TELESCOPIC SYSTEM

Abstract

A telescopic system comprising at least two profiled rails which are guided linearly on one another in the longitudinal direction, are movable relative to one another over a distance and each have a longitudinal profile with longitudinal grooves and/or longitudinal ribs wherein at least one sliding element is provided on each profiled rail, via which sliding element the at least two profiled rails bear against one another in a slidable manner, and which sliding element is arranged so as to be fastened in an axially non-displaceable manner, at least with respect to the longitudinal direction, on the longitudinal profile of the associated profiled rail. Such a telescopic system is intended to be simpler in design and able to be mounted more easily. This is achieved in that the sliding element, at least with respect to a sliding plane defined by the longitudinal direction and a first transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, is then connected to a clamping element so as to be fixed against displacement on the profiled rail, wherein the clamping element is arranged with a clamping fit on the longitudinal profile of the profiled rail, to be precise in or on a longitudinal groove and/or on a longitudinal rib.

Claims

1-28. (canceled)

29. A telescopic system having at least two profile rails which are linearly guided against each other in the longitudinal direction and which are moveable relative to each other over a distance and which each have a longitudinal profile having longitudinal grooves and/or longitudinal ribs, wherein provided at each profile rail is at least one sliding element, by way of which the at least two profile rails bear slidingly displaceable against each other and which is arranged axially fixedly at least with respect to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal profile of the profile rails associated therewith, wherein the sliding element is connected to a clamping element in non-displaceable relationship on the profile rail at least with respect to a sliding plane defined by the longitudinal direction and a first transverse direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, wherein the clamping element is arranged with a clamping fit on the longitudinal profile of the profile rail, more specifically in or at a longitudinal groove and/or on a longitudinal rib.

30. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 29, wherein the sliding element and the clamping element are arranged fixed to each other in positively locking relationship and/or force-locking relationship at least with respect to the longitudinal direction or the sliding plane.

31. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 29, wherein the sliding element engages axially over the clamping element with respect to the longitudinal direction and bears axially at both ends of the clamping element against same in positively locking relationship.

32. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 29, wherein the clamping element is of a cylindrical, part-cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, prismatic or ball-like shape.

33. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 29, wherein the clamping element is in the form of a bolt, threaded bolt, pin, threaded pin or ball.

34. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 29, wherein the sliding element has at least one rib-like longitudinal projection having a receiving recess and the at least one rib-like longitudinal projection engages over the clamping element with the clamping element being received in the receiving recess.

35. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 34, wherein the receiving recess is in the form of an incision, gap or interruption in the rib-like longitudinal projection.

36. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 34, wherein the sliding element has two rib-like longitudinal projections, wherein the sliding element in the installed position is fixed with one of the at least two longitudinal projections by way of the clamping element on the longitudinal profile of a profile rail associated with the sliding element and is coupled with the other of the at least two longitudinal projections to the longitudinal profile of the other profile rail slidingly displaceably in the longitudinal direction.

37. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 36, wherein the sliding element has a flat basic shape with a base parallel or approximately parallel to the sliding plane, wherein the at least two rib-like longitudinal projections extend in a common direction perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the sliding plane away from one side of the base and/or a rib-like further longitudinal projection extends in or approximately in the first transverse direction away from the base.

38. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 37, wherein one of the two longitudinal projections, a longitudinal projection identified as the first longitudinal projection, extends with its free end region in said common direction and the other of the two longitudinal projections, the longitudinal projection identified as the second longitudinal projection, is of a configuration at its free end region curved hook-like about a curvature axis parallel to the longitudinal direction to provide a receiving groove for a longitudinal rib of an associated profile rail.

39. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 38, wherein the receiving groove is laterally opened in the opposite direction to the common direction.

40. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 38, wherein the rib-like further longitudinal projection of the sliding element has a free end region which is curved in a hook-like configuration parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein the free end region delimits a further receiving groove open laterally in the first transverse direction for a receiving rib of an associated profile rail.

41. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 40, wherein the further receiving groove is arranged open laterally radially inwardly with respect to the longitudinal direction.

42. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 37, wherein the rib-like further longitudinal projection engages in the first or approximately the first transverse direction into a further longitudinal groove of an associated profile rail.

43. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 42, wherein the further longitudinal groove has an undercut configuration operative in or approximately in the first transverse direction and the rib-like further longitudinal projection in the installed position is arranged in positively locking relationship in the further longitudinal groove.

44. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 37, wherein the rib-like further longitudinal projection is operative resiliently with respect to the second transverse direction.

45. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 37, wherein the sliding element for guiding the profile rail mounted slidingly displaceably thereon has side surfaces which are in the form of sliding guide surfaces and of which some sliding guide surfaces in the form of first sliding guide surfaces are arranged perpendicularly to the first transverse direction or some sliding guide surfaces in the form of second sliding guide surfaces are arranged perpendicularly to the second transverse direction perpendicularly to the first transverse direction.

46. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 45, wherein at least one longitudinal projection of the sliding element has first sliding guide surfaces and/or the further longitudinal projection of the sliding element has second sliding guide surfaces.

47. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 45, wherein the first sliding guide surfaces are arranged spaced with respect to the first transverse direction in relation to the second sliding guide surfaces.

48. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 45, wherein the sliding guide surfaces have inclined insertion portions at both ends for easier mounting with respect to the longitudinal direction.

49. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 37, wherein the bases of the sliding elements arranged between the two profile rails are arranged in a common plane parallel to the sliding plane.

50. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 37, wherein the sliding elements arranged between the two profile rails are arranged and/or oriented in mirror-image symmetrical relationship with each other relative to a central first mirror-image plane of symmetry perpendicularly to the first transverse direction.

51. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 29, wherein the sliding elements are of an identical structure and/or are each of an integral structure.

52. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 29, wherein there are provided at least three profile rails mounted to each other linearly displaceably relative to each other, that is to say two outer profile rails and a central profile rail mounted displaceably between the two outer profile rails.

53. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 52, wherein the two outer profile rails are of an identical structure.

54. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 51, wherein the central profile rail at its sides facing towards the two outer profile rails respectively has an identical longitudinal profile adapted to the longitudinal profile of the outer profile rail associated therewith.

55. The telescopic system as set forth claim 29, wherein for limiting the travel distance of two profile rails which are guided against each other and are moveable relative to each other there is provided an abutment device having two end abutments and an abutment element cooperating with the end abutment, wherein the two end abutments are fixed in mutually spaced relationship in an abutment groove provided in the longitudinal profile of one of the two profile rails at a respective given location over the longitudinal extent of the abutment groove and the abutment element is arranged slidingly displaceably or fixed in position in a further abutment groove provided in the longitudinal profile of the other profile rail, wherein the abutment element is arranged to abut against the two end abutments projecting out of the further abutment groove between the two end abutments into the abutment groove.

56. The telescopic system as set forth in claim 55, wherein the end abutments are respectively formed by a clamping element and/or the abutment element is arranged fixed in position by means of a clamping element in the further abutment groove associated therewith.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] In advantageous embodiments the telescopic system has one or more of the above-indicated features, more specifically in any combination. Further details and advantages of the invention will be apparent hereinafter, without restriction on the scope of protection, from the description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. All terminology for describing location like up, down, front, back, right and left are intended as they are shown in the respective Figure itself, unless it is specifically defined otherwise. In the drawings:

[0051] FIGS. 1A-1D each show a view of an embodiment of a telescopic system with three profile rails as telescopic members, more specifically in an extended position,

[0052] FIGS. 2A-2D each show a view of the embodiment of the telescopic system of FIGS. 1A-1D but in a retracted position,

[0053] FIGS. 3A-3C, 4A-4B and 5A-5B show views with side views and sectional views relating to the assembly of two profile rails with sliding elements in three steps,

[0054] FIGS. 6A-6C show a side view and sectional views of the sliding element,

[0055] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the telescopic system with two telescopic rails,

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the telescopic system with five telescopic rails,

[0057] FIGS. 9A-9C each show a view of the embodiment of the telescopic system of FIGS. 1A-1D in the extended position but with an abutment device, and

