Fastening element for fastening a mounting rail to a surface

Abstract

A fastening element (1A-1C) for fastening a mounting rail (2) to a surface (50) comprises a main body (10) which has a fastening region (100) for fastening the fastening element (1A-1C) to the surface (50) and a mounting rail support region (101) for supporting the mounting rail (2), and at least one holding portion (11) which is configured to be guided through an opening (20) in the mounting rail (2) and to engage around a region (21), adjoining the opening (20), of the mounting rail (2). It is provided here that the at least one holding portion (11) is connected to the main body (10) via an elastically flexible spring portion (12A-12C).

Description

[0001] Fastening element for attaching a support rail to a surface

[0002] The invention relates to a fastening element for fastening a support rail to a surface, an arrangement comprising such a fastening element, a control cabinet comprising such an arrangement, a method for fastening a support rail to a surface and a method for producing such a fastening element.

[0003] Support rails can be designed as an elongated U- or C-profile and are typically used to accommodate a large number of components, e.g. connection terminals, in particular modular terminal blocks. The connection terminals can be mounted in a control cabinet using the support rails. The support rails usually have a large number of openings through which the support rails can be fastened to a surface, in particular a wall of the control cabinet, usually using screws. Since the screws are generally no longer accessible once the support rails are equipped with components, the support rails often have to be fastened in the control cabinet using screws first, and only after the support rails have been fastened to the wall of the control cabinet can the support rails be equipped with the components.With a pre-assembled mounting rail system, some components often have to be removed from the mounting rail first in order to secure the rail to the wall, for example, with screws. A mounting rail pre-assembled with components can therefore only be installed in the control cabinet with considerable effort. This also complicates automated assembly of the mounting rails. The assembly effort required to equip a control cabinet with mounting rails and components is therefore very high.

[0004] DE 10 2020 120766 A1 describes a fastening device for fastening a support rail to a wall, comprising at least one fastening element, which has a wall fastening section for fastening the fastening element to the wall, and a support rail fastening section for fastening the fastening element to the support rail. In a fastened state, the support rail fastening section is guided at least partially through an opening formed in the support rail, and the support rail fastening section has a rear grip into which a section of the support rail is inserted in the fastened state. The fastening device further comprises a securing element arranged separately from the fastening element.The securing element secures the mounting rail to the fastening element and can be mounted at one end of the mounting rail, so that no components of a pre-assembled mounting rail have to be removed.

[0005] EP 4 009 457 A1 describes a fastening device, wherein a securing element is provided and designed such that a rotary movement of the securing element causes a linear movement between a fastening element and a support rail such that the support rail is inserted into a rear grip of a support rail fastening section and clamped.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to further improve the fastening of a support rail to a surface.

[0007] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, a fastening element for fastening a support rail to a surface comprises a base body having a fastening region for fastening the fastening element to the surface and a support rail support region for supporting the support rail, and at least one holding section designed to be passed through an opening in the support rail and to encompass a region of the support rail adjacent to the opening. It is provided that the at least one holding section is connected to the base body via an elastically bendable spring section.

[0009] This is based on the realization that support rails can be subject to large manufacturing tolerances, which can compromise a satisfactory tight fit to the surface. The elastically flexible connection of the holding section enables a secure tight fit by means of frictional locking, even with relatively large tolerances. Furthermore, the secure, spring-elastic tight fit of the support rail eliminates the need for a separate, additional locking element for each individual fastening element, further simplifying the fastening process.

[0010] The spring section can be connected to the base body at opposite outer edges, particularly only at the opposite outer edges of the base body. This allows the holding section to develop a high spring-elastic tensile stress and hold the support rail particularly securely. Furthermore, this design allows for simple die-casting production without a slide. For example, the spring section is separated from the base body by one or two slots.

[0011] Optionally, the spring section is U-shaped. This allows for particularly large deflection even with relatively inflexible materials. This allows, for example, particularly large differences in the thickness of support rails to be compensated.

[0012] The spring section can have two wings, each tapered toward at least one holding section. This enables particularly precise bending, which can also develop high clamping forces.

