Anti-rotation arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to an anti-rotation arrangement (10) for securing a nut against rotational movement in the assembly direction (M), comprising at least one polygonal nut (6) having an opening and a plurality of lateral surfaces (7), a support element (5) which has at least one opening (2) and against which the nut (6) rests, and at least one tightening means that is guided through the opening (2) in the support element (5) and through the opening in the nut (6) and is in threaded engagement therewith. According to the invention, a plurality of recesses (4) that are formed on the support element (5) project in the direction of the nut (6), wherein the recesses (4) are arranged around the nut (6) in such a way that the nut (6) is pressed against the plurality of recesses (4) in the assembly direction (M) when the tightening means is tightened.

Description

[0001] Anti-rotation arrangement

[0002] The invention relates to an anti-rotation arrangement for securing a nut against rotational movement according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a clamp with an anti-rotation arrangement according to claim 12.

[0003] Arrangements for securing or blocking a rotational movement of a nut when tightening and assembling a clamping device passing through the nut are generally known.

[0004] In such screw connections, the nut rests on a suitable support element, such as a clamping head of a clamp / profile clamp or another suitable, usually flat, component element, and is usually multi-edged.

[0005] The support element has an opening for passing the clamping device, which corresponds to an opening in the nut, so that the nut rests on one side of the support element and the screw or threaded bolt is passed through both openings from the other side of the support element.

[0006] Weld nuts or anti-rotation riveted nuts, for example, are used to prevent rotation. Furthermore, a web can be provided on the support element to prevent rotation, against which the polygonal nut is pressed with one of its side surfaces when the clamping device is tightened. When installing and tightening the clamping device, which is passed through the nut or inserted into the nut (in the case of rivet nuts), the aforementioned solutions compensate for the tightening torque in different ways and counteract any twisting or unwanted rotation of the nut. In other words, this prevents or prevents further twisting of the nut or any further rotational movement of the nut in the tightening direction (installation direction) of the clamping device.

[0007] A disadvantage of the already known solutions, for example when using a single elongated web to block the rotational movement, which is arranged in the area of ​​an edge or side surface of the nut, are the relatively high mechanical loads which result from the compensation of the tightening torque during assembly and which act both on the screw connection as such and on the support element or the web.

[0008] The aim of the invention is to overcome these and other disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved anti-rotation arrangement.

[0009] Main features of the invention are defined in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 12.

[0010] In an anti-twist arrangement for securing a nut against rotational movement in the assembly direction, comprising at least one polygonal nut with an opening and a plurality of side surfaces, a support element with at least one opening against which the nut rests, at least one clamping means which is guided through the opening of the support element and through the opening of the nut and is in threaded engagement with the latter, it is provided according to the invention that a plurality of recesses are formed on the support element which project in the direction of the nut, wherein the recesses are arranged around the nut in such a way that the nut is pressed against the plurality of recesses when the clamping means is tightened in the assembly direction.

[0011] Due to the inventive design, according to which several recesses are formed on the support element rather than just one web, a significant reduction in load occurs when compensating the tightening torque when the clamping device is tightened in the assembly direction during assembly. The tightening torque is advantageously distributed evenly across the numerous recesses formed on the support element. This results in a distribution of the force or torque, which relieves the load on all components involved during tightening and assembly. The torque reaction during tightening or assembly is advantageously distributed across the surface of each individual recess provided.

[0012] Because the recesses according to the invention protrude in the direction of the nut, they can advantageously function as support or blocking elements for the nut and the nut can, so to speak, clamp itself between the recesses so that it is not rotated further in the tightening direction and the tightening torque is compensated.

[0013] The recesses are arranged around the nut in such a way that the nut is pressed against the numerous recesses when the clamping device is tightened in the assembly direction. This measure also facilitates handling during assembly because the nut can be pre-adjusted between the recesses, eliminating the need for a second hand when installing or tightening the clamping device. The recesses thus also advantageously serve as a positioning and holding aid for the nut. The additional thread engagement further facilitates assembly, allowing even hard-to-reach positions (e.g., in the area of ​​exhaust manifold elements) to be reached.

