Abstract:
A connector for fastening an angle iron to a profile section has a connector element configured so as to embrace the profile section, and a single connecting member connecting the connector element, the profile section and the angle iron, wherein the connector element is substantially U-shaped and has a base and two legs configured for embracing the profile section.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The invention described and claimed hereinbelow is also described in German Patent Application DE 10 2006 004 931.4 filed Feb. 3, 2006. This German Patent Application, whose subject matter is incorporated here by reference, provides the basis for a claim of priority of invention under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present generally relates to cross-connectors. 
         [0003]    More particularly, it relates to a connector for fastening an angle iron to a profile section, and also to a corresponding connection assembly. 
         [0004]    Such connectors are known for instance from French Patent Disclosure FR 2 033 601. In it, a connector  3  is shown with which an angle iron  2  is fastened to a profile section  1 , with the angle iron crossing the profile section. The profile section  1  penetrates the connector  3 , so that the connector embraces the profile section. The angle iron  2  rests on the outside  3 . 2  of the connector. Simultaneously, a hook  4  embraces the profile section  1 , and a threaded portion that the angle iron  2  penetrates is provided on the hook  4 . With the aid of a screw  5 , which engages the threaded portion and is braced on the angle iron, the entire connection assembly is held together. The hook  4  and the screw  5  together form the single connecting means by which the connection assembly is connected. 
         [0005]    The disadvantage of this connector is that the profile section on the side facing away from the angle iron is not accessible, since the profile section penetrates the angle iron. Hence it cannot be used if a roller track, for instance, is provided on that side of the profile section. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cross-connection which eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art. 
         [0007]    More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cross-connector in which the profile section is accessible on the side facing away from the angle iron. 
         [0008]    This object is attained in that the connector is embodied as substantially U-shaped, having a base and two legs for embracing the profile section. The legs can for instance be inclined toward one another in order to embrace the profile section. In the remaining space between the legs, the profile section thus remains accessible. 
         [0009]    It may be provided that the base of the connector has a joint, preferably an elastic joint, which is located between the two legs, and the joint axis is oriented essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the profile section. By means of the joint, the legs can be pivoted relative to one another, so that the profile section can be inserted into the connector without major expenditure of force. In particular, the connector can be mounted at any longitudinal position of the profile section without having to be slipped on from the direction of the face end of the profile section. 
         [0010]    The joint can be implemented by providing that two connector halves are mounted rotatably on one shaft. However, consideration can also be given to providing a so-called film hinge, that is, a narrow portion transverse to the joint axis, in which portion the connector has substantially greater elasticity than in the remainder of the connector. The film hinge extends in the direction of the joint axis, preferably across the entire connector. 
         [0011]    In a refinement of the invention, at least two rocker protrusions for bracing the angle iron can be located on the base of the connector, on the side facing away from the legs, and the joint is located between the rocker protrusions. It is assured in this way that the angle iron will not hinder the pivoting motions of the connector about its joint. 
         [0012]    It can furthermore be provided that between the legs and between the rocker protrusions, the base of the connector has an opening, which is can be penetrated by the connecting means. In this embodiment of the connector, the angle iron preferably also has an opening, and the connecting means penetrates both openings and forces the base of the connector in the direction of the angle iron. As a result, the legs of the connector, because of the joint and the rocker protrusions, are moved toward one another until such time as they rest firmly on the profile section and securely embrace it. The connecting means in this case preferably includes a screw bolt. 
         [0013]    It is also proposed that the opening in the connector, for engagement with the connecting means, has a thread or a recess for receiving a threaded insert in a manner secured against relative rotation. As a result, the screw bolt of the connecting means can simply be screwed in, without requiring that a separate nut or the like be prevented from rotating using a second wrench. The assembly is accordingly simplified. 
         [0014]    It can furthermore be provided that the base of the connector, on the side facing away from the legs, has at least one bracing protrusion for bracing the profile section. The bracing protrusion is intended to prevent the profile section, during the closure of the connecting means, from hindering the pivoting motions of the connector about its joint. 
         [0015]    Moreover, at least one retention protrusion for embracing the profile section can be provided on each of the two legs of the connector, on the end facing away from the base, and the retention protrusions are diametrically opposite one another. This embodiment is advantageously employed in conjunction with profile sections which have undercuts that are adapted to the retention protrusions. As a result, an especially secure hold of the connector on the profile section can be assured. Moreover, this combination has the advantage that the connector does not protrude past the profile section on the free side of the profile section. 
