A strut with a connector, and an assembly of such a strut with another strut or one of its accessories.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a strut (2) comprising an axially extending spacer elongate member (7), at least one axial end of which comprises a half connector (4) adapted to be selectively coupled to a half connector or accessory (5) of another strut, said half connector comprising convex and concave interlocking elements allowing mechanical interlocking of said half connector to a geometrically identical half connector to form a connector allowing connection of said strut to another strut of the same kind in a rotationally locked manner, said half connector further adapted to be rotationally coupled to said accessory. The present invention further relates to an assembly of such a strut and an accessory or another strut coupled to a half connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a strut having a connector. The present invention further relates to an assembly of such a strut and an accessory or another strut coupled to a half connector.

Background Art

[0002] Struts having an elongate member extending axially and serving as a spacer are used in many applications, particularly in shoring applications. In this regard, shoring is defined as providing temporary support against an unstable load and typically securing a dangerous situation to provide safety and providing a maximally safe working situation at that time for rescue personnel such as firefighters. Such shoring applications can be very diverse, for example, trench shoring to support against a building's construction collapse, vehicle stabilization and lift, particularly after an accident.

[0003] Separate from the very diverse applications described above, there are other factors that can vary from scenario to scenario. In particular, the length of the strut can vary from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 5 m. To handle most situations, safety and rescue personnel are often required to hold and maintain a wide variety of struts and strut components and bring them to the rescue site.

[0004] They can be extendable and selectively connectable, but the selection of a number of struts of different lengths also requires a significant amount of space in the safety and rescue personnel's vehicle. Furthermore, such components need to be tough and are therefore heavy. Due to space and weight considerations, often only a selection of struts and strut components are brought to the site, and this can sometimes be a second-best solution if the on-site situation is different from what was expected.

[0005] The most recent prior art, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0280553, discloses a shaft coupler comprising a semiconnector provided at the shaft end of a long member.

[0006] The semi-connectors allow a long member to be coupled to another long member having a similar semi-connector in a manner that prevents rotational locking, i.e., preventing relative rotation between the two long members with respect to their axis. The two semi-connectors are first engaged axially and then rotated relative to each other to mechanically connect them.

[0007] To prevent the semi-connectors of the shaft coupler from coming loose from each other due to relative rotation, the semi-connectors are fixed in place by adding one or more locking blocks fixed to the elongated members. In this embodiment, the shaft coupler is resistant to movement of the elongated members relative to each other in any direction, including rotation. At least the features of claim 1 are novel to this document.

[0008] Further prior art is recognized in German patent DE906275, as well as U.S. patent no. 4,634,202 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0051161.

[0009] In particular, there is an ongoing need to improve safety and the working conditions of rescue personnel, both from a safety perspective and from the perspectives of user comfort and occupational health.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a strut and an assembly comprising such a strut that is improved over the prior art, thereby avoiding or mitigating at least one of the problems described above. The combination of features of the attached independent claims achieves the object and / or other benefits or inventive effects described above in accordance with the present disclosure. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In particular, the strut according to claim 1 of the present invention achieves the above objective, and the strut is, It is equipped with a long member that extends in the axial direction and acts as a spacer, At least one shaft end of the elongated member is provided with a semiconnector configured to be selectively coupled to a semiconnector or accessory of another strut, The aforementioned semi-connector comprises a convex interlock element and a concave interlock element that allow the mechanical connection of the semi-connector to geometrically identical semi-connectors in order to constitute a connector that allows the connection of a strut to another strut of the same type in a rotational locking manner, The aforementioned semi-connector is further configured to be rotatably coupled to an accessory.

[0012] Hereinafter, the connector will be referred to as both a connector and a strut connector. The connector comprises two geometrically identical semi-connectors, each having a convex interlock element and a concave interlock element.

[0013] Since each of the two semiconnectors is configured to mechanically connect to a geometrically identical semiconnector, the connector allows for the coupling of struts and strut components having such semiconnectors, greatly increasing the versatility of the connector. This allows safety and rescue personnel to quickly make the desired connections of struts and strut components, thus enabling them to secure unstable sites as quickly as possible and create a safe working environment. In contrast to prior art systems using male and female connector parts, the flexibility of available component combinations is maximized.

