Connection arrangement and vehicle body with a connection arrangement

Abstract

Connection arrangement (10) comprising a first and a complementary second engagement structure (16, 18) which can be positively connected to the first, each in the form of a U-profile and each with parallel, spaced-apart profile sides (22, 24) and a bottom area (26, 28) enclosed by the profile sides (22, 24), wherein the first engagement structure (16) can be inserted into the second engagement structure (18) by its profile sides (22) positively engaging between the profile sides (24) of the second engagement structure (18), wherein the profile sides (22) of the first engagement structure (16) have outwardly projecting thickenings (30) at their free ends, wherein undercuts (32) adjoin the thickenings (30), and wherein the profile sides (24) of the second engagement structure (18) have inwardly projecting local thickenings along their longitudinal extent (34) exhibit and wherein an adhesive is applied in the area of ​​the undercuts (32).

Description

The innovation proposed here concerns the technical field of structural lightweight construction, in particular the technical field of motor vehicle body design. Specifically, the proposed innovation concerns a connection arrangement usable, for example, in vehicle body construction, and a (motor) vehicle body with such a connection arrangement. The connection arrangement comprises a first engagement structure and a complementary second engagement structure, or a first and a second profile section, each with such engagement structures. The first and second engagement structures can be positively connected to each other by interlocking. Such connection arrangements are generally known. In many technical applications, for example, corner profiles (first profile part) made of plastic or metal are used to connect plates or panels (second profile part). The corner profiles and the plates or panels each have a corresponding interlocking structure, and by connecting these structures, a corner profile and a plate or panel can be joined together. This technique is versatile and can be used for everything from small everyday objects, such as packaging boxes, to vehicle bodies and building structures. A wide variety of corner profiles and panels for different applications are available on the market. The connection between a corner profile and a panel (e.g., a wall panel) is achieved using a standard connection technique by simply sliding the wall panel into a U-shaped recess (receptacle) of the corner profile, usually with the use of an adhesive that, after drying, creates a permanently stable bond. The wall panel engages in the space enclosed by the U-profile of the recess. This means that the legs of the U-profile of the recess rest against the outer edge of the wall panel that is inserted into the U-profile. The bond between the corner profile and the panel is largely undefined and not reproducible. The adhesive is applied either to the panel or to the inside of the U-shaped recess of the corner profile. When the two parts are pushed together, the adhesive is distributed more randomly than precisely. One objective of the proposed innovation is to specify a connection arrangement that avoids the disadvantages outlined above or at least reduces their effects. This problem is solved by means of a connection arrangement with the features of claim 1. The connection arrangement comprises a first and a complementary second engagement structure. The first engagement structure is, for example, part of a first profile section, such as a corner profile. The second engagement structure is, for example, part of a second profile section, such as a wall panel. Therefore, the proposed connection arrangement also includes a first and a second profile part with a first and second engagement structure, respectively. The two engagement structures can be positively connected to each other. Each engagement structure is designed in the form of a U-profile and accordingly has parallel, spaced-apart profile sides (legs) and a base area connecting the profile sides. The first engagement structure can be inserted into the second engagement structure by its profile sides positively engaging between the profile sides of the second engagement structure, i.e., into a space enclosed by the profile sides of the second engagement structure. In other words, the U-profile on the side of the first engagement structure engages in the space between the U-profile on the side of the second engagement structure. The first profile sides (profile sides of the first engagement structure) have outwardly projecting thickenings at their free ends, particularly thickenings in the form of snap tabs, and the second profile sides (profile sides of the second engagement structure) have inwardly projecting local thickenings along their longitudinal extent. These local thickenings are referred to below as spines, and whenever this term is used, the term thickening or thickenings should always be implied, depending on the context. In the form of snap tabs, the thickenings can be locked behind the bottom-side edges of the spines. For the sake of readability, the profile faces of the first and second intervention structures will be referred to as first profile faces and second profile faces, respectively. The spaces enclosed by the first intervention structure and its first profile faces, as well as by the second intervention structure and its second profile faces, will be referred to as first space and second space, respectively. The sides / surfaces of the first and second profile faces facing these spaces will be referred to as inner surfaces (profile face inner surfaces, leg inner surfaces), and the sides / surfaces opposite the inner surfaces will be referred to as outer surfaces (profile face outer surfaces, leg outer surfaces). "Outer" therefore refers to a surface section on the profile sides outside the space enclosed by them, or more generally, the area outside this space. The outward-facing thickenings or, if applicable, snap-on tabs are thus located outside the first space and point away from it. In contrast, "inner" refers to a surface section on the profile sides within the space enclosed by them, or more generally, the area within this space. The inward-facing ridges are thus located within the second space and point towards its center. By allowing the thickened sections of the first engagement structure to snap behind the backs