Clamping jaw arrangement for a profile tube connection as well as a profile tube connector and a profile tube connection

Abstract

Clamping jaw arrangement (1) for a profile tube connection comprising a pair of clamping jaws with a first clamping jaw (4) and a second clamping jaw (5) as well as a screw (6) connected to the pair of clamping jaws, wherein the clamping jaws (4, 5) are movable relative to each other via the screw (6) and wherein the pair of clamping jaws can be connected to a connector (2) for connection with further clamping jaw arrangements (1), characterized in that the screw (6) is connected to the pair of clamping jaws via a screw connection and the relative movement of the clamping jaws (4, 5) to each other takes place exclusively in the screw direction (S).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a clamping jaw arrangement for connecting profile tubes according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, a profile tube connector with a clamping jaw arrangement, a profile tube connection, and a piece of furniture with such a profile tube connection are the subject of the invention.

[0002] The basic frames of furniture, such as cabinets and (coffee) tables, are often formed by several interconnected profile tubes or bars, which support the side panels of the furniture or to which the side panels are attached. Numerous arrangements for connecting the individual profile tubes are known from the prior art. For example, CH 488 120 A discloses a wedge connection for the detachable joining of several tubes. This connection has a spherical head positioned between the ends of the tubes to be joined, with the spherical head having a threaded bore on each tube end. To connect each tube end to the head, two wedge elements and a cap screw are inserted into the tubes. The wedge elements have a sawtooth profile on their facing sides.The shank of the cap screw is enclosed by the wedge elements and screwed into the threaded bore of the head. Tightening the cap screw causes the wedge elements to shift relative to each other. Due to the serrated edge, the wedge elements also move perpendicular to the direction of rotation, thus spreading them against the inner wall of the pipe. This resulting clamping connection firmly binds the pipes to the spherical head. With this type of connection, the cap screw is tightened through the open end of the pipe, and therefore through the entire length of the pipe being joined. Especially with very long pipes, this may require special tools and make tightening the screw laborious.

[0003] The task is therefore to provide a clamping jaw arrangement that enables the simple, quick, and secure creation of a profile tube connection, i.e., the joining of several (hollow chamber) profile tubes. Furthermore, the task is to provide a profile tube connector with such a clamping jaw arrangement, as well as a profile tube connection and a piece of furniture with such a profile tube connection.

[0004] This problem is solved with a clamping jaw arrangement according to claim 1, a profile tube connector according to claim 12, a profile tube connection according to claim 17 and a piece of furniture according to claim 21. Advantageous embodiments and expedient further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] The clamping jaw arrangement according to the invention comprises a pair of clamping jaws, consisting of a first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw, and a screw connected or connectable to the pair of clamping jaws, i.e., to at least one of the clamping jaws. The clamping jaw arrangement can be inserted into a profile tube to create a profile tube connection, specifically by sliding it into the profile tube along its longitudinal axis via an end face. The profile tube can be, in particular, a square tube, other polygonal profile tubes, or a round tube. The pair of clamping jaws, or the clamping jaws themselves, preferably have an outer contour adapted to the inner contour of the profile tube or corresponding to the inner contour of the profile tube. The clamping jaws of the clamping jaw arrangement according to the invention can be moved relative to each other by means of the screw and thereby fixed against the inner walls of a profile tube.To create a connection with further profile tubes, the pair of clamping jaws can be connected to a connector piece on which further clamping jaw assemblies can be arranged. These further clamping jaw assemblies are preferably identical clamping jaw assemblies that can be inserted into the further profile tubes and fixed against their inner walls.

