FRAME WITH A CLAMPING MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING AT LEAST TWEL PROFILES BY MEANS OF A CLAMPING MECHANISM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a frame with several profiles and at least one clamping mechanism for clamping at least one of the profiles. Specifically, the invention relates to a bed frame with several profiles and at least one clamping mechanism for clamping at least one of the profiles.

[0002] Frames, generally known as racks, consist of multiple profiles. They serve to store or hold objects, living beings, or media, and transfer the loads caused by these objects, living beings, or media. Such frames are used, for example, to erect a temporary bed frame.

[0003] To erect the frame, the profiles must be connected in such a way that the forces generated during use can be transferred between them. For temporary structures, a detachable clamping mechanism is particularly suitable, as it offers the erectors a high degree of flexibility in the use of the profiles that make up the frame. Furthermore, the individual frame components have a smaller packed size when disassembled.

[0004] The clamping mechanisms according to the state of the art operate through a combination of force and form fit. One or more sheet metal clamping elements, whose bent flanges mimic the outer shape of the respective profile, are attached at the point where the profiles are to be joined. The profiles are then clamped together with the clamping elements and at least one through-bolt connection using a screw.

[0005] As long as the screw is not tightened, the profiles can move relative to the clamping elements, which are designed to ensure mountability on the respective profile in such a way that they have some play relative to the profiles' outer dimensions, until the profiles' degrees of freedom are restricted by the positive locking between the clamping elements and the respective profile. Therefore, the profile never has a position relative to the clamping elements in which all degrees of freedom are restricted.

[0006] This restriction of degrees of freedom is, however, desirable and, in state-of-the-art clamping mechanisms, is achieved by actuating a clamping element in the form of tightening the screw. This creates a force-fit and form-fit connection in the form of a two-point clamp.

[0007] The profiles cannot move as long as the frictional connection generated by the screw is able to transmit the forces that occur.

[0008] If a force is applied that can overcome the frictional connection, the profiles are immobile in the direction of the screw due to the positive locking. However, since this is only a two-point clamping system and the clamping element, as described previously, has some play relative to the profile, the profile remains movable until the force can be transmitted through positive locking with the clamping element.

[0009] This behavior can occur particularly when the resulting frictional connection, e.g., from manually operating the screw, is insufficient to transmit the forces involved. If the load is variable, the profile moves back and forth between positions where there is a positive fit with the clamping element.

[0010] A disadvantage of this behavior is that this "tilting" or "wobbling" can be perceived by the user as unstable, and wear can occur due to the relative movement of the profile and the clamping element.

[0011] Document US 2018 / 335062 A1 shows a state-of-the-art rack.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a frame made of several profiles which can be easily assembled, in particular without tools, by connecting the profiles with a clamping mechanism, and yet enables a stable connection of at least two profiles, wherein at least one profile is clamped without play in at least one plane perpendicular to the main axis of extension of the at least one profile, wherein the clamping mechanism occupies a small installation space around the clamped profile and is in particular designed such that any existing cavity of the clamped profile can be fully utilized as an installation space for receiving, for example,telescopically mounted profiles are available in the backlash-free clamped profile and are designed in particular so that the connection of the profiles to the clamping mechanism can be made at several positions, wherein the insertion of the backlash-free clamped profile into the clamping mechanism can in particular be made from the radial direction of the backlash-free clamped profile.

[0013] In other words, the invention enables the simple and flexible connection of profiles to form a frame and, by clamping one profile without play, prevents the profile clamped without play from tilting under changing loads. At the same time, the clamping mechanism occupies a small installation space around the clamped profile and, in particular, makes it possible to use a cavity in the clamped profile to accommodate profiles arranged telescopically within the profile mounted without play.

[0014] A further object of the invention is to define a method which allows the user to connect several profiles in a simple manner by operating a clamping mechanism, wherein the method enables the user to operate the clamping mechanism in an easily understandable way so that at least one profile is clamped without play in at least one plane perpendicular to the main extension axis of the at least one profile.

[0015] The problem is solved by a frame with the features of claim 1 and in particular by the fact that the frame, in particular bed frame, comprises at least one clamping mechanism for clamping at least one of the profiles, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping unit for clamping the at least one profile in a first direction of action and a second clamping unit for clamping the at least one profile in a second direction of action oriented obliquely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction of action, wherein the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit are each adjustable between a clamping position and a release position, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises an adjusting element by means of which the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit are adjustable into their respective clamping positions.

