Fixture

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fixing device comprising at least two threaded rings (10, 12) having a membrane (14) between them, and at least one clamping bolt (30) that can be used to adjust the axial distance between the rings, wherein the membrane is an integrated part of the pair of rings (10, 12) and is maintained at a distance from the rings (10, 12) by being seated on webs (20, 22) that are only partially extended annularly and are all open to the environment toward the outside and are straightly introduced in the unmounted state by slots (16, 18, 24, 26), wherein the at least one clamping bolt passes through the membrane between two adjacent webs, and in the unmounted state the membrane is oriented in a non-deformed manner parallel to the rings, and in the mounted state the membrane is deformed as soon as the distance between the pair of rings is reduced by the relevant assignable clamping bolt The at least one clamping bolt that moves in the direction of at least one of the rings forming at least partially an inclined or arc course between them, and passes through the membrane, extends through adjacent slots separated from the membrane.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing device comprising at least two threaded rings having a membrane between them, and at least one clamping bolt that can be used to adjust the axial distance between the rings, wherein the membrane is an integrated part of the pair of rings, all of which are open to the environment toward the outside and are maintained at a distance from the rings by being seated by slots introduced in a straight line in an unmounted state and by only partially annularly extended webs. That is, the fixing device of the present invention is, as a fixing device, at least two threaded rings (10, 12) having introduced slots (16, 18, 24, 26), wherein the slots (16, 18, 24, 26) are all open toward the external environment of the rings (10, 12) and have webs (20, 22) partially extended annularly between the slots (16, 18, 24, 26), and a membrane (14) maintained between the rings (10, 12), wherein the membrane (14) is formed integrally with the rings (10, 12) and is maintained at a distance from the rings (10, 12) by the slots (16, 18, 24, 26) in the unmounted state of the fixing device, The invention relates to a fixing device having a first clamping bolt (30) that can be used to adjust the axial distance between the membrane (14) and the rings (10, 12), wherein the first clamping bolt (30) passes through the membrane (14) between an adjacent pair of webs (20, 22). Background Technology

[0002] Fixtures are known in various configurations for attaching structural, mechanical, and equipment parts to one another and fixing them in relative positions. EP 0 794 338 A1 discloses a fixture having a base body into which a straight annular inner groove and an additional straight annular outer groove are introduced. The grooves introduced by perforation divide the fixture into two threaded rings, which are connected to each other by a membrane, one ring used as an adjustment nut and the other ring used as a locking nut. A web arranged in annular concentric circles that radially separates the inner or outer grooves is used to connect the membrane to each threaded ring and to attach it to the latter. To that extent, the membrane is an integrated part of the pair of rings. Several clamping bolts distributed axially and along the diameter are introduced into the pair of rings and extend by bypassing the web through both grooves and the radially circumferential membrane placed between them.

[0003] Fixtures equipped with female threads are used to mount and secure mechanical parts, such as bearings, to spindle holders, etc., on the associated male threads. Alternatively, the use of a fixture with male threads can be conceived in the form of a screw, for example, which can be mounted and secured to a component using the latter's associated female thread. Clamping bolts are used to interlock two threaded rings, and the fixture is secured by screwing it onto a threaded bolt or a similar component with a male thread, thereby eliminating connection or threaded lateral play. The membrane is closed axially toward the adjustment nut without plastic deformation using a locking nut, and the fixing force generated across the uniformly deformed ring membrane is superimposed by the operating load in the fixed state of the device in the same direction of force, so that a secure connection can be achieved by adding force during operation. Particularly in the case of a fixture with a pair of threaded rings of small diameter, if internal perforation occurs, problems arise, and the manufacturing cost of known solutions increases significantly.

[0004] To simplify manufacturing and improve the clamping effect, DE 30 20 521 A1 discloses a fixture having a slot introduced from the outside in a radial direction, and this fixture continuously divides the ring body into two threaded rings from the outside inward. Since the ring body is completely cut to form individual ring segments, the complex introduction of a groove having a predetermined penetration depth is eliminated. In this fixture of the type mentioned above, at least two threaded rings have a membrane between them, said membrane is an integral part of this pair of rings and maintains distance from the rings by being seated on a web that is only partially extended annularly and by a slot introduced in a straight line that is open to the outside and open to the environment in the unmounted state. The axial distance between the rings can be adjusted using two or more clamping bolts.

