Patent Publication Number: US-2007117455-A1

Title: Dedviced for suspending articles or for securing a bearing means

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention relates to a device for suspending articles or for securing a bearing means, with a plug-in sleeve, which can be inserted into a carrying structure and, in most applications, is encased in a sleeve holder, and a carrying arm, which can be engaged in the plug-in sleeve. Typical examples of carrying structures are panels, rear walls and supports. Such devices are used predominantly in shops and exhibitions for displaying goods. The articles displayed—e.g. items of clothing, accessories and packed goods—can be hung directly on the carrying arm or the carrying arm supports a bearing means, which may be, for example, in the form of a shelf, of a box or of a basket.  
     PRIOR ART  
      For shop and trade-fair construction, a high level of variability, esthetically pleasing designs and cost-effectiveness are required of the devices used. According to EP 0 716 825 B1, plug-in sleeves are inserted individually, or in a methodically distributed manner, into a rear wall. The device comprises a plug-in sleeve and a carrying arm, which can be straightforwardly plugged into the plug-in mount and disengage therefrom. As a variant, it is possible for the plug-in sleeve to be positioned on the front side or rear side of a panel element, to be inserted into such a panel element or to be assembled on a rack element. The carrying arm has a plug-in plate and a rod part attached thereto. In the angled state, the plug-in plate can be introduced through the window-like plug-in opening into the housing and, following a slight displacement, can be arrested behind buffer edges. The rod part itself can be utilized for hanging goods or secures a goods carrier. It is also possible for a goods carrier to be seated on the rod parts of a plurality of adjacent carrying arms and/or for a plurality of rod parts to be connected by means of transverse rods. For this purpose, plug-in sleeves are arranged in a methodically distributed manner. This device continues to be successful, but is designed predominantly for square plug-in sleeves and requires a plug-in plate on the carrying arm.  
      The device according to WO 01/41604 A1 is based on the same principle, the plug-in opening being located in a sleeve component which is enclosed by a set-back positioning flange. In the assembled state, the positioning flange ends up located on the rear side of the carrying structure, while the sleeve component projects into an opening made in the carrying structure.  
      The arrangement according to WO 97/26809 A1 likewise comprises a plug-in sleeve, which is inserted directly into a rear wall or into a panel and into which a carrying rod can be plugged. The carrying rod, which is in the form of a tubular component, has a latching mechanism which is arranged in its plug-in end and has an actuable lever element with a movable catch which, in the plugged-together state, latches, for arresting purposes, into an engagement contour provided in the plug-in sleeve. In the case of the device according to WO 99/20094 A2, the carrying rod has, at the plug-in end, a hook contour which serves for fixing purposes, under the force of a leaf spring, in the plug-in sleeve. When the carrying rod is pushed in, a portion of the leaf spring which is contoured in a V-shaped manner latches into the hook contour on the carrying rod. The functioning of the device comprising a plug-in sleeve and a carrying rod according to WO 01/87123 A1 is similar. The hook contour, which is provided at the front end of the carrying rod, likewise comes into engagement with a spring element which is arranged inside the plug-in sleeve, but extends integrally from the plug-in sleeve, which is a plastic injection molding, as an elastically flexible tongue.  
      WO 01/43599 A1 also discloses a plug-in sleeve, which can be inserted into a carrying structure, and a carrying rod, which can be plugged into the plug-in sleeve. The plug-in sleeve has a plug-in opening which extends between a front entry and a rear boundary. At the top, the plug-in opening has a bevel, which slopes upward in the direction of the entry and thus forms a clearance at the top. At the bottom, the plug-in opening has an inclination, which slopes downward in the direction of the boundary and thus produces a clearance at the bottom. Inside, the plug-in sleeve has a top undercut and the carrying rod has a tongue which can be plugged into the plug-in opening and has an upwardly directed hook, which is intended for engaging in the undercut.  
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION  
      Taking the existing devices as the departure point, it is an object of the invention, while maintaining a plug-in sleeve and a load carrier which can be engaged therein, to improve, in particular, the rotational stability of the plugged-in carrying arm, which is relevant predominantly in the case of carrying arms of T-shaped configuration being subjected to a relatively high level of asymmetric loading. The inner configuration of the plug-in sleeve for fixing the plugged-in carrying arm is to be functionally reliable, so that the carrying arms are seated securely in the plug-in sleeves and appear precisely in alignment with one another. Even with a lot of activity taking place round about, the plugged-in carrying arm has to be arrested in a reliable manner, although the intention is for it to be easy to remove again with very straightforward handling.  
      A further object is to make it possible for the plug-in sleeve to be assembled efficiently in different types of carrying structure. The concern here is to incorporate load carriers, e.g. carrying arms, in a wide variety of different configurations, and the fifting of the load carriers with shelves, in the design, so that the interior designer has a wide range of possible variations and combinations for constructing esthetically pleasing arrangements.  
      A next object is to electrify the device, so that power which is channeled up via the plug-in sleeve passes, via the plugged-in load carrier, to a consuming unit, e.g. a luminaire.  
      The final object of the invention is to extend the range of devices of the generic type on offer. The device which is to be produced is to be capable of cost-effective mass production and assembly.  
     OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION  
      The device for hanging articles or for securing a bearing means is based on a plug-in sleeve and a load carrier, e.g. a carrying arm or a shelf, which can be fitted into this plug-in sleeve. The plug-in sleeve has a front plug-in opening which continues axially as a free space into the interior of the plug-in sleeve. The plug-in sleeve, which is intended for fastening directly or indirectly on a carrying structure, has an arresting contour on its inside. The load carrier has a plug-in part which is adapted for introducing into the plug-in opening and has a mating contour, which is provided for engagement with the arresting contour on the plug-in sleeve. Articles can be hung directly on the load carrier or can be placed on a bearing means supported by the load carrier.  
      The configuration of the plug-in part and plug-in sleeve forces the introduction of the plug-in part into the plug-in sleeve with the load carrier inclined in relation to the horizontal overall, the plug-in part being in a lowered position. The engagement between the arresting contour and the mating contour, as the locked stated, is achieved once the load carrier moves as a whole into the horizontal with the plug-in part located horizontally. The arresting contour is formed on the underside of the ceiling and/or on the side flanks of the housing of the plug-in sleeve. The mating contour is provided on the top side of the plug-in part and/or on the side flanks thereof, the arresting contour being designed as an elevation and the mating contour being designed as a recess.  
