SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A TOP RAIL TO A GUIDE RAIL

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a suspension device for connecting a top rail to a guide rail for self-supporting blind systems. State of the art

[0002] Suspension devices for connecting a top rail to a guide rail for blinds are known. When installing blinds, guide rails are typically attached to the reveals of a window or door opening and serve to guide the individual slats. In addition, top rails for receiving the slats are mounted to walls or ceilings via top rail supports, with the top rail supports being attached directly to the walls or ceilings or to the side guide rails via retaining or suspension devices.

[0003] DE29601056U1 describes an angled holding device which is installed above a window in the area of ​​the building lintel. The upper rail is suspended from the horizontal leg of the holding device by means of retaining clamps, which are screwed to the holding device. The vertical legs of the holding device are also mounted or screwed to the guide rail.

[0004] DE102012022471A1 describes a support for a top rail of a sun protection system with at least two supports, which are intended for fastening the top rail and are formed from a U-shaped bracket with a bottom-side closure, wherein the top rail is inserted into the support with the closures open and is locked by closing the closures.

[0005] In AT520220A4, a U-shaped mounting bracket with a support base and first and second support legs for mounting top rails is described, wherein the mounting bracket is installed in the area of ​​a building lintel. DE202006004605U1 and AT289364B disclose further suspension devices in the form of mounting brackets to which the top rail can be attached. In all known disclosures, it is common that the top rail or the top rail support is either screwed to a ceiling or screwed to a holding device, sometimes also called a console, which is then attached to the guide rail.

[0006] EP3599338 describes a suspension device for attaching a top rail with a blind assembly, comprising at least one mounting bracket by means of which the suspension device can be attached to an object, and at least two top rail supports, which form at least one pair of support legs projecting perpendicularly from the mounting bracket to grip the top rail, wherein the top rail supports have two catch hooks for gripping the top rail. The mounting bracket has an elongated plate and can have two pairs of mounting extensions arranged transversely to the longitudinal orientation of the elongated plate, onto which the support legs can be pushed or attached. The mounting bracket can be attached to a guide rail via a mounting hole using a screw and a lateral bracket.

[0007] A disadvantage of known suspension systems is that the top rail supports and the top rails are screwed to fixtures for connecting a top rail to a guide rail or directly to a building lintel. Alternatively, the fixtures for connecting a top rail to a guide rail must be fixed or screwed to the guide rails or the wall via mounting holes. This assembly work results in a considerable amount of time. A disadvantage of known plug-in suspension systems is their lack of stability and limited load-bearing capacity, especially for heavily used blinds. Guide rails with pre-assembled suspension systems are also used, which leads to bulky components and therefore additional logistical costs for both the manufacturer and the customer. Object of the invention

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a suspension device for connecting a top rail with a guide rail for blinds, which enables easier and simplified assembly, has a high load-bearing capacity with as little material as possible, simplifies transport, and is therefore economical. Description of the invention

[0009] This task is solved by a suspension device for connecting a top rail with a guide rail for self-supporting blind systems, comprising a top rail section and a guide rail section, wherein the guide rail section can be inserted at least partially into at least one opening of the guide rail, and the top rail section has a central section with a top, a bottom and two longitudinal edges, wherein the top rail can be attached to the top rail section via at least one top rail support.The upper rail section has at least one wing-like insertion element with a finger-like extension running parallel to its longitudinal axis L, wherein the finger-like extension is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis L and the longitudinal edge of the central section and is arranged projecting away from the longitudinal edge of the central section via a connecting extension and is connected to the central section, such that an insertion opening is formed between the at least one finger-like extension and the central section of the upper rail section running parallel to the longitudinal axis L, into which the upper rail support can be inserted, so that the upper rail support rests on the top side of the upper rail section when assembled.

[0010] One advantage of the suspension device according to the invention is that the guide section can be easily inserted into the guide rail, and vice versa, without additional fasteners such as drilling and screws. This makes assembly for connecting a top rail to a guide rail particularly simple and quick, saving considerable time and effort. Furthermore, the suspension device, the top rail support, and the guide rail can be transported individually and compactly and assembled on-site quickly, thus saving on transport and assembly costs.

