Redundantly secured connecting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device (10) which has a first connecting part (12) and a second connecting part (14) by means of which at least two components (18, 20) are connectable to one another. The connecting device (10) also has a third connecting part (16) which is deformable, on account of the first connecting part (12) and the second connecting part (14) being brought together, such that an additional connection can be established between at least one of the at least two aforementioned components (18, 20) and the first connecting part (12) and / or the second connecting part (14).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Redundantly secured connection device

[0003] The invention relates to a connecting device, a system with this connecting device, a method and a use of the connecting device.

[0004] A wide variety of different connecting devices are already known for connecting components. Depending on the intended use, different safety requirements are placed on a connecting device. For example, connecting devices designed to join panel components on a vehicle together are subject to increased requirements for loss resistance. However, such panel components are increasingly being designed as lightweight components. Typically, glass fiber-carbon materials or other plastics are used as the material for this purpose. In order to connect such lightweight components to one another, large-area metal plates are provided, for example, which are inserted into the corresponding lightweight component. In this way, force can be introduced over a large area at the intended connection points.These plates are usually made of metal or a high-strength plastic. In addition, these plates already have threads by means of which a connection to another component can be created easily and reliably. However, with regard to cladding components that are additively manufactured, such an introduction of large-area plates can only be achieved with disproportionately high expenditure. Therefore, connections to additively manufactured components have so far been realized using threaded inserts. For this purpose, a recess is provided in the additive component which is designed to accept the threaded insert in the form of an interference fit. For this reason, however, considerable mechanical stresses are introduced into the additively manufactured component over a relatively small area. These stresses can result in microcracks, which can lead to fracture of the component.To prevent this, the associated screw connections are only engaged with a limited tightening torque. However, there is still a risk that operational forces acting on the threaded insert could lead to micro-damage in the material of the additively manufactured component. For this reason, screw connections, in particular, represent a significant weak point when connected to an additively manufactured component. The increased safety requirements regarding the connection of additively manufactured trim components for use on vehicles can therefore rarely be met without additional, complex measures.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved connecting device.

[0006] This object is achieved by means of a connecting device according to the features of independent claim 1.

[0007] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved connection between two components.

[0008] This problem is solved by a system according to the features of the subordinate system claim.

[0009] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved method for connecting at least two components.

[0010] This problem is solved by a method having the features of the independent method claim.

[0011] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to specify a use of the connecting device. This object is achieved by using the connecting device according to the features of the independent use claim.

[0012] Advantageous further training is the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0013] The connecting device according to the invention has a first connecting part and a second connecting part, by means of which at least two components can be connected to one another. At least one of the said components is preferably a cladding component. Furthermore, the connecting device according to the invention has a third connecting part. This third connecting part can be deformed by bringing the first connecting part and the second connecting part together. In the present context, deformable should be understood to mean that the third connecting part is deformed by means of a force which is usually applied to the third connecting part for the purpose of creating a connection using the first and the second connecting part. The third connecting part is preferably deformed elastically.Thus, a distributed force introduction can be provided by means of a combination of a force-locking and a form-locking connection.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting device according to the invention provides that the third connecting part is deformable such that an additional connection can be established between at least one of the at least two components mentioned and the first connecting part. Alternatively or additionally, the third connecting part is deformable such that an additional connection can be established between at least one of the two components mentioned and the second connecting part.

[0015] In this way, a redundantly secured connecting device can be provided. A first connection between the at least two components is established by means of an interaction of the first connecting part and the second connecting part. In addition, by bringing the first connecting part and the second connecting part together, the additional connection to at least one of the two mentioned components is realized by means of the mentioned deformation of the third connecting part. In this way, a reliable connection to an additively manufactured component can be established.

[0016] An advantageous development of the connecting device provides that the first connecting part has a first profile. Furthermore, it is provided that the second connecting part has a second profile which is designed to engage in the first profile. Expediently, the first profile is designed to correspond to the second profile. Said profile can be a threaded profile known to a person skilled in the art or a profile for the purpose of creating a snap-in connection. A first connecting part can be connected to the second connecting part by bringing these profiles, which are designed to correspond to one another, into engagement with one another. Furthermore, it is provided that the third connecting part is deformable by means of an engagement of the first profile in the second profile.In this way, a connecting device can be provided by means of which a connection can be made easily and safely.