of the second engagement structure, the first engagement structure is locked / lockable to the second engagement structure at a corresponding insertion depth. This locking action secures the first engagement structure within the second engagement structure. The locking point is located at the bottom-side edges of the backs. Along the longitudinal extent of the second profile sides, the backs there create two edges: bottom-side edges (edges closer to the bottom of the engagement structure) and entry-side edges (edges closer to the free ends of the second profile sides). During the joining process, referred to below as the joining operation, the chamfered edges of the snap-on sections initially come into contact with the entry-side edges of the backs.This contact causes elastic deformation of the first profile sides (the profile sides pivot inwards). The distance between the two snap lugs decreases. As the joining process continues, the tips of the snap lugs slide over the surfaces of the backs. Towards the end of the joining process, the snap lugs finally reach the area of ​​the bottom edges of the backs. There, under elastic relaxation (the snap lugs spring back outwards, restoring their original distance), the snap lugs engage behind the bottom edges of the backs.This causes the first engagement structure to lock into the second engagement structure, resulting in the fixation of the first engagement structure within the second engagement structure and relative to the second engagement structure, and in the case of profile parts with such engagement structures, it causes the profile parts to be fixed relative to each other. The undercuts adjoining the snap lugs, specifically those extending towards the bottom area, serve as an area for applying adhesive. When using this connection arrangement, adhesive is applied to these undercuts. The snap lugs at the free ends of the first profile sides represent outwardly projecting (essentially to the right and left), terminal local thickenings of these profile sides. That is, towards the bottom area, the first profile sides extend beyond the snap lugs to a section where they retain their normal thickness. This area is referred to as the undercut (undercut behind the snap lugs). Adhesive can be applied there to permanently bond the interlocking structures. The advantage is that the adhesive is protected by the snap lugs during the joining process.Contact with the second profile sides is only established by locking a first profile part to a second profile part. The aforementioned task is also solved by means of a method for joining two engagement structures – first engagement structure, second engagement structure – using a connection arrangement as described here and below, namely with the following process steps: When joining the two engagement structures (joining process), they are brought into engagement with each other by placing the first engagement structure, with adhesive applied to the undercut area, against the second engagement structure, or vice versa. As one of the two engagement structures is further inserted into the other, the snap-in tabs – as described above – come into contact with the inwardly facing backs of the second profile sides. This contact causes an elastic deformation of the first profile sides. The first profile sides are deformed towards the center of the first gap ("inwards").Due to this deformation, the adhesive applied in the undercut area does not come into contact with the second profile sides when the joining process continues. The adhesive is therefore not smeared. Only when the interlocking structures snap together as described above does the adhesive applied in the undercut area come into contact with the surfaces of the backs of the second profile sides over a large area. This ensures a defined and reproducible adhesive bond between the interlocking structures, which can optionally also act as a seal. Furthermore, the adhesive bond is protected by the outer surfaces of the second profile sides ("internal adhesive bond").Sealing means that, due to the adhesive bond or an optional additional seal using a sealant or the like, water from one side of interconnected intervention structures cannot pass through the area where the intervention structures are in interaction to an opposite side. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the following description will state that features and details described in connection with the method for connecting two engagement structures or profile parts, as well as any possible configurations, naturally also apply to the underlying connection arrangement and vice versa. Accordingly, the method can also be further developed by means of one or more process features relating to process steps carried out by means of the connection arrangement, and the connection arrangement can likewise be further developed by means of executing process steps carried out within the framework of the method.Consequently, features and details described in connection with the connection arrangement or possible embodiments naturally also apply in connection with and with regard to a method for connecting two intervention structures or profile parts using the connection arrangement, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the innovation proposed here, mutual reference is always made or can be made. Advantageous embodiments of the proposed innovation are the subject of the further claims. References within the claims indicate the further development of the subject matter of the referenced claim by the features of the respective dependent claim. They are not to be understood as a waiver of the right to obtain independent, substantive protection for the features or combinations of features of a dependent claim. Furthermore, with regard to the interpretation of the claims and the description, when specifying a feature in more detail, for example in a dependent claim, it should be assumed that such a limitation does not exist in the preceding claim or any preceding claim, nor in a more general embodiment of the connection arrangement or a method for connecting two profile parts using the connection arrangement.Therefore, any reference in the description presented here to aspects of dependent claims is to be read as a description of optional features, even without specific indication. Preferably, the connection arrangement, namely the first engagement structure or a first profile section comprising a first