative positioning of the first component and the second component with respect to one another. By means of the connector assembly according to the invention, the first component and the second component can therefore not only be connected mechanically stably and reliably, but can also be aligned relative to one another. Further working steps for aligning the first component relative to the second component are therefore not necessary. This is already achieved by the use of the connector assembly according to the invention, which simplifies the production of a component connection.The coupling unit can comprise a block-shaped carrier element, wherein the threaded rod is rotatably mounted on the carrier element. If a tool interface is present, it is also mounted on the carrier element. In this way, the coupling unit can be made compact on the one hand and mechanically robust on the other hand. Preferably, the threaded rod is mounted on the carrier element in an axially fixed manner. The tool interface is in particular mounted rotatably and non-displaceably on the carrier element. Thus, the carrier element, the threaded rod and the tool interface can only be displaced jointly with respect to the first connector unit.The positioning element is preferably designed as an outer surface of the carrier element. This means that an outer surface of the carrier element is designed to position the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove relative to one another. As a result, the first component and the second component are also positioned relative to one another. For this purpose, the outer surface of the carrier element serving as positioning element can be placed, for example, on side surfaces of the first coupling groove and of the second coupling groove. The relative positioning of the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove with respect to one another is thus obtained in that the side surfaces of the first coupling groove and of the second coupling groove bear against the same outer surface, i.e. the outer surface of the carrier element. A coupling unit designed in this way is of comparatively simple construction. Furthermore, in this way, the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove can be positioned very easily relative to one another. In addition, in such a configuration, transverse forces can also be transmitted between the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove via the outer surface of the carrier element designed as a positioning element. As a result, the stability of the mechanical connection of the first component and the second component realized by means of the connector assembly is further increased.In one example, the carrier element has a plurality of, i.e. two or more, outer surfaces, wherein each of the outer surfaces is designed as a positioning element. By means of the carrier element, the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove can thus be positioned relative to one another along two or more directions. The same applies to the first component and the second component.In one embodiment, the support element has at least one substantially elongated cross section. Naturally, the cross section is two-dimensional. The elongated shape results from a dimension of the cross section along one of the two dimensions being significantly greater than a dimension of the cross section along another of the two dimensions. In this connection, the larger of the dimensions is at least 1.5 times as large as the smaller of the two dimensions. Preferably, the larger of the two dimensions is at least twice as large as the smaller of the two dimensions. In this case, the cross section of the carrier element can be matched to a cross section of the first coupling groove and / or of the second coupling groove in such a way that the cross section of the carrier element, in a state in which the connector assembly is installed on the first component and / or on the second component, bears with at least two sides against at least two side faces of the first coupling groove and / or of the second coupling groove. In such a configuration, the carrier element is particularly well suited to absorb transverse forces which act between the first component and the second component or between the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove.Preferably, the substantially elongate cross section of the carrier element is oriented perpendicular to the threaded rod central axis.The carrier element can be plate-shaped or flat rod-shaped overall. Such carrier elements enable the connector assembly to be used for connecting the first component and the second component even in comparatively narrow construction situations.In one embodiment, the elongated cross-section is substantially rectangular. This also includes cross-sectional shapes in which a rectangular basic shape is provided with chamfers and / or rounded corners. A special case of such a cross-sectional shape relates to a cross-section with a rectangular basic shape in which the corners are rounded, wherein a radius of the rounded portion is half as large as the shorter side of the rectangular basic shape. As already mentioned, in this connection, too, the cross section of the carrier element can be adjusted to a cross section of the first coupling groove and / or of the second coupling groove in such a way that the carrier element can absorb transverse forces.The tool interface can protrude with respect to the carrier element. This means that the tool interface protrudes with respect to that outer surface of the carrier element on which it is formed. Since as a rule only a single tool interface is provided, this leads to a certain asymmetry of the carrier element. This asymmetry can be used to define a relative orientation of the connector assembly with respect to the first component and / or the second component. In other words, the protrusion formed by the tool interface can be used to enable the connector assembly to be coupled to the first component and / or the second component only in a single predefined orientation. In this context, the protruding tool interface can also be referred to as a poka-yoke element. This facilitates use of the connector assembly since misorientation is thereby eliminated.According to an alternative design, the threaded rod and the first engagement element are displaceable relative to one another by a first displacement interval. The first displacement interval corresponds to at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, of a length of the threaded rod measured along the central axis of the threaded rod. Alternatively or additionally, the threaded rod and the first blocking element are displaceable relative to one another by a second displacement interval. The second displacement interval corresponds to at least 5%, preferably at least 15%, of a length of the threaded rod measured along the central axis of the threaded rod. The threaded rod is thus displaceable relative to the first engagement element and / or relative to the first blocking element by a comparatively large displacement interval. This is helpful in preparing a mechanical connection of the first component and the second component realized by means of the connector assembly, since the threaded rod can always be moved, i.e. displaced, relative to the first engagement element and / or relative to the first blocking element into a position in which it is not detrimental when positioning the first component relative to the second component. In other words, the threaded rod can be displaced into a position in which it does not interfere.The object is also achieved by a connector module for a connector assembly according to the invention. The connector module comprises a first connector unit having a first engagement element for anchoring in a first undercut of the coupling groove and a coupling unit for selectively coupling the first connector unit to a second connector unit. The coupling unit comprises a threaded rod which is rotatable about a threaded rod central axis. In this case, the threaded rod is mounted on the first connector unit in a captive manner and displaceably along the central axis of the threaded rod. As already mentioned, in this context a threaded rod is understood to mean a rod-shaped, i.e. elongated, component with a thread. A central axis of the thread coincides with the threaded rod central axis. The fact that the threaded rod of the coupling unit is mounted on the first connector unit in a captive manner and displaceably along the central axis of the threaded rod has the effect that the connector module is designed as a single coherent subassembly. As before, such a connector module may also be referred to as a sub-assembly of a connector assembly or a connector half of a substantially two-part connector assembly. A user therefore only has to pay attention to this single coherent assembly. This facilitates the handling of the connector module. It is emphasized that the displaceability of the threaded rod relatively first of all of the connector unit and the captive connection of the threaded rod and the first connector unit are present in the same state of the connector module. In other words, the displaceability and the reliability are always present simultaneously. The displaceability of the threaded rod relative to the first connector unit facilitates the reliable and mechanically stable coupling of the first connector unit to the second connector unit. This can only take place after the first connector unit, more precisely the first engagement element, is anchored in the associated undercut. By means of the connector module, a mechanically stable and robust connection of the first component and the second component can thus be achieved.In