[0005] In the fixture formed in this way, two or three slots or rows of slots are arranged axially staggered. Individual webs placed between the circumferentially extended slots act as joints to prevent the threaded ring from tilting while securing it and serve as passing points for clamping bolts introduced into a pair of rings. The webs intersected by the clamping bolts reinforce these joints, thereby unintentionally restricting the movement of the membrane between adjacent slots and reducing the fixing force. This defect has already been recognized in the cited patent application publication, and in additional embodiments, it has been proposed to arrange the slots in an arc shape between the threaded rings from the outset to form a so-called balancing beam.

[0006] Introducing arched slots in the non-mounted state of known fixtures increases manufacturing complexity and does not eliminate the problem of reinforced joints across individual fixing webs penetrated by clamping bolts. Rather, due to the arched arrangement of each through slot, a springback effect may be observed on the membrane portion between two penetrated fixing webs, which hinders the desired free deformation of the membrane to obtain additionally increased fixing force. In particular, for screw ring designs of small builds, it has been proven that known solutions are less suitable due to the described springback effect. The problem to be solved

[0007] Based on this prior art, the present invention solves the problem of improving known solutions, particularly to avoid the disadvantages of the aforementioned prior art. means of solving the problem

[0008] This problem is solved entirely by a fixing device having the features of claim 1. The fixing device according to the present invention is characterized in that at least one clamping bolt passes through a membrane between two adjacent webs, and in an unmounted state, the membrane is oriented in a non-deformed manner parallel to the rings, and in a mounted state, the distance between a pair of rings is reduced by a related assignable clamping bolt, and the at least one clamping bolt passes through adjacent slots that are separated from the membrane, forming at least partially inclined or arc courses.

[0009] Since at least one clamping bolt passes through the membrane and the slots on both sides, material weakening of the web is prevented and reinforced in an integrated manner by the interconnection of threaded rings connected to the web, which are separated and constrained by the corresponding through holes and slots. Each clamping bolt is preferably inserted centrally between two adjacent webs in a pair of rings, and the force input is improved and deformation of the slots during mounting is made easier due to passage through the membrane. When tightening individual clamping bolts that pass through the threaded ring, slot, membrane, another slot, and another threaded ring in succession or engage with said other threaded ring, the two threaded rings move toward each other, and the slots previously aligned with said rings are at least partially oriented along an inclined or arc course. In this context, in certain embodiments, it is also conceivable that a portion of the clamping bolt used passes through the web between two rings as described in the prior art.

[0010] Preferably, the device according to the present invention is designed so that the membrane forms a wavy or corrugated membrane while fixed or mounted on a pair of screw rings, and as a result, the deformation extends beyond the clamping point having a fixed web, so that the fixed web does not interfere with the desired free wavy or arc course. To a person of ordinary skill in the art of such a fixing device, it is surprising that the solution according to the present invention creates a much improved distribution of force in the deformed wavy membrane, which consequently increases the fixing force and improves force superposition during the operation of the device. The membrane to be deformed can be adapted without play in a cantilever manner to achieve the desired effect. This is not paralleled in the prior art.

[0011] The fixing device is preferably formed entirely of a metal material, plastic, or a combination of metal and plastic materials, and more preferably, the ring returns to its original position when at least one clamping bolt and slot are released, and the intermediate membrane is again straight and aligned parallel to the ring. It should be understood that more than two slots may be introduced axially continuously between two threaded rings, and more than two threaded rings may be formed and assigned to each other in pairs. According to the present invention, at least one inserted clamping bolt passes through at least one membrane as well as through slots that are axially separated from each other and arranged adjacently. Particularly preferably, each clamping bolt passes through all slots arranged continuously along the axial range and along the membrane without passing through the web. The solution according to the present invention also includes the use of a single clamping bolt that is screwed into the ring and passes through the membrane between two adjacent webs to adjust the axial distance between the rings. However, generally, two or more clamping bolts are screwed into the threaded ring.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention, the membrane is composed of a plate whose thickness in the undeformed state is equal to or smaller than the slot width. This has the advantage of making the thickness of the membrane thin on one side of an adjacent slot, and in this way, it can be easily deformed to form inclined and arc courses. For the purpose of saving space, it is advantageous for the slot to be designed as narrow as possible, that is, for the width to be formed narrowly in the fixing device, and plastic deformation of the membrane due to excessively low material thickness must be avoided. Sometimes, the thickness of the membrane is greater than the width of the immediately adjacent slot. Preferably, each slot has a rectangular cross-section viewed in the radial direction. Deviated shapes, such as top and bottom sides inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, or a curve between the top and bottom sides, particularly a concave end side, can be conceived. The end side of each slot is preferably arranged to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded ring.