[0011] The upper rail section is the section of the suspension device to which the upper rail support or the upper rail itself is mounted. After the upper rail is mounted to the upper rail support or the upper rail section, the longitudinal axis L of the upper rail section is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper rail when the components are assembled, and the central section of the upper rail section rests on the upper rail along its entire length. This results in the upper rail section, with the inserted upper rail support and the upper rail inserted and clamped within the support, forming a compact unit with high load-bearing capacity and rigidity, which is a significant difference compared to conventional systems. When the suspension device is inserted into the guide rail, the entire weight of the upper rail is transferred to and supported by the guide rail.

[0012] The central section of the upper rail section preferably has an elongated, flat shape, more preferably a plate, with a top, a bottom, and two narrow longitudinal sides, also called longitudinal edges. In a preferred embodiment, the central section of the upper rail section has beads, preferably two parallel lateral beads or recesses, along the longitudinal axis L of the upper rail section in the edge region to reinforce the shape. Preferably, the elongated lateral beads or recesses lie with their underside against the mounted upper rail after assembly.The upper rail section additionally features at least one wing-like insertion element with a finger-like extension, extending parallel to its longitudinal axis L. The finger-like extension is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis L and the longitudinal edge of the central section, projecting from the longitudinal edge via a connecting extension, and is connected to the central section such that an insertion opening is formed between the at least one finger-like extension of the wing-like insertion element and the central section of the upper rail section, extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The wing-like insertion element is preferably arranged projecting from at least one longitudinal edge of the central, elongated, flat section via a connecting extension, such that the longitudinal axis of the elongated, finger-like extension is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the upper rail section.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wing-like insertion element extends away from the grooves of the central section of the upper rail section, preferably its surface angles obliquely upwards away from the base of the groove.

[0013] The wing-like insertion element has a connecting extension and a finger-like extension, particularly preferably in the form of an elongated rectangular plate, wherein the finger-like extension projects beyond the connecting extension from the upper rail section and is connected to the central section of the upper rail section. Preferably, the wing-like insertion element, or the finger-like extension with the connecting extension to the upper rail section, has an L-shaped form and, together with the upper rail section, forms a U-shaped form, wherein the open side of the U-shape forms the insertion opening into which the upper rail support can be inserted.The wing-like insertion element with the finger-like extension is arranged projecting from one longitudinal side of the upper rail section, preferably from the longitudinal edge of the central elongated flat section of the upper rail section, such that the longitudinal axis of the elongated finger-like extension is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the central section of the upper rail section, forming a U-shaped insertion opening between the wing-like insertion element and the central section of the upper rail section. This means that the wing-like insertion element, starting from a longitudinal edge of the central section of the upper rail section, preferably first projects via a connecting extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the upper rail section and then curves 90° into the finger-like extension and into an orientation parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the upper rail section.The connecting extension and the finger-like extension together form an L-shaped finger, which is bent away from the central section of the upper rail section at a distance. The insertion opening is not continuous, as the wing-like insertion element is connected to the central section of the upper rail section. The insertion opening preferably has a length approximately equal to the width of the base leg of an upper rail support. The wing-like insertion element is part of the upper rail section and integrally connected to it. Preferably, the wing-like insertion element, or the elongated rectangular plate of the finger-like extension, forms the lateral elevation of the groove.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the upper rail section has at least one wing-like insertion element projecting outwards on both sides of its narrow longitudinal edge, preferably on both sides of the narrow longitudinal edge of the central section of the upper rail section, parallel to its longitudinal axis L, such that an insertion opening is formed between the at least two finger-like projections and the central section of the upper rail section. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the upper rail section has two wing-like insertion elements on each side, i.e., a total of four insertion elements, for inserting two upper rail supports.

[0015] Preferably, the upper rail section has at least one locking device for positioning the upper rail support on the upper rail section of the suspension device. Preferably, the locking device is arranged on the upper side along the central longitudinal axis of the upper rail section. InIn another embodiment, the locking element is arranged on the finger-like extension of the wing-like insertion element. Preferably, the locking element has the form of a stud, a locking tongue, or a hook, which is integrally formed on the upper rail section, preferably along the central longitudinal axis of the central section of the upper rail section, or on the finger-like extension of the wing-like insertion element. When the upper rail support is inserted into the insertion opening of the upper rail section, the locking element of the upper rail section preferably engages in a corresponding recess in the upper rail support. This serves to improve positioning and secure the position during assembly.