addition, the object is 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. In addition, the component connection 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. In addition, the component connection comprises a connector assembly according to the invention. In this case, the first engagement element of the first connector unit is anchored in the first undercut. The second engagement element of the second connector unit is anchored in the second undercut. In this case, in a preparation position, the coupling unit is arranged at least in sections, in particular completely, in the first coupling groove, wherein the second connector unit is decoupled from the threaded rod. Alternatively or additionally, in a coupling position, the coupling unit is arranged at least in sections in the first coupling groove, wherein the second connector unit is coupled to the threaded rod via the threaded element. Alternatively or additionally, in a bearing position, the coupling unit is arranged in each case in sections both in the first coupling groove and in the second coupling groove, wherein the threaded rod is coupled to the second connector unit via the threaded element. In this case, in the preparation position and in the coupling position, the contact surface of the first component and the contact surface of the second component can contact one another, but do not have to. In the bearing position, on the other hand, contact between the bearing surface of the first component and the bearing surface of the second component is obligatory. As before, a threaded rod is understood to mean a rod-shaped, i.e. elongated, component with a thread. In particular, the thread is designed as an external thread. Alternatively, the threaded rod is hollow at least in sections on the inside and the thread is designed as an internal thread. A central axis of the thread coincides with the threaded rod central axis. The fact that the threaded rod of the coupling unit is held on the first connector unit in a captive manner and displaceably along the threaded rod central axis has the effect that the connector assembly consists only of two sub-assemblies in a state in which the first connector unit and the second connector unit are not coupled, i.e. in the preparation position. Such sub-assemblies may also be referred to as connector modules or connector halves. This facilitates the handling of the connector assembly, since each sub-assembly can be arranged in one of the coupling grooves and can be anchored in the respectively associated undercut. This takes place independently of the respective other sub-assembly. A user must therefore take care of comparatively few sub-assemblies or their components. In the preparation position, both subassemblies of the connector assembly are thus held reliably and securely in the respectively assigned coupling groove. This is also the case in particular when in this context a relative movement still takes place between the first component and the second component. In the coupling position, the first connector unit and the second connector unit are connected to one another. For this purpose, the displaceability of the threaded rod relative to the first connector unit and the captive connection of the threaded rod and the first connector unit are utilized, so that the cooperation between the threaded rod and the threaded element is produced. In one example, the threaded rod is screwed into the threaded element by rotation about the threaded rod central axis. In the coupling position, the first component, the second component and the connector assembly thus form a coherent unit. It is preferably still possible to move the first component and the second component relative to one another to a certain extent, without resolving the relationship, however. The abutment position is achieved by continuing the cooperation between the threaded rod and the threaded element. For example, the threaded rod is screwed further into the threaded element. In the bearing position, the coupling unit lies in sections both in the first coupling groove and in the second coupling groove. In this way, a mechanically particularly stable connection of the first component and the second component is achieved. This contributes to the fact that the coupling unit, which is located both in the first coupling groove and in the second coupling groove, can absorb transverse forces.According to one embodiment, a groove depth of the first coupling groove and a groove depth of the second coupling groove are different. The connector assembly can be tuned to such different groove depths. For example, the first connector unit and the second connector unit can be of different sizes along directions which, in the installed state, run parallel to the groove depths. In this way, an orientation in which the connector assembly can be inserted into the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove can be predefined. In other words, orientations of the connector assembly in which it is not intended to be inserted into the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove can be excluded. This facilitates the production of the component connection.According to one variant, a distance of the first undercut from a groove opening of the first coupling groove, i.e. from the first contact surface, and a distance of the second undercut from a groove opening of the second coupling groove, i.e. from the second contact surface, are the same. In this case, the distance is always measured starting from an end of the first undercut or second undercut facing the associated groove opening. Coupling grooves of this type are simple from a manufacturing standpoint and can therefore be produced quickly and cost-effectively.Preferably, in the preparation position, the coupling unit and / or the threaded rod lie completely within the first coupling groove. Consequently, the coupling unit and / or the threaded rod do not protrude from the first coupling groove. Thus, the coupling unit and / or the threaded rod also do not form a protrusion with respect to the first component. This facilitates the handling of the first component during the establishment of the component connection, since a user does not have to pay attention to protruding elements of the connector assembly. In particular, this facilitates an alignment of the first component relative to the second component. In particular, the first component and the second component can thus be positioned relative to one another parallel to their respective contact surfaces, i.e. parallel to the first contact surface and / or to the second contact surface.According to one embodiment, a length of the threaded rod measured along the threaded rod central axis is less than or equal to a groove depth of the first coupling groove. Consequently, the threaded rod can be completely accommodated in the first coupling groove if the threaded rod central axis is oriented along the groove depth. The threaded rod can thus assume a position relative to the first component in which it does not protrude with respect to the first component. This facilitates the handling of the first component during the establishment of the component connection, since a user does not have to pay attention to protruding elements of the connector assembly. In particular, this facilitates an alignment of the first component relative to the second component.In one variant, a length of the second connector unit and / or of the second engagement element measured along the threaded rod central axis is less than or equal to a groove depth of the second coupling groove. Consequently, the second connector unit and / or the second engagement member can be completely accommodated in the second coupling groove. The second connector unit and / or the second engagement element therefore do not protrude with respect to the second component. This facilitates the handling of the second component during the establishment of the component connection, since a user does not have to pay attention to protruding elements of the connector assembly. In particular, this facilitates an alignment of the second component relative to the first component.Preferably, in the preparation position, the first connector unit lies completely within the first coupling groove and / or the second connector unit lies completely within the second coupling groove. The first connector unit thus does not protrude with respect to the first component. Alternatively or additionally, the second connector unit does not protrude with respect to the second component. The first connector unit and / or the second connector unit therefore do not interfere with a relative movement of the first component with respect to the second component, for example with respect to the relative orientation of the first component with respect to the second component or vice versa.An access channel for a tool can be provided on the first component. The access channel extends from a workpiece outer surface into the first coupling groove. In this context, the workpiece outer surface is different from the contact surface of the first component. The access channel can thus be designed as a transverse hole or transverse groove to the first coupling groove. The coupling unit, in particular a tool interface, can thus be easily reached by means of the access channel, so that the connector assembly can be easily actuated and the component connection can thus be easily produced.The access channel is preferably open in the direction of the associated contact surface. In this way, the accessibility of an optionally present tool interface is particularly good. In addition, in this way, the positioning of the coupling unit in the first coupling groove is facilitated. Moreover, the one-sided openness