Turnbuckle for Tensioning Frame Formwork Elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a turnbuckle (1) for bracing frame formwork elements (2), comprising a first clamping device (7) which has a crossmember (9) and a first clamping jaw (10). The crossmember (9) has a toothed section (12) comprising a row of track teeth (13) which are arranged one behind the other and extend in parallel with one another. The turnbuckle (1) furthermore has a second clamping device (8) with a second clamping jaw (14) and a guide device (19). The second clamping device (8) can be moved in a bracing direction along the crossmember (9) towards the first clamping jaw (10). The turnbuckle (1) further has a wedge (20) which can be displaced in a guided manner by the guide device (19) along a wedge insertion direction and can be brought into engagement with at least one of the track teeth (13) in order to fix the two clamping devices (7, 8) in a bracing position with respect to one another. The guide device (19) has a cross brace (21) which can be displaced transversely to the wedge insertion direction between an unlocking position and a locking position. The crossmember (21) is designed and arranged in such a way that the cross brace (21) in the locking position limits a stroke of the wedge (20) in a direction orthogonal to the toothed section (12) in such a way that the wedge (20) in the clamping position can be brought into engagement with the at least one track tooth (13). The cross brace (21) enables a greater stroke of the wedge (20) in the unlocking position.

Claims

1. A turnbuckle (1) for bracing frame formwork elements (2), comprising a first clamping device (7) having a crossmember (9) and a first clamping jaw (10), the crossmember (9) having a toothed portion (12) with a row of track teeth (13) arranged one behind the other and running in parallel with one another, and comprising a second clamping device (8) having a second clamping jaw (14) and a guide device (19), the second clamping device (8) being movable in a clamping direction along the crossmember (9) toward the first clamping jaw (10), and having a wedge (20) which, guided by the guide device (19), is movable along a wedge-driving direction and can be brought into engagement with at least one of the track teeth (13) in order to fix the two clamping devices (7, 8) with respect to one another in a bracing position, characterized in that the guide device (19) has a cross brace (21) which can move transversely to the wedge-driving direction between an unlocking position and a locking position, the cross brace (21) being designed and arranged such that in the locking position, the cross brace (21) limits a stroke of the wedge (20) in a direction orthogonal to the toothed portion (12) such that in the bracing position, the wedge (20) can be brought into engagement with the at least one track tooth (13), and the cross brace (21) enabling a greater stroke of the wedge (20) in the unlocking position.

2. The turnbuckle according to claim 1, characterized in that in the unlocking position, the cross brace (21) enables a stroke of the wedge (20) such that engagement of the wedge (20) in the track teeth (13) is at least reduced in the bracing position.

3. The turnbuckle according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that in the unlocking position, the cross brace (21) increases the stroke of the wedge (20) such that the wedge (20) can be disengaged from the track teeth (13) in the bracing position.

4. The turnbuckle according to either claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the cross brace (21) can be moved in parallel with the clamping direction between an unlocking position and a locking position.

5. The turnbuckle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide device (19) has a housing part (22) with at least two guide recesses (23) which are arranged at a distance from one another in the wedge-driving direction and through which the wedge (20) is passed, the guide recesses (23) guiding the wedge (20) in the wedge-driving direction, and the cross brace (21) being movably arranged on the housing part (22) transversely to the wedge-driving direction.

6. The turnbuckle according to claim 5, characterized in that a wedge contact rail (24) is movably arranged in the guide recesses (23) such that the wedge contact rail (24) can carry out a lifting movement orthogonally to the toothed region (12), the wedge contact rail (24) being arranged in the guide recesses (23) on a side of the wedge (20) facing away from the toothed portion such that a lower side of the wedge contact rail (24) adjoins an upper side of the wedge (20), and the cross brace (21) being arranged on the housing part (22) such that the cross brace (21) adjoins an upper side of the wedge contact rail (24) facing away from the wedge (20), and the cross brace (21) limits the stroke of the wedge contact rail (24).

7. The turnbuckle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cross brace (21) has, on its lower side facing the wedge (20), a control surface (25) extending over at least some of the length of the cross brace (21) that limits the stroke of the wedge (20) in the guide recesses (23) to different values depending on the position of the cross brace (21).