      Specific embodiments of the device are described hereinbelow: the arresting contour is arranged on both sides of the ceiling of the housing of the plug-in sleeve, at the transition to the side flanks of the latter, and the mating contour is located in the two side flanks of the plug-in part. The arresting contour on both sides preferably extends essentially from the ceiling and is directly adjacent to the side flanks of the housing of the plug-in sleeve. The mating contour is provided in the two side flanks of the plug-in part in each case as a recess which passes vertically all the way through and is set back in relation to the end, as a result of which an outer claw is produced in each case in the front corner regions of the plug-in part. The arresting contour on both sides begins, in the direction of the front plug-in opening, with an inlet located on the same plane as the ceiling, and slopes up in a wedge-shaped manner in the opposite direction. The arresting contour terminates, toward the rear part of the housing of the plug-in sleeve, with a buffer edge. In the locked state, the two outer claws grip behind the associated buffer edge in each case.  
      The plug-in opening is of rectangular cross section and has a frame positioned around it in a flange-like manner. The plug-in part, at least to the extent where it is guided through the front plug-in opening, likewise has a rectangular cross section and is preferably made of metal. At least one stop surface, which limits the maximum push-in depth of the plug-in part, is provided inside the housing of the plug-in sleeve, in the rear region, which is located opposite to the front plug-in opening. Likewise inside the housing of the plug-in sleeve is at least one screw seat with a through-opening for the introduction of a fastening screw for fixing the plug-in sleeve. The plug-in sleeve is preferably produced as a single-piece metal casting or plastic injection molding.  
      At the rear end, which is located opposite the frame, the plug-in sleeve has a rear plug-in opening and retaining contours for the insertion of a first electrical coupling part with a cable routed up into place. The plug-in part has an aperture and retaining contours for the insertion of a second electrical coupling part, with a continuing cable for supplying power to a consuming unit, the two coupling parts, with the plug-in part pushed into the plug-in sleeve to the maximum extent, being intended for engaging mechanically and electrically with one another.  
      A sleeve holder is provided for accommodating the housing of the plug-in sleeve, this sleeve holder being intended for fastening on the carrying structure of the plug-in sleeve. The sleeve holder has, in the first instance, a housing, which is divided up into a front portion and a rear portion. There is a front plug-in opening, which is accessible from the front portion, and a rear plug-in opening, which is accessible from the rear portion. Flange-like extensions grip the housing at the transition between the front portion and rear portion. The sleeve holder also has at least one crosspiece, which is provided at the free end of the rear portion and has a screw hole for the engagement of the threaded shank of the at least one fastening screw, which fixes the plug-in sleeve and has its head positioned in the screw seat.  
      The plug-in sleeve is intended for plugging through a through-passage in the panel element, the frame of the plug-in sleeve, this frame enclosing the front plug-in opening, being positioned on the front side of the panel element. The inserted plug-in sleeve is fixed by a sleeve holder, which accommodates the rear part of the plug-in sleeve. The extensions of the sleeve holder are provided with the screw holes therein for screwing on the rear side of the panel element or on a carrying structure erected behind the panel element. The front portion of the sleeve holder can project into the through-passage in the panel element.  
      As an alternative, the extensions of the sleeve holder, with the screw holes therein, can be utilized for screwing on an outer surface which is directed into space and belongs to a vertical support in the form of a hollow polygonal profile, this vertical support serving as a carrying structure. The rear portion of the sleeve holder then projects into the cavity of the vertical support, and the front portion of the sleeve holder projects into the through-passage in the panel element. Here, too, the frame of the plug-in sleeve, this frame enclosing the front plug-in opening, is positioned on the front side of the panel element.  
      The rod part of the carrying arm may be a round or quadrilateral tube which is rectilinear or curved or is angled one or more times. As an alternative, the rod part is a round or quadrilateral bar made of solid material. The rod part may bear a shelf which is supported by at least one retaining element, e.g. a transverse strut, at the front end and/or at the plug-in end. In a further configuration, the rod part bears a transverse rod at the front end, it being possible for the transverse rod to be additionally provided with a shelf.  
      The device according to the invention is distinguished by particular rotational stability even in the case of carrying arms of T-shaped configuration being subjected to a relatively high level of asymmetric loading. Furthermore, the plug-in sleeve, together with the sleeve holder, can be inserted efficiently into different types of carrying structure. Also advantageous is the wide variety of possible configurations in respect of the carrying arms that can be inserted and the way in which they are fitted out. Finally, the device can be cost-effectively mass produced and assembled and, in the process, allows esthetically pleasing arrangements to be erected. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED DRAWINGS  
      In the drawings:  
       FIG. 1A : shows a side view of a construction comprising a first variant of a sleeve holder in a first application, inserted into the rear side of a panel element, and also comprising a plug-in sleeve accommodated therein and a plugged-in carrying arm;  
       FIG. 1B : shows a horizontal section along line A-A from  FIG. 1A ;  
       FIG. 2A : shows, in perspective, a front view of a first variant of a plug-in sleeve;  
       FIG. 2B : shows, in perspective, a rear view of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 2A ;  
       FIG. 2C : shows, in perspective, a rear view, from beneath, of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 2A ;  
       FIG. 3A : shows a plan view of a first variant of a plug-in part of a carrying arm with rod part attached;  
       FIG. 3B : shows a side view of the plug-in part of a carrying arm with rod part attached according to  FIG. 3A ;  
       FIG. 4A : shows, in perspective, a front view of a first variant of a sleeve holder;  
       FIG. 4B : shows, in perspective, a rear view of the sleeve holder according to  FIG. 4A ;  
       FIG. 4C : shows, in perspective, a rear view, from above, of the sleeve holder according to  FIG. 4A ;  
       FIG. 5A : shows, in perspective, an exploded illustration of a first variant of a sleeve holder according to  FIG. 4A , a first variant of a plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 2A , which has been moved up into close proximity, as seen in the assembly direction, and an associated screw;  
       FIG. 5B : shows, in perspective, an exploded illustration of the construction according to  FIG. 5A , with a panel element introduced between the first variant of the sleeve holder and the first variant of the plug-in sleeve;  
       FIG. 5C : shows an enlarged horizontal section of the first variant of the sleeve holder according to  FIG. 4A  in a first application, inserted into the rear side of a panel element, with the first variant of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 2A  accommodated from the front side;  
       FIG. 6 : shows an enlarged horizontal section of the first variant of the sleeve holder according to  FIG. 4A  in a second application, fastened on the front side of a carrying structure, with a panel element placed in front and the first variant of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 2A  accommodated in it;  
       FIG. 7A : shows the bottom view of the plug-in sleeve of a first variant according to  FIG. 2A  with, in close proximity, the first variant of the plug-in part of a carrying arm and rod part attached according to  FIG. 3A ;  
       FIG. 7B : shows the construction according to  FIG. 7A  in the plugged-together state;  
