Waveguide clamp connectors for connecting waveguides
The waveguide clamp connector with a quick-release mechanism and spring-adjusted threaded pins addresses the inefficiencies of screw connections, providing fast, secure, and reliable waveguide connections.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TESAT SPACECOM GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2016-12-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing waveguide connections using screw connections are time-consuming, prone to abrasion and contamination, and can result in faulty connections due to missing screws, impairing energy transmission.
A waveguide clamp connector with rotatably mounted actuating levers and a base body featuring a U-shaped profile, allowing for a quick-release mechanism that pre-tensions waveguides without screws, using a spring mechanism and adjustable threaded pins for secure alignment and connection.
Reduces assembly time, prevents screw wear, ensures secure and reliable waveguide connections without compromising electrical performance, and prevents faulty connections by eliminating the need for screws.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the connection of components. In particular, the invention relates to a waveguide clamp connector for connecting a first waveguide and a second waveguide, and to the use of a waveguide clamp connector for connecting two waveguides.
[0002] Waveguide connections are typically assembled using screw connections. Depending on the requirements, a varying number of screws may be used per waveguide flange. The screws are inserted through holes in the waveguide flanges, with each screw secured by a nut on the opposite side. In the test field or on the test bench, these connections are repeatedly assembled and disassembled during each measurement. This repeated insertion and removal of the screws leads to abrasion and contamination. Furthermore, the assembly and disassembly of the connections is time-consuming. In particular, it can happen that a screw is forgotten during the waveguide connection, thus impairing energy transmission through the waveguides.
[0003] DE 11 00 748 B describes a quick-release fastener for rectangular waveguides. The quick-release fastener is designed as a toggle-lever fastener and has a spring element that presses one waveguide flange towards an opposing waveguide flange.
[0004] DE 87 10 468 U1 describes a fastening device for attaching a waveguide to a measuring instrument. A lever presses a flange of the waveguide onto a flange of the measuring instrument, and the contact force between the two flanges is varied by adjusting the position of the lever using a screw.
[0005] US 1 991 343 A describes a detachable coupling for high-pressure plastic lines.
[0006] One objective of the invention is to reduce the assembly time when joining components.
[0007] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description.
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a waveguide clamp connector for connecting a first waveguide and a second waveguide is provided. The waveguide clamp connector, which can also be referred to, for example, as a clamp connector, has a base body with a rotatably mounted first actuating lever. Furthermore, the waveguide clamp connector has a first clamp which is rotatably attached to the first actuating lever via a first end. The waveguide clamp connector has at least one threaded pin which projects from an underside of the base body. The first actuating lever is designed to reduce, by means of a rotational movement, the distance between a second end of the first clamp opposite the first end and the base body, in order to pre-tension the waveguide.The at least one threaded pin is movable relative to the base body such that it can be moved towards the second end of the first bracket, thereby exerting a force on at least one of the waveguides to be connected. The at least one threaded pin can be moved into various positions by means of a screwing motion, in which it is held fixed. One end of the at least one threaded pin protrudes from a lower surface of the base body, and the distance of the end of the at least one threaded pin from the lower surface of the base body is adjustable by the screwing motion. The base body has a U-shaped profile with a web and two flanges. An axis of rotation of the first actuating lever passes through one of the two flanges of the U-shaped profile, and / or an axis of rotation of the second actuating lever passes through the other of the two flanges.
[0009] The waveguide clamp connector ensures a reliable connection between the two waveguides. Furthermore, it reduces the time required to connect the waveguides, as they no longer need to be screwed together but are instead pressed together using a quick-release mechanism. The waveguide clamp connector can be designed, for example, to allow for a detachable connection between the first and second waveguides. The base body can be a solid metal component, manufactured, for example, by forming or casting. The base body can have a specific profile that allows it to be securely fitted onto one of the two waveguides.
