DEVICE FOR FASTENING A PANEL-SHAPED COMPONENT IN A RECEIVING GROOVE OF A CARRYING RAIL

Abstract

A device for fastening a panel-shaped component in a receiving groove of a carrying rail, comprises a holding element for holding the panel-shaped component in the receiving groove such that an end face of the panel-shaped component introduced into the receiving groove is supported on the bottom of the receiving groove via the holding element, two clamping elements for clamping the panel-shaped component between the flanks of the receiving groove, and at least one tension anchor for positioning the clamping elements. At least one of the tension anchors is flexible and reaches over from one side of the panel-shaped component around the end face of the panel-shaped component to the clamping element, which is to be positioned by the flexible tension anchor, on the other side of the panel-shaped component.

Claims

1. A device for fastening a panel-shaped component in a receiving groove of a carrying rail, comprising: a holding element for holding the panel-shaped component in the receiving groove such that an end face of the panel-shaped component inserted into the receiving groove is supported at the groove bottom of the receiving groove via the holding element; two clamping elements for clamping the panel-shaped component between the groove flanks of the receiving groove; and at least one tension anchor for positioning the clamping elements; wherein the tension anchor or at least one of the tension anchors is configured flexible and extends from the one side of the panel-shaped component around the end face of the panel-shaped component up to the clamping element to be positioned by this flexible tension anchor on the other side of the panel-shaped component opposite the one side.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the clamping elements have a wedge shape for wedging the panel-shaped component between the groove flanks of the receiving groove.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible tension anchor is deflected by means of the holding element from the one side of the panel-shaped component to the other side of the panel-shaped component.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the holding element is formed as a holding element which prevents a tilting of the panel-shaped component inserted in the receiving groove but not yet clamped.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible tension anchor is adapted to connect the clamping element on the one side of the panel-shaped component to the clamping element on the other side of the panel-shaped component tension-proof.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible tension anchor is a tension anchor for bringing the clamping element disposed on the other side of the panel-shaped component into the corresponding clamping position.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible tension anchor includes a ratchet mechanism comprising a pawl and/or a spindle drive.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible tension anchor is formed as a tension anchor according to the ratchet strap principle.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the holding element comprises at least two parts clampable at the groove bottom with each other and with the panel-shaped component.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein each or at least one of the clamping elements comprises at least two components clampable with each other between the panel-shaped component and the corresponding groove flank.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the components of the at least one clamping element have a latching structure for fixing their position relative to each other and that one of these components has a structure for a positive connection to a corresponding counter-structure at the groove flank.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible tension anchor comprises a predetermined breaking point configured such that the flexible tension anchor is separated at this point when a predetermined tensile load is exceeded.

13. (canceled)

14. A method for fastening a panel-shaped component in a receiving groove of a carrying rail comprising a device according to claim 1 and a tool for biasing the clamping elements of the device, wherein the tool is preferably configured lever-like, in particular in the form of a cap lifter.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0034] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] In the drawings:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a front view of an assembly of a carrying rail, a panel-shaped component and a fastening device for fastening the component in the carrying rail according to a preferred embodiment of the disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the assembly of FIG. 1 from a different viewing angle;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a front view of an assembly of a carrying rail, a panel-shaped component and a fastening device for fastening the component in the carrying rail according to a further embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the assembly of FIG. 3 from another viewing angle.

[0040] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an assembly of a carrying rail 10, a panel-shaped component 12 and a fastening device 14 for fastening the panel-shaped component 12 in a receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10. The panel-shaped component 12 is a panel or a panel composite. In the example shown, a glass panel or a glass panel composite. The carrying rail 10 in the example shown is substantially U-shaped, thus having a base and two legs. The base of the carrying rail 12 is shaped so that the receiving groove 16 has a rounded groove bottom 18. The inner sides of the two legs form the groove flanks 20, 22 of the receiving groove 16. The groove flanks 20, 22starting from the groove base 18initially converge toward each other and then in turn diverge towards the free ends of the legs. Thus, a taper 24 of the receiving groove is obtained. At the lower area of the receiving groove 16 between the groove bottom 18 and the taper 24 a holding element 26 of the fastening device 14 is inserted. The holding member 26 ensures a retaining of the panel-shaped component 12 in the receiving groove 16 such that an end face 28 of the panel-shaped component 12 inserted into the receiving groove 16 is supported at the groove bottom 18 of the receiving groove 16 via the holding element 26. The holding element 26 is simultaneously a kind of damping element and a spacer, and in turn has a U-shape with a groove in which the panel-shaped component 12 is inserted in the area of its end face 28. Herein, the holding element 26 is shaped such or adapted to the shape of the receiving groove 16 such that the panel-shaped component 12 can be pivoted/tilted (to some degree) within the carrying rail 10.

