DE19740461C2 - Method and connection system for the permanent connection of profiles or profile elements - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and a connection system for the unsolvable Connection of profiles or profile elements by means of externally invisible Additional elements, preferably for car bodies.

For the connection of multi-chamber hollow profiles, the so-called pipe mandrel Method known (EP 207 363 A1). The longitudinal profile edges are designed so that two adjacent profiles are hooked into each other and a circular cylindrical Channel emerges. A tube made of aluminum is pushed into the latter Outside diameter is up to 2 mm smaller than the inside diameter of the channel. A mandrel is then pulled through the tube, which plastically expands it, where tensile stresses in the cylindrical walls of the parts to be joined and in the pipe Compressive stresses arise. With this procedure it becomes an insoluble and dense Connection with high strength achieved. The disadvantage of this method is especially in a relatively complex joining process. To widen the tube are costly mechanical equipment required. An assembly of wall profile sections for covered freight cars is therefore on site not practical according to this procedure for economic reasons.

Another known connection technology for profiles is that hooks are formed on the end faces of the profiles to be connected, which during of joining slide over one another, the hooks being bent open and then snap together to form a permanent connection. The disadvantage This connection is mainly that the connection point vulnerable against high, acting transverse forces. It is also used to achieve the Snap connection requires a screwing process, which is particularly necessary for long thin-walled profiles can cause difficulties.

EP 0 767 096 A1 describes an assembly with, in particular, extruded hollow profiles known for car bodies. The two connection profiles are by pairs of sliding blocks or longitudinal rails connected by means of screws fixed to each other. The connection profiles are e.g. B. as an attachment for multilayer Composite panels, in particular provided as an edge closure. This form-fitting Connection technology requires a lot of assembly work. Besides, they are  Fasteners visible from the outside, what in certain applications is undesirable and requires the attachment of an additional cover.

From DE 31 12 365 A1 is a wedge-shaped connecting element for quick and firm connection of profiles known, which consists of at least two wedge-shaped parts consists. On two sides of a connecting element are two inclined Surfaces provided with the recesses of hollow profiles to be connected arranged obliquely inclined surfaces are engaged. The fasteners are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the profile only at predetermined intervals. Between The individual connecting elements are spacers. The disadvantage this connection system is that it is not capable of high Absorb longitudinal forces.

A H-shaped connector with two U-shaped parts for mounting of two with their open long sides facing each other, each a T-shaped Recessing rails with corresponding edge legs is from the DE 38 03 292 C2 known. This publication discloses that a wedge with two V- shaped inclined end faces which are enclosed between two wedge-shaped parts, can be lifted using a horizontally arranged expansion screw, by contracting the two outer wedge-shaped parts, whereby by the Lifting the middle wedge a clamping or tensioning effect is achieved.

The invention was based on the object of a method and a connection system for the permanent connection of profiles, which is simple and inexpensive, can be implemented without great mechanical engineering effort, in which the Connection from the outside is not visible, with a tight connection higher Strength can be achieved and that is suitable, both high transverse and Absorb longitudinal forces.

According to the invention the object is achieved by the in claims 1 and 9 specified features solved. Suitable design variants of the method are in claims 2 to 8 and the connection system in claims 10 to 14 specified.

The connecting elements on the longitudinal edges of the profile can be of various types be trained. It is essential that the positive connection elements so are carried out that after plugging together the profiles about the central axis of the Connection point a suitable cavity for inserting narrow elongated Wedges is formed and on the two contact surfaces of the connecting elements an inwardly directed nose can be molded on. The Fasteners with the molded noses must be such that  after the profiles have been put together, two tabs should be firmly attached to each other and thereby two pairs of noses are formed, which face each other and in which formed cavity protrude. The pairs of noses or projections can then by means of special wedges can be locked so that an inseparable connection of the profiles arises. The suitable wedges are trapezoidal and have two identical, acute-angled wedge surfaces, each on the opposite side. The page the wedge on which the wedge surfaces are located is one of the two narrow sides. In the straight area of the one located between the two wedge surfaces There are recesses on the narrow side and on the opposite narrow side molded into the two when inserting the wedges into the cavity formed Intervene pairs of noses. The cross section of the wedges is dimensioned so that they with sufficient clearance to be inserted into the cavity with little friction can and also there is still enough free space to a Locking the wedges through the required transverse movement in the direction of the To enable pairs of noses. After connecting the profiles to be connected the individual wedges are inserted with their wedge surfaces offset by 180 °. When the wedges are inserted, the pairs of noses already engage in the Recesses on the narrow sides of the wedges, but still one there is sufficient play for the wedges to move laterally. After this Inserting the second wedge lies the two adjacent wedge surfaces  of the first and the second wedge on each other. Then the second Wedge exerts a defined compressive force, the second wedge sliding on the first wedge and both wedges are each moved to one of the pairs of noses until a firm one Clasping of the respective pairs of noses is reached. Through the following wedge the opposite pair of noses will then again be in the effective range of the wedge clasped, so the clasping of the two pairs of noses takes place with increasing age alternately.

