Connector for mechanically securing a first component to a second component, and component connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (10) for mechanically securing a first component to a second component. The connector (10) is plate-shaped or has the shape of a flat bar and comprises a first engagement element (14a, 14b) for anchoring in a recess of the first component and a second engagement element (14c, 14d) for anchoring in a recess of the second component. The first engagement element (14a, 14b) and the second engagement element (14c, 14d) are rigidly connected to a support element (16) of the connector (10) or are movably coupled to a support element (16) of the connector (10). An orientation protrusion (18) is additionally arranged on the support element (16) in order to correctly orient the connector (10) in a recess of the first component and / or in a recess of the second component. The invention additionally relates to a component connection. The component connection comprises a first component with at least one first recess, a second component with at least one second recess, and a connector (10). The connector (10) is partly arranged within the first recess and partly within the second recess.

Description

[0001] Connector for mechanically fastening a first component to a second component and component connection

[0002] The invention relates to a connector for mechanically fastening a first component to a second component. The connector is plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped and comprises a first engagement element for anchoring in a recess of the first component and a second engagement element for anchoring in a recess of the second component. The first engagement element and the second engagement element are rigidly connected to a support element of the connector or movably coupled to the support element of the connector.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention is directed to a component connection. The component connection comprises a first component with at least one first recess, which is delimited by a first opening in a first contact surface of the first component. Furthermore, the component connection comprises a second component with at least one second recess, which is delimited by a second opening in a second contact surface of the second component. The first contact surface of the first component and the second contact surface of the second component contact one another. The component connection also comprises a connector, which is arranged sectionally within the first recess and sectionally within the second recess.

[0004] Such connectors and component connections realized thereby are known from the prior art. In order to reliably connect the first component and the second component of a component connection, it is important that the connector engages in the first recess and the second recess as intended. The object of the present invention is to simplify the correct arrangement of the connector in a recess of a first component and / or in a recess of a second component of a component connection to be realized by means of the connector.

[0005] The problem is solved by a connector for mechanically fastening a first component to a second component. The connector is plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped and comprises a first engagement element for anchoring in a recess in the first component and a second engagement element for anchoring in a recess in the second component. The first engagement element and the second engagement element are fixedly connected to a carrier element of the connector or movably coupled to the carrier element of the connector. Furthermore, the connector has an orientation projection which is formed in a recess in the first component and / or in a recess in the second component for the correct orientation of the connector. In the event that the first engagement element and the second engagement element are movably coupled to the carrier element, the first engagement element and the second engagement element can each be connected via a gear, e.g.Cam mechanism or gear mechanism, coupled to the carrier element and / or an actuating element. The orientation projection is understood to be a geometrically protruding section of the connector. The orientation projection is matched in terms of its size, shape and position to a corresponding orientation recess on the first component and / or the second component. This has the consequence that the connector can only be arranged in the recess of the first component and / or the recess of the second component in such a way that the orientation projection is simultaneously arranged in the corresponding orientation recess on the first component and / or the second component. In other orientations, the connector cannot be arranged in the recess of the first component and / or the recess of the second component at all or only to an unusable extent.Consequently, the orientation projection ensures that the connector can only be inserted into the recess of the first component and / or the recess of the second component in a specific orientation, i.e., in the correct orientation. Incorrect insertion is thus avoided, so that the orientation projection can also be referred to as a poka-yoke element. This makes it easy for a user to insert the connector into the recess of the first component and / or the recess of the second component in the correct orientation.

[0006] It is understood that a connector equipped with an orientation projection is particularly advantageous when the connector itself or the component connection in which it is used is not completely symmetrical, so that the orientation of the connector is important when inserting the connector into the recess of the first component and / or into the recess of the second component. In this context, the recesses can have different geometries. In other words, the orientation projection can represent or cause an asymmetry in the connector. Alternatively or additionally, the recesses can be asymmetrical.

[0007] The orientation projection is preferably arranged on a flat side of the connector. As already mentioned, the connector is plate-shaped or flat-bar-shaped. The flat sides of the connector are formed by the two opposite side surfaces of the connector with the largest surface area. It goes without saying that the surface area of ​​these side surfaces is the largest compared to all other side surfaces. Due to the size of the flat sides, arranging the orientation projection on one of the flat sides has little or no influence on the other mechanical properties, in particular the force transmission properties when in contact with an associated component. Furthermore, an orientation projection provided on one of the flat sides is comparatively easy to manufacture and is clearly visible to a user.

