Centering device, centering system and process for attaching screw or bolt to object

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a centering device for centering a screw or bolt in a bore defining an outer circumferential surface configured to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the bore, defining an inner circumferential surface configured to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the screw or bolt, and a connecting portion connecting the outer surface and the inner surface, wherein the connection portion is configured to maintain a substantially constant distance between the inner surface and the outer surface along a circumference of the centering device wherein the centering device forms a plurality of flow through openings in the inner circumferential surface, and wherein the plurality of flow through openings are distributed around the circumference of the centering device. The invention is also directed to a process for attaching a screw or bolt to an object, comprising: forming a bore in the object, the bore having a central axis and a diameter greater than the diameter of the screw or bolt; applying a filling material into the hole so as to partially fill the hole with the filling material; attaching a centering device as described above to the screw or bolt such that an inner surface of the centering device abuts an outer circumferential surface of the screw or bolt; and inserting the screw or bolt together with the centering device into the bore in the object such that the outer surface of the at least one centering device abuts the inner circumferential surface of the bore and such that the filling material enters a flow through opening formed in the at least one centering device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a centering device (or "centering device") for centering a screw or bolt in a hole. Background Art

[0002] This centering device for centering a screw or bolt in a hole is used in structures for chemical anchoring (i.e., for bonding an anchor member (i.e., a screw or bolt) to a substrate (typically masonry and / or concrete) using a resin-based adhesive system. This centering device is configured to align the longitudinal axis of the anchor member with the longitudinal axis of the hole, i.e., to center the screw or bolt in the hole, when the outer diameter of the screw or bolt is smaller than the diameter of the hole provided in the substrate.

[0003] To this end, the centering device defines an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, wherein the outer circumferential surface is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole, and the inner circumferential surface is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface of the screw or bolt. The centering device further includes a connecting portion connecting the outer and inner surfaces. To center the screw or bolt in the hole, the connecting portion is configured to maintain a substantially constant distance between the inner and outer surfaces along the circumference of the centering device.

[0004] Currently known centering devices cover the anchoring element, i.e., the screw or bolt, at the corresponding section of the anchoring element, so that the resin-based adhesive does not come into contact with the anchoring element at the section where the centering device is placed around the anchoring element. As a result, the forces that can be transmitted from the screw or bolt to the adhesive and therefore to the substrate are limited by the centering device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a centering device which allows greater forces to be transmitted from the screw or bolt to the substrate surrounding the screw or bolt.

[0006] This object is met by a device having the features of claim 1 and in particular wherein the centering device forms a plurality of flow-through openings in the inner circumferential surface and wherein the plurality of flow-through openings are distributed around the circumference of the centering device.

[0007] Due to these flow-through openings, the adhesive system is able to contact a larger outer circumferential surface of the screw or bolt, since less of the outer circumferential surface of the screw or bolt is covered by the centering device. Therefore, the connection between the screw or bolt and the substrate is stronger.

[0008] Embodiments of the device are defined by the dependent claims and are described in the following disclosure.

[0009] Preferably, the flow-through opening extends from the outer circumferential surface of the centering device to the inner circumferential surface of the centering device. Alternatively or additionally, the flow-through opening can extend from the face of the centering device to the inner circumferential surface of the centering device. The flow-through opening can also be referred to as a through hole.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the centering device comprises a plurality of rods extending in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of rods are capable of forming (i.e. defining) boundaries of the flow-through openings. Each rod is capable of forming boundaries of at least two adjacent flow-through openings.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a plurality of rods form the inner surface of the centering device. In other words, a plurality of rods can define the inner circumference of the centering device along the longitudinal axis of the centering device. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of rods can form the outer surface of the centering device.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the plurality of rods are spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction. The plurality of rods can be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance, such that the distance between the rods defines the width of the flow-through opening. Preferably, the plurality of rods are equally spaced from one another in a circumferential direction. In other words, the plurality of rods are arranged at equal distances from one another around the circumference of the centering device.

[0013] According to one embodiment, some of the plurality of rods extend from one end of the centering device to the other end of the centering device.Preferably, the plurality of rods are configured to define and maintain a distance between two end faces of the centering device.