[0013] The fastening element can have a further holding section, particularly one rigidly connected to the base body. This can serve as a stop, preventing excessive deflection of the spring-mounted holding section. This can prevent plastic deformation of the spring section.

[0014] Optionally, the fastening element includes a stop that limits the spring travel of at least one holding section. The stop can be formed, for example, on the holding section. This can also prevent plastic deformation of the spring section.

[0015] The at least one retaining section can have a centering pin, which is designed, for example, to engage an opening in the surface. Such a centering pin serves, for example, to align several individual fastening elements in a straight line with one another. In particular, when tightening a screw, for example, the centering pin prevents the respective fastening element from twisting. Furthermore, such a centering pin can absorb torsional forces during assembly and thus prevent plastic deformation of the retaining section and / or the spring section.

[0016] The fastening element can comprise zinc. For example, the fastening element comprises or consists of a zinc alloy. The fastening element can be manufactured in the form of a zinc die-cast part. This allows for secure, robust, and durable fastening of the support rail, even when components with a considerable weight are mounted to it. In addition, a zinc alloy allows for an electrically conductive connection between the support rail and the surface, e.g., for grounding the support rail. Alternatively, a different material can be used. The fastening element can generally comprise or consist of one or more metals. For example, the fastening element comprises (or consists of) iron, aluminum, or brass.

[0017] The at least one holding section can have a rear grip. The area of ​​the support rail adjacent to the opening can be inserted into the rear grip. This enables secure mounting. For example, the holding section is hook-shaped.

[0018] The support rail support area can have a surface that is offset from adjacent areas of the support rail support area. This allows support rail material to yield, for example, in the event of unfavorable tolerance combinations between the support rail and the fastening element, thus ensuring a secure fit even with inaccuracies in manufacturing. The offset surface is, for example, flat. The offset surface forms, for example, a recess in the support rail support area. The offset surface can be formed on the holding section and / or on the additional holding section. For example, the offset surface surrounds the (additional) holding section.

[0019] According to one aspect, a fastening element for fastening a support rail to a surface is specified, which fastening element can optionally be designed according to any of the embodiments described above. The fastening element comprises a base body having a fastening region for fastening the fastening element to the surface and a support rail support region for supporting the support rail, and at least one holding section designed to be passed through an opening in the support rail and to encompass a region of the support rail adjacent to the opening. At least one tool engagement formed by the base body is provided, on which a bearing surface is formed, on which a tool, for example a slotted screwdriver, can be supported in order to urge, in particular to press, the support rail into a force-fitting engagement with the at least one holding section.This further improves the attachment of the support rail to the surface by enabling a force-locking fixture that can be held without additional securing elements for each individual fastener. For example, a single counterscrew or similar may be sufficient.

[0020] Optionally, the bearing surface features steps. This allows for a particularly effective tool lever angle to be selected over a wide tolerance range. Optionally, at least two tool engagements with oppositely oriented bearing surfaces are provided. This facilitates both assembly and disassembly.

[0021] According to one aspect, an assembly is provided comprising a fastening element according to any embodiment described herein and a support rail. Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the above information.

[0022] The at least one retaining section can hold the support rail in a fixed state in the area adjacent to the opening, frictionally locking it to the support rail support area. This ensures that the support rail is securely held after simple installation.

[0023] According to one aspect, an assembly is provided, which may optionally be configured according to any of the above-described embodiments, comprising a plurality of fastening elements, each according to any of the embodiments described herein. Regarding the advantages, reference is again made to the above statements.

[0024] According to one aspect, a control cabinet is provided having a surface, wherein at least one assembly according to any embodiment described herein is mounted to the surface. Regarding the advantages, reference is again made to the above disclosures.

[0025] According to one aspect, a method for attaching a support rail to a surface is provided.The method comprises the following steps: providing at least one fastening element with a base body which has a fastening region for fastening the fastening element to the surface and a support rail support region for supporting the support rail, and with at least one holding section which is connected to the base body via an elastically bendable spring section, fastening the at least one fastening element to the surface, placing the support rail on the support rail support region, wherein the at least one holding section of the at least one fastening element is passed through an opening in the support rail, and displacing the support rail relative to the at least one fastening element such that the at least one holding section of the at least one fastening element engages the support rail in a force-fitting manner at a region of the support rail adjacent to the opening.With regard to the advantages, reference is again made to the above information. The method can use the fastening element according to any embodiment described herein.

