COMPONENT ASSEMBLY AND SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING RAILS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME

MODULE A ASSEMBLER AINSI QUE DISPOSITIF DE SUSPENSION POUR RAILS DE SUPPORT ET LEURS PROCEDES DE FABRICATION

English Abstract

A component assembly and a suspension device for supporting rails, in particular for suspended ceilings or the like, are described. The component assembly comprises a first component which is flat at least in certain areas and a second component which is flat at least in certain areas and fastened to the base part. At least two guide slots extending substantially parallel are formed both in the first component and in the second component. The regions of the first and of the second component that are arranged between the guide slots each form retaining portions. The first component and the second component are plugged together in the longitudinal direction of the guide slots in such a way that the retaining portion of the first component overlaps an overlapping region of the second component that adjoins the retaining portion of the second component in the longitudinal direction of the guide slots and in such a way that the retaining portion of the second component overlaps an overlapping region of the first component that adjoins the retaining portion of the first component in the longitudinal direction of the guide slots. Furthermore, a method for producing such a component assembly is described.

French Abstract

L'invention concerne un module à assembler ainsi qu'un dispositif de suspension pour rails de support, notamment pour plafonds suspendus ou analogue. Le module à assembler comprend au moins une première pièce ayant au moins partiellement une forme plate, et une deuxième pièce ayant au moins partiellement une forme plate qui est fixée sur la pièce de base. Tant la première pièce que la deuxième pièce sont pourvues d'au moins deux fentes de guidage qui sont sensiblement parallèles. Chez la première comme chez la deuxième pièce, les zones situées entre lesdites fentes de guidage forment des parties de soutien. Suivant le sens longitudinal des fentes de guidage, la première pièce et la deuxième pièce sont emboîtées de façon à ce que la partie de soutien de la première pièce et une zone de chevauchement de la deuxième pièce se chevauchent, ladite zone formant la prolongation de la partie de soutien de la deuxième pièce en suivant le sens longitudinal des fentes de guidage, et que la zone de soutien de la deuxième pièce et une zone de chevauchement de la première pièce se chevauchement, ladite zone formant la prolongation de la partie de soutien de la première pièce en suivant le sens longitudinal des fentes de guidage. En outre, l'invention concerne un procédé de fabrication d'un tel module à assembler.

Claims

25
Claims
1. A suspension apparatus for carrier rails (8), in particular for
suspended ceilings or the like, having a first component (12, 43,
53) which forms a base part which is configured for coupling to
a carrier rail (8) and having a second component (12, 43, 53)
which forms a connection part which is configured for the
adjustable connection of the base part (12, 43, 53) to a fastening
part (6, 48, 57), wherein, with an assembled suspension
apparatus, the base part (12, 43, 53) and the connection part
(13, 60, 61) are loaded by a carrier rail (8) coupled to the base
part (12, 43, 53) in a predefined load direction (14),
characterized in that
at least two guide slots (15, 23) extending transversely to the
load direction (14) and substantially in parallel to one another
are formed both in the base part (12, 43, 53) and in the
connection part (13, 60, 61);
in that the regions (17, 25) of the base part (12, 43, 53) and of
the connection part (13, 60, 61) arranged between the guide
slots (15, 23) each form holding portions (18, 26); and
in that the base part (12, 43, 53) and the connection part (13,
60, 61, 67) are plugged together in the longitudinal direction of
the guide slots (15, 23) such that the holding portion (18) of the
base part (12, 43, 53) overlaps an overlap region (33) of the
connection part (13, 60, 61) adjoining the holding portion (26) of
the connection part (13, 60, 61) in the longitudinal direction of
the guide slots (15, 23) and such that the holding portion (26) of
the connection part (13, 60, 61) overlaps an overlap region (32)
of the base part (12, 43, 53) adjoining the holding portion (18) of
the base part (12, 43, 53) in the longitudinal direction of the
guide slots (15, 23).

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2. A suspension apparatus in accordance with claim 1,
characterized in that
the connection part (13, 60, 61) is formed at least regionally as a
slotted band or as a perforated band, as a Nonius section or as
a quick-clamping spring section.
3. A suspension apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
characterized in that
the fastening part (6, 48, 57) is formed at least regionally as a
slotted band or as a perforated band, as a Nonius section or as
a quick-clamping spring section.
4. A suspension apparatus in accordance with at least one of the
claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the guide slots (15, 23) formed in the base part (12, 43, 53)
and/or the guide slots (15, 23) formed in the connection part
(13, 60, 61) extend perpendicular to the load direction (14).
5. A suspension apparatus in accordance with at least one of the
preceding claims,
characterized in that
the guide slots (15, 23) formed in the first component (12, 43,
53, 66) and/or the guide slots (15, 23) formed in the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) are each open at one end.
6. A component assembly having an at least regionally flat-shaped
first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and having an at least
regionally flat-shaped second component (13, 60, 61, 67)
fastened to the first component (12, 43, 53, 66),
wherein at least two guide slots (15, 23) which extend