[0014] According to one embodiment, all of the plurality of rods extend from one end of the centering device to the other end of the centering device. Alternatively, some of the plurality of rods do not extend from one end of the centering device to the other end of the centering device, but instead form cantilever beams, i.e., are only connected to one end of the centering device.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the centering device includes at least one connecting element, which extends in a circumferential direction and is configured to hold at least some (preferably all) of the plurality of rods in a position relative to each other. At least one connecting element is preferably formed integrally with the rod. The connecting element can form a boundary for the flow through the opening. Preferably, the connecting element extends in a direction perpendicular to the rod. The word "extend" means that it is the main extension of the corresponding component. For example, the rod extends in the longitudinal direction, which means that the rod mainly extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least a majority of the flow-through openings are each defined by two rods and two connecting elements, which are connected together to form a frame. Preferably, all flow-through openings are each defined by two rods and two connecting elements, which are connected together to form a frame.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least one connecting element extends along a major part of the circumference of the centering device. According to one embodiment, at least one connecting element can have an open circumference. This can allow the centering device to be attached to the screw or bolt from a radial direction. Alternatively, at least one connecting element can have a closed circumference. In other words, at least one connecting element can form a complete circle in cross section. In this case, the centering device should be configured to be attached to the screw or bolt from an axial direction. This feature has the advantage that the centering device is more stable.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the centering device forms at least one radially elastically deformable portion. Preferably, the centering device forms a plurality of radially elastically deformable portions. The at least one radially elastically deformable portion or the plurality of radially elastically deformable portions can be arranged along the circumference of the centering device, i.e., along the inner circumference and / or outer circumference of the centering device. The at least one radially elastically deformable portion is preferably part of the connecting portion. This allows the centering device to be elastically adjusted to the size of the hole and / or the size of the screw or bolt.

[0019] According to one embodiment, at least one radially elastically deformable portion forms at least a section of the outer circumferential surface of the centering device. Preferably, a plurality of radially elastically deformable portions together form at least a section of the outer circumferential surface of the centering device.

[0020] According to one embodiment, at least one radially elastically deformable portion is formed by a plurality of cantilever beams. The cantilever beams preferably extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the centering device. Alternatively, the cantilever beams may extend in the longitudinal direction, but their radial extent may increase toward their free ends. Preferably, each cantilever beam forms a segment with increasing radial extent, which together form an outer circumferential surface configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole. Preferably, the cantilever beams extend in a direction opposite to the direction in which the screw or bolt equipped with the centering device is inserted into the hole. This has the advantage that the cantilever beams, either extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the centering device or each of the cantilever beams with increasing radial extent, form an introduction cantilever that centers the centering device in the hole. Additionally, if the cantilever beams extend in a direction opposite to the direction in which the screw or bolt equipped with the centering device is inserted into the hole, there is less risk of the cantilever beams obstructing the insertion movement. Preferably, the cantilever beams extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the centering device, forming an angle of 5° to 60° with the longitudinal axis of the centering device.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the centering device includes an annular segment having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole. In other words, the centering device forms an outer circumferential surface configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole and the annular segment, preferably adjacent to the circumferential surface, the annular segment having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the circumferential surface configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole. The outer circumferential surface of the annular segment can be larger than the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole when the centering device is not inserted into the hole. Alternatively or additionally, the outer circumferential surface of the annular segment can be larger than the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole when the centering device is inserted into the hole. The annular segment preferably forms an axial end segment of the centering device. Preferably, the annular segment provides an axial surface configured to abut the edge surrounding the opening defined by the hole. This simplifies entering only a predetermined section of the screw or bolt into the hole.In order to retain the filling material in the hole, the annular sections preferably form continuous annular surfaces facing in the axial direction.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the centering device has an open first face for inserting the end of a screw or bolt and has an axial stop to limit the axial movement of the screw or bolt relative to the centering device. Preferably, the axial stop comprises one or more elements extending in a radial direction towards the center line of the centering device. According to one embodiment, the axial stop can be formed by a plurality of rods, each of which extends towards the center line of the centering device. In order to ensure that the face of the screw or bolt safely abuts the axial stop, a continuous (e.g. disc-shaped) end surface can be formed in an intermediate section of the axial stop.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the axial stop forms a second face of the centering device.In other words, the axial stop can be positioned in an axial end section of the centering device so as to cover at least a portion of a face of the centering device.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the centering device can be shaped like an ejector pin, ie can have an outer circumferential surface which tapers towards an at least partially closed front face.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the centering device is made of plastic.The centering device can be designed in a one-piece design.According to one embodiment, the centering device is made by injection molding.

[0026] The problem is also solved by a centering system comprising two such centering devices. Preferably, the two centering devices are configured to be attached to the screw or bolt at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the screw or bolt. For example, one of the centering devices can be attached to the screw or bolt at an end section of the screw or bolt that is first inserted into the hole, and the other centering device can be attached to the same screw or bolt at a section near the screw head or attached to the nut of the bolt.

