Coded plug-in coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a coded plug-in coupling, comprising: a first coupling element (2), which is designed to be fixedly arranged at the end of a first shaft; a second coupling element (3), which is designed to be fixedly arranged at the end of a second shaft; and an intermediate element (10), which is used for a mechanical and torsionally rigid connection of the first and second coupling elements (2, 3); the intermediate element (10) compensates for axial, radial and angular misalignments between the two shafts, wherein the first and second coupling elements (2, 3) and the intermediate element (10, 110) are formed in such a way that the first coupling element (2) and the second coupling element (3) are connected only in one predetermined angular position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a coded plug-in coupling according to the preamble of claim 1 .

[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate specifically to the field of servo motors. These types of motors operate with an encoder, whereby the encoder detects the current angular position of the motor shaft and feeds this information to a control loop, which in turn controls the current supply to the motor windings of the servo motor. To this end, the encoder shaft is connected to the motor shaft via a coupling. A measuring scale is mounted on the encoder shaft in order to determine the angular position of the motor shaft. An important task of the encoder is to determine the commutation between the rotor and the stator so that the motor windings are correctly energized. After the encoder has been mounted on the motor, the commutation angle is determined once with the aid of the encoder and is permanently stored. Background Art

[0003] When the encoder is disassembled and reassembled, the commutation angle information is lost. This can occur, for example, if a defective motor or encoder has to be replaced. In this case, the commutation must be set again, which can be very time-consuming depending on the application.

[0004] Utility model DE 20 2008 010 765 U1 proposes a design of a plug-in connection according to the preamble of claim 1. However, this connection allows the two shafts to be connected in different angular positions. In servomotor applications, the commutation must be set again after replacing the motor or the encoder.

[0005] EP 2 189 675 B1 also describes a design of a plug-in coupling according to the preamble of claim 1. However, the two shafts can also be connected in different angular positions. A further disadvantage of this solution is that great care and caution are required in the connection of the coupling parts, since the design differences in the rotational angle positions are not very significant and no elements are included to simplify the connection. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an insertion coupling which solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by providing a plug-in coupling according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments and features of the invention are stated in the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention provides a coding plug-in coupling, comprising:

[0009] a first coupling element, which is designed to be fixedly arranged at the end of the first shaft,

[0010] a second coupling element, which is designed to be fixedly arranged at the end of the second shaft,

[0011] an intermediate element for the mechanical and torsionally rigid connection of the first and second coupling elements, which intermediate element compensates for axial, radial and angular misalignments between the two shafts,

[0012] Therein, the first and second coupling elements and the intermediate element are formed in such a way that they can only be connected in one predetermined angular position.

[0013] An advantageous feature of the invention is that it provides an angular encoding, i.e., by means of a plug-in coupling, the motor shaft and the encoder shaft can only be connected to each other in a predetermined angular position. This allows an easy replacement of the motor or the encoder without losing the correlation between the angular position of the encoder and the angular position of the motor.

[0014] The angular coding is provided by coding means in the form of at least one coding recess arranged at each of the first and second coupling elements and at least one coding extension arranged at each side of the intermediate element, the at least one coding extension matching the coding recess of each of the coupling elements. For reasons of balance, preferably there are two coding recesses and two coding extensions. The shape of the two coding recesses and their position at the coupling elements are different and match the shape and position of the two coding extensions at the intermediate element.

[0015] The intermediate element and the two coupling elements comprise a coupling device. The intermediate element has a plurality of coupling claws extending parallel to the rotation axis at each side. The coupling claws are formed to match and engage with a plurality of coupling recesses provided at each of the coupling elements.

[0016] A further advantage of the invention is the relatively simple assembly, since the intermediate element and the two coupling elements preferably have means for easier connection, which are preferably present in the form of insertion ramps at the coupling means. The coupling system is play-free in the connected state.

[0017] Preferably, each of the coupling element and the intermediate element is rotationally balanced.Special attention is paid to ensuring that the design features of the angular encoding are well balanced along the axis of rotation.

[0018] Preferably, the intermediate element can be provided with a reinforcing outer ring which increases the torsional rigidity and improves the torque transmission.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the device for encoding the angular position is formed by the connecting claws and the connecting recesses themselves, because at least one connecting claw and the connecting recess has a different shape than the other connecting claws and the connecting recesses, and in this way, the position of the connection between only one connecting element and the intermediate element is possible.

