CONNECTING ELEMENT FOR CONNECTING PROFILE ELEMENTS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element for connecting at least two profile elements. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an assembly comprising a profile element and such a connecting element.

[0002] Such connecting elements are known from the prior art and are disclosed, for example, in document DE 101 46 492 A1. The connecting element disclosed in this document consists of two toggle elements arranged at opposite ends of an intermediate piece. The toggle elements are designed for insertion into receptacles of profiles to be connected to one another. The profiles are connected by the connecting element in that the toggle elements are first inserted into the receptacles and twisted. To rotate the connecting element, engagement surfaces in the form of an external hexagon are provided between the toggle elements for the application of a wrench or the like. The rotationally fixed connection of the two profiles is achieved in that the toggle elements clamp themselves against the lateral boundary walls of the groove-shaped receptacles of the profiles when rotated, forming an overtightening lock.A similar connecting element is described in document US 2015 / 136571 A1.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to further improve such a connecting element, particularly with regard to its clamping effect. Furthermore, a further object of the present invention is to provide a connecting element that forms an assembly with a profile element and can be connected as an assembly, i.e., together with the profile element, to another profile element.

[0004] These objects are achieved according to the invention with a connecting element having the features specified in patent claim 1.

[0005] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The connecting element for connecting at least two profile elements can be rotated about an axis of rotation to generate a clamping force. The connecting element has at least a first connecting section and at least one second connecting section, each of which is designed to be received in one of the profile elements. The first connecting section has at least one clamping surface, wherein the at least one first clamping surface is designed with a predetermined clamping contour. The second connecting section has at least one second clamping surface, wherein the first clamping surface faces the second connecting section and the second clamping surface faces the first connecting section. The first connecting section and the second connecting section are designed such that the profile elements connected via the connecting element run obliquely to one another or crosswise.

[0007] The two connecting sections of the connecting element can each be inserted into a receptacle of a profile element. The clamping surfaces of the connecting sections can interact in such a way that a clamping force is generated by the rotation of the connecting element about the axis of rotation with the webs or projections that define the opening of the receptacle in the profile element. Two profile elements can be connected with the connecting element, which, after being connected by means of the connecting element, run diagonally to one another, transversely to one another, or crosswise. To generate a clamping force, the first clamping surface, which runs at least partially diagonally to the axis of rotation, can engage one of the projections of the profile element that define the slot-shaped opening extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis.The first connecting section and the second connecting section can be formed on the connecting element offset from one another by a predetermined angle about the rotation axis. This angle can be 90°, for example. The angle by which the first connecting section and the second connecting section are offset from one another about the rotation axis can depend on the angle that the two profile elements or the longitudinal axes of the profile elements are intended to have relative to one another when connected via the at least one connecting element. The first connecting section and the second connecting section can also be aligned when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0008] The second connecting section is designed such that the second connecting section can be received in a receptacle of one of the two profile elements via a press fit. Furthermore, the second connecting section is designed such that it can be pressed or inserted into the receptacle starting from an end face or end side of a profile element. The connecting element is displaced into a predefined position on the profile element via the second connecting section. The connecting element can, for example, be positioned centrally in the receptacle of the profile element. The at least one connecting element and the profile element can form a firmly connected assembly. The at least one connecting element can be connected to the profile element in a rotationally fixed manner. The connecting element can be permanently and firmly connected to the profile element.

[0009] The assembly consisting of the profile element and the pressed-in connecting element can be connected to another profile element via the connecting element. To do this, the first connecting section of the profile element is inserted into the receptacle of the profile element with which a connection is to be made. The assembly can then be rotated relative to this profile element about the axis of rotation of the connecting element. The amount of relative rotation can be 90°, for example. The rotation of the connecting element can be initiated by the profile element with which the connecting element forms an assembly. In this case, no additional tool is required to create a connection between two profile elements using the connecting element. It is sufficient to insert the first connecting section of the connecting element into the receptacle of the profile element and to rotate the assembly relative to this profile element.

[0010] At least one projection can be formed on the second connecting section, with which the second connecting section is supported on the receptacle of a profile element. A plurality of projections can also be formed on the second connecting section. The second connecting section can be supported on the walls of the groove-like receptacle of the profile element via the projections. For example, one projection can be formed on the top side and one projection each on the side surfaces of the second connecting section. Each of these projections can be supported on a wall of the receptacle. For example, the projection on the top side of the second connecting section can be supported on the bottom surface of the receptacle. The projections on the side surfaces of the second connecting section can be supported on the side surfaces of the receptacle.

