An expansion sleeve and a connection device

Abstract

An expansion sleeve (10) for a connection device (100), the expansion sleeve (10) being configured to be arranged on an axle (110) to secure the axle (110) in a hole (4, 41), wherein the expansion sleeve (10) comprises: an inner wall (22), at least a part of the inner wall (22) being tapered in the axial direction (AD) of the expansion sleeve (10), and an outer wall (24) configured to abut an inner wall of the hole (4, 41), wherein the expansion sleeve (10) is configured to be arranged over a tapered section (117, 118) of the axle (110) and at least one fastening device (130) is configured to be arranged to press axially on the expansion sleeve (10), such that the expansion sleeve (10) expands and the outer wall (24) of the expansion sleeve (10) presses with a sleeve clamping force against an inner wall of the hole (4, 41), wherein the inner wall (22) of the expansion sleeve (10) forms an inner cross-sectional shape (X) and the outer wall (24) forms an outer cross-sectional shape (Y), wherein at least one of the inner cross-sectional shape (X) and the outer cross-sectional shape (Y) is essentially elliptical, and wherein the expansion sleeve is configured to be arranged in the hole (4, 41) so that the elliptical shape results in an increased sleeve clamping force in the load direction (LD).

Description

[0001]An expansion sleeve and a connection device TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an expansion sleeve for a connection device.The invention also relates to a connection device comprising such an expansionsleeve and a machine comprising such a connection device. BACKGROUNDThere are many different ways of achieving connection between two machineparts or components. For pivotal connection, typically a hinge journalled inbearings is used, where one or more bearings are arranged on an axle, whichis fixed in holes or bores in a pair of pivot lugs on one of the machine parts andwherein the bearings are connected to the second machine part. With such arrangement, the relative movement between the bearings and the axle willeventually lead to wear, which results in excessive play also between the axleand the pivot lugs. This may damage the axle, which could have serious consequences. The overcome these problems, expansion sleeves arranged between the axle and the pivot lugs may be used. When tightening fastening elements at the ends of the axle, the expansion sleeves will expand and applya clamping force on the inner walls of the pivot lugs. This way, the axle is securedin the pivot lugs. However, a problem that may occur is that the wear of the lug bore isunsymmetrical or irregular, and will be focused to a load direction. The forceapplied on the lug bore by the axle may thus eventually cause a different shape of the lug bore, compared to the original circular shape. The changed shape of the lug bore will cause a gap between the expansion sleeve and the lug bore inthe load direction and the expansion sleeve will require frequent re-tightening toovercome such gap and increase the clamping force in the load direction. SUMMARY Despite known solutions in the field, it would be desirable to develop anexpansion sleeve and a connection device, which overcomes or alleviates atleast some of the drawbacks of the prior art.An object of the present invention is thus to achieve an advantageous expansionsleeve, which reduces the need for re-tightening and improves and increasesthe clamping force in the load direction of the load applied on the hole in whichan axle is to be secured. Another object of the present invention is to achieve an advantageous expansion sleeve, which improves the sleeve clamping force distribution. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to achieve a connectiondevice, which is adapted to provide improved sleeve clamping force also whenthe hole is subject to wear. The herein mentioned objects are achieved by an expansion sleeve, aconnection device comprising such an expansion sleeve, and a machinecomprising such a connection device according to the independent claims.Hence, according to an aspect of the present invention, an expansion sleeve fora connection device is provided. The expansion sleeve is configured to bearranged on an axle of the connection device to secure the axle in a hole,wherein the expansion sleeve comprises: an inner wall configured to abut atapered section of the axle, at least a part of the inner wall being tapered in theaxial direction of the expansion sleeve, and an outer wall configured to abut an inner wall of the hole, wherein the expansion sleeve is configured to be arranged over the tapered section of the axle and at least one fastening device is configured to be arranged to press axially against the expansion sleeve, such that the expansion sleeve expands and the outer wall of the expansion sleevepresses with a sleeve clamping force against an inner wall of the hole. The innerwall of the expansion sleeve forms an inner cross-sectional shape and the outerwall forms an outer cross-sectional shape, wherein at least one of the innercross-sectional shape and the outer cross-sectional shape is essentially elliptical, and wherein the expansion sleeve is configured to be arranged in the hole basedon a load direction of the majority of the load affecting the hole, so that theelliptical shape results in an increased sleeve clamping force in the load direction.The expansion sleeve is thus configured to be positioned in the hole, such thatthe elliptical shape enables an improved sleeve clamping