COUPLING ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling arrangement for connecting components, comprising a first coupling part which is designed to be fixed to a first component, and a second coupling part which is designed to be fixed to a second component, wherein an end section of the first coupling part is provided with an internal thread extending along a thread axis and wherein an end section of the second coupling part is provided with an external thread extending along the thread axis, which is screwed into the internal thread of the first coupling part.

[0002] EP 3 647 607 A1 discloses a coupling device for the force-transmitting coupling of two components. The known coupling device further comprises a first coupling part with a first coupling interface, a second coupling part with a second coupling interface, and a coupling rod, which is connected to the first coupling part by a first end region for rotation about an axis of rotation and to the second coupling part by a second end region for rotation about the axis of rotation. The first end region and the first coupling part form a first threaded arrangement for adjusting a distance between the first coupling part and the second coupling part, and it is provided that a first braking device is assigned to the first threaded arrangement, which is designed for, in particular exclusively, frictional braking torque transmission between the first coupling part and the first end region.

[0003] From DE 592 029 a turnbuckle for wire pulling is known, which consists of a tubular clamping nut provided with right-hand and left-hand threads and of two tension spindles engaging in this with end threads, wherein spindle guides are provided which close off a grease chamber of the clamping nut and at the same time secure the turnbuckle against spontaneous loosening, wherein the spindle guides are formed from gland-like screw connections which can be clamped onto the tension spindles.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a coupling arrangement with a simplified structure.

[0005] This object is achieved for a coupling arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset with the features of claim 1.

[0006] The purpose of the clamping sleeve is to ensure a frictional fastening of the externally threaded end portion of the second coupling part to the first coupling part, depending on the relative rotational position of the clamping sleeve relative to the end portion of the first coupling part. The corresponding locking geometries provided on the inner surface of the clamping sleeve and on the outer surface of the end portion of the first coupling part enable the adjustment of radially inward-acting forces, dependent on the angle of rotation between the clamping sleeve and the end portion of the first coupling part, which are exerted by the clamping sleeve on the end portion of the first coupling part and from there on the externally threaded end portion of the second coupling part.These radially inward-acting forces, which can also be referred to as normal forces, cause frictional forces between the internal thread formed on the end section of the first coupling part and the end section of the second coupling part provided with the external thread, which frictional forces act in a circumferential direction of the external thread and which ensure the desired fixing of the second coupling part to the first coupling part.

[0007] To provide these radially inwardly directed normal forces, the inner surface of the clamping sleeve and the outer surface of the end section of the first coupling part, which are directly opposite one another, each have locking geometries that are coordinated with one another in such a way that, upon a rotational relative movement of the clamping sleeve about the thread axis relative to the end section of the first coupling part, an increase or decrease in the normal forces occurs depending on the selected direction of rotation. The locking geometries are preferably selected in such a way that a targeted adjustment, for example in predetermined steps, in particular a continuous adjustment, of the frictional torque acting between the first coupling part and the second coupling part is enabled.

[0008] A deviation of the respective locking geometry from a circular geometry can be realized either by a projection projecting radially inwards or outwards or by a recess extending radially inwards or outwards.

[0009] Preferably, the clamping sleeve is dimensioned such that it does not undergo any significant elastic or even plastic deformation during intended use. Particularly preferably, it is provided that pairs of flat surfaces, also referred to as wrench surfaces, are formed on an outer surface of the clamping sleeve. These flat surfaces allow a user to apply a torque to adjust the rotational relative position of the clamping sleeve with respect to the end section of the first coupling part using a suitable tool, in particular an open-end wrench.In particular, it is provided that wrench surfaces are also provided on the end section of the first coupling part adjacent to or spaced from the clamping sleeve, so that a holding torque can be exerted by a user with a suitable tool, in particular an open-end wrench, when adjusting the rotational relative position of the clamping sleeve with respect to the end section of the first coupling part. Alternatively, it can be provided that gripping surfaces are formed on the end section and on the clamping sleeve, which enable manual and tool-free adjustment of the clamping sleeve. It is preferably provided that these gripping surfaces are provided with an anti-slip coating, such as a rubber coating.

[0010] It is expedient if the first coupling part has a rod section and a connecting section, wherein the end section of the first coupling part is formed on the connecting section and wherein the connecting section is screwed into an internal thread of the rod section with an external thread. This realizes a modular design of the coupling arrangement, in which an adaptation of the geometry, in particular an overall length, of the coupling arrangement can be achieved by replacing the rod section. The connecting section and the second coupling part are independent of the geometry of the coupling arrangement and can thus each be provided as identical parts for the different designs of the coupling arrangement.

