Fastening system and method for fixing a T-nut in the groove of a profile rail, conveyor system comprising a fastening system and method for constructing such a conveyor system

Abstract

A fastening system comprising a profile rail (1) with at least one groove (2) includes at least one T-nut (3) pivotable into the groove (2), wherein the groove (2) has an undercut groove opening (4), wherein the groove (2) includes a receiving section (6) to hold the T-nut (3) in its operating position, wherein the groove (2) further includes a pivoting section (7) which enables the T-nut (3) to be inserted into the groove (2) at any position along the groove (2), wherein the receiving and pivoting sections (7) are arranged such that, in an operating position of the profile rail, the T-nut (3) can be inserted through the groove opening (4) into the pivoting section (7) and subsequently slides into the receiving section (6) by the action of gravity to assume its operating position.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening system and a method for fixing a T-nut in the groove of a profile rail, as well as a conveying system comprising a fastening system and a method for constructing such a conveying system. State of the art

[0002] Fastening systems, in particular those comprising T-nuts which can be fixed in corresponding grooves, are known from the prior art. Object of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Solution to the task

[0004] The solution to the problem lies in the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0005] A fastening system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a profile rail with at least one groove. The fastening system further comprises at least one T-nut that can be pivoted into the groove, the groove having an undercut opening. The groove further comprises a receiving section to hold the T-nut in its operating position. The groove also comprises a pivoting section that allows the T-nut to be inserted at any position along the groove. The receiving and pivoting sections are arranged such that, in an operating position of the profile rail, the T-nut can be inserted through the groove opening into the pivoting section and then slides into the receiving section by the action of gravity to assume its operating position.

[0006] The fastening system can be designed such that the T-nut slides into a pocket in the receiving section, as described below, under the force of gravity. The fastening system can be designed such that the T-nut slides completely into the receiving section under the force of gravity to assume its operating position, thereby exiting the pivoting section.

[0007] A profile rail is preferably an elongated component with a constant cross-section.

[0008] The groove preferably runs along a longitudinal direction of the profile rail.

[0009] The receiving section and the T-nut are preferably designed such that the T-nut, which positions itself automatically within the receiving section under the force of gravity, remains in its operating position after being positioned. The contours of the receiving section and the T-nut are correspondingly aligned in cross-section, i.e., designed to be compatible with each other. For example, at least one section of an inner contour of the receiving section, in which the T-nut comes to rest after assuming its operating position, can be adapted to at least one section of an outer contour of the T-nut. Both of these sections can, for example, be rectangular or a section of a rectangle. As a result, the fastening system preferably comprises a self-positioning T-nut.

[0010] In the operating position of the profile rail, the groove opening is preferably aligned laterally or at an angle.

[0011] The receiving section preferably allows, among other things, the T-nut to slide along the groove.

[0012] The receiving section and the pivoting section, together with the groove opening and undercuts, can form the groove. The receiving and pivoting sections are preferably components of a continuous space within the groove. The receiving and pivoting sections preferably form an interior space within the groove.

[0013] It can be conceived that the T-nut does not include a return element. In this case, the T-nut does not include a spring, a pre-tensioned or spring-loaded element, or generally any spring-loaded element or the like, which aligns or holds it in its operating position after it has been inserted into the groove. As already described, the T-nut is preferably aligned by gravity, and particularly preferably exclusively by gravity. A spring on the T-nut, which is expensive to manufacture and sometimes requires extensive maintenance, as is known in some prior art, is therefore preferably not required in the T-nut according to the present invention.

[0014] The T-nut preferably includes a thread. A screw can then be used to secure a fixed element to the profile rail after positioning the T-nut.

[0015] The T-nut can have a symmetrical cross-section. This can advantageously allow the T-nut to be used rotated by 180°, as explained in more detail in the figure description.

[0016] In the simplest case, a cut-out sheet metal piece with a thread can serve as a T-nut. Alternatives are conceivable.

[0017] The present invention further comprises a conveying system comprising a fastening system according to one of the variants described above.

[0018] A conveying system can be a conveyor, for example a continuous conveyor.

[0019] For example, a roller conveyor, a ball track, a chain conveyor or a belt conveyor could be considered.

[0020] The present invention comprises, in addition to the fastening system and the conveying system, a method for securing a T-nut in the groove of a profile rail. According to one embodiment of the method, this T-nut and this profile rail are components of the fastening system described above.