[0008] The connector can comprise an actuating element with an actuating interface, wherein the actuating element is fixedly connected to the carrier element or is movably mounted on the carrier element. The actuating element serves to bring the connector, in particular the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element of the connector, into engagement with one or more provided counter-elements of the recess in the first component and / or the recess in the second component. The connector as a whole can be moved by means of the actuating element. In this case, the actuating element can be fixedly connected to the carrier element. It is also conceivable for one or more components of the connector to be moved by means of the actuating element. This is particularly the case when the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element are movably coupled to the carrier element of the connector.In this context, the actuating element can be movably mounted on the support element. The actuating element can be used to move the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element relative to the support element. The actuating interface is designed, for example, as a tool interface so that the connector can be actuated using a tool. In all of the aforementioned variants, the actuating interface must be accessible to a user in order to correctly actuate the connector. This is ensured by the orientation projection.

[0009] The actuating element can form the orientation projection. The actuating element thus serves two functions: actuating the connector as described above and acting as an orientation projection. This allows the connector to be constructed relatively compactly. Furthermore, the use of the connector is simplified because the user only needs to pay attention to the actuating element forming the orientation projection, rather than to an actuating element and an orientation projection that are provided separately.

[0010] In one variant, a bearing element for the movably supporting the actuating element is arranged on the support element. The bearing element forms the orientation projection. It is understood that the bearing element is only necessary in conjunction with a movably supported actuating element. In this variant, the bearing element therefore serves two functions: supporting the actuating element and acting as an orientation projection. This also allows the connector to be constructed comparatively compactly. Furthermore, the use of the connector is simplified because a user only needs to pay attention to the bearing element forming the orientation projection and not to a bearing element and an orientation projection, which are provided separately from one another.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bearing element is a rotary bearing element. The bearing element thus supports the actuating element rotatably on the support element. Rotatable actuating elements are easy for a user to operate. Furthermore, such actuating elements require a comparatively small amount of space, resulting in a compact connector design.

[0012] The orientation projection can also be separate from the actuating element. This has the advantage of making the connector structurally comparatively simple. Furthermore, the separate provision of the orientation projection and actuating element allows the orientation projection and actuating element to be positioned and designed independently of each other. In other words, this provides increased design freedom and thus greater adaptability of the connector to specific applications.

[0013] Likewise, the orientation projection can be separate from the bearing element. This also has the advantage of making the connector structurally comparatively simple. Furthermore, the separate provision of the orientation projection and bearing element allows the orientation projection and bearing element to be positioned and designed independently of each other. In other words, this provides increased design freedom and thus greater adaptability of the connector to specific applications.

[0014] In one example, the orientation projection is cylindrical. In this context, the orientation projection can be circular-cylindrical. Furthermore, the cylindrical orientation projection can be solid or hollow. Such orientation projections can be manufactured relatively easily using common manufacturing processes. Circular-cylindrical orientation projections also have the advantage that they have neither corners nor edges on a lateral surface. This facilitates the insertion of the orientation projection into a corresponding orientation recess. Hollow orientation projections are suitable if the orientation projection is to be combined or integrally designed with other elements of the connector. For example, a hollow orientation projection that is also circular-cylindrical can serve as a bearing element. Solid orientation projections offer comparatively high mechanical stability.Thus, solid orientation projections are suitable, for example, when the orientation projection is also an actuating element.

[0015] According to one variant, a central axis of the orientation projection is perpendicular to the support element. In particular, the central axis of the orientation projection is perpendicular to a flat side of the support element. The orientation projection is thus oriented essentially perpendicular to the support element. In other words, the orientation projection protrudes perpendicularly from the support element. The orientation projection can be materially connected to the support element, but does not have to be. This is structurally and manufacturing-technically simple. Furthermore, such an orientation projection is easily recognizable as such.

[0016] In one example, the orientation projection is spaced from all edges of the plate-shaped or flat-bar-shaped connector. A distance of the orientation projection from all edges of the plate-shaped or flat-bar-shaped connector is therefore greater than zero. This also ensures that the orientation projection has a certain distance from the first engagement element and the second engagement element. A potentially disruptive interaction between the orientation projection and the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element can thus be avoided. Furthermore, an orientation projection that is spaced from all edges of the plate-shaped or flat-bar-shaped connector causes little disruption when handled by a user of the connector. According to one embodiment, the orientation projection is provided on a single side of the connector.In this way, the asymmetry created by the orientation projection can be easily realized on the connector. This makes it particularly easy for the user to insert the connector in the correct orientation into the recess of the first component and / or the recess of the second component.