facilitates the establishment of the access channel.In one example, a tool interface of the connector assembly is opposite an end of the access channel. Alternatively, the tool interface is arranged at least in sections within the access channel. The end of the access channel is considered here to be, in particular, the coupling groove-side end of the access channel. This is opposite an end of the access channel on the workpiece outer surface side. The coupling groove-side end of the access channel is thus formed by the location at which the access channel opens into the coupling groove. In both alternatives, the tool interface can consequently be achieved simply and reliably by means of a tool, so that the connector assembly can be actuated easily. In the alternative, in which the tool interface is arranged at least in sections within the access channel, the access channel can be designed as a poka-yoke element interacting with the tool interface. This means that the first coupling groove, the access channel and the connector assembly are matched to one another in such a way that the connector assembly can only be inserted into the first coupling groove in an orientation in which the tool interface is arranged at least in sections within the access channel. In this way, incorrect operations of the connector assembly are ruled out, so that the component connection can be produced with particularly high reliability.The tool interface can be located closer to an undercut-side edge of the access channel in the preparation position than in the coupling position and in the contact position. Alternatively or additionally, the tool interface can be located in the contact position closer to an edge of the access channel facing away from the first undercut than in the preparation position and in the coupling position. In this example, a position of the tool interface within the access channel is therefore not fixed via the different positions of the component connection. Rather, the tool interface moves relative to the access channel in a direction which extends from the undercut-side edge of the access channel in the direction of an edge of the access channel facing away from the undercut. Such a configuration contributes to the components of the connector assembly not protruding from the first coupling groove and / or the second coupling groove at least in the preparation position, but at the same time a mechanically stable and reliable component connection is produced at least in the contact position.The object is also achieved by a method for producing 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. In addition, the component connection 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. The method comprises:inserting a first connector unit of a connector assembly according to the invention into the first coupling groove, so that a first engagement element is anchored in the first undercut, wherein a threaded rod of a coupling unit of the connector assembly is mounted on the first connector unit in a captive manner and displaceably along the central axis of the threaded rod,inserting a second connector unit of the connector assembly into the second coupling groove such that a second engagement element is anchored in the second undercut, wherein the second connector unit comprises a threaded element configured to cooperate with the threaded rod, andaligning the first component and the second component relative to one another, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are opposite one another and / or contact one another, andcoupling the first connector unit and the second connector unit by means of the coupling unit.In this connection, the first connector unit and the coupling unit are preferably inserted into the first coupling groove in such a way that both the first connector unit and the coupling unit are completely accommodated in the first coupling groove. In the same way, the second connector unit is preferably inserted into the second coupling groove in such a way that the second connector unit is completely accommodated in the second coupling groove. In this case, the first component and the second component can be aligned, i.e. moved, relative to one another, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface simultaneously contact one another. This is made possible in that the elements of the connector assembly do not protrude with respect to the respectively associated coupling grooves or components. Alternatively, the first contact surface and the second contact surface may be opposite to each other, wherein a distance between the first contact surface and the second contact surface is comparatively small. In such a situation, it is also advantageous that the elements of the connector assembly do not protrude with respect to the respectively assigned coupling grooves or components. The distance can be a few millimeters. Overall, the component connection can thus be produced comparatively quickly and easily. A user does not have to pay attention to protruding elements of the connector assembly.According to an embodiment, the method further comprises positioning the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove relative to each other. This can be achieved by means of the coupling unit, in particular by means of a positioning element of the coupling unit. The positioning preferably takes place simultaneously with the coupling of the first connector unit and the second connector unit. A high-quality component connection can thus be achieved with comparatively little outlay.It is understood that effects, advantages and features which have been mentioned above merely in connection with one of the connector assembly according to the invention, the connector module according to the invention, the component connection according to the invention and the method according to the invention also apply in the same way to all other ones of the connector assembly according to the invention, the connector module according to the invention, the component connection according to the invention and the method according to the invention.The invention will be explained below with reference to various exemplary embodiments which are shown in the attached drawings. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a component connection according to the invention with a connector assembly according to the invention, which comprises a connector module according to the invention, in a plan view along a direction I in FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows the component connection from FIG. 1 in a side view along the direction II in FIG. 1 FIG. 3 shows the connector assembly from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a separate, perspective illustration, FIG. 4 shows the connector assembly from FIG. 3 in a plan view along the direction IV in FIG. 3 FIG. 5 shows the connector assembly from FIGS. 3 and 4 in an exploded perspective view, FIG. 6 shows the component connection from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a sectional view along the plane VI-VI in FIG. 2, wherein the connector assembly assumes a preparation position and is not shown in section, FIG. 7 shows the component connection from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a sectional view along the plane VII-VII in FIG. 1, wherein the connector assembly assumes a preparation position and is shown in section, FIG. 8 shows the connector assembly from FIG. 7 in a separate view, FIG. 9 shows the component connection from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a sectional view along the plane VI-VI in FIG. 2, wherein the connector assembly assumes a coupling position and is shown in section, FIG. 10 shows the component connection from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a sectional view along the plane VII-VII in FIG. 1, wherein the connector assembly assumes a coupling position and is illustrated in section, FIG. 11 shows the connector assembly from FIG. 10 in a separate view, FIG. 12 shows the component connection from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a sectional view along the plane VI-VI in FIG. 2, wherein the connector assembly assumes an abutment position and is shown in section, FIG. 13 shows the component connection from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a sectional view along the plane VII-VII in FIG. 1, wherein the connector assembly assumes an abutment position and is shown in section, and FIG. 14 shows the connector assembly from FIG. 13 in a separate view.FIGS. 1 and 2 show a component connection 10.The component connection 10 comprises a first component 12 with a first coupling groove 14.Furthermore, the component connection 10 comprises a second component 16 with a second coupling groove 18.In the embodiment shown, the first component 12 and the second component 16 are each plate-shaped.The first component 12 and the second component 16 each rest against one another via a narrow side.The narrow side of the first component 12, via which the first component 12 abuts the second component 16, represents a first abutment surface 20.The narrow side of the second component 16, via which the second component 16 abuts the first component 12, constitutes a second abutment surface 22.In this case, the first coupling groove 14 is formed on the first contact surface 20. That is, a groove opening 24 of the first coupling groove 14 lies in the first contact surface 20.The second coupling groove 18 is formed in the same manner. That is, the second coupling groove 18 is formed on the second contact surface 22, so that a groove opening 26 of the second coupling groove 18 lies in the second contact surface 22.The first coupling groove 14 has a substantially rectangular cross section when viewed