[0021] Details described above with regard to the fastening system and the conveying system also apply to the procedure described below and vice versa.

[0022] One variant of the procedure includes the following steps: - Inserting the T-nut into the groove opening, - whereby first a first side of the T-nut is inserted into the pivoting section, - whereupon a second side of the T-nut is inserted into the receiving section, - so that the T-nut slides into the receiving section with the second side leading, following gravity.

[0023] In the last step, it can be assumed that the T-nut, with its second side leading, slides into a pocket of the receiving section, following gravity. Such a pocket could, for example, be formed by a base and a lower section of the receiving part.

[0024] Furthermore, a method for assembling a conveyor system can be considered, which includes, among other things, the aforementioned process steps. Typically, a method for assembling a conveyor system also includes fixing, for example, uprights and crossbeams, as well as other elements of the conveyor system, using the T-nut, by fixing the aforementioned components at a desired point along the groove, for example, via the thread of the T-nut relative to the groove.

[0025] The present invention makes it possible to insert a T-nut into a groove at any desired position, whereupon the T-nut positions itself automatically with the aid of gravity, preferably exclusively by gravity. Complex assembly is eliminated. Furthermore, the T-nut can be designed simply and therefore cost-effectively because it does not require elements such as springs or the like for positioning. Character description

[0026] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings; these show in: the Fig. 1a to 1d a profile rail 1a and a T-nut 3a according to the state of the art, the Fig. 2a to 2e as well as 3, 4a / b and 6a / b a first variant of a fastening system according to the present invention as well as, the Fig. 5a / b and 7a / b a second variant of a fastening system according to the present invention, as well as in the Fig. 8a to 8d an elevated frame 11 of a chain conveyor as well as individual details of this frame 11.

[0027] For the sake of clarity, features that are identical in several figures are not marked with reference numbers in all figures. Example of implementation

[0028] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a profile rail 1a with a groove 2a and undercuts 5a, as well as a T-nut 3a with a spring-loaded ball 8, as components of a known fastening system. A groove opening 4a of the Fig. 1a / b / c The profile rail 1a shown in the operating position points upwards. Fig. In addition, a symmetry axis 9a of this profile rail 1a is recognizable in 1d.

[0029] In the Fig. Figures 2a to 2e show a profile rail 1 with two grooves 2 and a T-nut 3. Furthermore, the direction of gravity g and a groove opening 4 are indicated.

[0030] In Fig. 3 are a recording section 6 and a swivel section 7 of the in Fig. 2 shown profile rail 1, which together with the groove opening 4 and two also in Fig. The undercuts 5 shown in the diagram form the groove 2. The receiving section 6 and the pivoting section 7 are shown in this diagram. Fig. 3 represented by different patterns or hatching.

[0031] The Fig. Figure 4a shows an enlarged view according to the Fig. 2c. The Fig. Figure 4b shows an enlarged view according to the Fig. 2e. The ones in the Fig. Profile rail 1 shown in 4a / b is identical in design to profile rail 1 of the Fig. 2a to 2e and 3.

[0032] The Fig. 5a corresponds to Fig. 4a, but shows a slightly modified profile rail 1. The same applies to the Fig. 5b in relation to the Fig. 4b. In the Fig. 4a and Fig. 5a as well as in Fig. In Figure 2a, a thread 15 is visible in the T-nut 3. The thread 15 is only provided with a reference numeral in some figures, but is present in all illustrated T-nuts 3 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] The Fig. 6a / b and 7a / b show the ones in the Fig. The profile rails 1 already shown in 4a / b and 5a / b are shown, with an imaginary surface 10 forming the groove opening 4. The width of this imaginary surface 10 corresponds to a clear width between the undercuts 5. The length of this imaginary surface 10, which extends orthogonally to the plane of the drawing and is therefore not visible in the cross-section, corresponds to a length of the groove 2. Furthermore, in the aforementioned Fig. 6b and Fig. 7b a floor 18 of recording section 6 and a pocket 17 can be seen.