[0011] The at least one projection can be curved. The connecting element can be inserted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the profile element. The at least one projection on the second connecting section can be curved in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the profile element. This can initially simplify the insertion or centering of the second connecting section on the profile element. The further the second connecting section is inserted into the receptacle and the further the projection curves outwards, the greater the forces with which the connecting section is clamped in the receptacle of the profile element. For example, the projection on the upper side of the second connecting section can be curved. The curvature extends along the insertion direction of the connecting element or of the second connecting section into the receptacle of the profile element.As already mentioned, the second connecting section is inserted or pressed into the receptacle of the profile element starting from an end face of the profile element.

[0012] The at least one first clamping surface and the at least one second clamping surface can form at least one clamping channel between them for clamping a portion of one of the profile elements.

[0013] The connecting section can have at least one support surface, via which the second connecting section can be supported on the receptacle of a profile element. The at least one support surface can in particular bear against the webs or projections that define the opening of the receptacle. The second clamping surface of the second connecting section can extend substantially parallel to the at least one support surface. A step or shoulder formed by two guide surfaces can be provided between the second clamping surface and the at least one support surface. The guide surfaces can extend at an angle or substantially perpendicular to the second clamping surface. Furthermore, the guide surfaces can extend at an angle or substantially parallel to one another.The distance between the guide surfaces can be matched to the distance between the two projections that define the slot-shaped opening of the profile element receptacle. The webs can bear against the guide surfaces that connect the at least one support surface to the at least one second clamping surface. The guide surfaces can guide the second connecting section in the receptacle during insertion or pressing. Furthermore, the guide surfaces can, among other things, prevent the second connecting section from rotating relative to the profile element in the receptacle of the profile element. The second connecting section can be held in its predetermined position and orientation in the profile element receptacle via the distance between the guide surfaces and / or its dimensioning.The second connecting section is held in its predetermined position and position in the receptacle of the profile element via the guide surfaces and / or its dimensioning even when the connecting element forms an assembly with a profile element and this assembly is rotated relative to this profile element to establish a connection with another profile element.

[0014] At least one contact section can be arranged between the first connecting section and the second connecting section. The at least one contact section can have at least one third clamping surface and at least one fourth clamping surface. The third clamping surface can face the first clamping surface of the first connecting section. The fourth clamping surface can face the second clamping surface of the second connecting section. The at least one first clamping surface and the at least one third clamping surface can define at least one clamping channel between them. Furthermore, the at least one second clamping surface and the fourth clamping surface can define at least one further clamping channel between them. The first connecting section and the second connecting section can, for example, be formed on the connecting element offset from one another by 90° about the axis of rotation.In particular, the at least one first clamping surface and the at least one second clamping surface can be offset from one another by 90° around the rotation axis at the connecting sections. The first connecting section and the second connecting section can also be aligned when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis. The at least one first clamping surface and the at least one second clamping surface can also be aligned when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0015] The connecting element can have engagement surfaces to which a tool for twisting the connecting element can be applied. The contact section can be plate-shaped. The contact section can have a square, rectangular, or polygonal basic shape. The third clamping surface and the fourth clamping surface can be provided on opposite sides of the at least one contact section. The first clamping surface of the first connecting section and the second clamping surface of the second connecting section can face each other and, due to the arrangement of the contact section between the clamping surfaces of the first and second connecting sections, also the third and fourth clamping surfaces.

[0016] The connecting element can be inserted with its first connecting section into a receptacle of a profile element. Then, a second profile element with its receptacle is placed onto the second connecting section of the connecting element. The connecting element can then be rotated by 90°, for example, whereby a clamping effect is created via the clamping contour on the first and second clamping surfaces between the first clamping surface, the third clamping surface and one of the projections on the receptacle of the first profile element and between the second clamping surface, the fourth clamping surface and one of the projections on the receptacle of the second profile element. In other words, the profile elements and the connecting element are clamped together by the rotation of the connecting element and thus connected to one another. The profile elements then extend at an angle to one another or cross one another.The longitudinal axes of the profile elements can extend transversely or diagonally to each other, but can also cross each other.