[0010] The base body features the first actuating lever, which, for example, has a curved shape, and which can be actuated by a user to pre-tension the two waveguides. The first actuating lever is rotatably attached to the base body, and the first bracket is rotatably attached to the first actuating lever. In other words, the bracket rotates around the first actuating lever, and the first actuating lever rotates around the base body. The bracket has a first end and a second end, with the first end located in the region of the first bracket's axis of rotation around the first actuating lever. The first end of the first bracket thus forms, for example, the portion of the first bracket about which it can rotate relative to the first actuating lever. The second end of the first bracket is therefore, for example, positioned at a distance from the first bracket's axis of rotation.In particular, the second end of the first bracket forms the part of the first bracket that, when the waveguide is pre-tensioned, is pivoted or thrown over a flange of the waveguide, so that the two flanges of the waveguide are positioned between the second end of the first bracket and the base body. By subsequently actuating the first actuating lever, the base body can be pressed against the flange by drawing the second end of the first bracket towards the base body. In other words, the distance between the second end of the first bracket and the base body is reduced by actuating the first actuating lever or by the rotational movement of the first actuating lever.
[0011] The first actuating lever can be attached to opposite sides of the base body. The actuating lever can have two straight sections, each of which is attached to one of the opposite sides of the base body. The two straight sections can be connected to each other by at least one curved section.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waveguide connector has a second actuating lever rotatably attached to the base body. Furthermore, the waveguide connector has a second bracket which is rotatably attached to the second actuating lever via a first end. The second actuating lever is designed to reduce the distance between the second end of the second bracket, opposite the first end, and the base body by means of a rotational movement, thereby pre-tensioning the waveguide. The rotational movements of the first and second actuating levers are, for example, opposite during pre-tensioning.
[0013] In other words, the waveguide clamp connector can be symmetrically designed, with two actuating levers on the base body and a clamp attached to each of the actuating levers. Specifically, the first and second actuating levers can be arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry passing through the base body. The same applies to the first and second clamps. The second actuating lever and the second clamp, for example, have the same features as the first actuating lever and clamp already described. When connecting the two waveguides, the second ends of the clamps are swung or thrown over the flanges of the waveguides, and the base body, which is connected to the clamps via the actuating levers, is pressed against the flanges by reducing the distance between the second ends of the clamps and the base body.
[0014] The first and second brackets can, for example, also have a curved or curved shape, or curved and straight sections. In particular, the first and second brackets can be a type of tensioning bracket. The two brackets can be held in position or pre-tensioned by a spring mechanism.
[0015] According to another embodiment, the waveguide clamp connector is designed to pre-tension the waveguides by means of a counter-rotating movement of the first actuating lever and the second actuating lever.
[0016] For example, a user can squeeze both operating levers together with one hand, thus pre-tensioning the two waveguides relative to each other. Specifically, the two waveguides are aligned with their flanges, with the first and second brackets being swung or thrown over the two flanges, and subsequent squeezing of the two operating levers pre-tensioning the two waveguides. Releasing the tension, i.e., separating the two waveguides, can also be achieved by a counter-rotating movement of the operating levers.
[0017] The rotational movement of the two actuating levers occurs around a rotational axis that runs through the base body. For example, one rotational axis of the first lever runs through the first actuating lever, and one rotational axis of the second lever runs through the second actuating lever.
[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first and / or the second actuating lever are pre-tensioned with respect to the base body by a first spring mechanism.
[0019] The spring mechanism, for example, includes a spring that is attached to the base body and to at least one of the two actuating levers. This allows the two actuating levers to be pressed together by overcoming a spring force until a maximum spring force is exceeded, thus preventing the two waveguides from separating on their own. The two brackets can also be held in position or pre-tensioned by springs. The two brackets can be pre-tensioned, for example, against the two actuating levers or against the base body. The brackets can be made of a flexible material.
[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first spring mechanism for pre-tensioning the waveguides is actuated by overcoming a maximum spring force.
[0021] This means that the spring force to be overcome increases when the actuating levers are compressed until the maximum spring force is reached. The remaining rotational travel of the actuating levers after exceeding the maximum spring force can occur automatically, for example, by snapping together, or with the resistance of a reduced spring force. After the actuating levers have been compressed, they can rest against a shaft of the waveguide. By overcoming the maximum spring force, it is possible that the actuating levers will not move independently in the opposite direction to the rotational movement and thus cannot break the connection of the waveguides. The maximum spring force may be reached when the longitudinal extension of the actuating levers is parallel to the longitudinal extension of the clamps.