8. The turnbuckle according to claim 7, characterized in that the control surface (25) of the cross brace (21) has at least a first portion (25a) which, when the cross brace (21) is brought into contact with the upper side of the wedge contact rail (24) or the upper side of the wedge (20) in the locking position, limits a stroke of the wedge (20) in a direction orthogonal to the toothed portion (12) such that the wedge (20) can be brought into engagement with the track teeth (13), and the control surface (25) having a second portion (25b) which, when the cross brace (21) is brought into contact with the upper side of the wedge contact rail (24) or the upper side of the wedge (20) in the unlocking position, enables a greater stroke of the wedge (20).

9. The turnbuckle according to claim 8, characterized in that the control surface (25) has a transition portion (25c) between the first portion (25a) and the second portion (25b).

10. The turnbuckle according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the cross brace (21) is arranged on an inner side of the housing part (22) of the guide device (19).

11. The turnbuckle according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the cross brace (21) has at least one, preferably a plurality of, in particular two, slots (26), by means of which the cross brace (21) is movably arranged on the housing part (22), preferably screwed, and the slots (26) limiting a movement of the cross brace (21) transversely to the wedge-driving direction.

12. The turnbuckle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cross brace (21) can move between two end positions transversely to the wedge-driving direction, the cross brace (21) assuming the locking position in the region of a first end position and the unlocking position in the region of a second end position.

13. The turnbuckle according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the housing part (22) and/or the cross brace (21) have a U-shaped pro-file in cross section.

14. The turnbuckle according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the wedge contact rail (24) has a contact surface on the lower side which forms a linear guide with a contact surface formed on the upper side of the wedge (20) in order to guide the wedge (20) in the wedge-driving direction, the two stop surfaces preferably being complementary.

15. The turnbuckle according to claim 14, characterized in that the contact surface for the wedge (20) formed on the lower side of the wedge contact rail (24) has a depression (28) viewed in cross section, the depression (28) preferably being formed as a trapezoidal depression, as a triangular depression, as a depression having rounded edges, as a circular depression, as a rounded depression or by grooves, and/or, viewed in cross section, the depression (28) has a flat bottom (28a) from which side walls (28b) extend in the direction of the wedge (20), which run outward at an angle of 30 to 60, preferably 45, to the bottom (28a).

16. The turnbuckle according to either claim 14 or claim 15, characterized in that the contact surface formed on the upper side of the wedge (20) has side walls which run complementary to the side walls (28b) of the contact surface of the wedge contact rail (24), the contact surface of the wedge (20) preferably having oblique side walls preferably extending at an angle of 30 to 60, particularly preferably at an angle of 45, corresponding to the side walls (28b) of the depression (28) in the wedge contact surface.

17. The turnbuckle according to claim 16, characterized in that the contact surface of the wedge (20), with which the wedge rests against the contact surface of the wedge contact rail (24), has, viewed in cross section, two V-shaped projections (29a), between which there is a V-shaped depression (29b), the two V-shaped projections (29a) penetrating into the depression (28) in the contact surface of the wedge contact rail (24) and a side wall of each V-shaped projection (29a) adjoining one of the side walls (28a) of the contact surface of the wedge contact rail (24).

Description

[0090] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference signs.

[0091] The figures show the following:

[0092] FIG. 1 is an arrangement of frame formwork elements, wherein the frame formwork elements are tensioned together by a plurality of turnbuckles according to the invention;

[0093] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a turnbuckle according to the invention;

[0094] FIG. 3 is a side view of a turnbuckle according to the invention;

[0095] FIG. 4 is a further perspective view of a turnbuckle according to the invention;

[0096] FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of a turnbuckle according to the invention;

[0097] FIG. 6 is a perspective view from the front of a turnbuckle according to the invention;

[0098] FIG. 7 is a front view of a turnbuckle according to the invention;

[0099] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section through a turnbuckle according to the invention, wherein a cross brace is in a locking position, and the wedge is in the bracing position such that the wedge engages in track teeth of a toothed portion;

[0100] FIG. 9 is a further longitudinal section through a turnbuckle according to the invention, wherein a cross brace is in an unlocking position such that the wedge does not engage with the track teeth;

[0101] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the longitudinal section according to FIG. 9;

[0102] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a turnbuckle according to the invention;

[0103] FIG. 12 is a top view of a turnbuckle according to the invention in a representation that shows a horizontal section through a cross brace;

[0104] FIG. 13 is a view according to FIG. 12, wherein the horizontal section extends below an upper side of the cross brace;

[0105] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal section through a second clamping device of a turnbuckle according to the invention;

[0106] FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view of the wedge in the bracing position and the cross brace in the locking position, with a wedge contact rail positioned between the wedge and the cross brace; and

[0107] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a wedge contact rail.