[0034] Fig. Figure 8a shows a raised frame 11 of a chain conveyor in which two profile rails 1 are arranged according to the Fig. 2 a to e are installed, in cross-section. Fig. Figure 8b shows the frame 11 according to Fig. 8a in perspective view. Fig. 8c and Fig. Figure 8d shows enlarged views of this frame 11, in which the profile rail 1 and, in particular, the groove 2 are visible in detail. The frame 11 also includes uprights 13, which are connected to each other via crossbeams 12. A screw 14, a thread 15, and a chain receptacle 16 are also visible.

[0035] Overall, it should be noted that in the characters, apart from Fig. Figure 8b shows only cross-sections. Accordingly, all figures mentioned above depict only cross-sections of the profile rails 1a, 1. Therefore, all components of the profile rail 1, for example, the groove 2 with receiving and pivoting sections 6, 7, and the T-nut 3, are only visible in cross-section. The groove 2 preferably extends orthogonally to the plane of the drawing along the entire length of the profile rail 1. The T-nut 3 typically has a width extending orthogonally to the plane of the drawing that is significantly less than the length of the groove 2 and is on the order of magnitude of known T-nuts.

[0036] In the Fig. 2a-e, Fig. 3, Fig. In 4a / b and 6a / b, the groove opening 4 is oriented laterally, i.e., to the side. Fig. In 5a / b and 7a / b, the groove opening 4 is oriented at an angle. The essential difference between the variant according to the above lies in this position of the groove 2. Fig. 5a / b and 7a / b compared to the others Fig. 2a-d, Fig. 3, Fig. 4a / b, 6a / b. The T-nuts 3 are in the Fig. 2a-d, Fig. 3, Fig. 4a / b, 6a / b on one side and 5a / b and 7a7b on the other side are identically formed. Referring to Figures 1a to 1d, the functioning of known fastening systems is explained as follows:

[0037] The T-nut 3a is inserted into the groove 2a through the groove opening 4a, which is laterally limited by the undercuts 5a ( Fig. 1a). Here, the T-nut 3a is rotated ( Fig. 1b), in order to then put into operational position ( Fig. 1c) to be supported by the spring-loaded ball 8 at the base of the groove and by sections opposite the ball 8 at the undercuts 5a. The T-nut 3a is to be inserted starting from the in Fig. The operating position shown in 1c is along the groove 2a, i.e., movable orthogonally to the plane of the drawing.

[0038] Such T-nuts 3a are used, for example, to fasten components. For this purpose, the T-nut may, for example, have a thread or the like to enable the fastening of a component.

[0039] Referring to the Fig. 2a-e, as well as 3 to 8c, explain the functioning of exemplary embodiments of the fastening system according to the invention as follows: Profile rail 1 is shown in its operating position.

[0040] To fix the T-nut 3, it is inserted into the groove 2 at any point via the groove opening 4 ( Fig. 2a). Here, a section of the T-nut 3 is pushed into the pivoting section 7 ( Fig. 2b, Fig. 3) A section of the T-nut 3 located at the other end is fully inserted into the receiving section 6 ( Fig. 2c, Fig. 3), so that the entire T-nut 3 is completely within the groove 2. Starting from the in Fig. In the position shown in 2c, the T-nut 3 moves, following gravity, into its operating position, which is in Fig. 2e is shown. This is a sequence of Fig. See 2c to 2e.

[0041] The aforementioned sequence ultimately shows a variant of a method according to the invention: The T-nut 3 is inserted into the groove opening 4, specifically into the groove opening 4 of the groove 2 located on the right side of the profile rail 1. This is done according to... Fig. 2a first insert a first side of the T-nut 3 into the pivoting section 7 (see Fig. 3) inserted. Subsequently, a second side of the T-nut 3 (opposite the first side in cross-section) is inserted into the receiving section 6, which in the Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c is shown. Starting from Fig. 2c show the Fig. 2c to 2e, as the T-nut 3 slides into the receiving section 6 following the force of gravity g.

[0042] It can be considered that in the last-mentioned step, the T-nut 3, with its second side leading, slides into the pocket 17 of the receiving section 6, which is only in the Fig. 6b and Fig. 7b is identified as a subsection of recording section 6 by a corresponding pattern. The pocket 17 is preferably, as shown in the Fig. 6b and Fig. 7b, formed by the base 18 and a part of the receiving section 6 close to the base. It can always be assumed that the T-nut 3, in its operating position, rests on the base 18 of the receiving section 6, as shown in the Fig. 2e, Fig. 4b and Fig. 5b shows: The Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows the automatic positioning of the T-nut 3 following gravity after it has been fully inserted into the groove 2, in an enlarged view.