[0016] The clear separation of the two clamps allows the user to influence the clamping force in only one direction at a time, without any interaction between the two clamping units. This approach also reduces the effort required for assembling and disassembling the frame.

[0017] The direction of action of a clamping unit is understood to be a straight line to which the force vectors of the corresponding or respective clamping forces of the clamping unit are arranged parallel. Profiles within the meaning of this disclosure are elongated bodies with a cross-section that is preferably constant along their longitudinal extent. The profiles may preferably be hollow. For example, the profiles may consist of an extrudable material and may preferably be produced by an extrusion process. It would also be conceivable to use a plastic or fiber-reinforced composite material for the production of the profiles.

[0018] The invention is based on the idea that a more stable connection with less play is created between the clamping mechanism and the profile if the clamping mechanism has two clamping units, i.e., two pairs of oppositely oriented clamping surfaces, which fix the profile in different directions by clamping it in the respective directions. This ensures that the profile is positively locked in the radial direction along its entire circumference when clamped. In other words, the profile is clamped so positively that it has no degrees of freedom in a plane perpendicular to the profile's main direction of extension.

[0019] A radial direction of a profile within the meaning of this disclosure is oriented perpendicular to the principal extension axis of the profile.

[0020] Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the adjusting element has a main axial extension direction which is aligned in the direction of the second direction of action.

[0022] The main axial extension direction is preferably greater than the width and height or diameter of the adjusting element.

[0023] The adjusting element is preferably designed in a cylindrical shape.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the clamping mechanism comprises a deflection unit which converts a movement of the adjusting element, for example a rotational movement or axial movement of the adjusting element, into a movement in the direction of the first direction of action.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the adjusting element has at least one thread, in particular an external thread. The thread can engage positively with a corresponding thread, in particular an internal thread, of at least one displacement element.

[0026] It would also be conceivable that the adjusting element has two opposing external threads.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the displacement element is operatively connected to a clamping element. By moving the displacement element along an axial main extension direction of the adjusting element, the clamping element can be moved in the direction of the first effective direction.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the displacement element has a first inclined surface. The clamping element can have a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface can be arranged such that the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface slide against each other while the clamping element is moved in the direction of the first direction of action.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the adjusting element is movable, in particular rotatable, by means of a first actuating element. This allows the first clamping unit to be adjusted into its clamping position. The first actuating element or a second actuating element can be movable relative to the adjusting element in order to adjust the second clamping unit into its clamping position.

[0030] Preferably, the first clamping unit has at least one clamping element. The first clamping unit can comprise several clamping elements. Preferably, the first clamping unit comprises exactly three clamping elements.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the clamping mechanism has two clamping elements, the distance between which can preferably be reduced via a nut or an eccentric in order to move the second clamping unit into its clamping position.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the clamping mechanism has clamping surfaces whose distance can be shortened, preferably via a nut or an eccentric, in order to move the second clamping unit into its clamping position.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the second clamping unit can have at least one clamping element; preferably, the second clamping unit has exactly two separate clamping elements. Preferably, two clamping elements of the first clamping unit also form clamping elements of the second clamping unit.

[0034] The use of two separate clamping elements has the advantage that the clamping unit can be adjusted and opened in such a way that the profile can be inserted into the clamping unit from a radial direction and does not have to be inserted axially into the clamping unit.

[0035] This design allows, for example, the clamping mechanism to be attached to a closed frame construction.

[0036] Preferably, at least one actuating element can be operated without tools. This allows the clamping mechanism to be operated easily without tools such as an Allen key.

[0037] The invention also relates to a method for connecting at least two profiles by means of a clamping mechanism comprising the following steps: Inserting the at least one profile into the clamping mechanism, adjusting a first clamping unit by means of an adjusting element to clamp the at least one profile in a first direction of action, and reducing a distance between clamping elements connected with the adjusting element to clamp the at least one profile by means of a second clamping unit along a second direction of action, arranged obliquely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction of action.

[0038] The clamping mechanism used for the operation may have one or more of the features described above or below.