[0058] FIGS. 10A-10C each show a view of the embodiment of the telescopic system of FIGS. 9A-9D but in the retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] FIGS. 1 through 5 and 7 through 10 show various views and sectional views of different embodiments of a telescopic system 1. The telescopic system 1 has at least two profile rails 2 which are guided linearly against each other in a longitudinal direction 1 and which are moveable relative to each other over a travel distance w shown in FIG. 5A. The profile rails 2 are each provided with a longitudinal profile 21 having longitudinal grooves 22 and longitudinal ribs 23. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 the telescopic system 1 has two and five respectively relatively mutually moveable profile rails 2. In the other views showing the telescopic system 1 there are three profile rails 2, two outer first profile rails 2a, each here of a C-shaped profile, and a central second profile rail 2b arranged between the two outer first profile rails 2a.

[0060] In this arrangement provided between each two profile rails 2 which are guided linearly against each other are four sliding elements 3, by way of which those two profile rails 2 bear against each other slidingly displaceably. FIGS. 6A-6C each show an individual view of a sliding element 3. The sliding element 3 is in the form of a profile portion with a longitudinal profile 32 extending in the longitudinal direction l in the installed position. The sliding elements 3 shown in the various embodiments of the telescopic system 1 are of the same construction and are in one piece. In addition they are cut to length from a plastic profile member (not shown) comprising a tribopolymer with solid lubricants incorporated in the compound, for lubricant-free dry running. The profile rails 2 are each cut to length from a profile member (not shown here) of an aluminum material. By virtue of the tongue-and-groove connection the profile rails 2 which are coupled as sliding partners are each of another longitudinal profile 21.

[0061] The sliding elements 3 are respectively connected non-displaceably to a clamping element 4 at the associated profile rail 2 with respect to a sliding plane G defined by the longitudinal direction l and a first transverse direction q1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction l. The clamping element 4 is arranged in a clamping fit here in a longitudinal groove 22 in the longitudinal profile 21 of that profile rail 2. By virtue of the clamping fit of the clamping element 4 the sliding element 3 can be held non-displaceably to the respectively associated profile rail 2. All sliding elements 3 are respectively connected by way of a clamping element 4 to the respectively associated profile rail 2. By virtue of that measure the profile rails 2 remain unchanged in their configuration in each case in spite of the fixing of the sliding elements 3 to the longitudinal profile 21.

[0062] In the embodiment shown here of the telescopic system 1 the sliding elements 3 are arranged in pairs between the at least two profile rails 2. The sliding elements 3 of the one sliding element pair 31 are axially non-displaceably connected to the one of the at least two profile rails 2 and those of the other sliding element pair 31 are axially non-displaceably connected to the other of the at least two profile rails 2. To have a travel distance w which is as great as possible the sliding elements 3 are respectively arranged in an end region with respect to the longitudinal direction l, here even at the ends, in flush relationship with the profile rail 2 associated therewith. In addition the sliding elements 3 are arranged to be supported at that profile rail 2 in each case over their entire axial length in relation to the longitudinal direction l. Both measures can be seen by way of example in FIGS. 1B, 1C and 2B. In addition the sliding elements 3 of the sliding element pair 31 are arranged and oriented in mirror-image symmetrical relationship perpendicularly to the first transverse direction q1, in relation to a first plane of mirror-image symmetry S1. Correspondingly the parts of the longitudinal profiles of both profile rails with which the sliding elements are coupled are of a mirror-image symmetrical configuration in relation to that first plane of mirror-image symmetry.

[0063] The sliding element 3 and the clamping element 4 are also fixed to each other in positively locking relationship in relation to the longitudinal direction l and in addition the sliding plane G. As can be seen for example from FIGS. 4A through 4C the clamping element 4 here is in the form of a threaded pin of a circular-cylindrical basic shape. The sliding element 3 has a longitudinal profile 32 extending in the longitudinal direction l in the installed position, here with two rib-like longitudinal projections 33, each with a receiving recess 331. In the case of fixing the sliding element 3 to an associated profile rail 2 the sliding element 3 engages with one of its longitudinal projections 33 and more specifically with its receiving recess 331 over the clamping element 4 arranged with a clamping fit in the longitudinal groove 22. The clamping element 4 is disposed here with simultaneous latching axially at both ends in positively locking relationship and is thus non-displaceable in the receiving recess 331 on the sliding element 3.

