Profile bar and arrangement with at least one profile bar

Abstract

Profile bar (10) with at least one central strand (11) from which star-shaped ribs (13) extend, between which at least one undercut and outwardly open longitudinal groove (15) is formed, characterized in that the central strand (11) is arranged off-center in at least one spatial direction in the cross-section of the profile bar (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a profile bar with at least one central strand from which star-shaped ribs extend, between which at least one undercut and outwardly open longitudinal groove is formed. The invention further relates to an arrangement with at least one such profile bar.

[0002] Such profile bars are typically square and are used, for example, in the manufacture of machine frames, workbenches, enclosures, shelves, or similar structures. In cross-section, the profile bars are often square or rectangular, with a longitudinal groove on at least one, and possibly several or each, side. The central strand is often designed as a tubular channel into which screws can be inserted at the ends. Ribs extend symmetrically outwards from the central strand, terminating at their free ends in an angle profile that forms the corners of the profile bar. The outwardly open longitudinal groove is formed between each pair of adjacent ribs, with the legs of the angle forming the undercut for the groove.

[0003] T-nuts can be inserted into the longitudinal grooves in a variable and freely positionable manner to attach elements to the profile bars. These elements can also be (angle) connectors to join profile bars transversely to each other, and especially perpendicularly to each other. In this way, the aforementioned structures such as frames, enclosures, etc., can be built using the profile bars, which can be cut to any desired length.

[0004] The profile bars form the basis for an often extensive mounting system, which, in addition to the profile bars and the aforementioned connectors, also includes elements such as adjustable feet, handles, covers, and similar components. Cables or hoses can also run within the longitudinal grooves, where they are mechanically protected by being embedded within the grooves.

[0005] Although generally established and widely used, a common drawback is that, given the cross-sectional dimensions of the profile bar used, only a limited amount of space is available for cables or conductors guided in the longitudinal grooves. In some cases, existing systems may require the use of larger cross-sectional dimensions for the profile bars, even though this would not be necessary for the mechanical stability of the specific application.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a profile bar and an arrangement with at least one such profile bar which, for a given cross-sectional area of ​​the profile bar, are able to accommodate pipes or hoses with a larger diameter.

[0007] This task is accomplished by a profile bar and an arrangement comprising at least one profile bar with the features of the respective independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0008] A profile bar according to the invention of the type mentioned at the outset is characterized in that the central strand is arranged off-center in at least one spatial direction in the cross-section of the profile bar.

[0009] Due to the off-center arrangement of the central strand, the profile bar has different longitudinal grooves that differ in their geometry and / or cross-sectional area. This makes it possible to arrange elements in at least one (the "larger") of the longitudinal grooves that would not fit into a symmetrical profile bar according to the prior art with the same cross-sectional dimensions and material thicknesses.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the profile bar, the central rib is arranged eccentrically in exactly one spatial direction within the cross-section of the profile bar. Preferably, the cross-section is square in outline, with each pair of adjacent ribs on the central rib having different angles to each other. On their side facing away from the central rib, the ribs terminate in angled edges, the legs of which preferably form undercut surfaces for the at least one longitudinal groove. The undercut surfaces can be used in a known manner to clamp T-nuts in the longitudinal grooves, with the aid of which profile bars can be flexibly connected to each other or to other elements.

[0011] It is further preferably provided that the ribs run from the inside into the edge angles as angle bisectors – even if they have different angles to each other from the central web. Furthermore, the opening width of each longitudinal groove, which is defined by the distance between the edge angles, can preferably be the same for all longitudinal grooves, so that despite the different geometries of the longitudinal grooves, the same T-nuts can be used in all longitudinal grooves.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the profile bar, a screw channel is formed in the central strand. This screw channel can be advantageously used to attach elements to the end face of the profile bar.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the profile bar has two central strands, both of which are arranged eccentrically in at least one spatial direction within the cross-section of the profile bar. Advantageously, the cross-section of the profile bar is then rectangular in outline with a longer and a shorter side.

[0014] An arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one such profile bar. The advantages mentioned in connection with the profile bar result from this.