[0006] According to the invention, the screw of the clamping jaw assembly is connected, or connectable, to the pair of clamping jaws, i.e., to at least one of the two clamping jaws, via a screw connection. The relative movement of the clamping jaws relative to each other caused by the screw occurs, according to the invention, exclusively in the screw direction of the screw connection. The movement of the clamping jaws relative to each other is specifically achieved by screwing or driving the screw in the screw direction, i.e., by performing a screwing in or out movement. The screw of the clamping jaw assembly, which is inserted into the profile tube, is driven specifically through an opening in a side wall of the profile tube and thus preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the profile tube. The opening in the profile tube is preferably a circumferentially bounded opening, in particular a bore.Preferably, the opening is arranged on the profile tube in such a way that it is not, or hardly, visible from the outside of the finished product, for example, a shelf. To drive the screw of the clamping jaw assembly inserted into the profile tube, a tool is specifically coupled via the opening to a screw drive, preferably an internal drive such as a (cross-) slotted, internal hexagon, or internal Torx drive. Preferably, the clamping jaws are then spaced apart from each other and fixed against the inner walls of the profile tube during the unscrewing or loosening movement of the screw. The screw can also be inserted into the opening of the profile tube or protrude into it as the unscrewing movement progresses.The clamping jaw arrangement according to the invention can be easily inserted into a profile tube, particularly in a released position with the clamping jaws in contact with each other, and the profile tube is clamped by moving the clamping jaws apart as the screw is unscrewed. The screw can be driven through an opening in the side wall of the profile tube, in particular without the use of a special tool.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, the first clamping jaw has a thread for screwing it to the screw or a screw thread of the screw. Preferably, the first clamping jaw has a bore with an internal thread that can be connected to a corresponding external thread of the screw. The threaded bore can extend from an inner surface facing the second clamping jaw, through the first clamping jaw, to its outer surface. This embodiment provides a particularly advantageous configuration of the first clamping jaw and the screw with a screw connection that is easy to manufacture. However, in addition to the screw connection formed by the internal thread of the first clamping jaw and the external thread of the screw, other embodiments of the screw connection are also conceivable.In particular, it is conceivable that the first clamping jaw has a protruding threaded bolt with an external thread, which can be connected to a screw sleeve of the screw with an internal thread.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the second clamping jaw has a screw head receptacle for receiving the screw head or at least part of the screw head. The screw head receptacle is preferably a continuous receptacle extending from the inner side facing the first clamping jaw to the outer side, which can be fixed against the profile tube, and open towards the outer side. The screw head receptacle can, for example, be provided by one or more bores in the second clamping jaw. In a preferred embodiment, during an unscrewing movement, the screw head at least temporarily, or when the screw is sufficiently unscrewed from the thread of the first clamping jaw, contacts a portion of the screw head receptacle, thereby forcing the clamping jaws apart.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the screw head receptacle is a screw head receptacle that widens towards the inside of the second clamping jaw to accommodate a screw head that widens in the direction of the screw thread. Specifically, the screw head receptacle can be stepped, for example as a stepped bore, and have an outer receiving section and a comparatively wider inner receiving section. Correspondingly, the screw head can comprise an upper screw head section and a comparatively wider lower screw head section. The screw head sections preferably transition into one another by forming an edge, a contact surface, or a contact area. Furthermore, the upper edge of the screw head can have a chamfer or be formed by one.The screw can, for example, be a pan head screw or a round head screw. The aforementioned design of the screw head receptacle, which widens towards the inside of the second clamping jaw, and of the screw head arranged in the receptacle and widening in the direction of the screw thread during unscrewing, is particularly advantageous for positioning the clamping jaw assembly in the profile tube. Specifically, an advantageous embodiment is possible in which, during an initial unscrewing movement, the screw head is inserted into the opening in the side wall of the profile without contacting the screw head receptacle, and thus without moving the clamping jaws relative to each other.By ensuring that the screw, specifically its chamfer and / or the upper part of its head, rests against an edge of the opening and is thus guided, the clamping jaw assembly can be positioned at a desired location within the profile. The opening of the clamping jaws and their subsequent locking against the inner walls of the profile tube only occurs later, once the screw head is in contact with the screw head receptacle of the second clamping jaw. In the advantageous stepped design of the screw head receptacle, preferably the wider lower screw head section or an edge connecting the screw head sections rests against the outer receptacle section or the surface or edge of the outer receptacle section facing the inner receptacle section.

[0009] In a suitable embodiment, the clamping jaw assembly features a retaining clip that at least partially encloses the clamping jaws or the pair of clamping jaws to hold the assembly together in its assembled state. The retaining clip can, for example, be a bent sheet metal part, particularly a steel sheet. The retaining clip is designed to allow movement of the clamping jaws from the release position, in which the clamping jaws can be inserted into the profile tube, to a clamping position, in which the clamping jaws can be fixed against the inner walls of the profile tube. For example, the retaining clip can enclose the pair of clamping jaws with sufficient clearance.Alternatively, the retaining clip can initially enclose the clamping jaw pair in the release position, but can be bent open when the jaws are moved apart into the clamping position. The retaining clip allows for pre-assembly of the clamping jaw assembly, making it immediately ready for use without any additional assembly effort from the user. Furthermore, the retaining clip preferably ensures that the clamping jaw assembly remains in its assembled state even after being released from a previously clamped profile tube and thus after the jaws have moved from the clamping to the release position. This allows the assembly to be easily removed from the profile tube and used to clamp another profile tube.