27
substantially in parallel are formed both in the first component
(12, 43, 53, 66) and in the second component (13, 60, 61, 67);
wherein the regions (17, 25) of the first component (12, 43, 53,
66) and of the second component (13, 60, 61, 67) arranged
between the guide slots (15, 23) each form holding portions (18,
26); and
wherein the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) are plugged together in the
longitudinal direction of the guide slots (15, 23) such that the
holding portion (18) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66)
overlaps an overlap region (33) of the second component (13, 60,
61, 67) adjoining the holding portion (26) of the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) in the longitudinal direction of the
guide slots (15, 23) and such that the holding portion (26) of the
second component (13, 60, 61, 67) overlaps an overlap region
(32) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) adjoining the holding
portion (18) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) in the
longitudinal direction of the guide slots (15, 23),
characterized in that
the guide slots (15, 23) formed in the first component (12, 43,
53, 66) and the guide slots (15, 23) formed in the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) are closed at their respective two
ends; and in that a respective end of a guide slot (15, 23) is
connected via a further slot (62, 64) to a respective end of the
guide slot (15, 23) which extends substantially in parallel
thereto such that the holding portions (18, 26) are each
bounded at three sides by the guide slots (15, 23) and the
further slot (62, 64).
7. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that

28
the guide slots (15, 23) each comprise at least one guide edge
(35, 36, 37, 38).
8. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and/or the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) has/have an elongated shape, in
particular extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of
the guide slots (15, 23).
9. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the overlapping holding portions (18, 26) and overlap regions
(32, 33) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and/or of the
second component (13, 60, 61, 67) each contact one another at
least regionally areally, linearly or in point form and form a
double-layer region of the component assembly.
10. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least one of the holding portions (18, 26) is secured against a
decoupling against the plugging together direction at the overlap
region (32, 33) associated with it.
11. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the holding portion (18, 26) is latched to the overlap region (32,
33).

29
12. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least one latch element (29, 30, 40) is formed at the holding
portion (18, 26) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and/or of
the second component (13, 60, 61, 67) and cooperates with at
least one counter-element (28, 31, 39) formed at the overlap
region (32, 33) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and/or of
the second component (13, 60, 61, 67).
13. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with claim 12,
characterized in that
at least one of the latch elements (29, 30, 40) and/or of the
counter-elements (28, 31, 39) is/are formed as a recess or as an
elevated portion.
14. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with claim 13,
characterized in that
the latch element (29, 30, 40) engages into the recess or engages
over the elevated portion.
15. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the claims 12 to 14,
characterized in that
the latch element and/or the counter-element is/are formed as
a bead (28, 29, 30, 31, 39, 40), in particular extending
transversely to the longitudinal direction of the guide slots (15,
23).

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16. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the second component (13, 60, 61, 67) is formed as spring-
elastic and/or in U shape.
17. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the second component (13, 60, 61, 67) is composed of spring-
elastic metal, in particular spring steel.
18. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the first component (12, 43, 53, 56) is composed of metal.
19. A suspension apparatus/component assembly in accordance
with at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and/or the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) is/are formed as a section element,
in particular as a C section, U section, H section, Z section or
hat section.
20. A method of manufacturing a suspension apparatus having an
at least regionally flat-shaped first component (12, 43, 53, 66)
and having an at least regionally flat-shaped second component
(13, 60, 61, 67) fastened to the first component (12, 43, 53, 66),
wherein the suspension apparatus is in particular configured in
accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 5, or 7 to 19,
characterized in that

31
at least two guide slots (15, 23) which extend substantially in
parallel to one another are introduced both into the first
component (12, 43, 53, 66) and into the second component (13,
60, 61, 67) such that the regions (17, 25) of the first component
(12, 43, 53, 66) and of the second component (13, 60, 61, 67)
arranged between the guide slots (15, 23) each form holding
portions (18, 25); and
in that the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) are plugged together in the
longitudinal direction of the guide slots (15, 23) such that the
holding portion (18) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66)
overlaps an overlap region (33) of the second component (13, 60,
61, 67) adjoining the holding portion (26) of the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) in the longitudinal direction of the
guide slots (15, 23) and such that the holding portion (26) of the
second component (13, 60, 61, 67) overlaps an overlap region
(32) of the first component (12, 43, 53) adjoining the holding
portion (18, 60, 61, 67) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) in
the longitudinal direction of the guide slots (15, 23).
21. A method of
manufacturing a component assembly having an at
least regionally flat-shaped first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and
having an at least regionally flat-shaped second component (13,
60, 61, 67) fastened to the first component (12, 43, 53, 66),
wherein the component assembly is in particular configured in
accordance with at least one of the claims 6 to 19.
characterized in that
at least two guide slots (15, 23) which extend substantially in
parallel to one another and are each closed at their respective
two ends as well as a further slot (62, 64) which connects a
respective one end of a guide slot (15, 23) to a respective one
end of the guide slot (15, 23) extending substantially in parallel