[0027] Preferably, a centering device attached to the screw or bolt at an end section of the screw or bolt that is first inserted into the hole can form the above-mentioned axial stop. Further centering devices, for example centering devices attached to the screw or bolt at a section close to the head of the screw or close to the nut attached to the bolt, can form the above-mentioned annular section, which has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface, which is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole. If the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole is changeable, for example because it is defined by an elastically deformable cantilever beam, the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the hole is preferably measured when the centering device is positioned inside a hole having an inner diameter suitable for the centering device.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the centering device forms an internal thread in the inner circumferential surface. The thread can be configured to engage with an external thread of a screw or bolt. This can improve the connection and / or alignment between the centering device and the screw or bolt.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the centering device can form at least one lead-in chamfer extending around the circumference of the centering device. The lead-in chamfer is configured to simplify the insertion of the centering device into the hole. The lead-in chamfer preferably extends in the axial direction to the end of the centering device configured to first enter the hole.

[0030] Another independent object of the present disclosure is a centering device having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface and a connecting portion, wherein the outer circumferential surface is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of a hole and the inner circumferential surface is configured to contact the outer circumferential surface of a screw or bolt, and the connecting portion connects the outer surface and the inner surface, wherein the connecting portion is configured to maintain a substantially constant distance between the inner surface and the outer surface along the circumference of the centering device, and wherein the centering device has an open first surface for inserting the end of the screw or bolt and has an axial stop to limit axial movement of the tip of the screw or bolt relative to the centering device.

[0031] Preferably, the axial stop comprises one or more elements extending in a radial direction toward the centerline of the centering device. According to one embodiment, the centering device has a first open face, and the axial stop is formed by an element covering a second face of the centering device, the second face of the centering device at least surrounding the center defined by the centerline of the centering device. In order to ensure that the face of the screw or bolt securely abuts the axial stop, a continuous (e.g., disk-shaped) end surface can be formed at least in the middle section of the axial stop.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the axial stop forms a completely closed second face of the centering device.In other words, the axial stop can be positioned in an axial end section of the centering device, which completely covers a face of the centering device.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the centering device can be shaped like an ejector pin, ie can have an outer circumferential surface which tapers towards the closed front face.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the centering device is made of plastic.The centering device can be designed in a one-piece design.According to one embodiment, the centering device is made by injection molding.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the centering device has a closed circumferential surface, ie no through-holes are formed in the circumferential surface.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the centering means forms an internal thread in the inner circumferential surface.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the centering device comprises a plurality of elevations on its outer surface extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the plurality of protrusions are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The plurality of protrusions can be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. Preferably, the plurality of protrusions are equally spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. In other words, the plurality of protrusions are arranged at equal distances from one another around the circumference of the centering device.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the plurality of protuberances extends substantially from one end of the centering device to the other end of the centering device.

[0040] The centering device described above can be used as a centering device attached to a screw or bolt at the end section of the screw or bolt which is first inserted into the hole.

[0041] A further object of the present invention is to provide a process for attaching a screw or bolt to an object (e.g. via chemical anchoring) which produces a connection between the screw or bolt and the object which allows greater forces to be transferred from the screw or bolt to the object surrounding the screw or bolt, i.e. the substrate.

[0042] The object is met by a process for attaching a screw or a bolt to an object, comprising:

[0043] - forming a hole in an object, the hole having a central axis and a diameter greater than the diameter of the screw or bolt,

[0044] - applying a filling material into the hole so as to partially fill the hole with the filling material,

[0045] - attaching a centering device or a centering system according to any of the embodiments discussed in this application to a screw or bolt such that the inner surface of at least one centering device abuts the outer circumferential surface of the screw or bolt, and

[0046] - inserting the screw or bolt together with the centering device or the centering system into the hole in the object so that the outer surface of at least one centering device abuts the inner circumferential surface of the hole and so that the filling material enters the flow-through opening formed in the at least one centering device.

[0047] Due to these flow-through openings, the filler material is able to come into contact with a larger area of ​​the outer circumferential surface of the screw or bolt and, therefore, establish a better connection between the screw or bolt and the filler material and, therefore, between the screw or bolt and the object.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the application of the filling material into the hole is done before the insertion of the screw or bolt.Thus, the filling material can be distributed around the screw or bolt by inserting the screw or bolt into the hole together with the centering device or centering system.

[0049] The filling material can be made of any material that cures over time, i.e., it is in a liquid or pasty state when applied to the hole, but hardens over time or upon contact with a curing agent. Preferably, the filling material comprises a resin material, i.e., a synthetic resin material. The filling material is preferably a resin-based adhesive. The filling material can comprise at least 80% resin material.

[0050] The object can be made at least partially of concrete. The object is preferably made of masonry and / or concrete. For example, the object can be a wall or ceiling of a building.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the forming of the hole comprises drilling of the hole. The drilling of the hole is preferably done with a hand drill, such as an electric hand drill.