[0064] The sliding element 3 here has two rib-like longitudinal projections 33 each with a receiving recess 331. Both rib-like longitudinal projections 33 engage into an associated longitudinal groove 22 of the longitudinal profile 21 of the profile rails 2. In this case the associated clamping element 4 is arranged with a clamping fit in the longitudinal groove 22 of the one profile rail 2, to which the sliding element 3 is fixed. In the installed position the clamping element 3 is arranged non-displaceably with respect to the longitudinal direction l in the receiving recess 331 by way of the clamping element 4. The other of the two longitudinal projections 33 engages only slidingly displaceably in the associated longitudinal groove 22 of the other profile rail 2.

[0065] The longitudinal grooves 22 in the profile rails 2, that are associated with the longitudinal projections 33 of the sliding element 3, are laterally open in the second transverse direction q2. Correspondingly in the installed position the rib-like longitudinal projection 33 extends with its free end region 331 in the second transverse direction q2. As can be seen for example from FIG. 4C the receiving recess 331 is in the form of an incision 332, here of a right-angled longitudinal profile.

[0066] The sliding element 3 is of a basic shape which is flat with respect to the second transverse direction q2. The sliding element 3 has a base 34. In the installed position it is arranged here parallel to the sliding plane G. The bases 34 of all sliding elements 3 used in the telescopic system 1 extend here parallel to the sliding plane G. The bases of the sliding elements 3 which are arranged between two profile rails 2 coupled slidingly displaceably by way of said sliding elements 3 extend in the same plane parallel to the sliding plane G. The sliding elements of two profile rails 2 which are slidingly displaceably coupled together by way of those sliding elements are arranged and oriented in mirror-image symmetrical relationship in relation to a first plane of mirror-image symmetry S1.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows an end view of a telescopic system 1 which has only two profile rails 2, a first profile rail 2a which here is arranged downwardly and a second profile rail 2b which here is arranged upwardly. The two profile rails 2 bear slidingly displaceably against each other by way of two sliding element pairs 31 each with two sliding elements 3, wherein one sliding element pair 31 is in non-displaceable contact with the here upper profile rail 2 and a sliding element pair 31 is in non-displaceable contact with the here lower profile rail 2. The sliding elements 3 shown in the end view in FIG. 7 are connected non-displaceably to the here lower profile rail 2. As can be clearly seen in both sliding elements 3 the two longitudinal projections 33 extend jointly from one side of the base 34 in the second transverse direction q2 and more specifically here inwardly with respect to the second transverse direction q2. In relation to both sliding elements 3 a respective longitudinal projection 33 referred to as the first longitudinal projection 332 extends with its free end region 333 in that common direction and engages into an associated longitudinal groove 22 of the profile rail 2 which is the upper rail in FIG. 7. As can be seen from FIG. 7 by means of the blackening surrounding the free end region 333 of that longitudinal projection 33 and representing a clamping element 4 a clamping element 4 is arranged with a clamping fit in that longitudinal groove 22 of the upper profile rail 2. Docked thereto is the longitudinal projection 33 and therewith the respectively associated sliding element 3 in itself non-displaceably with respect to the sliding plane G. The other longitudinal projection 33 referred to as the second longitudinal projection 334 extends from the base 34 with a portion 337 in the direction towards the here upper profile rail 2. In a free end region 333 adjoining the portion 337 the longitudinal projection is bent over in a hook-like configuration about an axis of curvature parallel to the longitudinal direction l, forming a receiving groove 335. The free end region 333 of the second longitudinal projection 334 extends towards the lower profile rail 2 in FIG. 7. The free end region 333 engages into an associated longitudinal groove 22 in that lower profile rail 2. As can be seen from the blackening which here is incomplete no clamping element 4 is provided at that end, shown in FIG. 7, of the telescopic system 1 in the longitudinal groove 22. Accordingly the two sliding elements 3 are slidingly displaceably connected at that location to the here lower profile rail 2. The longitudinal grooves 22 associated with those longitudinal projections 33 are respectively laterally open in the second transverse direction q2.