force in the loaddirection. It is to be understood that the load affecting the hole specifically means the loadaffecting the inner walls of the hole. The elliptical shape of the expansion sleevewill together with the shape of the hole and / or the shape of the axle on which itis arranged, enable an improved clamping force in the load direction. Theessentially elliptical shape of the expansion sleeve will allow the expansionsleeve to adapt to the changes of the hole due to wear. The elliptical cross- sectional shape may also be referred to as oval. The inner and outer cross-sectional shapes are shapes of cross-sections havinga cutting plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the expansion sleeve.The expansion sleeve as disclosed herein may be used in any connection device, such as a pivot pin assembly or a rigid bolt connection. The hole in which the axle is to be secured by means of the expansion sleeve may be a borehole in a component or a lug bore of a pivot lug. The expansion sleeve may thus beconfigured to be arranged on an axle of the connection device to secure the axle(for example a pivot pin) in a pivot lug. The expansion sleeve may also be usedin a bolt connection for rigidly connecting two components. When tightening the fastening device, the expansion sleeve is pushed axially over the tapered section of the axle, and the expansion sleeve will expand. The outer wall of the expansion sleeve will this way press against the inner wall of the hole andthereby apply a sleeve clamping force.The expansion sleeve having a tapering inner wall means that the expansion sleeve comprises an inner diameter, which varies along the axial extension of the expansion sleeve. The tapering inner wall may be tapering in direction towards the at least one fastening device pressing against the expansion sleeve. Thus, the inner diameter of the expansion sleeve may increase in direction away from the at least one fastening device. According to another example, the tapering inner wall of the expansion sleeve has a length similar to, or shorter than, a length of the tapered section of the axle. The tapering inner wall may thus have the same length as the tapered section of the axle or be shorter than the tapered section of the axle. The hole receiving the axle of the connection device typically has an essentiallycircular cross-section from the beginning. The majority of the load applied on thehole through the axle is often transferred in 180 degrees. The direction of themajority of the applied load is herein referred to as the load direction. Becauseof substantial wear in the load direction, the hole may become oval or ellipticallyshaped after some time. Commonly known expansion sleeves typicallycomprise a conical unit with a circular cross-sectional shape. When the hole becomes worn, the circular shape of the expansion sleeve will cause a gapbetween the expansion sleeve and the inner walls of the worn hole in the loaddirection. A circular conical expansion sleeve will expand equally in 360 degreesand will thus initially apply a sleeve clamping force only where the oval shapedhole has its smallest diameter. This is typically perpendicularly to the loaddirection and where there is low or no load on the hole walls from the axle. Thus,when the fastening device is re-tightened and the expansion sleeve is pushed axially, the expansion sleeve will expand and the majority of the sleeve clamping force will be applied in other directions than in the load direction. Also, such expansion sleeve will require frequent re-tightening in order to reduce the gap and provide a sleeve clamping force in the load direction. With the expansion sleeve according to the present disclosure, at least one of the inner and outercross-sectional shapes of the expansion sleeve is essentially elliptical and theexpansion sleeve is configured to be arranged in the hole such that the ellipticalshape increases the sleeve clamping force in the load direction. The ellipticalshape will affect how the sleeve clamping force is applied on the inner walls ofthe hole when the expansion sleeve expands and the expansion sleeve can thus be arranged in the hole such that the sleeve clamping force in the load directionis increased. This way, the need for re-tightening will be reduced and thedistribution of the sleeve clamping force is improved. The expansion sleeveaccording the present invention will thus have an improved functionality in wornholes compared to prior art.The inner cross-sectional shape and the outer cross-sectional shape may differ from each other. Thus, the inner cross-sectional shape may be essentiallyelliptical and the outer cross-sectional shape may be circular or vice versa.Alternatively, both the inner cross-sectional shape and the outer cross-sectional shape are essentially elliptical. In one example, the expansion sleeve is configured for retro-fit in a worn hole and the outer cross-sectional shape is essentially elliptical, wherein the expansion sleeve is configured to be arranged in the worn hole such that thelargest diameter of the elliptical outer cross-sectional shape is essentiallyaligned with the load direction. This way, the outer cross-sectional shape of theexpansion sleeve will better correspond to the shape of the worn hole. The need for re-tightening will be reduced since the outer shape of the expansion sleeve at initial installation is more similar to the worn hole and thus eliminates orreduces the gap between the expansion sleeve and the inner walls of the holein the load direction. The expansion sleeve will this way