[0017] A further advantageous development provides for exactly one third connecting part. This enables a uniform force application. Furthermore, the additional connection between at least one of the aforementioned components and the first and / or second connecting part can be established in a simple manner. The third connecting part is preferably formed as a single piece.

[0018] Furthermore, an advantageous development of the connecting device provides for an elastomer or soft rubber to be used as the material for the third connecting part. In this way, both a positive and a non-positive additional connection can be created at low cost. Furthermore, local mechanical stress peaks can be avoided in this way.

[0019] Furthermore, an advantageous development of the connecting device provides that the first connecting part is designed as a threaded screw. The second connecting part is designed as a threaded insert corresponding to the threaded screw. In the present context, the fact that the threaded screw and the threaded insert are designed to correspond to one another should be understood to mean that they have the same nominal thread size and the same thread pitch. Preferably, the threaded screw has an external thread and the threaded insert a corresponding internal thread. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the second connecting part to be designed as a nut or as a thread cut into a material of one of the components. By means of a screw connection, it is made possible for the third connecting part to be deformed as required using a predetermined torque.Furthermore, a tightening torque of the screw connection can be easily transferred to the third connecting part. Furthermore, a predefined preload force can be transferred to at least one of the two components mentioned by means of a large surface area of ​​the third connecting component. Furthermore, strain relief of the threaded insert can be realized in this way with minimal effort. This increases the service life of the connection. Furthermore, a connection of additively manufactured components using screw connections is made possible.

[0020] The system according to the invention comprises the connecting device according to the invention.

[0021] The system according to the invention comprises a first component and at least one second component. Said components are connected to one another by means of the connecting device according to the invention. In particular, said components are the components already described above. Thus, a reliable and captive connection can be established between said components by means of the connecting device according to the invention. This makes it possible to securely connect components to one another for the purpose of cladding vehicles.

[0022] In an advantageous development of the system, an at least partially additively manufactured component is provided as the first component. Any weakening of an additively manufactured component caused by a conventional connecting device can be counteracted in a cost-effective manner by means of the third connecting part. In addition, the spread of microcracks due to the introduction of a threaded insert can be reduced or prevented in this way. The required connecting force can also be introduced into the additively manufactured component over a large area by means of the third connecting part. This creates a uniform force input. The spread or expansion of existing damage can thus be prevented. This makes it possible to prevent fractures from occurring.

[0023] Furthermore, an advantageous development of the system provides that the first component has a recess in which the third connecting part is received alongside the first connecting part or the second connecting part. The third connecting part is preferably received in said recess together with the first connecting part. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the second connecting part is received in said recess together with the third connecting part. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first connecting part, the second connecting part and the third connecting part are received together in said recess. This makes it possible to easily produce a positive and / or non-positive connection with a component by deforming the third connecting part.In addition, in this way, a ratio between a force of a connection between the first and the second connecting part and a force of a connection between the third connecting part and the first component can be easily adjusted.

[0024] A further advantageous development of the system provides that the first component has an undercut that is open on at least one side. Said undercut is designed to receive at least a portion of the at least one further component. This makes it possible to create a positive connection between the first component and the at least one further component. The reliability of the connection can be increased in this way in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment provides that at least a section of the at least one further component is received in the undercut of the first component, which is connected to the first component by means of the aforementioned connecting device. This makes it possible to produce a connection with force introduction distributed over a large area. The formation of microcracks and local stress peaks can be further avoided in this way. In addition, crack propagation and breakage of a component due to external operating conditions can be prevented. In this way, a particularly secure connection can be produced by means of the connecting device.

[0026] The method according to the invention provides for a connection of at least two components with the connecting device according to the invention.

[0027] In the method according to the invention, the third connecting part is deformed by means of the interaction of the first connecting part with the second connecting part such that the connecting device is connected to at least one of the mentioned components. The mentioned connecting parts and the mentioned components are in particular the connecting parts of the connecting device already described above and the components already described in more detail.

[0028] The method makes it possible to reliably connect at least two components with redundant securing. For example, an additively manufactured component can be securely connected to at least one other component. Furthermore, screw connections or snap-in connections that are easy to produce can be used to connect additively manufactured cladding components.