[0020] Typically, the coded plug-in coupling according to the invention is provided for use with a rotary encoder, in particular with a rotary encoder mounted in an assembly which is part of a servo motor. The coupling is particularly suitable for field replaceability of the motor or encoder of the servo motor assembly without losing the correlation between the angular position of the encoder and the angular position of the motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing, from which further inventive features emerge.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of a three-element coupling with a first embodiment of an intermediate element is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A perspective view of a first coupling element is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A perspective view of a second coupling element is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 A perspective view of a first embodiment of an intermediate element is shown.

[0026] Figure 5 A perspective view of a three-element coupling with a second embodiment of an intermediate element is shown.

[0027] Figure 6 A perspective view of a coupling showing the connection of a coupling element to an intermediate element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a novel plug-in and coded coupling for connecting two end shafts rotatably mounted on bearings.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 4 As best shown, the coupling 1 according to the invention comprises a first coupling element 2 and a second coupling element 3 which are coupled together via an intermediate element 10 .

[0030] The first coupling element 2 is fixedly connected to the end of a first shaft (not shown) by means of its hub 4 and a mating surface 6, and the second coupling element 3 is fixedly connected to the end of a second shaft (not shown) by means of its hub 5 and a mating surface 7. The first and second shafts are usually arranged in alignment with each other and connected to the hubs 4, 5 of the coupling elements 2, 3, for example by means of a press fit, connecting screws, an adhesive joint or other known connecting methods.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both coupling elements 2, 3 are designed in the shape of an annular disk and preferably have a plurality of semicircular coupling recesses 8, 9 at a radial distance from the axis of rotation, preferably in the region of the outer circumferential surface. The semicircular coupling recesses 8, 9 can preferably be arranged at equal angular intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the coupling elements 2, 3.

[0032] The intermediate element 10 is arranged between the first and the second coupling element 2 , 3 and connects the coupling elements 2 , 3 to one another in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0033] The intermediate element 10 comprises in particular an annular or annular disc-shaped body of revolution 11 extending in a radial plane to the axis of rotation of the intermediate element 8 .

[0034] A plurality of coupling claws 12, 13 are disposed on both sides of the intermediate element 10 and are arranged at a distance from the rotation axis and adjacent to the outer circumferential surface. The coupling claws 12, 13 extend from both sides of the intermediate element 10 at a predetermined distance from the rotation axis and in parallel thereto. The coupling claws 12, 13 extend in directions opposite to each other and are arranged at a predetermined angle offset from each other on the periphery of the rotating body 11 of the intermediate element 10.

[0035] The connecting claws 12, 13 preferably have a semi-cylindrical shape formed to match the semi-circular connecting recesses 8, 9 of the connecting elements 2, 3. When the first connecting element 2 and the intermediate element 10 are plugged together, the connecting claws 12 of the intermediate element 10 are forcibly engaged in the connecting recess 8 of the first connecting element 2. When the second connecting element 3 and the intermediate element 10 are plugged together, the connecting claws 13 of the intermediate element 10 are forcibly engaged in the connecting recess 9 of the second connecting element 3.

[0036] The connecting claws 12, 13 have a force transmission surface 15, which preferably has a semi-cylindrical or curved shape. The connecting recesses 8, 9 have a force transmission surface 14 of spherical or curved design. The force transmission surfaces 14, 15 ensure an advantageously angularly movable positive locking connection between the connecting claws 12, 13 of the intermediate element 10 and the connecting recesses 8, 9 of the coupling elements 2, 3.

[0037] Preferably, the coupling recesses 8 , 9 of the coupling elements 2 , 3 and / or the connecting claws 12 , 13 of the intermediate element 10 have chamfered edges forming an insertion ramp to make it easier to insert the coupling elements 2 , 3 and the intermediate element 10 together.

[0038] For a correctly positioned connection in a defined angular position, the coupling elements 2, 3 each have two coding recesses 16, 17 in addition to the coupling recess 8. The coding recesses 16, 17 are located at a distance from one another and are differently shaped and arranged at different positions on the coupling elements 2, 3.

[0039] The intermediate element 10 has two coding extensions 18, 19 on each side, which also have different shapes and positions and match the shapes and positions of the coding recesses 16, 17 of the coupling elements 2, 3. The first coding extension 18 of the intermediate element 10 is formed to engage with the first coding recess 16 of the coupling elements 2, 3, and the second coding extension 19 of the intermediate element 10 is formed to engage with the second coding recess 17 of the coupling elements 2, 3.

[0040] Preferably, no forces act on the coding recesses 16 , 17 and the coding extensions 18 , 19 , since these forces are transmitted by the connecting claws 12 , 13 and the associated coupling recesses 8 , 9 for torque transmission.