[0011] The rod section can be made either from solid material or from a tube and is provided with an internal thread at the end to accommodate the external thread of the connecting section.

[0012] According to the invention, at least two locking geometries are formed on the inner surface of the clamping sleeve and at least two locking geometries are formed on the outer surface of the end section of the first coupling part, wherein the locking geometries are arranged such that in a first functional position of the clamping sleeve relative to the end section of the first coupling part, only one of the locking geometries of the clamping sleeve is in engagement with one of the locking geometries of the end section and when in a second functional position of the clamping sleeve relative to the end section of the first coupling part, the at least two locking geometries of the clamping sleeve are in engagement with the at least two locking geometries of the end section.For example, it can be provided that three or more locking geometries are provided, wherein preferably here too an offset arrangement of the at least three locking geometries is realized in order to ensure, as with the two locking geometries, a cascaded engagement of the individual locking geometries in the course of the relative movement between the clamping sleeve and the end section.

[0013] For an advantageous adjustment of the forces acting inward in the radial direction, also referred to as clamping forces or normal forces, an at least substantially proportional relationship can be provided between a twist angle assumed by the clamping sleeve relative to the end section of the first coupling part and the resulting radially inward-acting forces. This can be achieved, for example, by designing the locking geometries as curved wedges. In this case, high frictional forces may occur between the clamping sleeve and the end section of the first coupling part if the opposing locking geometries are in full contact.It is therefore preferably provided that the locking geometries are arranged in a circumferential direction of the inner surface of the clamping sleeve and in a circumferential direction of the outer surface of the end section of the first coupling part such that, in a release position, no significant clamping forces or normal forces are exerted by the clamping sleeve on the end section of the first coupling part. During a rotational relative movement between the clamping sleeve and the end section of the first coupling part into a first functional position, initially only one of the locking geometries of the clamping sleeve comes into operative connection with the corresponding locking geometry of the end section of the first coupling part, thereby causing an at least regionally elastic deformation of the end section of the first coupling part.This elastic deformation leads to the provision of a radially inwardly directed normal force or clamping force and thus to the provision of a first frictional moment between the first coupling part and the second coupling part. If a further rotational relative movement then occurs between the clamping sleeve and the end section of the first coupling part from the first functional position to a second functional position, the second pairing of locking geometries of the clamping sleeve and the end section of the first coupling part also comes into operative connection, causing an additional, partially elastic deformation of the end section of the first coupling part. Accordingly, the normal forces acting in a radially inward direction from the first coupling part onto the second coupling part increase, and thus also the frictional moment between the first coupling part and the second coupling part.Depending on the design of the clamping sleeve and the end section of the first coupling part, further pairings of locking geometries can be provided, which are preferably arranged in such a way that, starting from the second functional position, an additional increase in the friction between the first coupling part and the second coupling part can be caused by further rotational relative movements between the clamping sleeve and the end section of the first coupling part.

[0014] Preferably, the pairings of the locking geometries are designed such that, after the operative connection has been established in the respective functional position, they do not lead to a further increase in the clamping forces or normal forces exerted when the clamping sleeve is pivoted from the respective functional position toward the next functional position or positions. This is particularly accompanied by a gradual increase in the clamping forces upon rotation of the clamping sleeve relative to the end region of the first coupling part.

[0015] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the locking geometries on the inner surface of the clamping sleeve are designed as locking projections that project radially inwards, preferably each having the same angular extent, in particular distributed at the same angular pitch. For example, it is provided that the inner surface of the clamping sleeve is circularly cylindrical and that the locking projections each have locking surfaces that are directed radially inwards. These locking surfaces can be designed as flat surfaces, convex surfaces, or concave surfaces. It is particularly preferably provided that the locking projections are designed in the manner of short circular ring sections on the inner surface, and that the locking surfaces designed as a circular surface section or as a conical surface section determine an inner diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the inner surface of the clamping sleeve.

[0016] By way of example, it is provided that an angular extent of the locking projections formed on the inner surface of the clamping sleeve is identical for all locking projections formed on the inner surface of the clamping sleeve. This means that when the locking projections are viewed in a circumferential direction of the inner surface, an angle to be determined in this direction and related to the central axis of the clamping sleeve between a starting point of the respective locking projection and an end point of the respective locking projection is identical for all locking projections, wherein alternatively it can also be provided that one or more of the locking projections have a different angular extent. Additionally or alternatively, it is provided that the locking projections are arranged with the same angular pitch relative to the central axis of the clamping sleeve.For example, if three locking projections are implemented, an angular pitch of 120 degrees is provided. The angular extension of the locking projections can be, for example, 25 degrees.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking geometries of the end section of the first coupling part are defined by circular ring sections or by conical ring sections that taper on the outside in the direction of the rod section and are provided with an internal thread for receiving the end section of the second coupling part. Preferably, the locking geometries of the end section of the first coupling part are aligned coaxially with one another and coaxially with the thread axis of the internal thread of the first coupling part.