[0039] In other words, the method allows the user to securely connect the profiles using two clamping units connected to a central adjustment element, in an easily understandable and user-friendly manner, with at least one profile clamped without play. Due to the clear separation of the two clamps, the user only influences the clamping in one direction at a time and can consciously control the clamping force without any interaction between the two clamping units. This approach also reduces the effort required for assembling and disassembling the frame.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the method for connecting at least two profiles by means of a clamping mechanism is a method for connecting at least two profiles of a frame, in particular a bed frame.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the method, the adjusting element has at least one thread, in particular an external thread, and adjusting the first clamping unit can include rotating the adjusting element about its longitudinal axis. The at least one thread of the adjusting element can engage positively with a corresponding thread, in particular an internal thread, of at least one displacement element. By rotating the adjusting element about its longitudinal axis, the displacement element can be moved along the main axial direction of extension of the adjusting element.

[0042] This allows for easy and effortless operation of the first clamping unit.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the method, moving the displacement element along the main axial extension direction of the adjusting element causes a clamping element to move in the direction of the first effective direction.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the method, adjusting the first clamping unit in order to adjust the first clamping unit into its clamping position includes moving, in particular rotating, the adjusting element by means of a first actuating element.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the method, the first clamping unit is adjusted into its clamping position by moving, in particular rotating, the adjusting element by means of a first actuating element, and the second clamping unit is adjusted into its clamping position by shortening the distance between the clamping elements, by moving the first actuating element or a second actuating element.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the method, the reduction of the distance between the clamping elements is carried out by rotating a nut or pivoting an eccentric. Character description

[0047] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to several embodiments, which are to be understood as exemplary only and not as limiting.

[0048] They show: Fig. 1 : Perspective view of a frame according to the invention Fig. 2 : Perspective view of a rack installed in a car Fig. 3a : Section of a frame according to the invention with a first embodiment of the clamping mechanism in perspective view Fig. 3b : Exploded view of the in Fig. 3a illustrated clamping mechanism Fig. 3c : Sectional view of the Fig 3a . Fig. 3d : Sectional perspective view of the first clamping unit of the in Fig. 3b illustrated clamping mechanism Fig. 3e : Perspective view of the second clamping unit of the in Fig. 3b illustrated clamping mechanism Fig. 3f : Perspective view of the deflection unit of the in Fig. 3b illustrated clamping mechanism Fig. 4 : A half-section of a section of a frame according to the invention with a second embodiment of the clamping mechanism Fig. 5a : A half-section of a section of a frame according to the invention with a third embodiment of the clamping mechanism Fig. 5b : Exploded view of the in Fig. 5a illustrated clamping mechanism Fig. 6a : A section of a frame according to the invention with a fourth embodiment of the clamping mechanism in perspective view Fig. 6b : Sectional view of the Fig. 6a Fig. 7a : A section of a frame according to the invention with a fifth embodiment of the clamping mechanism in perspective view Fig. 7b : Side view of the in Fig. 7a depicted section of the frame Fig. 7c : Sectional view of the Fig. 7b

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a frame according to the invention. 11. The frame 11 consists of a composite of several rectangular extruded aluminum hollow profiles 13 and a welded frame also consisting of rectangular extruded aluminum hollow profiles 13. The connection of the rectangular hollow profiles 13 This is done with a clamping mechanism each 15.

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the trunk of a vehicle. 12 (Passenger car) built-in frame 11. The frame 11 It was placed in the trunk of the vehicle in such a way that the transport of the frame 11 This can be done with the trunk lid closed. Variante 1: Klemmmechanismus mit drei Klemmelementen und einem Verdrängungselement:

[0051] Fig. 3a shows a section of a frame according to the invention. 11 with a first implementation example of the clamping mechanism 15 in perspective view. The frame 11 is formed by the combination of rectangular extruded hollow profiles 13a,13b Made of aluminum.

[0052] The clamping mechanism 15 after the Fig. 3a - Fig. 3f clamps two rectangular profiles each 13a,13b, which are formed as extruded hollow profiles and are part of a frame 11 are.

[0053] Fig. 3b shows an exploded view of the clamping mechanism 15. It consists of an adjusting element located on the main extension axis. 23 arranged elements 27,29,33,31,35,36,37,38.