[0052] To ensure that the screw or bolt is securely connected to the object, the process may include cleaning the hole, for example, using a brush and / or compressed air, before applying the filler material into the hole.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the insertion of the screw or bolt together with the centering device or centering system comprises rotating the screw or bolt about its longitudinal axis. If the bolt is a threaded bolt, the screw or bolt can be rotated about its longitudinal axis in the direction of the thread of the screw or bolt to reduce the force required to insert the screw or bolt.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the process further comprises waiting for the setting time of the filler material to elapse and thereafter applying the tightening torque to the screw or bolt. This provides a more secure connection between the screw or bolt and the object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Further aspects of the invention are described in the following description of the drawings. The invention will be explained in detail below by means of embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1A A perspective view depicts a centering system consisting of two centering devices according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 1B Depicted in perspective Figure 1A A first centering device of the two centering devices;

[0058] Figure 2A Depicted in side view Figure 1B a first centering device;

[0059] Figure 2B depiction Figure 1B A front view of the first centering device;

[0060] Figure 3A Depicted in perspective Figure 1A a second centering device of the two centering devices;

[0061] Figure 3B Depicted in side view Figure 3A A second centering device;

[0062] Figure 4A depiction Figure 3A A front view of a second centering device;

[0063] Figure 4B depiction Figure 1A A side view of the centering system;

[0064] Figure 5A Depicts attachment to threaded bolt Figure 1A A side view of the centering system;

[0065] Figure 5B Depicts a bolt attached to a threaded portion and inserted into a hole formed in an object. Figure 1A A side view of a centering system of a device, wherein the object is depicted in a cross-sectional view so that the centering system and the threaded bolt can be seen;

[0066] Figure 6A Depict for use Figure 1A A first step in a process of attaching a bolt to an object using a centering system;

[0067] Figure 6B Depict for use Figure 1A a second step in the process of attaching the bolt to the object using a centering system;

[0068] Figure 6C Depict for use Figure 1A a third step in the process of attaching the bolt to the object using a centering system;

[0069] Figure 7A depicts in a first perspective view a centering device not covered by the present set of claims;

[0070] Figure 7B depiction Figure 7A A second perspective view of the centering device;

[0071] Figure 7C depiction Figure 7A A top view of a centering device;

[0072] Figure 7D Draw along line AA Figure 7C A cross-sectional view of a centering device;

[0073] Figure 7E depiction Figure 7D Detailed cross-sectional view of region E in FIG;

[0074] Figure 8A A further centering device according to an embodiment of the invention is depicted in a perspective view;

[0075] Figure 8B depiction Figure 8A A top view of a centering device;

[0076] Figure 8C Describe along Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of line GG;

[0077] Figure 8D Describe along Figure 8B A cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG.

[0078] Figure 8E Describe along Figure 8D A cross-sectional view taken along line DD;

[0079] Figure 8F depiction Figure 8D a detailed cross-sectional view of region F of FIG. 1 ; and

[0080] Figure 8G depiction Figure 8D Detailed cross-sectional view of region J. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Figure 1A A centering system 10 is depicted having a first centering device 10a and a second centering device 10b. The first centering device 10a and the second centering device 10b are each made of plastic in a one-piece design. Each of the centering devices 10a and 10b is essentially formed by a plurality of rods 12 extending in a longitudinal direction 14 and an annular connecting element 16 extending in a circumferential direction and mechanically connecting the plurality of rods 12. The rods 12 and the connecting element 16 define a rectangular flow-through opening 18, which allows the filling material 20 (see Figure 6B ) comes into contact with the screw or bolt 22 by flowing through the opening 18 onto the outer circumferential surface 22a of the screw or bolt 22.

[0082] The first centering device 10a is configured to prevent the screw or bolt 22 from protruding from the object 24 (e.g., a concrete wall (see FIG. 2 )) when the screw or bolt 22 is inserted into the hole 26 (drilled into the object 24). Figure 6C)) is mounted on the screw or bolt 22 at an axial position outside the hole 26. The second centering device 10b is configured to be mounted on the screw or bolt 22 at an axial position forming the "tip" of the screw or bolt 22. In other words, the second centering device 10b is formed so as to be attached to the end section of the screw or bolt 22 that is configured to be first inserted into the hole 26.

