Mounting clip for the invisible connection of adjacent terrace boards

Abstract

Mounting clamp (1) for the concealed connection of adjacent terrace boards (80) which have longitudinal grooves (85) running in their flanks (81), and for their fastening to a substrate (93), wherein the mounting clamp (1) has a screw base (10) on which clamping wings (40, 50) are arranged on both sides, each of which engages in one of the longitudinal grooves (85), characterized in that at least one shoulder-like bridge (42, 52) is arranged on the upper side (41, 51) of each clamping wing (40, 50).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mounting clamp for the concealed fastening of adjacent terrace boards which have longitudinal grooves running in their flanks, and for fastening them to a substrate.

[0002] DE 10 2014 011 022 A1 describes a mounting clamp for connecting adjacent terrace boards which have longitudinal grooves running along their sides, and for fastening the terrace boards to a substrate, with a spacer which defines the distance between two parallel terrace boards and with at least one pair of clamping wings of which a first clamping wing engages in the longitudinal groove of the first terrace board and a second clamping wing engages in the longitudinal groove of the second terrace board and which are pressed onto the bottom of the longitudinal grooves by means of at least one screw which fastens the mounting clamp to the substrate.The spacer is designed as a trough-shaped receptacle for the screw, with a base plate on which two parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal flanges rise, forming a trough. At least one clamping wing is arranged at the apex of each flange furthest from the substrate. The base plate has at least one mounting hole for the screw. The longitudinal flanges of the trough and the clamping wings each include at least one cutout through which a bearing shoulder for the screw head, spaced apart from the base plate, is formed on the longitudinal flanges. With this mounting bracket, forces resulting from the vertical and horizontal shrinkage and swelling of the decking boards can only act on the mounting bracket itself.

[0003] DE 10 2015 006 325 A1 describes a mounting clip for connecting adjacent terrace boards and for fastening them to a substrate. The mounting clip comprises a fastening plate with preferably resilient retaining elements arranged on it, which engage in the longitudinal grooves of the terrace boards. The fastening plate has at least one mounting hole through which a screw or nail can be driven into the substrate, thereby fixing the mounting clip to the substrate under pressure. In the described mounting clip, the fastening plate is supported on at least one support which distances it from the substrate.The resilient retaining elements are formed by the two edge sections of the fastening plate, which extend parallel to the longitudinal groove of the decking board. These edge sections are separated from the fastening plate by a notch, retaining a root, and each has at least one finger projecting from under the fastening plate, which is connected to the fastening plate in the area of ​​the root. The described mounting clamp creates a certain preload to improve the fastening itself.

[0004] Under extreme usage and weather conditions, increased movement of the terrace elements can occur, which can negatively affect the fastening properties of the clips. During pre-assembly, the mounting clips cannot always be precisely positioned on the terrace board, so the clips must be screwed into the substructure before the terrace board can be correctly aligned within the assembly. This can negatively affect the overall appearance of the walking surface. The holding capacity of the fasteners, especially the mounting clips, is determined by their fixation behavior in and around the grooves of the terrace boards.

[0005] Another problem with existing mounting systems is that the panels available on the market vary in design. In particular, the clear heights of the grooves in the sides are not uniform. This necessitates the use of individual mounting clips, or the use of clips that have too much play when inserted into the groove and wobble. This directly impacts the quality of the installation.

[0006] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a mounting clamp for connecting adjacent terrace boards and for fixing them to a substrate with improved properties, and which can be used universally for the most diverse types of panels.

[0007] This problem is solved by a fastening element according to the proposed claim 1.

[0008] Further advantageous details and embodiments of the invention, as well as further developments and variants, can be seen from the dependent claims and the drawings explained below.

[0009] The solution according to the invention is based on the understanding that a fastening element of the generic type must be easy to use and must withstand the constantly changing forces caused by weather, inherent dynamics and usage loads.

[0010] The improvement according to the invention is achieved by a mounting clamp for the invisible connection of adjacent terrace boards which have longitudinal grooves running in their flanks, and for their fastening to a substrate, wherein the mounting clamp has a screw base on which clamping wings are arranged on both sides, each of which engages in one of the longitudinal grooves.

[0011] The invention is characterized in that at least one shoulder-like bridge is arranged on the upper side of each clamping wing.

[0012] When the clamping wings of the mounting clip are inserted into the longitudinal grooves of the decking board, the shoulder-like bridges on them are pressed downwards. This is supported by a spring-like or flexible property of the bridge-forming web. This is complemented by cams arranged on the underside of the clamping wings. Together, these features ensure a firm and secure fit of the mounting clip.

