Retainer

Abstract

A positional fixation assembly is proposed herein.SOLUTION: The fixing assembly has an at least approximately cylindrical element and a counterpart element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a position fixation assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Fixation elements are used to protect machine parts. Fixation elements are small, often barely recognizable, machine components that are used in almost every machine structure. As guide elements, these positively-locking components protect and define other machine parts from axial play. Fixation elements are available in many configurations, making them suitable for a variety of applications. Fixation elements known from the prior art are, for example, snap rings, R-pins, and Fokker-type locking pins (also called safety clips).

[0003] The prior art has in common that corresponding fixing means usually involve or require additional elements. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need for improved position fixation assemblies, particularly those that require as few additional elements as possible, ideally no additional elements, and / or that are as simply constructed as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect, a position fixing assembly is proposed. The position fixing assembly includes an at least approximately cylindrical element. The at least approximately cylindrical element has a winding wound in a winding direction about a longitudinal axis of the at least approximately cylindrical element. The winding has a winding pitch. The position fixing assembly includes a counterpart element. The counterpart element has an at least approximately cylindrical section. The counterpart element has a thread section arranged on the at least approximately cylindrical section. The thread section has a thread direction and a thread pitch. The thread direction and thread pitch of the thread section are adjusted to the winding direction and winding pitch of the at least approximately cylindrical element. The thread direction and thread pitch of the thread section are adjusted to the winding direction and winding pitch of the at least approximately cylindrical element, thereby enabling attachment, in particular a screw fit, twist fit, or snap fit, of the at least approximately cylindrical element to the counterpart element in a torsional direction. Additionally or alternatively, the thread direction and thread pitch of the thread section are adjusted to the winding direction and winding pitch of the at least approximately cylindrical element, thereby enabling the at least approximately cylindrical element to be attached to the counterpart element in the torsional direction, in particular by a screw fit, twist fit, or plug fit. When the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counterpart element are attached, in particular by a screw fit, twist fit, or plug fit, the at least approximately cylindrical element cooperates with the counterpart element. When the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counterpart element are attached, in particular by a screw fit, twist fit, or plug fit, the at least approximately cylindrical element cooperates with the counterpart element, in such a way that when the at least approximately cylindrical element and / or the counterpart element are twisted in the direction opposite to the torsional direction, a frictional force is generated between the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counterpart element, which frictional force prevents the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counterpart element from separating from each other.

[0006] In other words, when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are coupled together, the at least approximately cylindrical element cooperates with the counter element, and this cooperation generates a frictional force between the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element when the at least approximately cylindrical element and / or the counter element are twisted in the opposite direction to the twisting direction, which prevents the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element from separating from each other.

[0007] The position fixing assembly does not require any additional separate elements other than the at least substantially cylindrical element and the corresponding element.

[0008] In a conventional torsional coupling between two elements formed by twisting in a torsional direction, the torsional coupling can be released when at least one of the elements is twisted steadily / strongly in a corresponding opposite torsional direction such that a certain amount of frictional force is overcome. In contrast, the torsional coupling between the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counterpart element cannot be released when a torque of the same magnitude is applied in the opposite torsional direction or when a normal torque is used in the opposite torsional direction. The at least approximately cylindrical element and the counterpart element remain coupled, thereby providing a position locking mechanism.

[0009] Herein, attachment may generally refer to a screw fit or a twist fit or a snap fit. For example, the snap fit may refer to a pressure fit.

[0010] Thus, the attachment of the at least approximately cylindrical element to the counterpart element in the torsional direction may in particular comprise a screw or twist fit of the at least approximately cylindrical element to the counterpart element in the torsional direction. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment of the counterpart element to the at least approximately cylindrical element in the torsional direction may comprise a screw or twist fit of the counterpart element to the at least approximately cylindrical element in the torsional direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the attachment of the at least approximately cylindrical element to the counterpart element in the torsional direction may in particular comprise a snap fit, in particular a pressure fit, in which a movement that is also achieved upon screwing or twisting the at least approximately cylindrical element onto the counterpart element in the torsional direction is achieved. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment of the counterpart element to the at least approximately cylindrical element in the torsional direction may in particular comprise a snap fit, in particular a pressure fit, in which a movement that is also achieved upon screwing or twisting the counterpart element onto the at least approximately cylindrical element in the torsional direction is achieved.