[0010] Preferably, the first and / or second clamping jaw has retaining teeth on its outer surface for secure attachment to the inner walls of the profile tube. The outer surfaces may also have one or more recesses for receiving a section of a retaining clip that encloses the pair of clamping jaws. The same applies to the upper and lower surfaces of the clamping jaws. In a suitable embodiment, the opposing inner surfaces of the clamping jaws are at least substantially smooth.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the clamping jaw assembly comprises a coupling body connected to the pair of clamping jaws, which serves to connect to the connector piece on which further (similar) clamping jaw assemblies can be arranged. Preferably, the pair of clamping jaws and the coupling body are rotatably connected relative to each other. The pair of clamping jaws preferably has a bearing receptacle in which the coupling body or a bearing segment of the coupling body can be inserted or arranged. Preferably, the bearing segment is mounted in the bearing receptacle such that the pair of clamping jaws is rotatable relative to the coupling body. Preferably, each clamping jaw has a bearing receptacle forming the bearing receptacle for receiving a disk-shaped bearing segment rotatably within it.Alternatively, the bearing segment can also be spherical or have another rotationally symmetrical shape, and the bearing receptacle can be designed accordingly to accommodate such a bearing segment. The rotatable design allows for easy alignment of the clamping jaw pair relative to the connector or coupling body. For simple and secure connection to the connector, the coupling body preferably has a connecting bolt, which is provided, in particular, with an (external) thread for detachable connection with a corresponding mating thread on the connector.

[0012] The clamping jaws are made of aluminum in a suitable design. The screws, connector, and coupling body are preferably made of steel. The retaining clip, as already mentioned, is preferably made of sheet steel. However, in addition to the materials mentioned, the use of other materials, such as other metals or alloys, is also possible. Furthermore, it is conceivable to manufacture all or some of the aforementioned components from plastic.

[0013] The invention further relates to a profile tube connector with at least one clamping jaw arrangement as described above and a connector piece connected to the clamping jaw arrangement, in particular via a coupling piece of the clamping jaw arrangement. The clamping jaw arrangement and the connector piece are preferably detachably connected to one another, thus allowing the clamping jaw arrangement to be attached to or removed from the connector piece as needed. In a preferred embodiment, the pair of clamping jaws, or optionally the entire clamping jaw arrangement, is rotatable relative to the connector piece, so that the clamping jaws can be easily aligned according to the intended use. As described above, the connector piece serves for connection with further clamping jaw arrangements.The connector can preferably (at least substantially) have the shape of a cuboid, specifically a cube, to each of whose sides a clamping jaw assembly can be attached. Preferably, clamping jaw assemblies can be arranged on at least two sides of this connector, and more preferably on all sides. In particular, the sides of the connector can each have an (internal) thread for screwing on a clamping jaw assembly, especially for screwing it to the connecting bolt of the coupling piece described above. In an alternative embodiment, the connector can also be substantially spherical. The clamping jaw assemblies are preferably arranged on the connector pointing in different spatial directions, preferably in spatial directions perpendicular to each other.

[0014] To connect several profile tubes, the profile tube connector has at least two clamping jaw assemblies connected to the connector piece, preferably two clamping jaw assemblies perpendicular to each other. Particularly preferably, the profile tube connector has at least three clamping jaw assemblies connected to the connector piece.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting piece is designed such that it can be inserted or slid into a profile tube. While (complete) insertion of the connecting piece into a profile tube is not usually intended, this is not possible, in particular, due to clamping jaw arrangements on the connecting piece that are perpendicular to each other and thus abut the end faces of the profile tube (or by further profile tubes connected to these). However, the design of the connecting piece, which allows it to be inserted into the profile tube, makes it easily possible, with a corresponding design of the profile tubes to be connected, especially a corresponding design of the end faces of the profile tubes, to completely conceal the connecting piece.