also have an increasedclamping force in the load direction where the actual force from the axle affects the hole and an improved sleeve clamping force distribution. It is to be understood that the largest diameter of the elliptic cross-sectional shape goes from one side of the ellipse, through the center, to the other side, at the widest part of the ellipse. The largest diameter may also be referred to as the longest diameter or the major axis of the ellipse. The smallest diameter of the elliptic cross-sectional shape thus goes from one side of the ellipse, through the centre, to the other side, at the narrowest part of the ellipse. The smallest diameter may also be referred to as the shortest diameter or the minor axis of the ellipse. In the event that the outer cross-sectional shape of the expansion sleeve is essentially elliptical, the outer wall of the expansion sleeve may comprise twoopposite essentially flat sections and two opposite curved sections. The largestdiameter of the elliptical shape extends between the two curved sections andthe shortest diameter extends between the two flat sections. The expansionsleeve will thus be arranged with the two curved sections aligned with the load direction. The two flat sections may be achieved by means of milling. Thus, the expansion sleeve may be manufactured with a circular outer cross-sectional shape and two opposite wall sections may subsequently be milled to become essentially flat. Alternatively, the expansion sleeve is manufactured by means of additive manufacturing, molding or similar.The two curved sections of the expansion sleeve may each have a radiuscorresponding to the radius of the hole. This way, the expansion sleeve will better fit into the worn hole.The expansion sleeve may comprise at least one cut or slot enabling theexpansion of the sleeve. The at least one cut or slot extends axially along theexpansion sleeve. The axial extension of the expansion sleeve may also bereferred to as the longitudinal extension. The at least one cut or slot may extendalong at least a part of the longitudinal extension of the expansion sleeve. One cut or slot typically extends along the whole longitudinal extension of the expansion sleeve. In another example, the expansion sleeve is configured to be arranged on anaxle having an essentially elliptical shaped tapered section, and the inner cross-sectional shape is essentially elliptical, wherein the expansion sleeve isconfigured to be arranged with the smallest diameter of the elliptical inner cross-sectional shape essentially aligned with the load direction. The outer cross- sectional shape may be essentially circular. Alternatively, the outer cross-sectional shape is essentially elliptical such that the largest diameter of the outercross-sectional shape is perpendicular to the largest diameter of the inner cross- sectional shape. The expansion sleeve may be configured, such that the inner cross-sectional shape varies along the axial extension of the expansion sleeve. The inner cross-sectional shape is typically elliptical at a first end of the sleeve and the innercross-sectional shape may be circular at a second opposite end of theexpansion sleeve. The first end is typically arranged to abut the at least one fastening device. The expansion sleeve may be configured with a smoothtransition between elliptical to circular cross-sectional shape. Where the cross-sectional shape is elliptical, the expansion sleeve will have thicker wall sectionsthat are aligned with the smallest diameter of the inner cross-sectional shape,and thinner wall sections that are aligned with the largest diameter of the innercross-sectional shape. The expansion sleeve is configured to be arranged in thehole such that the thicker wall sections are aligned with the load direction.The thinner wall sections may have the same thickness along the longitudinalextension of the expansion sleeve. Thus, only part of the inner wall of theexpansion sleeve may be tapered. This way, when the expansion sleeve ispressed axially on the elliptical tapered section of the axle, the expansion sleevewill expand only in 180 degrees. That is, the expansion sleeve will only expandin a direction aligned with the thicker wall sections. This way, an increasedsleeve clamping force is achieved in the load direction and the functionality ofthe expansion sleeve is maintained even when the hole changes shape due towear.The elliptical inner cross-sectional shape will provide a rotational shape lockingfunction and thus prevent rotation between the expansion sleeve and the axle. It will also increase the locking force between the expansion sleeve and the hole. In the event that the inner cross-sectional shape of the expansion sleeve isessentially elliptical, the expansion sleeve may have a continuous, essentiallyeven outer wall. The thinner wall sections of the expansion sleeve will allow theexpansion sleeve to expand without slots or cuts. Thus, the expansion sleeve may not have any slots or cuts to enable expansion. Instead, the thinner wallsections of the expansion sleeve will be slightly stretched as the expansionsleeve is pressed axially on the axle and the expansion sleeve will expand in theload direction. With a continuous, essentially even wall, there is less risk thatdirt, particles and fluids will enter into the expansion sleeve and reach the axle. Alternatively, the expansion sleeve comprises at least one slot or cut to facilitateexpansion at the thicker wall sections and / or at least one slot to facilitatestretching of the thinner wall sections. The expansion