[0017] The second clamping surface of the second connecting section can be formed with a predetermined clamping contour. The clamping contour of the second clamping surface of the second connecting section can correspond to the clamping contour of the first clamping surface of the first connecting section. However, the two clamping contours of the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface can also differ from each other.

[0018] The clamping contour of the at least one first clamping surface of the first connecting section and / or the clamping contour of the at least one second clamping surface of the second connecting section can have a curvature or arch. The first and second clamping surfaces can be arched towards one another. Accordingly, the first clamping surface can be arched in the direction of the second clamping surface and the second clamping surface can be arched in the direction of the first clamping surface. Furthermore, the first and second clamping surfaces can also be arched in the direction of the third and fourth clamping surfaces on the at least one contact section. Due to the arching of the clamping surfaces, a clamping force can be generated between the connecting element and the respective profile element by rotating the connecting element.

[0019] The clamping contour of the first clamping surface and / or the clamping contour of the second clamping surface can each be designed with an undercut. The undercut can generate a relatively high clamping force. The undercut can thus prevent the connecting element from becoming detached from one of the profile elements.

[0020] The connecting element can be made from castable or injection-moldable materials. The at least one connecting element can be made, for example, from aluminum, zinc, or fiber-reinforced plastics such as PE, PP, PC, POM, PET, PEEK, or PA. For example, the at least one connecting element can be manufactured using an aluminum die-casting process or a zinc die-casting process. It is also conceivable for the connecting element to be made from several different materials.

[0021] The connecting element for connecting at least two profile elements can be designed such that the connecting element can be rotated about an axis of rotation to generate a clamping force, wherein the connecting element has at least a first connecting section and at least one second connecting section, which are each designed to be received in one of the profile elements, wherein the first connecting section has at least one first clamping surface, wherein the at least one first clamping surface is designed with a predetermined clamping contour, wherein the second connecting section has at least one second clamping surface, wherein the first clamping surface faces the second connecting section and the second clamping surface faces the first connecting section.

[0022] The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising at least one profile element and at least one connecting element of the type described above. The at least one connecting element is received with its second connecting portion in the receptacle of the at least one profile element via a press fit. With the first connecting portion, the at least one connecting element of the assembly can be inserted into a receptacle of a further profile element. Following insertion into the receptacle, the assembly comprising the profile element and connecting element can be rotated relative to the further profile element such that the first connecting portion can clamp the two profile elements against one another.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the attached figures. They depict: Figures 1 to 5 show various views of a connecting element according to a first embodiment; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a profile element and a connecting element according to the first embodiment before connection to an assembly; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the assembly formed by a profile element and the connecting element according to the first embodiment; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the assembly according to Figure 7 , wherein the first connecting section of the connecting element of the assembly has been inserted into a receptacle of another profile element; Figure 9 a perspective view of the assembly and the profile element according to Figure 8, wherein the assembly was rotated by 45° relative to the profile element; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the assembly and the profile element in the connected state, ie the assembly was rotated by approximately 90° relative to the profile element; Figures 11 to 15 show various views of a connecting element according to a second embodiment; Figure 16 shows a sectional view along the section line XVI-XVI in Figure 14 ; Figure 17 an enlarged view of the detail XVII-XVII in Figure 15 ; Figure 18 a sectional view along the section line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 14 ; and Figure 19 an enlarged view of detail XIX in Figure 14 ; and Figures 20 and 21 show views of the assembly of the connecting element according to the second embodiment.

[0024] The Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a connecting element 10 according to a first embodiment.

[0025] The connecting element 10 has a first connecting portion 12 and a second connecting portion 14. The first connecting portion 12 has a head portion 16 and a columnar portion 18 that connects the head portion 16 to the second connecting portion 14. The two first clamping surfaces 20 and 22 are formed on the head portion 16 and point in the direction of the second connecting portion 14. The clamping surfaces 20 and 22 have a predetermined clamping contour. As shown in Figure 1 As can be seen, the first clamping surfaces 20 and 22 have a clamping contour that has a curvature or arch. Figure 1also an undercut can be seen, with which the clamping contours of the clamping surfaces 20 and 22 are provided. In this context, the term "clamping surfaces" refers to surfaces that come into contact with at least one of the profile elements (not shown) to be connected via the connecting element 10 or that rest against one of the profile elements.