[0017] The orientation projection can be arranged centrally or off-center with respect to a plug-in direction of the connector. In particular, the orientation projection is spaced from the ends of the connector oriented along the plug-in direction. This means that the distance of the orientation projection from the ends oriented along the plug-in direction is greater than zero. In this context, the plug-in direction of the connector is understood to be the direction along which the connector is inserted into the recess on the first component and / or into the recess on the second component in order to connect the first component and the second component to one another.Both in a case in which the orientation projection is arranged centrally with respect to the insertion direction of the connector and in a case in which the orientation projection is arranged off-center with respect to the insertion direction of the connector, the orientation projection can be provided to engage both in an orientation recess of the first component and in an orientation recess of the second component when the first component and the second component are fastened to one another. However, if the orientation projection is arranged centrally with respect to the insertion direction in this context, the connector is symmetrical with respect to the insertion direction. It therefore does not matter which end of the connector provided along the insertion direction is inserted into the recess of the first component and which end of the connector provided along the insertion direction is inserted into the recess in the second component.This facilitates the use of the connector. If the orientation projection is arranged off-center with respect to the insertion direction in this context, each of the ends of the connector provided along the insertion direction is permanently assigned to one of the first and second components. In this context, it is easy for a user to recognize if the connector is incorrectly inserted into the recess on the first component and / or into the recess on the second component. Alternatively, the orientation projection can be intended to be inserted only into an orientation recess on the first component or on the second component. If the orientation projection is arranged off-center along the insertion direction in this context, the connector can be used together with recesses on the first component and second component that have the same depth. The production of the recesses is therefore comparatively simple.Of course, it is also possible to position the orientation projection off-center along the insertion direction and to provide the recesses on the first and second components with different depths. In this context, it is easy for the user to detect if the connector is not inserted correctly.

[0018] The orientation projection can be arranged centrally or off-center with respect to a transverse insertion direction of the connector. In particular, the orientation projection is spaced from the ends of the connector oriented along the transverse insertion direction. This means that a distance of the orientation projection from the ends oriented along the transverse insertion direction is greater than zero. In this context, the transverse insertion direction of the connector is understood to be a direction that runs transversely to a plug-in direction along which the connector is inserted into the recess on the first component and / or on the second component in order to connect the first component and the second component to one another. In this context, too, a centrally arranged orientation projection creates a certain symmetry that simplifies handling of the connector in that it can be used in different orientations.Off-center placement, on the other hand, can be used to define only a single orientation in which the connector can be used to connect the first component and the second component.

[0019] Combinations of the above variants are also conceivable. In a first variant, the orientation projection is arranged centrally with respect to the insertion direction of the connector and off-center with respect to the transverse insertion direction. In a second variant, the orientation projection is arranged centrally with respect to both the insertion direction of the connector and the transverse insertion direction. In a third variant, the orientation projection is arranged off-center with respect to the insertion direction of the connector and centrally with respect to the transverse insertion direction. In a fourth variant, the orientation projection is arranged off-center with respect to both the insertion direction of the connector and the transverse insertion direction. The effects and advantages of these variants are as explained above.

[0020] Preferably, the orientation projection is separate from the first engagement element and the second engagement element. The orientation projection thus does not influence the engagement of the connector with the first component and / or the second component.

[0021] According to one design variant, the first engagement element, the second engagement element, and the support element form a coherent unit. This preferably applies to the entire use of the connector. In particular, the connector is inserted as a coherent unit into both the recess in the first component and the recess in the second component. Handling such a connector is simple, particularly compared to connectors in which separate connector parts are inserted into the first component and the second component and subsequently coupled together. In particular, the risk of losing individual components of the connector is extremely low.

[0022] The object is further achieved by a component connection. The component connection comprises a first component with at least one first recess, which is delimited by a first opening in a first contact surface of the first component. The component connection further comprises a second component with at least one second recess, which is delimited by a second opening in a second contact surface of the second component. The first contact surface of the first component and the second contact surface of the second component contact one another. Furthermore, an orientation recess extends from the first recess and / or from the second recess. In addition, the component connection comprises a connector according to the invention. The connector is arranged in sections within the first recess and in sections within the second recess. The terms “first” and “second” serve to designate features which are assigned to the first component orare assigned to the second component. A number is not implied by this. The orientation projection is arranged in the orientation recess. The orientation recess can be provided completely in the first component, completely in the second component, or partly in the first component and partly in the second component. As already explained, the orientation projection and the orientation recess are coordinated with one another in terms of their size, shape, and position. This has the consequence that the connector can only be arranged in the recess of the first component and / or in the recess of the second component in such a way that the orientation projection is simultaneously arranged in the associated orientation recess on the first component and / or on the second component. In other orientations, the connector cannot be arranged in the recess of the first component and / or the recess of the second component at all, or only to an unusable extent.Consequently, the orientation projection ensures that the connector can only be inserted in the intended orientation, i.e., in the correct orientation, into the recess of the first component and / or the recess of the second component. Incorrect insertion is thus avoided, so that the orientation projection and the orientation recess provide a poka-yoke function. It is therefore easy for a user to insert the connector in the correct orientation into the recess of the first component and / or the recess of the second component. This reliably creates a mechanically stable component connection.