[0043] On each of the both sides of the panel-shaped component 12 at least above the taper 24 a respective gap between the groove flank 20, 22 and component 12 is left. In each of these gaps a clamping element 30, 32 of the fastening device 14 is inserted. On the one side (shown here on the left) the one clamping element 30 is inserted in the gap, and on the other side (shown on the right) the other clamping element 32 is inserted in the other gap. Both clamping elements 30, 32 have a wedge shape for wedging the component 12 between the groove flanks 20, 22 of the receiving groove 16 which diverge in this area of the receiving groove 16, i.e. extend V-shaped. The clamping elements 30, 32 are thus shaped as positioning wedges. In each of the wedge-shaped clamping elements 30, 32 the flank respectively facing outwardlyi.e. facing the respective groove flank 20, 22has a slight outward curvature.

[0044] The fastening device further comprises a flexible tension anchor 34 for positioning at least one of the clamping elements 32. Positioning at least one clamping element 30 32 in this context means: Moving this at least one clamping element 30, 32 into a clamping position and holding it in this clamping position, in which said panel-shaped component 12 is clamped or wedged and thus secured between the groove flanks 20, 22 of the receiving groove 16. Here, the flexible tension anchor 34 is flexible in at least one direction and extends for holding the clamping element 32 or the clamping elements 30, 32 in the clamping position from the one side of the panel-shaped component 12 around the end face 28 of the panel-shaped component 12 up to the clamping element 32 on the other side of the panel-shaped component 12 opposite the one side. There, at/in the clamping element 32 on the other side of the panel-shaped component 12 the tension anchor 34 is fixed tension-proof. In the example shown, the flexible tension anchor 34 comprises a flat strap.

[0045] In order to guide the flexible tension anchor 34 around the end face 28 of the panel-shaped component 12 it is deflected by means of the holding element 26 from the one side of the panel-shaped component 12 to the other side of the panel-shaped component 12. To this end, the tension anchor 34 is fed through a (not shown) channel in the holding element 26 which extends semi-circular from the one to the other side.

[0046] By means of the flexible tension anchor 34 the clamping element 30 on the one side of the panel-shaped component 12 shall become (be) connected tension-proof to the clamping element 32 on the other side of the panel-shaped component 12. To this end, the tension anchor 34 is also passed through a (also not shown) channel in the clamping element 30 on the one side and then fixed on the side of this clamping element 30 facing away from the holding element 26 (in this case the upper side) by means of a not shown locking mechanism of the tension anchor.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the flexible tension anchor 34 is formed as a tension anchor according to the ratchet strap principle. Here, the corresponding locking mechanism of the tension anchor 34 is a ratchet mechanism comprising a pawl (not shown) and/or a spindle drive (also not shown).

[0048] This results in the following function:

[0049] For fastening the panel-shaped component 12 in the receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10 by means of the device 14 the following steps are carried out: [0050] (a) inserting the panel-shaped component 12 into the receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10 until an end face 28 of the inserted component 12 is supported at the groove bottom 18 of the receiving groove 16 via the holding element 26 of the device 14, [0051] (b) aligning the panel-shaped component 12 by pivoting/tilting the component in the receiving groove 16, [0052] (c) positioning the two clamping elements 30, 32 for clamping the aligned component 12 between the groove flanks 18, 20 of the receiving groove 16, wherein the clamping element 32 disposed on the side of the carrying rail 10 facing away from the user is positioned by means of the flexible tension anchor 34 extending from the side of the carrying element 10 facing the user up to this clamping element 32 (disposed on the side of the carrying element 10 facing away from the user), and [0053] (d) fixing the clamping elements 30, 32 in a clamping position corresponding to the desired orientation of the panel-shaped component 12 by means of the tension anchor 34.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the assembly of the carrying rail 10, the panel-shaped component 12 and the fastening device 14 from a different viewing angle. Here the U-shape of the holding element 26 is clearly visible. The panel plane of the panel-shaped component 12 or the longitudinal extension of the carrying rail is shown.

[0055] For an easy attachment of the panel-shaped component 12 in the receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10 furthermore a (not shown) tool for biasing the clamping elements 30, 32 is provided. Here, the tool is preferably formed lever-like, in particular in the form of a cap lifter, thus similar to a bottle opener. In this case, on the one hand the tool is supported at the clamping element 30 on the one side of the component 12 in order to pull/lift a portion of the flexible tension anchor 34 present on this side in order to bias it. Since by means of the tension anchor 34 the clamping position of the clamping elements 30, 32 is to be fixed, a locking mechanism is required for this fixing process. This locking mechanism may be, for example, the aforementioned ratchet mechanism comprising a pawl. In this way, discretely stepped locking positions are obtained.

[0056] Accordingly, altogether the following advantage is achieved:

[0057] The measures mentioned allow for easy and secure fastening the panel-shaped component 12 in the receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10 which can be done from one side of the panel-shaped component 12 inserted into the receiving groove 16. This side is called the one side in the description of the embodiment shown. A fastening of the panel-shaped component 12 in the receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10 which can be done from one side of the panel-shaped component 12 inserted into the receiving groove 16 is in particular of advantage in the corresponding fastening of a glass panel of a glass balustrade.

[0058] FIGS. 3 and 4 show an assembly of a carrying rail 10, a panel-shaped component 12 and an alternatively configured fastening device 14 for fastening the component 12 in the carrying rail 10. The general structure of the fastening device 14 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is basically identical to that of the fastening device 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so that only the differences will be discussed below.