         [0016]    The base of the connector, on the side toward the legs, can have at least one detent protrusion for engagement with adapted detent recesses of the profile section. As a result, a form-locking connection in the longitudinal direction of the profile section is made between the profile section and the connector. The connector is thus secured in a simple way against shifting in the longitudinal direction of the profile section. 
         [0017]    The connector can be embodied in one piece, preferably injection-molded from plastic. What is suitable for this purpose above all is the variant having the elastic joint. This kind of connector is especially economical. As the plastic, polyamide, preferably PA 66 , is especially well suited, since this material has suitable elasticity and strength. The plastic is preferably modified such that it has an increased electrical conductivity, in order to assure an electrically conductive connection between the profile section and the angle iron. This is intended to prevent electrostatic charges, which could damage electronic components, for instance, that are conveyed on the profile section. 
         [0018]    The invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a connection assembly of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the connector and the connecting means of the connection assembly of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    In  FIG. 1 , a connection assembly of the invention is identified very generally by reference numeral  1 . It includes a connector  10 , a profile section  30 , and an angle iron  40 . The profile section  30  is embodied as elongated U-shaped rails of sheet steel. In the interior of the profile section  30 , a plurality of rollers  31  for forming a roller track are supported rotatably. The angle iron  40  has an elongated lateral guide  41 , which extends parallel to the profile section  30 . With the lateral guide  41 , material to be conveyed, which is transported on the roller track, is guided laterally. The angle iron  40  is fastened to the connector  10  with the aid of the connecting means  50  on the profile section  30 . 
         [0023]    The connector  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is embodied as substantially U-shaped, and overall it is symmetrical to the plane of symmetry S. On its base  12 , two legs  11  are provided, having retention protrusions  19  diametrically opposite one another that engage two complementary undercuts  32  in the profile section  30 , so that the connector embraces the profile section  30 . The profile section  30  is furthermore braced, on the side  13  of the base toward the legs  11 , on four bracing protrusions  18 . 
         [0024]    The angle iron  40  rests on the connector  10 , on the side  14  of the base facing away from the legs  11 . To that end, two rocker protrusions  17  are provided, which are created by two flat faces  24  that are inclined toward one another. The position of the angle iron  40  relative to the profile section  30  at a right angle is defined by four alignment lugs  23  on the two rocker protrusions  17 . The use of four alignment lugs  23  in principle also makes it possible to orient the angle iron  40  parallel to the profile section  30 , counter to what is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0025]    Between the legs  11  and the rocker protrusions  17 , a joint  15  is provided, whose joint axis extends in the axis of symmetry S, being aligned parallel with the profile section  30 . The joint  15  is embodied elastically, on the order of a film hinge  16 . For this purpose, a groove  25  is provided, which extends in the direction of the joint axis over the entire connector, thus creating a region of increased elasticity in the base. 
         [0026]    A circular-cylindrical opening  20  for the connecting means is also provided in the middle of the base and is adjoined by a concentric square recess  21  for a threaded insert. The length of the side of the recess  21  is greater than the diameter of the opening. 
         [0027]    The connecting means  50  includes a screw bolt  51 , with a thread  52 , and a threaded insert  53 , with a complementary thread  54 . The threaded insert  53  is located in the recess  21  in a manner fixed against relative rotation. The screw bolt  51  is screwed into the threaded insert  53  from the diametrically opposite side through an opening  42  in the angle iron  40  and through the opening  20  in the base  12 . The opening  42  in the angle iron is embodied as an oblong slot, so that the lateral guide  41  can be placed in various positions. 
         [0028]    Upon assembly of the connector, the procedure is as follows: 
         [0029]    1) Inserting the threaded insert  53  into the recess  21  in the connector  10 . 
         [0030]    2) Clipping the connector  10  onto the profile section  30 , so that the detent protrusion  22  on the connector engages one of the plurality of detent recesses  33  on the profile section. 
         [0031]    3) Inserting the angle iron  40  between the alignment lugs  23 , so that it rests on the rocker protrusions  17 . 
         [0032]    4) Screwing the screw bolt  51  into the threaded insert. 
         [0033]    In the final step, the screw bolt  51  is rotated firmly until such time as the two faces  24 , originally inclined relative to one another, rest flatly on the angle iron  40 . The inclination of the two faces  24  relative to one another has been selected such that the retention protrusions  19  on the connector  10  now engage the undercuts  32  on the profile section  30  with a predetermined clamping force. 
         [0034]    It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above. 
         [0035]    While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a cross connector, and a mounting assembly using the same, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0036]    Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.