[0016] The invention further relates to a profile tube connection with a clamping jaw arrangement or a profile tube connector described above, and at least one profile tube extending along a longitudinal axis and connectable to or connected with a clamping jaw arrangement. The clamping jaw arrangement is preferably insertable into and removable from the profile tube via an open end face along the longitudinal axis, specifically in a release position where the clamping jaws are in contact. The at least one profile tube of the profile tube connection specifically has an opening in a side wall through which the screw of a clamping jaw arrangement inserted into the profile tube can be driven, i.e., screwed in and out. The opening in the side wall of the profile tube is, in particular, a circumferentially bounded opening by the side wall, preferably circular, and especially a bore.The screw can preferably be driven (at least substantially) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the profile tube via the opening. Specifically, the clamping jaws of the clamping jaw assembly can be fixed against or released from the inner walls of the profile tube by a tool, specifically a screwdriver corresponding to the screw drive, which is inserted through the opening and coupled to a screw drive.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, particularly with a corresponding arrangement of the opening in the side wall of the profile tube, the clamping jaw assembly is initially drawn into the profile tube during an unscrewing movement of the screw by the screw bearing against an edge of the opening, especially by the screw head bearing against an edge of the opening. The resulting movement of the entire profile tube connector makes it possible, for example, to fasten insert components arranged between the profile tubes. For instance, in a frame formed from appropriately arranged profile tubes connected by the profile tube connectors, an intermediate shelf can be clamped and fixed in place by the movement of the clamping jaw assembly into the profile tube.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the profile tube connection has at least two, and in particular at least three, clamping jaw arrangements and profile tubes connected to them, wherein the profile tubes are designed such that they completely cover the connector. This allows for a visually appealing profile tube connection that is not affected by the profile tube connector.

[0019] The invention further relates to a piece of furniture, in particular a shelf or table, with a profile tube connection as described above. The profile tube connection enables an aesthetically pleasing design of the piece of furniture, in particular a design in which neither the clamping jaw arrangement nor the connecting piece is visible from the outside. Only the screws protruding through the openings of the profile tubes are visible. By appropriately aligning the profile tubes, however, their openings can be arranged so that these, and thus the screws, are not visible during (normal) viewing or use of the piece of furniture.

[0020] These and other features, advantages, and effects of the clamping jaw arrangement, profile tube connector, and profile tube connection according to the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments, which are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a clamping jaw assembly and a connector piece in an exploded view; Fig. 2 the clamping jaw assembly and the connector piece made of Fig. 1 in an assembled representation; Fig. 3 a cross-section of a clamping jaw arrangement inserted into a profile tube and connected to the connector piece according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 the cross-section according to Fig. 3 without the screw used to adjust the distance between the clamping jaws; Fig. 5 a profile tube connector with three clamping jaw arrangements on the connector piece for connecting three profile tubes; Fig. 6 a profile tube connector with four clamping jaw arrangements on the connector piece for connecting four profile tubes; Fig. 7 a profile tube connector with five clamping jaw arrangements on the connector piece for connecting five profile tubes; Fig. 8 a profile tube connector with six clamping jaw arrangements on the connector piece for connecting six profile tubes; Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13 individual steps of clamping a profile tube by a clamping jaw arrangement according to Fig. 1; Fig. 14 a profile tube connection.

[0021] An exemplary embodiment of a clamping jaw arrangement 1 and a connector 2 according to the invention, here in the form of a cube connectable to up to five further clamping jaw arrangements 1, is shown in Fig. 1 in an exploded view, in Fig. 2 in an assembled representation as well as in Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section through an assembled arrangement inserted into a profile tube 3, here a square tube.

[0022] The clamping jaw assembly 1 comprises a pair of clamping jaws with a first clamping jaw 4 and a second clamping jaw 5, as well as a screw 6 with a screw head 7 and a Fig. 1. The screw thread 8 is shown in the sketch. Specifically, the screw thread 8 is the externally threaded shank of the screw 6. For driving, tightening, and loosening the screw 6, the screw head 8 has a screw drive 9, whereby, in addition to the sketched internal hexagon, other configurations are also conceivable, for example, a slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, (external) Torx, or Torx screw drive, etc. Specifically, the screw head 7 is, as also shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows a screw head 7 that widens in the direction of the screw thread 8, i.e., downwards. The screw head 7 has a lower screw head section 10 that widens outwards in the direction of the screw thread 8, and a tapered upper screw head section 11 that adjoins it, forming an edge. The individual sections 10 and 11 have a circular cross-section, with the upper screw head section 11 having a constant diameter and the diameter of the lower screw head section 10 increasing in the direction of the screw thread 8. The screw head 7 has a chamfer 12 at its upper edge, or rather, the upper edge is formed by the chamfer 12.