[0013] In addition, it is advantageous for each slot to be introduced continuously from the outside to the inside between two adjacent webs of the outer periphery ring by sawing. This results in the simple manufacturing of precisely produced slots and the benefits of membranes separating them from each other. In a simple and cost-effective manner, slots can be introduced with small screw sizes, and fixtures can be mass-produced.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention, slots are assigned to one ring at a time, then assigned to another ring, and extend alternately between the membrane and adjacent rings and between two of the adjacent webs. This slot arrangement allows for uniform transmission of force when tightening one or more clamping bolts introduced into the ring segment according to the present invention, and two adjacent slots in the ring segment are separated from each other only by a membrane arranged between them. When viewed in the circumferential direction, these ring segments are formed to have a length such that at least a clamping bolt can be introduced to penetrate the arranged membrane.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the fixation device according to the present invention, a membrane oriented parallel to the rings in the unmounted state is deformed by the input of a clamping force from at least one clamping bolt to reduce the distance between the rings, so that the membrane has a uniform wave pattern along the ring shape of a pair of rings, particularly in the mounted state. Due to the wavy course of the membrane in the mounted state, an equal axial distance is established between the threaded rings due to the uniform application of force from one or more clamping bolts in the pair of rings. The membrane is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the unmounted state and may be at least partially inclined with respect to this plane during deformation, and may be twisted in particular. When the fixation device is used, the distribution of force consequently improves force overlap and increases the overall fixation force. The best possible distribution of force and transmission is preferably influenced by the complete and uninterrupted deformation of the membrane.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention, the membrane is divided into sections between two adjacent webs of a pair of rings and, in a deformed state, has an incline or arc course that alternately rises and falls between the two adjacent webs. Due to the alternately rising and falling incline or arc course, uniform clamping of the two screw rings is performed and sequential positioning is stabilized. Particularly preferably, the pair of rising and falling incline or arc courses are formed complementarily to each other. The individual incline or arc course is formed uniformly along the entire length having the same slope or the same curvature, or alternatively, several, at least two sections having different slopes or curvatures are formed along each course.

[0017] Advantageously, a ring assembly having two clamping bolts has two slots, in the case of three clamping bolts there are three slots, and in the case of four clamping bolts there are four slots. The clamping bolts pass through two adjacent slots of annular segments provided along the circumferential direction of the threaded ring, and each slot is advantageously penetrated by at least one, preferably two, clamping bolts. This results in the advantage that a variation of each slot in a pair of rings is implemented based on the minimum possible number of individual parts. In this particular embodiment, secure clamping of two threaded rings is achieved based on simple installation effort.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the mounted deformed state of the membrane, the minimum distance between the web of the ring to which the membrane is articulated and the opposite ring is at this point. Consequently, the deformation movement of a pair of rings is specified, where the slots are each inclined or bent along their entire length.