32
thereto are introduced both into the first component (12, 43, 53,
66) and into the second component (13, 60, 61, 67) such that
the regions (17, 25) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and
of the second component (13, 60, 61, 67) arranged between the
guide slots (15, 23) and the further guide slot (62, 64) each form
holding portions (18, 26); and
in that the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) and the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) are plugged together in the
longitudinal direction of the guide slots (15, 23) such that the
holding portion (18) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66)
overlaps an overlap region (33) of the second component (13, 60,
61, 67) adjoining the holding portion (26) of the second
component (13, 60, 61, 67) in the longitudinal direction of the
guide slots (15, 23) and such that the holding portion (26) of the
second component (13, 60, 61, 67) overlaps an overlap region
(32) of the first component (12, 43, 53) adjoining the holding
portion (18, 60, 61, 67) of the first component (12, 43, 53, 66) in
the longitudinal direction of the guide slots (15, 23).

Description

CA 02830169 2013-09-13
WO 2012/123116
COMPONENT ASSEMBLY AND SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR
SUPPORTING RAILS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME
The present invention relates to a component assembly having an at least
regionally flat-shaped first component and having an at least regionally
flat-shaped second component fastened to the first component as well as
to a suspension apparatus for carrier rails, in particular for suspended
ceilings or the like, having a base part which is configured for coupling to
a carrier rail and having a connection part which is fastened to the base
part and which is configured for the adjustable connection of the base
part to a fastening part, wherein, with an assembled suspension
apparatus, the base part and the connection part are loaded in a
predefined load direction by a carrier rail coupling to the base part. The
invention is furthermore directed to a method of manufacturing such a
component assembly as well as such a suspension apparatus.
There are a number of applications in which at least regionally flat-shaped
components are connected to one another to form a component assembly
of the initially named kind. Rivet connections, screw connections or weld
connections are frequently used for this purpose, but this requires a
relatively high-cost additional manufacturing step.
Known suspension apparatus of the initially named kind, which are
described purely by way of example as corresponding component
assembles in this application are formed as quick-clamping hangers, for
example, In these suspension apparatus, the connection part is formed as
spring-elastic and is usually riveted to the base part. The connection part
can be manufactured from spring steel due to the two-part configuration,
while the base part can be manufactured inexpensively from simple sheet
metal. The forming of the connection part from a spring-elastic material is

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required since the fastening of the suspension apparatus at a ceiling
usually takes place via a fastening part which is formed as a suspension
rod, which is pushed through two openings in the connection part and
which is clamped to the connection part by the spring load of the spring-
It is disadvantageous in these suspension devices that the rivet
connection of the two parts requires, as already mentioned, a relatively
high-cost additional manufacturing step.
Suspension apparatus formed in one piece are also known in which this
higher-cost connection step can be dispensed with. It is, however,
disadvantageous with these one-piece suspension apparatus that they
have to be formed completely from spring steel, whereby the
Furthermore, so-called Nonius hangers as well as slotted-band hangers
are known. In the Nonius hangers, the base part and the connection part
comprise U section portions in whose side limbs Nonius holes are formed.
Since different coupling forms exist in dependence of the shape of the

CA 02830169 2013-09-13
3
in a corresponding high number of variants, whereby the storage costs
and thus the overall costs are increased.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a component assembly,
and in particular a suspension apparatus, of the initially named kind,
which can be manufactured more simply and less expensively than the
known component assemblies. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing
such a component assembly and such a suspension apparatus should be
provided.
Starting from a component assembly of the initially named kind, this
object is satisfied in accordance with the invention in that at least two
guide slots extending substantially in parallel are formed in both the first
component and in the second component, in that the regions of the first
component and of the second component arranged between the guide
slots each form holding portions, and in that the first component and the
second component are plugged together in the longitudinal direction of the
guide slots such that the holding portion of the first component overlaps
an overlap region of the second component adjoining the holding portion
of the second component in the longitudinal direction of the guide slots
and such that the holding portion of the second component overlaps an
overlap region of the first component adjoining the holding portion of the
first component in the longitudinal direction of the guide slots. A
suspension apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises such a
component assembly configured in accordance with the invention, wherein
the first component forms the base part and the second component forms
the connection part.
A method of manufacturing such a suspension apparatus is characterized
in that at least two guide slots extending substantially in parallel are