[0023] As described in detail below, screw 6 serves to adjust the distance between the clamping jaws 4 and 5 and thereby to fix the clamping jaws 4 and 5 against opposing inner walls of the profile tube 3. In the present embodiment, the outer surfaces of the clamping jaws 4 and 5, which are to be fixed against the profile tube 3, have, in sections, a toothed profile or retaining teeth 13 for holding the clamping jaws 4 and 5 against the inner surfaces of the profile tube 3, although other configurations are also conceivable. The inner surfaces of the clamping jaws 4 and 5 facing each other, however, are essentially smooth.

[0024] To create a screw connection, the first clamping jaw 4 has a thread 14 that can be connected to the screw thread 8 of the screw 6. In the case of the Fig. The thread 14, shown schematically in Figure 1, is specifically a bore with an internal thread, extending from the inner side facing the second clamping jaw 5 to the outer side. The thread 14 is arranged off-center in the first clamping jaw 4, specifically slightly offset towards the end of the first clamping jaw 4 furthest from the connector 2. However, other configurations are also conceivable, such as a central arrangement of the thread 14 or a bore with the thread 14 that does not extend to the outer side. The screw 6 can be screwed into and out of the thread 14 in a screw direction S.

[0025] Screw 6 is, as Fig. 3 removable, screwed into the thread 14 in the assembled clamping jaw assembly 1. Regarding Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. It is noted that the thread 14 of the first clamping jaw 4 and the screw thread 8 of the screw 6 are not shown here for clarity. The screw head 7 is, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the screw head is arranged in a screw head receptacle 15 of the second clamping jaw 5, which serves to (at least partially) receive the screw head 7 of the screw 6. The screw head receptacle 15 extends from the inner side facing the first clamping jaw 4 to the outer side of the second clamping jaw 5. As shown in particular in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, in which the clamping jaw assembly 1 inserted into the profile tube 3 is sketched without the screw 6, the screw head receptacle 15 is designed to receive the screw head 7 described above, which widens in the direction of the screw thread 8. Specifically, the screw head receptacle 15 has an outer receiving section 16 and an inner receiving section 17 adjoining it and wider than the inner receiving section 17. Analogous to the screw head sections 10, 11, the receiving sections 16, 17 also have a circular cross-section in this embodiment (which remains constant in each case). The diameter of the outer receiving section 16 corresponds approximately to the diameter of the upper screw head section 11, and the diameter of the inner receiving section 17 corresponds approximately to the largest diameter of the lower screw head section 10.More precisely, the receiving sections 16, 17 are slightly larger than the screw head sections 10, 11. The receiving sections 16, 17 can, for example, be incorporated into the second clamping jaw 5 by means of bores or a stepped bore and preferably have at least substantially smooth (outer) walls. The functions and interaction of the individual screw head sections 10, 11 and the receiving sections 16, 17 are described below with reference to [reference missing]. Fig. 9 to Fig. 13 explained in detail.

[0026] For connection with the connector piece 2, the clamping jaw arrangement 1 has a coupling body 20 (see below). Fig. 1), which can be inserted into a bearing receptacle formed by bearing receptacle parts 18, 19 at the end of the clamping jaws 4, 5 facing the connector piece 2. The coupling body 20 according to the present embodiment comprises a disc-shaped bearing segment 21, which can be arranged in the bearing receptacle parts 18, 19 designed accordingly, such that the bearing segment 21 and thus the coupling body 20 is rotatable relative to the bearing receptacle parts 18, 19. Furthermore, the coupling body 20 has a disc-shaped intermediate segment 22, which is connected to the bearing segment 21 via a thinner web 23. In addition, the coupling body 20 has a connecting bolt 24 on the side of the intermediate segment 22 facing away from the bearing segment 21 for connection to the connector piece 2. The connecting bolt 24 specifically has an external thread (see Figure 1). Fig. 1) that it can be screwed into a corresponding internal thread 25 on one of the six sides of the cube-shaped connector piece 2. The external thread of the connecting bolt 24 and the internal threads 25 of the connector piece 2, analogous to the thread 14 of the first clamping jaw 4 and the screw thread 8, are not shown in the following figures for clarity only. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the intermediate segment 22 of the coupling body 20 rests in the assembled clamping jaw arrangement 1 between the end faces of the clamping jaws 4, 5 and the connector piece 2, or against the end faces of the clamping jaws 4, 5 and the connector piece 2. The web 23 of the coupling body 20 is guided in correspondingly designed web guides 26, 27 of the clamping jaws 4, 5.

[0027] For easier handling, the clamping jaw arrangement 1 has a retaining clip 28 enclosing the clamping jaws 4, 5, by which the clamping jaws 4, 5 are held in the Fig. The assembled arrangement shown in Figure 2 is held in place by the retaining clip 28, which is specifically a bent sheet metal part that is guided or inserted into corresponding recesses 29, 30 on the outer sides as well as on the upper and lower sides of the clamping jaws 4, 5.