[0068] As can further be seen from FIG. 7 the second longitudinal projection 334 extends with its portion 337 in the second transverse direction q2 here between the longitudinal groove 22 of the upper profile rail 2 for the first longitudinal projection 332 and the longitudinal groove 22 of the lower profile rail 2 for the second longitudinal projection 334. In that region the sliding element 3 and the respective longitudinal groove 22 bear play-free or almost play-free against each other by way of sliding guide surfaces 5 here referred to as first sliding guide surfaces 51. Those sliding guide surfaces 51 are here arranged perpendicularly to the first transverse direction q1 or, with respect to FIG. 7, vertically. In that way the two profile rails 2 are held against each other in securely guided relationship with respect to the first transverse direction q1 by way of the sliding element at the first sliding guide surfaces 51.

[0069] As can be seen inter alia from FIGS. 6 and 7 a rib-like further longitudinal projection 336 extends in a prolongation of the base 34, more specifically parallel to the sliding plane G and in the embodiments of the telescopic system 1 shown in the Figures radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal direction l. The rib-like further longitudinal projection engages into a further longitudinal groove 221, which here is radially outward, in an associated profile rail 2, as shown in FIG. 7 the lower profile rail 2. That further longitudinal groove 221 is open radially inwardly laterally in the first transverse direction q1, more specifically here with respect to the longitudinal direction l. Similarly to the second longitudinal projection 334 the further longitudinal projection 336 in its free end region 333 is bent over in a hook-like configuration parallel to the longitudinal direction l. In that way it defines a further receiving groove 338. That further receiving groove 338 is identical to the further longitudinal groove 221 in the first transverse direction q1 and here more specifically is of a radially inwardly laterally open configuration with respect to the longitudinal direction l. A receiving rib 231 provided at the upper profile rail 2 in FIG. 7 engages into the further receiving groove 338 in the installed condition. The further longitudinal projection 336 is defined radially inwardly in relation to its axial extent in the first transverse direction q1 at least over the axial extent of its further receiving groove 338 with respect to the longitudinal direction l. Accordingly the two longitudinal profiles 2 bear play-free or almost play-free in the region of the further receiving groove 338 against the wall of the further longitudinal groove 221 of the lower profile rail 2 and the wall of the receiving rib 231 of the upper profile rail 2, more specifically by way of the further longitudinal projection 336 of the sliding element 3. The surfaces at which that play-free or almost play-free contact occurs are here in the form of sliding guide surfaces 5 referred to as second sliding guide surfaces 52. The second sliding guide surfaces 51 extend in or in opposite relationship to the second transverse direction q2. They are arranged horizontally in the Figures. Accordingly the two profile rails 2 are arranged held against each other in securely guided relationship with respect to the second transverse direction q2 by way of the sliding element 3.

[0070] In assembly one of the two longitudinal projections 33, associated with that longitudinal groove 22, is displaced with its receiving recess 331 axially over the clamping element 4 and is lowered into the receiving recess 331 towards the clamping element 4 with positively locking mounting of the clamping element 4. FIGS. 3A-5C show side views and sectional views of various assembly steps for assembling two profile rails 2 to form the telescopic system 1. FIGS. 3A-3C and FIGS. 4A-4B show the assembly of the sliding element pair 31 respectively associated with a profile rail 2. In this case as already previously the required clamping elements 4 are moved into a clamping fit at the appropriate locations in the respective longitudinal groove 22. In FIG. 3A the sliding element 3 which here is at the right is already non-displaceably connected to the lower profile rail 2, by the sliding element 3 being connected in positively locking relationship to the associated clamping element 4. In FIG. 3B the sliding element 3 at the left is firstly brought into engagement with the further longitudinal groove 221 with its further longitudinal projection 336. Parallel thereto the sliding element 3 is pivoted upwardly here at the further longitudinal groove 221 so that it can be slidingly displaced in the further longitudinal groove 221 with its second longitudinal projection 334 having the receiving recess 331, by way of the associated clamping element 4, and is positioned with its receiving recess 331 relative to the second transverse direction q2 in aligned relationship with the clamping element 4. That is shown in FIG. 3B. Then the sliding element 3 is pivoted down over the clamping element 4 whereby the clamping element 4 is connected to the sliding element in positively locking relationship. That is shown in FIG. 3C.