[0016] A guide rail section is defined as the portion of the suspension device that can be inserted into a guide rail. Guide rails for blinds are typically attached to the jambs of window or door openings and serve to guide the individual slats of the blinds. The guide rails preferably have one or more openings on their upper end face into which the suspension device can be inserted and secured by a fastening element, preferably a clamping or locking element.

[0017] The guide rail section preferably has a shape that is complementary to one or more openings of the guide rail and can thus be inserted into one or more openings of the guide rail in a form-fitting manner. Preferably, the guide rail section is inserted into the at least one end-face opening of the guide rail. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail section that can be inserted into the guide rail has two parallel legs, which can be inserted into two openings of the guide rail that are complementary to the legs. The legs preferably have a flat rectangular shape with rounded corners, with the two leg surfaces arranged parallel to each other.Preferably, the guide rail section, and particularly preferably the two legs, each have a fastening element, preferably a locking element or a clamping element, such as a stud, for locking or clamping the suspension device in the guide rail and for fixing the suspension device to the guide rail. The fastening element can also be another locking element or a fastening element commonly used in connection technology, such as a screw, a pin, a rivet, or another type of fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail section can be clamped or locked to the guide rail and is attached without a screw or additional fastening element. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fixing is achieved by friction or high surface pressure of the stud in the profile through clamping.Therefore, no drilling into the guide rail is required as with conventional systems, which would be both labor-intensive and visually unappealing.

[0018] Since the guide rails are preferably attached laterally to the jambs of a window or door opening and the upper rail is ideally aligned horizontally between two guide rails, the upper rail section and the guide rail section that can be inserted into the guide rail are preferably arranged at a right angle to each other.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, a connecting section is provided between the upper rail section and the guide rail section. This connecting section has two parallel connecting legs, the distance between which is preferably greater than the distance between the two parallel insertable legs of the guide rail section. Preferably, the distance between the two connecting legs is selected such that the upper rail can be inserted between the two connecting legs, and the distance is therefore at least the outer distance between the two legs of the upper rail. Preferably, the connecting legs have an angle of inclination β to the longitudinal axis Q of the guide rail section of 15° to 45°, preferably 30°. This angle of inclination allows the suspension device to be installed even in corners of building projections that are not perfectly rectangular.

[0020] Preferably, the connecting leg of the connecting section has a shoulder on each of its narrow longitudinal sides at the transition to the leg of the guide rail section. The distance between the shoulders preferably corresponds to the width of the connecting legs and is wider than the width of the legs of the guide rail section, and preferably not wider than the width of the guide rail. The shoulder of the connecting leg serves to allow the guide rail section to be inserted into an opening in the guide rail until the shoulder of the connecting leg abuts the end face of the guide rail.

[0021] Preferably, the suspension device is formed in one piece and is preferably manufactured as a molded part. Preferably, the suspension device is made of sheet steel. It is also possible to manufacture the suspension device from other metals or from plastic.

[0022] The present invention further relates to a fixing system for self-supporting blind systems for suspending a top rail on a guide rail, comprising a guide rail, a suspension device according to the invention and at least one top rail support, wherein the top rail support is inserted into the respective insertion opening of the at least one wing-like insertion element of the top rail section.

[0023] All known supports for attaching top rails are suitable as top rail supports, such as top rail supports with brackets or, preferably, with an automatic locking device. In particular, U-shaped top rail supports with a base leg and two support legs are used. Top rail supports with an automatic locking function on the support legs are especially preferred. In these supports, the support legs have a pivot arm with an inwardly projecting detent into which the top rail can be engaged or hooked after being inserted into the top rail support. Preferably, the base leg of the U-shaped top rail support is designed such that it has inwardly directed recesses relative to the U-shape for receiving the wing-like insertion elements of the suspension device.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a suspension device according to the invention for suspending a top rail from a guide rail for self-supporting blind systems. The invention is suitable and applicable to all types of shading systems, also known as Venetian blinds, roller blinds, roller shutters, vertical blinds, vertical blinds, awnings, or pleated blinds. The suspension device according to the invention is preferably suitable as part of a fixed system for vertical blinds.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for suspending an upper rail on a guide rail for self-supporting blind systems, comprising the following steps: I) Inserting at least one upper rail support into the respective insertion opening of the at least one wing-shaped insertion element of the upper rail section of the suspension device according to the invention, II) Inserting the guide rail section of the suspension device according to the invention into an opening of the guide rail, III) Sliding the upper rail into the at least one upper rail support, and optionally IV) Fastening the upper rail to the upper rail support, for example by screws or other fasteners commonly used in connection technology. Fastening by snap fasteners is also possible.