[0043] As in the Fig. As shown in 6a / b, there is an imaginary surface 10, which is bounded by the undercuts 5; and runs within the groove opening 4, in the variant according to the Fig. 2a-e, Fig. 3 and 4a / b are oriented vertically.

[0044] We in the Fig. As shown in Figures 5a / b and 7a / b, this imaginary surface 10 can also be arranged at an angle to the vertical. This design variant also allows the T-nut 3 to position itself automatically due to gravity, which is shown in the Fig. 5a / b is shown.

[0045] From the Fig. Sections 8a to 8d indicate that components of conveyor systems can be attached to the profile rails. The in Fig. The upper crossbeam 12 shown in 8a is fixed in a thread 15 of the T-nut 3 by means of a screw 14, and thus simultaneously attached to the right in Fig. The stand 13 shown in 8a is attached, which in turn is connected to the profile rail 1 shown on the right. This is shown in detail in the Fig. 8c and Fig. 8d shown, which is a section A of the Fig. 8a at least partially represent.

[0046] In addition to the traverses 12, further elements of conveyor systems can be installed in the grooves 2 of the in the Fig. The frame shown in Figures 8a to 8d is defined as follows: Any elements of conveyor systems can be considered here, for example, side guides, sensors, actuators, drives, and the like.

[0047] By selecting crossbeams 12 of suitable length, the distance between the profile rails 1 can be adjusted, which in turn determines the distance between the chain holders 16 and thus between the chains of the chain conveyor. In this way, a chain conveyor can be very easily adapted to the width of the load to be conveyed (not shown). Thanks to the previously described design of groove 2 and T-nut 3, crossbeams 12 can be easily fixed at any point along the frame 11. The same applies to the aforementioned other elements of conveyor systems, which are described in the Fig. 8a to 8d are not shown.

[0048] Just like the T-nut 3a, the T-nut 3 is also located in the Fig. 2a-3, 3, 4a / b, 5a / b, 6a / b, 7a / b and 8a, c, d are embodiment variants of the present invention shown along the groove 2, i.e., each movable orthogonally to the plane of the drawing.

[0049] Although only a few preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it is obvious that the person skilled in the art can add numerous modifications without departing from the essence and scope of the invention. In particular, the following modifications may be considered: The T-nuts 3 according to the present invention can have at least or exactly one thread 15 (marked with reference numerals only in some figures) or at least or exactly one alternative fastening means (not shown) to which at least one component can be attached. The T-nuts 3 of the present invention are suitable for fulfilling all the tasks that known T-nuts fulfill.

[0050] The Fig. Figures 2a-e show a mirror-symmetrical profile rail 1 with two grooves 2. Alternatively, profile rails 1 with one groove 2 or with a plurality of grooves 2 can be considered. Furthermore, the mirror-symmetrical design of the profile rail 1 is not mandatory.

[0051] A distinction must be made here between the symmetry of the profile rail 1 and the symmetry of the groove 2. With regard to Fig. 1d It should be mentioned that the groove 2 according to the present invention is preferably not mirror-symmetrical, whereas this is frequently the case with grooves 2a according to the prior art. This is evident, for example, from a comparison of the Fig. 1d with symmetry axis 9a shown groove 2a with the groove 2 according to the invention. Fig. 2a to 2e and 3 are removable. The pivoting section 7, with respect to the direction of gravity and the usual orientation of the profile rail 1, preferably forms an upper region of an interior of the groove 2. This interior of the groove 2 is preferably formed by the pivoting section 7 and the receiving section 6.

[0052] The receiving section 6 and the pivoting section 7 preferably form, together with the groove opening 4 and the undercuts 5, the groove 2, as shown in the figures. The receiving and pivoting sections 6, 7 are preferably components of a continuous interior space of the groove 2, and are not spatially separated from each other.

[0053] According to preferred embodiments, the T-nuts 3 according to the present invention do not include a spring-loaded element, and are therefore easy and low-maintenance to handle and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0054] Regarding the Fig. With regard to Figures 6a / b and 7a / b, it should be noted that the groove opening 4, or an imaginary surface 10 forming the groove opening 4 and bounded by the undercuts 5, is preferably oriented perpendicular or oblique to the vertical at an angle of preferably less than 45°, more preferably less than 20°. In particular, the groove opening 4, or the surface 10, is not horizontally oriented, because such an orientation usually does not allow for automatic positioning of the T-nut 3.