engagement structure, has a projection, particularly one integrally molded, positioned at the level of the base area, parallel or at least substantially parallel to an outer profile side of the first engagement structure and with a free end pointing towards the free end of the outer profile side. In the case of interconnected engagement structures or profile sections, the projection conceals the connection point between them, resulting in an advantageous visual appearance in the area of ​​the connection point. Advantageously, in this connection arrangement, the overhang, together with the adjacent first profile side and the profile of a stop, encloses a groove, with the bottom of the groove acting as a sealing chamber and containing a sealant. When the two engagement structures are joined, the sealant is at least partially displaced and spreads under the overhang and along the leading edge of the incoming profile side of the second engagement structure. The result is an internal seal protected from external influences, particularly environmental factors. Another disadvantage of the previously described connection technique is that there is no guarantee that the inserted and glued wall panel has actually been fully inserted into the U-profile. If this is only partially or incompletely achieved, dimensional deviations in the resulting end product, for example, a box body for a special-purpose vehicle, are unavoidable. This is extremely problematic for applications requiring high precision. A box body for a special-purpose vehicle demands very high precision. This quality disadvantage can only be avoided through the use of complex mechanical constructions, such as jigs, which ensure the dimensional accuracy of the final product. In an advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement, one of the profile sides of the first engagement structure has a stop. The stop is located on the outside of at least one profile side or on the outside of each profile side. "Outside" means a surface section outside the space enclosed by the profile sides. The stop is also located at the same level as the bottom of the engagement structure (bottom side). The bottom connects the two profile sides. Thus, the location of the bottom is defined. By being located at the same level as the bottom, the stop lies within a plane defined by the bottom, but not necessarily exactly in this plane. It may also extend along the longitudinal extent of the profile side above this plane, i.e., in the direction of the free ends of the profile sides above this plane.The first intervention structure can be inserted into the second intervention structure up to the point where the stop makes contact with the second intervention structure, namely up to the point where one of the profile sides encompassed by it makes contact with the stop. This allows us to write that the outer stop is located on the outside of one of the first profile sides, or that there are outer stops (one each) on the outside of both first profile sides. Because at least one stop is located on the outside, it remains permanently visible during the joining process of the first and second engagement structures. This permanent external visibility allows for immediate visual confirmation (for a specialist performing or monitoring the joining process) of when the two engagement structures are fully joined and when profile components with such engagement structures are fully joined. This occurs when the second engagement structure abuts the stop of the first. No measuring or similar method is required. Monitoring whether the joining process is complete and the two engagement structures are fully engaged can be done purely visually by observing the second engagement structure striking the stop of the first.Specifically, during such a joining process, a gap forms between the second engagement structure and the stop of the first engagement structure, namely between a leading edge of the second engagement structure and the stop of the first engagement structure, with the free end of the respective profile side forming the leading edge of the second engagement structure. This gap can be visually monitored and preferably is. During the joining process, the gap gradually decreases. When the second engagement structure abuts the stop of the first engagement structure, a minimal gap results at the connection point ("the gap disappears").Then the joining process is complete and it is ensured that the second engagement structure is fully engaged with the first engagement structure, thus ensuring that a profile part with the second engagement structure is in a defined relative position to a profile part with the first engagement structure. When joining two engagement structures of this advantageous embodiment – ​​first engagement structure, second engagement structure – (joining process), they are brought into engagement by placing the first engagement structure against the second engagement structure, or vice versa. The joining process, i.e., the further insertion of one of the two engagement structures into the other, is terminated when the second engagement structure abuts the stop of the first engagement structure. The joining process can be monitored – as described above – by visually checking that the second engagement structure abuts the stop of the first engagement structure, and the joining process can be terminated based on such visual monitoring. Advantageously, the connection arrangement comprises a first profile part – for example, a corner profile – with the first engagement structure and a second profile part – for example, a wall panel – with the second engagement structure. The first profile part and the second profile part are both profile parts because each profile part has an engagement structure, either by incorporating the engagement structure as a single piece or by having the engagement structure formed after appropriate attachment, for example, by gluing. In other words, each profile part is a profile part / is referred to as a profile part because it has a profile, namely the engagement structure.The first and second engagement structures, namely the first engagement structure on the first profile part and the second engagement structure for the second profile part or on the second profile part, can be positively connected to each other by interlocking, and what has been written above and below for a connection arrangement with a first and a complementary second