along an associated groove depth direction T 1. In this case, the corners of the rectangular cross section are rounded, wherein a rounding radius corresponds to half the length of the short rectangular side.In addition, the first coupling groove 14 has two undercuts 28 a, 28 b, which are also referred to as first undercuts due to the fact that they are formed on the first coupling groove 14 (see in particular FIG. 2 ).The undercuts 28 a, 28 bare formed as groove-shaped depressions which start at the groove base of the first coupling groove 14 from the long side of the rectangular cross section and extend substantially over the entire long side of the rectangular cross section.The first undercuts 28 a, 28 btherefore act along a groove depth direction T 1 of the first coupling groove 14.The second coupling groove 18 also has a substantially rectangular cross section when viewed along an associated groove depth direction T 2. In this case, the corners of the rectangular cross section are rounded, wherein a rounding radius corresponds to half the length of the short rectangular side.In addition, the second coupling groove 18 has two undercuts 30 a, 30 b, which are also referred to as second undercuts due to the fact that they are formed on the second coupling groove 18 (see in particular FIG. 2 ).The undercuts 30 a, 30 bare formed as groove-shaped depressions which start at the groove base of the second coupling groove 18 from the long side of the rectangular cross section and extend substantially over the entire long side of the rectangular cross section.The second undercuts 30 a, 30 btherefore act along a groove depth direction T 2 of the second coupling groove 18.The first coupling groove 14 is deeper than the second coupling groove 18.In addition, the rectangular cross sections of the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove are formed identically. Likewise, the cross sections of the first undercuts 28 a, 28 band the cross sections of the second undercuts 30 a, 30 bare geometrically identical. However, the first undercuts 28 a, 28 bare deeper along the groove depth direction T 1 of the first coupling groove 14 than the second undercuts 30 a, 30 balong the groove depth direction T 2 of the second coupling groove 18.The first coupling groove 14 further differs from the second coupling groove 18 in that an access channel 32 is provided on the first coupling groove 14. The access channel 32 serves to be able to actuate a connector assembly, which is to be explained later and can be inserted into the first coupling groove 14 and the second coupling groove 18, by means of a tool.In the exemplary embodiment shown, the access channel 32 is designed as a transverse groove open on one side with respect to the first coupling groove 14. More specifically, the access channel extends from a workpiece outer surface 34 of the first component 12, which encloses a right angle with the first contact surface 20, into the first coupling groove 14.Furthermore, the access channel 32 is open in the direction of the first contact surface 20.In this case, that end of the access channel 32 which is furthest away from the first contact surface 20 or which is closest to the first undercut 28 a, 28 bis rounded. This end of the access channel 32 can also be referred to as an undercut-side end.The component connection 10 also comprises a connector assembly 36, which serves for the mechanical fastening of the first component 12 to the second component 16.The connector assembly 36 is only schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. A detailed illustration of the connector assembly 36 is shown in Figures 3-5.The connector assembly 36 includes a first connector unit 38 having a first engagement member 40.The first engagement element 40 is designed to be anchored in the first undercuts 28 a, 28 b.The first engagement member 40 includes a substantially plate-shaped base portion 42.At two opposite sides of the base section 40, a leg 44 a, 44 brespectively protrudes from the base section 40.In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 40 is substantially rectangular. The legs 44a, 44b project from the long sides of the rectangular base portion 42.Each of the legs 44 a, 44 bthus comprises an end which is fastened to the base section 40 and a free end opposite this end.At its free end, the leg 44a includes a projecting engaging portion 46a. The leg 44b includes a projecting engaging portion 46b at its free end.In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement protruding portions 46 a, 46 bare formed by bending the free ends of the legs 44 a, 44 boutward, respectively. This means that the free end of the leg 44a is bent away from the leg 44b. Likewise, the free end of leg 44b is bent away from leg 44a.In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 42, the legs 44 a, 44 band the engagement portions 46 a, 46 bare integrally formed.The first engagement element 40 is thus substantially U- or C-shaped. Alternatively or additionally, the engagement element 40 can be referred to as clamp-shaped.Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement member 40 is made of a metal material, for example, a steel material.In this case, the first engagement element 40 is elastically deformable to the effect that the limbs 44 a, 44 bcan be moved towards one another under elastic deformation. In the case that the first engagement element 40 is made of a steel material, this steel material can be a spring steel material.The first engagement element 40 also has an opening 48 in which a threaded rod can be received, as will be explained later.The first connector unit 38 further comprises a first blocking element 50.The first blocking element 50 is substantially cup-shaped or cup-shaped in the embodiment shown.The first blocking element 50 thus has an outer contour which substantially corresponds to a circular cylinder. In this case, the first blocking element 50 also has an opening 52, in which a threaded rod can be accommodated, which will likewise be explained later.The first blocking member 50 serves to block deformation of the first engagement member 42. For this purpose, the first blocking element 50 is dimensioned such that it can be accommodated between the legs 44 a, 44 b, provided that the legs 44 a, 44 bare undeformed. In such a state, the first blocking element 50 can abut at least in sections on each of the legs 44 a, 44 b. Thus, in a position in which the first blocking element 50 is accommodated between the legs 44 a, 44 b, elastic deformation of the legs 44 a, 44 bcan be blocked, in which the aim is to move the legs 44 a, 44 btoward each other.The first blocking element 50 is also mounted on the first engagement element 42 in a captive manner. This will be explained in more detail below.The connector assembly 36 also includes a second connector unit 54 having a second engagement member 56.The second engagement element 56 is designed to be anchored in the second undercuts 30 a, 30 b.The second engagement member 56 includes a substantially plate-shaped base portion 58.At two opposite sides of the base section 58, a leg 60 a, 60 brespectively protrudes from the base section 58.In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 48 is substantially rectangular. The legs 60a, 60b project from the long sides of the rectangular base portion 58.Each of the legs 60 a, 60 bthus comprises an end which is fastened to the base section 48 and a free end opposite this end.At its free end, the leg 60a includes a projecting engaging portion 62a. The leg 60b includes a projecting engaging portion 62b at its free end.In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement protruding portions 62 a, 62 bare formed by bending the free ends of the legs 60 a, 60 boutward, respectively. This means that the free end of the leg 60a is bent away from the leg 60b. Likewise, the free end of leg 60b is bent away from leg 60a.In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 58, the legs 60 a, 60 band the engagement portions 62 a, 62 bare integrally formed.The second engagement element 56 is thus substantially U- or C-shaped. Alternatively or additionally, the second engagement element 56 may be referred to as being bracket-shaped.Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the second engagement member 56 is made of a metal material, for example, a steel material.The second engagement element 56 is elastically deformable in such a way that the legs 60 a, 60 b, in particular their free ends, can be moved towards one another under elastic deformation. In the case that the second engagement element 56 is produced from a steel material, this steel material can be a spring steel material.The second connector unit 54 also has a threaded element 64 which is designed to cooperate with a threaded rod which will be explained later. More precisely, the threaded element 64 is designed such that the threaded rod is screwed into the threaded element 64.In the embodiment shown, the threaded element 64 is designed as a threaded sleeve. The threaded sleeve is substantially circular cylindrical.The threaded element 64 is thereby firmly connected to the second engagement element 56.Here, the threaded member is fixed to a central position of the base portion 58 and projects in the same direction from the base portion 58 as the legs 60a, 60b. In order that the threaded rod, which is still to be explained, can be screwed into the threaded element 64, an opening 66 is furthermore provided on the base section 58, through which opening the threaded rod can reach the threaded element 64.The second connector unit 54 further comprises a second blocking element 68.The second blocking element 68 has a substantially block-shaped base body 70 and a terminating plate 72 arranged at one end of the base body 