[0022] According to the invention, the base body has a U-shaped profile with a web and two flanges. In particular, the base body has a U-shaped profile with a web and a first flange as well as a second flange.
[0023] The first spring mechanism is attached, for example, to the web of the U-shaped profile of the base body. The first actuating lever is attached, for example, to a first flange of the U-shaped profile, and / or the second actuating lever is attached, for example, to the second flange of the U-shaped profile. The U-shaped profile has, for example, a recess located between the web and the two flanges. This recess allows the base body to be placed onto a shaft of the first or second waveguide. In particular, the recess in the base body is at least partially filled by the shaft of the waveguide when the waveguide clamp is placed onto the waveguide.
[0024] According to the invention, one axis of rotation of the first actuating lever passes through one of the two flanges of the U-shaped profile. One axis of rotation of the second actuating lever passes through the other of the two flanges.
[0025] The first and second flanges can have an elongated shape, in particular a cuboid shape, wherein the axis of rotation of the first actuating lever extends along the longitudinal axis of the first flange and / or wherein the axis of rotation of the second actuating lever extends along the longitudinal axis of the second flange. Thus, the web of the U-shaped profile can have a direction of extension that is perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the first and second actuating levers, as well as perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the first and second brackets. This allows the first and second actuating levers to be pivoted around the base body. If the waveguide bracket connector is mounted on the shaft of a waveguide, the user can rotate one actuating lever by pressing together two opposite sides of the waveguide bracket connector.This will be explained in more detail in the character description.
[0026] According to a further embodiment of the invention, an axis of rotation of the first bracket passes through the first actuating lever and is parallel to and spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the first actuating lever. Furthermore, an axis of rotation of the second bracket passes through the second actuating lever and is parallel to and spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the second actuating lever.
[0027] In particular, the axis of rotation of the first actuating lever and the axis of rotation of the second actuating lever, the axis of rotation of the first bracket and the axis of rotation of the second bracket can be parallel to each other, with each of these axes of rotation being spaced apart from each other.
[0028] The brackets can extend a greater circumference along their axes of rotation than the two actuating levers. In particular, connecting pieces can be provided for the first and second brackets, linking their respective first and second ends. These connecting pieces can, for example, be straight sections of the respective bracket.
[0029] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the base body has at least one centering pin for centering the waveguides.
[0030] The centering pin can, for example, be screwed or inserted into the base body. It is also possible that the centering pin is welded to the base body.
[0031] The base body can, for example, be provided with four to eight centering pins. The base body can, for example, have bores into which the centering pins are inserted. It is possible that the bores are arranged in the flanges of the base body. In particular, it is possible that two to four bores are provided in the first flange of the base body and two to four bores in the second flange of the base body. The centering pins can be inserted there, ultimately ensuring the centering or alignment of the two waveguides relative to each other.
[0032] For this purpose, the waveguides can be aligned to each other at their flanges, whereby the centering pins of the base body are each pushed through bores in the flanges of the waveguides in order to align the two waveguides to each other.
[0033] After alignment, the brackets can be swung or thrown over the flanges of the waveguides to fix them, connect them to each other, or attach them to one another.
[0034] The bores for the centering pins can be blind holes drilled into the base body. A contact surface of the base body, into which the bores are drilled, forms, for example, the contact surface with a flange of a waveguide to be joined during the connection of the two waveguides.
[0035] According to another embodiment, the waveguide clamp connector is designed for one-handed connection of the waveguides.
[0036] In particular, a user can place the waveguide clamp connector onto the corresponding waveguide using one hand and also operate the actuating levers of the waveguide clamp connector in order to pretension the two waveguides towards each other.
[0037] In particular, the waveguide clamp connector according to the invention ensures effective connection of waveguides without the need for screws. This results in a reduction of the effort required when connecting and disconnecting the waveguides.
[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the use of a waveguide clamp connector for connecting two waveguides is specified.