[0108] FIG. 1 shows six turnbuckles 1 according to the invention which connect frame formwork elements 2 to one another. Only a detail of the frame formwork element 2 depicted on the right in the image plane is shown. By way of example, in order to tension the middle frame formwork element 2 using the two outer frame formwork elements 2, three turnbuckles 1 are provided.

[0109] The turnbuckles 1 according to the invention are generally suitable for connecting or tensioning together two adjacent frame formwork elements 2, wherein in particular inner corners, outer corners, articulated corners and face formwork can be connected with the aid of the turnbuckles 1 according to the invention.

[0110] The turnbuckles 1 according to the invention are also suitable for connecting a frame formwork element 2 to an adjoining compensating element. In the context of the present invention, such compensating elements likewise constitute frame formwork elements.

[0111] The frame formwork elements 2 to be connected can preferably be made of wood, plastic, steel or aluminum. In general, the turnbuckles 1 according to the invention can be used to connect adjoining frame formwork elements 2 to one another in a flush, aligned and tight manner.

[0112] In particular, the turnbuckles 1 according to the invention are used to connect two frame formwork elements 2 positioned next to one another and extending in a common plane, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0113] The frame formwork elements 2 depicted in the embodiment each have two outer horizontal frame elements 3 (in FIG. 1, only the lower outer frame elements 3 are depicted, but not the upper outer frame elements) and two outer vertical frame elements 4, which collectively form a frame of the frame formwork element 2. Furthermore, horizontal struts 5 are provided.

[0114] The turnbuckles 1 according to the invention are generally arranged in the region of intersections of horizontal struts 5 and vertical frame elements 4 of the frame formwork elements 2, as is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1.

[0115] In a manner not described in greater detail, the frame formwork elements 2 have a formlining or can be connected to a formlining which faces the material to be poured in and cured.

[0116] The frame formwork elements 2 are preferably frame formwork elements for producing bodies to be cast, in particular concrete bodies, in particular building parts.

[0117] Such frame formwork elements 2 are well known from the prior art, which is why they will not be discussed in more detail below.

[0118] In the embodiment, frame formwork elements 2 for wall formwork are depicted. The present invention is particularly suitable for frame formwork elements 2 which are used for foundation formwork.

[0119] The frame formwork elements 2 abut one another in a known manner with a boundary surface. The boundary surface is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a boundary line 6 between the middle frame formwork element 2 and the right frame formwork element 2, or the middle frame formwork element 2 and the left frame formwork element 2.

[0120] In the embodiment, the boundary line 6 is spanned by three turnbuckles 1, although fewer or more turnbuckles 1 can be provided.

[0121] The turnbuckles 1 each also span a vertical frame element 4 of each of the frame formwork elements 2 to be connected to one another. Furthermore, the turnbuckles 1 are preferably arranged on the horizontal struts 5 of the frame formwork elements 2, in particular as depicted in FIG. 1.

[0122] The depicted turnbuckles 1 in FIGS. 2 to 13 show a preferred design so that the turnbuckles 1 can grip around the horizontal struts 5.

[0123] The depicted turnbuckles 1 have a first clamping device 7 and a second clamping device 8.

[0124] The first clamping device 7 has a crossmember 9 which is preferably formed integrally with a first clamping jaw 10.

[0125] The first clamping jaw 10 is rigidly or immovably connected to the crossmember 9.

[0126] The crossmember 9 has a preferably flat or planar upper side 11 with a toothed portion 12. The toothed portion 12 has a plurality of track teeth 13 arranged one behind the other and extending in parallel with one another.