[0028] Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 8 shows embodiments of profile tube connectors for joining several profiles, wherein three, four, five, or six clamping jaw arrangements 1 are attached to the cube-shaped connector piece 2. For the sake of clarity, not all reference numerals are shown in the figures.

[0029] The individual steps of clamping the profile tube 3 by the clamping jaw arrangement 1 are shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 13 shown. Analogous to Fig. 3 and Fig. For illustrative purposes only, the thread 14 of the first clamping jaw 4 and the screw thread 8 of the screw 6, as well as the external thread of the connecting bolt 24 and the internal threads 25 of the connector piece 2, are not shown here.

[0030] The clamping jaw assembly 1, connected to the connector piece 2, is in a first step in the Fig. The clamping jaw assembly 1 is inserted into the profile tube 3 in the loosened position shown in Figure 9, in which the screw 6 is (at least almost) completely or maximally screwed into the thread 14 of the first clamping jaw 4. The clamping jaw assembly 1 is inserted specifically via an open end face of the profile tube 3 (in Fig. 9 from the right) along its longitudinal axis L into this. As can be seen from the figures, the profile tube 3 has an opening 31 through which the screw 6 is driven, as described in detail below. The opening 31 is preferably a circular opening 31, in particular a bore. Due to its rotatable arrangement on the connector 2, the clamping jaw assembly 1 can be easily aligned before being inserted into the profile tube 3, even when the connector 2 is connected to other clamping jaw assemblies 1 or profile tubes 3, so that the screw 6 points towards the opening 31. The clamping jaw assembly 1 is inserted into the profile tube 3 in such a way that the screw 6, as shown in Fig. Figure 9 shows that the clamping jaw assembly 1 comes to rest at or near the opening 31. Advantageously, the insertion of the clamping jaw assembly 1 into the profile tube 3 is limited by at least one further clamping jaw assembly arranged on the connector 2 or by a further profile tube connected to it. Specifically, the insertion of the clamping jaw assembly 1 is limited by a clamping jaw assembly arranged on the connector 2. Fig. 9 to Fig. 13 further clamping jaw arrangements not shown, arranged perpendicular to the illustrated clamping jaw arrangement 1, or a profile tube connected to it, which abuts the end faces of the illustrated profile tube 3, are limited (cf. for example Fig. 14).

[0031] To secure the clamping jaws 4, 5 against the inner walls of the profile tube 3, a tool (not shown), in this case an Allen key, is inserted through the opening 31 of the profile tube 3 and engaged with the screw drive 9 of the screw 6. When loosening or unscrewing the screw 6 from the Fig. In the fully screwed-in position shown in 9, the screw head 7 is, as in Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in 11, the screw head 7 is inserted into the opening 31 of the profile tube 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the screw head 7 is positioned as shown in 11. Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the screw head 7 first engages with the edge of the opening 31 with its chamfer 12, before the upper screw head section 11 is subsequently inserted into the opening 31. The clamping jaw assembly 1, or the entire profile tube connector, is drawn slightly into the profile tube 3 by this engagement of the screw head 7 with the opening 31, or, as shown here, Fig. 11 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 12, the clamping jaw assembly 1 is shifted to the left along the longitudinal axis L. The described contact of the screw head 7 with the edges of the opening 31 positions the clamping jaw assembly 1 in a desired mounting position within the profile tube 3.

[0032] How Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, which is further removable, the lower screw head section 10 slides within the inner receiving section 17 of the second clamping jaw 5 towards the opening 31 during these initial unscrewing movements, without any movement yet occurring between the clamping jaws 4 and 5. Only through the in Fig. As the lower screw head section 10 abuts the outer receiving section 16 or its edge, as shown in Figure 12, the clamping jaws 4, 5 are moved apart as the unscrewing movement continues. Specifically, the clamping jaws 4, 5 move parallel to the screw direction S in the direction of the inner walls of the profile tube 3 facing them. The unscrewing movement of the screw 6 continues until the clamping jaws 4, 5, as shown in Figure 12, are separated. Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the outer surfaces of the clamping jaws are in contact with the inner walls of the profile tube 3. In this clamping position, the retaining teeth 13 of the clamping jaw assembly 1 press against the inner walls of the profile tube 3 or are slightly embedded in it. The clamping jaw assembly 1 and the profile tube 3 are clamped in this position. Fig. The clamping position shown in Figure 13 is securely connected. In this position, the screw 6, which remains screwed to the thread 14, specifically its screw head 7, is flush with the outside of the profile tube 3. Further unscrewing of the screw 6 is not possible due to the clamping jaws 4, 5 being in contact with the inner walls of the profile tube 3.