[0029] An advantageous development of the method provides that the third connecting part of the connecting device is introduced into a first recess of a first component of the said components. In particular, the said first component is the first component already described in connection with the system according to the invention. The recess is preferably a cylindrical recess. Furthermore, the advantageous development of the method described here provides that for the purpose of connecting the first component to at least one further component of the said components, the first connecting part is introduced into the said first recess of the first component.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that for the purpose of connecting the first component to at least one further component of the said components, the second connecting part of the connecting device is introduced into the said first recess of the first component. By means of the third connecting part, a uniform introduction of force into the first component can be achieved. Local stress peaks on the first component can be avoided simply by deforming the third connecting component. If a screw connection is used, crack formation due to the effect of a predetermined tightening torque can be prevented. In addition, strain relief can be provided for an associated threaded insert.

[0030] An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that the at least one additional component is inserted into an undercut of the first component for the purpose of connecting it to the first component. This makes it possible to provide a further positive connection in addition to the additional connection provided by the third connecting part.

[0031] Another advantageous development of the method provides for an additively manufactured component to be connected to at least one other component by means of the connecting device according to the invention. Micro-damage to the additive component can thus be easily reduced or even prevented. This makes it possible for additively manufactured components to be used as trim components on a vehicle while meeting predetermined safety requirements.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention provides for the use of the connecting device according to the invention for the purpose of a force-fitting connection of at least two components. The components mentioned are in particular the components already described above. Alternatively or additionally, the use of the connecting device for the purpose of a form-fitting connection of at least two components is provided. In particular, it is provided that the connecting device according to the invention is provided for the purpose of connecting two cladding components. The cladding components are preferably those of a rail-bound vehicle. The connecting device makes it possible to produce a connection between distribution components which satisfy predetermined safety requirements.Loss of cladding components in the case of high speeds, which occurs particularly in rail-bound vehicles, can be easily and reliably prevented.

[0033] The properties, features and advantages of the invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, are explained in more detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description of the exemplary embodiment of the invention. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention. The exemplary embodiment and its variations serve to illustrate the invention and do not limit the invention to the combinations of features specified therein, including with regard to functional features. Furthermore, all features specified in the exemplary embodiment can be considered in isolation and combined as appropriate with the features of any claim.

[0034] It shows :

[0035] FIG 1 shows an embodiment of the system according to the invention with two connecting devices according to the invention in a schematic representation as well as an illustration of an example of a method for connecting two components;

[0036] FIG 2 shows a schematic detailed view of the embodiment of the system according to the invention in a connected state and an illustration of the example of the method for connecting two components;

[0037] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the system according to the invention in a schematic representation and an illustration of the example of the connection method; FIG. 4 shows an illustration of the example of the method according to the invention in a schematic representation.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system 22 in a schematic representation. The system 22 shown has, by way of example, a first additively manufactured component 18. Furthermore, the system 22 has a second component 20 to be connected to the first component 18. Furthermore, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a method 100 for connecting 102 the two aforementioned components 18, 20.

[0039] For the purpose of connecting 102 the first component 18 to the second component 20, two connecting devices 10 are provided in the present case. The two connecting devices 10 are each constructed identically. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, one of the two connecting devices 10 is described in more detail below by way of example.

[0040] The connecting device 10 has a first connecting part 12 and a second connecting part 14. The first connecting part is designed, for example, as a threaded screw 12. The second connecting part is designed, for example, as a threaded insert 14 corresponding to the threaded screw 12. The fact that the threaded insert 14 is designed to correspond to the threaded screw 12 should be understood in the present case to mean that they have the same nominal thread size and the same pitch. The threaded screw 12 has an external thread as a profile and the threaded insert 14 has an internal thread as a profile. The aforementioned profiles are designed to engage with one another. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the first connecting part 12 and the second connecting part 14 to each have different types of profiles which are designed to engage with one another.In addition to the aforementioned thread profile, such a profile can be a profile known to the person skilled in the art but not shown in more detail for the purpose of creating a locking connection.