[0015] The arrangement can include a further profile bar of the aforementioned type or a symmetrical profile bar known from the prior art, wherein two of the profile bars are connected to each other by means of a connector plate and / or a flange strip.

[0016] The connector plate or flange strip advantageously has two bores, one positioned centrally and one off-center. This allows the connector plate or flange strip to be used with either a profile bar according to the invention or a symmetrical profile bar at its end face.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arrangement, a T-nut having a trapezoidal cross-section is inserted in at least one of the longitudinal grooves of the profile bar, with each side surface of the T-nut having two different inclined sections. Due to the stepped inclined side surfaces, the T-nut can be designed such that it can be inserted into each of the different longitudinal grooves of a profile bar according to the invention.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the arrangement comprises a straight or angled cover that is placed in or on one of the longitudinal grooves, an external cable duct that is mounted to a longitudinal groove, and / or an adjustable foot that is mounted to the end face of the at least one profile bar by means of an adjustable foot plate. These elements allow for flexible use of the arrangement, e.g., as a machine frame, worktable, enclosure, and / or shelf.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. The figures show: Fig. 1a a profile bar in a first embodiment in a spatial representation; Fig. 1b a cross-sectional representation of the profile bar made of Fig. 1a; Fig. 2 the profile bar according to the Fig. 1a, b with hose or cables inserted into a longitudinal groove; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of a profile bar in a further embodiment; Fig. 4 a spatial representation of a T-nut and its use in profile bars; Fig. 5 a spatial representation of a connecting plate and its use in various profile bars; Fig. 6 different spatial representations of a connecting plate and its use for connecting two profile bars; Fig. 7 a spatial representation and a top view of a leveling base plate and its use in connection with a leveling foot on a profile bar; and Fig. 8a, b a spatial representation and a top view of an arrangement with several profile bars.

[0020] In all figures, identical reference symbols denote identical or equivalent elements. For the sake of clarity, not every element in every figure is marked with a reference symbol.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 1a shows an embodiment of a profile bar 10 according to the application in a spatial representation. Fig. Figure 1b shows a cross-section through the profile bar 10 of the Fig. 1a.

[0022] The profile bar 10 has a central strand 11 which includes a through bore in the middle, forming a screw channel 12. A fastening screw can be screwed into the end face of the screw channel 12. A thread former can be used to cut a thread into the end section of the screw channel 12, or a self-tapping screw can be used.

[0023] From the central strand 11, four ribs 13 extend in a star shape to the edges of the profile bar 10. At their respective outer ends, the ribs 13 terminate in edge angles 14, which represent the four edges of the profile bar 10, which is square in its cross-sectional outline.

[0024] The central strand 11 is located in a spatial direction in which Fig. 1b are arranged off-center in the horizontal direction. Between each pair of adjacent ribs 13, outwardly open longitudinal grooves 15 are formed, which are undercut on the outside due to the edge angles 14.

[0025] Due to the off-center arrangement of the central strand 11, not all longitudinal grooves 15 have the same geometry. Specifically, the two are in Fig. 1b horizontally opposing longitudinal grooves 15 of different depths, where the depth of a longitudinal groove 15 is the distance from the central strand 11 to the imaginary outer edge of the profile bar 10. The opening width of each longitudinal groove 15 is given by the distance between the edge angles 14 and is the same for all longitudinal grooves 15. The grooves extend vertically in the Fig. The longitudinal grooves 15 opposite each other have basically the same geometric cross-sectional shape and the same cross-sectional area, but their shape is mirror-image to each other.

[0026] In a profile bar according to the prior art, which also has a square cross-sectional outline and a centrally arranged central strand, the ribs are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other. Due to the non-central positioning of the central strand 11, the angles between adjacent ribs 13 in the various longitudinal grooves 15 are of different sizes. Starting from the central strand 11, the ribs 13 in the illustrated embodiment of the profile bar 10 initially extend straight outwards in a star shape from the central strand 11, but bend or fold as they approach the edge angle 14 so that they enter the edge angle 14 as angle bisectors. For this reason, the immediate area of ​​the undercut at the edge angle 14 is the same for all longitudinal grooves 15, which is advantageous for the use of accessories, for example, T-nuts (see [reference]). Fig. 4) in the longitudinal grooves 15.