[0083] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 1B 、 Figure 2A and Figure 2B A more detailed description of the first centering device 10a is given. The first centering device 10a defines a first open end face 28 and a second open end face 30. Each end face 28, 30 is defined by one of the annular connecting elements 16, which connects the plurality of rods 12. The inner surface 12a of the rod 12 and the inner circumferential surface 16a of the connecting element 16 define the inner circumferential surface 32 of the first centering device 10a. As can be seen in FIG. Figure 2A As best seen in FIG. 1 , the first centering device 10a comprises a plurality of cantilever beams 34, each of which extends obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis 36 of the centering device 10a. These cantilever beams 34 have ends 34a which together form an outer circumferential surface 38 of the centering device 10a (see FIG. Figure 2B ), which is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface 26a of the hole 26 when the hole 26 is partially filled with the filling material 20. The cantilever beam 34 is elastically deformable relative to the rod 12 in the radial direction so as to adjust the functional thickness 40 of the centering device 10a (see Figure 2B ), i.e. the shortest distance between the inner circumferential surface 32 and the outer circumferential surface 38 of the centering device 10a. Figure 2A As seen in FIG, each of the cantilever beams 34 is aligned with one of the rods 12 with respect to its radial orientation.

[0084] In order to prevent the filling material 20 from leaving the hole 26 when the screw or bolt 22 is inserted into the hole 26, the first centering device 10a forms an annular segment 42 having an outer diameter 42a that is larger than the outer diameter 38a of the outer circumferential surface 38, which is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface 26a of the hole 26. In other words, the annular segment 42 forms an axial surface 42b that is configured to abut against the opening 44 around the hole 20 (see Figure 6A ) boundary area. Figure 1B As can be seen, the axial surface 42b is a complete surface, i.e. there is no through hole on that surface. Figure 2A1 , the annular section 42 forms the axial end section of the centering device 10a. In order to avoid unnecessary friction with the inner circumferential surface 26a of the hole 26 when the centering device 10a is inserted, the outer circumferential surface 16b of at least some of the connecting elements 16 is a convex surface, i.e. the outer surface of the connecting element 16 is curved in two directions.

[0085] Figure 2B The inner diameter 46 of the centering device 10a is depicted. The inner diameter 46 of the centering device 10a is constant or approximately constant along the longitudinal axis 36 of the centering device 10a. The inner diameter 46 of the centering device 10a should be adjusted to the outer diameter 60 of the screw or bolt 22, so that the inner diameter 46 of the centering device 10a is, for example, approximately 0.5 mm larger than the outer diameter of the screw or bolt 22.

[0086] refer to Figures 3A to 4A , hereinafter, the second centering device 10b is described in more detail. The second centering device 10b also defines a first end face 28 and a second end face 30. However, although the first end face 28 (similar to the end faces 28 and 30 of the first centering device 10a) is an open end face defined by the annular connecting element 16 and thus forms an opening 48 for inserting the screw or bolt 22 (see Figure 3A ), but the second end face 30 of the second centering device 10b is formed by an axial stop 50 in order to limit the axial movement of the screw or bolt 22 relative to the second centering device 10b. The axial stop 50 is formed by a plurality of radially extending rods 50a, all of which are connected to a disc-shaped surface portion 50b, which is arranged in the middle section of the end face 30. Figure 3A As can be seen in FIG, the end face 30 also forms flow-through openings 18. These flow-through openings 18 extend from the end face 30 of the second centering device 10b to the circumference of the second centering device 10b.

[0087] Similar to what has been described in conjunction with the first centering device 10a, the second centering device 10b also comprises a longitudinally extending rod 12 and a circumferentially extending connecting element 16, which connects the rod 12. The inner surface 12a of the rod 12 and the inner circumferential surface 16a of the connecting element 16 define the inner circumferential surface 32 of the second centering device 10b (see Figure 4A ). Like the first centering device 10a, the second centering device 10b comprises a plurality of cantilever beams 34, each of which extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis 36 of the centering device 10b. These cantilever beams 34 also have distal ends 34a, which together form an outer circumferential surface 38 of the centering device 10b (see Figure 4A), which is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface 26a of the hole 26 when the hole 26 is partially filled with the filling material 20. The cantilever beam 34 is also elastically deformable radially relative to the rod 12 in order to adjust the functional thickness 40 of the centering device 10b, that is, the distance between the inner circumferential surface 32 and the outer circumferential surface 38 of the centering device 10a. The entirety of the structural part connecting the inner circumferential surface 32 and the outer circumferential surface 38 of the centering devices 10a and 10b is considered to be the connecting portion 41 of the centering devices 10a, 10b (see Figure 1A ). The connecting portion 41 is configured to maintain a substantially constant distance between the inner circumferential surface 32 and the outer circumferential surface 38 along the circumference of the centering devices 10a, 10b. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the cantilever beams 34 all have the same stiffness to ensure that the centering devices 10a, 10b can be positioned in the radial center of the hole. Figure 2A and Figure 3B As seen in FIG, each of the cantilever beams 34 of the first and second centering devices 10a, 10b is aligned with one of the rods 12 with respect to its radial orientation.