[0026] The second connecting section 14 has a second clamping surface 24, which points in the direction of the first clamping surfaces 20, 22. The second clamping surface 24 is adjoined by a step or ledge, which forms the transition into support surfaces 26 and 28. The second connecting section 14 can be supported on the receptacle (not shown) of a profile element (not shown) via the spacer surfaces 26, 28. The spacer surfaces 26, 28 are connected to the second clamping surface 24 via guide surfaces 30 and 32. The guide surfaces 32 and 34 extend substantially perpendicular to the support surfaces 26, 28 and the second clamping surface 24. The guide surfaces 30, 32 can guide the insertion movement of the second connecting section 14 into a receptacle (not shown) of a profile element (not shown) and prevent twisting of the second connecting section 14 relative to the profile element (not shown).Adjoining the support surfaces 26 and 28 are two projections 34 and 36 formed on the side surfaces 38 and 40 of the second connecting section 14. Adjoining the side surfaces 38 and 40 is a roof surface 42 of the second connecting section 14, which connects the side surfaces 38 and 40 to one another. The roof surface 42 has a projection 44. The projection 44 is provided with a curvature, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 can be seen. The second connecting portion 14 further has a front surface 46 and a rear surface 48 which extend between the second clamping surface 24, the guide surfaces 28, 30, the support surfaces 26, 28, the side surfaces 38, 40 and the roof surface 42.

[0027] Figure 3 shows a front view of the connecting element 10. In Figure 3The first connecting section 12 and the second connecting section 14 can be seen. The first connecting section 12 has the head section 16 and the columnar section 18, which connects the first connecting section 12 to the second connecting section 14. In particular, the section 18 of the first connecting section 12 is connected to the second clamping surface 24 of the second connecting section 14. The section 18 of the first connecting section 12 is arranged centrally on the second clamping surface 24. The second clamping surface 24 surrounds the end of the section 18. The first clamping surface 20 is formed on the head section 16 and points in the direction of the second clamping surface 24 on the second connecting section 14. The clamping surface 20 has a predetermined clamping contour KK. As in Figure 3As can be seen, the clamping contour KK of the first clamping surface 20 is curved. The clamping surface 20 extends between the side surfaces 50 and 52 of the first connecting section. Starting from the Figure 3 left side surface 52, the clamping surface 20 is curved in the direction of the rotation axis D, with the curvature having its apex in the area of ​​the rotation axis D. After the apex, which is in the view according to Figure 3 in the area of ​​the rotation axis D, the clamping surface 20 is slightly curved in the direction of the Figure 3right side surface 50 of the first connecting section 12. The starting point of the clamping surface 20 on the side surface 52 lies in the direction of the rotation axis D below the end point of the clamping surface 20 on the side surface 50. With the clamping contour KK of the clamping surface 20, a profile element (not shown) can be clamped between the first clamping surface 20 and the second clamping surface 24 opposite the first clamping surface 20 by rotating it about the rotation axis D of the connecting element 10. The second clamping surface 24 according to this embodiment extends substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis D.

[0028] Figure 4shows a side view of the connecting element 10. The head section 16 of the first connecting section 12 has the two clamping surfaces 20 and 22. The clamping surfaces 20 and 22 each have a predetermined clamping contour KK 1 and KK 2 . The clamping contours KK 1 and KK 2 are curved and have an undercut. The undercut of the clamping contours KK 1 and KK 2 can be seen in that the edges 54 and 56, which extend along the section 18, are located at least partially in the direction of the axis of rotation D below the outer edges 58 and 60 of the clamping surfaces 20 and 22. The further the clamping surfaces 20 and 22 extend away from the axis of rotation D, the greater the extension of the head section 16 in the direction of the axis of rotation.

[0029] The projection 44 is curved. The curvature of the projection 44 extends in a direction transverse to the rotation axis D. The apex of the curvature of the projection 44 lies in the region of the rotation axis D.