[0019] Additionally, at least one pair of rings are arranged in a continuous manner on the inner periphery to form a female thread, the pitch of which is preferably the same, and the membrane has a free inner diameter that matches at least the diameter of the relevant thread, but preferably a larger one is selected. In this way, the fastener can be securely and firmly connected to a part of a machine, structure, or equipment having a relevant male thread. A membrane that is radially concave outward with respect to the female thread prevents possible adverse effects, such as undesirable deformation of the membrane when tightening or loosening the screw of the part, because the membrane does not come into contact with this part.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention, one of the pair of rings is an adjusting nut and the other is a locking nut. The two threaded rings preferably have the same outer diameter. However, it is conceivable to provide different outer diameters, particularly only to a small degree. A threaded ring protruding radially preferably provides protection for a slot immediately adjacent to the threaded ring. Each threaded ring is designed using a female thread. However, a solution having a male thread can also be implemented.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention, the slot width of all slots is the same, and at least one clamping bolt introduced from the free end face of the locking nut can be coupled with the adjustment nut. As a result, a uniform structure and uniform deformation of the slot arrangement are realized. Several clamping bolts are preferably distributed at equal distances on the front of the locking nut, which results in a uniform force input when tightening the clamping bolts for clamping two threaded rings and causes deformation of the annular membrane or membrane segment arranged between them.

[0022] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and the description thereof. The features described above and additionally mentioned may be implemented individually or in any desired combination in the fixture according to the present invention. The features shown in the drawings are purely schematic and not actual. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fixing device according to the present invention in an unmounted state. Figure 2 shows a top view of the fixing device of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the fixing device of Figure 2. FIG. 4 shows the fixing device of FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 in a mounted state as a side perspective view comparable to FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a fixing device according to the present invention in a side perspective view. FIG. 6 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a fixing device according to the present invention in a comparable side view. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a fixing device having a first threaded ring (10) and a second threaded ring (12) that are rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis (R) and are arranged in an overlapping manner as a pair of rings (10, 12) along the longitudinal axis (R). The two threaded rings (10, 12) hold an annular membrane (14) in the space between them. In the unmounted state of the fixing device shown in FIG. 1, the membrane (14) is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (R). The fixing device has a total of four slots (16, 18, 24, 26) and four clamping bolts (30). The fixing device is formed as a hollow cylindrical body, and slots (16, 18, 24, 26) are fitted in the envelope of the fixing device (i.e., the outer circumference of the hollow cylindrical body of the fixing device) that are visible transversely with respect to the orientation of the longitudinal axis (R). Meanwhile, the cavity extending along the longitudinal axis (R) of the hollow cylindrical body may have at least one threaded section. At least the outer peripheral hinge points of each web (20, 22, 48) extending between the ring (10, 12) and the membrane (14) may be part of the envelope.

[0025] The membrane (14) separates the two slots (16, 24) assigned to the first threaded ring (10) from the two slots (18, 26) assigned to the second threaded ring (12). The slots (16, 18, 24, 26) are radially open to the environment adjacent to the pair of rings (10, 12). Four slots (16, 18, 24, 26) extending in a straight line parallel to the membrane (14) each extend into the ring segment of the pair of rings (10, 12) between two of the four webs (20, 22, 48). Each of the webs (20, 22, 48) extends only partially annularly along the circumference of each ring (10, 12) in a section and is an integrated part of a pair of rings (10, 12).

[0026] The first slot (16) extends along the circumference of the first ring (10) in cross-section from the first web (20) to the third web opposite the first web (20), which is not illustrated in the description of FIG. 1, and forms a complete opening from the outside to the inside in a section of a pair of rings (10, 12). The third slot (24) is adjacent to the first web (20) on the other side, and this slot is introduced into the first ring (10) and also extends from the first web (20) to the third web. Similarly, the fourth slot (26) is adjacent to the second web (22) in the circumferential direction, and this slot is arranged on the second ring (12) and, like the second slot (18), extends from the second web (22) to the fourth web (48) opposite in the radial direction, which is not illustrated in FIG. 1 (see FIG. 5).

[0027] The membrane (14) is placed on the webs (20, 22, 48) and is maintained at a distance from the two rings (10, 12) by the former. The membrane (14) is composed of a plate, and its thickness is shown to be smaller than the width of the slots (16, 18, 24, and 26) when viewed axially in all three exemplary embodiments. Individual slots (16, 18, 24, and 26) are preferably introduced continuously from the outside to the inside between two adjacent webs (20, 22, 48) of the ring (10, 12) on the outer periphery side by sawing. Particularly preferably, the slot width of all slots (16, 18, 24, and 26) is the same. This solution has advantages in terms of ease of manufacture and excellent functionality of the fixture. Therefore, all components such as slots, webs, and rings are obtained from a single cylindrical hollow body through processing.