[0014] The increased versatility gained by having all semiconnectors connect to similar semiconnectors on other struts (components) allows safety and rescue personnel to bring fewer struts and strut components to the scene. Fewer struts and strut components directly translate to space savings and weight reduction.

[0015] According to the present invention, at least one shaft end of a long member, and preferably both opposite shaft ends thereof, is provided with a semiconnector configured to be selectively coupled to a semiconnector of another strut in a rotational locking manner, or to an accessory in a free rotation manner.

[0016] A rotary lock type of coupling between two struts that prevents relative rotation between the coupled struts allows for additional structural strength and rigidity, and in certain embodiments, also allows channels extending through the struts to be aligned in a highly reliable manner. However, by rotatably coupling an accessory to a semi-connector, the accessory rotates relative to the strut, thereby providing increased flexibility and versatility.

[0017] The enhanced flexibility and versatility provided by allowing the accessory to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the elongated member is advantageous because struts are used in a wide range of applications. As mentioned above, shoring applications relate to the temporary support of unstable loads, and the nature of such shoring applications can be very diverse, such as trench shoring providing support against structural collapse of buildings, vehicle stabilization and lifting, especially post-accident applications. Different types of accessories are used for different applications, and the same may be true for applications that are not necessarily classified as shoring. For example, apart from being potentially unstable, the object to be engaged with the strut may extend at a certain angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the strut, or the surface (ground) supporting the strut may be uneven. Furthermore, especially when lifting an object, the relative displacement of the object with respect to the strut can result in a change in the contact angle between the strut and the object supported by the strut. In addition, it is desirable that the load applied to the strut be directed as centrally as possible with respect to its cross-section, because this optimizes the buckling resistance of the strut. Furthermore, accessories that are rotatable relative to the strut often allow pneumatic or hydraulic couplings, which extend radially relative to the longitudinal direction of the strut, to be oriented in any desired orientation. In addition to positioning the coupling in a direction that allows for immediate use, the pneumatic or hydraulic hose can also be oriented away from the object that the strut is supposed to support, reducing the risk of the hose being pinched or damaged. These examples clearly demonstrate the additional degrees of freedom for the strut, resulting in increased flexibility and versatility, and consequently, improved safety and user comfort.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, geometrically identical semiconnectors are configured as semiconnectors having the same geometric shape that allows for a mating connection to be formed between two semiconnectors.

[0019] The present invention further relates to an assembly of struts according to the present invention, wherein the half connector of the strut is one of the following: connected to the half connector of another strut in a rotational lock manner to prevent relative rotation between the strut and another strut; and rotatably coupled to an accessory in a rotary manner to enable the accessory to rotate with respect to the strut.