CA 02830169 2013-09-13
4
introduced into both the first component and into the second component
such that the regions of the first component and of the second component
arranged between the guide slots each form holding portions, and in that
the first component and the second component are plugged together in the
longitudinal direction of the guide slots such that the holding portion of
the first component overlaps an overlap region of the second component
adjoining the holding portion of the second component in the longitudinal
direction of the guide slots and such that the holding portion of the
second component overlaps an overlap region of the first component
adjoining the holding portion of the first component in the longitudinal
direction of the guide slots.
In accordance with the invention, no additional elements such as rivets
are thus required for fastening the connection part to the first component,
but the connection rather takes place by a plugging together of the first
and second components. In addition, it is achieved by the arrangement of
the guide slots transversely to the load direction on the configuration of
the component assembly as a suspension apparatus that the tensile forces
which act due to weight with an assembled suspension apparatus can be
completely taken up by the connection between the first and second
components. At the same time, corresponding oppositely directed
compression forces can also be taken up which can act on the suspension
apparatus on the assembly thereof, for example. These advantages also
apply to other embodiments of the component assembly in which a load is
present which acts transversely to the longitudinal direction of the guide
slots. A friction engagement and/or form fit is simultaneously achieved in
the longitudinal direction of the guide slots due to the overlap of the
holding portion with the corresponding overlap regions so that a
decoupling between the first and second components is also only possible
with difficulty in this region and thus an unwanted decoupling is avoided.

CA 02830169 2013-09-13
A secure guidance of the first and second components on the plugging
together is achieved by the parallel arrangement of the guide slots.
5 In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the guide slots formed in the base part and/or the guide slots formed in
the connection part extend perpendicular to the load direction. An ideal
force transmission between the base part and the connection part is
thereby achieved both with tensile load and with compression load.
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the guide slots formed in the first component and/or the guide slots
formed in the second component are each open at one end. The guide
slots can also be closed at both ends, with in this case, however, the two
guide slots being connected to one another via a further slot. In both
cases, the guide slots are advantageously connected to one another via a
connection edge which optionally advantageously extends in the load
direction.
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment, the guide slots
each comprise at least one guide edge. The plugging together of the first
and second components takes place along the guide edge and at the same
time the force which arises, for example, with an assembled suspension
apparatus is taken up by the guide edge.
The base part and/or the connection part preferably has/have an
elongated shape, in particular a shape extending transversely to the
longitudinal direction of the guide slots. A minimal material requirement
is thereby achieved for the component assembly.

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6
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the overlapping holding portions and overlap regions of the first
component and/or of the second component each contact one another
areally at least region-wise and form a double-layer region of the
component assembly. A stiffening of the component assembly is thereby
achieved and simultaneously the friction between the first and second
components is increased. A linear or point-like contact is generally also
possible.
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention,
at least one of the holding portions is secured against a decoupling
against the plug-in direction at the overlap region associated with it. In
this respect, the holding portion can in particular be latched with the
overlap region. For this purpose, at least one latch element is
advantageously formed at the holding portion of the second component
and cooperates with at least one counter-element formed at the overlap
region of the first component. Alternatively or additionally, a
corresponding latch element can also be formed at the holding portion of
the first component which cooperates with at least one counter-element
formed at the overlap region of the second component.
An even better securing against a decoupling of the first and second
components is provided by the latching in addition to the described
friction engagement and/or form fit in the longitudinal direction of the
guide slots.
At least one of the counter-elements is advantageously formed as a recess
or as an elevated portion. In this respect, the latch element can preferably
engage into the recess or engage over the elevated portion. In a
particularly simple embodiment, the latch element and/or the counter-

CA 02830169 2013-09-13
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element can be formed as beads, in particular extending transversely to
the longitudinal direction of the guide slots. These beads can additionally
generate a stiffening effect.
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the second component is formed as spring-elastic and/or as U-shaped. In
a suspension apparatus, in this embodiment, the fastening part can be
connected to the second component in a known manner, for example via
holes or slots formed in limbs of the U-shaped second component.
The second component can be composed of spring-elastic metal, in
particular spring steel, while the first component can be composed of
metal, for example a simple metal sheet. The first and/or second
components can generally also be composed of other suitable materials
such as plastic.
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention,
in a suspension apparatus, the connection part is formed at least
regionally as a slotted band or as a perforated band, as a Nonius section
or as a fast-clamping spring section. The fastening part is preferably
formed at least regionally as a slotted band or as a perforated band, as a
Nonius section or in rod form. The formation as an otherwise known
hanger type is generally also possible. The adjustment and alignment of
the suspension apparatus formed in accordance with the invention can
thus take place in a known manner once the base part and the connection
part have been connected to one another via the plug-in connection in
accordance with the invention.
Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the
dependent claims.