sleeve having an inner cross-sectional shape that is essentially elliptical may be manufactured by means of lathing, molding, additivemanufacturing or sintering.As discussed herein, the expansion sleeve according to the invention may havean inner cross-sectional shape which is essentially elliptical, wherein theexpansion sleeve is configured to be arranged in the hole with the smallestdiameter of the elliptical shape aligned with the load direction, or the expansionsleeve has an outer cross-sectional shape which is essentially elliptical, whereinthe expansion sleeve is configured to be arranged with the largest diameter ofthe elliptical shape aligned with the load direction.According to another aspect of the invention, a connection device for connectingtwo components is provided, the connection device comprising: an axle; at least one fastening device arranged in connection with the axle; and at least one expansion sleeve as disclosed herein, wherein the axle comprises at least one tapered section and is configured to be arranged with the at least one tapered section in a hole, wherein the at least one expansion sleeve is arranged over the tapered section, the at least one fastening device pressing axially against the expansion sleeve, such that the expansion sleeve expands and the outer wall of the expansion sleeve presses with a sleeve clamping force against an inner wall of the hole. In one example, the expansion sleeve is configured for retro-fit in a worn hole and the outer cross-sectional shape is essentially elliptical, wherein the expansion sleeve is configured to be arranged in the worn hole such that thelargest diameter of the elliptical outer cross-sectional shape is essentiallyaligned with the load direction. In this example, the axle inner cross-sectional shape of the expansion sleeve is typically circular and the axle has a corresponding circular shape. In another example, the axle comprises at least one tapered section with anessentially elliptical cross-section, and the inner cross-sectional shape of theexpansion sleeve is essentially elliptical. In this example, the expansion sleeveis configured to be arranged with the smallest diameter of the elliptical innercross-sectional shape essentially aligned with the load direction. The outer cross-sectional shape of the expansion sleeve may be essentially circular. Theexpansion sleeve may be configured with a smooth transition from elliptical tocircular cross-sectional shape, and the tapered section of the axle may similarly be configured with a smooth transition from elliptical to circular cross-sectional shape. The tapered section of the axle may thus have a cross-sectional shape that varies along the axial extension of the tapered section. The at least one fastening device of the connection device may comprise a boltand a washer. The fastening device may alternatively comprise a nut and / or a washer. In another example, the fastening device may form part or be integrated with the component comprising the hole(s) in which the axle is to be secured. In one example, the axle comprises a first end and a second end, and the connection device comprises two fastening devices, one fastening devicearranged at each end of the axle. The axle further comprises a centre sectionand two tapered sections tapering from the centre section towards the first endand the second end respectively. The centre section typically has a circular cross-section along the whole axial extension of the centre section. The tapered sections of the axle may have an axial extension similar to the width of the holes. The length (axial extension) of the centre section of the axle may thus correspond to the distance between the two holes. The connection device may comprise two expansion sleeves, one arranged at each tapered section of the axle.According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a machine is provided,the machine comprising a connection device as disclosed herein to connect twocomponents. The hole(s) into which the axle and the expansion sleeve is to bearranged form part of one of the components to be connected to each other by means of the connection device. The second component may be connected tothe centre section of the axle of the connection device. The machine may be avehicle, such as a mining vehicle, forestry vehicle or similar. The present disclosure is applicable on all sorts of components being connected. The present disclosure is applicable on all bolt / pin / axle connections for fixating or aligning components, both pivotal connections and rigid connections. Thedisclosure is applicable on different types of machines, such as vehicles, drawbridges, load moving machinery, crushers or other stationary equipment. Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not restricted to the specific details described. Specialists having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations within other fields, which are within the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFor fuller understanding of the present disclosure and further objects andadvantages of it, the detailed description set out below should be read together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various drawings, and in which:Figure 1 schematically illustrate an expansion sleeve accordingto prior art;Figures 2a-c schematically illustrates an expansion sleeveaccording to an example;Figures 3a-b schematically illustrates an expansion sleeveaccording to an example;Figures 4a-b schematically illustrate a connection device accordingto an example;Figure 5 