[0012] The at least approximately cylindrical element may comprise or be formed as a spring-like element. For example, the at least approximately cylindrical element may comprise or be formed as a spring element. The at least approximately cylindrical element may comprise or be formed as a nut-shaped element with an internal thread. In particular, the at least approximately cylindrical element may at least partially have a certain degree of flexibility or may at least partially not be formed completely rigid.

[0013] The at least approximately cylindrical element may have a flat surface in at least one end region. The flat surface may be ground. Thus, the flat surface may have a ground flat surface or may be formed as a ground flat surface. The counterpart element may have a corresponding flat surface. The corresponding flat surface may be ground. Thus, the corresponding flat surface may have a ground flat surface or may be formed as a ground flat surface. For example, the flat surface may be arranged on at least one end surface of the at least approximately cylindrical element. The flat surface may extend at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the at least approximately cylindrical element. The corresponding flat surface may extend at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the at least approximately cylindrical element and / or the counterpart element.

[0014] The flat surface and the counter flat surface may cooperate when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are attached, particularly when coupled by a screw fit, twist fit, or snap fit, thereby generating at least a portion of the frictional force. In other words, the flat surface and the counter flat surface may cooperate when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are attached, particularly when coupled by a screw fit, twist fit, or snap fit. This cooperation may generate at least a portion of the frictional force. For example, the flat surface and the counter flat surface may be at least partially in contact with each other or at least partially in contact with each other when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are attached, particularly when coupled by a screw fit, twist fit, or snap fit. This may generate at least a portion of the frictional force when twisted in the opposite direction to the twisting direction.

[0015] In a state in which the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are connected together, in particular by a screw fit, twist fit, or plug fit, the at least approximately cylindrical element can cooperate with the counter element such that, when twisted against the direction of torsion, a first twist of the at least approximately cylindrical element causes a cross-sectional reduction of the at least approximately cylindrical element in the region of at least the approximately cylindrical section, which cross-sectional reduction can cause a clamping that forms at least part of the friction force between the at least approximately cylindrical element and the at least approximately cylindrical section. In other words, in a state in which the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are connected together, in particular by a screw fit, twist fit, or plug fit, the at least approximately cylindrical element can cooperate with the counter element such that, when twisted against the direction of torsion, a first twist of the at least approximately cylindrical element causes a cross-sectional reduction of the at least approximately cylindrical element in the region of at least the approximately cylindrical section. The cross-sectional reduction can cause a clamping that forms at least a portion of the friction force between the at least approximately cylindrical element and the at least approximately cylindrical section.

[0016] The at least approximately cylindrical section may have an unthreaded section. The unthreaded section may be adjacent to the threaded section. The unthreaded section may in particular be adjacent directly to the threaded section. The corresponding flat surface may extend from the unthreaded section, for example at least approximately perpendicular to the unthreaded section.

[0017] When the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are connected together, in particular by a screw fit, twist fit, or snap fit, the at least approximately cylindrical element can cooperate with the counter element such that, upon a twisting movement in the torsional direction of the at least approximately cylindrical element and / or the counter element and a pulling movement along the longitudinal axis, a second torsion of the at least approximately cylindrical element can cause a cross-sectional expansion of the at least approximately cylindrical element in the region of at least the approximately cylindrical section, which allows separation. In other words, when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are connected together, in particular by a screw fit, twist fit, or snap fit, the at least approximately cylindrical element can cooperate with the counter element such that, upon a twisting movement in the torsional direction of the at least approximately cylindrical element and / or the counter element and a pulling movement along the longitudinal axis, a second torsion of the at least approximately cylindrical element can cause a cross-sectional expansion of the at least approximately cylindrical element in the region of at least the approximately cylindrical section. The cross-sectional expansion can enable or cause separation of the at least approximately cylindrical element from the corresponding element, for example, the cross-sectional expansion can eliminate or reduce some of the frictional forces that would otherwise act.