[0088] If you can Figure 1A 26 , the cantilever beams 34 of the first and second centering devices 10a, 10b extend in a direction away from the direction of insertion. In other words, the cantilever beams 34 each form an introduction cantilever that centers the centering devices 10a, 10b in the hole 26.

[0089] If you can Figure 4B As can be seen in FIG, the first centering device 10a and the second centering device 10b have essentially the same inner diameter 46 and the same outer diameter 38a. In other words, they have essentially the same dimensions with respect to their diameters.

[0090] Figure 5ADescribe the centering system 10, which includes a first centering device 10a and a second centering device 10b attached to a threaded bolt 22. Two separate centering devices 10a, 10b are attached to the bolt 22 at intervals in the longitudinal (i.e. axial) direction of the bolt 22. In particular, the first centering device 10a is attached at an axial position where the bolt 22 is intended to protrude outside the object 24 (e.g., a concrete wall). In this embodiment, a flat washer 52 is connected to the bolt 22 and is axially blocked by a nut 54 threaded onto the bolt 22. Instead of a bolt 22 with a flat washer 52 and a nut 54, a screw with a head can be used. The first centering device 10a is attached to the bolt 22 adjacent to the flat washer 52. The second centering device 10b is placed on the tip section of the bolt 22 on the opposite end of the bolt 22. Due to the relatively large distance between the two centering devices 10a, 10b, the centering system 10 accurately centers the bolt 22 in the hole 26.

[0091] Figure 5B A bolt 22 is depicted, wherein the centering system 10 attached to the bolt 22 is arranged inside a hole 26. Due to the flow-through openings 18 being equally distributed around the circumference of the first and second centering devices 10a, 10b, the filling material 20, such as a resin, previously applied into the hole 26 can contact the outer circumferential surface 22a of the bolt 22 by flowing through the openings 18.

[0092] exist Figures 6A to 6C , a process for attaching a bolt 22 to an object 24, in the form of a concrete wall, is illustrated. Figure 6A The first step is shown in which a hole 26 is formed in an object 24. The hole 26 has a central axis 56. In addition, the hole 26 has a diameter 58 that is larger than the diameter 60 of the bolt 22. The hole 26 is drilled using a hand drill (not shown). After the hole 26 is drilled, the process can include cleaning the hole 26, for example, using a brush and / or compressed air.

[0093] exist Figure 6B In the second step suggested in FIG, the filling material 20 in the form of a resin material is applied into the hole 26 so as to partially fill the hole 26 with the filling material 20. Figure 6BIn contrast, the filler material is typically not initially distributed along the inner circumferential surface 26a of the hole 26. Instead, only after the bolt 22 with the attached centering system 10 is inserted is the filler material 20 pushed away by the bolt 22 and distributed along the inner circumferential surface 26a of the hole 26. To do this, the next step in the process is to attach the two centering devices 10a, 10b to the bolt 22 so that the inner circumferential surfaces 32 of the centering devices 10a, 10b each abut the outer circumferential surface 22a of the bolt 22. Thereafter, in the next process step, the bolt 22, along with the centering devices 10a, 10b, is inserted into the hole 26, which has been drilled in the object 24, so that the outer circumferential surfaces 38 of the two centering devices 10a, 10b abut the inner circumferential surface 26a of the hole 26, and the filler material 20 is allowed to flow through the openings 18 formed in both centering devices 10a, 10b. In order to reduce the force required to insert the bolt 22 into the hole 26, the bolt 22 is rotated about its longitudinal axis 22b. In the final step, after the setting time of the filler material 20 has ended, a tightening torque in the direction of the threads 62 formed on the outer circumferential surface 22a of the bolt 22 can be applied to the bolt 22.

[0094] Figures 7A to 7E A further embodiment of a second centering device 10b' is depicted which is configured to be attached to the front end of a screw or bolt 22. Although the depicted version does not have any flow through-holes 18 formed in the circumferential surface and therefore has a closed circumferential surface, it should be noted that through-holes can be formed, for example, in the area between the protuberances 12'.

[0095] The second centering device 10b' defines a first open end face 28 and a second closed end face 30. Depending on the shape of the screw or bolt, the closed end face 30 may form an axial stop 50 (see Figure 7D ), which is configured to limit the insertion movement of the screw or bolt 22 into the second centering device 10b'. Alternatively, the tapered section at the inner circumferential surface 32 may form the axial stop 50 (see Figure 7D ).