[0026] For assembly, the top rail support is preferably inserted along the longitudinal direction L into the at least one insertion opening of the top rail section. The top rail support typically has a U-shaped form with a base and two legs, also called support legs, wherein the base preferably has a central part and, on either side of the central part, two recesses or ribs for reinforcement. The wing-like insertion elements of the top rail section are preferably designed to be complementary to the ribs of the top rail support base, such that the transition between the ribs and the central part of the base allows insertion into the insertion opening between the wing-like insertion elements and the central section of the top rail section. After insertion, the central part of the base of the U-shaped top rail support rests on the elongated, flat central section of the top rail section.After inserting at least one top rail support into the top rail section, the suspension device is preferably inserted into the guide rail. This assembly is much faster than with conventional systems because the various parts can be plugged together without the need for drilling or screws. The top rail is then slid into the top rail supports until it is flush against the top rail section. The wing-like insertion elements prevent the top rail supports from being lifted out of the top rail section when the top rail is subsequently inserted. Thus, the inserted top rail support is fixed in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0027] Furthermore, conventional top rail supports have a recess at the central point of the base, which, in conventional fastening methods, is used to receive screws for attaching the top rail support to a suspension device. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top rail section has a locking element on its upper surface along the central longitudinal axis, which engages in the recess of the top rail support base, thus keeping the top rail support in the desired position.

[0028] The suspension device according to the invention, particularly as part of the fixing system according to the invention, enables a stable connection between a top rail and a guide rail for blinds, whereby the weight of the top rail is transferred to the guide rail via the suspension device, and thus the entire weight is borne by the guide rail. This system therefore allows the installation of long and heavy venetian blinds. The suspension device according to the invention is therefore ideally suited for suspending a top rail from a guide rail for self-supporting blind systems, especially for venetian blinds.

[0029] Further advantages of the invention will follow from the description below, in which the invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings. Brief description of the characters

[0030] They show: Fig. 1Aa perspective view from an oblique angle onto the top of a suspension device, Fig. 1B a perspective view from a low angle onto the underside of a suspension device, Fig. 2A a side view of a suspension device, Fig. 2B a top view of a suspension device, Fig. 3A a cross-section through the longitudinal axis Q of the suspension device Fig. 2.A , Fig. 3B a cross-section through the end face of the guide rail with the guide rail section inserted, Fig. 4A a perspective view of a suspension device and two upper rail supports shortly before insertion into the insertion openings of the suspension device, Fig. 4B a perspective view of a suspension device and two upper rail supports after insertion into the insertion openings of the suspension device, Fig. 5Aa perspective view of a second variant of a suspension device and of two upper rail supports after insertion into the insertion openings of the suspension device, Fig. 5B a schematic perspective view of a third variant of a suspension device and of two upper rail supports after insertion into the insertion openings of the suspension device, Fig. 6A a perspective view of a fixed system with a suspension device, two upper rail supports after insertion into the insertion openings of the suspension device, and with a guide rail, Fig. 6B a cross-section through a top rail support inserted into a suspension device and with the top rail mounted, Fig. 7a schematic perspective view of a fixed system with a suspension device, two top rail supports after insertion into the insertion openings of the suspension device, a guide rail, a mounted top rail and a blind slat, Fig. 8A a perspective view of another suspension device and of two upper rail supports shortly before insertion into the insertion openings of the suspension device, Fig. 8B a perspective view of another suspension device and of two upper rail supports after insertion into the insertion openings of the suspension device.