engagement structure also applies accordingly to a connection arrangement with a first and a second profile part, each with such an engagement structure. In an advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement, the first engagement structure is, in particular, integrally part of a corner profile, or the first profile part is designed as a corner profile (in the advantageous embodiment, the first profile part functions as a corner profile). Alternatively, a first profile part designed / functioning as a butt or flat connection profile is also possible, or the first engagement structure is, in particular, integrally part of a butt or flat connection profile. The connection arrangement is advantageously used in special vehicle construction. In this respect, the innovation proposed here also includes the use of a connection arrangement and the engagement structures it encompasses, as described here and below, or the use of profile components with such engagement structures in special vehicle construction, particularly for creating structures in the form of box bodies or the like, or for creating components for such structures. Using a connection arrangement or several connection arrangements as described here and below, for example, so-called vehicle bodies are created, especially box bodies for special vehicles, such as box bodies for fire engines and emergency medical service vehicles, especially ambulances (RTW), or the like.In this respect, the innovation proposed here is also a vehicle body, in particular a vehicle body for special vehicles, with a connection arrangement or with profile parts as described here and below. The claims filed with the application are proposed formulations without prejudice to obtaining a broader scope of protection. Since the features of the dependent claims, in particular, may constitute independent inventions with regard to the prior art on the priority date, the applicant reserves the right to make these or further combinations of features, previously disclosed only in the description and / or drawings, the subject matter of independent claims or divisional declarations. These may also include independent inventions that exhibit a design independent of the subject matter of the respective referenced claims. The following section provides a more detailed explanation of an embodiment of the proposed connection arrangement as an example, with reference to the drawing. Corresponding objects or elements are identified by the same reference numerals in all figures. The exemplary embodiment is not to be understood as a limitation of the invention. Rather, within the scope of the present disclosure, additions and modifications are entirely possible, in particular those which, for example, can be deduced by a person skilled in the art from the solution of the problem by combining or modifying individual features in conjunction with those described in the general or specific descriptive part and contained in the claims and / or the drawing, and which, through combinable features, lead to a new subject matter or to new process steps or sequences of process steps. Figures 1 to 3 show a connection arrangement with two profile parts and two engagement structures, Figure 4 shows the connection arrangement and the profile parts in the connected state, Figure 5 shows the connection arrangement and the profile parts in the connected state in an isometric view, and Figure 6 shows a section of the representation in Figure 5. The illustrations in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 show an exemplary embodiment of a connection arrangement 10 proposed here. A first profile part 12 with a first engagement structure 16 and a second profile part 14 with a second engagement structure 18 complementary to the first engagement structure 16 are shown. The engagement structures 16 and 18 can be positively connected to one another. The connection arrangement 10 comprises the two engagement structures 16 and 18. The connection arrangement 10 is intended for connecting any two profile parts 12 and 14. In the case of profile parts 12 and 14 with such engagement structures 16 and 18, the connection arrangement 10 also comprises the two profile parts 12 and 14 themselves, and in this respect, the connection arrangement is then also intended for positively connecting two profile parts 12 and 14. The illustrations in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 show the connection arrangement 10 with non-connected engagement structures 16, 18 and, correspondingly, with profile parts 12, 14 that are not yet connected. The illustrations in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 are identical. The illustration in Fig. 1 shows the connection arrangement 10 with only a few reference numerals and no dimensions. The illustrations in Figs. 2 and 3 are labeled with a first and a second group of reference numerals / dimensions, respectively, for clarity. The illustration in Fig. 4 shows the connection arrangement 10 with interconnected engagement structures 16, 18 and, correspondingly, with interconnected profile parts 12, 14. The illustrations in Figs. 1, 2, 3 to 4 show the connection arrangement 10 in section. The intervention structures 16, 18 and the profile sections 12, 14 thus extend transversely to the plane of the sheet. The illustration in Fig.Figure 5 shows a section with a section plane as in Figures 1, 2, 3 to 4 through an isometric view of the connection arrangement 10 with interconnected engagement structures 16, 18 and profile parts 12, 14. Specifically, the illustrations in Figures 4 and 5 show a corner of a vehicle body for a special-purpose vehicle, namely a corner of a so-called box body for a special-purpose vehicle. Such a box body is suitable, for example, for fire engines and rescue service vehicles, in particular ambulances (RTW), or the like. The engagement structures 16, 18, or profile parts 12, 14 comprising such engagement structures 16, 18, together form the connection arrangement 10 – both in the connected state (Fig. 4, Fig. 5) and in the unconnected state (Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3). In the illustrations in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the fact that profile parts 12, 14, which have corresponding engagement structures 16, 18, together form the connection arrangement 10 is shown by a border enclosing both profile parts 12, 14. In the illustrated embodiment, each profile part 12, 14 – first