[0054] The adjusting element 23In this embodiment, the thread of a star-grip screw is engaged by actuating the first actuating element, which is shaped as a star grip and positively connected to the thread. 35 It can be rotated around its main axis of extension. Two sheet metal clamping elements are mounted on its axis. 29,31, into each one parallel to the top edge of the upper profile 13b oriented, as well as two parallel to the side surfaces of the lower profile 13a The oriented tabs are formed and aligned symmetrically to each other. These tabs restrict the movement of the profiles. 13a,13b, when the first clamping unit 17 is in its clamping position. In the clamping elements 29,31 Each has a hole through which the thread of the adjusting element passes. 23 is guided between the two clamping elements. 29,31 A displacement element made of steel is located there 27,which connects to the thread of the adjusting element via a threaded bore 23 is connected and is aligned with the main extension axis of the adjusting element 23 It has an inclined surface. A corresponding inclined surface is also present in the injection-molded part, which is also located between the clamping elements. 29,31 horizontal clamping element 33 shaped. This has an elongated hole through which the thread of the adjusting element passes. 23 is guided in the direction of the upper flanges of the clamping elements 29,31 runs and perpendicular to the main extension axis of the adjusting element 23 stands and one towards the front of the lower profile 13a parallel upper surface. On the opposite side of the first actuating element. 35 is a second actuating element 37 in the form of a wing nut on the thread of the adjusting element 23 arranged.

[0055] Fig. 3c shows a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 3a It is evident that the lower profile 13a in the end area it has two bores which are coaxial to the main extension axis of the adjusting element 23 are arranged. This arrangement allows the clamping mechanism to 15 for inserting the upper profile 13b as well as the condition in which the profiles are 13a,13b not to a frame 11 are connected, on the lower profile 13a It can remain assembled without having to be disassembled into its individual components.

[0056] The clamping of the upper profile 13b in a first direction of action 19 This is done by actuating the first clamping unit 17, see Fig. 3d , and the deflection unit 25, see Fig. 3f , by rotating the adjusting element 23 in one direction. The displacement element 27moves, through rotation, towards the first actuating element 35 to and thus displaces the element across the inclined surfaces with the displacement element 27 connected clamping element 33 along the first direction of action 19 upwards until a positive fit is achieved between the upper flanges of the clamping elements. 29,31 and the upper profile 13b as well as a positive fit between the upper surface of the clamping element 33 and the lower contact surface of the upper profile 13b adjusts.

[0057] The clamping of the upper profile 13b and the lower profile 13a in a second direction of action 20 This is done through the second clamping unit 21, see Fig. 3f . Through the rotation of the second actuating element 37 will the distance 39 between the clamping elements 36,38, the actuating elements in this embodiment 35,37correspondingly, reduced. This causes the clamping elements to move. 29,31 until a positive fit is achieved between the inner surfaces of the clamping elements 29,31 and the respective outer surfaces of the profiles 13a,13b adjusts. Variante 2: Klemmmechanismus mit drei Klemmelementen und zwei Verdrängungselementen.

[0058] The clamping mechanism 15 in the embodiment according Fig. 4 is a variation of the clamping mechanism 15 after Fig. 3a - Fig. 3f , in which a differently designed deflection unit 25 and a differently designed adjustment element 23 to be used.

[0059] The deflection unit 25 consists of two parts on the adjustment element 23 arranged displacement elements 27a,27b and a clamping element ( 33 The displacement elements 27a,27b are made of steel, have a lateral axis relative to the main extension axis of the adjusting element 23inclined sloping surface, each connected to the thread of the adjusting element via a threaded hole. 23 connected and arranged in mirror-symmetrical proportions to each other.

[0060] The adjusting element 23 is a counter-rotating threaded spindle on which the displacement elements are mounted. 27a,27b are arranged in such a way that they engage positively with the adjusting element through rotation. 23 connected, star-shaped first actuating element 35 They can be moved towards / away from each other. Between the two displacement elements 27a,27b is the clamping element manufactured using injection molding 33 arranged. This has two inclined surfaces of the displacement elements. 27a,27b corresponding inclined surfaces as well as one towards the front face of the lower profile 13a parallel upper surface and is positively locked onto the adjusting element by means of an elongated hole. 23The slot is arranged in the direction of the upper flanges of the clamping elements. 29,31 and is perpendicular to the main extension axis of the adjusting element. 23.

[0061] The profiles are clamped in the same way as for the ones in Fig. 3a-Fig. 3f The illustrated embodiment is described. The alternative design of the deflection unit 25 can the clamping of the upper profile 13b with the first clamping unit 17 However, this can be achieved with less effort than in the case of the Fig. 3a-Fig. 3f depicted embodiment. Variante 3: Klemmmechanismus mit nach unten wirkendem Klemmelement

[0062] In the Fig. 5a und 5b is a variation of the in Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment of the clamping mechanism 15 shown, in which a differently designed clamping element is used. 33 is used.