[0018] In a conventional torsional coupling between two elements formed by twisting in a torsional direction, the torsional coupling can be released when at least one of the elements is twisted constantly and / or strongly in a corresponding counter-torsional direction so that a certain degree of frictional force is overcome. In contrast, a torsional coupling between at least a substantially cylindrical element and a corresponding element cannot be released by twisting in the opposite direction to the torsional direction, but can be released by a combination of a pulling movement during twisting in the torsional direction. This allows the coupling to be released. However, the pulling and twisting movements required for this are unusual, which means that the coupling will not be released unintentionally, but will only be released when this is actually intended. This improves the safety and reliability of the position fixing assembly.

[0019] The inner diameter of the at least approximately cylindrical element may be adjusted to the outer diameter of the at least approximately cylindrical section, or vice versa. The inner diameter of the at least approximately cylindrical element may in particular at least approximately correspond to the outer diameter of the at least approximately cylindrical section. In this way, the at least approximately cylindrical element can be attached, in particular screwed, twisted or snapped onto a corresponding element without the presence of another element, or vice versa.

[0020] The counter element may have a cover which may surround at least a certain region of the at least approximately cylindrical element, with the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element being connected by means of an attachment, in particular a screw fit or a twist fit or a snap fit.

[0021] According to a second aspect, a fixing method is proposed. The fixing method is implemented using the fixing assembly according to the first aspect. The fixing method includes attaching the at least approximately cylindrical element to the corresponding element in a torsional direction, particularly by a screw fit, twist fit, or plug fit. Additionally or alternatively, the fixing method includes attaching the corresponding element to the at least approximately cylindrical element in a torsional direction, particularly by a screw fit, twist fit, or plug fit. The at least approximately cylindrical element cooperates with the corresponding element when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the corresponding element are connected by an attachment, particularly by a screw fit, twist fit, or plug fit. The fixing method includes twisting the at least approximately cylindrical element and / or the corresponding element in a direction opposite to the torsional direction. The twisting in a direction opposite to the torsional direction creates a frictional force between the at least approximately cylindrical element and the corresponding element. The frictional force prevents the at least approximately cylindrical element and the corresponding element from separating from each other.

[0022] Although some of the above aspects have been described with respect to the position fixing assembly of the first aspect, these aspects may also be or can be implemented correspondingly in the position fixing method of the second aspect.

[0023] The present disclosure will be further explained based on the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1a] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a position fixing assembly in an uncoupled state; [Figure 1b] 10 is another schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a position fixation assembly in an uncoupled state. FIG. [Figure 2a] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a position fixing assembly in a coupled state; [Figure 2b] 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a position fixation assembly in a coupled state; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In the following, specific details are described without limitation to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be used in other embodiments that may differ from the details described below. For example, in the following, specific arrangements and configurations of position fixing assemblies are described that should not be considered limiting. Furthermore, in the following, the attachment of the spring element to the corresponding element / the attachment of the corresponding element to the spring element is always described as an exemplary screw fit or twist fit, but other implementations are also possible, such as a snap fit, for example a snap fit by pressure.

[0026] FIG. 1a shows a schematic diagram of a fixation assembly 100. The fixation assembly 100 has an at least approximately cylindrical element 1. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a to 2b, the at least approximately cylindrical element 1 is formed as a spring-like element or spring element 1, merely by way of example, and will therefore be referred to hereinafter as a spring element 1 or simply as a spring 1 for short. The spring element 1 has windings wound in a winding direction about a longitudinal axis L of the spring element 1. The windings have a winding pitch. The longitudinal axis L simultaneously represents the longitudinal axis of the fixation assembly 100. The longitudinal axis L is the axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the spring element 1 or the axis of the maximum extension of the spring element and / or the fixation assembly.