[0031] The same reference symbols are used for the same elements in the figures, and explanations for a particular reference symbol apply to all figures unless explicitly stated otherwise. Exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0032] Figure 1AFigure 1 shows a perspective view from an oblique angle above the top of a suspension device 1. The suspension device 1 comprises a top rail section 4, a guide rail section 5, and a connecting section 16 between the top rail section 4 and the guide rail section 5. The top rail section 4 has a central section 27 with a top surface 6, a bottom surface 7, and two narrow longitudinal edges 21. The central section 27 of the top rail section 4 has an elongated, flat shape, preferably a plate. In the edge region along the longitudinal axis L of the top rail section 4 and along the narrow longitudinal edges 21 of the central section 27, two lateral parallel beads 9 are arranged to reinforce the top rail section 4. The top rail section 4 has two beads on each side of the narrow longitudinal edges 21, parallel to its longitudinal axis L in the direction of travel.A total of four wing-like insertion elements 29 project from the grooves 9. Each of the four wing-like insertion elements 29 has a finger-like extension 11 in the form of an elongated rectangular plate and is integrally connected to the central section 27 of the upper rail section 4 via a connecting extension 28. The longitudinal axes of the elongated finger-like extensions 11 of the wing-like insertion elements 29 each run parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the upper rail section 4, and the finger-like extension 11 runs parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis L and the longitudinal edge 21. It is arranged to project away from the longitudinal edge 21 via a connecting extension 28 and is connected to the central section 27, such that an insertion opening 12 is formed between the finger-like extension 11 of the wing-like insertion element 29 and the central section 27 of the upper rail section 4. An upper rail support (in . . Fig. 4A (shown) insertable. The surface of the elongated, finger-like extensions 11 is oriented obliquely upwards away from the base of the groove 9. The wing-like insertion element 29 is part of the groove 9, or is partially arranged on a side wall of the groove. [Is that correct?]

[0033] The upper rail section 4 has a locking device 15 on its upper surface 6 along the central longitudinal axis of the upper rail section 4 for positioning the upper rail support (in Fig. 4B (shown) on the upper rail section 4 of the suspension device 1. The locking element 15 has the shape of a stud and is integrally formed on the central section 27 of the upper rail section 4.

[0034] The guide rail section 5 has two parallel legs 13, which open into two openings complementary to the legs 13 (in Fig. 3B shown) a guide rail (in Fig. 6A(shown) are insertable. The legs 13 have a flat rectangular shape with rounded corners, with the two leg surfaces arranged parallel to each other. The two parallel legs 13 each have a fastening element 14, preferably a clamping element in the form of a stud, for clamping the suspension device 1 into the guide rail and for fixing the suspension device 1 to the guide rail.

[0035] The upper rail section 4 and the guide rail section 5 are at a right angle α (in Fig. 2A (as shown) are arranged relative to each other. This means that the longitudinal direction L of the upper rail section 4 is arranged at a right angle α to the longitudinal direction Q of the guide rail section 5.

[0036] The connecting section 16 arranged between the upper rail section 4 and the guide rail section 5 has two mutually parallel connecting legs 17, the distance between which is greater than the distance between the two parallel insertable legs 13 of the guide rail section 4. Preferably, the distance between the two connecting legs 17 is selected such that the upper rail (in Fig. 7 (shown) can be pushed between the two connecting legs 17 and the distance is therefore at least the outer distance of the two upper rail legs (in Fig. 7The connecting legs 17 of the connecting section 16 have a shoulder 22 on both sides of their narrow longitudinal sides at the transition to the legs 13 of the guide rail section 5. The distance between the shoulders 22 is equal to the width of the connecting legs 17 and wider than the width of the legs 13 of the guide rail section 5. The shoulders 22 of the connecting legs 17 serve to ensure that, when the guide rail section 5 is inserted into an opening in the guide rail, the guide rail section 5 can be inserted into the guide rail until the shoulder 22 abuts the end face of the guide rail.

[0037] In Figure 1B Is the suspension device 1 as in Figure 1A described and shown in a perspective view from obliquely below onto the underside 7 of the upper rail section 4.