[0020] Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0021] The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification are applicable individually wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular those described in the appended dependent claims, are inventions in their own right related to different problems with respect to the prior art. In the following description, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be made more apparent by reference to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two struts connected to each other and another strut connected to an accessory, all struts comprising half connectors of the strut connector according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the connector disposed between the two struts of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 3; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of FIG. 4; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective cross-sectional view of the connection between the half connector and the accessory; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of FIG. 6; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of another axial end of the strut having a coupler and an accessory having a mating coupler; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 8; [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a detailed cross-sectional perspective view of the bonded state shown in Figures 8 and 9; [Figure 11A1] Figure 11A1 is a side cross-sectional view of a half-connector according to a second preferred embodiment; [Figure 11A2] Figure 11A2 is a side cross-sectional view of the two half-connectors in Figure 11A1 before the connection between them is established; [Figure 11A3] Figure 11A3 is a side cross-sectional view of the two half-connectors in Figure 11A2 in a connected state; [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a side cross-sectional view of the half-connector of Figure 11A1 connected to an accessory; [Figure 12A] Figure 12A is a perspective view of a semi-connector according to a third preferred embodiment; [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a perspective view of the two half-connectors in Figure 12A in their connected state; [Figure 12C] Figure 12C is a perspective view relating to Figure 12B without the locking element; [Figure 12D] Figure 12D is a side cross-sectional view of the connection state shown in Figure 12C; [Figure 12E] Figure 12E is a perspective view of the half-connector of Figure 12A coupled to an accessory; [Figure 13A] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a semi-connector according to a fourth preferred embodiment; [Figure 13B] Figure 13B is a perspective view of the two half-connectors in Figure 13A in their connected state; [Figure 13C] Figure 13C is a perspective view relating to Figure 13B, which does not have a locking element; [Figure 13D] Figure 13D is a side cross-sectional view of the connection state shown in Figure 13C; [Figure 13E] Figure 13E is a perspective view of the half-connector of Figure 13A coupled to an accessory; [Figure 14A] Figure 14A is a perspective view of two half-connectors according to a fifth preferred embodiment; [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a perspective view of the two half-connectors in Figure 14A in their connected state; and [Figure 14C] Figure 14C is a perspective view of one of the half-connectors from Figure 14A, coupled to an accessory. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Various applications of a first preferred embodiment of the strut 2 according to the present invention are shown in Figures 1 and 2. On the left side of Figure 1, two struts 2 are connected to each other via a connector 1, and the shaft ends 3 of each of the two struts 2 are provided with half-connectors 4. On the right side of Figure 1, one strut 2 is shown, with an accessory 5 coupled to the half-connector 4. The same type of accessory 5 is also coupled to another shaft end 6 of the strut 2. Also, the two connected struts 2 shown on the left side of Figure 1 are coupled to such an accessory 5. In Figure 2, the same strut 2 is shown in an exploded view, showing the two half-connectors 4 in a disconnected state, and also showing an accessory 5 disconnected from another shaft end 6 of the strut 2.

[0024] The strut 2 comprises an elongated member 7 extending axially A and forming a spacer 8. One axial end 3 of the elongated member 7 is provided with a half-connector 4 of a connector 1, thereby allowing the strut 2 to be connected to another strut 2 of the same type. In the preferred embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the elongated member 7 of the strut 2 comprises an outer member 9 and an inner member 10 that are retractable and movable relative to each other, for example via a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator (not shown). The outer member 9 and the inner member may be lockable relative to each other, for example via a pin-and-hole connection (not shown). The inner member 10 comprises an external screw groove 11 along which a fixing nut 12 having a mating internal screw groove (not shown) can be moved axially A to fix the inner member 10 to the outer member 9.

[0025] Connector 1 is configured for use in combination with strut 1 and comprises two geometrically identical semi-connectors 4, each having a convex interlock element 13 and a concave interlock element 14, and each of the two semi-connectors 4 is configured to mechanically connect to a geometrically identical semi-connector 4. The mechanical connection of these two semi-connectors 4 to each other is shown in detail in Figures 3 to 5, where Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of connector 1 provided between the two struts in Figure 1. Figures 4 and 5 show perspective cross-sectional views of the same connector 1 in the connected and disconnected states, respectively.

[0026] Geometrically identical semi-connectors 4 are defined as semi-connectors 4 having the same geometric shape that allows a mating connection to be formed between two semi-connectors 4. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the interlocking function does not explicitly exclude the existence of other distinguishing features between two semi-connectors that may result in the semi-connectors not being 100% identical according to the overall criteria. For example, depending on the application, there may be additional features that do not interfere with the interlocking function, such as the provision of various types of hose connectors 15 on the semi-connectors 4. However, for example, in certain situations where it is not necessary to establish a pneumatic or hydraulic connection through the connector 1, it is also conceivable that a semi-connector 4 having a pneumatic hose connector 15 may be mechanically connected, i.e., mechanically coupled, to another semi-connector 4 having a hydraulic hose connector. The connector 15 may be fluidly connected to the internal space 34 of the strut 2 via a conduit 35.

[0027] The convex interlock elements 13 and concave interlock elements 14 are arranged along the outer circumference of the half-connector 4. More preferably, the convex interlock elements 13 and concave interlock elements 14 are arranged alternately along the outer circumference of the half-connector 4. In other words, the free space between adjacent convex interlock elements 13 defines the concave interlock elements 14.