[0026] According to one aspect, a method for producing a fastening element for fastening a support rail to a surface is specified. The manufacturing method comprises the following step: forming a base body which has a fastening region for fastening the fastening element to the surface and a support rail support region for supporting the support rail, and at least one holding section which is designed to be passed through an opening in the support rail and to encompass a region of the support rail adjacent to the opening, such that the at least one holding section is connected to the base body via at least one elastically bendable spring section. With regard to the advantages, reference is again made to the above information. The method can be used to produce the fastening element according to any embodiment described herein.

[0027] Optionally, the fastener is manufactured using zinc die-casting. Alternatively, the fastener is made of a different material. For example, the fastener is made of iron, aluminum, or brass (or an alloy comprising zinc, iron, aluminum, and / or brass). Furthermore, the fastener can also be manufactured as a bent sheet metal part.

[0028] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a view of a fastening element for fastening a

[0030] Support rail on a surface;

[0031] Fig. 2 is a view of a support rail;

[0032] Fig. 3 is a view of a switch cabinet with a surface and several fastening elements attached to the surface according to Fig. 1;

[0033] Fig. 4 is an enlarged section of the view according to Fig. 3 with the support rail attached to the fastening elements according to Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is an enlarged section of the support rail on one of the

[0034] Fastening elements according to Fig. 4;

[0035] Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the by means of one of the

[0036] Fastening elements on the support rail attached to the surface according to Fig. 4;

[0037] Fig. 7 a further enlarged section of the view according to Fig. 6 without

[0038] mounting rail;

[0039] Fig. 8 shows a further enlarged section of the view according to Fig. 7, but with support rail;

[0040] Fig. 9 is the view according to Fig. 8, showing a displacement region between a region of the support plates and a holding section of the fastening element;

[0041] Fig. 10 the fastening element according to Fig. 1 in a plan view;

[0042] Fig. 11 and 12 further fastening elements;

[0043] Fig. 13 Stops on the holding section of the fastening element;

[0044] Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the fastening element according to Fig. 12 in an assembled state;

[0045] Fig. 15 is a cutaway perspective view of the

[0046] Fastening element according to Fig. 12 in the area of ​​a holding section without a support rail;

[0047] Fig. 16 is a cutaway perspective view of the

[0048] Fastening element according to Fig. 12 in the area of ​​a holding section with mounted support rail;

[0049] Fig. 17 the fastening element according to Fig. 12 with the mounted

[0050] Support rail and tools for assembling and disassembling the support rail from the fastening element; Figs. 18 and 19 show sectional views of the fastening element attached to the surface according to Fig. 12 with the support rail mounted thereon and a tool for assembling and disassembling the support rail from the fastening element;

[0051] Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the surface-mounted

[0052] Fastening element according to Fig. 12 with the mounted

[0053] mounting rail; and

[0054] Fig. 21-24 a fastener with a lowered surface.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a fastening element 1A for fastening a shown in Fig. 2

[0056] Support rail 2 on a surface 50, such as the wall shown in Fig. 3.

[0057] The fastening element 1A comprises a base body 10 having a fastening region 100 for fastening the fastening element 1A to the surface 50. In general, the fastening region 100 can be designed to be screwed, riveted, welded, or otherwise fastened to the surface 50. In the example shown, the fastening region 100 comprises a recess 103 with an opening 104 formed at a bottom of the recess. In this case, a screw or rivet can be passed through the opening 104 to fasten the fastening element 1A to the surface 50. For example, a screw is passed through the opening 104 and screwed into a screw hole in the surface 50.

[0058] The base body 10 further comprises a support rail support area 101 for supporting the support rail 2. In the example shown, the support rail support area 101 is flat and allows a flat base 22 of the support rail 2 to rest flatly against it (see, for example, Fig. 3), although other shapes are also conceivable. The support rail support area 101 is delimited by several, here four, positioning sections 108. Each of the positioning sections 108 protrudes from the base body 10 at the support rail support area 101. The positioning sections 108 are designed to guide the support rail 2 on the fastening element 1A.