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The invention will be described in more detail in the following purely by
way of example with reference to embodiments formed as suspension
apparatus and with reference to the drawings; there are shown in these:
Fig. 1 a perspective representation of a suspension apparatus in
accordance with the prior art;
Fig. 2 a perspective representation of a further suspension
apparatus in accordance with the prior art;
Fig. 3 a schematic front view of a connection part as well as a part
view of a base part of a suspension apparatus formed in
accordance with the invention before the assembly of the
suspension apparatus;
Fig. 4 a part view of the suspension apparatus of Fig. 3 formed in
accordance with the invention after the assembly;
Fig. 5 a side view of the suspension apparatus in accordance with
Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 a base part and a connection part of a further embodiment of
the invention in the not yet assembled state in a front view in
each case; and
Fig. 7 the suspension apparatus in accordance with Fig. 6 in the
assembled state in a view from the rear;

CA 02830169 2013-09-13
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Fig. 8 a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention in
the decoupled state;
Fig. 9 a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention in
the decoupled state;
Fig. 10 a plan view of the suspension apparatus in accordance with
Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 a front view of the base part of the embodiment in accordance
with Fig. 9;
Fig. 12 a perspective view of the embodiment in accordance with Fig.
9 in the assembled state;
Fig. 13 a representation of three suspension apparatus in accordance
with the prior art;
Fig. 14 a part view of a connection element formed in accordance with
the invention;
Fig. 15 a part view of a further connection element formed in
accordance with the invention;
Fig. 16 a modified embodiment of the spring hanger of Fig. 8;
Fig. 17 two C sections formed in accordance with the invention; and
Fig. 18 a cross-section through the two C sections of Fig. 17 in the
assembled state.

CA 02830169 2013-09-13
Fig. 1 shows a known suspension apparatus which comprises a base part
1 as well as a connection part 3 fastened to the base part 1 via a rivet 2.
The connection part has a U-shaped longitudinal portion having two limbs
5 4 in which slot-shaped openings 5 are formed into which a rod-shaped
fastening part 6 (see Fig. 2) can be laterally inserted.
Whereas the base part 1 is usually composed of simple sheet metal, the
connection part 3 is formed from spring steel to hold the fastening part 6
10 securely in the openings 5. For this purpose, the two limbs 4 are first
bent
toward one another and are released again after inserting the fastening
part 6 into the openings 5 so that the fastening part 6 is clamped in the
openings 5 due to the spring preload of the connection part 3. The upper
end of the fastening part 6 can then be fastened to a ceiling in a
conventional manner so that ultimately the total suspension apparatus is
securely fastened to the ceiling.
At the lower end of the base part 1, a coupling portion 7 is formed which
is designed for coupling to a carrier rail 8 shown by a dashed line. Further
transversely extending carrier rails can be formed at the carrier rail 8
which are designed, for example, for carrying plates for suspended
ceilings.
With an installed suspension apparatus, the base part 1 and the
connection part 2 are loaded by the weight of the carrier rail 8 and by the
weight of the elements carried by it in a load direction shown by an arrow
9.
Fig. 2 shows a further suspension apparatus in accordance with the prior
art which differs from the suspension apparatus in accordance with Fig. 1

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11
by a modified coupling portion 10 as well as by modified openings 11 in
the limbs 4 of the connection part 3. The openings 11 are not made
laterally open in the embodiment in accordance with Fig. 2 so that the
fastening part 6 cannot be laterally introduced, but has to be pushed
through the openings 5. The connection part 3 in the suspension
apparatus in accordance with Fig. 2 is furthermore connected to the base
part 1 via two rivets 2.
The design and in particular the fastening of the connection part 3 at the
base part 1 in the embodiment in accordance with Fig. 2, however,
generally correspond to the embodiment in accordance with Fig. 1 so that
elements which are similar or the same are marked by the same reference
numerals as in Fig. 1.
A base part 12 as well as a connection part 13 of a first embodiment of a
suspension apparatus formed in accordance with the invention are shown
in Fig. 3. The base part 12 is manufactured from flat-shaped sheet metal,
with in Fig. 3 only the upper region of the base part 12 being shown, while
the coupling portion adjoining the lower end in Fig. 3 is not shown.
Generally, a coupling portion of the base part 12 can be formed in
accordance with the coupling portions known from the prior art, for
example in accordance with the coupling portions 7 or 10 in accordance
with Figs. 1 and 2. The coupling portion can in this respect be formed in
one piece with the part of the base part 12 shown or also separately from
it and fastened to it.
The base part 12 has an elongated form which extends substantially in
the direction of the load direction indicated by an arrow 14. The load
direction in this respect in turn indicates the direction of the load of the