[0041] Furthermore, the connecting device 10 has a third connecting part 16. This third connecting part 16 is deformable 104 with a tightening torque that is customary for the purpose of producing a screw connection. For this purpose, an elastomer is provided as the material of the third connecting part 16 in the present exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, a soft rubber can be provided as the material of the third connecting part 16. Furthermore, the third connecting part 16 in the exemplary embodiment described here has a cylindrical geometry with a ring as its base. The third connecting part 16 is designed, for example, to centrally receive the threaded screw 12.

[0042] In addition, the connecting device 10 in the exemplary embodiment described here has three washers 28. For the purpose of a connection 102 of the additively manufactured first component 18 to the second component 20, the first component 18 has an undercut 26. This undercut 26 is designed to receive a section of the second component 20. Furthermore, the first component 18 has, for example, a plurality of blind holes 30. Each blind hole 30 is designed to receive a threaded insert 14 of the connecting device 10. Furthermore, the first component 18 has a cylindrical recess 24. The third connecting part 16 is received in this cylindrical recess 24.

[0043] For the purpose of connecting 102 the first component 18 to the second component 20, the threaded screw 12 is inserted 108 into the cylindrical recess 24 next to the third connecting part 16. Furthermore, the threaded screw 12 is guided through a through-opening 32 in the second component 20. The section received in the undercut 26 has, for example, two of the aforementioned through-openings 32. Each of these through-openings 32 is designed to receive at least one threaded screw 12. The profile of the aforementioned threaded screw 12 is then brought into engagement 108 with the corresponding profile of the threaded insert 14.

[0044] FIG 2 shows a detailed representation of the system 22 in a connected state 102. By bringing together the threaded screw 12 and the threaded insert 14, the third connecting part 16 is deformed 104 in such a way that an additional connection is created 106 between the first connecting part 12, designed as a threaded screw, and the cylindrical wall of the recess 24 of the first component 18. By way of example, an external geometry of the third connecting part 16 was selected in such a way that by bringing together the threaded screw 12 and the threaded insert 14, both a positive-locking and a non-positive additional connection is created 106 between the connecting device 10 and the first component 18.

[0045] In the present case, a deformation 104 of the third connecting part 16 takes place by bringing the threaded screw 12 into engagement with the threaded insert 14. By means of the washers 28, for example, a clamping force resulting from the screw connection is transmitted to the third connecting part 16. In this way, the third connecting part 16 is deformed 104 such that it is pressed against a cylindrical wall of the recess 24. In addition, the third connecting part 16 is deformed 104 such that a positive connection is formed 106. In this way, the screw connection is held firmly in place by means of the deformed third connecting part 16. Loss of the screw connection can thus be easily prevented.

[0046] As schematically shown in FIG. 2, a large-area and uniform force can be applied to the additively manufactured first component 18 by means of the deformed connecting part 16. This prevents stress peaks and thus the formation of microcracks or the propagation and expansion of microcracks. Fracture of the additively manufactured component 18 due to a connecting force can thus be easily counteracted. Furthermore, strain relief of the threaded insert 14 is enabled in this way.

[0047] Furthermore, the additional connection 106 between the connecting device 10 and the first component 18 acts as a redundant securing of the screw connection, by means of which the first component 18 and the second component 20 are connected to one another 102. In the event that the threaded insert 14 is released from the first component 18, the additional connection 106 between the connecting device 10 and the first component 18 by means of the deformed third connecting part 16 still remains. Due to the fact that a section of the second component 20 is received in the undercut 26 and the screw connection 102 remains despite the threaded insert 14 being released from the first component 18, a connection between the two components 18, 20 is still maintained. A loss of the second component 20 can therefore be easily prevented.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a further section of the exemplary embodiment of the system 22 already described in connection with FIG. 1 in FIG. 2, in a schematic exploded view. Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates, by way of example, the previously described method 100 for establishing a connection 102 using the connecting device 10 already described in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0049] For the purpose of a connection 102 of the additively manufactured first component 18 to the second component 20, the second connecting part 14, which is designed as a threaded insert, for example, is first inserted 108 into a blind hole 30 of the additively manufactured first component 18. A first washer 28 is provided following the threaded insert 14. The second component 20 to be connected to the first component 18 is then inserted 108 into the undercut 26 of the additively manufactured first component 18. A second washer 28 is then inserted 108 over the recess 24. Furthermore, the deformable third connecting part 16 is inserted 108 into the cylindrical recess 24 of the additively manufactured first component 18. It is conceivable that the said washers 28 can be a component of the third connecting part 16 and / or are designed as an integral component of the connecting part 16.A third washer 28 is placed following the deformable third connecting part 16. The threaded screw 12 is then inserted 108 through the deformable third connecting part 16 into the first component 18 and into the second component 20. For this purpose, the second component 20 has through-openings 32. In this way, the threaded screw 12 is brought into engagement with the threaded insert 14. By means of an interaction of the threaded screw 12 and the threaded insert 14, the third connecting part 16 is then deformed 104. Based on this deformation 104, the connecting device 10 is connected 106 to the additively manufactured component 18 in the manner already described by way of example in connection with FIG. 2.