[0071] The procedure is similar when mounting the sliding element 3 to the other profile rail 2 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. Here the sliding element 3 which is at the right is already non-displaceably connected to the other profile rail 2 while the sliding element 3 at the left is still involved in being fitted. For that purpose the sliding element 3 at the left is pushed with the receiving groove 335 of the its further longitudinal projection 336 on to the receiving rib 231 of the other profile 2 in the longitudinal direction and at the same time pivoted on the receiving rib 23 in the second transverse direction q2 until here too the receiving recess 231 is positioned in alignment with the associated clamping element 4 with respect to the second transverse direction q2. Then the sliding element 3 is again pivoted down over the clamping element 4 with positively locking fitment thereof.

[0072] An effective tongue-and-groove connection is achieved inter alia in the first transverse direction q1 with the engagement of the two longitudinal projections, that is to say the first longitudinal projection and the second longitudinal projection, of the sliding element 3 respectively in the second transverse direction q2 into the respectively associated longitudinal groove 22 of the respective profile rail. A tongue-and-groove connection which is operative inter alia with respect to the second transverse direction q2 is achieved with the engagement of the further longitudinal projection 336 of the sliding element 3 into the associated further longitudinal groove 221 and of the rib 231 into the further receiving groove 338 of the further longitudinal projection 336. That means that the two profile rails have to be pushed into each other at the ends in the longitudinal direction l in the assembly procedure. In FIGS. 5A-5C the two profile rails 2 equipped with the sliding elements 3 are pushed at the ends into each other. To facilitate that assembly procedure, a number of measures are afforded, as described hereinbefore. One of these is that the sliding guide surfaces 5 of the sliding elements 3 each have a bevel operative in the longitudinal direction l, in the form of inclined insertion portions 35. In addition the inclined insertion portions 35 of the first sliding guide surfaces 51 are arranged spaced in relation to the inclined insertion portions 35 of the second sliding guide surfaces 52 by the amount a shown in FIG. 6C in the longitudinal direction l. In that way the operation of “threading in” the profile rails 2 at the respective sliding guide surfaces 51, 52 is displaced in location with respect to an axial insertion path of movement relative to the longitudinal direction l, over the axial extent of the sliding elements 3. In addition the first sliding guide surfaces 51 are arranged radially inwardly with respect to the longitudinal direction l and the second sliding guide surfaces 52 are arranged radially outwardly, which also permits displaced threading-in engagement at the first sliding guide surfaces 51 relative to the second sliding guide surfaces 52.

[0073] The further longitudinal groove 221 has an undercut configuration 339 operative in the first transverse direction q1. At that undercut configuration, the further longitudinal projection 332 adapted to the further longitudinal groove is arranged held in positively locking relationship to prevent a possible relative movement in the first transverse direction q1. By virtue of those measures, the two profile rails 2 as well as the sliding element which embraces the receiving rib 231 can be at least stabilized in position in relation to a relative movement in the first transverse direction.

[0074] An additional longitudinal groove 222 which is open laterally in the second transverse direction q2 is provided to afford anti-tipping security, in the longitudinal profile of the lower profile rail 2 in FIG. 7 for the sliding element 3. The sliding element 3 is arranged in positively locking relationship in the additional longitudinal groove 222. For that purpose it bears with its base 34 in surface contact against the bottom of the longitudinal groove 222 and in the first transverse direction q1 at both sides. The support effect is afforded at the one side by way of its further longitudinal projection 336 in the further longitudinal groove 221. At the other side the support is provided externally at the longitudinal groove 22 associated with the second longitudinal projection 334, more specifically by way of the portion 337 of that longitudinal projection 336.