[0028] From the front (28) of the first threaded ring (10) illustrated in FIG. 1 above, a total of four clamping bolts (30) are introduced axially into a pair of rings (10, 12) parallel to the longitudinal axis (R). For improved illustration, only the heads of the clamping bolts (30) are illustrated in FIG. 1. The clamping bolts (30) extend axially through the first threaded ring (10) along the entire range in FIG. 1 and extend at least partially through the second threaded ring (12) arranged on the bottom. According to the present invention, at least one, preferably all, passing point of the clamping bolts (30) along the threaded rings (10, 12) is selected so that at least one clamping bolt (30) passes through the membrane (14) between two adjacent webs (20, 22, 48). In FIG. 1, a passage opening (32) of the membrane (14) for the associated clamping bolt (30) is shown, and the threaded portion is not shown for better illustration. Along the circumference of a pair of rings (10, 12), for each clamping bolt (30), a passage opening of the first threaded ring (10), a passage opening (32) of the membrane (14), and an inlet opening of the second threaded ring (12) are formed. The opening (32) for the passage of the clamping bolt (30) assigned to the clamping bolt (30) is arranged coaxially with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (R).

[0029] Several openings (36) are introduced on the end face (28) of the first threaded ring (10), the second outer peripheral side (34), and the end face of the second threaded ring (12), which are not shown in FIG. 1, and these openings are used as attack points for assembly tools to secure and fasten a pair of rings (10, 12) to a component. The plan view of FIG. 2 regarding the end face (28) of the first threaded ring (10) shows four clamping bolts (30) and four openings (36) arranged alternately with respect to the relevant center position—at regular intervals along the circumference of the threaded rings (10, 12).

[0030] On the radial inner peripheral side (38) of the threaded rings (10, 12), a continuous arrangement of female threads (52) (see FIG. 3) is formed, which is not illustrated in detail in FIG. 1. It is preferable that the gradient of the female threads be the same. The membrane (14) has a free inner diameter that matches at least the relevant thread diameter, but is preferably selected to be larger. In the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 to 4, the first threaded ring (10) is an adjustment nut and the second threaded ring (12) is a locking nut. A clamping bolt (30) introduced from the free end surface (28) of the first nut ring (10), designed as a locking nut, is coupled with the second threaded ring (12), designed as an adjustment nut.

[0031] The cross-section shown in FIG. 3 through a pair of rings (10, 12) illustrates that the associated clamping bolt (30) passes sequentially through the first threaded ring (10), the first slot (16) or the third slot (24), the membrane (14), the second slot (18) or the fourth slot (26), and then engages with the second threaded ring (12). The clamping bolt (30) can be used to set an axial distance (a) between the two rings (10, 12). The axial distance (a) is the distance measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis (R) between the first inner (40) defining the first slot (16) and the third slot (24) of the first threaded ring (10) and the second inner (42) defining the second slot (18) and the fourth slot (26) of the second threaded ring (12).

[0032] FIG. 3 further illustrates that in the illustrated non-mounted state, the non-deformed membrane (14) is oriented parallel to the rings (10, 12). Being parallel to the rings (10, 12), which are formed in a rotationally symmetric manner with respect to the longitudinal axis (R), means being arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (R). FIG. 3 illustrates that the first threaded ring (10) has a slightly larger outer diameter than the second threaded ring (12), and thus the radial protrusion (r) protrudes from the second threaded ring (12) toward the opposite side. As described above, when the first threaded ring (10) has a slightly larger outer diameter than the second threaded ring (12), a stepped arrangement can be formed in which the diameter decreases from the first threaded ring (10) to the second threaded ring (12) along the longitudinal axis (R). In this case, the envelope of the fixing device can form at least two imaginary mutually concentric cylinders. If the first threaded ring (10) has a different outer diameter than the second threaded ring (12), the envelope of the fixing device can form imaginary circular cylinders having different outer diameters. If the first threaded ring (10) has the same outer diameter as the second threaded ring (12), the envelope of the fixing device can form imaginary circular cylinders having the same outer diameter.