[0023] For example, the first component is made of a wood-based material, so the first component is a wooden component. The second component is made of a wood-based material, so the second component is a wooden component.

[0024] The orientation recess can be channel-shaped and extend to an outer surface of the first component and / or to an outer surface of the second component. Overall, such an orientation recess extends from the outer surface of the first component and / or the outer surface of the second component to the recess of the first component and / or the second component. Such an orientation recess can be produced relatively easily, for example, starting from the outer surface of the first component or the outer surface of the second component.

[0025] According to one variant, the orientation recess is open in the direction of the associated first contact surface or the associated second contact surface. Such an orientation recess can also be easily manufactured, in particular together with the recess of the first component and / or the second component.

[0026] It is understood that the orientation recess can extend both to an outer surface of the first component and / or to an outer surface of the second component, and can simultaneously be open in the direction of the associated first contact surface or second contact surface. This results in a particularly simple manufacture of the orientation recess.

[0027] The connector can comprise an actuation interface, and the actuation interface can be positioned in the orientation recess or adjacent to the orientation recess. Thus, the actuation interface can be accessed via the orientation recess. The orientation recess thus serves two functions. On the one hand, it accommodates the orientation projection and thus ensures the correct orientation of the connector. On the other hand, it acts as an access channel for the actuation interface. The access channel can, for example, be designed to allow a tool to reach the actuation interface. The component connection can thus be designed to be comparatively compact.

[0028] Furthermore, the features, effects, and advantages mentioned in connection with the connector according to the invention also apply to the component connection according to the invention, and vice versa. The aforementioned examples and variants can therefore be combined, regardless of whether they are mentioned in connection with the connector according to the invention or the component connection according to the invention.

[0029] The invention is explained below using various embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a connector according to the invention according to a first embodiment in a perspective view,

[0031] Figure 2 shows a component connection according to the invention according to a first embodiment, which comprises the connector according to Figure 1, in a perspective exploded view, wherein an actuating tool for actuating the connector is additionally shown,

[0032] Figure 3 shows a connector according to the invention according to a second embodiment in a perspective view,

[0033] Figure 4 shows a component connection according to the invention according to a second embodiment, which comprises the connector according to Figure 3, in a plan view along the direction IV of Figure 5,

[0034] Figure 5 shows the component connection from Figure 4 in a sectional view along the plane VV in Figure 4, with an operating tool for operating the connector also being shown,

[0035] Figure 6 shows a connector according to the invention according to a third embodiment in a perspective view, Figure 7 shows a component connection according to the invention according to a third embodiment, which comprises the connector according to Figure 6, in a plan view along the direction VII from Figure 8,

[0036] Figure 8 shows the component connection from Figure 7 in a sectional view along the plane VIII-VIII in Figure 7,

[0037] Figure 9 shows a connector according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment in a perspective view, wherein an actuating tool for actuating the connector is additionally shown,

[0038] Figure 10 shows a component connection according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment, which comprises the connector according to Figure 9, in a plan view along the direction X from Figure 11,

[0039] Figure 11 shows the component connection from Figure 10 in a sectional view along the plane XI-XI in Figure 10,

[0040] Figure 12 shows a connector according to the invention according to a fifth embodiment in a perspective view,

[0041] Figure 13 shows a component connection according to the invention according to a fifth embodiment, which comprises the connector according to Figure 12, in a plan view along the direction XIII from Figure 14, and

[0042] Figure 14 shows the component connection from Figure 13 in a sectional view along the plane XIV-XIV in Figure 13.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a connector 10 according to a first embodiment. The connector 10 serves to mechanically fasten a first component to a second component, as will be explained below.

[0044] The connector 10 comprises a plate-shaped base body 12, which in the first embodiment is in the shape of a circular disk section.

[0045] A total of four engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are arranged on the base body 12, each of which is designed to anchor the connector 10 in a recess of the first component 28 or in a recess of the second component 30. As will be explained further below, the engagement elements 14a and 14b are designed to be anchored in a recess of the first component. Therefore, the engagement elements 14a and 14b can also be referred to as first engagement elements. The engagement elements 14c and 14d are designed to be anchored in a recess of the second component. Therefore, the engagement elements 14c and 14d can also be referred to as second engagement elements.