[0030] The first clamping surface 20 and the clamping surface 24 define a first clamping channel K 1 between them. The first clamping surface 22 and the second clamping surface 24 define a second clamping channel K 2 between them. The clamping surfaces 20 and 22 lie opposite the clamping surface 24. In a direction transverse to the axis of rotation D, the clamping channels K 1 and K 2 are delimited by the wall surfaces 62 and 64 of the section 18 of the first connecting section 12. Due to the undercut and the curvature of the clamping surfaces 20 and 22 in the direction of the second clamping surface 24, the cross-section of the clamping channels K 1 and K 2 changes in a direction around the axis of rotation D. Due to this cross-section of the clamping channels K 1 and K 2, the clamping force increases the further the connecting element 10 is rotated relative to the profile element (not shown) that can be connected to the first connecting section 12. For example, the clamping contours KK 1 and KK 2 respectively.the resulting cross-section of the clamping channels K 1 and K 2 is designed such that the clamping force is greatest when the connecting element 10 has been rotated by approximately 90° about the axis of rotation D relative to the profile element (not shown) which is to be clamped with the first connecting section 12.

[0031] Figure 5 shows a top view of the connecting element 10. In Figure 5 The roof surface 42 of the connecting element 10 is shown. The roof surface 42 has the projection 44. The projections 36 and 38 are formed on the side surfaces 40 and 42 of the second connecting section 14. The connecting sections 12 and 14 can be aligned in the direction of the rotation axis D (see also Figures 3 and 4 ).

[0032] Figure 6shows a perspective view of a profile element 100 and the connecting element 10 according to the first embodiment. The profile element 100 and the connecting element 10 can be connected to each other to form an assembly. To form an assembly, the connecting element 10 is inserted with its second connecting section 14 into a receptacle 102 of the profile element 100. In addition to the receptacle 102, the profile element 100 has a further receptacle 104 on its upper side. The connecting element 10 is inserted or pressed into the receptacle 102 from the end face 106. The connecting element 10 is inserted with its second connecting section 14 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the profile element 100. The insertion direction is again indicated by the arrow PE in Figure 6 However, it is also possible to insert the connecting element 10 into the receptacle 102 of the profile element 100, starting from the end face 108.

[0033] In Figure 7 the connecting element 10 was pressed into the receptacle 102 of the profile element 100. The connecting element 10 is positioned essentially centrally in the receptacle 102 of the profile element 100 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The receptacle 102 is rectangular in cross-section and has two webs or projections 110 and 112 which define a slot-shaped opening 114 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The second connecting section 14 of the connecting element 10 is received in the receptacle 102 of the profile element 100 via a press fit. The profile element 100 and the connecting element 10 form an assembly BG. The assembly BG can be connected to another profile element (not shown) via the connecting section 12. The profile element 100 can, for example, be a support for the solar modules.

[0034] Figure 8shows a perspective view of the assembly BG in the state in which it is inserted into another profile element 200 but not yet firmly connected. The profile element 200 has a receptacle 202 into which the first connecting section 12 of the connecting element 10 has been inserted. The profile element 100 of the assembly BG rests with its underside against the top side of the receptacle 202 of the profile element 200. The receptacle 202 of the profile element 200 has webs or projections 204, 206 that define a slot-shaped opening 208. The second connecting section 12 of the connecting element 10 has been inserted into the receptacle 202 through the opening 208.

[0035] The second connecting section 14 of the connecting element 10 is, as in connection with Figure 7As already described, it is received in the receptacle 102 of the profile element 100 via a press fit. The second connecting section 14 is supported on the wall surfaces of the receptacle 102 via the projections 34, 36, and 44. The support surfaces 26 and 28 abut the projections 110 and 112 of the receptacle 102. The guide surfaces 30, 32 abut the opposing boundary surfaces 116, 118 of the projections 110, 112, which bound the opening 114. The area of ​​the second connecting section 14 between the guide surfaces 30, 32 is received between the boundary surfaces 116, 118 on the projections 110, 112.

[0036] In Figure 8The first connecting section 12 is inserted into the receptacle 202 of the profile element 200, but is not yet firmly connected to the profile element 200. Insertion into the receptacle 202 can be performed from above through the opening 208 of the receptacle 202. The connecting element 10, and thus the assembly 100, is not yet firmly connected to the profile element 200, since the assembly BG has not yet been rotated relative to the profile element 200. In this state, the profile elements 100 and 200 still extend "parallel" to each other.