schematically illustrates a machine according to anexample. DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe present disclosure will now be further illustrated with reference to theappended figures. Figure 1 schematically illustrates an expansion sleeve 10 for a connectiondevice according to prior art. The expansion sleeve 10 is arranged on an axle 110 of the connection device to secure the axle 110 in a hole 4, 4’. The hole 4, 4’ may be a hole in a pair of lugs as illustrated here.The expansion sleeve 10 comprises an inner wall 22 configured to abut atapered section (not shown) of the axle 110. The inner wall 22 is tapered in theaxial direction of the expansion sleeve 10. The expansion sleeve 10 alsocomprises an outer wall 24 configured to abut an inner wall of the hole 4, 4’. Theexpansion sleeve 10 is configured to be arranged over the tapered section of the axle 110 and at least one fastening device (not shown) is configured to be arranged to press axially against the expansion sleeve 10, such that the expansion sleeve 10 expands and the outer wall 24 of the expansion sleeve 10presses with a sleeve clamping force against the inner wall of the hole 4, 4’.The inner wall 22 of the expansion sleeve 10 forms an inner cross-sectional shape X and the outer wall 24 forms an outer cross-sectional shape Y. In priorart, as shown in this figure, the inner cross-sectional shape X and the outercross-sectional shape are both circular. The hole 4 receiving the axle 110 of the connection device is typically essentiallycylindrical from the beginning. The majority of the load applied on the hole 4, 4’through the axle 110 is applied at 180 degrees. The direction of said load isreferred to as load direction LD and is herein illustrated as an arrow. As shown in this figure, the applied load will cause wear of the hole 4, 4’, and the hole 4,4’ becomes elliptical. When the hole 4, 4’ becomes worn, the circular shape ofthe expansion sleeve 10 will cause a gap between the expansion sleeve 10 andthe inner walls of the elliptical hole 4, 4’ in the load direction LD. The circularexpansion sleeve 10 will expand equally in 360 degrees and will thus initiallyapply a sleeve clamping force only at zones Z, where the elliptical hole 4, 4’ hasits smallest diameter. Such expansion sleeve 10 will require frequent re-tightening in order to reduce the gap between the expansion sleeve 10 and the inner wall of the hole 4, 4’, and thereby provide a sleeve clamping force in theload direction LD. Figures 2a-c schematically illustrate an expansion sleeve 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. The expansion sleeve 10 may be configured as disclosed in Figure 1 with exception to the outer cross-sectional shape Y. In this example, at least one of the inner cross-sectional shape X and the outer cross-sectional shape Y is essentially elliptical, and the expansion sleeve 10 is configured to be arranged in the hole 4, 4’ based on the load direction LD, sothat the elliptical shape of the expansion sleeve 10 results in an increased sleeveclamping force in the load direction LD. In this example, the expansion sleeve 10 is configured for retro-fit in a worn hole 4’ and the outer cross-sectional shape Y is essentially elliptical. The expansion sleeve 10 is configured to be arranged in the worn hole 4’ such that the largestdiameter of the elliptical outer cross-sectional shape Y is essentially aligned withthe load direction LD. This is illustrated in Figure 2c. The need for re-tightening will this way be reduced since the outer cross-sectional shape Y of the expansion sleeve 10 at initial installation is more similar to the worn hole 4’ and thus eliminates or reduces the gap between the expansion sleeve 10 and the inner walls of the hole 4’ in the load direction LD. The outer wall 24 of the expansion sleeve 10 comprises two opposite essentially flat sections A, B and two opposite curved sections C, D. The largest diameterof the elliptical shape extends between the two curved sections C, D and theshortest diameter extends between the two flat sections A, B.The two curved sections C, D of the expansion sleeve 10 may each have a radius corresponding to the radius of the hole 4’. The axial direction AD is the direction of the axial extension of the expansion sleeve 10. The axial extension of the expansion sleeve 10 may be referred to as the length or longitudinal extension of the expansion sleeve 10.The expansion sleeve 10 comprises at least one cut or slot 16 enabling theexpansion of the expansion sleeve 10. The at least one cut or slot 16 extendsaxially along the expansion sleeve 10. In this example, the expansion sleeve 10comprises one slot 16 that extends along the whole longitudinal extension of the expansion sleeve 10, and three slots 16 that extend along a part of the longitudinal extension of the expansion sleeve 10. Figures 3a-b schematically illustrate an expansion sleeve 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. The expansion sleeve 10 may be configuredas disclosed in Figure 1 with exception to the inner cross-sectional shape X. Inthis example, at least one of the inner cross-sectional shape X and the outer cross-sectional shape Y is essentially elliptical, and the expansion sleeve 10 is configured to be arranged in the hole 4, 4’ based on the load direction LD of themajority of the load affecting the hole 4, 4’, so that the elliptical shape of theexpansion sleeve 10 improves the sleeve clamping force in the load direction LD.Specifically, in this example, the expansion sleeve 10 is configured to bearranged on an axle 