[0059] The fastening element 1A further comprises a (generally at least one, here exactly one) holding section 11, which is designed to be guided through an opening 20 in the support rail 2 (see, for example, Figs. 2, 4 and 5) and, after a displacement of the support rail 2 relative to the fastening element 1A, to engage around a region 21 of the support rail 2 adjacent to the opening 20 (see, for example, Figs. 5, 6 and 8). For this purpose, the holding section 11 has a rear grip 113, into which the region 21 of the support rail 2 adjacent to the opening 20 can be inserted.

[0060] It is provided that the holding section 11 is connected to the base body 10 via a spring-elastic, bendable spring section 12A.

[0061] The spring section 12A is connected (in this case only) to the base body 10 at two opposing regions. Specifically, the spring section 12A is connected to the base body 10, for example, at opposing outer edges 102 of the base body 10. The spring section 12A is separated from the base body 10 via slots S, in this case, exactly two slots S.

[0062] The spring section 12A has two wings 120A. The holding section 11 is arranged between the two wings 120A. In the example shown, the wings 120A are each tapered towards the holding section 11. This configuration allows flexibility of the spring section 12A, through which the holding section 11 is movable relative to the base body 10. The flat design of the wings 120A shown and their connection to the base body along lines running parallel to the support rail support area 101 also enables mobility of the holding section 11 in a direction perpendicular to the support rail support area 101, while simultaneously counteracting rotation of the holding section 11.

[0063] The fastening element 1A further comprises one or more, here several, tool engagements 105 formed by the base body 10, on each of which a bearing surface 106 is provided, on which a tool 6 can be supported, as will be explained in more detail below in connection with Figs. 17-19, in order to urge the support rail 2 into a force-locking engagement with the at least one holding section 11 (or to release it therefrom). In the example shown, four tool engagements 105 are each formed in the region of a corner of the base body 10. Two exemplary further tool engagements are each arranged between a pair of tool engagements 105. To facilitate both locking and unlocking, two or more, here three each, tool engagements 105 with oppositely oriented bearing surfaces 106 are provided. In the present case, it is provided that the tool engagements 105 each have steps 107.This allows a tool 6 to be positioned at an advantageous angle. The steps 107 of the tool engagements 105 located opposite one another in the longitudinal direction of the base body 10 (corresponding to a sliding movement of the support rail 2 on the base body 10) are oriented opposite to one another.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows the aforementioned support rail. 2. The support rail 2 has several openings 20. The openings 20 each have the same shape. Each of the openings 20 is in the form of an elongated hole. The openings 20 are arranged in a row, more precisely: along a straight line. The openings are arranged equidistant from one another. In the present case, the support rail 2 is elongated and has a longitudinal extension, and the openings 20 are arranged along the longitudinal extension of the support rail 2.

[0065] The support rail 2 has a base 22 and two legs 23, which are adjacent to the opposite long sides of the base 22 and protrude at an angle from the base 22. The legs 23 have outwardly bent ends. This allows a component, e.g., a terminal block, a fuse, or the like, to be easily snapped onto the support rail 2. To simplify the illustration, components snapped onto the support rail 2 are not shown here.

[0066] The support rail 2 can be fastened to the fastening element 1A in a particularly simple manner, namely by placing the support rail 2 on the support rail support area 101 in a support direction (e.g. perpendicular to the support rail support area 101), wherein the holding section 11 of the fastening element 1A is guided through one of the openings 20 of the support rail 2. The support rail 2 is then displaced relative to the fastening element 1A in such a way (in a locking direction parallel to the support rail support area 101) that the holding section 11 of the fastening element 1A non-positively engages around the support rail 2 at an area 21 of the support rail 2 adjacent to the opening 20. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the area 21 of the support rail 2 adjacent to the opening 20 is arranged between two adjacent openings 20 of the support rail.The region 21 of the support rail 2 adjacent to the opening 20 comprises, in the present case, part of an edge of the corresponding opening 20. Fig. 3 shows an arrangement 4 with several fastening elements 1A designed according to Fig. 1. The fastening elements 1A are arranged in a row, specifically along a straight line.