[0037] Figure 9 shows a perspective view in which the assembly BG has been rotated relative to the profile element 200. In Figure 9 only the profile element 100 of the assembly BG is visible. The profile element 100 extends diagonally to the profile element 100. The longitudinal axis L 1 of the profile element 100 extends diagonally to the longitudinal axis L 2 of the profile element 200. The profile element 100 was in Figure 9rotated by approximately 45° relative to the profile element 200.

[0038] In Figure 10 The assembly BG is shown in the state attached to the profile element 208. Starting from the Figure 9 shown intermediate position of the assembly BG, the assembly BG, ie the profile element 100 and the connecting element 10, was further moved into the Figure 10 The assembly has been rotated by 90° relative to the profile element 200. In this state, the clamping surfaces 20, 22 and 24 (see Figures 1 to 4 ) of the connecting element 10 to the projections 204 and 206 of the receptacle 202 of the profile element 200. The clamping contours KK 1 and KK 2 (see Figure 4) of the clamping surfaces 20 and 22, together with the clamping surface 24, create a clamping effect to hold the assembly BG to the profile element 200. In this state, the profile element 100 of the assembly BG runs transversely to the profile element 200. The longitudinal axis L 1 of the profile element 100 and the longitudinal axis L 2 of the profile element 200 run crosswise.

[0039] In the following, with reference to the Figures 11 to 21A connecting element 10 according to a second embodiment is described. For similar or equivalent features or components, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used. To avoid repetition, the differences between the two embodiments are described in detail below. Components and features that have already been described with reference to the first embodiment will not be described in detail again. The description of these components and features also applies analogously to the second embodiment.

[0040] The Figures 11 and 12show perspective views of a connecting element 10 according to the second embodiment. The connecting element 10 according to the second embodiment has a first connecting section 12, a second connecting section 14 and a contact section 66. The contact section 66 is arranged between the first connecting section 12 and the second connecting section 14. The first connecting section 12 and the second connecting section 14 are essentially identical, with the second connecting section 14 being arranged on the contact section 66 offset by 90° to the first connecting section 12. The statements regarding the first connecting section 12 according to the first embodiment therefore apply analogously to both connecting sections 12 and 14 according to the second embodiment.

[0041] The first connecting section 12 has a head section 16 and a columnar section 18 that connects the first connecting section 12 to the contact section 66. First clamping surfaces 20 and 22 are formed on the head section 16 and face a clamping surface 68 on the contact section 66. The clamping surfaces 20 and 22 have a predetermined clamping contour KK 1 and KK 2 .

[0042] The second connecting section has a head section 70 and a columnar section 72 that connects the second connecting section 14 to the contact section 66. Clamping surfaces 24 and 74 are formed on the head section 70 and face a clamping surface 76 on the contact section 66. The clamping surfaces 24 and 74 are offset by 90° from the clamping surfaces 20 and 22 of the first connecting section 12. A slot 78 can be seen on the top side of the head section 70 of the second connecting section, which indicates the top side or upper section of the connecting element 10.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the contact section 66 is plate-shaped and has a square basic shape. The side surfaces 80 of the contact section 66 form engagement surfaces for attaching a tool for assembling the connecting element 10. The engagement surfaces 80 can be so-called wrench surfaces, to which a tool similar to a wrench can be attached.

[0044] Figure 13 shows a top view of the connecting element 10. In Figure 13 The second connecting section 14 and the contact section 66 are shown. The contact section 66 is square and plate-shaped. Formed on the contact section 66 are four engagement surfaces 80, against which a tool for rotating the connecting element 10 can be applied. The slot 78, which characterizes the top side or upper section of the connecting element 10, is shown on the top side of the second connecting section 14.

[0045] The Figures 14 and 15 show views of the connecting element 10 from different viewing directions. For reasons of clarity, not all features have been provided with reference numerals in both figures. In connection with the first connecting section 12, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the detailed description of the first connecting section 12 in connection with the first embodiment described above.

[0046] The first connecting section 12 has a head section 16 and a columnar section 18, which connects the first connecting section 12 to the contact section 66. The first connecting section 12 has two clamping surfaces 20 and 22 on its head section 16, which have a predetermined clamping contour KK 1 and KK 2 (see Figures 4 and 14). The clamping surfaces 20 and 22 face a clamping surface 68 on the contact section 66. The clamping surface 68 extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation D. The clamping surfaces 20 and 22, together with the clamping surface 68, define two clamping channels K 1 and K 2 , which are assigned to the first connecting section 12. The clamping channels K 1 and K 2 are further delimited by the wall sections 62 and 64 on the section 18, which delimit the clamping channels K 1 and K 2 in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation D.