[0063] The clamping element 33It features two opposing inclined surfaces and two clamping brackets. The inclined surfaces and the displacement elements 27 In this embodiment, they are arranged such that the clamping of the first clamping unit 17 by one along the first direction of action 19 downward movement occurs. In other words, the inclined surfaces of the clamping element are 33 from the inclined surfaces of the displacement elements 27 pushed away and the resulting downward movement of the clamping element 33 This leads to the profile becoming jammed. 13b along the first direction of action. Through the shaped clamping brackets of the clamping element. 33 The need for the [something] is eliminated. Fig.3 shown, towards the top edge of the upper profile 13b parallel aligned tabs of the clamping elements 29,31. The first clamping unit 17 In this embodiment, it consists of the clamping element 33and the displacement elements 27a,27b.

[0064] The clamping of the profiles 13a,13b This is done as for the in Fig. 3a-Fig. 3f The illustrated embodiment is described. However, the clamping is performed by the first clamping unit. 17 because the clamping element 33 after actuation of the first actuating element 35 from the displacement elements 27a,27b is moved downwards until a positive fit is achieved between the clamping brackets and the upper surface of the upper profile. 13b as well as a positive fit between the lower surface of the upper profile 13b and the displacement elements 27a,27b adjusts. Variante 4: Klemmmechanismus mit Exzenterklemmung

[0065] In the Fig. 6 a & b is a variation of the one in the Fig. 3a-Fig. 3f illustrated embodiment of the clamping mechanism 15 illustrated, in which the clamping in two directions of action is achieved by a single first actuating element. 35 This has been done.

[0066] The second and first clamping unit 17,21 They consist of the same elements, however, the clamping element is different. 29 additionally via a connecting element 41 form-fitting with the lower profile 13a connected. The connecting element is designed in such a way that not all degrees of freedom of the clamping element 29 be restricted. The first actuating element 35 is positively locked to the adjusting element 23 Integrated eccentric clamp.

[0067] The clamping of the profiles 13a,13b This is done, as for the in Fig. 3a-Fig. 3f The illustrated embodiment is described. However, the displacement element is taken over by... 27 and the first actuating element 35 the function of the clamping elements 36,38 and only one of the two clamping elements 31 is mounted in a movable manner.

[0068] This design of the clamping mechanism15 The required installation space can be reduced and the operation of the clamping mechanism simplified. 15 to be simplified. Variante 5: Klemmmechanismus zum Klemmen von Rundrohren mit zwei Klemmelementen

[0069] In the Fig. 7a -Fig. 7c is a variation of the one in the Fig. 3a-Fig. 3f illustrated embodiment of the clamping mechanism 15 shown, where the profiles 13a,13b are shaped as round hollow profiles and the second clamping unit 21 only from one clamping element 29 consists.

[0070] The clamping element 29 exhibits an outer shape of the upper profile 13b adapted recess and the first actuating element 35 is positively locked to the adjusting element 23 The screw head is connected and features an internal hexagon socket.

[0071] The clamping of the profiles 13a,13b This is done as for the in Fig. 3a-Fig. 3f The illustrated embodiment is described. However, when clamping in the first direction of action... 19the displacement element across the inclined surfaces 27 connected clamping element 33 along the first direction of action 19 displaced upwards until a positive fit is formed between the inner surface of the clamping element. 33 and the lateral surface of the upper profile 13b as well as a positive fit between the upper surface of the clamping element 33 and the lateral surface of the upper profile 13b adjusts.

[0072] The clamping of the profiles 13a,13b in a second direction of action 20 This is achieved by actuating the second actuating element, which is shaped like a wing nut. 37. This increases the distance between the actuating elements, which in this embodiment are called actuating elements. 35,37 corresponding clamping elements 36,38 reduced and the clamping element 29mechanically deformed, preferably elastically, until a positive fit is achieved between the inner surface of the clamping element. 29 and the lateral surface of the profiles 13a,13b comes.