[0067] In this case, the fastening elements 1A are each firmly attached to the surface 50. For this purpose, the surface 50 has a plurality of openings 500, 501. As already mentioned, the surface 50 is formed by a wall. The wall is part of a control cabinet 5, which is only schematically illustrated here with dashed lines. The wall is also designed merely as an example. For example, the wall has a greater height than shown in Fig. 3 and supports several rows of fastening elements 1A arranged parallel to one another.

[0068] The control cabinet 5 comprises the arrangement 4 (or several such arrangements 4).

[0069] Fig. 4 shows the arrangement 4 with the support rail 2 fastened to the fastening elements 1A. The holding section 11 of each of the fastening elements 1A clamps the support rail 2 in a force-fitting manner against the respective support rail support area 101. The support rail 2 is thus securely held on the surface 50 and thus in the control cabinet 5. It is not necessary to attach a screw or the like after mounting the support rail 2. Rather, secure fastening of the support rail to the surface 50 is possible solely by shifting the support rail relative to the fastening elements 1A. Therefore, for example, a pre-assembled, e.g. seamlessly equipped, support rail 2 can be fastened to the surface 50 in a particularly simple manner.

[0070] In a method for attaching the support rail 2 to the surface 50, one or more fastening elements, e.g., according to Fig. 1 or according to another embodiment described herein, are first provided. This fastening element(s) 1A is / are attached to the surface 50. The support rail is then attached to the fastening element(s) 1A as described above.

[0071] Fig. 5 shows the support rail 2 in a state fastened to one of the fastening elements 1A. The support rail 1A is laterally enclosed by the positioning sections 108. Furthermore, it can be seen that the opening 20 of the support rail 2 has at least the same width, here the same width, as the holding section 11 and at least the same length, here a greater length, as the holding section 11.

[0072] One or more markings, here in the form of two arrows, show a user how far the support rail 2 has to be pushed into the rear grip 113 of the holding section 11 in order to ensure secure locking.

[0073] Fig. 6 and 8 illustrate the locked position of the support rail 2 on the fastening element 1A, Fig. 7, for comparison, shows the fastening element 1A in the area of ​​the holding section 11 without the support rail 2. In the locked position, a protruding part 115 of the holding section 11 engages over the area 21 of the support rail 2. The sectional views show that the holding section 11 has an insertion bevel 114 on the protruding part 115 facing the support rail support area 101. If the support rail 2 is pushed with the area 21 into the rear grip 113, the edge of the opening 20 slides along the insertion bevel 114 and lifts the holding section 11. The spring section 12A is thereby elastically tensioned, whereby the holding section 11 exerts a force on the support rail 2 and thus holds it in place with a force fit.

[0074] Fig. 9 illustrates a displacement region V, in which the support rail 2 occupies a space that, in the relaxed state without the support rail 2, is occupied by a protruding part 115 of the holding section 11. As the region 21 of the support rail 2 is pushed in, the part 115 of the holding section 11, which then protrudes beyond the region 21 of the support rail 2, is displaced perpendicular to the displacement direction. The protruding part 115 is hook-shaped here, although other shapes are also conceivable.

[0075] To prevent plastic deformation of the holding section 11, the maximum deflection of the holding element 11 is limited by stops. In this case, the spring travel of the holding element 11 is limited by a stop 110 rigidly connected to the protruding part 115, which strikes against a counter-stop 114 upon displacement away from the surface 50. In the example shown, the counter-stop 140 is formed by a screw 14, which screws the fastening element 1A to the surface 50, specifically here by the underside of the screw head of the screw 14.

[0076] To limit displacement in the opposite direction (toward surface 50), a further stop 111 is provided, which is also rigidly connected to the protruding part 115. This further stop 111 is designed to strike against surface 50.