[0047] The second connecting section 14 has a head section 70 and a columnar section 72. The columnar section 42 connects the head section 70 to the contact section 66. Two clamping surfaces 24 and 74 are formed on the head section 70. The clamping surfaces 74 and 24 have predetermined clamping contours KK 3 and KK 4 (see Figures 11 and 12). The clamping surfaces 24 and 74 face the clamping surface 76 on the contact section 66. The clamping surface 76 extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation D. The clamping surfaces 24 and 74, together with the clamping surface 76 on the contact section 66, define two clamping channels K 3 and K 4. The clamping channels K 3 and K 4 are further delimited by the wall sections 82 and 84 on the section 72, which delimit the clamping channels K 3 and K 4 in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation D.

[0048] Figure 16 shows a sectional view along the section line XVI-XVI in Figure 14 . In Figure 16The head section 70 and the columnar section 72 are shown. The clamping surfaces 24 and 74 are formed on the head section 70. The clamping surfaces 24 and 74 each have a predetermined clamping contour KK 3 and KK 4 . The clamping surfaces 24 and 74 extend from the lateral wall surfaces 82 and 84 of the section 72 at an angle to these wall surfaces 82 and 84. The wall surfaces 82 and 84 extend between the side surfaces 86 and 88 of the first connecting section 14. The wall surfaces 82 and 84 have a straight section and a curved section. Starting from one of the side surfaces 86 and 88, the wall surfaces 82 and 84 extend with their straight section initially substantially at right angles to one of these side surfaces 86 and 88. With the curved section, the wall surfaces 82 and 84 then merge into the other side surface 86 and 88 of the first connecting section 14.

[0049] Figure 17shows an enlarged view of detail XVII in Figure 15 . The clamping surfaces 74 and 76, together with the wall surface 82 of the section 72, define the clamping channel K 4. The clamping surface 74 has a predetermined clamping contour KK 4, which is provided with an undercut. The undercut is formed by an angle α between the clamping surface 74 and the wall surface 82, which extends parallel to the rotational axis D (see Figure 15 ). The angle α can be between 45° and 85°. For example, the angle α can be 75°.

[0050] Figure 18 shows a sectional view along the section line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 14 . In Figure 18the first connecting section 12 is shown. The clamping surfaces 20 and 22 are formed on the head section 16 of the first connecting section 12. The clamping surfaces 20 and 22 each have a predetermined clamping contour KK 1 and KK 2 . The clamping surfaces 20 and 22 extend from the lateral wall surfaces 62 and 64 of the section 18, i.e. the clamping surfaces 20 and 22 do not completely surround the column-shaped section 18. The wall surfaces 62 and 64 extend between the side surfaces 52 and 54 of the first connecting section 12 at an angle to these wall surfaces 50 and 52. The wall surfaces 62 and 64 have a straight section and a curved section. Starting from one of the side surfaces 50, 52, the wall surfaces 62 and 64 extend with their straight section initially substantially at right angles to this side surface 50 and 52.With the curved section, the wall surfaces 62 and 64 then merge into the other side surfaces 50 and 52 of the first connecting section 12.

[0051] Figure 19 shows an enlarged view of detail XIX in Figure 14 . The clamping surfaces 20 and 68 together with the wall section 62 define a clamping channel K 1. The clamping channel K1 changes its cross-section in one direction around the rotation axis D. In particular, the cross-section of the clamping channel K 1 decreases the further the clamping surface 20 is moved away from the rotation axis D (see Figure 14 ). The clamping contour KK 1 of the clamping surface 20 has an undercut. The undercut is formed by an angle β between the clamping surface 20 and the wall surface 62, which extends parallel to the rotational axis D (see Figure 15 ). The angle β can be between 45° and 85°. For example, the angle β can be 77°.