In order to establish an indissoluble connection using the method described above, you should the length of the profiles to be connected should be such that at least three wedges can be inserted.

It is useful if only a half or shortened wedge is used as the first wedge that has only one wedge surface. The protruding end of the last wedge is then separated. The shortened wedges in the cavity, the first and the last wedge, can also be locked.

Due to the offset gripping of the two pairs of noses of the profiles by means of the wedges the joint can absorb very high shear forces. The consistently in the hollow tightly fitting wedges ensure high stability of the connection position and allow the absorption of high longitudinal forces. This joining process is especially suitable for connecting relatively long profiles or profile elements. Profile elements also include profiles or flat structures Understand wall elements. At the end faces of these elements to be connected then molded the necessary fasteners. The proposed Connection system is e.g. B. especially for the assembly of side wall sections Manufacture of side walls for covered freight cars, e.g. B. sliding wall wagon, suitable. The connection system requires little manufacturing effort and is characterized by a very low installation effort.

Since no special stationary mechanical equipment is required, can be carried out regardless of location.

The connection produced has a high strength and one for many applications for adequate tightness. If waterproof for certain applications is required, so on the outer boundary surfaces of the connecting elements an undercut sealing joint is provided, into which a permanently elastic seal is introduced.

In their application, the connection system is not based on metallic materials limited, but also for non-metallic materials, such as. B. suitable plastics, where z. B. also profiles or profile elements made of different materials, such as. B. Aluminum and glass fiber reinforced plastics, to be joined together can.

The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. In show the accompanying drawing

Fig. 1 shows two profiles to be connected with the formed connecting elements as a cross-sectional view,

FIG. 2, FIG. 1 to be joined profiles after mating and insertion of a wedge in cross-sectional representation,

FIG. 3, FIG. 1 profiles to be connected by inserting and locking a plurality of wedges in cross-sectional representation,

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the front narrow side of a wedge,

Fig. 5 is a side view of the wedge shown in FIG. 4,

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section along the line AA in Fig. 2 and

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section along the line BB in Fig. 3.

In FIG. 1, the ends of two hollow profiles to be interconnected 1, 1 'made of aluminum are shown. The hollow profiles 1 , 1 'are rectangular and have smooth, flat profile side walls 2 , 2 '. Corresponding connecting elements are formed on the adjacent end faces of the profiles 1 , 1 'to be connected, which enable the profiles 1 , 1 ' to be plugged together. On the right profile 1 , the connecting elements consist of a groove 3 and a tongue 4 , as a direct extension of the profile side wall sections 5 . On the inner leg 6 of the groove 3 and on the tongue 4 are in each case at the same distance from the adjacent crossbar 7 inwardly directed lugs 8 and 9 are formed, which face each other. On the left profile 1 ', the same connecting elements are molded in an identical design as on the right profile 1 and numbered with the same reference numerals, which are only provided with a prime.

As shown in Fig. 1, one of the profiles is arranged rotated by 180 ° to put the two profiles 1 , 1 'together. The grooves 3 , 3 'with the lugs 8 , 8 ' and the tongues 4 , 4 'with the lugs 9 , 9 ' are designed and dimensioned so that when the two profiles 1 , 1 'are plugged together, the tongues 4 and 4 'engage in the grooves 3 and 3 ' and in the process the adjacent lugs 8 'and 9 or 9 ' and 8 come into contact with one another and bear against one another. The two lugs 8 'and 9 and 9 ' and 8 thus each form a pair of lugs 10 and 11 . The two inwardly directed pairs of lugs 10 and 11 are thus directly opposite one another and, together with the two opposite inner sides of the transverse webs 7 and 7 ′, delimit a cavity 12 , as shown in FIG. 2. The aforementioned connecting elements with the lugs extend over the entire length of the end face of the profiles 1 , 1 '. Since the connection point of the profiles 1 , 1 'shown on both outer sides is to have a flat, smooth surface which is planar with the profile side walls, the tongues 4 and 4 ' are provided on their outer side with an undercut sealing joint 13 into which a permanently elastic seal is finally provided 14 is introduced ( Fig. 3). In order to achieve a firm, non-detachable connection between the two joined profiles 1 , 1 ', specially designed wedges 15 are inserted and locked into the cavity 12 formed between the two profiles 1 , 1 '.