[0033] A circumferential chamfer (46) is formed on the edge of two slots (16, 24) on the first outer peripheral side (44) of the first threaded ring (10), and the chamfer is preferably angled to the first outer peripheral side (44) at an angle of 40 to 60° in the exemplary embodiment shown at an angle of 45°. The chamfer (46) and associated deburring are formed so that there is almost no burr and that there is no residual contamination, so that it is achieved to effectively prevent injury when a worker grasps a pair of rings (10, 12) and a fixing device. In the machining production of a pair of rings (10, 12), the combination of slots (16, 18, 24, 26) and circumferential chamfering (46), known as deburring, allows for an economically advantageous manufacturing method because a single deburring process eliminates burrs on both the outside and inside of the two slots (16, 18, 24, 26).

[0034] Alternatively, the fixture according to the present invention may be manufactured using a primary forming process, such as a permanent forming process using pressure die casting of a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum or zinc, or from a plastic material by injection molding. A slider (not shown) for forming the slots (16, 18, 24, 26) is preferably incorporated into a mold to perform die casting or injection molding, so that after removing the mold with the slide, the fixture is manufactured as a finished workpiece without undercuts. This optionally allows for the complete manufacture of the fixture or at least the production of a blank having the final contour in one manufacturing stage of the mold, and subsequent finishing such as the insertion or expansion of the slots (16, 18, 24, 26) introduced or to be introduced into the rings (10, 12).

[0035] In addition to the passage of the clamping bolt (30) through two slots (16, 18) separated from the membrane (14), the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 is selected so that the arrangement of slots (24) between the first threaded ring (10) and the fourth web (48) is shown as part of another second threaded ring (12). The fourth web (48) is arranged opposite to the second web (22) (see FIG. 1) which is not shown in FIG. 3 on a pair of rings (10, 12).

[0036] As indicated by the dashed line, the fourth web (48) extends axially between the main portion of the membrane (14) and the second threaded ring (12) and has a radial range equal to the slot width of the adjacent slots (18 and 26). A contraction (50) having a triangular cross-section and extending radially from the second outer peripheral side (34) of the second threaded ring (12) is formed in the fourth web (48) and thus in the additional webs (20, 22) in the first threaded ring (10) and the second threaded ring (12). The contraction (50) affects the stabilization of the webs (20, 22 and 48), which supports the membrane (14) deformed during mounting and maintains it in the relevant position. FIG. 3 also illustrates openings (36) and female threads (52) arranged continuously along the inner peripheral side (38) of two threaded rings (10, 12). Here, machine, structural, or equipment parts having a matching male thread can be attached by screw fastening. Each web (20, 22, 48) may be provided with a contour change, preferably in the form of a contraction (50), to adjust the inherent rigidity (particularly along the outer circumference).

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates the fixing device of FIG. 1 in a mounted state in which the distance (a) between the rings (10, 12) of the pair (10, 12) is reduced by tightening the clamping bolts (30), which are each assignable to the unmounted state shown in FIG. 1. The membrane (14) penetrating by the clamping bolts (30) between two adjacent webs (20, 22, 48) is deformed in the mounted state so that the membrane (14) in the section between the first web (20) and the second web (22) follows an inclined course from the bottom right to the top left in the representation of FIG. 4. In this way, the two threaded rings (10, 12) are clamped together and not only clamped to a machine, plant, or equipment part but are also firmly fixed. The annular circumferential membrane (14) extends between four webs (20, 22 and 48) (see FIG. 3) along the entire circumference of a pair of rings (10, 12) divided into sections, and preferably extends in a wave-like manner along the shape of a pair of rings (10, 12).

[0038] Sections of the membrane (14) have an alternating ascending and descending inclined course, which is illustrated in Fig. 4 for the fourth slot (26) adjacent to the left side of the second web (22) and the related section of the membrane (14). Due to the inclined or curved course of the membrane (14) in the mounted state, the clamping force of the clamping bolt (30) is ensured to be applied uniformly to the pair of rings (10, 12) and the same axial distance is formed between the inner sides (40, 42) (see Fig. 3). The deformation of the membrane (14) is illustrated in an exaggerated manner in Fig. 4. In both the unmounted state of Fig. 1 and the mounted state of Fig. 4, it can be understood that the end faces (28) are oriented parallel to each other on the top of the first threaded ring (10) and on the lower side of the second threaded ring (12).