[0028] Preferably, the semi-connector 4 exhibits rotational symmetry of order two or more. Rotational symmetry of order two or more, also called n-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the axis, means that a rotation by an angle of 360° / n does not change the object. Rotational symmetry of order two, also called "double" symmetry, means that the appearance of the shape is the same in two different orientations, i.e., the shape looks the same after a 180° rotation. Therefore, in the first preferred embodiment, the rotational symmetry is three times, and connections between two semi-connectors 4 can be made at 120° intervals.

[0029] In all embodiments, the semi-connector 4 comprises three or more convex interlock elements 13 and three or more concave interlock elements 14.

[0030] The semi-connector 4 may exhibit the same number of rotational symmetries as the number of convex interlock elements 13 and concave interlock elements 14. Therefore, in the case of three or more convex interlock elements 13 and three or more concave interlock elements 14, the number 3 also reflects the number of rotational symmetries. A rotational symmetry of 3 means that the appearance of the shape is identical in three different orientations, i.e., the shape looks the same even after a 120° rotation. By providing a connector 1 with 3 rotational symmetries, an optimal balance between strength and flexibility is achieved. On the one hand, sufficient strength is of paramount importance for the strut 2, which needs to withstand extreme (buckling) loads. On the other hand, the 3 rotational symmetries define three relative orientations at 120° intervals, where semi-connectors 4 are connected to other semi-connectors 4, providing flexibility.

[0031] During use, the strut 2 is typically subjected to axial compressive loads. If the convex interlock element 13 and the concave interlock element 14 are axially oriented relative to the semi-connector 4, this axial load pushes the semi-connectors 4 toward each other, causing them to engage firmly. While all embodiments present axially oriented convex interlock elements 13, the first and fifth embodiments, in particular, benefit from such a firm engagement caused by axial loads on the strut 2.

[0032] In alternative embodiments, the convex interlock element 13 and the concave interlock element 14 may be oriented radially with respect to the semi-connector 4 (second and fourth embodiments), and / or the convex interlock element 13 and the concave interlock element 14 may be oriented circumferentially with respect to the semi-connector 4 (third and fifth embodiments). These other embodiments are described in detail below.

[0033] Each semi-connector 4 may have one or more channels 16, allowing fluid to pass through from a first semi-connector 4 to a second semi-connector 4 (Figures 4 and 5). Preferably, each semi-connector 4 has at least two channels 16, with the first channel 16-1 of at least two channels 16 provided on at least one of the convex interlock elements 13, and the second channel 16-2 of at least two channels 16 provided on at least one of the concave interlock elements 14. Preferably, each semi-connector 4 includes a locking element 17 and a locking recess 18, the locking element 17 being configured to engage with the locking recess 18 of another semi-connector 4 when semi-connector 4 is mechanically connected to another semi-connector 4. The locking element 17 may be actuated via a push button 19 having a hinge lever 20 pre-forced by a spring 21.

[0034] As described above, the main aspect contributing to improved versatility lies in the use of two geometrically identical semiconnectors, each having a convex interlock element and a concave interlock element, and each of the two semiconnectors is configured to be mechanically connected to a geometrically identical semiconnector.

[0035] Further aspects show that further versatility is achieved in Figures 6 and 7, as described below, and both figures illustrate the assembly of the strut 2 having the aforementioned half-connector 4. However, according to this further aspect, the accessory 5 can also be coupled to the half-connector 4. Thus, the use of the half-connector 4 allows safety and rescue personnel to selectively connect one half-connector 4 to another, thereby connecting two struts 2 (as shown on the left side of Figures 1 and 2), or to couple the accessory 5 to the half-connector 4, thereby increasing versatility.

[0036] To enable coupling of the semi-connector 4 to the accessory 5, the semi-connector 4 includes a coupler 22 configured to couple to the mating coupler 23 of the accessory 5, defining an interface 25 of the coupler 22 such that the radially inward-facing surface 24 of the convex interlock element 13 of the semi-connector 4 engages with the outer circumferential surface 26 of the mating coupler 23. Thus, the shaft end 6 of the elongated member includes both the semi-connector 4 and the coupler 22.

[0037] In contrast to the connection that can be established between the two semi-connectors 4, the accessory 5 can be rotatably coupled to the semi-connector 4, which may be beneficial in maintaining optimal contact under certain conditions.