profile part 12, second profile part 14 – has an engagement structure 16, 18. The first profile part 12 has (at least) a first engagement structure 16, and the second profile part 12 has (at least) a second engagement structure 18. The first and second engagement structures 16, 18 are designed such that they, and thus also the profile parts 12, 14, can be positively connected to one another by interlocking the engagement structures 16, 18. The illustrations in Figs. 4 and 5 show such a connection. The illustrations show the first profile section 12 with the first engagement structure 16 and the second profile section 14 with the second engagement structure 18. The subsequent description is based on this. It should always be noted that the second profile section 14 can have the first engagement structure 16 and, correspondingly, the first profile section 12 can have the second engagement structure 18 (kinematic reversal). In the illustrations, one of the profile parts 12, 14, namely the first profile part 12, is a corner profile / corner profile part 12. Two second profile parts 14 can be connected to the corner profile part 12, namely "cornerwise," i.e., at an angle of, for example, 90°. A second profile part 14 or the second profile parts 14 is, for example, a wall panel 14 or wall panels 14. The illustrations in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the corner profile part 12 and two wall panels (second profile parts) 14 connected to it. Instead of connecting two second profile parts 14 at a corner, connecting two second profile parts 14 in the same plane is also possible. In this case, the first profile part 12 acts as a connecting profile part (not shown), and several second profile parts 14, for example wall panels 14, can be successively connected using such first profile parts 12. The connection arrangement 10 with the engagement structures 16, 18 it comprises, or with profile parts 12, 14 with such engagement structures 16, 18, is intended for use in vehicle construction, for example in so-called special vehicle construction. Using one or more connection arrangements 10 as described here and below, for example, so-called box bodies for special vehicles are created, such as box bodies for fire engines and rescue service vehicles, in particular ambulances (RTW), or the like. Similarly, box bodies for trucks, for example in the form of refrigerated box bodies, or for motorhomes are also possible. Finally, its use is also possible for caravans or containers. The application is generally suitable wherever so-called sandwich elements or sandwich building elements – hereinafter referred to collectively as sandwich elements – are used. A sandwich element functions, for example, as a wall panel 14. Equipped with a corresponding interlocking structure 18, such a sandwich element / wall panel 14 becomes a second profile part 14. In this respect, the connection arrangement 10 with the profile parts 12, 14 it comprises – the first profile part 12 in the form of a corner profile part 12 or in the form of a connecting profile part; the second profile part 14 in the form of a sandwich element functioning as a wall panel 14 or the like – is also suitable for the following applications: interior wall, cabin wall, exterior wall, side wall, bodywork, fire protection element, fire-resistant wall, acoustic panel, thermal insulation panel, etc. The first profile part 12 – in the illustrated embodiment, the corner profile part 12 – advantageously comprises the engagement structure 16 in one piece. In the second profile part 14, the engagement structure 18 is, for example, bonded in place, namely, for example, between cover layers 20 (aluminum sheet, GRP laminate, or the like) encompassed by the second profile part 14. The cover layers 20 are, in turn, bonded, for example, to a core, such as rigid foam, a honeycomb grid, or the like (sandwich element). Other ways of attaching the second engagement structure 18 to the second profile part 14, for example, screwing it on "from the front," are also possible and are hereby considered to be covered by the description presented here. The engagement structures 16, 18 of the profile sections 12, 14 have a U-shape in the broadest sense – a U-profile – and accordingly each have two parallel profile sides (legs) 22, 24, namely two parallel profile sides 22 belonging to the first engagement structure 16 (first profile sides 22) and two parallel profile sides 24 belonging to the second engagement structure 18 (second profile sides 24). A base area 26, 28 connects the two profile sides 22, 24, namely a first base area 26 of the first engagement structure 16 to its profile sides 22 and a second base area 28 of the second engagement structure 18 to its profile sides 24. The profile sides 22, 24 and the respective base area 26, 28 enclose a space. The second engagement structure 18 is designed to receive the first engagement structure 16; that is, when the engagement structures 16 and 18 are connected, the first profile sides 22 enter the space enclosed by the second profile sides 24. The second engagement structure 18 is the receiving engagement structure 18, and the first engagement structure 16 is the received engagement structure 16. The length of the profile sides 22, 24 determines the depth of the respective engagement structure 16, 18. It is essential that the depth of the receiving engagement structure 18 (second engagement structure 18) is sufficient for the complete reception of the first profile sides 22 of the received engagement structure 16 (first engagement structure 16). The depth of an engagement structure 16, 18 corresponds to a length L1, L2 of the respective profile sides 22, 24. A length L2 of the second profile sides 24 of the receiving engagement structure 18 is therefore greater than a length L1 of the first profile sides 22 of the received engagement structure 16, or at least equal to it (L2 ≥ L1). The distance between the profile sides 22, 24 of each engagement structure 16, 18 is determined by the form-fitting engagement of the received engagement structure 16 into the receiving engagement structure 18, i.e.,The distance between the second profile sides 24 of the receiving engagement structure 18 is greater than the distance between the first profile sides 22 of the received engagement structure 16. The distance between the profile sides 22 and 24 corresponds to a width B1 and B2 of the respective engagement structure 16 and 18. Specifically, the