[0046] The engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and the base body 12 are integrally formed. Thus, the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are firmly connected to the base body 12. The engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and the base body 12 therefore always form a coherent unit.

[0047] Since the base body 12 carries the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, it can also be referred to as a carrier element 16.

[0048] In addition to the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, an orientation projection 18 is arranged on a flat side of the carrier element 16 and thus overall on a flat side of the connector 10. Like the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, the orientation projection 18 is formed integrally with the carrier element 16.

[0049] The orientation projection 18 is formed as a circular cylindrical extension on the support element 16.

[0050] The orientation projection 18 protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the support element 16. In the present embodiment, this means that a central axis of the orientation projection 18 is substantially perpendicular to the support element 16.

[0051] Furthermore, the orientation projection 18 is arranged centrally on the plate-shaped base body 12 if the plate-shaped base body 12 is conceptually expanded to form a complete circular disk and / or the center is defined as the midpoint between the first engagement elements 14a, 14b and the second engagement elements 14c, 14d. The orientation projection 18 is separate from the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d.

[0052] In order to bring the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d into engagement with the corresponding recesses for connecting the first component and the second component, the connector 10 must be rotated or, more generally, actuated.

[0053] For this purpose, an actuating element 20 with an actuating interface 22 is provided. In this case, the actuating interface 22 is designed as a one-sided opening 24 with a hexagonal cross-section. Simply put, the actuating interface 22 is designed as a hexagon socket.

[0054] The one-sided open opening 24 and thus the actuation interface 22 are arranged centrally in the orientation projection 18.

[0055] The actuation interface 22 is thus firmly connected to the support element 16. Thus, an actuation tool W in the form of a hexagon wrench can be inserted into the opening 24, which is open on one side, to rotate the connector 10.

[0056] The actuating element 20 and the orientation projection 18 are thus formed by a single element. In other words, the orientation projection 18 forms the actuating element 20, and the actuating element 20 forms the orientation projection 18.

[0057] The orientation projection 18 serves for the correct orientation of the connector 10 in a recess of the first component and / or in a recess of the second component.

[0058] This is explained in connection with Figure 2, which shows a component connection 26 according to a first embodiment.

[0059] The component connection 26 according to the first embodiment comprises a first component 28, a second component 30, and the connector 10 according to the first embodiment. The first component 28 has a first recess 32, which is defined by a first opening 34 in a first contact surface 36 of the first component 28.

[0060] The first recess 32 is designed as a groove, the groove opening of which is formed by the first opening 34 and the groove base of which is designed as a cylinder jacket section.

[0061] An orientation recess 38 extends from the first recess 32.

[0062] The orientation recess 38 is channel-shaped and extends to an outer surface 40 of the first component 28. Furthermore, the orientation recess 38 is open in the direction of the first contact surface 36.

[0063] It is understood that the component outer surface 40 is separate from the first contact surface 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the component outer surface 40 and the first contact surface 36 are perpendicular to one another.

[0064] The orientation recess 38 can thus also be regarded as a groove that runs from the first recess 32 to the component outer surface 40 of the first component 28. A direction of extension of the groove thus also extends from the first recess 32 to the component outer surface 40. An opening of the orientation recess 38, regarded as a groove, lies in the first contact surface 36.

[0065] In addition, the second component 30 comprises a second recess 42, which is delimited by a second opening 44 in a second contact surface 46 of the second component 30.

[0066] The second recess 42 is also designed as a groove. The groove opening is formed by the second opening 44, and the groove base is designed as a cylindrical section.

[0067] When the first component 28 and the second component 30 are assembled or connected, the first contact surface 36 and the second contact surface 46 contact each other. Furthermore, the connector 10 is arranged partially within the first recess 32 and partially within the second recess 42. More specifically, one portion of the connector 10 is anchored in the first recess 32 by means of the engagement elements 14a, 14b, and another portion of the connector 10 is anchored in the second recess 42 by means of the engagement elements 14c, 14d.

[0068] The orientation projection 18 is arranged in the orientation recess 38.

[0069] From Figure 2, it is immediately apparent that there is only one relative orientation of the connector 10 relative to the first component 28 in which the orientation projection 18 can be arranged in the orientation recess 38. Thus, the connector 10 can only be inserted into the first recess 32, i.e., into the first component 28, in this single relative orientation relative to the first component 28.

[0070] In simple terms, the orientation projection 18 forces a user to orient the connector 10 correctly.

[0071] As already explained, the connector 10 comprises an actuation interface 22 which can interact with the actuation tool W and which is provided on the orientation projection 18.