[0073] This design of the clamping mechanism 15 Round tubes can be connected to each other and the number of components involved in the clamping can be reduced. Reference symbol list

[0074] 11 Frame 12 Means of transport 13 Profile 15 Clamping mechanism 17 First clamping unit 19 First direction of action 20 Second direction of action 21 Second clamping unit 23 Adjusting element 25 Deflection unit 27 Displacement element 29 Clamping element 31 Clamping element 33 Clamping element 35 First actuating element 36 First clamping element 37 Second actuating element 38 Second clamping element 39 Distance between the clamping elements 41 Connecting element

Claims

1. A frame (11), in particular for installation in a means of transport (12), comprising a plurality of profiles (13) and at least one clamping mechanism (15) for clamping at least one of the profiles (13), wherein the clamping mechanism (15) comprises a first clamping unit (17) for clamping the at least one profile (13) in a first acting direction (19), and comprises a second clamping unit (21) for clamping the at least one profile (13) in a second acting direction (20) oriented obliquely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first acting direction (19), wherein the first clamping unit (17) and the second clamping unit (21) are each adjustable between a clamping position and a release position, and wherein the clamping mechanism (15) comprises an adjustment element (23), by means of which the first clamping unit (17) and the second clamping unit (21) are adjustable into their respective clamping position.

2. The frame (11) according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment element (23) has an axial main direction of extension which is oriented in the direction of the second acting direction (20).

3. The frame (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping mechanism (15) comprises a deflection unit (25) which converts a movement of the adjustment element (23) into a movement in the direction of the first acting direction (19).

4. The frame (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment element (23) has at least one thread, in particular an external thread, and the thread is in form-fitting engagement with a corresponding thread, in particular an internal thread, of at least one displacement element (27).

5. The frame (11) according to claim 4, wherein the displacement element (27) is operatively connected to a clamping element (33), and wherein, by a movement of the displacement element (27) along an axial main direction of extension of the adjustment element (23), the clamping element (33) is movable in the direction of the first acting direction (19).

6. The frame (11) according to claim 5, wherein the displacement element (27) has a first inclined surface, wherein the clamping element (33) has a second inclined surface, and wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are arranged such that the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface slide on one another while the clamping element is moved in the direction of the first acting direction (19).

7. The frame (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment element (23) is movable, in particular rotatable, by means of a first actuation element (35) in order to adjust the first clamping unit (17) into its clamping position, and wherein either the first actuation element (35) or a second actuation element (37) is movable relative to the adjustment element (23) in order to adjust the second clamping unit (21) into its clamping position.

8. The frame (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping mechanism (15) has, in particular, two tensioning elements (36, 38), the distance between which is preferably reducible by means of a nut or an eccentric in order to place the second clamping unit (21) into its clamping position.

9. The frame (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second clamping unit (21) has at least one clamping element (29), in particular exactly two separate clamping elements (29, 31).

10. A method for connecting at least two profiles (13) by means of a clamping mechanism (15), in particular by means of a clamping mechanism (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - inserting the at least one profile (13) into the clamping mechanism (15), - adjusting a first clamping unit (17) by means of an adjustment element (23) in order to clamp the at least one profile (13) in a first acting direction (19), and - reducing the distance between tensioning elements (36, 38) connected to the adjustment element (23) in order to clamp the at least one profile (13) by means of a second clamping unit (21) along a second acting direction (20) arranged obliquely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first acting direction (19).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment element (23) has a thread, in particular an external thread, and wherein the adjustment of the first clamping unit (17) comprises rotating the adjustment element (23).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the adjustment element (23) has at least one thread, in particular an external thread, and the thread is in form-fitting engagement with a corresponding thread, in particular an internal thread, of at least one displacement element (27), and wherein the adjustment of the first clamping unit (17) comprises rotating the adjustment element (23) about its longitudinal axis and thereby inducing movement of the displacement element (27) along the axial main direction of extension of the adjustment element (23).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the movement of the displacement element (27) along the axial main direction of extension of the adjustment element (23) causes movement of a clamping element (33) in the direction of the first acting direction (19).

14. The method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the adjustment of the first clamping unit (17), in order to adjust the first clamping unit (17) into its clamping position, comprises moving, in particular rotating, the adjustment element (23) by means of a first actuation element (35), and wherein the distance between the tensioning elements (36, 38) is shortened by a movement of the first actuation element (35) or of a second actuation element (37) in order to adjust the second clamping unit (21) into its clamping position.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reduction of the distance between the tensioning elements (36, 38) is carried out by rotating a nut or by pivoting an eccentric.