[0096] The second centering device 10b' forms an internal thread 64 (see Figure 7D ), which is configured to engage with the threads 62 of the screw or bolt 22. This feature allows a secure and precise connection between the centering device 10b' and the screw or bolt 22.

[0097] On the outer circumferential surface 38 of the centering device 10b', a protuberance 12' is formed, which extends from one end section of the centering device 10b' to the other end section of the centering device 10b'. The protuberance 12' has a convex outer surface to reduce friction between the centering device 10b' and the inner circumferential surface 26a of the hole 26 during insertion.

[0098] If it is possible, for example, to Figure 7A and 7D As can be seen, the centering device 10b' tapers towards the end having a closed end face 30. This simplifies the insertion of the centering device 10b' into the bore 26.

[0099] If you can Figure 7E As can be seen in FIG, in the section not covered by the internal thread 64, an undercut or groove 66 is formed.

[0100] exist Figures 8A to 8G , a second embodiment of the first centering device 10a' is shown. This embodiment is substantially more robust than the first centering device 10a discussed above. The first centering device 10a' is substantially cylindrically shaped and forms a plurality of rods 12, which extend in the longitudinal direction from the first connecting element 16 to the second connecting element 16, each of which has a circular cross-section. One of the connecting elements 16 is formed as an annular segment 42, which has an outer diameter 42a that is larger than the outer diameter formed by the rods 12.

[0101] The annular section 42 forms an axial end section of the centering device 10a'. The annular section 42 provides an axial surface 42b (see Figure 8G ), which is configured to abut an edge surrounding the opening 44 defined by the hole 26.

[0102] If you can Figure 8A and Figure 8E As best seen in the figure, a cantilever beam 34 is arranged between the rods 12, extending in the longitudinal direction from the first connecting element 16 to the second connecting element 16. The cantilever beam 34 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 36 of the centering device 10a'. The cantilever beam 34 is formed into a section having an increased radial dimension near the free distal end 34a. This section having an increased radial dimension forms an outer circumferential surface 38, which is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface 26a of the hole 26. The cantilever beam 34 is configured to bend inwardly.

[0103] If you can Figure 8CAs best seen in FIG, the section with increased radial extent formed on the cantilever beam 34 forms an outer circumferential surface 38 which, in the undeformed state of the cantilever beam 34, has a larger diameter than the outer circumferential surface formed by the rod 12. In other words, the outer surface 38 of the section with increased radial extent is further away from the longitudinal axis 46 of the centering device 10a' than the outer surface of the rod 12.

[0104] If you can Figure 8F As can be seen in FIG, the centering device 10 a ′ forms a lead-in chamfer 68 in the end section opposite the annular section 42 in order to reduce friction when the screw or bolt 22 with the centering device attached thereto is inserted into the hole 26 .

[0105] Reference Signs List

[0106] 10 Centering system

[0107] 10a Centering device

[0108] 10b Centering device

[0109] 12 rods

[0110] 12' bump

[0111] 12a Inner surface

[0112] 14 Vertical direction

[0113] 16 Connecting elements

[0114] 16a Inner circumferential surface

[0115] 16b Outer circumferential surface

[0116] 18 Flow through opening

[0117] 20 Filling material

[0118] 22 bolts

[0119] 22a Outer circumferential surface

[0120] 22b vertical axis

[0121] 24 objects

[0122] 26 holes

[0123] 26a Inner circumferential surface

[0124] 28 end face

[0125] 30 end face

[0126] 32 Inner circumferential surface

[0127] 34 Cantilever beam

[0128] 34a distal end

[0129] 36 vertical axis

[0130] 38 outer circumferential surface

[0131] 38a outer diameter

[0132] 40 thickness

[0133] 41 Connection part

[0134] 42 ring segments

[0135] 42a outer diameter

[0136] 42b Axial surface

[0137] 44 Opening

[0138] 46 inner diameter

[0139] 48 Opening

[0140] 50 Axial stop

[0141] 50a Radially extending rod

[0142] 50b disc-shaped surface

[0143] 52 flat washers

[0144] 54 Nut

[0145] 56 Central Axis

[0146] 58 diameter

[0147] 60 diameter

[0148] 62 thread

[0149] 64 internal thread

[0150] 66 slots

[0151] 68 Introducing chamfers.

Claims

1. A centering device (10a, 10b) for centering a screw or bolt (22) in a hole (26), said centering device (10a, 10b) defining an outer circumferential surface (38) configured to contact an inner circumferential surface (26a) of said hole (26), The centering device (10a, 10b) defines an inner circumferential surface (32) configured to contact an outer circumferential surface (22a) of the screw or bolt (22) and a connecting portion (41) connecting the outer circumferential surface (38) and the inner circumferential surface (32), wherein The connecting portion (41) is configured to maintain a substantially constant distance between the inner circumferential surface (32) and the outer circumferential surface (38) along the circumference of the centering device (10a, 10b), It is characterized by: The centering device (10a, 10b) forms a plurality of flow-through openings (18) in the inner circumferential surface (32), wherein the plurality of flow-through openings (18) are distributed around the circumference of the centering device (10a, 10b).