[0038] Figure 2Ashows a side view of the suspension device 1 as in Figure 1A The device is described as comprising a top rail section 4, a guide rail section 5, and a connecting section 16 between the top rail section 4 and the guide rail section 5. The connecting legs 17 have an angle of inclination β to the longitudinal axis Q of the guide rail section 5 of 15° to 45°, preferably 30°. This angle of inclination allows the suspension device to be installed even in corners of building projections that are not perfectly rectangular. The top rail section 4 and the guide rail section 5 are arranged at a right angle α to each other. This means that the longitudinal axis L of the top rail section 4 is arranged at a right angle α to the longitudinal axis Q of the guide rail section 5.

[0039] Figure 2Bshows a top view of the suspension device 1 and in particular of the upper surface 6 of the upper rail section 4 of the suspension device 1 as shown in Figure 1A described. Shown is the central section 27 of the upper rail section 4 with the wing-like insertion elements 29, which project away from the central section 27 of the upper rail section 4. The four wing-like insertion elements 29 each have a connecting extension 28 and a finger-like extension 11 and are mounted projecting in their longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the upper rail section 4 at the narrow longitudinal edges 21 and each form an insertion opening 12 for inserting the upper rail supports (in Fig. 4A (shown). Also shown are the connecting legs 17 of the connecting section 16.

[0040] Figure 3A shows a cross-section through a suspension device as in Figure 1AThe upper rail section 4, a guide rail section 5, and a connecting section 16 between the upper rail section 4 and the guide rail section 5 are described. The two grooves 9, which are arranged laterally from the central section 27 of the upper rail section 4 in the edge region along the longitudinal axis L of the upper rail section 4, are shown. The upper rail section 4 has a locking element 15 on its upper surface 6 along the central longitudinal axis of the upper rail section 4. The locking element 15 has the form of a stud and is integrally formed on the upper rail section 4. The two parallel legs 13 of the guide rail section 5 each have a stud as a fastening element 14 for clamping in the guide rail and for screwless fixing of the suspension device 1 to the guide rail.

[0041] In Figure 3BFigure 3 shows a cross-section through a guide rail 3 in the area of ​​the end face of the guide rail 3. The guide rail 3 has a U-shape with two lateral openings 19 on each side, the cross-section of which is complementary to the cross-section of the legs 13 of the guide rail section 5. In addition, the U-shape of the guide rail is lined with a keder as a damping profile.

[0042] Figure 4A shows a suspension device 1 as in Figure 1AThe diagram describes two U-shaped top rail supports 8, each with a top rail support base 25 having a recess 23 in the central part at the center of the top rail support base 25, and two lateral top rail support legs 26, each with a swivel arm. The top rail supports 8 are shown shortly before being inserted into the insertion openings 12 of the suspension device. The recess 23 serves to ensure that, when the top rail support 8 is inserted into the insertion openings 12 of the suspension device 1, the locking element 15 of the top rail section 4 of the suspension device 1 engages in the recess 23. The insertion direction of the top rail supports 8 into the insertion openings 12 is shown with thick arrows. In the diagram shown... Figure 4AIn the illustrated embodiment, the two upper rail supports 8 are inserted into the insertion openings 12 from the side of the head portion of the upper rail section 4 facing away from the connecting legs 17. The upper rail support base 25 of the upper rail support 8 has a central part and, on each side of the central part, two recesses or grooves for reinforcement. The finger-like extensions 11 and the connecting extensions 28 of the wing-like insertion element 29 are designed to be complementary to the grooves of the upper rail support base 25, such that the grooves of the upper rail support base 25 can be inserted into the insertion openings 12 between the finger-like extensions 11 and the central section 27 of the upper rail section 4. After insertion, the central part of the upper rail support base 25 rests on the elongated, flat central section 27 of the upper rail section 4.

[0043] In Figure 4B is like in Figure 4A The described suspension device 1 and two upper rail supports 8 are shown, the upper rail supports 8 being inserted into the insertion openings 12 of the suspension device 1. The locking element 15 of the upper rail section 4 of the suspension device 1 is engaged in the recess 23 of the upper rail supports 8 and holds the upper rail supports 8 in position. Furthermore, the base 25 of the upper rail supports 8 is held by the finger-like extensions 11 of the wing-like insertion elements 29, such that the inserted upper rail supports 8 are not vertically displaceable. For this purpose, the upper rail support base 25 preferably has a recess on each side into which the finger-like extensions 11 can be inserted. The base 25 of the upper rail supports 8 rests on the central section 27 of the upper rail section 4.