[0027] The fixing assembly 100 includes a counter element 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a to 2b, the counter element 10 is exemplarily configured as a plug part through which a plurality of conductors are guided and is therefore also referred to as a plug part 10 or a base plug part 10. The longitudinal axis L of the spring element 1 corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the counter element 10 in the illustrated embodiment. The counter element 10 has at least an approximately cylindrical section. The at least approximately cylindrical section has a thread section 12. The thread section 12 has a thread direction and a thread pitch. The thread direction and the thread pitch of the thread section 12 are adjusted to the winding direction and the winding pitch of the spring element 1. This allows the spring element 1 to be screwed onto the counter element 10 in a torsional direction. Alternatively, the counter element 10 can be screwed onto the spring element in a torsional direction. Furthermore, the spring element 1 and the counter element 10 can be screwed together. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 2d, the thread is shown as an exemplary right-hand thread, which allows the spring element 1 to be screwed or twisted onto a corresponding element by a right-handed twist, i.e., a clockwise twist.

[0028] The inner diameter of the spring element 1 is adjusted to the outer diameter of the at least approximately cylindrical section of the counter element 10. More precisely, the inner diameter of the spring element 1 at least approximately corresponds to the outer diameter of the at least approximately cylindrical section of the counter element 10. This, on the one hand, allows the spring element 1 to be screwed onto the counter element 10. On the other hand, after screwing, the spring element 1 is fitted snugly onto the counter element 10, and a positive connection is created between the spring element 1 and the counter element 10 in the radial direction (of the spring element 1). The counter element 10 further optionally has a cover 16. The cover can also be omitted. The cover 16 has a diameter larger than the at least approximately cylindrical section.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the spring element may consist of a plurality of spring elements (not shown), in which case, as a further embodiment, further corresponding elements may be arranged between the plurality of spring elements as fixed sections (not shown), which may not be spring-elastic but may consist, for example, of metal or plastic.

[0030] As can be seen in Figures 1a, 2a and 2b, the spring element 1 has, in one end region, a flat surface 2, which is for example ground. More precisely, the spring element 1 has a flat surface 2 on a first end face. As can be seen in Figure 1b, the spring element 1 has, in the other end region, a flat surface 3, which is for example ground. More precisely, the spring element 1 has a flat surface 3 on a second end face. Thus, the spring element 1 (spring) exemplarily has ground flat surfaces 2, 3 on both ends. As can be seen in Figure 1a, the counter element 10 has a counter flat surface 13. The counter flat surface 13 is recessed relative to the cover 16. In this way, the counter flat surface 13 is surrounded by the cover 16.

[0031] The spring element can be screwed over the threaded section 12 (= the threaded section of the at least approximately cylindrical section) of the counter element 10. In the screwed state, the spring element 1 terminates against / on the corresponding flat surface 13 of the counter element 10, or more precisely, the flat surface 3 of the spring element 1 terminates on the corresponding flat surface 13.

[0032] At least the substantially cylindrical section of the counter element 10 has an unthreaded section 14, which in the illustrated embodiment exemplarily continues directly onto the threaded section 12. A counter planar surface 13 extends from the unthreaded section 14 perpendicular to the threaded section 12 and the longitudinal axis L. In the illustrated embodiment, the counter planar surface 13 continues directly onto the end of the unthreaded section 14 opposite the threaded section 12.

[0033] The state in which the spring element 1 and the counter element 10 are coupled by a screw fit is exemplarily shown in Figures 2a and 2b, which may also be simply referred to as the "coupled state" for short.