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base part 12 and of the connection part 13 in the assembled state of the
suspension apparatus.
Two guide slots 15 are formed approximately in the center region of the
base part 12 which extend transversely to the load direction 14, which
extend in parallel with one another and which are open toward the right
margin 16 of the base part 12. The open ends of the guide slots 15 are
connected to one another by a connection edge 41. The region 17 of the
base part 12 arranged between the guide slots 15 forms a holding portion
18 of the base part 12 which is folded out along a dashed line 19
connecting the two inwardly disposed ends of the guide slots 15 with
respect to the remaining part of the base part 12 so that the holding
portion 18 projects upwardly from the plane of the drawing in Fig. 3. The
part of the base part 12 disposed in the region of the dashed line 19 forms
a crank so that the holding portion 18 folded out upwardly is arranged
substantially in parallel to, but offset from the remaining region of the
base part 12.
The connection part 13 has a U-shaped design with two limbs 20 in which
respective circular openings 21 are formed. The limbs 20 are folded
upwardly out of the plane of the drawing obliquely opposite the front 22 of
the connection part 13 so that the openings 21 are shown as oval
openings in Fig. 3. The structure of the connection part 13 corresponds to
the connection part 13 shown in Fig. 2 in this respect. Generally, the
connection part 13 can also be formed, for example, as shown in Fig. 1
with respect to the design of the limbs 20 and of the holes 21. The holes
21 can in particular also be formed as laterally open slots. Other designs
of the connection part 13 known from the prior art are also possible in
this respect.

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13
In contrast to the known connection parts, in the connection part 13, two
guide slots 23 are formed in the center part 22 connecting the two limbs
20 which guide slots extend in parallel with one another and are open
toward the left margin 24 of the connection part 13 where they are
connected to one another via a connection edge 42. The region 25 of the
connection web 13 disposed between the guide slots 23 forms a holding
portion 26 of the connection part 13 and is angled along a dashed line 27
such that the holding portion 26 is offset in parallel into the plane of the
drawing and a crank is in turn formed in the region of the dashed line 27.
Beads 28, 29, 30, 31 are formed both in the base part 12 and in the
connection part 13, with the beads 28, 30 shown dashed each extending
into the plane of the drawing, while the beads 29, 30 shown by solid lines
rise out of the plane of the drawing. As will be explained in more detail
with respect to the following Figures, the region of the base part 12
adjoining the holding portion 18 transversely to the load direction 14
forms an overlap region 32 which is shown hatched in Fig. 3 and in which
the bead 28 is arranged.
In a corresponding manner, the region of the connection part 13 adjoining
the holding portion 26 transversely to the load direction 14 forms an
overlap region 33 which is likewise shown hatched and in which the bead
31 is arranged. The overlap regions 32, 33 each directly adjoin the holding
portions 18, 26, i.e. the dashed line 19, 27 connecting the inwardly
disposed ends of the guide slots 15 and 23 each form the dividing line
between the overlap regions 32, 33 and the directly adjacent holding
portions 18, 26.
The base part 12 and the connection part 14 can be plugged together in
accordance with an arrow 34 until the assembled state of the suspension

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14
apparatus shown in Figs. 4 and 5 is reached. In this assembled state, the
overlap region 33 of the connection part 13 is overlapped by the holding
portion 18 of the base part 12. At the same time, in this respect, a
latching of the holding portion 18 with the overlap region 33 takes place
via the beads 29, 31, which are arranged such that the bead 31 rising out
of the plane of the drawing engages into the corresponding recess formed
at the rear side of the holding portion 18 and formed by the bead 29.
In an analog manner, the overlap region 32 of the base part 12 is
overlapped by the holding portion 26 of the connection part 13 at the rear
side of the suspension apparatus, with simultaneously a latching taking
place in an analog manner via the beads 28, 30.
In the assembled state, the base part 12 and the connection part 13 are
thus secured via the latched beads 28 to 31 against a decoupling
transversely to the load direction 14.
In the load direction 14, as well as against the load direction 14, the base
part 12 and the connection part 13 are likewise secured against a relative
displacement since, in the assembled state, the edges 35, 36,37, 38
formed by the slots 15, 25 come into contact with one another and prevent
a displacement in or against the load direction 14. In addition, the edges
35 to 38 acts as guide edges on the plugging together of the base part 12
and the connection part 13 so that an automated plugging together is
facilitated.
The second embodiment shown in Figs. 6 and 7 is generally configured in
accordance with the embodiment in accordance with Figs. 3 to 5 so that
similar elements or elements which are the same are marked by the same
reference numerals as in Figs. 3 to 5.