[0059] The holding element 26 of the fastening device 14 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is formed in two parts. FIG. 3 shows the corresponding situation in a front view. One of these parts 36 forms the outer basic shape of the holding element 26 as already known from FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e. a U-shape with a groove into which the assembled panel-shaped component 12 is inserted in the area of its end face 28. The other of these parts 38 is wedge-shaped and can be inserted on the one side between the panel-shaped component 12 and the corresponding leg of the U-shape of the one part 36. Here, the one part 36 forms a guide for the other part 38. By inserting the wedge-shaped other part 38 the legs of the one part 36 spread and the two parts 36, 38 as well as the panel-shaped component 12 are finally clamped together on the groove bottom 18.

[0060] The following differences result compared with the steps described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 for fastening the panel-shaped component 12 in the receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10 by means of the device 14: [0061] (a) inserting the panel-shaped component 12 into the receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10 until an end face 28 of the inserted component 12 is supported at the groove bottom 18 of the receiving groove 16 via the one part 36 of the holding element 26 of the device 14, [0062] (a1) inserting the other part 38 into a gap between the panel-shaped component 12 and the corresponding leg of the U-shape of the one part 36, [0063] (b) aligning the panel-shaped component 12 by pivoting/tilting the component 12 within the receiving groove 16, [0064] (b1) clamping the parts 36, 38 and the panel-shaped component 12 together at the groove bottom 18 of the receiving groove 16 by wedging.

[0065] A further difference from the embodiment of the device 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 results from the clamping elements 30, 32. Each of the clamping elements 30, 32 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 has two components 40, 42 clampable together between the panel-shaped component 12 and the corresponding groove flank 20, 22.

[0066] The respective one of these components 40 is provided for abutting at the corresponding groove flank 20, 22, the other of these components 42 is provided for abutting at the corresponding side of the panel-shaped component 12. The wedge shape of each of the clamping elements 30, 32 is essentially caused/determined by the respective other component 42. The respective one component 40 has a more plate-like basic shape with a structure 44 for a positive connection to a corresponding counter-structure 46 at the groove flank 20, 22, via which it can be attached or secured to this groove flank 20, 22. In the example shown, the structures 44 of the one component 40 are ridge structures and the counter-structures 46 formed in the groove flanks are grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the carrying rail 10.

[0067] Similar to the parts of the holding element 26, a guide of the respective one component 40 for the clamping movement of the respective other component 42 is also obtained in the case of the clamping elements 30.

[0068] The components 40, 42 of each of the clamping elements 30, 32 form a latching structure (not shown) disposed between the two components 40, 42 for fixing the position of the components 40, 42 relative to each other. The latching structure is based for example on the ratchet mechanism. In this case, the first of the components 40, 42 comprises at least one pawl and the second of the components 42, 40 comprises the corresponding structures for an engagement of the pawl.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the assembly of FIG. 3 from a different viewing angle.

[0070] The following differences compared with the steps described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 for fastening the panel-shaped component 12 in the receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10 by means of the device 14 arise:

[0071] (b2) fastening the respective one component 40 of the clamping elements 30, 32 to the respective groove flank 20, 22 via the associated structure/counter-structure 44, 46, [0072] (c) positioning the two other components 42 of the clamping elements 30, 32 for clamping the aligned component 12 between the groove flanks 18, 20 of the receiving groove 16, wherein the other component 42 of the clamping element 32 disposed on the side of the carrying rail 10 facing away from the user is positioned by means of the flexible tension anchor 34 extending from the side of the carrying rail 10 facing the user up to this clamping element 32 (on the side of the carrying rail 10 facing away from the user), and [0073] (d) automatically fixing the two clamping elements 30, 32 in a clamping position corresponding to the desired orientation of the panel-shaped component 12 by means of the respective latching structure (here in the example based on the ratchet mechanism).

[0074] The flexible tension anchor 34 is used in this embodiment of the fastening device 14 only for positioning the clamping elements 30, 32 or the components of these clamping elements 30, 32 while the fixing of the clamping elements 30, 32 is implemented in another way.

[0075] This has the consequence that the flexible tension anchor 34 in this embodiment of the fastening device 14 is no longer required at the end of the fastening process of the panel-shaped component 12 in the receiving groove 16 of the carrying rail 10 and can be removed.

[0076] According to a further embodiment, not shown here, the flexible tension anchor to this end comprises a predetermined breaking point, which is configured such that the flexible tension anchor separates (for example, tears off) at this point when a predefined tensile load is exceeded. Here, the predefined tensile load is dimensioned such that a sufficient clamping force of the clamping elements 30, 32 is achieved beforehand. The tension anchor 34 attached tension-proof at an attachment point at/in the clamping element 32 on the other side of the panel-shaped component 12 comprises the predetermined breaking point for example in the region of this attachment point. In this way no or only a barely visible remainder of the tension anchor 34 remains after the attachment of the panel-shaped component 12.

[0077] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.