[0050] Furthermore, the additively manufactured first component 18 and the second component 20 described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3 are, by way of example, each cladding components of a rail-bound vehicle (not shown in detail). The use of the exemplary embodiment of the connecting device 10 described in connection with the aforementioned figures makes it possible to produce a force-fitting and a form-fitting connection between the two cladding components 18, 20 102, 106. In this way, high safety requirements regarding connections of cladding components on vehicles can be met.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates in a schematic representation the example of the method 100 for connecting 102 the two previously described components 18, 20 by means of the embodiment of the connecting device 10 described in connection with FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, which has already been described in more detail in connection with FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. Although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail by the preferred embodiment and its variations, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0052] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Connecting device (10) comprising - a first connecting part (12) and a second connecting part (14), by means of which at least two components (18, 20) can be connected to one another; - a third connecting part (16) which can be deformed by bringing together the first connecting part (12) and the second connecting part (14) in such a way that an additional connection can be produced between at least one of the at least two components (18, 20) mentioned and the first connecting part (12) and / or the second connecting part (14).

2. Connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the first connecting part (12) has a first profile; - the second connecting part (14) has a second profile which is designed to engage in the first profile; - the third connecting part (16) is deformable by means of an engagement of the first profile in the second profile.

3. Connecting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that only exactly one third connecting part (16) is provided.

4. Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an elastomer or a soft rubber is provided as the material of the third connecting part (16).

5. Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the first connecting part (12) is designed as a threaded screw; - the second connecting part (14) is designed as a threaded insert corresponding to the threaded screw.

6. System (22) comprising - a connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims; - a first component (18); - at least one second further component (20) which is connected to the first component (18) by means of said connecting device (10).

7. System (22) according to claim 6, characterized in that an at least partially additively manufactured component is provided as the first component (18).

8. System (22) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the first component (18) has a recess (24) in which the third connecting part (16) is received in addition to the first connecting part (12) or the second connecting part (14).

9. System (22) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first component (18) has an undercut (26) which is open at least on one side and which is designed to receive at least a portion of the at least one further component (20).

10. System (22) according to claim 9, characterized in that in the undercut (26) of the first component (18) at least a portion of the at least one further component (20) is received, which by means of said connecting device (10) is connected to the first component (18).

11. Method (100) for connecting (102) at least two components (18, 20) by means of a connecting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which by means of an interaction of the first connecting part (12) of the connecting device (10) with the second connecting part (14) of the connecting device (10), the third connecting part (16) of the connecting device (10) is deformed (104) in such a way that the connecting device (10) is connected (106) to at least one of the said components (18, 20).

12. The method (100) according to claim 11, wherein - the third connecting part (16) of the connecting device (10) is introduced into a first recess (24) of a first component (18) of said components (18, 20); - for the purpose of connecting (102) the first component (18) to at least one further component (20) of said components (18, 20), the first connecting part (12) or the second connecting part (14) of the connecting device (10) is introduced (108) into said first recess (24) of the first component (18).

13. The method (100) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one further component (20) is introduced (108) into an undercut (26) of the first component (18) for the purpose of a connection (102) with the first component (18).

14. Method (100) according to one of claims 11 to 13, in which an additively manufactured component (18) is connected (102) to at least one further component (20) by means of said connecting device (10).

15. Use of a connecting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5 for the purpose of a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection (102) of at least two components (18, 20), in particular at least two cladding components of a rail-bound vehicle.

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