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The embodiment in accordance with Figs. 6 and 7 essentially differs from
the embodiment already described in that the kink edges for forming the
limbs 20 are directly flush with the guide slots 23 so that the center region
5 22 of the connection region 13 is defined by the spacing of the guide
slots
23.
Furthermore, in the embodiment in accordance with Figs. 6 and 7, the
latching between the base part 12 and the connection part 13 is formed by
10 a much longer bead 39 which extends approximately over the whole
length of the base part 12. In the embodiment in accordance with Figs. 6
and 7, the total holding portion 26 accordingly has a bead 40 formed
approximately complementary to the bead 39 in cross-section so that in
the assembled state, as shown in Fig. 7, the holding portion 26 engages
15 over the bead 39 over its total region. Generally, a corresponding latch
connection between the holding portion 18 of the base part 12 and the
overlap region 33 of the connection part 13 can also be additionally
provided in this embodiment.
The latch connections can generally also be formed in another manner, for
example as burrs or similar elevated portions which engage into
correspondingly formed recesses or openings.
It can be seen from Figs. 8 and 9 that different base parts 12 having
coupling portions 7, 10 correspondingly matched to the carrier rail can be
provided in dependence on the carrier rail. The connection part 13 can in
this respect respectively be made identical in accordance with the
invention so that the storage costs can be reduced.

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16
In the plan view in accordance with Fig. 10, the two limbs 20 of the
connection part 13 are omitted to allow a better recognition of the plug-in
connection between the base part 12 and the connection part 13. In
particular the latching between the base part 12 and the connection part
12 via the beads 39, 40 can be recognized clearly from this view.
The two guide slots 15 via which the base part 12 and the connection part
13 are plugged together until the plugged together state shown in Fig. 12
is reached can be clearly recognized from the front view of the base part
12 in accordance with Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 shows three different suspension apparatus known from the prior
art, namely a slotted band hanger, a Nonius hanger and a quick-clamping
hanger with a spring, which are each coupled to a carrier rail 8.
The Nonius hanger comprises a base part 43 whose upper region is
formed as a connection part 44 having a U section portion 45. The U
section portion 45 has two limbs 46 in which a respective plurality of
holes 47 are formed. Furthermore, a fastening part 48 is provided which
has a U section portion 49 which comprises limbs 51 provided with holes
50. To connect the base part 43 and the connection part 44, the two U
section portions 45, 49 are plugged together such that holes 47, 50 come
to lie on one another and the hanger has the desired length. Spring clips
52 are pushed through the holes 45, 50 so that the base part 45 and the
connection part 44 are fixedly connected to one another. The upper end of
the fastening part 48 can then be fastened to a ceiling in a known
manner.
In a similar manner, the slotted band hanger comprises a base part 53
whose upper region is formed as a connection part 54 having holes 55

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17
and/or slots 56. Furthermore, a fastening part 57 is provided which is
formed as a perforated band or slotted band having holes and/or slots 58.
To connect the base part 53 and the connection part 54, the two parts are
placed onto one another such that holes 55 and slots 56, 58 come to lie on
one another and the hanger has the desired length. Subsequently, the two
parts are connected to one another by screws 59 or similar connection
means projecting through the holes/slots 55, 56, 58. The upper end of the
fastening part 57 can then be fastened to a ceiling in a known manner.
The quick-clamping hanger shown comprises a base part 1 and a
connection part 3 which are formed in accordance with Fig. 1 and can be
fastened to the ceiling via a fastening part 6 formed as a hanger rod, as
has already been described with respect to Fig. 1.
Whereas the different embodiments of a quick-clamping hanger in
accordance with the invention were described with respect to Figs. 3 to 12,
respective part views of connection parts 13', 13" are shown in Figs. 14
and 15 with which Nonius hangers or slotted band hangers in accordance
with the invention can be formed in accordance with the hangers shown in
Fig. 13.
The connection part 60 shown in Fig. 14 is thus formed in its upper region
in accordance with the connection part 44 of the Nonius hanger of Fig. 13
as a U section portion 45 having limbs 46 and holes 50. A connection is
thereby possible with a usual fastening part 48 in accordance with Fig.
13. In the lower region of the connection part 60, a holding portion 26
having a bead 40 is formed in accordance with Figs. 6 to 12 so that the
connection part 60 can be plugged together with one of the previously
described base parts depending on the design of the carrier rail 8 to be

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18
suspended. The holding portion 26 can naturally also be formed analog to
the holding portion 26 in accordance with the Figures 3 to 5.
Fig. 15, in contrast, shows a connection part 61 whose upper region is
formed in accordance with the connection part 54 of the slotted band
hanger of Fig. 13 as a perforated band or slotted band having holes 55
and slots 56. The connection part 61 can thereby be connected to a usual
fastening part 57 in accordance with Fig. 13. In the lower region, the
connection pat 61 is formed in accordance with the connection part 60 of
Fig. 14 and can thus be plugged together in the same manner with a
previously described base part.
The different embodiment of the base parts and connection parts (coupling
portion, holding portion and the connection to the fastening part) can
naturally be combined with one another in any desired manner as desired.
Although the guide slots in the embodiments are each open toward a
margin of the base part or of the connection part and the respective
margin is thereby interrupted by the guide slots, the guide slots do not
have to extend up to the respective margin. The guide slots can also be
arranged completely within the areal region of the base part or connection
part so that the respective margin of the base part or of the connection
part is not interrupted. A respective end of a guide slot then has to be
connected to an oppositely disposed end of the other guide slot via a
further slot, whereby a connection edge is formed which connects the
guide slots and which allows a plugging together of the base part and the
connection part.
A corresponding suspension apparatus is shown in Fig. 16. The spring
hanger in accordance with Fig. 16 differs from the spring hanger in