       FIGS. 8A  to  8 C: show the functional principle of the device in the three positioning phases;  
       FIG. 8A : shows the first positioning phase: an enlarged vertical section of the construction according to  FIG. 1A , with the first variant of the plug-in part of an inclined carrying arm moved up in close proximity to the first variant of the plug-in sleeve;  
       FIG. 8B : shows the second positioning phase: the construction according to  FIG. 8A , with the plug-in part of the inclined carrying arm pushed into the plug-in sleeve to the maximum extent, in the unlocked state;  
       FIG. 8C : shows the third positioning phase: the construction according to  FIG. 8B , with the plug-in part of the horizontally oriented carrying arm pushed into the plug-in sleeve to the maximum extent, in the locked state;  
       FIG. 9A : shows, in perspective, a front view of a second variant of a plug-in sleeve;  
       FIG. 9B : shows, in perspective, a rear view of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A ;  
       FIG. 9C : shows, in perspective, a rear view, from beneath, of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A ;  
       FIG. 9D : shows, in perspective, a different rear view, from beneath, of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A ;  
       FIG. 10A : shows, in perspective, a front view of a second variant of a sleeve holder;  
       FIG. 10B : shows, in perspective, a rear view of the sleeve holder according to  FIG. 10A ;  
       FIG. 10C : shows, in perspective, a rear view, from above, of the sleeve holder according to  FIG. 10A ;  
       FIG. 10D : shows, in perspective, a rear view, from beneath, of the sleeve holder according to  FIG. 10A ;  
       FIG. 11A : shows the bottom view of the second variant of a plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A  and, in close proximity, the first variant of a plug-in part of the carrying arm according to  FIG. 3A ;  
       FIG. 11B : shows an enlargement of the construction according to  FIG. 11A  in the plugged-together state;  
       FIG. 12A : shows, in perspective, an exploded illustration of a construction with a panel element introduced between the second variant of the sleeve holder according to  FIG. 10A  and the second variant of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A ;  
       FIG. 12B : shows a horizontal section of the sleeve holder according to  
       FIG. 10A  in a first application, inserted into the rear side of a panel element, with the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A  accommodated from the front side;  
       FIG. 12C : shows a vertical section of the construction according to  FIG. 12B , with the carrying arm according to  FIG. 11A  plugged in;  
       FIG. 12D : shows a horizontal section of the construction according to  FIG. 12C ;  
       FIG. 13A : shows a horizontal section of the construction according to  FIG. 12B  with the second variant of the sleeve holder in a third application, inserted into a vertical support;  
       FIG. 13B : shows a horizontal section of the construction according to  FIG. 13A , with the carrying arm according to  FIG. 11A  plugged in;  
       FIGS. 14A  to  14 C: show the functional principle of the device in the three positioning phases;  
       FIG. 14A : shows the first positioning phase: a vertical section of the second variant of a sleeve holder according to  FIG. 10A , with the second variant of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A  inserted therein and, in close proximity, the first variant of the plug-in part of an inclined carrying arm according to  FIG. 11A ;  
       FIG. 14B : shows the second positioning phase: the construction according to  FIG. 14A , with the plug-in part of the inclined carrying arm pushed into the plug-in sleeve to the maximum extent, in the unlocked state;  
       FIG. 14C : shows the third positioning phase: the construction according to  FIG. 14B , with the plug-in part of the horizontally oriented carrying arm pushed into the plug-in sleeve to the maximum extent, in the locked state;  
       FIGS. 15A  to  22 C: show the device for hanging articles or for securing a bearing means with electrification;  
       FIG. 15A : shows, in perspective, a side view of the second variant of a plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A  with, in close proximity, a first coupling part and second clamp part from  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 15B : shows, in perspective, a front view of the construction according to  FIG. 15A  in the assembled state;  
       FIG. 15C : shows, in perspective, the top view of the construction according to  FIG. 15B ;  
       FIG. 15D : shows, in perspective, the bottom view of the construction according to  FIG. 15B ;  
       FIG. 16 : shows a perspective view of the plug-in sleeve with the first coupling part inserted, as a construction according to  FIG. 15B , in close proximity to the second variant of a sleeve holder according to  FIG. 10A ;  
       FIG. 17 : shows a perspective view of a clamp in complete form, with the two clamp parts still interconnected;  
       FIG. 18A : shows a partial section of a vertical support with the second variant of the sleeve holder according to  FIG. 10A  inserted therein, in the third application, with preassembled first coupling part, clamp and cable routed up into place;  
       FIG. 18B : shows a perspective illustration of the construction according to  FIG. 12A , with the sleeve holder in the first application, and the first coupling part inserted into the plug-in sleeve and secured by means of the second clamp part;  
       FIG. 18C : shows a partial section of the construction according to  FIG. 18A , with the second clamp part and plug-in sleeve moved up into place;  
       FIG. 18D : shows a partial section of the construction according to  FIG. 18C , with the first coupling part inserted into the plug-in sleeve and secured by means of the second clamp part;  
       FIG. 18E : shows a plan view of the construction according to  FIG. 18B ;  
       FIG. 19A : shows a plan view of a shelf with the second variant of the plug-in part, and second coupling part inserted therein, attached;  
       FIG. 19B : shows the enlarged detail X 1  from  FIG. 19A ;  
       FIG. 20A : shows the bottom view of a plug-in sleeve with the first coupling part inserted and secured by means of the second clamp part and, in close proximity, the second variant of the plug-in part with the second coupling part inserted therein, according to the detail X 1  from  FIG. 19A ;  
       FIG. 20B : shows the bottom view of the construction according to  FIG. 20A  in the plugged-together state;  
       FIG. 20C : shows, on an enlarged scale, the perspective view, from beneath, of the construction according to  FIG. 20B ;  
       FIG. 21A : shows a vertical section of a sleeve holder according to  FIG. 10A  in a first application, inserted into the rear side of a panel element, with the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A  accommodated from the front side and the shelf according to  FIG. 19A  secured therein, with electrification;  
       FIG. 21B : shows a plan view of the construction according to  FIG. 21A ;  
       FIGS. 22A  to  22 C: show the functional principle of the device with electrifycation in the three positioning phases;  
       FIG. 22A : shows the first positioning phase (electrical coupling parts are at a distance apart from one another): a vertical section of the second variant of a sleeve holder according to  FIG. 10A , with the second variant of the plug-in sleeve according to  FIG. 9A  inserted therein and, in close proximity, the second variant of the plug-in part of an inclined carrying arm;  
       FIG. 22B : shows the second positioning phase (electrical coupling parts illustrated just prior to engagement): the construction according to  FIG. 22A , with the second variant of the plug-in part of the inclined carrying arm pushed into the plug-in sleeve to the maximum extent, in the unlocked state; and  
       FIG. 22C : shows the third positioning phase (electrical coupling parts are in engagement): the construction according to  FIG. 22B , with the second variant of the plug-in part of the horizontally oriented carrying arm pushed into the plug-in sleeve to the maximum extent, in the locked state. 
    