110 having an essentially elliptical tapered section 117, 118,and the inner cross-sectional shape X is essentially elliptical. The outer cross-sectional shape Y is circular. The expansion sleeve 10 is configured to bearranged with the smallest diameter of the elliptical inner cross-sectional shapeX essentially aligned with the load direction LD. Figure 3a shows a cross-sectionof the expansion sleeve 10 arranged on the axle 110 and Figure 3b shows theexpansion sleeve 10 as part of the connection device 100. Figure 3b shows theconnection device 100 from a first end, where the at least one fastening device130 abuts the expansion sleeve 10, as well as different cross-sectional views ofthe connection device 100, to show all aspects of the expansion sleeve 10.The expansion sleeve 10 is in this example configured such that the inner cross- sectional shape X varies along the axial extension of the expansion sleeve 10. The inner cross-sectional shape X is typically elliptical at a first end 10’ of the sleeve 10 and the inner cross-sectional shape X may be circular at a second opposite 10’’ end of the expansion sleeve 10. The first end 10’ is arranged to abut the at least one fastening device 130 as shown in Figure 3b. Where the inner cross-sectional shape X is elliptical, the expansion sleeve 10 comprises two opposite thicker wall sections E that are aligned with the smallest diameter of the inner cross-sectional shape X, and two opposite thinner wall sections F that are aligned with the largest diameter of the inner cross-sectional shape X. The expansion sleeve 10 is configured to be arranged in the hole 4, 4’ such that the thicker wall sections E are aligned with the load direction LD. The thinner wall sections F have the same thickness along the longitudinal extension of the expansion sleeve 10. Thus, only part of the inner wall 22 of the expansion sleeve 10 is tapered. This way, when the expansion sleeve 10 is pressed axially on the elliptical tapered section 117, 118 of the axle 110, theexpansion sleeve 10 will expand only in direction of the thicker tapering wallsections E. The expansion sleeve 10 may have a continuous, essentially even outer wall 24. The thinner wall sections F of the expansion sleeve 10 are configured to stretch to allow the expansion sleeve 10 to expand without slots or cuts.Figures 4a-b schematically illustrate a connection device 100 according toexamples of the present disclosure. The connection device 100 may be a pivotpin assembly 100. Figure 4a illustrates a connection device 100 for pivotallyconnecting two components (not shown). Figure 4b shows a cross-sectionalview of a connection device 100 arranged in a pair of pivot lugs. The connectiondevice 100 comprises an axle 110, at least one fastening device 130 arrangedin connection with the axle 110, and at least one expansion sleeve 10 as disclosed in Figure 2a-c or Figure 3a-b.The axle 110 may comprise a centre section 116, a first tapered section 117tapering away from the centre section 116, and a second tapered section 118tapering away from the centre section 116. The axle 110 is arranged with thetapered sections 117, 118 in a pair of holes 4, 4’. The holes 4, 4’ are in thisexample holes in a pair of pivot lugs. In this example, the pivot pin assembly comprises two expansion sleeves 10, one arranged at each tapered section 117, 118 of the axle 110. The fastening devices 130 are arranged to press axiallyagainst the expansion sleeves 10, such that the expansion sleeves 10 expandsand presses against the inner wall of the holes 4, 4’ and thus presses againstthe inner wall of the pivot lugs. The pair of pivot lugs and thus the holes 4, 4’form part of, or is connected to, one of the components to be pivotally connectedto each other.The expansion sleeves 10 are coaxially arranged on the axle 110 and alignedwith the tapered sections 117, 118 of the axle 110 and the holes 4, 4’. Thetapered sections 117, 118 of the axle 110, may have an axial extension similarto, or shorter than, the length of the holes 4, 4’. The length (axial extension) ofthe centre section 116 of the axle 110 may thus correspond to the distancebetween the two holes 4, 4’.The fastening devices 130 may each comprise a bolt 132 and a washer 134 asshown in Figure 4b. Figure 4a shows and example where the fastening devices 130 comprises a nut 131 and a washer 134.Figure 5 schematically illustrates a machine 1 according to an example of thepresent disclosure. In this example, the machine is a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1may be a construction vehicle, a mining vehicle or a forestry vehicle. The vehicle1 comprises a connection device 100 as disclosed in Figure 4a-b. The vehicle 1comprises two components 2, 3, which are connected by means of theconnection device 100. One of the components 2, 3 comprises at least one hole4, 4’ into which the connection device 100 is inserted. The other component 2,3 may be connected to the centre section 116 of the axle 110 of the connectiondevice 100.The foregoing description of the examples of the present disclosure is providedfor illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or torestrict the disclosure to the variants described. Many modifications andvariations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art. The examples havebeen chosen and described in order best to explain the principles of thedisclosure and its practical applications and hence make it possible forspecialists to understand the disclosure for various examples and with thevarious modifications appropriate to the intended use.