[0075] To delimit the travel distance w of two profile rails 2 which are guided against each other and which are moveable relative to each other there is an abutment device 6 which is shown primarily in FIGS. 9A-10C. The abutment device 6 has two end abutments 61 axially spaced with respect to the longitudinal direction l and an abutment element 62 cooperating with the end abutments 61. Here clamping elements which are like the above-described clamping elements 4 serve as the end abutments 61. In addition the clamping elements 4 which are not shown here have dampers operative in the longitudinal direction l. The clamping elements 4 are respectively fixed in the end region of one of the two profile rails 2 in the abutment groove 63. The abutment element 62 is here fixed centrally with respect to the longitudinal direction l in a further abutment groove 64 by means of a further clamping element 4. The abutment element 62 projects for abutting against the two end abutments 61 out of the further abutment groove 64 between the two end abutments 61 into the abutment groove 63. As can be seen for example from FIG. 2C the further abutment groove 63 has two guide grooves 65 which are provided in the second transverse direction q2 and which are in mirror-image symmetrical relationship with the sliding plane G and into which the abutment element 62 latchingly engages upon assembly. For assembly purposes the clamping element 4 is clamped fast at a given location in the further abutment groove 63. Then the abutment element 62 is put over the clamping element 4 in the first transverse direction q1 with latching engagement in the guide grooves 65 with its receiving recess 331.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1A-5C and 8A-9C the telescopic system 1 has three profile rails 2, that is to say two first profile rails 2a which here are arranged outwardly and a second profile rail 2b which is arranged between the two first profile rails 2a. It is generally sufficient to provide two profile rails 2 only on one side of the longitudinal profile 21. Because of the abutment grooves 63, 64, with an arrangement of the abutment device 6 at one side, there is an asymmetry in regard to the cross-section of the lower first profile rail 2a. Referring to FIG. 2D the abutment device 6 for limiting the travel movement between the upper outer profile rail 2 and the central profile rail 2 is arranged at the left-hand side of the telescopic system 1 and the abutment device 6 for limiting the travel movement between the lower outer profile rail 2 and the central profile rail 2 is arranged at the right-hand side of the telescopic system 1. Nonetheless the two outer first profile rails 2a can be of identical structure insofar as they are arranged with their longitudinal profiles 21 facing towards each other and rotated relative to each other through 180° about the second transverse axis. At its sides towards the two outer first profile rails 2a the central second profile rail 2b has a respective identical longitudinal profile 21 which is the same as the longitudinal profile 21 of the upper second profile rail 2b described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0077] The telescopic system 1 shown in an end view in FIG. 8 has five telescopic rails 2: two outwardly arranged first profile rails 2a, a centrally arranged first profile rail 2a, provided at both sides with identical longitudinal profiles 21, and two second profile rails 2b respectively between one of the outwardly arranged first profile rails 2a and the centrally arranged first profile rail 2a, provided at both ends with identical longitudinal profile 21. It will be clear therefrom that the number of profile rails 2 can be enlarged by the profile rails 2 which are mounted slidingly displaceably against each other by way of the sliding elements being combined in such a way that at one of the mutually facing sides they have a longitudinal profile 21 of the first profile rail 2a and at the other of the mutually facing sides a longitudinal profile 21 of the second profile rail 2b.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0078] 1 telescopic system [0079] 2 profile rail [0080] 21 longitudinal profile [0081] 22 longitudinal groove [0082] 221 further longitudinal groove [0083] 222 additional longitudinal groove [0084] 23 longitudinal rib [0085] 231 receiving rib [0086] 2a first profile rail [0087] 2b second profile rail [0088] 3 sliding element [0089] 31 sliding element pair [0090] 32 longitudinal profile [0091] 33 longitudinal projection [0092] 331 receiving recess [0093] 332 first longitudinal projection [0094] 333 free end region [0095] 334 second longitudinal projection [0096] 335 receiving groove [0097] 336 further longitudinal projection [0098] 337 portion [0099] 338 further receiving groove [0100] 339 undercut configuration [0101] 34 base [0102] 35 inclined insertion portion [0103] 4 clamping element [0104] 5 sliding guide surface [0105] 51 first sliding guide surface [0106] 52 second sliding guide surface [0107] 6 abutment device [0108] 61 end abutment [0109] 62 abutment element [0110] 63 abutment groove [0111] 64 further abutment groove [0112] 65 guide groove [0113] G sliding plane [0114] S1 first plane of mirror-image symmetry [0115] S2 second plane of mirror-image symmetry [0116] a spacing [0117] l longitudinal direction [0118] q1 first transverse direction [0119] q2 second transverse direction [0120] w travel distance