[0014] Preferably, the shape and orientation of the recesses can be selected such that the recesses can be created, for example, by means of a simple forming step (e.g., pressing) with minimal stress on the surface of the recesses. This reduces costs and simplifies production. The torque generated by the clamping device during assembly can then be reliably absorbed or compensated for and distributed across the surfaces of the recesses.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, when the clamping device is tightened in the assembly direction, the nut can be pressed against the plurality of recesses via at least two, preferably at least three, contact points. This advantageously creates a contact point arrangement with a plurality of contact points distributed around the nut. The recesses and the contact points can be arranged not only around the nut, but also around the opening of the support element. Because the nut and the opening of the nut are already aligned with the opening of the support element in order to be able to accommodate or guide the clamping device through, there is therefore regional contact for the pressing, which additionally reduces mechanical loads and further improves the compensation of the tightening torque and its distribution.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the contact points can be formed between the recesses and the side surfaces of the nut when tightening the clamping device in the assembly direction. This positively blocks further rotation and creates sufficient pressure across the contact points to compensate for the tightening torque.

[0017] Preferably, the contact points can be positioned at the edge of the side surfaces. This ensures that the contact points are essentially shifted toward the edges and can be pressed against the respective recess with sufficient force. On the other hand, slippage during tightening could cause irregularities in assembly, which could further increase the mechanical stress at specific localized points. Overall, this can lead to uneven tightening torque distribution.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, the invention provides that the nut is a metric nut, wherein the nut has a metric internal thread that corresponds to an external thread of the clamping device. This significantly improves the overall mechanical strength and corrosion resistance of the entire connection. The use of welded nuts or existing anti-rotation riveted nuts, as described above, leads to several disadvantages that are effectively prevented or improved by the use of the metric nut. Welding significantly reduces the corrosion resistance of the assembly (support element, nut, clamping device, etc.). The assembly can be understood to mean the entire screw connection. Rivet nuts, on the other hand, create a material bead on the back of the component, which should be disturbed as little as possible.By deliberately avoiding welding work or expensive rivet nuts, in addition to the advantages already mentioned, a significant increase in cost efficiency is also achieved.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the nut can be a square nut, with the nut having four identical side surfaces. The identical design of the side surfaces further simplifies manufacturing and allows for even torque absorption and distribution. Alternatively, the polygonal nut can also be designed as a hexagon nut. In this case, more recesses are expediently provided than in the square version. Other types of nuts can also be used, and the anti-rotation arrangement can provide more or fewer recesses accordingly.

[0020] Preferably, the clamping device can be a screw or a threaded bolt. Further preferably, an external thread of the clamping device can correspond to the internal thread of the nut. This ensures a secure thread engagement between the two components.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least two, preferably at least three, recesses can be formed on the support element. The use of three recesses is particularly advantageous with regard to reducing mechanical loads and ensuring uniform tightening torque absorption.

[0022] Preferably, the recesses can be arranged substantially centrally relative to the side surfaces of the polygonal nut when the nut is in its initial position prior to tightening the clamping device in the assembly direction. This positively ensures that, after tightening the clamping device and a slight rotation of the nut in the assembly direction, the side surfaces form the contact points with the recesses via their edge regions during the pressing process.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the recesses can be hemispherical. The hemispherical shape has proven particularly advantageous because it can be produced with a simple manufacturing or forming step without having to generate excessive mechanical stresses on the surface of the hemispherical recesses. At the same time, the hemispherical shape of the recesses is particularly well suited to acting as a pressing element for the nut, which, in direct comparison to the hemispherical recess, has a more angular and square shape than a rounded one.

[0024] Preferably, the recesses can be configured identically to one another, and the recesses can be arranged evenly around the opening. The identical configuration of the recesses simplifies manufacturing and simultaneously improves the absorption and compensation of the tightening torque during assembly. Furthermore, the recesses can preferably be arranged mirror-symmetrically to the opening. Preferably, at least two recesses are arranged diametrically opposite one another with respect to the opening of the receiving element.

[0025] In a further aspect of the invention, a clamp can comprise the anti-rotation device described above. According to a further embodiment, the support element can be realized directly by a clamping head, which is already provided in principle for clamps. The recesses are preferably formed on the surface of the clamping head.

[0026] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0027] Fig. 1a is a schematic perspective view of an anti-rotation arrangement according to the invention (without nuts),

[0028] Fig. 1b is a schematic side view of an anti-rotation arrangement according to the invention (without nuts),

[0029] Fig. 2a is a schematic perspective view of an anti-rotation arrangement according to the invention (with nuts),

[0030] Fig. 2b is a schematic side view of an anti-rotation arrangement according to the invention (with nuts),

[0031] Fig. 3a is a schematic plan view of an anti-rotation device according to the invention in an initial position (unloaded - before assembly),

[0032] Fig. 3b shows a further schematic plan view of an anti-rotation arrangement according to the invention in an end position (loaded - after assembly).

[0033] The anti-rotation arrangement, generally designated 10 in Fig. 1a and 1b and Fig. 2a and 2b, for securing a nut against rotational movement in the assembly direction M, has two polygonal nuts 6, each with an opening and four side surfaces 7 each.