[0072] In a case where the connector 10 is correctly inserted into the first recess 32 on the first component 28, the actuation interface 22 is thus positioned in the orientation recess 38.

[0073] This allows the actuation interface 22 to be conveniently reached using the actuation tool W, so that the connector 10 can be rotated within the first recess 32 and the second recess 42 to firmly connect the first component 28 and the second component 30. Figure 3 shows a connector 10 according to a second embodiment. Only the differences compared to the first embodiment will be discussed below. Otherwise, the above explanations apply.

[0074] The connector 10 according to the second embodiment is flat bar-shaped, i.e., it has an outer contour that essentially corresponds to a flat, elongated cuboid.

[0075] As before, the connector 10 according to the second embodiment also comprises four engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. However, in the connector 10 according to the second embodiment, the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are movably coupled to the support element 16.

[0076] For this purpose, the connector 10 comprises a cam gear 48 which is coupled to a first expansion element 50 and a second expansion element 52.

[0077] Likewise, the cam mechanism 48 is coupled to the actuating element 20, which in the connector 10 according to the second embodiment essentially has the shape of a screw head. The actuating interface 22 corresponds to the actuating interface 22 explained in connection with the first embodiment of the connector 10.

[0078] The actuating element 20 is rotatably mounted on the support element 16.

[0079] For this purpose, a bearing element 54, which has the shape of a hollow circular cylinder, is provided on a flat side of the support element 16. An inner diameter of the bearing element 54 essentially corresponds to an outer diameter of the actuating element 20, so that the actuating element 20 can be rotatably mounted inside the bearing element 54.

[0080] The bearing element 54 thus represents a rotary bearing element 56. Furthermore, in the connector 10 according to the second embodiment, the bearing element 54 forms the orientation projection 18. Thus, the orientation projection 18 also has the shape of a hollow circular cylinder.

[0081] In the connector 10 according to the second embodiment, the orientation projection 18 also protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the flat side of the connector 10. A central axis of the hollow circular cylinder is thus substantially perpendicular to the flat side.

[0082] Furthermore, the orientation projection 18 is arranged centrally with respect to an insertion direction E of the connector 10 and with respect to an insertion transverse direction Q of the connector 10.

[0083] Figures 4 and 5 show a component connection 26 according to a second embodiment. This comprises the first component 28, the second component 30, and a connector 10 according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 shows the connector in a highly simplified form.

[0084] In order to make the first contact surface 36 and the second contact surface 46 more visible, the state of the component connection 26 shown in Figures 4 and 5 corresponds to an intermediate state during assembly in which a small gap still exists between the first component and the second component 30.

[0085] As already explained in connection with the first embodiment of the component connection 26, in the assembled or connected state of the component connection 26, the orientation projection 18 is arranged in the orientation recess 38.

[0086] Due to the fact that the orientation projection 18 is arranged centrally with respect to the insertion direction E and with respect to the transverse insertion direction Q of the connector 10, the connector 10 according to the second embodiment can be used in two different, correct relative orientations in the component connection 26. The connector 10 can therefore be inserted into the first component 28 and / or the second component 30 in these two relative orientations.

[0087] According to a first alternative, the engagement elements 14a and 14b can be arranged in the first recess 32, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. According to a second alternative, the engagement elements 14a and 14b can be arranged in the second recess 42.

[0088] The orientation projection 18 forces a user to correctly orient the connector 10 according to one of these two alternatives.

[0089] As already explained, the connector comprises an actuation interface 22, which can also interact with the actuation tool W in the connector 10 according to the second embodiment. In the component connection 26 according to the second embodiment, the actuation interface 22 is arranged in the orientation recess 38 as before.

[0090] For the rest, reference can be made to the above statements.

[0091] Figure 6 shows a connector 10 according to a third embodiment. This connector 10 is similar to the connector 10 according to the second embodiment, so only the differences between the connector 10 according to the third embodiment and the connector 10 according to the second embodiment will be explained below.

[0092] In the connector 10 according to the third embodiment, the actuating element 20 is arranged inside the support element 16. This means that the actuating element 20 does not protrude from the support element 16.

[0093] Thus, in the connector 10 according to the third embodiment, the orientation projection 18 is separate from the actuating element 20. The orientation projection 18 has the shape of a solid circular cylinder that protrudes substantially perpendicularly from a flat side of the support element 16. A central axis of the solid circular cylinder is thus perpendicular to the flat side of the support element 16.

[0094] The orientation projection 18 is arranged on the same side of the connector 10 from which the actuation interface 22 of the actuation element is accessible.