[0033] The clamping jaw assembly 1 is released from the profile tube 3 by reversing the corresponding direction in Fig. 9 to Fig. 13 steps shown, i.e. screwing the screw 6 into the thread 14 and pulling the clamping jaw assembly 1, which has been returned to the release position, out of the profile tube 3.

[0034] The retaining clip 28 enclosing the clamping jaw assembly 1 is designed such that it prevents movement of the clamping jaws 4, 5 between the Fig. 9 shown solution position and the one in Fig. The clamping position shown in Figure 13 is permitted. The retaining clip 28 can, for example, directly enclose the clamping jaws 4, 5 with sufficient clearance to allow movement of the clamping jaws 4, 5 into the clamping position. Alternatively, the retaining clip 28 can also be bent open accordingly when the clamping jaw assembly 1 is (initially) moved into the clamping position. The clamping jaws 4, 5 remain enclosed by the retaining clip 28, so that even after the clamping jaw assembly 1 is moved back into the release position and removed from the profile tube 3, the retaining clip 28 holds the assembled assembly together.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 14 shows an example of a profile tube connection between two profile tubes 3, 3'. Each profile tube 3, 3' has a clamping jaw assembly 1, 1' connected to the connector 2, with the clamping jaws 4, 4', 5, 5' being fixed against the respective inner walls of the profile tubes 3, 3'. The end faces of the profile tubes 3, 3' are designed such that they rest against each other. The clamping piece 2 is completely concealed by the profile tubes 3, 3' and is therefore not visible from the outside. Only the two screw heads 7, 7' of the screws 6, 6' remain visible when the two profile tubes 3, 3' are connected. The openings 31, 31' of the profile tubes 3, 3' therefore preferably point in a direction that is not visible, or not immediately visible, in a (normal) view of the profile tube connection.

[0036] If a profile tube connection comprises three or more profile tubes 3 and the connecting piece 2 is not to be visible from the outside, appropriate designs must be provided for the end faces of the profile tubes 3.

[0037] As mentioned above (see also Fig. 11 and Fig. 12), the clamping jaw arrangement 1 can be drawn slightly into the profile tube 3 by appropriate design, specifically by the screw head 7 abutting the opening 31. This can be used, for example, to secure an insert placed between the profile tubes 3. For example, the Fig.The connection of the profile tubes 3, 3' shown in Figure 14 represents a corner section of a shelf frame formed by further profile tubes 3. A shelf inserted between the profile tubes 3, 3' can be fixed by moving the clamping jaw assemblies 1, 1' into the clamping position, thereby causing the profile tubes 3, 3' to move towards each other or inwards between them. No further screw connections or other connections between the shelf and the profile tubes 3, 3' are required in this case.