[0041] like Figure 5 As depicted, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element 110 may be provided with a reinforcing outer ring 112 surrounding the rotating body 111 , increasing the torsional rigidity and improving the torque transmission between the intermediate element 110 and the coupling elements 2 , 3 .

[0042] Figure 6 A coupling is shown in which coupling elements 2, 3 are connected to an intermediate element 10. The coupling claws 12, 13 of the intermediate element 10 engage with the coupling recesses 8, 9 of the coupling elements 2, 3. Each coding extension 18, 19 engages with its corresponding coding recess 16, 17. Due to the different shapes of the coding recesses 16, 17 of the coupling elements 2, 3 and the corresponding coding extensions 18, 19 at the intermediate element 10, the two coupling elements 2, 3 can only be coupled to the intermediate element 10 in a limited angular position.

[0043] Reference numerals list

[0044] 1 Coupling

[0045] 2 First connecting element

[0046] 3 Second connecting element

[0047] 4 Hub

[0048] 5 Hub

[0049] 6 Mating surface

[0050] 7 Mating surface

[0051] 8 Connection recess

[0052] 9 Connection recess

[0053] 10 Intermediate components

[0054] 11 Rotate the subject

[0055] 12 Connecting claws

[0056] 13 Connecting claw

[0057] 14 Force-transmitting surface

[0058] 15 Force-transmitting surface

[0059] 16 Coding recess

[0060] 17 Coding recess

[0061] 18 Code extension

[0062] 19 Code extension

[0063] 110 Intermediate Components

[0064] 111 Rotating Body

[0065] 112 Outer Ring

Claims

1. A coded plug-in coupling, comprising: The first coupling element (2), The second coupling element (3), an intermediate element (10, 110) which compensates for axial, radial and angular misalignments between the two shafts, A coupling device, the coupling device is used for mechanical and torsionally rigid connection of the intermediate element (10, 110) with the first and second coupling elements (2, 3), the coupling device comprising a plurality of coupling recesses (8, 9) arranged at the first and second coupling elements (2, 3), the coupling recesses (8, 9) being located at a radial distance from the rotation axis of the coupling elements (2, 3); the coupling device also comprises a plurality of connecting claws (12, 13) arranged at the intermediate element (10, 110), the connecting claws (12, 13) extending from both sides of the intermediate element (10, 110) parallel to the rotation axis and at a radial distance from the rotation axis, and being formed to match the plurality of connecting recesses (8, 9) of the coupling elements (2, 3), It is characterized in that The first and second coupling elements (2, 3) and the intermediate element (10, 110) are formed in such a way that the first and second coupling elements (2, 3) are connected only in one predetermined angular position; wherein the first and second coupling elements (2, 3) each have at least two coding recesses (16, 17), the at least two coding recesses (16, 17) having different shapes and being located at a certain distance from each other and being arranged at different positions on the coupling elements (2, 3); The intermediate element (10, 110) has at least two coding extensions (18, 19) on each side, which have different shapes and positions and match the shapes and positions of the at least two coding recesses (16, 17) of the coupling elements (2, 3) for angular positioning.

2. The coded plug-in coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling recesses (8, 9) of the coupling elements (2, 3) have a semicircular or curved form.

3. The coded plug-in coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting claws (12, 13) at both sides of the intermediate element (10, 110) extend in directions opposite to each other and are arranged offset from each other at a predetermined angle on the periphery of a rotating body (11, 111) of the intermediate element (10, 110).

4. The coded plug-in coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting claws (12, 13) of the intermediate element (10, 110) have a force transmission surface (14) of semi-cylindrical or curved shape.

5. The coded plug-in coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The coupling recesses (8, 9) of the coupling elements (2, 3) and / or the connecting claws (12, 13) of the intermediate elements (10, 110) have chamfers forming insertion slopes.

6. The coded plug-in coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The intermediate element (110) comprises a reinforcing outer ring (112) surrounding a rotating body (111).

7. The coded plug-in coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The coded plug-in coupling is designed for use with a rotary encoder.

8. The coded plug-in coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The coded plug-in coupling is designed to be used with a rotary encoder mounted in an assembly that is part of a servo motor.

9. The coded plug-in coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The coded plug-in coupling is designed for use with a rotary encoder mounted in an assembly that is part of a servomotor and that is suitable for field replaceability of the servomotor or the rotary encoder.

10. The coded plug-in coupling according to claim 9, characterized in that: The encoded plug-in coupling is designed for replacing the servomotor or the rotary encoder without losing the correlation between the angular position of the encoder and the angular position of the motor.

Images