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

Abstract

A component assembly and a suspension device for supporting rails, in particular for suspended ceilings or the like, and a method for manufacturing the component assembly and the suspension device are described. The component assembly includes first and second components that are generally flat-shaped and fastened to each other, where 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 overlapping relation to each other.

Description

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 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-elastic material.

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 manufacturing costs are in turn increased.

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. The U section portions are plugged into one another for the connection and are secured against displacement by means of nails or the like pushed through the Nonius holes and bent over. In slotted band hangers, the base part and the connection part are provided with holes and/or slots so that they can be connected to one another in different lengths by means of screws led through the holes and slots. In both variants, the upper region of the connection part is formed directly as a fastening part so that these hangers are usually formed in two parts.

Since different coupling forms exist in dependence of the shape of the carrier rail, all the named suspension apparatus have to be kept in store 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 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. A secure guidance of the first and second components on the plugging together is achieved by the parallel arrangement of the guide slots.

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.

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-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.

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;

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 suspended. The holding portion 26 can naturally also be formed analog to the holding portion 26 in accordance with the FIGS. 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 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 the guide slots by a corresponding friction engagement and optional latch connections.

Although the invention has been described in more detail by way of 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 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 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.

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 described with respect to the previously explained embodiments such as beads, cranks, latch connections, grooves and the like alone or in combination.

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
• 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
• 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

Claims

1. A suspension apparatus for carrier rails having a first component which forms a base part which is configured for coupling to a carrier rail and having a second component which forms a connection part 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 by a carrier rail coupled to the base part in a predefined load direction, wherein

at least two guide slots extending transversely to the load direction and substantially in parallel to one another are formed both in the base part and in the connection part;

the regions of the base part and of the connection part arranged between the guide slots each form holding portions; and

the base part and the connection part are plugged together in the longitudinal direction of the guide slots such that the holding portion of the base part overlaps an overlap region of the connection part adjoining the holding portion of the connection part in the longitudinal direction of the guide slots and such that the holding portion of the connection part overlaps an overlap region of the base part adjoining the holding portion of the base part in the longitudinal direction of the guide slots.

2. The suspension apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection part 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. (canceled)

4. The suspension apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of the guide slots formed in the base part and the guide slots formed in the connection part extend perpendicular to the load direction.

5. The suspension apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of the guide slots formed in the first component and the guide slots formed in the second component are open at one end.

6. 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,

wherein at least two guide slots which extend substantially in parallel are formed both in the first component and in the second component;

wherein the regions of the first component and of the second component arranged between the guide slots each form holding portions; and

wherein 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,

wherein the guide slots formed in the first component and the guide slots formed in the second component are closed at their respective two ends; and

wherein a respective end of a guide slot is connected via a further slot to a respective end of the guide slot which extends substantially in parallel thereto such that the holding portions are each bounded at three sides by the guide slots and the further slot.

7. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein the guide slots each comprise at least one guide edge.

8. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component has an elongated shape.

9. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein at least one of the overlapping holding portions and overlap regions of the first component and of the second component contact one another at least regionally areally, linearly or in point form and form a double-layer region of the component assembly.

10. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein at least one of the holding portions secured against a decoupling against the plugging together direction at the overlap region associated with it.

11. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein the holding portion is latched to the overlap region.

12. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein at least one latch element is formed at the holding portion of the first component and of the second component and cooperates with at least one counter-element formed at the overlap region of the first component and of the second component.

13. The component assembly in accordance with claim 12, wherein at least one of the latch elements and of the counter-elements is formed as a recess or as an elevated portion.

14. The component assembly in accordance with claim 13, wherein the latch element engages into the recess or engages over the elevated portion.

15. The component assembly in accordance with claim 12, wherein at least one of the latch element and the counter-element is formed as a bead.

16. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein the second component is formed as spring-elastic and/or in U shape.

17. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein the second component is composed of spring-elastic metal.

18. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein the first component is composed of metal.

19. The component assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component is formed as a section element.

20. A method of manufacturing a suspension apparatus having an at least regionally flat-shaped first component and having an at least regionally flat-shaped second component fastened to the first component, wherein

at least two guide slots which extend substantially in parallel to one another are introduced both into 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

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.

21. A method of manufacturing 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, wherein

at least two guide slots which extend substantially in parallel to one another and are each closed at their respective two ends as well as a further slot which connects a respective one end of a guide slot to a respective one end of the guide slot extending substantially in parallel thereto are introduced both into 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 and the further guide slot each form holding portions; and

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 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.