    
     EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT  
      A detailed description will be given hereinbelow of exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention in different applications and with design-modified components, first of all without, and then with, electrification.  
      The following applies to the rest of the description. If, in order to avoid ambiguity in the drawings, a figure contains designations which are not explained in the directly associated text of the description, then you are referred to the point at which they are mentioned in previous or subsequent descriptions of the figures. For reasons of clarity, components are not usually designated again in further figures, provided that it is clear from the drawings that they are “recurring” components.  
     
       FIGS. 1A and 1B 
     
      This pair of figures illustrates a construction which, in the first instance, comprises a first variant of a sleeve holder  3 , in a first application, and a first variant of a plug-in sleeve  1  accommodated therein. The sleeve holder  3  is inserted into a panel element  4 , by way of its housing  30 , from the rear side  41 . The plug-in sleeve  1  is accommodated in the sleeve holder  3  from the front side  40  of the panel element  4 , so that the frame  10  of the plug-in sleeve  1  ends up located on the front side  40 . The combination of sleeve holder  3  and plug-in sleeve  1  rests in a through-passage  42  provided in the panel element  4 . The wing-like extensions  31  of the sleeve holder  3 , in this first application, are fastened on the rear side  41  of the panel element  4 . The plug-in sleeve  1 , which is pushed into the sleeve holder  3 , is secured by means of an axially provided screw  39 .  
      In the locked, third positioning phase, a carrying arm  2  which is inserted into the plug-in sleeve  1 , has its rod part  20  extending, in principle, horizontally into space.  
      The front end  21  of the carrying arm is particularly provided with a stopper nose  23  in order to avoid the situation where articles which are hung on the carrying arm, e.g. items of clothing hanging on hangers, slide down. Arranged at the plug-in end  22 , which is located opposite the front end  21 , is a first variant of a plug-in part  25 , which is flat in cross section and can be plugged, with arresting action, into the plug-in sleeve  1 . The plug-in part  25  and the plug-in opening  11  are preferably of rectangular cross section, this resulting in particularly good rotational stability. The rod part  20 , as a tube or bar made of solid material, may have round, oval, rectangular or square cross sections. In addition to the elongate, rectilinear geometry, the rod part  20  may be provided in the curved, stepped or angled forms which are typical for shop construction. In a further alternative, a transverse strut is fitted at the front end  21 , so that the carrying arm  2  assumes a T-shaped configuration. It is possible for a transverse strut to extend over the front ends  21  of a plurality of adjacent carrying arms  2 , this resulting in a frame-like combination of carrying arms. Articles can be hung directly on the rod part  20  of a carrying arm  2 . As an alternative, a bearing means may be arranged, as a shelf, basket or tray for bearing or displaying articles, on an individual rod part  20  or on the rod parts  20  of a plurality of adjacent carrying arms  2 .  
       FIGS. 2A  to  2 C  
      This series of figures shows different perspective views of a first variant of a plug-in sleeve  1 . On the front side, the plug-in sleeve  1  has a flat frame  10 , which encloses a window-like plug-in opening  11 . Attached to the rear side of the frame  10  is a housing  12  of reduced cross section, so that the frame  10 , in its plane, forms a flange-like projection on all sides. The housing  12  is basically in the form of a cuboid which has the plug-in opening  11  toward the front and is partially open toward the bottom and rear, i.e. the ceiling  13  is closed apart from a screw seat  161 , a ledge  16  projects into the rear side, which is located opposite the frame  10 , and a base section  15  is adjacent to the frame  10 , so that most of the base surface area is open. In the axial direction, the ceiling  13  and the base section  15  have guide contours  14 , preferably designed as grooves. The guide contours  14  on the side flanks of the housing  12 , in contrast, are preferably elevated crosspieces. The axial through-opening  160  with the screw seat  161  extends through the ledge  16 . The ledge  16  has stop surfaces  162  directed into the interior of the housing  12 .  
      Provided on the underside of the ceiling  13 , adjacent to the side flanks of the housing  12  in each case, is an internal arresting contour  17  with an inlet  19 , which is directed toward the frame  10 , and a buffer edge  18 , which is directed toward the ledge  16 . The arresting contour  17  extends with wedge-like thickening from the inlet  19 —from the flat plane of the ceiling  13 —in the direction of the buffer edge  18 , so that the arresting contour  17  increases in height in the direction of the buffer edge  18 . The plug-in sleeve can be produced in a particularly advantageous manner by plastic injection molding.  
     
       FIGS. 3A and 3B 
     
      The first variant of the plug-in part  25  is fixed to the plug-in end  22  of the rod part  20  and has a cross section which complements the plug-in opening  11  of the plug-in sleeve  1  and is flat in the horizontal plane. The plug-in part  25  terminates with the free end  27 . Provided in the two side flanks of the plug-in part  25  is a respective mating contour  26 , which is set back from the end  27  and is preferably designed as undercut depressions in which, in the plugged-in state (see  FIGS. 7B and 8C ), the arresting contours  17 , of complementary dimensions, end up located. Outer claws  28  thus form in the corner regions in front of the two mating contours  26 , as seen in the direction of the end  27 . For subjecting the device as a whole to high loading, the entire carrying arm  2  with the plug-in part  25  will be produced from a material with corresponding load-bearing properties, e.g. steel.  
       FIGS. 4A  to  4 C  
      The first variant of the sleeve holder  3 , which is dealt with in this series of figures, with its housing  30  and the extensions  31  encasing the housing  30  in a wing-like manner serves for fixing a plug-in sleeve  1  which is inserted therein. Corresponding to the housing  12  of the plug-in sleeve  1 , the housing  30  has a plug-in opening  32  and an internal accommodating space. On the rear side of the housing  30 , that is to say located opposite the plug-in opening  32 , a centrally arranged vertical crosspiece  33  partially closes the rear exit from the housing  30 . A screw hole  34  is provided in the center of the crosspiece. The vertically positioned, angled extensions  31  define a vertical plane which is set back in relation to the plug-in opening  32  and from which the front portion  300  extends to the front and the rear portion  301  of the housing  30  extends to the rear. The extensions  31  contain a plurality of screw holes  310  which serve for fastening the sleeve holder  3  on the rear side  41  of a panel element  4 , in the first application, or in front of a carrying structure  5 , in the second application. In order to support relatively high loading, the extensions  31  extend beyond the housing  30  in the upward and downward directions.  
       FIGS. 5A  to  5 C  
      For assembling the first variant of the plug-in sleeve  1  and the first variant of the sleeve holder  3 , in the first application, the sleeve holder  3  is positioned, by way of its two extensions  31  on the rear side  41  of a panel element  4 , so that the front portion  300  of the sleeve holder  3  projects into an appropriately dimensioned through-passage  42  in the panel element  4 , while the rear portion  301  of the sleeve holder  3  projects away from the rear side  41  of the panel element  4 . The extensions  31  are fastened by means of screws  38  which engage through the screw holes  310  into the panel element  4 . From the front side  40  of the panel element  4 , the plug-in sleeve  1  is pushed into the plug-in opening  32  of the sleeve holder  3 —with the housing  12  in front, the ceiling  13  upward and the base section  15  downward—until the flange-like frame  10  of the plug-in sleeve  1  is positioned on the front side  40  and, in the process, covers over the border of the through-passage  42 .  
      A screw  39  is introduced in order to secure the plug-in sleeve  1  accommodated in the sleeve holder  3 , the head  390  of the screw ending up located in the screw seat  161  of the ledge  16  of the plug-in sleeve  1 , and its threaded shank  391  projecting through the through-opening  160  and engaging in the screw hole  34  of the rear crosspiece  33  in the sleeve holder  3 . The sleeve holder  3  and plug-in sleeve  1  are thus assembled, so that the plug-in opening  11  of the plug-in sleeve  1  is thus ready for the introduction of the plug-in part  25  of a carrying arm  2  from space in the direction of the front side  40  of the panel element  4 . Panel elements  4  of different thicknesses can be used for the sleeve holder  3  with the front portion  300  of a certain length, so that the front edge of the front portion  300  in the through-passage  42  extends, at most, as far as the front side  40  of the panel element  4  or, in the case of a smaller panel thickness, ends up located in a set-back position in the through-passage  42 .  
     