[0052] Figure 20shows a perspective view of the connecting element 10 according to the second embodiment in the state inserted into a profile element 100. The two profile elements 100, 200 are to be connected via the connecting element 10. For this purpose, the connecting element 10 is provided with its first connecting section 12 (see Figures 14 and 15 ) has been inserted into the receptacle 102 of the profile element 100. In order to connect the two profile elements 100 and 200, the connecting element 10 must be rotated relative to the two profile elements 100, 200. The rotation takes place via the Figure 20illustrated key 300. The key 300 has a key receptacle 302 in which the plate-shaped contact section 66 can be received. The key can be placed with its key receptacle 302 on the lateral attachment surfaces 80 of the contact section 66 (not shown). The connecting element 10 rests with its contact section 66 on the profile element 100 and the connecting section 12 is received in the receptacle 102. Although the connecting element 10 is received with its first connecting section 12 in the receptacle 102, it is not yet clamped to the profile element 100. For this purpose, the connecting element 10 must be rotated relative to the two profile elements 100, 200 after the profile element 200 has been placed onto the second connecting section 14 of the connecting element 10.

[0053] In Figure 21The profile elements 100, 200 were connected via the connecting element 10. For this purpose, the connecting element 10 (see Figure, 20 ) is rotated by 90° relative to the profile elements 100, 200 using the key 300. The rotation in Figure 21 That this has already been done is clear from the fact that the key 300 rests with its stop 304 against the profile element 200. The contact of the stop 304 with the profile element 200 makes it clear that the amount of rotation of the connecting element 10 necessary to connect the two profile elements 100, 200 has been carried out.

[0054] The contact section 66 has a predetermined thickness in the direction of the rotation axis D (see Figures 14 and 15 ). The thickness of the contact section 66 allows the key 300 to be inserted and removed from the area between the two profile elements 100, 200 even when the two profile elements 100, 200 are connected to each other, as in Figure 21The thickness of the key 300 is accordingly matched to the thickness of the contact section 66. The thickness of the key 300 can be the same size as or slightly smaller than the thickness of the contact section 66.

Claims

1. A connecting element (10) for connecting at least two profile elements (100, 200), the connecting element (10) being rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) to generate a clamping force, the connecting element (10) comprising at least one first connecting portion (12) and at least one second connecting portion (14), each configured to be received in one of the profile elements (100, 200), the first connecting portion (12) comprising at least one first clamping surface (20, 22), the at least one first clamping surface (20, 22) being formed with a predetermined clamping contour (KK,), the second connecting portion (14) comprising at least one second clamping surface (24, 74), the first clamping surface (20, 22) facing the second connecting portion (14) and the second clamping surface (24, 74) facing the first connecting portion (12), the first connecting portion (12) and the second connecting portion (14) being configured such that the profile elements (100, 200) connected via the connecting element (10) are at an angle relative to each other or crosswise, the second connecting portion (14) being configured such that the second connecting portion (14) can be received in a receptacle (102) in one of the two profile elements (100) via an interference fit, characterized in that the second connecting portion (14) is configured such that the second connecting portion (14) can be pressed into the receptacle (102) of the profile element (100, 200) starting from a front side (106, 108) of one of the profile elements (100, 200), and the connecting element (10) being displaced into a predefined position on the profile element (100, 200) via the second connecting portion (14).

2. The connecting element (10) of claim 1, at least one projection (34, 36, 44) being formed on the second connecting portion (14) for support on a receptacle (102) of one of the profile elements (100).

3. The connecting element (10) of any one of the preceding claims, the at least one first clamping surface (20, 22) and the at least one second clamping surface (24) forming at least one clamping channel (K1, K2) therebetween for clamping a portion of one of the profile elements (100, 200).

4. The connecting element (10) of any one of the preceding claims, the second connecting portion (14) including at least one support surface (26, 28) configured to support the second connecting portion (14) on the receptacle (102) of one of the profile elements (100, 200).

5. The connecting element (10) of any one of the preceding claims, the second clamping surface (24, 74) of the second connecting portion (14) being formed with a predetermined clamping contour (KK2).

6. The connecting element (10) of any one of the preceding claims, the clamping contour (KK1) of the at least one first clamping surface (20, 22) of the first connecting portion (12) and / or the clamping contour (KK2) of the at least one second clamping surface of the second connecting portion (14) having a curvature and / or an undercut.

7. An assembly (BG) comprising at least one profile element (100) and at least one connecting element (10) of any one of claims 1 to 4, the at least one connecting element (10) being received with its second connecting portion (14) in the receptacle (102) of the at least one profile element (100) via an interference fit.