[0027] Although the total cross-sectional area available for the longitudinal grooves 15 is determined only by the outer dimensions in the cross-section of the profile bar 10 and the material thickness, for example, of the central strand 11 and the ribs 13 or the edge angles 14, the off-center arrangement of the central strand 11 necessitates the presence of longitudinal grooves 15 of different sizes. This, in turn, makes it possible to insert elements into the largest of the longitudinal grooves 15, which is located in the Fig. 1b to guide the longitudinal groove 15 formed on the right, which would not fit into a profile bar according to the state of the art with the same external dimensions and material thicknesses.

[0028] This is in Fig. 2 shown. In two partial images, each showing a cross-section of the profile bar 10 analogous to Fig. As shown in Figure 1b, in the left part of the image a hose 2 is inserted into the longitudinal groove 15 pointing to the right, and in the right part of the image a bundle of several cables 3. With the same outer dimensions in the cross-section of the profile bar 10, hoses 2, cables 3 or other elements can thus be guided in the profile bar 10, which would otherwise only be possible with the help of additional attached cable channels or with the help of profile bars with larger outer dimensions in the cross-section.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional illustration of another embodiment of a profile bar 10, which is designed as a double profile. Such a profile bar 10 has the outer dimensions of two profile bars placed side by side, wherein the contact angles 14 that would be adjacent in individual profile bars are replaced by a central web 16. The profile bar 10 thus has a total of six accessible longitudinal grooves 15. The longitudinal grooves opposite each other in individual profile bars placed side by side merge to form a channel 17, which can, for example, also be used for routing cables, hoses, or other elongated elements.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 shows a T-nut 4 in the left part of the image, which is for use in the profile bars of the Fig. 1a to 3 is suitable. The T-nut 4 has a typical trapezoidal structure, but the side surfaces are not continuous, instead having a first inclined section 41 and a second inclined section 42, with sections 41 and 42 having different angles of inclination.

[0031] Compared to the one in the Fig. In the left-hand diagram, the upward-facing surface of the T-nut 4, which points outwards when inserted in the profile bar 10, has an angle of approximately 45° of the first inclined section 41. This angle of 45° corresponds to the angle of 45° in the area of ​​the undercut at the longitudinal groove 15 of both the profile bar 10 according to the application (right-hand diagram). Fig. 4), as well as a profile bar 10' with symmetrical construction according to the state of the art (middle partial image in the Fig. 4).

[0032] The second inclined section 42 is shallower than the first inclined section 41, which makes it possible to use the T-nut 4 even in the shallower longitudinal channel 15 of the profile bar 10 according to the application, which is shown in the right-hand part of the Fig. 4 shown above. For use in the other longitudinal channels of the profile bar 10 according to the application or in all longitudinal channels of the symmetrical profile bar 10' according to the prior art, the second inclined section 42 is disregarded.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a connecting plate 5 and its use with a profile bar 10 according to the application (right-hand figure) and a symmetrical profile bar 10' according to the prior art (middle figure).

[0034] To be similar to the T-nut 4 according to Fig. To enable the connection plate 5, which is placed on the end face of the profile bar 10, 10', to be used with both a symmetrical profile bar 10' and a profile bar 10 as specified in the application, is provided with two screw holes: a first, central hole 51 and a second, off-center hole 52. Both holes 51, 52 are countersunk so that a screw head can be recessed without protruding from any surface of the connection plate 5. Since the required positions for the holes 51, 52 are closer together than the diameter of the holes 51, 52, depending on the size and geometry of the profile bar 10, 10', they may partially overlap.

[0035] The middle and right-hand images each show the use on a profile bar 10' and 10' respectively, wherein a screw inserted for connection into the respective screw channel 12 of the profile bar 10, 10' is guided either through the first bore 51 or through the second bore 52.