       FIG. 6 
     
      In the case of the alternative, second application of the first variant of the sleeve holder  3 , the latter, rather than being screwed to the rear side  41  of the panel  4 , is fastened by way of its extensions  31 , preferably once again by means of screws  38 , on a carrying structure  5  arranged on the rear side of the panel element  4 . Such a carrying structure  5  could comprise, for example, two spaced-apart struts, between which the sleeve holder  3  is accommodated, or a framework component with an aperture for the insertion of the rear portion  301  of the sleeve holder  3 . Here, too, the front portion  300  of the sleeve holder  3  is introduced into a complementary through-passage  42  and, depending on the thickness of the panel element  4  used, penetrates into the same, but at most into the plane of the front side  40 . In the same way as with the first application, the plug-in sleeve  1  is pushed into the plug-in opening  32  of the sleeve holder  3 —with the housing  12  in front, the ceiling  13  upward and the base section  15  downward—from the front side  40  of the panel element  4  until the frame  10  of the plug-in sleeve  1  ends up resting on the front side  40  and covers the border of the through-passage  42 .  
     
       FIGS. 7A and 7B 
     
      This pair of figures illustrates the form-fitting engagement of the first variant of the plug-in part  25  of the carrying arm  2  introduced into the end position in the first variant of the plug-in sleeve  1 . In the initially unoccupied state, the plug-in opening  11  of the plug-in sleeve  1  and the arresting contours  17  on the underside of the ceiling  13  and also the stop surfaces  162 , which are located opposite the plug-in opening  11  inside the plug-in sleeve  1 , are free (see  FIG. 7A ).  
      Once the carrying arm  2  has been introduced into the plug-in sleeve  1  with the plug-in part  25  in front, and the carrying arm  2  oriented basically horizontally, the two arresting contours  17 , passing from the inlet  19  to the buffer edge  18 , end up located entirely in the complementary, cut-out mating contours  26  of the plug-in part  25 . The two outer claws  28  are seated behind the buffer edges  18 . The end  27  of the plug-in part  25  is positioned in front of the stop surfaces  162  and the rest of the plug-in part  25  extends out of the plug-in sleeve  1 , through the plug-in opening  11  thereof, and merges into the rod part  20  of the carrying arm  2 .  
       FIGS. 8A  to  8 C  
      This series of figures explains the functional principle of the device, which, in the respectively first variant of the plug-in sleeve  1  and of the sleeve holder  3 , is not electrified, in the three characteristic positioning phases.  
      First Positioning Phase: Inclined Position of Close Proximity ( FIG. 8   a )  
      In preparation for the insertion of the carrying arm  2  into the unoccupied plug-in sleeve  1 , its plug-in part  25 , on which are located the two mating contours  26  and the respectively adjacent outer claws  28 , is moved up, with the end  27  in front, into close proximity with the free plug-in opening  11 , which is accessible from the front side  40  of the panel element  4  and is enclosed by the frame  10 . It is likewise the case that the two arresting contours  17  with the respective inlet  19  and the buffer edge  18  on the underside of the ceiling  13  of the housing  12  are still unoccupied and project freely into space. It is also the case that the stop surfaces  162  inside the plug-in sleeve  1 , the stop surfaces being provided on the ledge  16 , are free. The carrying arm  2  has to be inclined in relation to the horizontal overall, with the plug-in part  25  in a lowered position and the front end  21  of the rod part  20  in a raised position (see  FIG. 1A ).  
      The plug-in sleeve  1  is oriented horizontally in the panel element  4 , the assembly which is shown here corresponding to the first application (see  FIGS. 5B and 5C ), i.e. the sleeve holder  3  is fastened, by way of its extensions  31 , on the rear side  41  of the panel element  4 . The front portion  300  of the housing  30  of the sleeve holder  3  projects from the rear side  41  of the panel into the through-passage  42 . The plug-in sleeve  1  is fastened in the sleeve holder  3  by means of the screw  39 , of which the head  390  is seated in the ledge  16  and the threaded shank engages in the screw hole  34  in the crosspiece  33 .  
      Second Positioning Phase: Unlocked State ( FIG. 8B )  
      The plug-in part  25 , with the end  27  of the inclined carrying arm  2  in a lowered position, is pushed in through the plug-in opening  11 , beyond the base section  15 , until the end  27  rests against the stop surfaces  162 . As the plug-in part  25  is pushed in, those surfaces of the outer claws  28  which are directed toward the arresting contours  17  move along first of all beneath the two inlets  19  and then gradually beneath the two wedge-shaped arresting contours  17 . The outer claws  28 , which usually slide along the arresting contours  17 , force the still-inclined position of the carrying arm  2  as a whole to be maintained. The maximum push-in depth of the plug-in part  25  is thus achieved and, at the same time, the two mating contours  26 , provided on the side flanks of the plug-in part  25 , and the outer claws  28  are positioned congruently beneath the two complementary arresting contours  17 .  