[0039] In particular, the use of a waveguide clamp connector is intended for connecting two waveguides at their flanges. The waveguide clamp connector is placed onto a shaft of a waveguide, so that by pivoting or throwing the clamps of the waveguide clamp connector over the two flanges of the waveguides, a preload or connection of the two waveguides can be provided.
[0040] The waveguide clamp according to the invention enables a precise connection of waveguides as well as other components. In particular, a connection can be provided without the need for screws. This is achieved by placing the waveguide clamp, which connects the waveguides and clamps them in place.
[0041] The waveguide clamp provides a secure mechanical connection without compromising electrical performance. Furthermore, it prevents screw wear during waveguide assembly and disassembly. Finally, using the waveguide clamp prevents a screw connection that is not tightened to the specified torque from resulting in a faulty waveguide connection and thus impaired power transmission. An important benefit, however, is the significant reduction in assembly time. Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of a waveguide clamp connector according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows a bottom view of a waveguide clamp connector according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a rear view of a waveguide clamp connector according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of a waveguide clamp connector according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 shows a waveguide clamp connector as well as a first waveguide and a second waveguide according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 shows a first waveguide and a second waveguide with a waveguide clamp connector attached, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 shows the pre-tensioning of two waveguides by a waveguide clamp connector according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 shows the pretensioning of two waveguides by a waveguide clamp connector according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 shows the pre-tensioning of two waveguides by a waveguide clamp connector according to a further embodiment.
[0042] The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.
[0043] If the same reference symbols are used in different figures in the following figure description, these symbols denote identical or similar elements. However, identical or similar elements can also be designated by different reference symbols.
[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of a waveguide connector 10, which comprises a base body 13, a first actuating lever 11, and a second actuating lever 12. A first bracket 21 is attached to the first actuating lever 11 via a first end 21a. A second bracket 22 is attached to the second actuating lever 12 via a first end 22a. The first bracket 21 thus has a first end 21a, which simultaneously forms the axis of rotation of the first bracket 21 about the first actuating lever 11, and a second end 21b. Similarly, the second bracket 22 has a first end 22a, which forms the axis of rotation of the second bracket 22 about the second actuating lever 12, and a second end 22b. The first actuating lever 11 is mounted to rotate with respect to the base body 13. A rotation axis 16 is provided for rotating the first actuating lever 11 around the base body 13.Likewise, a rotation axis 26 is provided for the second actuating lever 12, so that the second actuating lever 12 can be rotated about the rotation axis 26 relative to the base body 13. The waveguide clamp connector 10, which can also be referred to as a quick-release fastener or clamp connector, further comprises a spring mechanism 15, which is provided for pre-tensioning or tensioning the first actuating lever 11 and the second actuating lever 12 on the base body 13. In particular, the two actuating levers 11, 12 are connected to the base body 13 by the spring mechanism 15, which, for example, has one or more independent spring elements. Furthermore, the two actuating levers 11, 12 are connected to the base body 13 via their respective pivot axes 16, 26. The spring mechanism 15, for example, has a torsion spring.Furthermore, the base body has 13 centering pins 14 for centering two waveguides to be connected, wherein the waveguides are in . Fig. Figure 1 is not shown. It should be noted that the spring mechanism can improve the handling of the waveguide clamp connector 10 when placing it onto the waveguide. However, the actual clamping force is primarily generated by the shape and, optionally, by the material properties of the clamps 21, 22. In one embodiment, the clamps 21, 22 act like a spring.
[0045] A bracket 21 or 22 and an associated actuating lever 11 or 12 can each be described as a toggle lock. Since two toggle locks are provided here, the clamping pressure can be applied more evenly to the flanges.
[0046] Fig. Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the waveguide connector 10. Several bores can be provided on the underside of the base body 13, into which the centering pins 14 are inserted. In particular, several centering pins 14 can be provided on the underside of the base body 13, which simultaneously forms a contact surface of the waveguide connector 10 against a flange of the waveguide (not shown). The base body 13 thus has at least one, but preferably four to eight, centering pins 14 for centering the waveguide flanges relative to each other. The centering pins 14 can be screwed or inserted into the bores of the base body 13. However, it is also possible for the centering pins 14 to be welded to the base body 13.