[0036] The connecting plate 5 has additional screw holes, which allow components to be screwed to it. The screw heads of the screws inserted into these additional screw holes are accessible, for example, with angled Allen wrenches via the longitudinal grooves 15 of the profile bars 10, 10'. Using these screws in the additional screw holes, components can be screwed to the end faces of the profile bars 10, 10'. In particular, it is possible to insert these screws into T-nuts 4 according to... Fig. 4 screw in, which are inserted into longitudinal grooves 15 of further profile bars 10, 10', in order to connect these perpendicularly with the in the Fig. to connect 5 visible profile bars 10, 10'.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a flange strip 6, which also enables a connection of two profile bars 10 perpendicular to each other. Such a connection is shown in the Fig. 6 in the right-hand image with partially cut profile bars 10 shown.

[0038] The two left-hand images show two different embodiments of the flange strip 6 as examples. The upper image shows a flange strip 6 manufactured from a sheet metal part, preferably in a stamping and bending process. The lower image on the left side of the Fig. Figure 6 shows a flange strip that is either cast or milled.

[0039] The flange strips 6 are each plate-shaped with a rectangular overhang. Two screw holes are arranged in the central area of ​​the flange strips 6: a first, central hole 61 and a second, off-center hole 62. These two holes 61 and 62 are aligned with the holes 51 and 52 of the connecting plates 5 according to... Fig. 5 comparable and serve to fix the flange strip 6 on the end face of a profile bar 10 according to the application (when using the off-center bore 62) or in the case of a symmetrical profile bar 10' according to the prior art (when using the central bore 61).

[0040] The flange strip 6 has a thickening 64 on one side in the area of ​​its corners or along the narrower transverse sides, which engages in the longitudinal grooves 13 of the respective profile bar 10 or 10' when the flange strip 6 is screwed to the profile bar 10, 10' at its end face. By engaging the thickenings 64 in the longitudinal grooves 15, the flange strip 6 is secured against rotation at its end face to the profile bar 10, 10'.

[0041] The flange strips 6 have, in the outer area, either between the thickenings 64 (in the upper part of the image) Fig. 6 flange strip 6) shown or in the area of ​​the thickening 64 (in the lower part of the image) Fig. 6) further boreholes 63. As shown in the middle partial image of the Fig. As shown in figure 6, T-nuts 4 can be inserted through the further holes 63 using screws 65 (compare figure 65). Fig. 4) be connected to the flange strip 6.

[0042] In the middle part of the Fig. Figure 6 also shows a screw 65 guided in the opposite direction through the flange strip 6, passing through the central bore 61. Alternatively, for use with a profile bar 10' as specified in the application, the screw 65 could also pass through the off-center bore 62.

[0043] To connect the two profile bars 10 according to the right-hand part of the image Fig. Step 6, the profile bar 10 with the flange strip 6 attached to its end and the T-nuts 4 initially loosely screwed on, is inserted into a corresponding longitudinal groove 15 of the other (here lower) profile bar 10. At the desired position, the flange strip 6 can be clamped in the longitudinal groove 15 by tightening the screws 65 passing through the T-nuts 4, thus fastening the two profile bars 10 together.

[0044] In contrast to a connection of two profile bars 10 via the connecting plate 5 according to Fig. 5. The flange strips 6 do not contribute to the length of the transversely mounted profile bar 10, since they are located in the longitudinal grooves 15 of the lower profile bar 10 and with their thickenings 64 in the longitudinal grooves 15 of the upper profile bar 10 (orientation of the profile bars 10 with respect to the right-hand part of the Fig. 6) immerse.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 shows a top view of an adjustable base plate 7 in the left-hand image and a three-dimensional view in the middle image. This plate allows an adjustable foot 73 to be screwed under a profile bar 10, for example, using a threaded screw 74. The adjustable base plate 7 has two off-center bores 71 and 72. The first bore 71 connects the adjustable base plate to the screw channel 12 of the profile bar 10, while the second bore 72, which can be a threaded bore, receives the threaded rod 74. The adjustable foot 73 is located at the end of the threaded rod. The threaded rod 74 engages within the longitudinal grooves 15, which advantageously allows for a relatively large diameter for the threaded rod 74.