[0127] The second clamping device 8 can be moved in a bracing direction (arrow direction A in FIGS. 2 and 12) along the crossmember 9 toward the first clamping jaw 10 (and in the opposite direction).

[0128] If the two clamping devices 7, 8 are not tensioned together by a wedge 20 (shown in more detail below), the second clamping device 8 can be moved quickly and easily along the crossmember 9 without significant effort in order to adjust the turnbuckle 1 to the two frame formwork elements 2 to be connected to one another. This is also referred to as a quick adjustment.

[0129] In the embodiment, the crossmember 9 is preferably a tubular element, preferably having a substantially rectangular, in particular square, cross section.

[0130] In the embodiment, the upper side 11 and the toothed portion 12 with the track teeth 13 are preferably formed integrally with the crossmember 9.

[0131] The second clamping device 8 of the turnbuckle 1 has a second clamping jaw 14.

[0132] The first clamping jaw 10 and, analogously, the second clamping jaw 14 each have two claws 10a and 14a, respectively. The distance between the claws 10a and the claws 14a is preferably selected such that a horizontal strut 5 can be accommodated between the claws 10a and the claws 14a.

[0133] The second clamping jaw 14 and the second clamping device 8 can be moved in the bracing direction along the longitudinal axis of the crossmember 9 toward the first clamping jaw 10 (and in the opposite direction).

[0134] In the embodiment, it is provided that the second clamping device 8 is captively connected to the crossmember 9 of the first clamping device 7 or captively arranged on the crossmember 9.

[0135] For this purpose, it can be provided that any movement of the second clamping device 8 in and/or against the bracing direction is limited by shaped portions 15 and/or limit stops 18. The shaped portions 15 and/or the limit stops 18 are preferably arranged such that the second clamping device 8 cannot be removed from the crossmember 9 in and/or against the bracing direction.

[0136] In the embodiment, it is preferably provided that the crossmember 9 has shaped portions 15 at its two axial ends 9a, 9b. These can preferably be stamped regions (as shown). However, the shaped portions 15 can also be formed by any stop elements, e.g. pins, bolts or edges. The shaped portions 15 can interact with correspondingly complementary elements on the second clamping device 8 in such a way that the second clamping device 8 cannot be removed the crossmember 9 in and/or against the bracing direction. In the embodiment, the shaped portions 15 interact with limit stops 18 which are formed on the second clamping device 8, preferably by pins or bolts.

[0137] In the embodiment, a captive mechanism is shown by means of shaped portions 15 and limit stops 18, which interlockingly form a captive mechanism in and against the bracing direction. Preferably, one of the limit stops 18 interacts with one of the shaped portions 15 each time. Preferably, one, particularly preferably two, shaped portions 15 are provided at a first axial end 9a of the crossmember 9, which interact with one, preferably with two, limit stops 18 of the second clamping device 8. Preferably, one, particularly preferably two, shaped portions 15 are provided at the second end 9b of the crossmember 9, which interact with one, preferably two, limit stops 18 of the second clamping device 8.

[0138] It can also be provided that the shaped portions 15 and the limit stops 18 only limit a movement counter to the bracing direction.

[0139] A captive mechanism in the bracing direction can also be provided by the first clamping jaw 10 and the second clamping jaw 14 colliding with one another, that is to say, getting in each other's way in the bracing direction when the second clamping device 8 is moved up to an end point in the bracing direction A.

[0140] In order to move the second clamping device 8 in and against the bracing direction along the longitudinal axis of the crossmember 9, the crossmember 9 and the second clamping device 8 preferably form a rail or a rail guide in the embodiment which is designed in such a way that the second clamping device 8 is movably guided along the longitudinal axis of the crossmember 9 in the bracing direction and counter to the bracing direction. The upper side 11 of the crossmember 9, in particular the longitudinal edges of the upper side 11, which for this purpose preferably protrude beyond a first or a second longitudinal side 16, 17 of the crossmember 9, can represent parts of the rail guide. The inner side of the second clamping device 8 facing the longitudinal edges of the upper side 11 can accordingly be designed to complement the design of the rail guide. In the embodiment, it is provided that the limit stops 18 engage under the longitudinal edges of the crossmember 9. The limit stops 18 thus represent part of the rail guide. The limit stops 18 also prevent the second clamping device 8 from being liftable off the crossmember 9. A specific design of the inner side of the second clamping device 8 whereby it is complementary to the longitudinal edges of the upper side 11 of the crossmember 9 is therefore not necessary in the embodiment or is realized by the limit stops 18.