[0018] The locking geometries of the end section of the first coupling part can be created, for example, by providing the partially tubular end section of the first coupling part with slots extending along the thread axis and oriented in the radial direction. These slots also improve the deformation behavior of the end section of the first coupling part. For example, the locking geometry is determined both by the outer surface of the tubular end section of the first coupling part and by the slots incorporated therein.

[0019] To ensure advantageous axial fixation for the clamping sleeve, it can be provided that the locking geometries of the end section of the first coupling part are each implemented as conical ring sections with a cross-section tapered towards the rod section. In this case, the locking surfaces of the locking projections and the inner surface of the clamping sleeve are preferably also designed in the shape of a conical shell section. The clamping sleeve is mounted on the end section of the first coupling part before screwing the second coupling part into the first coupling part, so that the locking geometries of the end section of the first coupling part can be elastically deformed to such an extent that the clamping sleeve can be pushed on despite its conical ring-shaped design.During a subsequent screwing-in process for the second coupling part into the first coupling part, the end section of the second coupling part provided with the external thread prevents a renewed elastic deformation of the locking geometries of the end section of the first coupling part, at least to the extent that the clamping sleeve can be removed from the end section of the first coupling part.

[0020] Preferably, the locking geometries of the end portion of the first coupling part each have different angular extensions. This enables the desired sequential engagement of the respective locking projections of the clamping sleeve and the end portion of the first coupling part during a relative rotational movement between the clamping sleeve and the first coupling part.

[0021] It is advantageous if the locking geometries on the outer surface of the end section of the first coupling part are designed as radially outwardly projecting locking projections, preferably each with the same angular extension, in particular distributed at the same angular pitch. This represents the kinematic reversal of the inwardly projecting locking projections on the inner surface of the clamping sleeve. This also applies to the design of the clamping sleeve, in which case it can be provided that the locking geometries on the inner surface of the clamping sleeve are designed as circular shell sections, between which grooves aligned along the thread axis are formed.

[0022] In addition, a combination of inwardly projecting locking projections on the inner surface of the clamping sleeve and outwardly projecting locking projections on the outer surface of the end section of the first coupling part is also possible.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that an end face of a locking geometry of the clamping sleeve, in particular a locking projection, and a corresponding end face of a locking geometry of the end section of the first coupling part form an end stop for a rotational movement of the clamping sleeve relative to the end section of the first coupling part from the first functional position into a release position. This ensures that when the frictional connection between the first coupling part and the second coupling part is released, the release position between the clamping sleeve and the end section of the first coupling part can be reliably adjusted, even under difficult assembly conditions.

[0024] It is expedient if a fork-shaped fastening section is formed on the second coupling part and if a second coupling part is arranged at each of the oppositely arranged end sections of the first coupling part. This allows the coupling arrangement to be used, for example, as a tension rod for fastening paneling parts or other components in an aircraft fuselage.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a partial area of a coupling arrangement with a first coupling part and a second coupling part, Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the partial area of the coupling arrangement according to the Figure 1, Figure 3 is a strictly schematic front view of a clamping sleeve, Figure 4 is a strictly schematic front view of a connecting part, and Figure 5 is a strictly schematic front view of the clamping sleeve mounted on the connecting part.

[0026] One in the Figure 1 The coupling arrangement 1, which is only shown in sections, comprises, purely by way of example, a first coupling part 11 and a second coupling part 42 attached thereto. By way of example, the same combination of a first coupling part and a second coupling part can be provided at a second end region of the coupling arrangement 1 (not shown), whereby the coupling arrangement 1 can be used, for example, as a pull rod for fastening components, for example covering parts, in an aircraft fuselage (not shown).

[0027] According to the illustration in Figure 2, the first coupling part 11 comprises a rod section 12, which is purely exemplary in tubular form, and a connecting section 13 coupled to the rod section 12. By way of example, it is provided that the rod section 12 is provided with an internal thread 15, starting from an opening 14 along a thread axis 2, which is preferably the central axis of the rod section 12. A threaded section 16 of the connecting section 13 is screwed into this internal thread 15 and, for this purpose, has an external thread 17 which extends along the thread axis 2 up to a terminal collar 18 of the connecting section 13. Furthermore, the connecting section 13 is completely penetrated by an internal thread 19.