[0046] In the Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b is finally an example of an arrangement 1 of several profile bars 10 shown. In the Fig. 8a shows the arrangement 1 in a spatial representation and in Fig. 8b in a top view.

[0047] The profile bars 10 are cut to length as required and arranged perpendicular to one another and connected to each other using connecting plates 5. In some cases, the longitudinal grooves 15 of the profile bars 10 are left open, for example, to allow connections to further profile bars 10 or other elements at any time using connecting plates 5 or T-nuts 4. In other cases, the longitudinal grooves 15 of the profile bars 10 are closed, which can be done using simple or angled covers 8 that engage in the longitudinal grooves 15, for example, by means of snap hooks, in particular by clipping them in.

[0048] As a further element of the arrangement 1, an external cable duct 9 is shown, which, similar to a cover, is inserted into a longitudinal groove 15 of one of the profile bars 10 and provides a U-shaped cable duct located next to the profile bar 10, open at the top. Such a cable duct can be used in addition to cables or hoses laid inside the profile bar 10 if these cannot be arranged in the longitudinal grooves 15 due to their diameter. Reference symbol list 1. Arrangement 2 hoses 3 cables 4 T-nuts 41, 42 sloping section 5 Connection plate 51, 52 bore 6 Flange strip 61, 62 bore 63 more boreholes 64 Thickening 65 screw 7 Adjustable footplate 71, 72 bore 73 Adjustable foot 74 threaded rod 8 Cover 9 cable duct 10 profile bar 10' symmetrical profile bar 11 Central strand 12 screw channels 13th rib 14 edge angles 15 longitudinal groove 16 Middle walkway Channel 17

Claims

[1] Profile bar (10) with at least one central strand (11) from which star-shaped ribs (13) extend, between which at least one undercut and outwardly open longitudinal groove (15) is formed, characterized by , that the central strand (11) is arranged off-center in at least one spatial direction in the cross-section of the profile bar (10). [2] Profile bar (10) according to claim 1, wherein the central strand (11) is arranged off-center in exactly one spatial direction in the cross-section of the profile bar (10). [3] Profile bar (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-section in outline is square, wherein each pair of different adjacent ribs (13) on the central web (11) have different angles to each other. [4] Profile bar (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ribs (13) terminate at edge angles (14) on their side pointing away from the central strand (11). [5] Profile bar (10) according to claim 4, wherein the leg of the edge angle (14) forms undercut surfaces for the at least one longitudinal groove (15). [6] Profile bar (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the ribs (13) run as angle bisectors from the inside into the edge angles (14). [7] Profile bar (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a screw channel (12) is formed in the central strand (11). [8] Profile bar (10) according to claim 1, comprising two central strands (11) which are both arranged off-center in at least one spatial direction in the cross-section of the profile bar (10). [9] Profile bar (10) according to claim 8, wherein the cross-section is rectangular in outline with a longer and a shorter side. [10] Arrangement (1) with at least one profile bar (10) which is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [11] Arrangement (1) according to claim 10, comprising a further profile bar (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a symmetrical profile bar (10'), wherein two of the profile bars (10, 10') are connected to each other by means of a connector plate (5). [12] Arrangement (1) according to claim 10, comprising a further profile bar (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a symmetrical profile bar (10'), wherein two of the profile bars (10, 10') are connected to each other by means of a flange strip (6). [13] Arrangement (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the connector plate (5) or the flange strip (6) has two bores (51, 52, 61, 62), one of which is positioned centrally and one of which is positioned off-center. [14] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a T-nut (4) is inserted in at least one of the longitudinal grooves (15) of the profile bar (10) having a trapezoidal cross-section, wherein each side surface of the T-nut has two different inclined sections (41, 42). [15] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising a straight or angled cover (8) which is placed in or on one of the longitudinal grooves (15), an external cable duct (9) which is mounted to a longitudinal groove (15) and / or an adjustable foot (73) which is mounted on the end face of the at least one profile bar (10) by means of an adjustable foot plate (7).

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