[0013] The mounting clamp according to the invention significantly improves the required properties by simplifying pre-assembly and enhancing the fastening quality itself. The clamping wings, which project into the groove of the decking board, securely hold the mounting clamp in its inserted position without requiring it to be screwed to the substructure beforehand. This considerably simplifies the installation process, as no further adjustments are necessary. The preload generated by the clamping wings acts like a wedge within the longitudinal groove of the decking board, exerting pressure on both the bottom and top of the groove, thereby significantly improving the fixing properties. This preload is achieved because the clamping wings are compressible, meaning they are pressed together when inserted into the groove.Due to the properties of the bridge-forming web, which is both inherently rigid and flexurally elastic, the desired counter-pressure is maintained, since the web, or bridge, exhibits continuous expansion behavior even after being inserted into the groove and can therefore be used for a wide variety of groove heights while always maintaining a clamping effect.

[0014] A particular advantage is that the bridge has a sloping ramp on the side closest to the edge of the respective decking board. This facilitates the insertion of the clamping wing into the longitudinal groove of the decking board.

[0015] Advantageously, the invention provides that the screw base consists of upright columns arranged linearly and connected by intermediate webs. This stabilizes the mounting clamp in this area, preventing vertically acting forces from causing undesirable deformation of the screw base. This, in turn, ensures that the T-shaped cross-section of the mounting clamp is maintained during tightening, with deformation occurring only in the area of ​​the clamping wings themselves, which is the intended outcome according to the invention. If the columns and intermediate webs are designed with hollow chambers, i.e., in a tubular form, this does not result in any significant weakening of the screw base, but rather in a desirable material saving and thus a lighter construction of the mounting clamp.

[0016] The invention provides that at least one of the upright columns is designed as a screw channel, which has a screw head seat in the area of ​​the upper side of the screw base. After being screwed in, the screw head then acts on the screw base and fixes the mounting bracket in the prepared position.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, projecting tabs extending away from the top of the mounting bracket are arranged on its end faces, near its underside. These spring-loaded tabs pre-tension the mounting clamp as soon as the clamping wings are inserted into the longitudinal grooves of the decking board. This pre-tension also acts as a back-rotation device, eliminating the need for additional securing measures. This proves particularly advantageous in high-traffic areas, such as public spaces.

[0018] There are various ways to advantageously develop and refine the teaching of the present invention. Reference is made, on the one hand, to the dependent claims and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained.

[0019] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the mounting bracket according to the invention from above, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the mounting bracket according to the invention from below, Fig. 3 a front view of the mounting bracket, Fig. 4 a top view of the mounting bracket, Fig. 5 a bottom view of the mounting bracket, Fig. 6 a side view of the mounting bracket, Fig. 7 a section of the undeformed retaining clip before insertion into the terrace board and Fig. 8 an installation situation of the mounting bracket.

[0020] The Fig. Figures 1 to 7 show the mounting bracket 1 according to the invention from various views and perspectives. The mounting bracket 1 is a fastening element for use in terrace construction and serves to fix terrace boards 80 ( Fig. 8) which together form a walkable walking surface 99.

[0021] The mounting bracket 1 comprises a screw base 10 with clamping wings 40, 50, which engage in the longitudinal grooves 85 ( Fig. 8) in the flanks 81 ( Fig. 8) the terrace boards 80 ( Fig. 8) intervene.

[0022] The screw base 10 has a T-shaped cross-section and consists of tubular columns 11 arranged linearly one behind the other and connected to each other by an intermediate web 12. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three columns 11, the middle column 11 having a screw channel 13 and a screw head seat 14 formed on the upper surface 15 of the screw base 10. Furthermore, arrow-shaped incisions 21, 22 are recessed in the upper surface 15 of the screw base 10, extending from the respective end faces 16, 17 of the screw base 10 towards the middle column 11 with the screw head seat 14, with the respective arrowheads 23, 24 being located near the screw head seat 14.

[0023] On the end faces 16, 17 of the screw base 10, there is a protruding tab 18 near the underside 19 of the screw base 10. These are slightly bent downwards so that they extend beyond the underside 19 of the screw base 10.