[0038] In addition to the exemplary embodiment of the clamping jaw assembly 1 and the clamping jaws 4, 5 shown, other embodiments are conceivable. For example, the first clamping jaw 4 can have a bolt projecting towards the second clamping jaw 5 and provided with an external thread, instead of the internal thread 9, and the screw 6 can be designed as a threaded sleeve. Furthermore, different embodiments of the serrated outer surface of the clamping jaws 4, 5 are also possible. In particular, a corresponding adaptation of the cuboid shape of the clamping jaws 4, 5 shown is also possible, especially if the clamping jaw assembly 1 is intended for clamping a profile tube 3 that deviates from a square tube. For example, the clamping jaws 4, 5 can have a corresponding semicircular outer contour for a profile tube 3 with a round cross-section.Furthermore, in principle, configurations of a clamping jaw arrangement 1 are also conceivable in which more than one screw 6 is used. Reference sign 1 clamping jaw arrangement 2 connector pieces 3 profile tubes 4 First clamping jaw 5 Second clamping jaw 6 screws 7 screw head 8 screw threads 9 screw drive 10 Lower screw head section 11 Upper screw head section 12th phase 13 abutment teeth 14 threads 15 screw head receptacle 16 Outer recording section 17 Inner recording section 18 Bearing mounting part 19 Bearing mounting part 20 coupling bodies 21 bearing segment 22 Intermediate segment 23 Bridge 24 connecting bolts 25 internal threads 26 Bridge guide 27 Bridge guide 28 retaining clip 29 Side recess 30 Recess on top or bottom 31 Opening L Longitudinal axis S Screw direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CH 488 120 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) for a profile tube connection comprising a pair of clamping jaws with a first clamping jaw (4) and a second clamping jaw (5) and a screw (6) connected to the pair of clamping jaws, wherein the clamping jaws (4, 5) are movable relative to each other via the screw (6) and wherein the pair of clamping jaws can be connected to a connector (2) for connection with further clamping jaw arrangements (1), characterized by , that the screw (6) is connected to the pair of clamping jaws via a screw connection and the relative movement of the clamping jaws (4, 5) to each other takes place exclusively in the screw direction (S). [2] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first clamping jaw (4) has a thread (9) for screwing to a screw thread (8) of the screw (6). [3] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the second clamping jaw (5) has a screw head receptacle (15) for receiving a screw head (7) of the screw (6), in particular a screw head receptacle (15) passing through the second clamping jaw (5). [4] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the clamping jaws (4, 5) are forced apart by the screw head (7) pressing against the screw head receptacle (15) during an unscrewing movement of the screw (6). [5] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by a screw head (7) widening in the direction of a screw thread (8) and a screw head receptacle (15) widening in the direction of the first clamping jaw (4). [6] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterized bya screw head (7) comprising an upper screw head section (11) and a lower screw head section (10) which is wider in comparison thereto, wherein the screw head sections (10, 11) merge into one another forming an edge, and / or a stepped screw head receptacle (15) comprising an outer receptacle section (16) and an inner receptacle section (17) which is wider in comparison thereto. [7] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a retaining clamp (28) partially enclosing the pair of clamping jaws for holding the clamping jaw arrangement (1) together in an assembled arrangement. [8] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya coupling body (20) connected to the pair of clamping jaws for connection with a connector piece (2) serving for connection with further clamping jaw arrangements (1), wherein the pair of clamping jaws preferably has a bearing receptacle (18, 19) for receiving a bearing segment (21) of the coupling body (20). [9] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the coupling body (20) and the pair of clamping jaws are rotatably connected to each other, wherein preferably the bearing segment (21) of the coupling body (20) is mounted in the bearing receptacle (18, 19) such that the pair of clamping jaws is rotatable relative to the coupling body (20). [10] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the coupling body (20) has a connecting bolt (24) for a preferably detachable connection with the connector piece (2), wherein the connecting bolt (24) is preferably provided with a thread. [11] Clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to a preceding claim, characterized by , that the first clamping jaw (4) and / or the second clamping jaw (5) has an outer surface provided with retaining teeth (13). [12] Profile tube connector comprising at least one clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a connector piece (2) connected to the clamping jaw arrangement (1) for connection with further clamping jaw arrangements (1). [13] Profile tube connector according to claim 12, characterized by , that the clamping jaw arrangement (1) and the connector (2) are detachably connected to each other and / or that the pair of clamping jaws and the connector are rotatable relative to each other. [14] Profile tube connectors according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized by a connector piece (2) designed as a cuboid, in particular as a cube. [15] Profile tube connectors according to claims 12 to 14, characterized byat least two, preferably at least three, clamping jaw arrangements (1) connected to the connector (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11. [16] Profile tube connector according to claim 15, characterized by at least two clamping jaw arrangements arranged perpendicular to each other (1). [17] Profile tube connection comprising a clamping jaw arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 or a profile tube connection according to one of claims 12 to 16 and at least one profile tube (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the profile tube (3) has an opening (31) in a side wall through which the screw (6) of a clamping jaw arrangement (1) inserted into the profile tube (3) can be driven. [18] Profile tube connection according to claim 17, characterized by, that the clamping jaw assembly (1) can be inserted into the profile tube (3) along the longitudinal axis (L) and that the screw (6) of the clamping jaw assembly (1) inserted into the profile tube (3) can be driven perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L). [19] Profile tube connection according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by , that the clamping jaws (4, 5) of the clamping jaw arrangement (1) inserted into the profile tube (3) can be fixed against the inner walls of the profile tube (3). [20] Profile tube connection according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized by , that the clamping jaw arrangement (1) is initially drawn into the profile tube (3) by the screw (6) bearing against an edge of the opening (31), in particular by the screw head (7) bearing against an edge of the opening (31), during an unscrewing movement of the screw (6). [21] Furniture, in particular a shelf or table, with a profile tube connection according to one of claims 17 to 20.

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