[0077] Fig. 6 further shows a centering pin 112 of the holding section 11. The centering pin 112 is designed to engage an opening 501 in the surface 50. This prevents torsion of the holding section 11, which could release the support rail 2. The centering pin 112 merges into the projecting section 115.

[0078] Fig. 10 shows the fastening element 1A according to Fig. 1 in a top view. Figs. 11 and 12 show two further embodiments of fastening elements 1B, 1C in comparison.

[0079] The fastening element 1B shown in Fig. 11 is designed similarly to the fastening element 1A according to Fig. 10. In contrast, the spring section 12B of the fastening element 1B is not connected to opposite outer edges of the base body 10, but rather to regions arranged along the same line. The wings 120B of the spring section 12B each have a bend. Starting from the base body 10, both wings 120B have mutually parallel sections that merge into facing sections that merge into one another at the holding section 11. The spring section 12B is therefore U-shaped.

[0080] This design allows for greater spring travel and thus the compensation of even larger tolerances.

[0081] The fastening element 1C shown in Fig. 12 is designed similarly to the fastening element 1A shown in Fig. 10. In contrast, the fastening element 1C has, in addition to the holding section 11, another holding section 13 rigidly connected to the base body 10. Furthermore, the wings 120C of the spring section 12C are tapered only on one side, not on both sides. On one side, the wings 120C converge toward each other in a V-shape. The other sides of the two wings 120C merge into one another in a straight line.

[0082] In the fastening element 1C shown in Fig. 12, the rigid additional holding section 13 performs both a holding function and the function of a stop which limits the spring travel of the spring element 12C. For comparison, the stops of the fastening element 1A are shown again in an enlarged scale in Fig. 13. As illustrated in Fig. 14, the additional holding section 13 is firmly fastened to the surface 50 by means of the screw 14 mounted on the fastening section 100 (or another fastening device). The additional holding section 13 is thus immovable relative to the surface 50. A protruding part of the additional holding section 13 (corresponding to the protruding part 115 of the holding section 11) is at a greater distance from the surface 50 than the protruding part 115 of the holding section 11. If the support rail 2 is therefore pushed in, the additional holding section 13 limits a maximum deflection of the holding section 11.

[0083] In the opposite direction, the spring travel of the holding section 11 of the fastening element 1C is limited, analogously to the fastening element 1A, by a stop 111 rigidly provided on the holding section 11, which faces the surface 50 and can strike thereon, see in particular Figs. 14, 15 and 16.

[0084] 17 to 19 it can be seen how the support rail 2 can be brought into a securely fastened position relative to the fastening element 1C (and correspondingly to the other fastening elements 1A, 1B, 1C). For this purpose, a tool 6, e.g. in the form of the slotted screwdriver used here as an example, is inserted into a tool recess 105. The respective bearing surface 106 serves as an abutment, while the tool 6 is used as a lever and pressed against an end edge of the support rail 2. The steps 107 always allow an effective lever angle. The tool 6 can be used on one side for fastening and on the opposite side of the same fastening element 1C or of a fastening element 1A-1C arranged at the other end of the support rail 2 for loosening. The support rail 2 can also be tightened step 107 by step 107.If the support rail 2 extends beyond the fastening element 1 C, one of the tool engagements arranged centrally on the base body 10 with respect to the width direction can be used, which are aligned with the openings 20 of the support rail 2, so that the tool can be guided through one of the free openings 20.

[0085] The fastening elements 1A-1C shown are each made of a zinc alloy and in the form of a zinc die-cast part.

[0086] Since zinc is a metal with a low melting point, zinc die-cast parts are typically susceptible to creep. This can lead to time-dependent expansion under the influence of a constant load. Since the resilient retaining section 11 is subjected to a constant load after installation of the support rail 2, creep could occur over time. This can be prevented by the stops 110, 111 and / or the rigidly connected additional retaining section 13.

[0087] In a method for producing a fastening element 1A-1C for fastening a support rail 2 to a surface 50, the following step is carried out:

[0088] Forming a base body 10 having a fastening region 100 for fastening the fastening element 1A-1C to the surface 50 and a support rail support region 101 for supporting the support rail 2, and at least one holding section 11 which is designed to be passed through an opening 20 in the support rail 2 and to encompass a region 21 of the support rail 2 adjacent to the opening 20, such that the at least one holding section 11 is connected to the base body 10 via at least one elastically bendable spring section 12A-12C. The fastening element 1A-1C is produced in the present case by means of zinc die-casting.