[0024] The area of ​​the screw base 10 with the columns 11 and the intermediate webs 12 is complemented by the clamping wings 40, 50 on both sides, which give the mounting bracket 1 its T-shaped cross-section. On the upper surfaces 41, 51 of the clamping wings 40, 50, shoulder-like bridges 42, 52 rise transversely to the screw base 10 and the columns 11, respectively. These bridges are formed by webs that rise in an arc from the edges 47, 57. Each bridge 42, 52 has a ramp surface 43, 53 extending obliquely upwards from the upper surface 41, 51 of the clamping wing 40, 50, from the edges 47, 57. This ramp surface transitions into a crown surface 45, 55 running parallel to the upper surface 51 before the web descends again towards the center of the screw base. On the undersides 44, 54 of the clamping wings 40, 50 are conical cams 46, 56 whose tips point downwards, away from the clamping wings 40, 50. In the area below the bridges 42, 52, these are penetrated by a slot 48, 58.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 8 shows an installation situation of the mounting bracket 1 according to the invention. Terrace boards 80 are used, which have longitudinal grooves 85 running along their sides 81. A walking surface 99 is formed by the terrace boards 80 laid parallel to each other. Fig. Figure 8 shows only one terrace board 80. The mounting clip 1 is inserted with its clamping wing 50 into the longitudinal groove 85 of its side 81. This presses down the shoulder-like bridge 52, as the web forming it is designed to be flexible. This creates a preload that presses the terrace board 80 downwards onto the substrate 93 before the mounting clip 1 is fastened to the substrate 93, for example a wooden substructure, with a screw (not shown here). The difference is illustrated in the section from Fig. 7 is shown. There the bridge is extended and has a height of "h". a “. In Fig.8 is the bridge to the measure "h k “Compressed and corresponds to the clear height of the longitudinal groove 85. Although the adjacent terrace board is not shown, this illustration also depicts the bridge 42 of the clamping wing 40 in its lowered position. Likewise, the tab 18 is shown undeformed, although it is deflected upwards by the screwing process and the pressing of the screw base 10, thus also generating a preload. The bridges 42, 52 and the cams 46, 56 create an interference fit in the longitudinal groove 85. This is achieved by the compression behavior of the bridge. Due to its material properties and geometric shape, the bridge is compressed to the clear dimension of the longitudinal groove 85. However, the tendency to spring back is retained, so that the compressed bridge forms a force-fit connection.” REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 mounting bracket 10 screw bases 11 pillars out of 10 12 intermediate bridge of 10 13 screw channel of 11 14 screw head seat 15 Top of 10 16 Front side of 10 17 Front side of 10 18 tabs on 10 19 bottom of 10 21 cut in 15 22 cut in 15 23 arrowheads out of 21 24 arrowheads out of 22 40 clamping wings 41 Top of 40 42 Bridge on 40 43 run-up area of ​​42 44 Bottom of 40 45 vertex area of ​​42 46 cams on 44 47 rand of 40 48 slots 50 clamping wings 51 Top of 50 52 bridge on 50 53 run-up area of ​​52 54 bottom of 50 55 vertex area of ​​52 56 cams on 54 57 rand out of 50 58 slots 80 decking boards 81 flanks out of 80 85 longitudinal grooves in 81 93 Underground 99 tread surface 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] DE 10 2014 011 022 A1

[0002] DE 10 2015 006 325 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Mounting clamp (1) for the concealed connection of adjacent terrace boards (80) which have longitudinal grooves (85) running in their flanks (81) and for their fastening to a substrate (93), wherein the mounting clamp (1) has a screw base (10) on which clamping wings (40, 50) are arranged on both sides, each of which engages in one of the longitudinal grooves (85), characterized by , that on the upper surface (41, 51) of each clamping wing (40, 50) at least one shoulder-like bridge (42, 52) is arranged. [2] Mounting bracket according to claim 1, characterized by , that the screw base (10) consists of upright columns (11) arranged linearly and connected by intermediate webs (12). [3] Mounting bracket according to claim 2, characterized by , that the intermediate webs (12) and the columns (11) are tubular in shape. [4] Mounting bracket according to claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that at least one of the upright columns (11) is designed as a screw channel (13) which has a screw head seat (14) in the area of ​​the top (15) of the screw base (10). [5] Mounting clamp according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by , that tabs (18) projecting from the front sides (16, 17) of the plinth base (10), near its underside (19) and pointing away from its top (15), are arranged. [6] Mounting bracket according to claim 5, characterized by , that the tabs (18) are designed to be spring-elastic. [7] Mounting bracket according to claim 1, characterized by , that the shoulder-like bridge (42, 52) on the clamping wing (40, 50) is a bridge extending away from the screw base (10) towards the edge (47, 57) of the clamping wing (40, 50) and rising in an arc shape. [8] Mounting bracket according to claim 7, characterized by , that the bridge (42, 52) is designed to be spring-elastic. [9] Mounting bracket according to claim 7, characterized by, that conical cams (46, 56) are arranged on the underside (44, 54) of the clamping wing (40, 50). [10] Mounting clamp according to claims 1, 7 and 8, characterized by , that the bridge (42, 52) has an inclined approach surface (43, 53) on its side near the flank (81) of the respective terrace plank (80).

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