70.In the example shown, the block-shaped base body 70 is formed cylindrically, wherein a cross section of the cylinder is formed as a rectangle with rounded corners.The end plate 72 is also substantially rectangular and has rounded corners.In this case, the end plate and the base body are centered relative to one another.Furthermore, the end plate 72 is dimensioned and arranged in such a way that it protrudes on all sides with respect to the base body 70.In addition, the end plate 72 is dimensioned such that it can be accommodated between the free ends of the legs 60 a, 60 bin a state in which the legs 60 a, 60 bare undeformed, wherein the two legs 60 a, 60 bb abut at least in sections against the edge of the end plate 72. In such a state, the base body 70 is likewise accommodated between the legs 60 a, 60 b, but the legs 60 a, 60 bdo not contact the base body 70.The second blocking element 68 can consequently serve to block a deformation of the second engagement element 56, in particular in the region of the free ends of the legs 60 a, 60 b. For this purpose, the end plate 72 must be arranged between the free ends of the legs 60 a, 60 b. Thus, the legs 60a, 60b are prevented from moving towards each other.The second blocking element 68 is furthermore mounted on the second engagement element 56 in a captive manner.Each of the legs 60a, 60b is provided with a guide slot 74a, 74b extending linearly in a direction from the free end toward the base portion 58 of the second engaging member 56. With respect to a width direction of the legs 60 a, 60 b, the guide slots 74 a, 74 bare respectively positioned centrally.Associated guide projections 76a, 76b are provided on the end plate 72.At this time, the guide protrusion 76 ais configured to be received in the guide slot 74 a. The guide protrusion 76 bis configured to be received in the guide slot 74 b.The guide slot 74 aand the guide projection 76 athus form a linear guide by means of which the second blocking element 68 is guided on the second engagement element 56.The same applies to the guide slot 74 band the guide protrusion 76 b. These likewise form a linear guide, by means of which the second blocking element 68 is guided on the second engagement element 56.At an end opposite the end plate 72, the base body 70 furthermore has a depression 78, which is designed to receive the threaded element 64 at least in sections. This will be explained in more detail below.The connector assembly 36 further comprises a coupling unit 80 which serves for the selective coupling of the first connector unit 38 and the second connector unit 54.The coupling unit 80 comprises a block-shaped carrier element 82. the block-shaped carrier element 82 substantially has the shape of a cylinder with a substantially rectangular base area. The base surface is oriented perpendicular to the threaded rod central axis 88. Furthermore, the corners of the rectangular base are rounded. A rounding radius corresponds to half the short side of the rectangular cross section.As will be explained in detail later, the base surface or the cross section of the carrier element 82 is matched to the first coupling groove 14 in such a way that the carrier element can be accommodated in the first coupling groove 14 without play or with little play.A recess 84 is also provided on the carrier element 82, which serves to receive a portion of the second engagement element 56, as will be explained in detail later.Due to this recess 84, the block-shaped carrier element 82 is U-shaped in a view corresponding to the perspective from FIG. 4. Such a view is oriented perpendicular to a plane that includes the threaded rod central axis 88 and extends perpendicular to a long side of the rectangular base of the support member 82.The coupling unit 80 also includes a threaded rod 86 that is rotatable about a threaded rod central axis 88.The threaded rod 86 comprises at a first axial end a threaded portion 90 which is configured to cooperate with the threaded element 64, i.e. to be screwed into the threaded element 64.In the axial direction, the threaded section 90 is adjoined by a bearing section 92. The threaded rod 86 is rotatably mounted on the carrier element 82 via the bearing section 92.A diameter of the bearing section 92 corresponds substantially to an outer diameter of the threaded section 90.On an axial side of the bearing section 92 facing away from the threaded section 90, the threaded rod 86 has a first guide section 94. The first guide portion 94 has a reduced diameter compared to the bearing portion 92.Furthermore, the threaded rod 86 has a second guide portion 96, which adjoins the first guide portion 94 on a side facing away from the bearing portion 92 in the axial direction. A diameter of the second guide portion 96 is reduced compared to the diameter of the first guide portion 94.The diameters of the first guide section 94 and of the second guide section 96 are matched to the opening 52 in the first blocking element 50 and the opening 48 in the first engagement element 40 in such a way that only the first blocking element 50 can be guided along the second guide section 96.That is, a diameter of the opening 52 is smaller than the diameter of the first guide portion 94.The first engagement element 40, on the other hand, can be guided by means of the first guide portion 94, i.e. the opening 48 in the first engagement element 40 is sufficiently large that the first guide portion 94 of the threaded rod 86 can extend through the opening 48.At the axial end of the second guide portion 96 facing away from the first guide portion 94, a holding element 98 is also provided, the diameter of which is enlarged compared to the diameter of the second guide portion 96.By means of the holding element, the first blocking element 50 can be held on the threaded rod 86 in a captive manner, provided that the second guide section 96 is inserted through the opening 52 on the first blocking element 50. The holding element 98 can be formed, for example, by a screw which is screwed into the threaded rod 86 in the axial direction. Alternatively, the retaining element 98 can be formed by a plastic deformation of a section of the threaded rod 86, wherein the section lies at an end of the threaded rod 86 opposite the threaded section 90.Adjacent to the end of the bearing section 92 facing the threaded section 90, a first gearwheel 100 is furthermore fixed on the threaded rod 86 in a rotationally fixed and axially fixed manner.The threaded rod 86 is also mounted axially fixed on the carrier element 82. This means that the threaded rod 86 cannot be displaced with respect to the carrier element 82 along the threaded rod central axis 88.A relative position between threaded rod 86 and carrier element 82 is therefore fixed along threaded rod central axis 88. This also applies when the threaded rod 86 is rotated relative to the carrier element 82.The coupling unit 80 further comprises a substantially circular cylindrical actuating element 102.The actuating element 102 has at a first axial end a tool interface 104, which in the example shown is formed as a recess with a hexagonal cross section, which can receive one end of a hexagonal wrench.At a second axial end of the actuating element 102, a second gearwheel 106 is connected to the actuating element 102 in a rotationally fixed and axially fixed manner.The second gear 106 is configured to mesh with the first gear 100.The threaded rod 86 can thus be rotationally driven by means of the tool interface 104 via the first gearwheel 100 and the second gearwheel 106. The rotation takes place about the threaded rod central axis 88.The first gearwheel 100 and the second gearwheel 106 thus form a transmission 108, more precisely a toothed transmission.In this context, the actuating element 102 has, between the tool interface 104 and the second gearwheel 106, a substantially circular-cylindrical bearing section 110, by means of which the actuating element 102 is rotatably mounted on the carrier element 82.The actuating element 102 and in particular the tool interface 104 can thus be rotated about a tool interface central axis 112. The tool interface central axis 112 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the threaded rod central axis 88.As can be seen in particular in FIG. 3, in the assembled state of the connector assembly 36, that end of the actuating element 102 protrudes opposite the carrier element 82, at which the tool interface 104 is provided. This protruding portion represents a poka-yoke element 114, which is designed to be accommodated at least in sections in the access channel 32, as will be explained in more detail below.In order to be able to mount the threaded rod 86 and the actuating element 102 on the carrier element 82 in the embodiment shown, the carrier element 82 is embodied in two parts (see in particular FIG. 5 ). The threaded rod 86 is received and supported between the two parts of the carrier element 82.As has already been explained, the carrier element 82 is dimensioned such that it can be accommodated in the first coupling groove 14 with little play or without play. The same applies to the second coupling groove 18. the carrier element 82 is thus also dimensioned such that it can be accommodated in the second coupling groove 18 with little play or without play. Thus, in a state to be explained later, in which the carrier element 82 is arranged in sections both in the first coupling groove 14 and in the second coupling groove 18, at least one outer surface 116 of the carrier element 82 can abut both on a side surface of the first coupling groove 14 and on a side surface of the second coupling groove 18.In this way, the first coupling groove 14 and the second coupling groove 18 can be positioned relative to one another. The outer surface 116 