[0047] Furthermore, at least one threaded stud 14a, preferably several threaded studs 14a, e.g. four, are preferably attached to the underside of the base body. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded studs are self-locking. The threaded studs 14a can be used for fine-tuning the maximum clamping force of the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 and can also serve to compensate for tolerances in the material thickness of the flanges.
[0048] The ends of the threaded studs 14a protrude from the underside of the waveguide clamp connector 10, particularly from the base body 13. These studs press against the waveguide flange (i.e., they rest on it and exert a compressive force upon it), thus simulating the screw connection, and in particular the effect of a screw connection. The depth of the threaded studs 14a can be adjusted from the opposite side, i.e., from the top of the waveguide clamp connector 10 (i.e., the extent to which the threaded studs 14a protrude from the underside can be adjusted), allowing the clamping force to be set. Because the threaded studs 14a are adjustable, they allow for tolerance compensation as well as adaptation to different flange thicknesses of the waveguides being joined.In other words, the threaded pins 14a can assume various positions in which they are held in place, so that they can exert the required force on the flanges of the waveguides to be connected. For example, in the simplest case, the threaded pins can have an external thread and thus be adjusted in a bore of the base body with an internal thread.
[0049] The threaded pins 14a can generally be referred to as tension pins or tensioning elements. They are adjustable with respect to the base body 13, and a section protruding from the base body, i.e., the longitudinal section, can be varied. In the illustration of the Fig. 1. The threaded pins (not shown here) can be moved in a vertical direction within the drawing plane. Fig. 2. The threaded pins can be moved in one direction out of and into the plane of the drawing.
[0050] The brackets 21 and 22 are specifically designed as spring elements with elastic properties. This eliminates the need for other elastically deformable elements for applying pressure to the flanges. In particular, a rubber material or similar is unnecessary.
[0051] Even though the threaded pins 14a are not shown in all figures, they can of course be part of all the embodiments shown here.
[0052] Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the base body 13 has a U-shaped profile. The U-shaped profile of the base body 13 comprises a first flange 13c and a second flange 13d, the flanges 13c and 13d being connected to each other by a web 13b. The U-shaped profile thus has a recess or indentation 13a. A shaft of the component is inserted into this recess 13a. Fig. The two waveguides (not shown) are inserted, or the waveguide clamp connector 10 is placed onto the shaft of the waveguide (not shown) by placing the base body 13 with the recess 13a onto the shaft. The two flanges 13c, 13d and the web 13b at least partially enclose three side surfaces of the shaft of the waveguide.
[0053] Furthermore, in Fig. 2. It can be seen that the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 have a curved shape. The two brackets 21, 22 rotate around an actuating lever 11, 12 each. The actuating levers 11, 12 are in Fig. 2 cannot be seen due to their rearward arrangement behind the base body 13. In any case, the actuating levers 11, 12 are each attached to one of the two flanges 13c, 13d. The second end 21b of the first bracket 21 and the second end 22b of the second bracket 22 can be pivoted at least partially around the flange 13d and 13c, respectively, due to their rotatable bearings.
[0054] Fig. Figure 3 shows a rear view of the waveguide clamp connector 10. It can be seen that a rotation axis 17 of the first clamp 21 around the first actuating lever 11 is spaced apart from the rotation axis 16 of the first actuating lever 11 around the base body 13. In particular, the rotation axis 17 of the first clamp 21 and the rotation axis 16 of the actuating lever 11 are parallel to each other.
[0055] Similarly, a rotation axis 27 of the second bracket 22 is spaced apart from the rotation axis 26 of the second actuating lever 12 by the second actuating lever 12. In particular, the rotation axes 17, 27 of the brackets 21, 22 can run parallel to the rotation axes 16, 26 of the actuating levers 11, 12. Fig. Figure 3 further shows that the axis of rotation 16 of the first actuating lever 11 is attached to the flange 13d of the base body 13. Likewise, the axis of rotation 26 of the second actuating lever 12 is attached to the other flange 13c of the base body 13. Thus, the actuating levers 11 and 12 are attached exclusively to the flanges 13c and 13d of the base body 13. The web 13b connects the two flanges 13c and 13d of the base body 13.