[0034] In the coupled state, the spring element 1 cooperates with the counter element 10. The cover 16 surrounds the spring element 1 at least in a certain area in the coupled state.

[0035] In the coupled state, the spring element 1 and the counter element 10 cannot be separated from each other by twisting in the normal counter-torsion direction, i.e. in the illustrated example by twisting the spring element 1 counter-clockwise. If the spring element 1 and / or the counter element 10 are twisted in the counter-torsion direction, a friction force is formed between the spring element 1 and the counter element 10. This friction force prevents the spring element 1 and the counter element 10 from separating from each other. The friction force is also referred to below as the total friction force.

[0036] The flat surface 3 and the counter surface 13 cooperate in a coupled manner, or more precisely, a frictional connection acting in the opposite direction to the torsion direction is created between the flat surface 3 and the counter surface 13. Due to this frictional connection, when the spring element 1 and / or the counter element 10 are twisted in the opposite direction to the torsion direction, a first frictional force is generated, which first frictional force forms at least a part of the total frictional force.

[0037] Furthermore, a frictional connection is created between the spring element 1 and the counter element 10 in the direction along the longitudinal axis L. More precisely, the frictional connection is created by contact between the areas of the spring element 1 and the cylindrical section that are in direct contact with each other. The frictional connection acts in the direction along the longitudinal axis L when twisted against the torsion direction. Due to this frictional connection, a second frictional force is created when the spring element 1 and / or the counter element 10 are twisted against the torsion direction, which second frictional force forms at least a part of the total frictional force.

[0038] Due to the thread engagement between the spring element 1 and the counter element 10, more precisely between the spring element 1 and the threaded section 12, a form-locking effect is additionally exerted in the direction along the longitudinal axis L.

[0039] When the spring element 1 is twisted in the coupled state in the opposite direction to the torsion direction, a first twist occurs. This first twist causes a cross-sectional reduction 18 of the spring element 1 in the region of at least the approximately cylindrical section of the counter element 10, as shown in FIG. 2b. This cross-sectional reduction 18 causes a clamping between the spring element 1 and the at least approximately cylindrical section. This clamping generates, for example, a third frictional force, which forms at least a part of the total frictional force. In particular, this clamping multiplies the total acting frictional force.

[0040] The counter element 10 has, as described, a threaded section 12 beginning at the end of the member, which threaded section 12 matches the pitch of the spring element 1 and terminates in an unthreaded section 14 (sometimes called a shank region) having the dimensions of the inner diameter of the spring element 1. The position and number of threads in the threaded section 12 do not affect the locking function. Rather, the locking function is achieved via the clamping of the spring element 1 with the flat surface 3 and the counter surface 13 beyond the threaded section 12. If an attempt is made to loosen the spring element 1, loosening is prevented via the cross-sectional reduced diameter 18 of the spring element 1.

[0041] In summary, a position fixing assembly 100, e.g., a spring position fixing, is provided which reliably prevents easy loosening of the spring element 1 from the corresponding element 10 (e.g., plug portion), or easy loosening of the corresponding element 10 from the spring element 1, or combined loosening of the spring element 1 and the corresponding element 10 relative to each other.

[0042] The separation of the spring element 1 from the counter element 10 is made possible by an unusual combination of movements. A torsional twist (clockwise in this example) and a tensile movement along the longitudinal axis L results in a second twist of the spring element 1. This second twist causes a cross-sectional expansion of the spring element 1 at least in the region of the approximately cylindrical section of the counter element 10. This cross-sectional expansion makes it possible for the spring element 1 and the counter element 10 to separate from each other. In particular, this cross-sectional expansion reduces the acting frictional forces, in particular the total frictional force mentioned above. Therefore, the locking can be broken again by tensile and torsional forces without the need for a separate locking element.