[0028] The final collar 18 is according to the representation of the Figure 1profiled in the manner of a hexagon nut and accordingly has a total of three pairs of key surfaces aligned parallel to one another, of which, for reasons of clarity, only one is provided with the reference number 20. At an end region of the connecting section 13 facing away from the external thread 17, an end section 21 of the first coupling part 11 is formed. As can be seen from the illustration of the Figure 2 can be removed, the end section 21 is profiled as a conical section, wherein a taper of the end section 21 is provided in the direction of the end collar 18.

[0029] On an outer surface 22 of the end section 21, which is designed as a conical shell section with a cone angle 34, which is purely exemplary 3 degrees, a clamping sleeve 23 is rotatably received about the thread axis 2. As can be seen from the illustration of the Figure 1can be removed, an outer surface 24 of the clamping sleeve 23 is designed in the manner of a hexagon nut, in particular similar to the end collar 18. A Figure 2 The visible inner surface 25 of the clamping sleeve 23 is adapted to the outer surface 22 of the end section 21 and is also profiled in the shape of a cone segment.

[0030] The second coupling part 42 comprises, purely by way of example, an end section 43 which is provided with an external thread 44 extending along the thread axis 2, wherein the external thread 44 is adapted to the internal thread 19 in the connecting section 13. Adjacent to the end section 44, the second coupling part 42 is provided with a connecting fork 45 which is designed to secure the second coupling part 42 to a fastening eye (not shown in detail) of a component (not shown), for example a panel part of an aircraft.

[0031] As can be seen from the purely schematic representation of the clamping sleeve 23 according to Figure 3 As can be seen, the inner surface 25 is designed in the manner of a conical surface section. A total of three locking geometries designed as locking projections 26 protrude radially inwards from the inner surface 25, purely by way of example. By way of example, it is provided that the locking projections 26 are each arranged at the same angular pitch, in this case an angular pitch of 120 degrees. Furthermore, it is provided purely by way of example that each of the locking projections 26 has an angular extension 27 that is identical to the angular extensions 27 of the other locking projections 26 and, in this case, is 25 degrees purely by way of example.

[0032] Each of the locking projections 26 has a radially inner locking surface 28, which is designed, for example, in the same way as the inner surface 25 as a conical surface section. By way of example, it is provided that the locking surface 28 has a radius 30 which is constant almost over the entire angular extent 27 and is adapted to the radius 29 of the inner surface 25 only in a transition region 31. In the illustration of the Figure 3 The largest radius for the inner surface 25 and the locking surface 28 is shown. Each of the locking projections 26 has a circumferentially oriented end face 32, which is formed by a radial recess 33 and which is used as a stop surface for the corresponding locking geometries of the connecting section 13, as will be described below in connection with the Figure 5 is executed.

[0033] The one in the Figure 4The schematically illustrated connecting section 13 is provided purely exemplarily with three locking geometries 46, 47, 48. These locking geometries 46, 47, 48 can be created, for example, by providing an end section 21 of the connecting section 13, which is initially tubular with a conical-shaped outer surface 22, with slots 49, 50, 51, which extend from a Figure 2 designated end face 52 of the connecting portion 13 to the end collar 18. This leaves three conical ring portions 59, 60, 61, which together with the slots 49, 50, 51 form the locking geometries 46, 47, 48. Purely by way of example, the slots 49, 50, 51 are designed such that the locking geometries 46, 47, and 48 formed thereby each have different angular extensions 53, 54, 55.

[0034] This different design of the locking geometries 46, 47 and 48 of the connecting section 13 as well as the similar design of the locking projections 26 on the clamping sleeve 23 ensures that during a rotational relative movement of the clamping sleeve 23 with respect to the connecting section 13 in the direction of rotation 62 starting from the Figure 5In the release position shown, initially only one of the locking projections 26 interacts with the corresponding locking geometry 46. The other two locking projections 26, however, do not initially interact with the associated locking geometry 47 or 48 due to the different angular extents 53, 54, 55 of the locking geometries 46, 47 and 48. The interaction of the locking projection 26 with the locking geometry 46 results in a displacement movement in which the locking projection 26 displaces the locking geometry 46 radially inwards and elastically deforms it in the process. As a result, a radially inwardly directed compressive force, which can also be referred to as a normal force or locking force, is exerted by the locking geometry 46 on the external thread 44 of the end section 43 of the second coupling part 42.As a result, frictional forces between the second coupling part 42 and the first coupling part 11 are increased, whereby a braking effect for relative movements between the second coupling part 42 and the first coupling part 11 increases.