[0044] Figure 5AFigure 1 shows a second embodiment of a suspension device 1 with two inserted upper rail supports 8. In contrast to the one in Figure 1, the second embodiment shows a second embodiment of a suspension device 1 with two inserted upper rail supports 8. Figure 4B In the described version, the two insertion openings 12 of the wing-like insertion elements 11 on the narrow longitudinal edge 21 of the upper rail section 4 are oriented towards each other, and the upper rail supports 8 are inserted one after the other from the center of the upper rail section 4 in opposite directions into the insertion openings 12. The two opposite directions are indicated by arrows. The locking device 15 has the form of a locking tongue, which is formed along the central longitudinal axis of the upper rail section 4, such that the tongue is pressed downwards during insertion and snaps into the recess 23 of the upper rail support base 25. To remove, the locking tongue 15 is pressed downwards again and the upper rail support 8 is pulled out.

[0045] Figure 5BFigure 1 shows a third embodiment of a suspension device 1 with two inserted upper rail supports 8. The two insertion openings 12 of the wing-like insertion elements 11 are as shown in Figure 1. Figure 5A The upper rail sections 4 are oriented towards each other along their narrow longitudinal edge 21, and the upper rail supports 8 are inserted one after the other from the center of the upper rail section 4 in opposite directions into the insertion openings 12. The two opposite directions are indicated by arrows. In this version, the locking element 15 is not formed along the central longitudinal axis of the upper rail section 4, but rather as a hook at the head of the respective finger-like extensions 11, such that the base 25 of the upper rail support 8 engages in the hook 15 when inserted.

[0046] In Figure 6A is the in Figure 4BThe described embodiment of the suspension device 1 with two upper rail supports 8 is shown, wherein the two legs of the guide rail section are inserted into a guide rail 3. The suspension device 1 with two inserted upper rail supports 8 and the guide rail 3 is also referred to as the Fix system 18.

[0047] Figure 6B shows a cross-section through an upper rail support 8 inserted into a suspension device 1, as shown in the Figures 1A and 4B described and with the top rail 2 mounted. By sliding the top rail 2 into the top rail support 8, the previously opened pivot arms of the top rail support leg 26 are closed. The top rail 2 can still be moved longitudinally. The top rail 2 is fastened in its final position to the top rail support 8 with a fastening device 10, preferably screwed in place.

[0048] Figure 7shows a perspective view of a fixed system with a suspension device 1, as shown in the Figures 1A and 4B described, two upper rail supports 8 after insertion into the insertion openings 12 of the suspension device 1, and a guide rail 3, as well as partially a mounted upper rail 2 and a blind slat 20, which is inserted into the longitudinal opening of the guide rail 3 via a guide bolt on the end face of the slat 20.

[0049] Figure 8A shows a suspension device 1 as in Figure 4AThe described fastening element 14 of the guide rail section 5, in the form of a stud, additionally features a U-shaped, spring-loaded clamping tongue arranged around the stud to facilitate insertion and clamping of the guide rail section 5 into a guide rail 3 (not shown). This is achieved by allowing the clamping tongue to spring back and reduce the force transmission to the guide rail. The clamping tongue is designed such that the suspension device 1 is nevertheless sufficiently firmly clamped and fixed in the end-face opening of the guide rail.

[0050] In Figure 8B are like in Figure 4B The described suspension device 1 and two upper rail supports 8 are shown, wherein here too, as in Figure 8Adescribed, the fastening element 14 in the form of a stud as a clamping element additionally has a U-shaped clamping tongue for easier insertion and clamping of the guide rail section 5 into a guide rail 3. Reference symbol list

[0051] 1 Suspension device 2 Top rail 3 Guide rail 4 Top rail section 5 Guide rail section 6 Top side 7 Bottom side 8 Top rail support 9 Groove, recess 10 Fastening device top rail support 11 Finger-like extension 12 Insertion opening 13 Leg of guide rail section 14 Fastening device 15 Locking device 16 Connecting section 17 Connecting leg 18 Fix system 19 Opening of guide rail 20 Blind slat 21 Narrow longitudinal edge of top rail section 22 Shoulder 23 Recess top rail support 24 Beading 25 Top rail support base 26 Top rail support leg 27 Central section of top rail section 28 Connecting extension 29 Insertion element α right angle between longitudinal axis L of the upper rail section 4 and the longitudinal axis Q of the guide rail section 5 β angle