[0039] FIGS. 1 and 4 illustrate slots (16, 18, 24, 26) extending alternately between the membrane (14) and adjacent rings (10, 12) and between two of two adjacent webs (20, 22, 48) assigned to one ring (10) at a time and then to another ring (12). In the illustrated first exemplary embodiment, the webs (20, 22, 48) are arranged at the center of the adjacent slots (16, 18, 24, 26) when viewed from the circumferential direction and are integrally connected to the membrane (14). A clamping bolt (30) also extends through the membrane (14) to the center from a passage opening (32) between the two adjacent webs (20, 22, 48) and then extends through the adjacent slots (16, 18, 24, 26). Due to deformation of the membrane (14) in the mounted state, the minimum distance between the web (20, 22, 48) of the rings (10, 12) to which the membrane (14) is articulated and the opposite ring (10, 12) is formed at this point. In the representation of FIG. 4, each ring (10, 12) comes into close contact with the membrane (14), which is separated by the associated slots (16, 18, 24, 26) in the webs (20, 22, 48) as each proximity point.

[0040] FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 illustrate, respectively, second and third exemplary embodiments of a fixing device in an unmounted state as perspective side views. The second exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 differs from the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that only two clamping bolts (30) and two slots (16, 18) are inserted into a pair of rings (10, 12). In the two ring segments (54) of the pair of rings (10, 12) in which each slot (16, 18) extends along the circumference, each clamping bolt (30) passes through the first slot (16) and the membrane (14) in each passage opening (32) and the second slot (18). The first slot (16) of the first web (20) is adjacent to one ring segment (54) shown in FIG. 5, and the second web (22) is adjacent to the second slot (18). The first slot (16) extends from the ring segment (54) having one clamping bolt (30) to another ring segment having another clamping bolt (30) not shown in FIG. 5 over an angle of 180°—to the left in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the second slot (18) extends from the ring segment (54) to another ring segment on the opposite side of the pair of rings (10, 12)—to the right in FIG. 5. Both webs (20, 22) have a radially constricted portion (50) (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). Two openings (36) are provided on the end surface (28) of the threaded rings (10, 12) and on the second outer peripheral side (34) of the second threaded ring (12), respectively. When the clamping bolt (30) is tightened, the two rings (10, 12) move axially toward each other along the longitudinal axis (R), and the membrane (14) is deformed starting from the clamping bolt (30) that engages with the membrane at the ring segment (54) to form at least one inclined or arc course.

[0041] The third exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 differs from the first and second embodiments in that three clamping bolts (30) and three slots (16, 18) are formed in the fixing device. The clamping screw (30) illustrated in FIG. 6 passes through the slots (16, 18) of the ring segment (54) and passes through the membrane (14) in one passage opening (32). Two additional tension screws (30) each pass through the first slot (16) or the second slot (18), pass through a third slot not illustrated in FIG. 6, and pass through the membrane (14) separating them from each other in another additional passage opening. Additionally, three openings (36) are provided on each end face (28) of the threaded rings (10, 12), and three openings (36) are provided on each second outer peripheral side (34) of the second threaded ring (12). In all three exemplary embodiments, the same number of openings (36) are formed on the end face of the second threaded ring (12), which is not illustrated, as on the end face (28) of the first threaded ring (10).

[0042] It will be understood that a device having more clamping bolts (30) and more or fewer slots (16, 18, 24 and 26) may be provided in a pair of rings (10, 12) according to the present invention, wherein the number of clamping bolts may differ from the number of slots. Also, it is not necessary to place all clamping bolts outside the web, which limits the gap between the latter and the next ring.