[0089] Optionally, prior to manufacturing the fastening element 1A-1C, a tolerance analysis is performed with respect to manufacturing tolerances of the support rail 2 and / or the arrangement of the openings 500, 501 on the surface 50. For example, the hole pattern of the openings 20 of the support rail can shift by up to + / - 2 mm along the length of the support rail 2. The length of the protruding section 115, excluding the insertion bevel 114, can then be dimensioned such that the support rail 2 is always located below the protruding section, which can also be referred to as the fastening arm, despite the significant fluctuations in the position of the elongated holes.

[0090] The tolerance of the material thickness of the support rail 2 can be compensated for by the spring suspension of the holding section 11. A force-locking connection is established between the support rail 2 and the fastening element 1A-1C. To optimize this, the minimum and maximum dimensions of several support rails 2 resulting from the two components (support rail 2 and fastening element 1A-1C) can be determined using a tolerance analysis. A distance of the protruding part 115 of the holding element 11 to the support rail support area 101 in the direction perpendicular to the surface 50 is designed, for example, such that it corresponds to the minimum dimension from the tolerance analysis. The spring section 12A-12C is designed, for example, such that it can deflect far enough to insert a support rail with the maximum dimension. The optional stops 110, 111 protect against overload. Fig. 21-24 show a fastening element 1 C, which corresponds to the fastening element according to Fig.12, wherein, in comparison, a stepped surface 109 is provided on the support rail support area 101. To form the stepped surface 109, the surface 109 was introduced after the manufacture of the fastening element 1C according to Fig. 12, for example by means of a stamp. Alternatively, the fastening element 1C can be preformed with this surface 109, which is lower than adjacent areas of the support rail support area 101.

[0091] In this case, surface 109 is flat. In the example shown, areas of the support rail support area 101 adjacent to surface 109 are also flat. Surface 109 runs parallel (and offset) to the adjacent areas of the support rail support area 101. Surface 109 forms a recess in the adjacent areas of the support rail support area 101. In this case, surface 109 is arranged on the further holding section 13. Specifically, surface 109 surrounds the further holding section on three sides. Surface 109 is offset from the adjacent areas of the support rail support area 101 by a step, as can be seen particularly in the detailed view of Fig. 22.

[0092] In Fig. 23 and in particular the detailed view according to Fig. 24 it can be seen that there is a distance A between the stepped surface 109 and the area 21 of the support rail 2 adjacent to the opening 20.

[0093] Surface 109 therefore allows material from the support rail 2 to escape into the recess formed by surface 109 in the event of unfavorable tolerance combinations between the support rail 2 and the fastening element. This allows a secure tight fit to be achieved even with larger manufacturing tolerances.

[0094] The concept underlying the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can in principle also be implemented in a completely different manner.

[0095] 1A-1 C Fastening element 10 Base body 100 Fastening area 101 Support rail support area 102 Outer edge 103 Recess 104 Opening 105 Tool engagement 106 Bearing surface 107 Step 108 Positioning section 109 Surface 11 Holding section

[0096] 110, 111 Stop 112 Centering pin 113 Rear grip 114 Lead-in bevel 115 Projecting part 12A-12C Spring section 120A-120C Wing 13 Further holding section 14 Screw 140 Counter stop 2 Support rail 20 Opening 21 Area 22 Base 23 Leg 4 Arrangement 5 Control cabinet 50 Surface 500, 501 Opening 6 Tool A Distance S Slot V Displacement area

Claims

Patent claims 1. Fastening element (1A-1C) for fastening a support rail (2) to a surface (50), comprising: a base body (10) which has a fastening region (100) for fastening the fastening element (1A-1C) to the surface (50) and a support rail support region (101) for supporting the support rail (2), and at least one holding section (11) which is designed to be passed through an opening (20) in the support rail (2) and to encompass a region (21) of the support rail (2) adjacent to the opening (20), characterized in that the at least one holding section (11) is connected to the base body (10) via an elastically bendable spring section (12A-12C).