can thus also be referred to as a positioning element 118.In the connector assembly 36 shown, the threaded rod 86 is furthermore mounted on the first connector unit 38 in a captive manner and such that it can be displaced along the threaded rod central axis 88.This is achieved in that the threaded rod 86, more precisely the first guide portion 94, extends through the opening 48 of the first engagement element 40.Moreover, the second guide portion 96 extends through the opening 52 of the first blocking member 50. the holding member 98 thereby prevents the first blocking member 50 from separating from the second guide portion 96.In this connection, it is understood that the first engagement element 40 can also move into the region of the second guide section 96 due to the diameter of the opening 48 matched to the first guide section 94. However, the first blocking element 50 is larger than the diameter of the opening 48, so that the first engagement element 40 is held on the threaded rod 86 in a captive manner via the first blocking element 50 and the holding element 98.The threaded rod 86 and the first engagement element 40 are thus displaceable relative to one another by a first displacement interval V 1. The first displacement interval V 1 extends substantially over the entire length of the first guide portion 94 and the entire length of the second guide portion 96, wherein a length taken up by the first blocking element 50 on the second guide portion 96 and the length of the engagement element 40 on the first guide portion 94 or second guide portion 96 must be subtracted therefrom. For the sake of better clarity, the lengths of blocking element 50 and engagement element 40 are not taken into account in the arrow denoted by V 1 in FIG. 5.In the embodiment shown, the first displacement interval V 1 corresponds to approximately 26% of a length of the threaded rod 86 measured along the threaded rod central axis 88 (see in particular FIG. 5 ).Likewise, the threaded rod 86 and the first blocking element 50 are displaceable relative to one another by a second displacement interval V 2. This second displacement interval V 2 extends substantially over the length of the second guide section 96, wherein a length which the first blocking element 50 takes on thereon must be subtracted again. For the sake of better clarity, the length of the blocking element 50 is not taken into account in the arrow denoted by V 2 in FIG. 5.In this case, the second displacement interval V 2 in the embodiment shown corresponds to approximately 7% of a length of the threaded rod 86 measured along the threaded rod central axis 88 (see in particular FIG. 5 ).The coupling unit 80 and the first connector unit 38 thus form a mechanically coherent unit. This can also be referred to as a connector module 120.The connector module 120 thus comprises the connector unit 38 with the first engagement element 40 for anchoring in the first undercuts 28 a, 28 band the coupling unit 80.The components of the second connector unit 54 also form a mechanically coherent unit. The second connector unit 54 thus also forms a connector module 122.As mentioned above, the connector assembly 36 serves to mechanically connect the first component 12 and the second component 16 together.The connector assembly 36 is matched to the first coupling groove 14 and the second coupling groove 18. In this connection, the cross sections of the carrier element 82 and of the coupling grooves 14, 18 matched to one another have already been mentioned.In the illustrated embodiment, a length of the threaded rod 86 measured along the threaded rod central axis 88 is less than a groove depth of the first coupling groove 14.A length of the second connector unit 54 measured along the threaded rod central axis is smaller than a groove depth of the second coupling groove 18.Thus, the second connector unit 54 can be completely accommodated within the second coupling groove.In addition, the position and orientation of the tool interface 104 of the connector assembly 36 and the position and orientation of the access channel 32 are matched to one another such that the tool interface 104, i.e. that portion of the actuating element 102 which comprises the tool interface 104, is arranged at least in portions within the access channel 32, provided that the coupling unit 80 is positioned at least in portions within the first coupling groove 14.The component connection 10 can thus be produced as follows.First, the first connector unit 38 is inserted into the first coupling groove 14 together with the coupling unit 80 so that the first engagement element 40 engages with one of the engagement sections 46 a, 46 bin each case into one of the first undercuts 28 a, 28 b. In other words, the engagement portion 46 aengages with the first undercut 28 aand the engagement portion 46 bengages with the first undercut 28 b. Thus, the first connector unit 38 is anchored in the first coupling groove 14.In order to facilitate the insertion of the coupling unit 80 into the first coupling groove 14, the coupling unit 80, in particular the carrier element 82, has insertion slopes 123 at its end facing the first engagement element 40.In the embodiment shown, the legs 44 a, 44 bof the first engagement element 40 must be moved towards one another by utilizing the elastic deformability of the first engagement element 40 and remain in this position as long as the first engagement element 40 is moved through those portions of the coupling groove 40 which are located outside the first undercuts 28 a, 28 b, i.e. in the insertion direction of the first connector unit 38 into the first coupling groove 14 in front of the first undercuts 28 a, 28 b. As soon as the engagement sections 46 a, 46 bcan engage in the first undercuts 28 a, 28 b, the first engagement element 40 deforms elastically back.It is understood that during the insertion of the first connector unit 38 into the first coupling groove 14, the first blocking element 50 is arranged outside a space spanned between the legs 44 a, 44 b. More precisely, the first blocking element 50 is arranged on a side of the first engagement element 40 facing the groove base of the first coupling groove 14 next to the first engagement element 40. With respect to the insertion direction, this means that the first blocking element 50 is arranged behind the first engagement element 40 in the insertion direction.This is achieved by a corresponding relative displacement of the threaded rod 86 with respect to the first engagement element 40. Due to the fact that the second guide portion 96 and the opening 52 on the first blocking element 50 have a smaller diameter than the first guide portion 94, the first blocking element 50 can be moved out of the space spanned by the legs 44 a, 44 bby displacement of the threaded rod 86 relative to the first engagement element 40 and / or can be held outside this space.The second connector unit 54 is inserted into the second coupling groove 18 so that the second engagement element 56 engages with one of the engagement sections 62 a, 62 bin each case in one of the second undercuts 30 a, 30 b. In other words, the engaging portion 62a engages with the second undercut 30a, and the engaging portion 62b engages with the second undercut 30b. Thus, the second connector unit 54 is anchored in the second coupling groove 16.In the embodiment shown, the legs 62 a, 62 bof the second engagement element 56 must be moved towards one another by utilizing the elastic deformability of the second engagement element 56 and remain in this position as long as the second engagement element 56 is moved through those portions of the second coupling groove 16 which are located outside the second undercuts 30 a, 30 b, i.e. in the insertion direction of the second connector unit 54 into the second coupling groove 18 in front of the second undercuts 30 a, 30 b. As soon as the engagement sections 62 a, 62 bcan engage in the second undercuts 30 a, 30 b, the second engagement element 56 deforms elastically back.It is understood that during the insertion of the second connector unit 54 into the second coupling groove 18, the second blocking element 68 is arranged outside a space spanned between the free ends of the legs 62 a, 62 b.In order to ensure the best possible elastic deformability of the free ends of the legs 60 a, 60 b, in this connection the second blocking element 68 is in an end position which is situated close to the base section 58 of the second engagement element 56. This end position is defined by the guide slots 74 a, 74 band / or by the threaded element 64.The first connector unit 38 and the second connector unit 54 are still decoupled from one another in this state.This state of the component connection 10 can also be referred to as the preparation position. This state is illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8.In the embodiment shown, the coupling unit 80 and the threaded rod 86 are situated completely within the first coupling groove 14.Thereafter, the first member 12 and the second member 16 are aligned relative to each other so that the threaded rod 86 can be engaged with the threaded member 64.Due to the fact that the first connector unit 38 and the coupling unit 80 are completely accommodated within the first coupling groove 14 and the second connector unit 54 is completely accommodated within the second coupling groove 18, the first contact surface 20 and the second contact surface 22 can contact one another. This is possible because no portion of the connector assembly 36 protrudes beyond the first or second abutment surface.Alternatively, it is of course also possible for the first contact surface 20 and the second contact surface 22 to be opposite one another, but not to touch one another. In this context, too, it is helpful