[0038] The outer circumferential surface 26 of the mating coupler 23 exhibits a rotationally symmetric outer surface 27, which is at least partially surrounded by the radially inward-facing surface 24 of the convex interlock element 13.

[0039] As best as shown in Figure 6, the locking element 17 may be further configured to engage with the circumferential groove 28 of the mating coupler 23 when the accessory 5 is rotatably coupled to the semi-connector 4, thereby locking the mating coupler 23 of the accessory 5 axially A against the coupler 22 of the semi-connector 4, while allowing the mating coupler 23 to rotate relative to the coupler 22. Thus, the locking element 17 may have the function of locking two semi-connectors 4 (Figure 4) or locking the accessory 5 axially to the semi-connector 4 (Figure 6). Preferably, for types of accessory 5 that are non-rotatably coupled to the semi-connector 4, the circumferential groove 28 may be replaced by a series of individual locking holes (not shown).

[0040] Further, in terms of aspects, as will be described later in Figures 8 to 10, if another shaft end of the strut 2 is configured to engage with the accessory 5, then even greater versatility can be achieved. Another shaft end 6 of the elongated member 7 of the strut 2 is provided with another coupler 29 configured to connect to the mating coupler 23 of the accessory 5, and the radially inward-facing surface 30 of the other shaft end 6 defines the interface 31 of the coupler 29, which is configured to engage with the outer circumferential surface 26 of the mating coupler 23 and also allows the mating coupler 23 to be rotatably connected to the other shaft end 6 of the elongated member 7 (Figure 10).

[0041] Coupler 22 and another coupler 29 encompass similar shapes, as is evident from a comparison of Figures 5 and 9. However, at the shaft end 3 equipped with the half-connector 4, the shape is interrupted at the location of the concave interlock element 14.

[0042] A separate locking element 30 may be applied to lock the mating coupler 23 of accessory 5 axially A against the other coupler 29 at another end of strut 2, while allowing the mating coupler 23 to rotate relative to the other coupler 29. This separate locking element 30 is configured to engage with a circumferential groove 28 of the mating coupler 23 when accessory 5 is rotatably coupled to the other coupler 29, thereby locking the mating coupler 23 of accessory 5 axially A against the other coupler 29 at another end 6 of strut 2, while allowing the mating coupler 23, and therefore accessory 5, to rotate relative to the other coupler 29. The separate locking element 30 may be actuated by a similar mechanism provided on the half-connector 4. More precisely, the mechanism may comprise a push button 31 with a hinge lever 32 pre-energized by a spring 33 (see Figure 10).

[0043] The following description briefly discusses several further embodiments. The same reference numerals apply to the same features, but the number increases by 200 in the second preferred embodiment, and by 300 in the third preferred embodiment, and so on. To avoid repetition, the focus when discussing further preferred embodiments is on the most significant differences from the first preferred embodiment, which is considered the best mode for carrying out the invention.

[0044] A second preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 11A1, 11A2, 11A3, and 11B. Each connector 201 has two geometrically identical semiconnectors 204, each having a convex interlock element 213 and a concave interlock element 214, and each of the two semiconnectors 204 is configured to be mechanically coupled to a geometrically identical semiconnector 204 (Figure 11A3). Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the semiconnectors 204 can also be coupled to the mating coupler 223 of the accessory 205 (Figure 11B).

[0045] The locking element 217 is pre-biased by a spring 221. In Figure 11A2, the spring 221 is shown in a compressed state, which occurs when the two semiconnectors 204 are in compressed contact in the relative orientation shown in Figure 11A2. However, for illustrative purposes, the two semiconnectors 204 are shown slightly offset in the axial direction to show how the convex interlock element 213 and concave interlock element 214 of one semiconnector 204 are mechanically connected to the corresponding concave interlock element 214 and convex interlock element 213 of the other semiconnector 204.

[0046] The two semi-connectors 204 come into contact, thereby compressing the spring 221, after which they move in the radial direction R traversing the axial direction A, engaging the convex interlock element 213 and concave interlock element 214 of both semi-connectors 204. The locking elements 217 are now pushed outward in the axial direction by their springs 221, thereby locking the two semi-connectors 204 together against unintentional disconnection (Figure 11A3). Due to the shape of the two semi-connectors 204, they are immobile relative to each other.