2. Fastening element (1A) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring section (12A) is connected to the base body (10) at opposite outer edges (102) of the base body (10).

3. Fastening element (1B) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring portion (12B) is U-shaped.

4. Fastening element (1A; 1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring section (12A; 12C) has two wings (120A; 120C) each tapered towards the at least one holding section (11).

5. Fastening element (1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a further holding section (13) rigidly connected to the base body (10).

6. Fastening element (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a stop (110, 111) which limits a spring travel of the at least one holding section (12A-12C).

7. Fastening element (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one holding section (11) has a centering pin (112) which is designed to engage in an opening (501) in the surface (50).

8. Fastening element (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (1A-1C) comprises or consists of a metal, in particular a zinc alloy, and is produced in particular in the form of a zinc die-cast part.

9. Fastening element (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one holding section (11) has a rear grip (113) into which the area (21) of the support rail (2) adjacent to the opening (20) can be inserted.

10. Fastening element (1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a surface (109) offset from adjacent regions of the support rail support region (101) is formed on the support rail support region (101).

11. Fastening element (1A-1C) for fastening a support rail (2) to a surface (50), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a base body (10) which has a fastening region (100) for fastening the fastening element (1A-1C) to the surface (50) and a support rail support region (101) for supporting the support rail (2), and at least one holding section (11) which is designed to be passed through an opening (20) in the support rail (2) and to encompass a region (21) of the support rail (2) adjacent to the opening (20), characterized by at least one tool engagement (105) formed by the base body (10), on which tool engagement a bearing surface (106) is provided, on which tool (6) can be supported in order to urge the support rail (2) into a force-fitting engagement with the at least one holding section (11).

12. Fastening element (1A-1C) according to claim 11, characterized in that the bearing surface (106) has steps (107).

13. Fastening element (1A-1C) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at least two tool engagements (105) with oppositely oriented bearing surfaces (106) are provided.

14. Arrangement (4) comprising a fastening element (1A-1C) according to one of the preceding claims and a support rail (2).

15. Arrangement (4) according to claim 14, wherein the at least one holding section (11) holds the support rail (2) in a fastened state at the area (21) adjacent to the opening (20) in a force-fitting manner on the support rail support area (101).

16. Arrangement (4), in particular according to one of claims 14 or 15, comprising a plurality of fastening elements (1A-1C), each according to one of claims 1 to 13.

17. Switch cabinet (5) having a surface (50), wherein at least one arrangement (4) according to one of claims 14 to 16 is attached to the surface (50).

18. A method for attaching a support rail (2) to a surface (50), comprising the following steps: Providing at least one fastening element (1A-1C) with a base body (10) which has a fastening area (100) for fastening the fastening element (1A-1C) to the surface (50) and a support rail support area (101) for supporting the support rail (2), and at least one holding section (11) which is connected to the base body (10) via an elastically bendable spring section (12A-12C), Attaching the at least one fastening element (1A-1C) to the surface (50), Placing the support rail (2) on the support rail support area (101), wherein the at least one holding section (11) of the at least one fastening element (1A-1C) is guided through an opening (20) in the support rail (2), and Displacing the support rail (2) relative to the at least one fastening element (1A-1C) such that the at least one holding section (11) of the at least one fastening element (1A-1C) engages the support rail (2) in a force-fitting manner at a region (21) of the support rail (2) adjacent to the opening (20).

19. Method for producing a fastening element (1A-1C) for fastening a Support rail (2) on a surface (50), characterized by the following step: Forming a base body (10) which has a fastening region (100) for fastening the fastening element (1A-1C) to the surface (50) and a support rail support region (101) for supporting the support rail (2), and at least one holding section (11) which is designed to be guided through an opening (20) in the support rail (2) and to encompass a region (21) of the support rail (2) adjacent to the opening (20), such that the at least one holding section (11) is connected to the base body (10) via at least one elastically bendable spring section (12A-12C).

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