The design of the wedges 15 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. These are designed as narrow, elongated trapezoidal wedges which have two identical wedge surfaces 16 which run at an acute angle, in each case at the opposite ends. On their two narrow sides, the wedges 15 have a recess 17 which extends in the direction of insertion of the wedges and into which the pairs of noses 10 and 11 engage during the insertion of the wedges 15 into the cavity 12 ( FIG. 2). The wedges 15 are made of aluminum profile and have an integrally formed cavity 18 in the area of the two wedge surfaces 16 in order to be able to be plugged onto a suitable assembly tool 19 ( FIG. 6). In FIG. 6, the insertion direction of the wedges 15 is marked by an arrow. The wedges 15 are dimensioned in their cross-section so that they can be inserted with sufficient clearance into the cavity 12 with little friction, the recesses 17 being arranged complementarily to the pairs of lugs 10 and 11 during the insertion of the wedges 15 .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the wedges 15 placed on the assembly tool 19 are successively inserted into the cavity 12 with the wedge surfaces 16 offset by 180 °. The recesses 17 pressed in on the narrow sides of the wedges 15 encompass the two pairs of noses 10 and 11 . It has proven to be expedient to use a wedge shortened in length with only one wedge surface as the first wedge. The subsequent second wedge is applied at the end of the insertion process with a defined pressure, which is applied by the assembly tool 19 , whereby the second wedge slides with its lower wedge surface on the wedge surface of the first wedge and thereby both wedges each in the opposite direction, transversely to the direction of insertion, in the direction of a pair of noses 10 or 11 , until the respective pair of noses 10 or 11 is firmly clutched in the effective area of the wedges. The following wedges 15 are inserted and locked in an analogous manner. The transverse displacement of the individual wedges 15 takes place, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 7, in the opposite direction, as a result of which the lugs 10 or 11 are alternately firmly clasped in the effective area of the wedges 15 ( FIG. 3). The protruding end of the last wedge is separated and the portions of the first and last wedge remaining in the cavity 12 are locked, e.g. B. by the subsequent attachment of the required end profile, so that a loosening of these two wedges is excluded.

Claims (14)