for the alignment of the first component 12 relative to the second component 16 that no portion of the connector assembly 36 protrudes beyond the first contact surface 20 or the second contact surface 22.The component connection can now be transferred into an intermediate state, which is referred to as coupling position. This state is illustrated in Figs. 9 to 11.In the coupled state, the threaded rod 86 is screwed into the threaded element 64 by actuating the tool interface 104. Thus, the first connector unit 38 and the second connector unit 54 are coupled.In this state, the carrier element 82 is still completely located within the first coupling groove 14 and / or the carrier element 82, in particular an outer surface 116 of the carrier element 82, is not yet located on the side surface of the second coupling groove 18.In this case, the carrier element 82 is displaced relative to the preparation position in the direction of the groove opening of the first coupling groove 14.In a boundary case illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, an end surface of the support member 82 facing the second coupling groove 18 and the second connector unit 54 coincides with the first abutting surface 20.Thus, a distance between this end surface and the base element 58 of the second engagement element 56 corresponds to a distance of the base element 58 from the second contact surface 22, which distance is greater than zero in the example shown.The transfer of the component connection 10 from the preparation state to the coupling state is additionally facilitated in that the second connector unit 54, in particular the second engagement element 56, can be displaced relative to the second coupling groove 18 both in the preparation state and in the coupling state. This displacement can take place along the long side of the substantially rectangular cross section of the coupling groove 18, i.e. along a direction of extension of the second coupling groove 18.Furthermore, the coupling can be facilitated by arranging on the base section 58 of the second engagement element 56 in the region around the threaded element 64 a conical guide surface for guiding the threaded rod 86 in the direction of the threaded element 64. In other words, the opening 66 can have boundary surfaces running conically in the direction of the threaded element 64. Alternatively or additionally, such a conical guide surface can also be provided on the threaded element 64.The threaded rod 86 is then screwed further into the threaded element 64.This has the effect that the first blocking element 50 is displaced by means of the threaded rod 86 into a space between the legs 44 a, 44 band thus blocks a deformation of the legs 44 a, 44 b. The first engagement element 40 is thus blocked or locked in a state anchored in the first undercut 28 a, 28 b.In addition, the further screwing of the threaded rod 86 into the threaded element 64 has the effect that the second blocking element 68 is displaced by means of the axial end of the threaded rod 86 in the direction of the free ends of the legs 60 a, 60 b.This causes the second blocking element 68 to be displaced by means of the threaded rod 86 into a space between the free ends of the legs 60 a, 60 band thus blocks a deformation of the legs 60 a, 60 b. The second engagement element 56 is thus blocked or locked in a state anchored in the second undercut 30 a, 30 b.In this context, the tool interface 104 moves from an end of the access channel 32 facing the undercut 28 a, 28 bto an end of the access channel 32 facing away from the undercut 28 a, 28 b. This is associated with the threaded rod 86 not being displaceable along the threaded rod central axis 88 with respect to the carrier element 82 and the tool interface 104 mounted thereon.In this case, the carrier element 82 is displaced into the second coupling groove 18. This means that the carrier element 82 is located as a result in sections within the first coupling groove 14 and within the second coupling groove 18. In this case, the first coupling groove 14 and the second coupling groove 18 are positioned relative to one another. The same applies to the first component 12 and the second component 16, on which the first coupling groove 14 and the second coupling groove 18 are provided.In order to facilitate the introduction of the carrier element 82 into the second coupling groove 18 and thus also the positioning of the first coupling groove 14 and the second coupling groove 18 relative to one another, the carrier element 82 is provided with introduction slopes 124 at its end facing the second connector unit 54.In this connection, a portion of the second engagement element 56 comprising the base portion 58 is furthermore arranged within the recess 84 of the carrier element 82.In a side view of the second engagement element 86, in which the leg 60 aor the leg 60 bcan be seen flat, a section of the carrier element 82 is thus located laterally next to the second engagement element 56 in each case.In this process, two phases can be distinguished. In a first phase, starting from the position shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the carrier element 82 moves with its end face facing the second coupling groove 18 and the second connector unit 54 toward the base element 58 of the second engagement element 56. At the end of this phase, the base member 58 and the end face lie substantially in one plane. Thereafter, i.e. in a second phase, the base element 58 is received in the recess 84. In other words, the end face of the carrier element 82 is moved past the base element in the direction of a groove base of the second coupling groove 18. In order to facilitate this, insertion slopes are also provided on the inner side of the U-shaped carrier element 82.The screwing of the threaded rod 86 into the threaded element 64 ends when the first contact surface 20 and the second contact surface 22 contact one another with the desired contact force.A state of the component connection 10, in which the coupling unit 80, in particular the carrier element 82, is arranged in each case in sections both in the first coupling groove 14 and in the second coupling groove 18, wherein the threaded rod 86 is additionally coupled to the second connector unit 54 via the threaded element 64, is also referred to as the bearing position.The contact position is illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14.List of reference characters10 Component connection 12 First component 14 First coupling groove 16 Second component 18 Second coupling groove 20 First contact surface 22 Second contact surface 24 Groove opening of the first coupling groove 26 Groove opening of the second coupling groove 28 aFirst undercut 28 bFirst undercut 30 aSecond undercut 30 bSecond undercut 32 Access channel 34 Workpiece outer surface 36 Connector assembly 38 First connector unit 40 First engagement element 42 Base section of the first engagement element 44 a Schenkel of the first engagement element 44 b Schenkel of the first engagement element 46 a Engagement section of the first engagement element 46 b Engagement section of the first engagement element 48 Opening 50 First blocking element 52 Opening 54 Second connector unit 56 Second engagement element 58 Base section of the second engagement element 60 a Schenkel of the second engagement element 60 b Schenkel of the second engagement element 62 a Engagement section of the second engagement element 62 bprotruding engagement portion of the second engagement element 64 threaded element 66 opening 68 second blocking element 70 base body of the second blocking element 72 end plate of the second blocking element 74 aguide slot 74 bguide slot 76 aguide protrusion 76 bguide protrusion 78 depression of the base body of the second blocking element 80 coupling unit 82 support element 84 recess 86 threaded rod 88 threaded rod central axis 90 threaded portion 92 bearing portion 94 first guide portion 96 second guide portion 98 support element 100 first gear 102 actuator 104 tool interface 106 second gear 108 gear 110 bearing portion 112 tool interface central axis 114 poka-yoke element 116 outer surface of the support element 118 positioning element 120 connector module 122 connector module 123 lead-in slope 124 lead-in slope T 1 groove depth direction of the first coupling groove T 2 groove depth direction of the second coupling groove coupling groove V1 first displacement interval V2 second displacement interval

Claims