      Third Positioning Phase: Locked State ( FIG. 8C )  
      Starting from the second positioning phase according to  FIG. 8B , the plug-in part  25 , pushed into the plug-in sleeve  1  to the maximum extent, with the adjoining rod part  20 , which extends between its plug-in end  22  and front end  21  and, along with the plug-in part  25 , produces the carrying arm  2 , is moved out of the inclined position, as a whole, into the horizontal. In this case, the two arresting contours  17  pass into the mating contours  26 , as a result of which the outer claws  28  of the plug-in part  25  grip behind the buffer edges  18  on the plug-in sleeve  1 .  
      The end  27  of the plug-in part  25  comes into increased contact with the stop surfaces  162 . The weight of the carrying arm  2  and any load hanging thereon—by virtue of resting on the underside of the plug-in opening  11  so as to be capable of pivoting to a limited extent—results in the plug-in part  25  being pushed to an increased extent in the direction of the ceiling  13  of the plug-in sleeve  1  and thus in the locked state being secured to a relatively pronounced extent, the action of the carrying arm  2  being pulled out of the plug-in sleeve  1  being blocked.  
      Removal of the Carrying Arm from the Plug-In Sleeve  
      The removal of the carrying arm  2  with the plug-in part  25  engaged in the plug-in sleeve  1  takes place in a reversible manner with a return from the third positioning phase into the second positioning phase, as a result of which the plug-in part  25  ends up the unlocked state again, from which the plug-in part  25  with the carrying arm  2  can be pulled out of the plug-in sleeve  1 .  
       FIGS. 9A  to  9 D  
      The second variant of the plug-in sleeve  1 , in turn, comprises the housing  12  and the frame  10  placed in front of it, the frame enclosing the front, window-like plug-in opening  11 , which terminates as a rear plug-in opening  11 ′. Likewise present are the ceiling  13 , the guide contours  14 , the base section  15  and the arresting contours  17  on both sides—each with a buffer edge  18  and inlet  19 . As a modification to the first variant, instead of the previously centrally arranged ledge  16  with the through-opening  160  and screw seat  161 , in this case a respective ledge  16  with through-opening  160  and screw seat  161  is provided on the inside adjacent to the two side flanks of the housing  12 . This results in a rear plug-in opening  11 ′ in the center of the housing. Arranged in front of the two screw seats  161 , as seen in the direction of the frame  10 , is a respective passage  163  which is in the form of a half-shell and of which the elevation toward the frame  10 , directed from the ceiling  13  into the interior of the housing  12 , contains the stop surface  162 . The two through-openings  160 , screw seats  161 , stop surfaces  162  and passages  163  are located on parallel lines which cross over the connection between the front and rear plug-in openings  11 , 11 ′ at right angles. A hole  141  is located in the ceiling  13 , in the region of the connecting line between the two stop surfaces  162 . A head  390  of a screw  39  is positioned in each of the screw seats  161 , the threaded shank  391  of this screw projecting through the associated through-opening  160 . A nose  142  is located on the outside of the ceiling  13 , at the transition to the frame  10 , in a central position on the housing  12 . The plug-in sleeve  1  is advantageously produced as a single-piece casting. On the inner sides, which are directed toward the rear plug-in opening  11 ′, each ledge  16  has a blind groove  166  which is open in the upward direction.  
       FIGS. 10A  to  10 D  
      The second variant of the sleeve holder  3  likewise has a housing  30  of complementary form for accommodating the plug-in sleeve  1 , the extensions  31  in this case, rather than being attached laterally in a wing-like manner to the housing  30 , being provided as a flange which is located in a vertical plane and has a relatively long downward part  35  and an upward part  35 ′. The downward and upward parts  35 , 35 ′ are attached to the housing  30  at the top and bottom and divide it up into the relatively long rear portion  301  and the shorter front portion  300 . The down-ward and upward parts  35 , 35 ′ contain first and second screw holes  310 , 311 . A leveling marking  312  is provided on the front surface of the downward part  35 , in a central position beneath the front portion  300 . The front portion  300  terminates at the front with the front surface  302 , which has a respective marking protuberance  303  extending from each of its corners and which encases the plug-in opening  32 . In the top longitudinal strip, a knot  304  is introduced into the front surface  302 . The rear plug-in opening  32 ′ opens out at the free end of the rear portion  301 , the two plug-in openings  32 , 32 ′ being open all the way through in relation to one another. For stiffening purposes, ribs  36  and a transverse rib  36 ′ are provided on the rear side of the upward and downward parts  35 , 35 ′, and extend onto the housing  30 . To complement the outer ledges  16  with the through-openings  160  on the plug-in sleeve  1 , the sleeve holder  3  has a crosspiece  33  at the free end of the rear portion  301 , to the sides of the rear plug-in opening  32 ′ in each case, a screw hole  34  with internal thread extending through the crosspiece.  
     