[0043] The exposed, non-threaded section 14 (shank region) may or can additionally be provided with the above-mentioned (spring) cover 16. However, this cover 16 does not affect the locking function. After the spring element 1 (spring) has been screwed in with a tightening torque of, for example, 0.3 to 0.4 Nm, the spring element 1 can no longer be easily separated by twisting in the opposite direction (e.g., left-handed twisting). This is because the rubbing / frictional forces between the flat surface 3 of the spring element 1 and the corresponding flat surface 13 of the counter element 10 initially hold the spring element 1 in place, which then leads to a cross-sectional reduction 18 in the region of the spring element 1, thereby increasing friction. To release the spring locking, the spring element 1 is twisted in the twisting direction (e.g., clockwise) and tension is applied. As a result, the twisting causes the diameter of the spring element 1 to expand in the area where the cross-sectional diameter reduction 18 occurred, thereby allowing the spring element 1 to move over the thread section 12 and remove the tightened spring element 1.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the spring position fixing feature may also be used for left-handed threads. In this embodiment, the basic prerequisite is that the appropriate spring windings are formed counterclockwise. The same applies to the counter-plug part 10.

Claims

1. A position fixing assembly comprising: an at least approximately cylindrical element having windings with a winding pitch wound in a winding direction about the longitudinal axis of the at least approximately cylindrical element; a counterpart element comprising an at least approximately cylindrical section and a thread section arranged on the at least approximately cylindrical section, the thread direction and the thread pitch of the thread section being adjusted to the winding direction and the winding pitch of the at least approximately cylindrical element, so that a mounting, in particular a screw or twist or plug fit, of the at least approximately cylindrical element on the counterpart element and / or a mounting, in particular a screw or twist or plug fit, of the at least approximately cylindrical element on the at least approximately cylindrical element is possible in the torsional direction; Equipped with wherein, when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the corresponding element are connected by the attachment, the at least approximately cylindrical element cooperates with the corresponding element, so that when the at least approximately cylindrical element and / or the corresponding element are twisted in a direction opposite to the twisting direction, a frictional force is generated between the at least approximately cylindrical element and the corresponding element, which frictional force prevents the at least approximately cylindrical element and the corresponding element from separating from each other. Position fixing assembly.

2. 2. The position fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least approximately cylindrical element has a flat surface, in particular ground, in at least one end region, and the counter element has a corresponding flat surface.

3. 3. The position fixing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the flat surface and the counter flat surface cooperate with each other when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are connected by the attachment, in particular the screw fit, twist fit or snap fit, thereby forming at least a part of the friction force.

4. 4. The position fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the counter element are connected by the attachment, in particular by the screw fit, twist fit or plug fit, the at least approximately cylindrical element cooperates with the counter element, so that when twisted in the direction opposite to the torsional direction, a first twist of the at least approximately cylindrical element causes a cross-sectional reduction of the at least approximately cylindrical element in the region of the at least approximately cylindrical section, which cross-sectional reduction causes a clamping between the at least approximately cylindrical element and the at least approximately cylindrical section, which forms at least part of the friction force.

5. 5. The position fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least approximately cylindrical section has an unthreaded section, in particular following the threaded section.

6. 6. A position fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the corresponding element are connected by the attachment, in particular by the screw fit, twist fit or plug fit, the at least approximately cylindrical element cooperates with the corresponding element, so that when the at least approximately cylindrical element and / or the corresponding element are twisted in the torsional direction and pulled along the longitudinal axis, a second twist of the at least approximately cylindrical element causes a cross-sectional expansion of the at least approximately cylindrical element in the region of the at least approximately cylindrical section, which allows separation.

7. 7. A position fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the at least approximately cylindrical element is adjusted to the outer diameter of the at least approximately cylindrical section, in particular corresponds at least approximately to said outer diameter.

8. 8. The position fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding element further comprises a cover which surrounds at least a certain area of ​​the at least approximately cylindrical element when the at least approximately cylindrical element and the corresponding element are connected by the attachment, in particular by the screw fit, twist fit or plug fit.

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