inner width B2 of the receiving engagement structure 18 (distance between the second profile sides 24 of the receiving engagement structure 18) and the outer width B1 of the received engagement structure 16 (distance between the first profile sides 22 of the received engagement structure 16 plus the thickness of the first profile sides 22, namely the thickness of the first profile sides 22 without any end thickenings) are coordinated such that the received engagement structure 16 is positively engaged by the receiving engagement structure 18. For this purpose, the outer width B1 is slightly smaller than the inner width B2, or—in other words—the inner width B2 is slightly larger than the outer width B1. The first engagement structure 16 (recorded engagement structure 16) has thickenings at the free ends of its first profile sides 22 in the form of outwardly projecting snap tabs 30 (one snap tab 30 at the end of each first profile side 22), and undercuts 32 adjoin the snap tabs 30. The snap tabs 30 protrude above the rest of the surface of the outer sides of the first profile sides 22. By protruding above these surfaces, the snap tabs 30 form a region designated, for unambiguous reference, as an undercut 32. The second engagement structure 18 (receiving engagement structure 18) has local thickenings 34, designated as ridges 34, on the facing inner surfaces of its second profile sides 24. The ridges 34 determine the inner width B2. Along the second profile sides 24, the receiving engagement structure 18 includes sections of normal thickness in front of and behind the ridges 34. The sections in front of the ridges 34 (at the free end of the second profile sides 24) function as the entry region of the receiving engagement structure 18, and the sections behind the ridges 34 (towards the bottom region 26 of the U-shaped engagement structure 18) function as the end region of the receiving engagement structure 18. When connecting the two profile parts 12, 14, i.e., for example, when inserting the received engagement structure (first engagement structure) 16 of the first profile part 12 into the receiving engagement structure (second engagement structure) 18 of the second profile part 14, the snap lugs 30 initially enter the entry area of ​​the receiving engagement structure 18. This facilitates the attachment of the first, received engagement structure 16 to the second, receiving engagement structure 18, and in the case of profile sections 12, 14 with such engagement structures 16, 18, it facilitates the attachment of the first profile section 12 to the second profile section 14. Upon further insertion, an elastic deformation of the first profile sides 22 occurs as soon as their snap lugs 30 come into contact with the backs 34 of the receiving engagement structure 18. Due to the elastic deformation, the distance between the snap lugs 30 decreases. During further insertion, the snap lugs 30 slide along the surfaces of the backs 34 towards the base of the receiving engagement structure 18. As soon as the snap lugs 30 leave the area of ​​the backs 34, i.e., as soon as the snap lugs 30 enter the end region of the receiving engagement structure 18, a snap-fit ​​connection of the engagement structures 16, 18 is formed.The snap-in lugs 30 engage behind the bottom-side edges of the backs 34 of the second profile sides 24 under elastic relaxation of the first profile sides 22. In doing so, the outer surfaces of the first profile sides 22 of the received engagement structure 16 – the undercuts 32 – come into contact, at least partially, with the inner surfaces of the second profile sides 24 of the receiving engagement structure 18 – the surfaces of the backs 34. In the preferred embodiment shown, the insertion and thus the joining process when connecting two engagement structures 16, 18 or two profile parts 12, 14 is completed when at least one of the free ends of the second profile sides 24 of the receiving engagement structure 18 reaches a stop 36 at the base of the first profile sides 22 of the received engagement structure 16 (which is optional).In the embodiment shown, the incorporated engagement structure 16 has a stop 36 at the base of each of the first profile sides 22 it comprises, specifically at the base of the outwardly facing surfaces of the first profile sides 22, and the joining process is completed when one of the free ends of the second profile sides 24 reaches a stop 36, preferably when both free ends of the second profile sides 24 reach their respective stops 36. The advantage of the connection arrangement 10 according to the preferred embodiment shown is that by inserting it up to the stop 36, an exactly defined position of the two engagement structures 16, 18 relative to each other is achieved, and in the case of profile parts 12, 14 with such engagement structures 16, 18, an exactly defined position of the two profile parts 12, 14 relative to each other is also achieved. At least one stop 36, namely the stop 36 located inside the corner profile 12 shown, as well as the leading edge of the abutting second profile side 24 of the receiving engagement structure 18, are visible and observable throughout the entire joining process. In the embodiment shown, this leading edge is the leading edge of the cover layer 20 covering the second profile side 24 or its outer corner – hereinafter collectively referred to as the leading edge of the second profile side 24. During the joining process, the distance between the leading edge of the second profile side 24 and the stop 36 gradually decreases; that is, the gap between the leading edge of the second profile side 24 and the stop 36 gradually becomes smaller. When the leading edge of the second profile side 24 abuts the stop 36, a minimal gap (vanishing gap) results at the connection point.This ensures that the first, engaged intervention structure 16 is completely engaged by the second, receiving intervention structure 18. This, in turn, ensures the aforementioned precisely defined position of the two intervention structures 16, 18 relative to each other and, if applicable, an equally precisely defined position of two profile parts 12, 14 relative to each other. In a construction using such profile parts 12, 14, for example, a box body for an ambulance, this ensures the precise dimensional accuracy of the construction. If two opposing corner profiles 12 (first profile parts 12) and a wall panel 14 (second profile part 14) enclosed by them form a side wall of such