[0035] During a further rotational relative movement, the other locking projections 26 gradually come into operative connection with the locking geometries 47 and 48, whereby an additional force is introduced from the clamping sleeve 23 onto the locking geometries 47 and 48 and thus also onto the external thread 44 of the end section 43 of the second coupling part 42.

[0036] If, after the second coupling part 42 has been fixed to the first coupling part 11, a relative movement between the second coupling part 42 and the first coupling part 11 is to be carried out, the blocking effect between the clamping sleeve 23, the connecting section 13 and the external thread 44 can be optionally maintained, reduced or eliminated. For this purpose, a rotational relative movement is carried out in the opposite direction to the Figure 5The rotational direction 62 shown is applied to the clamping sleeve 23, which is opposite to the rotational relative movement for effecting the fixation, so that the operative connection between the locking projections 26 and the locking geometries 48, 47 and 46 is canceled again sequentially or cascaded. In order to ensure a clear rotational relative position for the clamping sleeve 23 in the release position, the locking geometries 46, 47 and 48 are matched to the locking projections 26 in such a way that in the release position a positive engagement of the side surfaces of the conical ring sections 59, 60, 61 on the end surfaces 32 of the locking projections 26 is ensured, as is the case with the Figure 5 can be seen.

Claims

1. Coupling arrangement (1) for connecting components, with a first coupling part (11) designed to be fixed to a first component, and with a second coupling part (42) designed to be fixed to a second component, wherein an end portion (21) of the first coupling part (11) is provided with an internal thread (19) extending along a thread axis (2) and wherein an end portion of the second coupling part (42) is provided with an external thread (44) extending along the thread axis (2), which is screwed into the internal thread (19) of the first coupling part (11), wherein a clamping sleeve (23) is rotatably received on an outer surface (22) of the end portion (21) of the first coupling part (11), wherein an inner surface (25) of the clamping sleeve (23) and the outer surface (22) of the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11) have, in a cross-sectional plane aligned transversely to the thread axis, locking geometries (26, 46, 47, 48) in order to cause, during a rotary movement of the clamping sleeve (23) relative to the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11), an at least partially elastic or elastic and plastic change in diameter of the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11) for clamping the end section of the second coupling part (42), characterized in that two locking geometries (26) are formed on the inner surface (25) of the clamping sleeve (23) and two locking geometries (46, 47, 48) are formed on the outer surface of the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11), wherein the locking geometries (26, 46, 47, 48) are arranged such that that in a first functional position of the clamping sleeve (23) relative to the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11), only one of the locking geometries (26) of the clamping sleeve (23) is in engagement with one of the locking geometries (46, 47, 48) of the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11) and that in a second functional position of the clamping sleeve (23) relative to the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11), the two locking geometries (26) of the clamping sleeve are in engagement with the two locking geometries (46, 47, 48) of the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11.

2. Coupling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first coupling part (11) has a rod section (12) and a connecting section (13), wherein the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11) is formed on the connecting section (13) and wherein the connecting section (13) is screwed with an external thread (17) into an internal thread (15) of the rod section (12).

3. Coupling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking geometries (26) on the inner surface (25) of the clamping sleeve (23) are designed as locking projections projecting radially inwards, preferably each with the same angular extension (27) and distributed at equal angular intervals.

4. Coupling arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking geometries (46, 47, 48) of the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11) are defined by circular ring sections or by conical ring sections which are each tapered on the outside in the direction of the rod section and are designed with an internal thread (19) for receiving the end section of the second coupling part (42).

5. Coupling arrangement (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking geometries (46, 47, 48) of the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11) each have different angular extensions (53, 54, 55).

6. Coupling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking geometries (46, 47, 48) on the outer surface of the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11) are formed as locking projections (26) projecting radially outwards, preferably each with the same angular extension (27) and distributed in particular at equal angular intervals.

7. Coupling arrangement (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking geometries (46, 47, 48) on the inner surface (25) of the clamping sleeve (23) are designed as circular shell sections, between which grooves aligned along the thread axis (2) are formed.

8. Coupling arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end face (32) of a locking geometry (26) of the clamping sleeve (23), in particular of a locking projection, and a corresponding end face (56, 57, 58) of a locking geometry (46, 57, 58) of the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11) form an end stop for a rotational movement of the clamping sleeve (23) relative to the end section (21) of the first coupling part (11) from the first functional position into a release position. Position into a release position.

9. Coupling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a fork-shaped fastening section (45) is formed on the second coupling part (42) and that a second coupling part (42) is arranged on each of the end sections (21) of the first coupling part (11) arranged opposite one another.