Connector assembly (36) for mechanically fastening a first component (12) to a second component (16), wherein the first component (12) has at least one first coupling groove (14) which has a first undercut (28a, 28b) acting along a groove depth direction (T1), and the second component (16) has at least one second coupling groove (18) which has a second undercut (30a, 30b) acting along a groove depth direction (T2), wherein the connector assembly (36) comprises: - a first connector unit (38) having a first engagement element (40) for anchoring in the first undercut (28a, 28b), - a second connector unit (54) having a second engagement element (56) for anchoring in the second undercut (30a, 30b), and - a coupling unit (80) for selectively coupling the first connector unit (38) and the second connector unit (54), wherein the coupling unit (80) comprises a threaded rod (86), which is rotatable about a threaded rod central axis (88), wherein the threaded rod (86) is mounted on the first connector unit (38) in a captive manner and displaceably along the threaded rod central axis (88), and wherein the second connector unit (54) comprises a threaded element (64), which is configured to cooperate with the threaded rod (86).Connector assembly (36) according to claim 1, wherein the first engagement element (40) and / or the second engagement element (56) are or is elastically deformable at least in sections.The connector assembly (36) of claim 2, wherein the first connector unit (38) comprises a first blocking member (50) for blocking deformation of the first engagement member (40), and / or wherein the second connector unit (54) comprises a second blocking member (68) for blocking deformation of the second engagement member (56).Connector assembly (36) according to claim 3, wherein the first blocking element (50) is held captive on the first engagement element (40) and / or wherein the second blocking element (68) is held captive on the second engagement element (56).The connector assembly (36) of any preceding claim, wherein the threaded member (64) is fixedly connected to the second engagement member (56).The connector assembly (36) of any preceding claim, wherein the first engagement member (40) includes an opening (48) or channel for receiving the threaded rod (86).Connector assembly (36) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement element (40) and / or the second engagement element (56) comprises a base section (42, 58) with two limbs (44a, 44b, 60a, 60b) projecting from the base section (42, 58) in the same direction, wherein a projecting engagement section (46a, 46b, 62a, 62b) is arranged at a free end of at least one limb (44a, 44b, 60a, 60b).The connector assembly (36) of any preceding claim, wherein the coupling unit (80) comprises a tool interface (104) drivingly coupled to the threaded rod (86).Connector assembly (36) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling unit (80) comprises a gear mechanism (108), in particular a gear mechanism, which drivingly couples the tool interface (104) and the threaded rod (86).The connector assembly (36) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the tool interface (104) is rotatable about a tool interface central axis (112), and wherein the tool interface central axis (112) is oriented perpendicular to the threaded rod central axis (88).Connector assembly (36) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling unit (80) comprises a positioning element (118) which is designed to position the first coupling groove (14) and the second coupling groove (18) relative to one another.Connector assembly (36) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling unit (80) comprises a block-shaped carrier element (82), wherein the threaded rod (86) is rotatably mounted on the carrier element (82).The connector assembly (36) of claims 11 and 12, wherein the positioning member (118) is formed as an outer surface (116) of the support member (82).The connector assembly (36) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the support member (82) has at least one substantially elongated cross-section.The connector assembly (36) of any of claims 8 to 10 and any of claims 12 and 13, wherein the tool interface (104) protrudes relative to the support member (82).Connector assembly (36) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded rod (86) and the first engagement element (40) are displaceable relative to one another by a first displacement interval (V1), wherein the first displacement interval (V1) corresponds to at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, of a length of the threaded rod (86) measured along the threaded rod central axis (88), and / or wherein the threaded rod (86) and the first blocking element (50) are displaceable relative to one another by a second displacement interval (V2), wherein the second displacement interval (V2) corresponds to at least 5%, preferably at least 15%, of a length of the threaded rod (86) measured along the threaded rod central axis (88).The connector module (120) for a connector assembly (36) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector module (120) comprises a first connector unit (38) having a first engagement element (40) for anchoring in a first undercut (28a, 28b) and a coupling unit (80) for selectively coupling the first connector unit (38) to a second connector unit (54), wherein the coupling unit (80) comprises a threaded rod (86) which is rotatable about a threaded rod central axis (88), wherein the threaded rod (86) is mounted on the first connector unit (38) in a captive manner and displaceably along the threaded rod central axis (88).Component connection (10) comprising a first component (12) having at least one first coupling groove (14), the groove opening (24) of which lies in a first contact surface (20) of the first component (12) and which has a first undercut (28a, 28b) acting along a groove depth direction (T1), a second component (16) having at least one second coupling groove (18), the groove opening (26) of which lies in a second contact surface (22) of the second component (16) and which has a second undercut (30a, 30b) acting along a groove depth direction (T2), and a connector assembly (36) according to one of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the first engagement element (40) of the first connector unit (38) is anchored in the first undercut (28a, 28b) and wherein the second engagement element (56) of the second connector unit (54) is anchored in the second undercut (30a, 30b), and wherein - in a preparation position, the coupling unit (80) is arranged at least in sections in the first coupling groove (14), wherein the second connector unit (54) is decoupled from the threaded rod (86), and / or - in a coupling position, the coupling unit (80) is arranged at least in sections in the first coupling groove (14), wherein the second connector unit (54) is coupled to the threaded rod (86) via the threaded element (64), and / or - in a contact position, the coupling unit (80) is arranged in each case in sections both in the first coupling groove (14) and in the second coupling groove (18), wherein the threaded rod (86) is coupled to the second connector unit (54) via the threaded element (64).Component connection (10) according to claim 18, wherein in the preparation position the coupling unit (80) and / or the threaded rod (86) lies or lies completely within the first coupling groove (14).Component connection (10) according to Claim 18 or 19, wherein a length of the threaded rod (86) measured along the threaded rod central axis (88) is less than or equal to a groove depth of the first coupling groove (14).Component connection (10) according to one of Claims 18 to 20, wherein a length of the second connector unit (54) and / or of the second engagement element (56), measured along the threaded rod central axis (88), is less than or equal to a groove depth of the second coupling groove (18).Component connection (10) according to one of Claims 18 to 21, wherein, in the preparation position, the first connector unit (38) lies completely within the first coupling groove (14) and / or the second connector unit (54) lies completely within the second coupling groove (18).Component connection (10) according to one of Claims 18 to 22, wherein an access channel (32) for a tool is provided on the first component (12), wherein the access channel (32) extends from a workpiece outer surface (34) into the first coupling groove (14).Component connection (10) according to claim 23, wherein the access channel (32) is open in the direction of the associated contact surface (20).Component connection (10) according to Claim 23 or 24, wherein a tool interface (104) of the connector assembly (36) is situated opposite an end of the access channel (32) or is arranged at least in sections within the access channel (32).Component connection (10) according to Claim 25, wherein the tool interface (104), in the preparation position, is situated closer to an edge of the access channel (32) on the undercut side than in the coupling position and in the bearing position, and / or wherein the tool interface (104), in the bearing position, is situated closer to an edge of the access channel (32) facing away from the first undercut (28a, 28b) than in the preparation position and in the coupling position.Method for producing a component connection (10) comprising a first component (12) having at least one first coupling groove (14), the groove opening (24) of which lies in a first contact surface (20) of the first component (12) and which has a first undercut (28a, 28b) acting along a groove depth direction (T1), and a second component (16) having at least one second coupling groove (18), the groove opening (26) of which lies in a second contact surface (22) of the second component (16) and which has a second undercut (30a, 30b) acting along a groove depth direction (T2), wherein the method comprises: - inserting a first connector unit (38) of a connector assembly (36) according to one of Claims 1 to 16 into the first coupling groove (14), such that a first engagement element (40) is anchored in the first undercut (28a, 28b), wherein a threaded rod (86) of a coupling unit (80) of the connector assembly (36) is mounted on the first connector unit (38) in a captive manner and displaceably along the threaded rod central axis (88), - inserting a second connector unit (54) of the connector assembly (36) into the second coupling groove (18) such that a second engagement element (56) is anchored in the second undercut (30a, 30b), wherein the second connector unit (54) comprises a threaded element (64) which is configured to cooperate with the threaded rod (86), and - aligning the first component (12) and the second component (16) relative to one another, wherein the first contact surface (20) and the second contact surface (22) are opposite one another and / or contact one another, and - coupling the first connector unit (38) and the second connector unit (54) by means of the coupling unit (80).

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