1.Method for the permanent connection of profiles or profile elements by means of narrow, elongated wedges ( 15 ), which are not visible from the outside, as locking elements and with corresponding, interlocking connecting elements ( 3 , 4 ) on the longitudinal edges of the profile, in each case on the longitudinal edges of the profiles to be connected ( 1 , 1 ') inwardly directed, opposing lugs ( 8 , 8 ', 9 , 9 ') are formed, which are designed in their contours so that after the two profiles ( 1 , 1 ') to be connected have been plugged together the respectively adjacent lugs ( 9 ', 8 and 8 ', 9 ) come into contact with one another, whereby two mutually opposing pairs of lugs ( 10 , 11 ) are formed, which are formed in a cavity ( 1 , 1 ') formed by the adjacent profiles ( 1 , 1 '). 12 ) for receiving the locking elements ( 15 ) protrude, the profiles to be connected ( 1 , 1 ') are plugged together and into the cavity ( 12 ) formed in the area I of the longitudinal edges of the profile, identical wedges ( 15 ) are pushed in each case offset by 180 ° and locked by means of a defined compressive force, characterized in that these wedges ( 15 ) are trapezoidal and each have identical acute-angled wedge surfaces ( 16 ) at the opposite ends and with the two narrow sides of precisely fitting recesses ( 17 ) for the two pairs of lugs ( 10 , 11 ) are formed, with each wedge ( 15 ) in its cross section in the direction of insertion so that the sides (10, 11 ) delimiting the cavity ( 12 ) 11, 7, 7 ') is sufficiently circumferentially maintained to ensure trouble-free insertion of the wedges ( 15 ) into the cavity ( 12 ), and after insertion of the wedges ( 15 ) on the two narrow sides of the wedges ( 15 ) located recesses ( 17 ) encompass the pairs of lugs ( 10 , 11 ) and the wedge surfaces ( 16 ) of the adjacent wedges rest on one another and the entire cavity ( 12 ) is filled with wedges ( 15 ), with a defined compressive force being exerted on each wedge ( 15 ) from the second inserted wedge ( 15 ), by means of which the individual wedges ( 15 ) on their wedge surfaces ( 16 ) sliding in each case transversely to the direction of insertion, in the direction of a pair of noses ( 10 or 11 ) each offset, such that alternately, a firm, non-detachable clutch between each wedge ( 15 ) and one of the noses ( 10 or 11 ) along the entire length of the profiles ( 1 , 1 '). 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting elements as an extension of the profile side wall sections ( 5 , 5 ') as a groove ( 3 , 3 ') and tongue ( 4 , 4 ') are formed and on each profile ( 1 , 1st ') a groove ( 3 , 3 ') and a tongue ( 4 , 4 ') are formed and the inwardly directed lugs ( 8 , 8 ', 9 , 9 ') on the inner leg ( 6 , 6 ') of the groove ( 3 , 3 ') and on the tongue ( 4 , 4 ') and the two profiles ( 1 , 1 ') are plugged together in a straight direction and the tongue ( 4 , 4 ') and groove ( 3 , 3 ') snap together. 3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the outwardly pointing leg of the groove ( 3 , 3 ') is formed as a straight extension of the profile side wall ( 2 , 2 ') and in the opposite tongue ( 4 , 4 ') an undercut sealing joint ( 13 ) is formed on the side facing outwards. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that on at least one of the wedge surfaces ( 16 ) of the wedges ( 15 ), a cavity ( 18 ) for attaching the wedges ( 15 ) to an assembly tool ( 19 ) is formed. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the recesses ( 17 ) on the narrow sides of the wedges ( 15 ) are pressed. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the protruding ends of the first and last wedge after inserting and locking the wedges ( 15 ) and the remaining in the cavity ( 12 ) portions of the first and last wedge can also be locked. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that as the first wedge ( 15 ) a wedge shortened in length with only one wedge surface ( 16 ) is inserted, and the protruding end of the last wedge ( 15 ) is separated. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the respectively on the outside of the assembled profiles ( 1 , 1 ') formed sealing joint ( 13 ) a permanently elastic seal ( 14 ) is introduced. 9.Connection system for the inseparable connection of profiles or profile elements by means of narrow, elongated wedges ( 15 ), which cannot be seen from the outside, as locking elements and with corresponding, interlocking connecting elements ( 3 , 4 ) on the longitudinal profile edges, in each case on the longitudinal profile edges of the profiles to be connected ( 1 , 1 ') inwardly directed, opposing lugs ( 8 , 8 ', 9 , 9 ') are formed, which are designed in their contours so that after the two profiles ( 1 , 1 ') to be connected have been plugged together the respective adjacent lugs ( 9 ', 8 and 8 ', 9 ) abut each other and thereby two opposing pairs of lugs ( 10 , 11 ) are formed, which protrude into the cavity ( 12 ) for receiving the locking elements ( 15 ), and when the connection is made, identical wedges ( 15 ) are inserted at 180 ° and locked by means of a defined pressure force, thereby ge indicates that these wedges ( 15 ) are trapezoidal and each have identical acute-angled wedge surfaces ( 16 ) at the opposite ends and are provided with precisely fitting recesses ( 17 ) for the two pairs of lugs ( 10 , 11 ) running on the two narrow sides, each The cross-section of the wedge ( 15 ) in the direction of insertion is such that sufficient clearance is provided all around the sides (10, 11, 7, 7 ') bounding the cavity ( 12 ) in order to ensure that the wedges ( 15 ) do not jerk in. to ensure in the cavity, and the entire cavity ( 12 ) is filled with wedges ( 15 ), the wedge surfaces ( 16 ) of the adjacent wedge lying on each other, and by applying the compressive force to the wedges ( 15 ) each transverse to the direction of insertion , in the direction of a pair of noses ( 10 or 11 ) are displaced relative to one another in such a way that alternately, a firm, non-detachable clutch g is formed between each wedge ( 15 ) and one of the pairs of noses ( 10 or 11 ) along the entire length of the profiles ( 1 , 1 '). 10. Connection system according to claim 9, characterized in that the interconnectable connecting elements as opposite groove ( 3 , 3 ') and tongue ( 4 , 4 ') are formed and on a profile ( 1 , 1 ') a groove ( 3 , 3 ' ) and a tongue ( 4 , 4 ') are formed. 11. Connection system according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that in each case the groove ( 3 , 3 ') and tongue ( 4 , 4 ') of two profiles to be connected ( 1 , 1 ') are designed to be latchable. 12. Connection system according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that in each case the tongue ( 4 , 4 ') and the groove ( 3 , 3 ') of the profiles ( 1 , 1 ') on the profile sides wall sections ( 5 , 5 ' ) are molded on. 13. Connection system according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the outwardly pointing leg of the groove ( 3 , 3 ') is designed as a straight extension of the profile side surface, and the opposite, formed on the other profile side wall portion tongue ( 4 , 4 ') is provided on the outward-facing side with an undercut sealing joint ( 13 ). 14. Connection system according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the wedges ( 15 ) on at least one of the wedge surfaces ( 16 ) have a cavity ( 18 ) with which they can be plugged onto an assembly tool ( 19 ).