Claims

1. Suspension device (1) for connecting an upper rail (2) with a guide rail (3) for self-supporting blind systems, with an upper rail section (4) and a guide rail section (5), wherein - the guide rail section (5) is at least partially insertable into at least one opening (19) of the guide rail (3), and - the upper rail section (4) has a central section (27) with an upper side (6), a lower side (7) and two longitudinal edges (21), wherein the upper rail (2) can be attached to the upper rail section (4) by at least one upper rail support (8), wherein the upper rail section (4) has at least one wing-like insertion element (29) with a finger-like extension (11) in the direction parallel to its longitudinal axis L, characterized in that the finger-like extension (11) is parallel to the longitudinal axis L and to the longitudinal edge (21) and is arranged protruding from the longitudinal edge (21) via a connecting extension (28) and is connected to the central portion (27), in such a way that an insertion opening (12) is formed between the at least one finger-like extension (11) and the central portion (27) of the upper rail section (4) parallel to the longitudinal axis L, into which the upper rail support (8) can be inserted, so that the upper rail support (8) rests on the upper side (6) of the central section (27) of the upper rail section (4) when assembled.

2. The suspension device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide rail section (5) is clamped or snapped to the guide rail (3) and can be fixed.

3. The suspension device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper rail section (4) has at least one wing-like insertion element (29) protruding on both sides in the direction parallel to its longitudinal axis L, in such a way that one insertion opening (12) is formed between the at least two finger-like extensions (11) of the wing-like insertion elements (29) and the central portion (27) of the upper rail section (4).

4. The Suspension device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper rail section (4) and the guide rail section (5) insertable in the guide rail (3) are arranged at a right angle (α) in relation to each other.

5. The suspension device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide rail section (5) which can be inserted into the guide rail (3) has two parallel legs (13) which are insertable into two parallel openings (19) of the guide rail (3) which are complementary to the legs (13).

6. The suspension device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the two legs (13) each have a fastening means (14), preferably a knob, for fixing the suspension device (1) to the guide rail (3).

7. The suspension device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper rail section (4) has at least one detent means (15) for positioning the upper rail support (8) on the upper rail section (4) of the suspension device (1).

8. The suspension device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the detent means (15) is in the form of a knob or hook which is molded to the upper rail section (4).

9. The suspension device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the detent means (15) is arranged on the upper side (6) along the central longitudinal axis of the upper rail section (4).

10. The suspension device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connecting section (16) is formed between the upper rail section (4) and the guide rail section (5), wherein the connecting section (16) has two connecting legs (17) parallel to each other, the distance of which is preferably greater than the distance between the two parallel insertable legs (13) of the guide rail section (5).

11. The suspension device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the connecting legs (17) have an angle of inclination β to the longitudinal axis Q of the guide rail section (5) from 15° to 45°, preferably from 30°.

12. The suspension device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper rail section (4) has two wing-like insertion elements (29) on each side for inserting two upper rail supports (8).

13. A fix system (18) for suspending an upper rail (2) on a guide rail (3) for self-supporting blind systems comprising a guide rail (3), a suspension device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one upper rail support (8), wherein the upper rail support (8) is inserted into the respective insertion opening (12) of at least one wing-like insertion element (29) of the upper rail section (4), and wherein the guide rail section (5) is inserted into the at least one opening (19) of the guide rail (3) is inserted.

14. Use of the suspension device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for hanging an upper rail (2) on a guide rail (3) for self-supporting blind systems.

15. Method for hanging an upper rail (2) on a guide rail (3) for self-supporting blind systems comprising the steps: I) Plug in of at least one upper rail support (8) into the respective insertion opening (12) of at least one wing-like insertion member (29) of the upper rail section (4) of the suspension device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, II) Plug in of the guide rail portion (5) of the suspension device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 into the opening (19) of the guide rail (3), III) Insert the upper rail (2) into the at least one upper rail support (8).