       FIGS. 11A and 11B 
     
      This pair of figures illustrates the second variant of a plug-in sleeve  1  interacting with the first variant of a plug-in part  25  of a carrying arm  2 . As has already been explained in relation to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the plug-in part  25  is intended for pushing into the plug-in sleeve  1  with arresting action and has, at the front, the end  27 , in the front corner regions, the outer claws  28  and, on the side flanks, the cut-out mating contours  26 . Opposite the end  27 , the plug-in end  22  of the rod part  20  of the carrying arm  2  is connected to the plug-in part  25 . Prior to the plug-in part  25  being introduced into the front plug-in opening  11 , the two are aligned with one another (see  FIG. 11A ). For continuation of assembly, the heads  390  of the screws  39  are located in the screw seats  161 , and the threaded shanks  391  project out of the through-openings  160 . Prior to a carrying arm  2  being moved up into close proximity, the front plug-in opening  11  and the passages  163  provide access for a screwing tool, in order to screw the screws  39  into the screw holes  34  of the sleeve holder  3 .  
      In the fully pushed-in and arrested state, the arresting contours  17  end up located within the mating contours  26 , the end  27  resting against the stop surfaces  162  and the outer claws  28  enclosing the front buffer edges  18  of the arresting contours  17 . Depending on its length, the inlet  19  of the respective arresting contour  17  will project beyond the mating contours  26  or end up located therein (see  FIG. 11B ). Bevels or rounded portions on the outer claws  28 , the mating contours  26  and the buffer edges  18  facilitate the introduction of the plug-in part  25  and prevent injury during handling, as a result of sharp edges being avoided.  
       FIGS. 12A  to  12 D  
      In the first application, provision is made for the sleeve holder  3  to be fastened, by way of its flange-like extension  31 , on the rear side  41  of a panel element  4 . This is done by means of screws  38  which engage, by way of their threaded shank  381 , through screw holes  310 , 311  in the extension  31  into screw holes  43  in the panel element  4 , the screw heads  380  being positioned on the rear side of the extension  31 . In the assembled state, the front portion  300  of the housing  30  projects into the through-passage  42  without projecting on the front side  40  of the panel element  4 . The plug-in sleeve  1  has its housing  12  pushed through the plug-in opening  32 , into the housing  30  of the sleeve holder  3 , to the maximum extent, so that the frame  10  rests on the front side  40  of the panel element  4  and the nose  142  of the plug-in sleeve  1  moves into the notch  304  on the sleeve holder  3 . For fastening the plug-in sleeve  1 , the screws  39  are screwed into the screw holes  34  by way of their threaded shanks  391 . The rear portion  301  of the sleeve holder  3  extends horizontally from the rear side  41  of the panel element  4 .  
      In the case of the non-electrified embodiment here the blind grooves  166 , the hole  141  and the rear plug-in opening  11 ′ on the plug-in sleeve  1  and the rear plug-in opening  32 ′ on the sleeve holder  3  remain unoccupied. The front plug-in opening  11 , which is directed into space, is ready for accommodating a plug-in part  25  with adjoining carrying arm  2 .  
       FIGS. 13A, 13B  and  18 A  
      These Figures show the second variant of the sleeve holder  3  in its third application, inserted into a vertical support  6 . Corresponding to the dimensions of the cross section of the housing  30  and of the ribs  36  and transverse ribs  36 ′, an aperture is provided in the first outer surface  61  of the vertical support  6 , so that, of the sleeve holder  3  which is mounted thereon, the rear portion  301  projects into the interior of the vertical support  6  and the flange-like extension  31  is positioned, by way of its rear side, on the outer surface  61 . The extension  31  is fastened on the vertical support  6  by means of screws  319  which grip through the screw holes  310 . From the extension  31 , the front portion  300  of the housing  3  projects, in the first instance, into space, it being the case, in the completed construction, that a panel element  4  with a through-passage  42  is positioned in front of the vertical support  6  and the front portion  300  projects into the same. The housing  12  of the plug-in sleeve  1  is pushed into the front plug-in opening  32  of the sleeve holder  3  until the frame  10  is positioned on the front side  40  of the panel element  4 . The plug-in sleeve  1  pushed into the sleeve holder  3  is secured, in turn, by means of screws  39 , as has been described above. The front plug-in opening  11 , in turn, is ready for accommodating a plug-in part  25 .  
      The vertical support  6  is a hollow quadrilateral profile with the front surface  61 , the adjacent side surfaces  62 , 64  and the outer surface  63 , which is located between the side surfaces. The vertical support  6  is retained on a building wall, for example, by means of a fastening strut  60 , which is fixed to the side surface  62  by screws  69 .  
       FIGS. 14A  to  14 C  
      This series of figures shows the functional principle of the device, which, in the respective second variant of the plug-in sleeve  1  and of the sleeve holder  3  in combination with the first variant of the plug-in part  25 , is not electrified, in the three characteristic positioning phases, many points in the handling sequence here corresponding to the handling sequence for a device with the first variants of all the components  1 , 3 , 25 , as has been described in relation to  FIGS. 8A  to  8 C. The first positioning phase (see  FIG. 14A ), in turn, illustrates a carrying arm  2  with the plug-in part  25 , which terminates at the front with the end  27 , being moved up into close proximity in an inclined position. In the second positioning phase (see  FIG. 14B ), the plug-in part  25  is located on the stop surfaces  162  by way of the lowered end  27  of the now inclined carrying arm  2 , the wedge-shaped arresting contours  17  still being located outside the mating contours  26 . In the third positioning phase (see  FIG. 14C ), the carrying arm  2  has been moved into the horizontal, so that the arresting contours  17  are then enclosed by the mating contours  26  and the carrying arm  2  is thus secured, with arresting action, against being pulled out.  
       FIGS. 15A  to  15 D and  17   
      The rest of the figures up to the final figure,  FIG. 22C , inclusive illustrate the device with, in each case, the second variant of the plug-in sleeve  1 , the sleeve holder  3  and the plug-in part  25  provided with electrification. In anticipation of the assembly sequence, the positioning of the first coupling part  7  in the plug-in sleeve  1  is described in this sequence of figures. A cable K is routed up to the first coupling part  7  from the rear, while the contacts  73 , which are electrically screened in the manner of a conventional plug connector, are accessible from the front. On the sides, the first coupling part  7  has a respective journal  70  with an axial hole  71 , the two journals  70  being aligned with one another. A hole  72  extends through the first coupling part  7  from above.  
      With the insertion of the first coupling part  7  into the plug-in sleeve  1 , the coupling part  7  is positioned basically vertically, so that the journals  70  can be moved into the blind grooves  166 . Once the coupling part  7  has then been rotated through approximately 90°, it ends up located horizontally in the plug-in sleeve  1 , in which case the fed cable K projects out of the rear plug-in opening  11 ′ and the contacts  73  are accessible from the vanishing line of the front plug-in opening  11 . In order to secure the coupling part  7 , which can be moved to a limited extent about the journals  70 , the second clamp part  96  has been plugged on, this clamp part engaging into the hole  141  in the housing  12  by way of its pin  97  and into the hole  72  on the coupling part  7  by way of its pin  98 .  
      The second clamp part  96  forms the clamp  9  together with the first clamp part  91 , which is initially interconnected, it being possible for the clamp parts  91 , 96  to be separated from one another by being broken or cut along a line  90 . The first clamp part  91  has, in its central region, two grooves  92  which are open in the downward direction and are intended for the through-passage of two cores of the cable K. The clamp  9  is preferably produced as a plastic injection molding.  
     