[0034] The anti-rotation arrangement 10 also has a support element 5 with two openings 2 corresponding to the nuts 6. The two nuts 6 rest on the receiving element 5 and are aligned with the openings 2. Furthermore, a clamping device (not shown) is provided for each nut 6, which is guided or can be guided through the openings 2 of the support element 5 and through the openings of the nuts 6 and is in threaded engagement with the nuts 6.

[0035] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 1a and by considering Figs. 3a and 3b, a plurality of recesses 4 are formed on the support element 5. For each nut 6 and opening 2, three recesses 4 are provided, which are arranged around the openings 2 and around the nuts 6, respectively.

[0036] The recesses each project in the direction of the two nuts 6, wherein the recesses 4 are arranged around the two nuts 6 in such a way that the nuts 6 are pressed against the three respectively assigned recesses 4 when the clamping means are tightened in the assembly direction M.

[0037] As illustrated in particular in Fig. 3b, when the clamping means are tightened in the assembly direction M, the nuts 6 are pressed against the recesses 4 via three contact points 8 in each case, i.e. a total of six contact points.

[0038] The contact points 8 are formed by tightening the clamping device in the assembly direction M between the respective recesses 4 and the side surfaces 7 of the nuts 6. As can be seen, all contact points 8 are created at edge areas or corner or edge areas of the side surfaces 7 of the nuts 6, and the nuts 6 press with their contact points 8 against the respective recesses.

[0039] The nuts 6 shown are metric square nuts, with the nuts 6 having metric internal threads for receiving the clamping device. For this purpose, the internal threads correspond to an external thread of the clamping device. The metric square nuts 6 each have four identically designed, flat side surfaces. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 3a, all recesses 4 are arranged essentially centrally to the side surfaces 7 of the nuts 6 when the nuts 6 are in an initial position before tightening the clamping device in the assembly direction M. The final position, where the nuts 6 are pressed against the recesses 4 and the contact points 8 form, is illustrated in Fig. 3b.

[0040] The recesses 4 are all hemispherical and identical, with the recesses 4 being evenly arranged around the opening 2 and around the nuts 6.

[0041] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways.

[0042] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawings, including design details, spatial arrangements and method steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in a wide variety of combinations.

[0043] Reference symbol list

[0044] M Mounting direction (rotation direction during mounting)

[0045] 2 Opening

[0046] 4 Deepening

[0047] 5 support element

[0048] 6 polygonal nuts (metric threaded nuts)

[0049] 7 Side surface

[0050] 8 Contact point

[0051] 10 Anti-rotation device

Claims

Patent claims 1. Anti-rotation arrangement (10) for securing a nut against rotational movement in the assembly direction (M), comprising at least one polygonal nut (6) with an opening and a plurality of side surfaces (7), a support element (5) with at least one opening (2) against which the nut (6) rests, at least one clamping means which is passed through the opening (2) of the support element (5) and through the opening of the nut (6) and is in threaded engagement with the latter, characterized in that a plurality of recesses (4) are formed on the support element (5) and project in the direction of the nut (6), wherein the recesses (4) are arranged around the nut (6) in such a way that the nut (6) is pressed against the plurality of recesses (4) when the clamping means is tightened in the assembly direction (M).

2. Anti-rotation arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the nut (6) is pressed against the plurality of recesses (4) via at least two, preferably at least three, contact points (8) when the clamping means is tightened in the assembly direction (M).

3. Anti-rotation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact points (8) are formed between the recesses (4) and the side surfaces (7) of the nut (6) when the clamping means is tightened in the assembly direction (M).

4. Anti-rotation device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the contact points (8) are constructed on edge regions of the side surfaces (7).

5. Anti-rotation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping means is a screw or a threaded bolt.

6. Anti-rotation arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nut (6) is a metric nut, wherein the nut (6) has a metric internal thread which corresponds to an external thread of the clamping means.

7. Anti-rotation arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nut (6) is a square nut, wherein the nut (6) has four identical side surfaces (7).

8. Anti-rotation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two, preferably at least three, recesses (4) are formed on the support element (5).

9. Anti-rotation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses (4) are arranged substantially centrally to the side surfaces (7) of the polygonal nut (6) when the nut (6) is in an initial position before tightening the clamping means in the assembly direction (M).

10. Anti-rotation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses (4) are hemispherical.

11. Anti-rotation arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses (4) are identical to one another, wherein the recesses (4) are arranged evenly around the opening (2).

12. Clamp with an anti-twist arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element is formed by a clamping head of the clamp.

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