Claims

Claim 1 As a fixing device, at least two threaded rings (10, 12) having linear slots (16, 18, 24, 26) introduced internally and webs (20, 22) partially annularly extended between said slots (16, 18, 24, 26), said at least two threaded rings (10, 12), said slots (16, 18, 24, 26) all open toward the external environment of said rings (10, 12); as a membrane (14) maintained between said rings (10, 12), said membrane (14) formed integrally with said rings (10, 12) and maintained at a distance from said rings (10, 12) by said slots (16, 18, 24, 26) in a non-mounted state of said fixing device, said A membrane (14); and a first clamping bolt (30) that can be used to adjust the axial distance between the rings (10, 12), wherein the first clamping bolt (30) passes through the membrane (14) between an adjacent pair of webs (20, 22), wherein in the unmounted state of the fixing device, the membrane (14) is oriented parallel to the rings (10, 12) in a non-deformed manner, and in the mounted state of the fixing device, the membrane (14) is moved in a deformed state in at least one direction of the rings (10, 12) between the webs (20, 22) as soon as the distance between the rings (10, 12) is reduced by the first clamping bolt (30) to form at least partially inclined or arced contours, wherein the first clamping bolt (30) passes through the membrane (14), and A fixing device separated from the membrane (14) and passing through an adjacent pair of slots (16, 18, 24, 26) located on opposite sides of the membrane (14). Claim 2 A fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the membrane (14) is made of a plate, and the thickness of the plate in its undeformed state matches or is smaller than the width of the slot. Claim 3 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each slot (16, 18, 24, 26) is continuously introduced from the outside to the inside by sawing between two adjacent webs (20, 22, 48) on the outer periphery side of the ring (10, 12). Claim 4 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the slots (16, 18, 24, 26) are extended alternately between the membrane (14) and adjacent rings (10, 12) and between two of the adjacent webs (20, 22, 48) to be assigned to one ring at a time and then to another ring (10, 12) the next time. Claim 5 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the membrane (14), oriented parallel to the rings (10, 12) in the unmounted state, is deformed by the clamping force input of the first clamping bolt (30) to reduce the distance (a) between the rings (10, 12) so that the membrane becomes wavy along the ring shape of the pair of rings (10, 12) in the mounted state. Claim 6 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the membrane (14) is divided into sections between two adjacent webs (20, 22, 48) of a pair of rings (10, 12) and has an inclined or arc contour that alternately rises and falls between the two adjacent webs (20, 22, 48) in the deformed state in the mounted state. Claim 7 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ring assembly having two clamping bolts has two slots, in the case of three clamping bolts there are three slots, and in the case of four clamping bolts there are four slots. Claim 8 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the deformed state of the membrane (14) in the mounting state, the minimum distance between the web (20, 22, 48) of the ring (10, 12) to which the membrane (14) is connected and the opposite ring (10, 12) is at this point. Claim 9 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one pair of rings (10, 12) have female threads (52) arranged continuously on their inner peripheral side (38), and the membrane (14) has a free inner diameter larger than the diameter of the continuously arranged female threads. Claim 10 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of a pair of rings (10, 12) is an adjusting nut (12) and the other ring is a locking nut (10). Claim 11 A fixing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the slot widths of all slots (16, 18, 24, 26) are the same, and the first clamping bolt (30) introduced from the free end surface (28) of the locking nut (10) can be coupled with the adjusting nut (12). Claim 12 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing device is formed by a hollow cylindrical body, and a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis (R) of the hollow cylindrical body has at least one threaded section, and slots (16, 18, 24, 26) are mounted on the envelope of the hollow cylindrical body and are seen transversely with respect to the orientation of the longitudinal axis (R), so that the membrane (14) extends between two adjacent rings (10, 12) and is supported in an alternating order by webs (20, 22, 48) and is articulated multiple times through connection points to one ring (10) at a time and then to another ring (12). Claim 13 A fixing device according to claim 12, wherein the envelope forms a virtual circular cylinder for the same or different outer diameters of the rings (10, 12) or forms at least two virtual mutually concentric cylinders in a stepped arrangement along the longitudinal axis (R) according to a decrease in diameter. Claim 14 A fixing device according to claim 12, characterized in that at least the outer peripheral hinge points of each web (20, 22, 48) extending between the related ring (10, 12) and the membrane (14) are part of the envelope. Claim 15 A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each web is provided with a contour change to adjust the inherent stiffness.

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