       FIG. 16 
     
      This figure shows the plug-in sleeve  1 , with the first coupling part  7  inserted, in close proximity to a sleeve holder  3 , in order for the plug-in sleeve  1  to be introduced into the latter and fastened there. The cable K extending from the coupling part  7  is introduced into the sleeve holder  3 , through the front plug-in opening  32  of the latter, and passes out again at the rear plug-in opening  32 ′, in order to be connected to the power supply. Once the plug-in sleeve  1  has been pushed into the sleeve holder  3 , with the cable K being pushed back simultaneously, the plug-in sleeve  1  is fixed in the sleeve holder  3  by means of the screws  39 .  
       FIGS. 18A  to  18 E  
      The sequence of  FIGS. 18A, 18C  and  18 D illustrates the assembly of the plug-in sleeve  1  with the first coupling part  7  in combination with the third application of the sleeve holder  3 . The cable K, which is fed through the rear plug-in opening  32 ′, has been connected to the first coupling part  7 , it being the case, in the first instance, that the cable K and the coupling part  7 , with the clamp  9  plugged on, are restrained in the sleeve holder  3  in order to prevent any slipping out through the rear plug-in opening  32 ′. In this securing position, the first clamp part  91  rests against the crosspieces  33  from the inside, the cable cores run through the grooves  92 , the coupling part  7  is seated in front of the clamp part  91 , and the pin  98  of the second clamp part  96  engages laterally in the hole  71  of a journal  70 . Prior to the coupling part  7  being inserted into the plug-in sleeve  1 , the coupling part  7 , with the clamp  9 , is pulled out through the front plug-in opening  32  (see  
       FIG. 18A ).  
      In the next assembly step, the clamp  9  is removed from the cable K, and the first clamp part  91  is detached and can be disposed of. Thereafter, the coupling part  7  is fitted into the blind grooves  166  by way of its journals  70  (see  FIG. 18C ) and the first coupling part  7  is secured on the plug-in sleeve  1  by the second clamp part  96 , whereupon the plug-in sleeve  1  can be pushed into the sleeve holder  3  (see  FIG. 18D ).  
      The series of  FIGS. 18B and 18E  illustrates the assembly of the plug-in sleeve  1  with the first coupling part  7  in combination with the first application of the sleeve holder  3 , i.e. in combination with the latter being fastened, by way of the extension  31 , on the rear side  41  of a panel element  4 . Provided in the panel element  4 , to complement the vertical cross section of the front portion  300  of the housing  30 , is the through-passage  42  in which, in the assembled state, the front portion  300  ends up located and through which the plug-in sleeve  1 , provided with the coupling part  7 , is pushed into the sleeve holder  3  from the front side  40 . Irrespective of the thickness of the panel element  4 , the front portion  300  should not project beyond the front side  40 . The rear portion  301  of the sleeve holder  3  projects from the rear side  41 . With the device in the assembled state, the cable K projects out of the rear plug-in opening  32 ′ and extends further to the power supply.  
     
       FIGS. 19A and 19B 
     
      Taking the electrification into account, the second variant of the plug-in part  25  is provided with a second coupling part  8 , this plug-in part being adjoined by a shelf  2 ′ rather than a carrying arm  2 , as has been the case up until now. From the end  27  the plug-in part  25  contains an aperture  250  which continues axially as a narrowed channel  251 , as a result of which the plug-in part  25  is basically subdivided into two legs which are located in a mirror-inverted manner in relation to one another. As before, the plug-in part  25  has the two outer claws  28  and the following mating contours  26 . From the aperture  250 , a blind groove  256  extends into each leg, the blind groove not being continuous from top to bottom, so that the journals  80  of the coupling part  8  can be fitted therein in an analogous manner to the way in which the journals  70  of the coupling part  7  are fitted into the blind grooves  166  on the plug-in sleeve  1 . The electrically screened contacts  83  of the coupling part  8  are accessible from the front, while a line (not illustrated) extends from the rear of the coupling part  8  and makes its way through the channel  251 , e.g. to a lamp.  
       FIGS. 20A  to  20 C  
      This series of figures illustrates the interengagement of the two coupling parts  7 ,  8  when the plug-in part  25  is pushed into the plug-in sleeve  1 . In the state in which the plug-in part  25 —with the adjoining shelf  2 ′—is in close proximity to the plug-in sleeve  1 , the coupling parts  7 ,  8  are at a distance apart from one another, but the contacts  73 , 83  on both sides are already aligned with one another (see  FIG. 20A ). The journal  97  of the second clamp part  96  and the pin  98  thereof plug into the housing hole  140  and the journal hole  72  and thus secure the inserted first coupling part  7  in the plug-in sleeve  1 .  
      As the plug-in part  25  is increasingly pushed into the plug-in sleeve  1 , the contacts  73 , 83  on both sides approach one another and the mating contours  26  move gradually onto the upwardly sloping arresting contours  17  (see  FIG. 20C ).  
      When the plug-in part  25  has been pushed all the way into the plug-in sleeve  1 —the end  27  of the plug-in part butting against the stop surfaces  162 —the contacts  73 ,  83  move all the way into one another, even when the end  27  of the now inclined shelf  2 ′ is still in the lowered position, and make the electrical connection. As the shelf  2 ′ is oriented horizontally, the arresting contours  17  pass into the mating contours  26  and the two coupling parts  7 , 8  are aligned with one another (see  FIG. 20B ).  
     
       FIGS. 21A and 21B 
     
      This pair of figures shows, in the electrified embodiment—as a supplement to the construction according to  FIGS. 12A  to  12 D—a sleeve holder  3  in the first application, fastened on the rear side  41  of the panel element  4 , with the plug-in sleeve  1  accommodated from the front side  40  of the panel and the plug-in part  25 , which is adjoined by a shelf  2 ′, pushed therein. The plug-in sleeve  1  is provided with a first coupling part  7 , which is fed power via the cable K. The associated plug-in part  25  may be designed in accordance with the second variant of  FIG. 19B  and be provided with a second coupling part  8 . If it is desired to dispense with the connection of an electrical consuming unit, the second coupling part  8  is done away with or the first variant of a plug-in part  25  according to  FIG. 3A  could be used.  
       FIGS. 22A  to  22 C  
      This series of figures illustrates the functional principle of the device, which, in the respective second variant of the plug-in sleeve  1  and of the sleeve holder  3  in combination with the second variant of the plug-in part  25 , is now electrified, in the three characteristic positioning phases. Many points in the handling sequence here correspond to the handling sequence for a device with the first variants of all the components  1 , 3 , 25 —as has been described in relation to  FIGS. 8A  to  8 C—and also with the second variants of all the components  1 , 3 , 25  without electrify-cation, as per the description relating to  FIGS. 14A  to  14 C.  
      The first positioning phase (see  FIG. 22A ) thus shows, once again, a carrying arm  2  with the plug-in part  25 , which terminates at the front with the end  27 , but now has the second coupling part  8  projecting beyond it toward the front, being moved up into close proximity in an inclined position. The first coupling part  7 , which is seated in a plug-in sleeve  1 , is at a distance apart from the second coupling part  8 , so that there is no initial mechanical engagement, nor is any electrical contact made. In the second positioning phase (see  FIG. 22B ), the plug-in part  25  is located on the stop surfaces  162  by way of the lowered end  27  (not visible here) of the now inclined carrying arm  2 , and the wedge-shaped arresting contours  17  are still located outside, and above, the mating contours  26 . The coupling parts  7 , 8  here have been pushed mechanically one inside the other to the maximum extent and are in electrical contact with one another. In the third positioning phase (see  FIG. 22C ), the carrying arm  2  has been moved into the horizontal, as a result of which the mating contours  26  move onto the arresting contours  17  and enclose the latter. At the same time, the two coupling parts  7 , 8  are aligned with one another. The carrying arm  2  is now secured against being pulled out.