2. The centering device (10a, 10b) according to claim 1, in, The centering device (10a, 10b) comprises a plurality of rods (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (14), the plurality of rods (12) forming a boundary of the flow-through opening (18), Preferably, the plurality of rods (12) form the inner circumferential surface (32) of the centering device (10a, 10b).

3. The centering device (10a, 10b) according to claim 2, in, The plurality of rods (12) are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and preferably, the plurality of rods (12) are equally spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

4. The centering device (10a, 10b) according to at least one of claims 2 or 3, in, The centering device (10a, 10b) comprises at least one connecting element (16) forming a boundary of the flow-through opening (18), the connecting element (16) extending in a circumferential direction and configured to hold the plurality of rods (12) in a position relative to one another, Preferably, the at least one connecting element (16) extends along a majority of the circumference of the centering device (10a, 10b).

5. The centering device (10a, 10b) according to claim 4, in, The at least one connecting element (16) has a closed circumference.

6. Centering device (10a, 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, in, The centering means (10a, 10b) form at least one radially elastically deformable portion (34), Preferably, said at least one radially elastically deformable portion (34) forms at least a section of said outer circumferential surface (38) of said centering device (10a, 10b).

7. The centering device (10a, 10b) according to claim 6, in, The at least one radially elastically deformable portion (34) is formed by a plurality of cantilever beams (34), preferably wherein the plurality of cantilever beams (34) extend obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis (36) of the centering device (10a, 10b).

8. Centering device (10a, 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, in, The centering device (10a) includes an annular segment (42) having an outer diameter (42a) greater than any outer diameter (38a) of the outer circumferential surface (38), the outer circumferential surface (38) being configured to contact the inner circumferential surface (26a) of the hole (26), Preferably, the annular section (42) forms an axial end section of the centering device (10a).

9. Centering device (10b) according to one of the preceding claims, in, The centering device (10b) has an open first end face (28) for inserting the end of a screw or bolt (22) and an axial stop (50) in order to limit the axial movement of the screw or bolt (22) relative to the centering device (10b), Preferably, the axial stop (50) forms the second end face (30) of the centering device (10b).

10. A centering system (10), comprising two separate centering devices (10a, 10b), in, a centering device (10a) configured according to at least one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a centering device (10b) configured according to at least one of claims 1 to 7 and 9, Preferably, wherein the two separate centering devices (10a, 10b) are configured to be attached to the screw or bolt (22) spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis (22b) of the screw or bolt (22).

11. A process for attaching a screw or bolt (22) to an object (24), comprising: forming a hole (26) in the object (24), the hole (26) having a central axis (56) and a diameter (58) greater than a diameter (60) of the screw or bolt (22), applying a filling material (20) into the hole (26) so as to partially fill the hole (26) with the filling material (20), Attaching a centering device (10a, 10b) according to one of claims 1 to 9 or a centering system (10) according to claim 10 to the screw or bolt (22) such that an inner circumferential surface (32) of the at least one centering device (10a, 10b) abuts an outer circumferential surface (22a) of the screw or bolt (22), and The screw or bolt (22) is inserted together with the centering device (10a, 10b) or the centering system (10) into the hole (26) in the object (24) so ​​that the outer surface (38) of the at least one centering device (10a, 10b) is adjacent to the inner circumferential surface (26a) of the hole (26) and the filling material (20) enters the flow-through opening (18) formed in the at least one centering device (10a, 10b).

12. The process according to claim 11, wherein the application of the filling material (20) into the hole (26) is completed prior to the insertion of the screw or bolt (22), and / or in, The filling material (20) comprises a resin material, and / or The object (24) is at least partially made of masonry or concrete.

13. The process according to claim 11 or 12, in, The forming of the hole (26) comprises drilling the hole (26), preferably with a hand drill, and / or The process includes cleaning the hole (26), for example, using a brush and / or compressed air, before applying the filler material (20) into the hole (26).

14. The process according to any one of claims 11 to 13, in, Insertion of the screw or bolt (22) together with the at least one centering device (10a, 10b) or the centering system (10) comprises rotating the screw or bolt (22) about its longitudinal axis (22b).

15. The process according to any one of claims 11 to 14, Further comprising waiting until the setting time of the filler material (20) has elapsed and thereafter applying a tightening torque to the screw or bolt (22).

Images