[0056] Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the waveguide clamp connector 10. The first clamp 21 is shown with its first end 21a, about which the first clamp 21 can be pivoted relative to the first actuating lever 11, and its second end 21b. The base body 13 can be viewed next to the Fig. The contact surface shown in Figure 2 also has further holes in one side surface. These holes can be used to mechanically couple the waveguide clamp connector to the waveguide.
[0057] Fig. Figure 5 shows a waveguide clamp connector 10 as well as a first waveguide 31 and a second waveguide 32. The first waveguide 31 has a flange 31a and the second waveguide 32 has a flange 31b. Fig. Figure 5 shows the two waveguides 31, 32 in their unassembled and assembled states, respectively. In particular, the waveguide clamp connector 10 has not yet been placed on either of the waveguides 31, 32 to connect them. To connect and align the two waveguides 31, 32, centering pins 14, located in the area of the contact surface of the base body 13, are used, among other things. This will be explained in more detail in the following figures.
[0058] Fig. Figure 6 shows the waveguide clamp connector 10 in a state placed on the second waveguide 32. The base body 13, with its U-shaped profile, is placed on the shaft of the second waveguide 32 and moved towards the flange 31b of the second waveguide 32, so that the centering pins 14 can be pushed through bores, in particular through the through-bores, in the flange 31b. The centering pins 14 are further pushed through the flange 31a of the first waveguide 31, so that both waveguides 31, 32 can be aligned or centered relative to each other.
[0059] Fig. Figure 7 shows the pre-tensioning of the two waveguides 31, 32 by compressing the actuating levers 11, 12. A user 30 can compress the first actuating lever 11, for example with their index finger, and the second actuating lever 12, for example with their thumb, using one hand. When compressed, the spring mechanism 15 is pre-tensioned, and the distance between the second end 21b of the first bracket 21 and the base body 13 decreases. Similarly, when the spring mechanism 15 is pre-tensioned, the distance between the second end 22b of the second bracket 22 and the base body 13 decreases. This pulls or pushes the base body 13 towards the flange 31b of the second waveguide 32. In particular, the contact surface of the base body 13 or the underside of the base body 13 and the flange 31b of the second waveguide 32 are coupled to each other in such a way that a mechanical coupling between these components is possible via the threaded pins 14a, which are related to Fig. The base body 13, as described in section 2, is manufactured in the manner described above. The base body 13 can either rest on the flange 31b or be slightly spaced from it. The first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 are thrown over or pivoted over the flange 31a of the first waveguide 31, so that both waveguides 31, 32 can be pre-tensioned relative to each other. When the user 30 presses the actuating levers 11, 12 together, a rotational movement R of the two actuating levers 11, 12 occurs about their respective axes of rotation 16, 26, which pass through the base body 13. In other words, the brackets 21, 22 are operatively connected to the base body 13 via the actuating levers 11, 12 in such a way that the two flanges 31a, 31b of the waveguides 31, 32 can be pulled onto the base body 13 and thus a pretension of the two mutually aligned waveguides 31, 32 can be applied.During the rotational movement R of the two actuating levers 11, 12, the preload force of the spring mechanism 15 increases to a maximum value. If this maximum spring force is exceeded, the two actuating levers 11, 12 snap into place towards the shaft of the waveguide 32, preventing the preload of the two waveguides from being released automatically. The preload can be released, for example, by actively pushing the actuating levers 11, 12 apart in the opposite direction of rotation R.
[0060] This is particularly evident in Fig. Figure 8 clearly shows that the actuating levers 11, 12 are almost or completely in contact with the shaft of the second waveguide 32 or can only be released by the user 30 actively pushing the actuating levers 11, 12 apart. In particular, to release the preload, the actuating levers 11, 12 must be rotated into a position corresponding to the Fig. The rotational movement shown in section 7 requires an opposing rotational movement.