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19
accordance with Fig. 8 in that the guide slots 15 each do not extend up to
the margin 16 of the base part 12, but end beforehand. The guide slots 15
are thus each closed at their two ends and are connected to one another
at their ends facing toward the margin 16 via a further slot 62. The further
slot 62 extends in parallel to the margin 16 and borders a reinforcing web
63 of the base part which connects an upper region and a lower region of
the base part 12 to one another and is outwardly bordered by the margin
16. The stability of the component 12 is further increased, in particular in
the load direction, by the reinforcing web 63.
In an analog manner, the guide slots 23 of the connection part 13 can also
be closed at both sides, as is likewise shown in Fig. 16. The ends of the
guide slots 23 facing toward the margin 24 of the connection part 13 are
connected to one another by a further slot 64 which extends parallel to
the margin 24 and borders a reinforcing web 65 by which the limbs 20 of
the connection part are connected to one another in the region of the
margin 24. The stability of the component 13 is further increased, in
particular in the load direction, by the reinforcing web 65.
Generally, only the base part 12, only the connection part 13 or both parts
can be provided with a corresponding reinforcing web. In addition,
corresponding reinforcing webs can be provided in all embodiments of the
invention.
With the component assemblies formed in accordance with the invention,
a high-cost riveting of the first and second components can be dispensed
with since they are connected to one another via the described plug-in
connection. A high force transmission transversely to the longitudinal
direction of the guide slots is achieved by the plug-in connection, with
additionally a decoupling being prevented in the longitudinal direction of

CA 02830169 2013-09-13
the guide slots by a corresponding friction engagement and optional latch
connections.
Although the invention has been described in more detail by way of
5 example with reference to suspension apparatus, a component assembly
in accordance with the invention can also be used in a variety of manners
in other regions.
In Fig. 17, for example, two C sections 66, 67 are shown which are
10 likewise formed in accordance with the invention and can be plugged
together. For this purpose, respective guide slots 15 and 23 are formed in
the webs 68, 69 of the C sections 66, 67 between which holding portions
18, 26 are formed which are folded out of the plane of the webs as plug-in
tabs extending substantially in parallel to the webs 69, 69. The C sections
15 66, 67 can be plugged together in an analog manner to the previously
described embodiments so that the C sections 68, 68 contact one another
back to back and are connected to one another to form a unit without
separate connection means.
20 It can be seen from the cross-section through the mutually connected C
sections 68, 69 shown in Fig. 18 that the holding portions 26 of the C
section 67 overlap the overlap portions 32 of the C section 66. In a
corresponding manner, the holding portions 18 of the C section 66 overlap
the overlap portions 33 of the C section 67 so that a secure connection of
the two C sections 66, 67 is produced.
Instead of C sections, other sections such as U sections, H sections, Z
sections or hat sections or other regionally flat-shaped components can
also be connected to one another. In this respect, the corresponding
connection elements can each comprise all the additional features

CA 02830169 2013-09-13
21
described with respect to the previously explained embodiments such as
beads, cranks, latch connections, grooves and the like alone or in
combination.

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22
Reference numeral list
1 base part
2 rivet
3 connection part
4 limb
5 openings
6 fastening part
7 coupling portion
8 carrier rail
9 arrow (load direction)
10 coupling portion
11 openings
12 base part
13 connection part
14 arrow (load direction)
15 guide slots
16 margin of the base part
17 region of the base part
18 holding portion of the base part
19 dashed line
20 limb
21 openings
22 center part of the connection part
23 guide slots
24 margin of the connection part
25 region of the connection part
26 holding portion of the connection part
27 dashed line
28 bead

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23
29 bead
30 bead
31 bead
32 overlap region of the base part
33 overlap region of the connection part
34 arrow
35 edge
36 edge
37 edge
38 edge
39 bead
40 bead
41 connection edge
42 connection edge
43 base part
44 connection part
45 U section portion
46 limb
47 holes
48 fastening part
49 U section portion
50 holes
51 limb
52 spring clips
53 base part
54 connection part
55 holes
56 slots
57 fastening part
58 holes/ slots

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24
59 screws
60 connection part
61 connection part
62 slot
63 reinforcing web
64 slot
65 reinforcing web
66 C section
67 C section
68 web
69 web

Representative Drawing