[0141] The second clamping device 8 has a guide device 19. The turnbuckle 1 has a wedge 20 which, guided by the guide device 19, is movable in a wedge-driving direction and can be brought into engagement with at least one of the track teeth 13 of the toothed portion 12 in order to fix the two clamping devices 7, 8 with respect to one another in a bracing position.

[0142] The wedge-driving direction is indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 2 and FIG. 12.

[0143] In the embodiment, it is preferably provided that the wedge 20 engages in two track teeth 13 of the toothed portion 12 in the bracing position.

[0144] In the embodiment, it is provided that the wedge-driving direction extends orthogonally to the bracing direction. Preferably, the wedge-driving direction and the bracing direction extend in a plane that is plane-parallel to the upper side 11 of the crossmember 9.

[0145] In order to tension the two clamping devices 7, 8 with one another in a bracing position by means of the wedge 20, it is provided that the track teeth 13 extend at an angle to the wedge-driving direction on the upper side 11 of the crossmember 9. The longitudinal axis of the wedge 20 thus does not run in parallel with the extension of the track teeth 13, but at a (small) angle thereto. This is clearly visible in FIGS. 12 and 13 and is also known in principle. This ensures that the track teeth 13 are brought into engagement with the wedge 20 in a bracing position. FIG. 15 shows (enlarged) the bracing position or the engagement of the wedge 20 in the track teeth 13.

[0146] The guide device 19 has a cross brace 21 which can move transversely to the wedge-driving direction between an unlocking position (visible in FIGS. 9 and 10) and a locking position (visible in FIG. 8).

[0147] The cross brace 21 is designed and arranged such that, in the locking position, the cross brace 21 limits a stroke of the wedge 20 in a direction orthogonal to the toothed portion 12 such that the wedge 20 can be brought into engagement with the at least one track tooth 13 in the bracing position. Among other things, this is depicted in FIG. 8 and enlarged in FIG. 15. In the embodiment, the wedge 20 is in engagement with two track teeth 13, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0148] The cross brace 21 is designed such that the cross brace 21 allows for a larger stroke of the wedge 20 in the unlocking position.

[0149] It is provided in the embodiments that, in the unlocking position, the cross brace 21 allows for a stroke of the wedge 20 such that the engagement of the wedge 20 in the track teeth 13 can at least be reduced in the bracing position.

[0150] In the unlocking position, the cross brace 21 increases the stroke of the wedge 20 such that the wedge 20 can be disengaged from the track teeth 13 in the bracing position.

[0151] The embodiments show that the wedge 20 comprises teeth on its lower side. Viewed in cross section, preferably two projecting teeth 20a are provided, which preferably each extend over at least 50% of the length of the wedge 20, preferably over at least 80% of the length of the wedge 20. There is a groove 20b or a depression between the teeth 20a. The teeth 20a or the groove 20b of the wedge 20 are designed such that tooth flanks of the teeth 20a rest against tooth flanks of the track teeth 13 when the wedge 20 is driven into the bracing position. For this purpose, reference is made to the illustration according to FIG. 15.

[0152] In order to be able to release the bracing position again or to be able to remove the turnbuckle 1, it can now be provided that the cross brace 21 is moved from the locking position, in which the cross brace 21 is arranged when the wedge 20 is driven into the toothed portion 12 along the wedge-driving direction, into the unlocking position.

[0153] As described, in the unlocking position, the cross brace 21 increases the stroke of the wedge 20 such that the wedge 20 can be disengaged from the track teeth 13 without the wedge 20 having to be moved counter to the wedge-driving direction for this purpose.