a construction, and the wall panel 14 is connected to the corner profiles 12 on both sides by means of the engagement structures 16, 18 described here, and the corner profiles 12 are connected to the wall panel 14 in such a way that the gaps disappear at the stops 36, the resulting side wall has an exactly reproducible dimension. An opposing side wall with two corresponding corner profiles 12 and a corresponding wall panel 14, and a similar joint with disappearing gaps, has exactly the same dimensions.Wall panels 14, attached in pairs of equal size to the free engagement structures 16 of the corner profiles 12, result in a perfectly right-angled construction when joined appropriately, i.e., when joined until the gap disappears. This is possible because the joining process can be precisely observed, and this observability ensures that the joining process is only completed when an engaged engagement structure 16 is completely absorbed by its respective receiving engagement structure 18 (disappearing gap). The mention of a right-angled construction is expressly intended only as a particularly simple and easily described example. The dimensional accuracy achieved / achieved relative to each other, due to the precisely defined position of each pair of engagement structures 16, 18 and, if applicable, two profile parts 12, 14, applies to every conceivable geometry / construction. Figures 4 and 5 show a corner of such a construction with a corner profile (first profile part) 12 and two wall panels (second profile parts) 14 connected to it by means of the engagement structures 16, 18 described here. Each pair of profile parts 12, 14 is connected to each other by means of the engagement structures 16, 18 in such a way that the gap between the profile parts 12, 14 (gap at the stop 36) disappears. In Figures 4 and 5, only the profile parts 12, 14 and the stop 36 are labelled. For the remaining reference numerals, reference is made to Figures 1, 2 to 3. Now, the joining process and optional embodiments of the engagement structures 16, 18 are considered again from a different perspective: An adhesive is optionally applied to the base of the undercuts 32 of the first profile sides 22 (profile sides 22 of the received engagement structure 16). When the engagement structures 16, 18 are joined, the adhesive is initially protected there by the snap tabs 30. This means that the adhesive is not smeared and the base of the undercuts 32 remains wetted with the adhesive in the area where it was applied. Contact with the surface of each of the backs 34 only occurs when the snap tabs 30 engage, i.e., when they grip behind the base-side edges of the backs 34. When the snap tabs 30 engage, the adhesive in the area of ​​the undercuts 32 comes into contact with the opposite surfaces of the backs 34.In this area, the curing of the adhesive creates an adhesive bond between the intervention structures 16, 18. The result is a precisely defined, accurate bond. In the illustrated embodiment, the optional feature is that one of the stops 36 is concealed. For differentiation, the stops 36 are referred to as the inner stop 36 and the outer stop 36, respectively, with reference to two profile parts 12, 14 (Figs. 4 and 5) connected by means of the engagement structures 16, 18. In a hollow body formed by the profile parts 12, 14 and other profile parts, for example, a hollow body serving as a box body for an ambulance (RTW), the inner stop 36 faces the enclosed interior, i.e., it is located on a section of an inner wall of the hollow body. The outer stop 36 is correspondingly located on a section of an outer wall of the hollow body, i.e., it is visible outside the hollow body. The outer wall may be exposed to the elements. The outer stop 36 is concealed by a projection 38 on the outside of the first profile part 12.In the case of two interconnected profile parts 12, 14, the overhang 38 also covers the connection point between the stop 36 and the second profile side 24 abutting it. By covering this connection point, the outer projection 38 creates an advantageous visual appearance from the outside in the area of ​​the connection between the two profile parts 12, 14. If the two engagement structures 16, 18 are also optionally joined by adhesive bonding, the projection 38 protects the connection point and the adhesive from the elements, the latter, for example, from UV radiation, by covering the connection point between the profile parts 12, 14 which have the engagement structures 16, 18. In the event that adhesive should leak from the connection point during the optional bonding of the two engagement structures 16, 18, the projection 38 conceals any such leakage. If the projection 38 extends from a profile section 12 with the first engagement structure 16 (received engagement structure 16; engagement structure 16 with first profile sides 22 and snap lugs 30 at their free ends), a short projection 38 is sufficient. The projection 38 is short in that it is shorter than the first profile sides 22, in particular less than half as long, less than one-third as long, or less than one-quarter as long. Preferably, the projection 38 extends from a profile section 12 with the first / received engagement structure 16. Finally, Fig. 6 shows an enlarged section of the illustration in Fig. 5. Shown are the first profile part 12 and two second profile parts 14 connected to it by means of the engagement structures 16, 18. Reference numerals not used in the illustration in Fig. 6 are referred to the preceding figures. The following applies to each connection arrangement 10 with a first and a second profile part 12, 14: The projection 38, together with the adjacent first profile side 22 and the profile of the stop 36, encloses a groove. The bottom of the groove acts as a sealing chamber 40. A sealant, for example, can be introduced into the sealing chamber 40, and advantageously a defined quantity of a sealant, for example a one-component or two-component sealant (1K sealant, 2K sealant), is introduced into the sealing chamber 40. When the two engagement structures 16, 18 are fully connected (the leading edges of the second profile sides 24 abut the stops 36), the sealant located in the area of ​​the sealing chamber 40 is at least partially displaced and distributed under the overhang 38 and in front of the back 34 of the leading edge of the second profile side 24, which abuts the stop 36 there. The result is an internal seal.Because it is an internal seal (the seal is covered by the projection 38), the seal is permanent and, moreover, maintenance-free for the entire service life of the connection arrangement 10 and any structure formed with it. Due to the covering provided by the projection 38, the internal seal is protected from all external influences, especially environmental influences such as UV radiation, and therefore does not require regular replacement. Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the exemplary embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed example(s) and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention. Key aspects of the submitted description can be summarized as follows: A connection arrangement 10 is described, comprising a first and a complementary second engagement structure 16, 18, each in the form of a U-profile and each with parallel, spaced-apart profile sides 22, 24 and a bottom area 26, 28 enclosed by the profile sides 22, 24. A vehicle body with such a connection arrangement 10 is also described. The first engagement structure 16 can be inserted into the second engagement structure 18 by its profile sides 22 engaging positively between the profile sides 24 of the second engagement structure 18. The profile sides 22 of the first engagement structure 16 have outwardly projecting thickenings 30 at their free ends, followed by undercuts 32.The profile sides 24 of the second engagement structure 18 have inwardly projecting local thickenings 34 along their longitudinal extent. An adhesive can be applied in the area of ​​the undercuts 32, and an adhesive has been applied there for bonding the two engagement structures 16, 18. When the engagement structures 16, 18 are joined, this adhesive is protected by the thickenings 30. In the case of interconnected engagement structures 16, 18, the adhesive comes into contact over a large area with the inwardly pointing local thickenings 34, resulting in a defined bonding of the two engagement structures 16, 18 or of two profile parts 12, 14 with such engagement structures 16, 18. In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the profile sides 22 of the first engagement structure 16 has a stop 36 on the outside and on the bottom side 26, and the second engagement structure 18 can be inserted into the first engagement structure 16 up to contact with the stop 36.This leads to a defined relative position of the two engagement structures 16, 18 to each other or of two profile parts 12, 14 with such engagement structures 16, 18 to each other and to a bonding of the engagement structures 16, 18 or of two profile parts 12, 14 with such engagement structures 16, 18 in the defined relative position. Reference symbol list 10 Connection arrangement 12 Profile part, first profile part, corner profile / corner profile part 14 Profile part, second profile part, wall panel 16 Engagement structure, first engagement structure, received engagement structure, U-profile 18 Engagement structure, second engagement structure, receiving engagement structure, U-profile 20 Cover layer 22 Profile side, first profile side, profile side of the first profile part, leg 24 Profile side, second profile side, profile side of the second profile part, leg 26 Bottom area, bottom area of ​​the first engagement structure 28 Bottom area, bottom area of ​​the second engagement structure 30 Thickening, snap nose 32 Undercut 34 Thickening, back 36 Stop 38 Projection 40 Sealing chamber

Claims

Connection arrangement (10) comprising a first and a complementary second engagement structure (16, 18) which can be positively connected to the first, each in the form of a U-profile and each with parallel, spaced-apart profile sides (22, 24) and a bottom area (26, 28) enclosed by the profile sides (22, 24), wherein the first engagement structure (16) can be inserted into the second engagement structure (18) by its profile sides (22) positively engaging between the profile sides (24) of the second engagement structure (18), wherein the profile sides (22) of the first engagement structure (16) have outwardly projecting thickenings (30) at their free ends, wherein undercuts (32) adjoin the thickenings (30), and wherein the profile sides (24) of the second engagement structure (18) have inwardly projecting local thickenings along their longitudinal extent (34) exhibit and wherein an adhesive is applied in the area of ​​the undercuts (32). Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 1, with a projection (38) parallel or at least substantially parallel to an outer profile side (22) of the first engagement structure (16) and with a free end pointing towards the free end of the outer profile side (22). Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the profile sides (22) of the first engagement structure (16) has a stop (36) on the outside and bottom side (26) and wherein the first engagement structure (16) can be inserted into the second engagement structure (18) up to a contact of the stop (36) with the second engagement structure (18), namely up to a contact of one of the profile sides (24) encompassed therein with the stop (36). Connection arrangement (10) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the projection (38) encloses a channel with the adjacent first profile side (22) and the profile of the stop (36), the bottom of which acts as a sealing chamber (40) and wherein a sealant is introduced into the sealing chamber (40). Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickenings (30) of the first engagement structure (16) can be snapped into place behind the bottom-side edges of the thickenings (34) of the second engagement structure (18) in the form of snap tabs (30). Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with profile parts (12, 14) each having an engagement structure (16, 18). Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the profile parts (12, 14) integrally comprises the engagement structure (16, 18). Connection arrangement (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein one of the profile parts (12) - first profile part (12) - has the first engagement structure (16) and wherein the first profile part (12) is designed as a corner profile (12). Profile parts (12, 14) with engagement structures (16, 18) for a connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle body with a connecting arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or with profile parts (12, 14) according to claim 9 .

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