[0047] As shown in Figure 11B, the semi-connector 204 can also be coupled to the mating coupler 223 of the accessory 205. The coupler locking element 236 engages with the circumferential groove 228 of the mating coupler 223 when the accessory 204 is rotatably coupled to the semi-connector 204, thereby allowing the mating coupler 223 of the accessory 205 to rotate relative to the coupler 222, while simultaneously allowing the mating coupler 223 of the semi-connector 204 to be locked in the axial direction A relative to the coupler 222.

[0048] A third preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 12A to 12E. Each connector 301 comprises two geometrically identical semiconnectors 304, each having a convex interlock element 313 and a concave interlock element 314, and each of the two semiconnectors 304 is configured to be mechanically coupled to a geometrically identical semiconnector 304 (Figures 12B, 12C, and 12D). Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the semiconnectors 204 can also be coupled to the mating coupler 223 of the accessory 205 (Figure 12E).

[0049] The semi-connectors 304 exhibit six rotational symmetries. In other words, they can be connected to each other at 60° intervals. In this embodiment, the convex interlock element 313 and the concave interlock element 314 are oriented axially and circumferentially with respect to the semi-connectors 304.

[0050] The ring-shaped locking element 317 is pre-biased axially by a spring (not shown) that pushes the locking element 317 axially outward with respect to each semi-connector 304. Due to the stepped edge 337 having a convex portion 338 and a concave portion 339, the two ring-shaped locking elements 317 of the two semi-connectors 304 engage with each other (Figure 12B), thus providing rotational locking of the connector 301.

[0051] This rotation lock can secure the two semi-connectors 304 against unintended disengagement that could occur if the two semi-connectors 304 were able to rotate relative to each other. Figure 12C shows the situation in Figure 12B, but the ring-shaped locking element 317 is not shown for illustrative purposes so as not to interfere with illustrating the connection between the two semi-connectors 304.

[0052] A fourth preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 13A to 13E. Each connector 401 comprises two geometrically identical semiconnectors 404, each having a convex interlock element 413 and a concave interlock element 414, and each of the two semiconnectors 404 is configured to be mechanically connected to a geometrically identical semiconnector 404 (Figures 13B, 13C, and 13D). Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the semiconnectors 404 can also be connected to the mating coupler 423 of the accessory 405 (Figure 13E).

[0053] The semi-connectors 404 exhibit six rotational symmetries. In other words, they can be connected to each other at 60° intervals. In this embodiment, the convex interlock element 413 and the concave interlock element 414 are oriented axially and circumferentially with respect to the semi-connectors 404.

[0054] The ring-shaped locking elements 417 are pre-biased axially by a spring (not shown) that pushes the locking elements 417 axially outward relative to each semi-connector 404. Due to the stepped edge 437 having a convex portion 438 and a concave portion 439, the two ring-shaped locking elements 417 of the two semi-connectors 404 engage with each other (Figure 13B), thus providing a rotational lock of the connector 401. This rotational lock can secure the two semi-connectors 404 against unintended disengagement that may occur if the two semi-connectors 404 were able to rotate relative to each other. Figure 13C shows the situation in Figure 13B, but the ring-shaped locking elements 417 are not shown for illustrative purposes so as not to interfere with illustrating the connection between the two semi-connectors 404.

[0055] A fifth preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 14A to 14C. Each connector 501 comprises two geometrically identical semiconnectors 504, each having a convex interlock element 513 and a concave interlock element 514, and each of the two semiconnectors 504 is configured to be mechanically coupled to a geometrically identical semiconnector 504 (Figure 14B). Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the semiconnectors 504 can also be coupled to the mating coupler of the accessory 505 (Figure 14C).

[0056] The semi-connector 504 exhibits three-fold rotational symmetry. In other words, it can be connected to each other at 120° intervals. In this embodiment, the convex interlock element 514 and the concave interlock element 513 are axially oriented with respect to the semi-connector 504.

[0057] In Figure 14B, the ring-shaped locking element is not shown for explanatory purposes to provide an unobstructed illustration of the connection between the two semi-connectors 504. To provide rotational locking of the connector 504, this embodiment is preferably equipped with a ring-shaped locking element, as is the case with the third and fourth preferred embodiments described above.