[0154] The wedge 20 can thus be raised orthogonally to the toothed portion to such an extent that the teeth 20a on the lower side of the wedge 20 and the track teeth 13 no longer engage with one another, i.e. that their tooth flanks no longer touch. This is accordingly depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. The two clamping devices 7 and 8 can thus be moved counter to the bracing direction and the turnbuckle 1 can thus be removed from the frame formwork elements 2 without the wedge 20 having to be moved. After the engagement of the wedge 20 in the track teeth 13 is reduced in the unlocking position or the wedge has preferably been completely disengaged from the track teeth 13, the wedge 20 can be moved counter to the wedge-driving direction without a relatively large amount of effort, if necessary also by hand, in order to withdraw the wedge 20 again.

[0155] As shown in the embodiment, the guide device 19 preferably has a housing part 22 with at least two guide recesses 23. The guide recesses 23 are arranged at a distance from one another in the wedge-driving direction. In the embodiment, the guide recesses 23 represent windows in side surfaces of the housing part 22, wherein the side surfaces are preferably plane-parallel to one another. The wedge 20 is passed through the guide recesses 23. The guide recesses 23 guide the wedge 20 in the wedge-driving direction.

[0156] The cross brace 21 is arranged on the housing part 22 so that it can move transversely to the wedge-driving direction.

[0157] As can be seen from FIGS. 2 to 15, a wedge contact rail 24 is movably arranged in the guide recesses 23 such that the wedge contact rail 24 can perform a lifting movement orthogonally to the toothed portion 12. The wedge contact rail 24 is arranged in the guide recesses 23 on a side of the wedge 20 facing away from the toothed portion 12 such that a lower side of the wedge contact rail 24 adjoins an upper side of the wedge 20. The cross brace 21 is arranged on the housing part 22 in such a way that the cross brace 21 adjoins an upper side of the wedge contact rail 24 facing away from the wedge 20, and the cross brace 21 limits the stroke of the wedge contact rail 24. The wedge contact rail 24 is thus located between the cross brace 21 and the wedge 20.

[0158] A perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of the wedge contact rail 24 is shown in FIG. 17.

[0159] The wedge contact rail 24 simplifies both the guidance or the driving of the wedge 20 in the wedge-driving direction such that the wedge 20 can be brought into the bracing position, as well as the movement of the cross brace 21 between the unlocking position and the locking position.

[0160] The cross brace 21 is preferably arranged on a lower side of the housing part 22 of the guide device 19. The cross brace 21 can thus be supported on the lower side of the housing part 22.

[0161] The cross brace 21 preferably has at least one, in the embodiment two, slots 26, by means of which the cross brace 21 is movably arranged on the housing part 22. In the embodiment, the cross brace 21 is screwed to the housing part 22. For this purpose, screws 27 are provided in the embodiment.

[0162] In the embodiment, the slots 26 together with the screws 27 limit any movement of the cross brace 21 transversely to the wedge-driving direction.

[0163] The cross brace 21 can move between two end positions transversely to the wedge-driving direction. In so doing, the cross brace 21 assumes the locking position in the region of a first end position and the unlocking position in the region of a second end position.

[0164] The cross brace 21 has a control surface 25 on its lower side facing the wedge 20 that at least extends over some of the length of the cross brace 21 and limits the stroke of the wedge 20 in the guide recesses 23 to different values depending on the position of the cross brace 21.

[0165] As can be seen particularly well from FIGS. 8 and 9, the control surface 25 has at least a first portion 25a which, when the cross brace 21 is brought into contact with the upper side of the wedge contact rail 24 or the upper side of the wedge 20 in the locking position, limits a stroke of the wedge 20 in a direction orthogonal to the toothed portion 12 such that the wedge 20 can be brought into engagement with the track teeth 13. The control surface 25 has a second portion 25b which, when the cross brace 21 is brought into contact with the upper side of the wedge contact rail 24 or the upper side of the wedge 20 in the unlocking position, allows a larger stroke of the wedge 20.

[0166] In the embodiment, the control surface 25 further comprises a transition region 25c between the first portion 25a and the second portion 25b.

[0167] In the embodiment, it is provided that the first portion 25a has such an inclination that the stroke becomes smaller or the wedge contact rail 24 or the wedge 20 is pressed further in the direction of the toothed portion 12 the further the cross brace 21 is moved into the locking position.

[0168] The transition portion 25c preferably has a greater inclination than the first portion 25a. The second portion 25b preferably has no inclination.