[0055] Instead of the chain conveyor, whose frame 11 in the Fig. Figures 8a to 8d may refer to a different conveying system. The considerations regarding the chain conveyor apply analogously to other conveyors, particularly other continuous conveyors.

[0056] As shown in the figures, the T-nut 3 can have a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the T-nut 3 includes a thread 15 for connecting and thus securing an element. This thread 15 is only present in the Fig. 2a, Fig. 4a, Fig. 5a and Fig. 8d is marked with a reference number, but is present in all the T-nuts shown.

[0057] It may refer to T-nuts 3, which have a cross-sectional shape that deviates from a rectangle.

[0058] Regardless of their cross-sectional shape, T-nuts 3 that are symmetrical in cross-section are particularly preferred. In the T-nuts 3 shown in the figures, the (not shown) axis of symmetry runs through the thread 15. A T-nut 3 with a rectangular cross-section can therefore be inserted into the groove 2 in two orientations, which result from a 180° rotation about the thread 15. This symmetry allows for easy handling.

[0059] The T-nut 3 can be designed differently than shown in the figures, but preferably always includes the thread 15. More preferably, the thread 15 can always form the axis of symmetry of the T-nut 3, so that it can also be inserted rotated 180° about this axis of symmetry. In the simplest case, a cut-out sheet metal part with a thread can represent a T-nut 3, which can have the cross-sectional shape shown in the figures. Alternative T-nut designs are conceivable.

[0060] Especially in the Fig. In sections 4 a / b and 5 a / b, it is clearly visible that a (not separately marked) contour is present in the lower section of the receiving section 6, in which the T-nut 3 is inserted. Fig. 4b and Fig.5b, which comes to rest, are adapted to an outer contour of the T-nut 3. Both of the aforementioned sections are designed in cross-section as a section of a rectangle. Alternative configurations of the outer contour of the T-nut 3 and the inner contour of that section of the receiving section 6 in which the T-nut 3 comes to rest due to gravity, in particular the pocket 17, are conceivable. Preferably, the aforementioned contours are designed to correspond to each other. Reference symbol list 1 profile rail 2 Nut 3 T-nuts 4 groove opening 5 Undercut 6 Recording section 7 Swing-in section 8 spring-loaded balls 9. Axis of symmetry 10 area 11 Frame of a chain conveyor 12 traverses 13 stands 14 screws 15 threads 16 chain mount 17 bags 18 Floor A section g gravity

Claims

Fastening system comprising a profile rail (1) with at least one groove (2), the fastening system further comprising at least one T-nut (3) pivotable into the groove (2), wherein the groove (2) has an undercut groove opening (4), wherein the groove (2) comprises a receiving section (6) to hold the T-nut (3) in its operating position, wherein the groove (2) further comprises a pivoting section (7) which enables the T-nut (3) to be inserted into the groove (2) at any position along the groove (2), wherein the receiving and pivoting sections (7) are arranged such that, in an operating position of the profile rail, the T-nut (3) can be inserted through the groove opening (4) into the pivoting section (7) and subsequently slides into the receiving section (6) by the action of gravity to assume its operating position. Fastening system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving section and the pivoting section (7) together with the groove opening (4) and the undercuts (5) form the groove (2). Fastening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the T-nut (3) does not include a return element. Fastening system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a T-nut (3) having a symmetrical cross-section. Fastening system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a T-nut (3) without spring-loaded elements. Conveyor system comprising a fastening system according to at least one of the preceding claims. Method for fixing a T-nut (3) in the groove (2) of a profile rail, wherein the T-nut (3) and the profile rail are components of a fastening system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following steps: - Inserting the T-nut (3) into the groove opening (4), - wherein first a first side of the T-nut (3) is inserted into the pivoting section (7), - wherein subsequently a second side of the T-nut (3) is inserted into the receiving section (6), - so that the T-nut (3) slides into the receiving section (6) with the second side leading, following gravity. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the T-nut (3) slides into a pocket (17) of the receiving section (6) with the second side leading, following the force of gravity. Method for constructing a conveying system according to claim 6 comprising the steps according to one of claims 7 or 8.

Images