[0058] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, the above embodiments are intended solely to illustrate the present invention and not to limit its scope in any way. Accordingly, it should be noted that, with respect to features with reference numerals mentioned in the appended claims, the numerals are included solely for the purpose of improving the readability of the claims and do not limit the scope of the claims in any way. Furthermore, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may combine the technical means of different embodiments. The scope of protection is defined by the following claim alone:

Claims

1. It is a strut, It is equipped with a long member that extends in the axial direction and acts as a spacer, At least one shaft end of the elongated member is provided with a semiconnector configured to be selectively coupled to a semiconnector or accessory of another strut, The aforementioned semi-connector comprises a convex interlock element and a concave interlock element that allow the mechanical connection of the semi-connector to geometrically identical semi-connectors in order to constitute a connector that allows the connection of the strut to another strut of the same type in a rotational locking manner, A strut characterized in that the semi-connector is further configured to be rotatably coupled to the accessory.

2. The strut according to claim 1, wherein the elongated member comprises an outer and inner member that is extendable and movable relative to one another.

3. The strut according to claim 1, wherein the geometrically identical semi-connectors are configured as semi-connectors having the same geometric shape that allows a mating connection to be formed between two of the semi-connectors.

4. The strut according to claim 1, wherein the convex interlock element and the concave interlock element are arranged along the outer circumference of the semiconnector.

5. The strut according to claim 4, wherein the convex interlock element and the concave interlock element are arranged alternately along the outer circumference of the semiconnector.

6. The strut according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the semi-connector exhibits two or more rotational symmetries.

7. The strut according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the semi-connector comprises three or more convex interlock elements and three or more concave interlock elements.

8. The strut according to claim 7, wherein the semi-connector exhibits rotational symmetry equal to the number of convex and concave interlock elements.

9. The strut according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the convex interlock element and the concave interlock element are oriented axially with respect to the semiconnector.

10. The strut according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the convex interlock element and the concave interlock element are oriented radially with respect to the semiconnector.

11. The strut according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the convex interlock element and the concave interlock element are oriented circumferentially with respect to the semiconnector.

12. The strut according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each semi-connector comprises one or more channels, allowing for the permeation supply of fluid from a first of the two semi-connectors to a second of the two semi-connectors.

13. The strut according to claim 12, wherein each semiconnector comprises at least two channels: the first channel of the at least two channels is located in at least one of the convex interlock elements; and the second channel of the at least two channels is located in at least one of the concave interlock elements.

14. The strut according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each semi-connector comprises a locking element and a locking recess, the locking element being configured to engage with the locking recess of the other semi-connector when the semi-connector is mechanically connected to another semi-connector.

15. An assembly comprising a strut according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the half-connector of the strut is one of the following: It is connected to the semi-connector of another strut in a rotation lock manner, preventing relative rotation between the strut and the other strut; and An assembly that is rotatably coupled to an accessory and allows rotation of the accessory relative to the strut.

16. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the semi-connector comprises a coupler configured to couple with the mating coupler of the accessory, and the radially inward-facing surface of the convex interlocking element of the semi-connector is configured to engage with the outer circumferential surface of the mating coupler, thereby defining the interface of the coupler.

17. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the mating coupler exhibits a rotationally symmetric outer surface that is at least partially surrounded by the radially inward-facing surface of the convex interlock element.

18. Each half-connector comprises a locking element and a locking recess, wherein the locking element is configured to engage with the locking recess of the other half-connector when the half-connector is mechanically connected to another half-connector. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the locking element is further configured to engage with a circumferential groove of the mating coupler when the accessory is rotatably coupled to the semi-connector, allowing the mating coupler of the accessory to rotate relative to the coupler, while allowing the mating coupler of the accessory to be axially locked relative to the coupler of the semi-connector.

19. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein another shaft end of the elongated member of the strut comprises another coupler configured to connect to a mating coupler of an accessory, and the radially inward-facing surface of the other shaft end defines an interface of the other coupler configured to engage with the outer circumferential surface of the mating coupler and to allow the mating coupler to be rotatably connected to the other shaft end of the elongated member.

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