[0095] A further difference is that the orientation projection 18 is now arranged off-center with respect to the insertion direction E of the connector 10.

[0096] In the example according to Figure 6, the orientation projection 18 is arranged closer to the engagement elements 14a, 14b than to the engagement elements 14c, 14d.

[0097] Figures 7 and 8 show a component connection 26 according to a third embodiment. This comprises the first component 28, the second component 30, and a connector 10 according to the third embodiment.

[0098] In order to make the first contact surface 36 and the second contact surface 46 more visible, the state of the component connection 26 shown in Figures 7 and 8 corresponds to an intermediate state during assembly in which a small gap still exists between the first component and the second component 30.

[0099] Furthermore, in Figures 7 and 8 the connector 10 is shown only in a highly simplified manner.

[0100] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the first component 28 now has an access recess 58 which starts from the first recess 32 and extends to the outer surface 40 of the first component 28.

[0101] The access recess 58 is channel-shaped and open toward the first contact surface 36. The access recess 58 serves to enable the actuating element 20, more precisely the actuating interface 22 of the connector 10, to be reached with the actuating tool W.

[0102] The orientation recess 38 is now designed as an extension of the access recess 58.

[0103] There is only one relative orientation of the connector 10 relative to the first component 28 in which the orientation projection 18 can be arranged in the orientation recess 38. The connector 10 can therefore only be inserted into the first component 28 in this relative orientation.

[0104] Furthermore, the above explanations regarding the orientation recess 38 also apply in this embodiment.

[0105] Figure 9 shows a connector 10 according to a fourth embodiment. This connector 10 has the shape of a rectangular plate. An outer contour of the connector 10 according to the fourth embodiment thus essentially corresponds to the shape of a flat cuboid.

[0106] Again, only the differences compared to the aforementioned embodiments are explained.

[0107] As in the embodiments according to Figures 3 and 6, in the connector according to Figure 9 the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are movably mounted on the carrier element 16 and can be moved by means of an actuating element 20 rotatably mounted on the carrier element 16.

[0108] The actuating element 20 again has the shape of a screw head on which an actuating interface 22 designed as a hexagon socket is formed.

[0109] The actuating element 20 is coupled to the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d via a cam mechanism 48. In the connector 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the actuating element 20 protrudes from a flat side of the support element 16 and thus forms the orientation projection 18.

[0110] Furthermore, the orientation projection 18 is arranged centrally with respect to an insertion direction E of the connector 10 and with respect to a transverse insertion direction Q of the connector 10. In this aspect, the connector 10 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the connector 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0111] Figures 10 and 11 show a component connection 26 according to a fourth embodiment. This comprises the first component 28, the second component 30, and the connector 10 according to the fourth embodiment. In Figure 10, the connector is shown only in a highly simplified form.

[0112] In order to make the first contact surface 36 and the second contact surface 46 more visible, the state of the component connection 26 shown in Figures 10 and 11 corresponds to an intermediate state during assembly in which a small gap still exists between the first component 28 and the second component 30.

[0113] Furthermore, reference can be made to the explanations on component connection according to Figures 4 and 5.

[0114] Figure 12 shows a connector 10 according to a fifth embodiment. This connector 10 is again flat bar-shaped and represents a variant of the connector 10 according to the second embodiment. Accordingly, only the differences compared to the second embodiment will be discussed below.

[0115] The orientation projection 18 is thus again formed by the bearing element 54, which is again a pivot bearing element 56. However, an outer contour of the pivot bearing element 56 is no longer circular-cylindrical, but has a polygonal cross-section with eight corners.

[0116] Furthermore, in the connector according to the fifth embodiment, the actuating element 20 and the engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are connected via a gear transmission 60, not shown in detail. In this case, a first gear of the gear transmission 60, which is

[0117] A first gear, which can be referred to as a drive gear, is coupled to the actuating element 20 in a torque-conducting manner. This first gear is mounted on the orientation projection 18, which is designed as a pivot bearing element 56. The actuating element 20 and the first gear can be designed as a single piece. Figures 13 and 14 show a component connection 26 according to a fifth embodiment. This comprises the first component 28, the second component 30, and the connector 10 according to the fifth embodiment. The connector is shown only in a highly simplified manner.

[0118] In order to make the first contact surface 36 and the second contact surface 46 more visible, the state of the component connection 26 shown in Figures 13 and 14 corresponds to a

[0119] Intermediate state during assembly in which there is still a small gap between the first component 28 and the second component 30.

[0120] Furthermore, reference can be made to the explanations regarding the component connection 26 according to the second embodiment.