[0169] In the embodiment, the wedge 20 is captively arranged in the guide recesses 23. For this purpose, it can be provided that the wedge 20 has a projection at each of its two ends, which projects in at least one direction beyond the correspondingly associated guide recess 23.

[0170] In the embodiment, it is further provided that the wedge contact rail 24 is captively arranged in the guide recesses 23. For this purpose, it can be provided that the wedge contact rail 24 has a projection at each of its axial ends, which projects in at least one direction beyond the correspondingly associated guide recess 23. Preferably, the projection can be formed by welding or riveting a stop element.

[0171] In the embodiment, it is provided that the wedge contact rail 24 has a contact surface on the lower side, which forms a linear guide together with a contact surface formed on the upper side of the wedge 20 for guiding the wedge 20 in the wedge-driving direction, wherein the two stop surfaces are preferably complementary.

[0172] In the embodiment, it is provided that the contact surface for the wedge 20 formed on the lower side of the wedge contact rail 24 has, viewed in cross section, a depression 28, wherein the depression 28 is, as shown, preferably formed as a trapezoidal depression. Alternatively, the depression 28 can also be formed, for example, as a triangular depression, as a depression with rounded edges, as a circular depression, as a rounded depression or by grooves. The depression 28 can also have a flat bottom 28a viewed in cross section, from which side walls 28b extend in the direction of the wedge 20 that run outward at an angle of 30 to 60, preferably 45, to the bottom (28a). This is correspondingly depicted in particular in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0173] Forming a trapezoidal depression 28 has proven to be particularly suitable for guiding the wedge 20.

[0174] In the embodiment, it is provided that the contact surface formed on the upper side of the wedge 20 has side walls which extend complementary to the side walls 28b of the contact surface of the wedge contact rail 24.

[0175] It has also proven to be advantageous if the contact surface of the wedge 20, with which the wedge 20 rests on the contact surface of the wedge contact rail 24, in particular if this is designed as a trapezoidal depression 28, has, viewed in cross section, two V-shaped projections 29a between which there is a V-shaped depression 29b. The two V-shaped projections 29a penetrate into the depression of the contact surface of the wedge contact rail 24. Each side wall of the V-shaped projection adjoins one of the side walls 28b of the contact surface of the wedge contact rail 24. This is accordingly depicted enlarged in FIG. 15.

[0176] In the embodiment, the housing part 22 and the cross brace 21 preferably have a U-shaped profile viewed in cross section.

[0177] The cross brace 21 is thus, viewed in cross section, substantially formed by the bottom of the U-shaped profile and two side walls. In the embodiment, it is provided that the control surface 25 is formed on the free lower edges of the side walls of the U-shaped profile. The lower edges or the free ends of the side walls of the U-shaped profile are identical. The two lower edges collectively form the control surface 25.

[0178] The clamping devices 7, 8, the wedge 20, the cross brace 21 and the wedge contact rail 24 are made of metal, preferably steel, in the embodiment.

[0179] FIGS. 2 to 8 show a view of the turnbuckle 1 in which the cross brace 21 is in the locking position and the wedge 20 is driven in until reaching the bracing position.

[0180] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a view of the cross brace 21 in an unlocking position.

[0181] FIG. 12 shows a view in which the upper side of the housing part 22 is removed so that the cross brace 21 can be seen from above. In the illustration according to FIG. 12, the cross brace 21 is cut in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 12 serves in particular to illustrate the preferably provided arrangement of the cross brace 21 and also the view of the slots 26.

[0182] FIG. 13 shows a view according to FIG. 12 with a section through the cross brace 21, which extends somewhat lower, i.e. closer to the crossmember 9, than the section according to FIG. 12. In the view in FIG. 13, the upper side (=bottom of the U-shaped profile) of the cross brace 21, in which the slots 26 are located, is therefore not shown.

[0183] FIG. 14 shows a cross section through the second clamping device 8, wherein a wedge contact rail 24 is inserted into the depicted guide recess 23.

[0184] As can be seen from FIG. 14 and also from FIG. 15, the guide recesses 23 preferably have a shoulder 23a on which a lower side of the wedge contact rail 24 can rest such that any movement of the wedge contact rail 24 toward the toothed portion 12 is limited.