Claims

Claims 1. An expansion sleeve (10) for a connection device (100), the expansion sleeve (10) being configured to be arranged on an axle (110) of the connection device (100) to secure the axle (110) in a hole (4, 4’), wherein the expansion sleeve (10) comprises: an inner wall (22) configured to abut a tapered section (117, 118) of the axle (110), at least a part of the inner wall (22) being tapered in the axial direction (AD) of the expansion sleeve (10), and an outer wall (24) configured to abut an inner wall of the hole (4, 4’), wherein the expansion sleeve (10) is configured to be arranged over the tapered section (117, 118) of the axle (110) and at least one fastening device (130) is configured to be arranged to press axially against the expansion sleeve (10), such that the expansion sleeve (10) expands and the outer wall (24) of the expansion sleeve (10) presses with a sleeve clamping force againstan inner wall of the hole (4, 4’),wherein the inner wall (22) of the expansion sleeve (10) forms an inner cross-sectional shape (X) and the outer wall (24) forms an outer cross-sectional shape (Y), characterized in that at least one of the inner cross-sectional shape (X) and the outer cross-sectional shape (Y) is essentially elliptical, and wherein the expansion sleeve (10) is configured to be arranged in the hole (4, 4’) based on a load direction (LD) of the majority of the loadaffecting the hole (4, 4’), so that the elliptical shape results in an increasedsleeve clamping force in the load direction (LD).

2. The expansion sleeve (10) according to claim 1, wherein the inner cross- sectional shape (X) and the outer cross-sectional shape (Y) differ from each other.

3. The expansion sleeve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the expansion sleeve (10) is configured for retro-fit in a worn hole (4’) and the outer cross- sectional shape (Y) is essentially elliptical, wherein the expansion sleeve (10) is configured to be arranged in the worn hole (4’) such that the largestdiameter of the elliptical outer cross-sectional shape (Y) is essentially alignedwith the load direction (LD).

4. The expansion sleeve (10) according to claim 3, wherein the outer wall (24) comprises two opposite essentially flat sections (A, B) and two opposite curved sections (C, D).

5. The expansion sleeve (10) according to claim 4, wherein the two curved sections (C, D) each has a radius essentially corresponding to the radius of the hole (4’) 6. The expansion sleeve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the expansion sleeve (10) is configured to be arranged on an axle (110) having an essentiallyelliptical tapered section (117, 118) and the inner cross-sectional shape (X) isessentially elliptical, wherein the expansion sleeve (10) is configured to bearranged with the smallest inner diameter of the elliptical inner cross-sectionalshape (X) essentially aligned with the load direction (LD).

7. A connection device (100) for connecting two components (2, 3), theconnection device (100) comprising: an axle (110); at least one fastening device (130) arranged in connection with the axle (110); and at least one expansion sleeve (10) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the axle (110) comprises at least one tapered section (117, 118) and is configured to be arranged with the at least one tapered section (117, 118) in a hole (4, 4’), wherein the at least one expansion sleeve (10) is arranged over the tapered section (117, 118), the at least one fastening device (130) pressing axially against the expansion sleeve (10), such that the expansion sleeve (10) expands and the outer wall (24) presses with a sleeve clamping force against an inner wall of the hole (4, 4’).

8. The connection device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the at least onefastening device (130) comprises a bolt (132) and a washer (134).

9. A machine (1), comprising a connection device (100) according to any one of claims 7-8 to connect two components (2, 3) of the vehicle (1).

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