[0061] Fig. Figure 8 thus shows the pre-tensioned state of the first waveguide 31 and the second waveguide 32, in which the brackets 21, 22 are pivoted around the two flanges 31a, 31b of the waveguides 31, 32 and are in contact with the flange 31a of the first waveguide 31. During the compression of the actuating levers 11, 12, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a maximum spring force is overcome, so that the actuating levers 11, 12 move automatically into the position shown in Figure 7. Fig. The position shown in Figure 8 remains. It is possible that the maximum spring force is reached when the longitudinal extension of the actuating levers 11, 12 is parallel to the longitudinal extension of the brackets 21, 22. Fig. Figure 8 shows that the brackets 21, 22 are arranged inclined at a small angle to the actuating levers 11, 12, especially when the connection of the two waveguides 31, 32 is established.
[0062] Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the two waveguides 31 and 32 in a pre-tensioned state. It should be noted that the connection between the two waveguides 31 and 32 by the waveguide clamp connector 10 cannot be released automatically; rather, the active application of a force is required to release the connection. In particular, it is necessary to push the first actuating lever 11 and the second actuating lever 12 apart so that the clamps 21 and 22 can also be pivoted apart and finally the waveguides 31 and 32 can be separated from each other.
Claims
[1] Waveguide clamp connector (10) for connecting a first waveguide (31) and a second waveguide (32), comprising: a base body (13) with a rotatably attached first actuating lever (11); a first bracket (21) which is rotatably attached to the first actuating lever (11) via a first end (21a); at least one threaded stud (14a) which protrudes from a bottom side of the base body (13); wherein the first actuating lever (11) is designed to reduce the distance between a second end (21b) of the first bracket (21) opposite the first end (21a) and the base body (13) by means of a rotational movement (R) in order to pre-tension the waveguides (31, 32); wherein at least one threaded pin (14a) is movable with respect to the base body in such a way that it can be moved in the direction of the second end (21b) of the first bracket (21) and thus exerts a force on at least one of the waveguides (31, 32) to be connected; wherein the at least one threaded pin (14a) can be moved into different positions by means of a screw movement, in which it is held in a fixed position, wherein one end of the at least one threaded pin (14a) protrudes from a bottom of the base body (13) and the distance of the end of the at least one threaded pin (14a) from the bottom of the base body (13) is adjustable by the screw movement; wherein the base body (13) has a U-shaped profile with a web (13b) and two flanges (13c, 13d); wherein a rotation axis (16) of the first actuating lever (11) passes through one of the two flanges (13c, 13d) of the U-shaped profile; and / or wherein a rotation axis (26) of the second actuating lever (12) passes through the other of the two flanges (13c, 13d). [2] Waveguide clamp connector (10) according to claim 1, comprising: a second actuating lever (12) rotatably attached to the base body (13); a second bracket (22) which is rotatably attached to the second actuating lever (12) via a first end (22a); wherein the second actuating lever (12) is designed to reduce the distance between a second end (22b) of the second bracket (22) opposite the first end (22a) and the base body (13) by means of a rotational movement (R) in order to pre-tension the waveguides (31, 32). [3] Waveguide clamp connector (10) according to claim 2, wherein the waveguide clamp connector (10) is designed to pretension the waveguides (31, 32) by a counter-rotating movement of the first actuating lever (11) and the second actuating lever (12). [4] Waveguide clamp connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (11) and / or the second actuating lever (12) are biased with respect to the base body (13) by a first spring mechanism (15). [5] Waveguide clamp connector (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first spring mechanism (15) is actuated to pre-tension the waveguides (31, 32) by overcoming a maximum spring force. [6] Waveguide clamp connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a rotation axis (17) of the first bracket (21) passes through the first actuating lever (11) and is spaced parallel to the rotation axis (16) of the first actuating lever (11); and / or wherein a rotation axis (27) of the second bracket (22) passes through the second actuating lever (12) and is spaced parallel to the rotation axis (26) of the second actuating lever (12). [7] Waveguide clamp connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (13) has at least one centering pin (14) for centering the waveguides (31, 32). [8] Waveguide clamp connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the waveguide clamp connector (10) is designed for one-handed connection of the waveguides (31, 32). [9] Use of a waveguide clamp connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims for connecting two waveguides (31, 32).