[0121] List of reference symbols

[0122] 10 connectors

[0123] 12 basic bodies

[0124] 14a engagement element

[0125] 14b engagement element

[0126] 14c engagement element

[0127] 14d engagement element

[0128] 16 support element

[0129] 18 Orientation advantage

[0130] 20 Actuating element

[0131] 22 Actuation interface

[0132] 24 one-sided opening

[0133] 26 Component connection

[0134] 28 first component

[0135] 30 second component

[0136] 32 first recess

[0137] 34 first opening

[0138] 36 first investment area

[0139] 38 Orientation recess

[0140] 40 Component outer surface

[0141] 42 second recess

[0142] 44 second opening

[0143] 46 second contact surface 48 cam gear

[0144] 50 first expansion element

[0145] 52 second expansion element

[0146] 54 Bearing element 56 Pivot bearing element

[0147] 58 Access recess

[0148] 60 gear transmissions

[0149] E Insertion direction Q Insertion transverse direction

[0150] W tool

Claims

Patent claims 1. Connector (10) for mechanically fastening a first component (28) to a second component (30), wherein the connector (10) is plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped and comprises a first engagement element (14a, 14b) for anchoring in a recess (32) of the first component (28) and a second engagement element (14c, 14d) for anchoring in a recess (42) of the second component (30), wherein the first engagement element (14a, 14b) and the second engagement element (14c, 14d) are fixedly connected to a carrier element (16) of the connector (10) or movably coupled to the carrier element (16) of the connector (10), and wherein the connector (10) has an orientation projection (18) for correctly orienting the connector (10) in the recess (32) of the first component (28) and / or in the recess (42) of the second component (30).

2. Connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the orientation projection (18) is arranged on a flat side of the connector (10).

3. Connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an actuating element (20) with an actuating interface (22), wherein the actuating element (20) is fixedly connected to the carrier element (16) or is movably mounted on the carrier element (16).

4. Connector (10) according to claim 3, wherein the actuating element (20) forms the orientation projection (18).

5. Connector (10) according to claim 3, wherein a bearing element (54) for movably supporting the actuating element (20) is arranged on the carrier element (16) and wherein the bearing element (54) forms the orientation projection (18).

6. Connector (10) according to claim 5, wherein the bearing element (54) is a rotary bearing element (56).

7. The connector (10) of claim 3, wherein the orientation projection (18) is separate from the actuating element (20).

8. Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation projection (18) is cylindrical.

9. Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a central axis of the orientation projection (18) is perpendicular to the carrier element (16).

10. Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation projection (18) is spaced from all edges of the plate-shaped or flat bar-shaped connector (10).

11. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation projection (18) is provided on a single side of the connector (10).

12. Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation projection (18) is arranged centrally or off-center with respect to an insertion direction (E) of the connector (10), wherein the insertion direction (E) is the direction along which the connector (10) is inserted into the recess (32) on the first component (28) and / or into the recess (42) on the second component (30) in order to connect the first component (28) and the second component (30).

13. Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation projection (18) is arranged centrally or off-center with respect to a transverse insertion direction (Q) of the connector (10), wherein the transverse insertion direction (Q) is a direction that runs transversely to a plug-in direction (E) of the connector (10), wherein the plug-in direction (10) is the direction along which the connector (10) is plugged into the recess (32) on the first component (28) and / or into the recess (42) on the second component (30) in order to connect the first component (28) and the second component (30).

14. A connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation projection (18) is separate from the first engagement element (14a, 14b) and the second engagement element (14c, 14d).

15. Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement element (14a, 14b), the second engagement element (14c, 14d) and the carrier element (16) form a coherent unit.

16. A component connection (26), comprising a first component (28) with at least one first recess (32) delimited by a first opening (34) in a first contact surface (36) of the first component (28), a second component (30) with at least one second recess (42) delimited by a second opening (44) in a second contact surface (46) of the second component (30), wherein the first contact surface (36) of the first component (28) and the second contact surface (46) of the second component (30) contact each other, wherein an orientation recess (38) extends from the first recess (32) and / or from the second recess (42), and a connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (10) is arranged in sections within the first recess (32) and in sections within the second recess (42), and wherein the orientation projection (18) is arranged in the orientation recess (38).

17. Component connection (26) according to claim 16, wherein the orientation recess (38) is channel-shaped and extends to a component outer surface (40) of the first component (28) and / or to a component outer surface of the second component (30).

18. Component connection (26) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the orientation recess (38) is open in the direction of the associated first contact surface (36) or second contact surface (46).

19. The component connection (26) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the connector (10) comprises an actuation interface (22) and the actuation interface (22) is positioned in the orientation recess (38) or adjacent to the orientation recess (38).

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