Clamping device

Abstract

A clamping device (1 ) for connecting rod elements (2), wherein the clamping device (1 ) comprises at least two removably connected jaws (3) for clamping the rod elements (2) between the jaws (3), wherein the clamping device (1) comprises at least three channels (4) for accommodating the rod element (2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (18) of the channel (4), where each channel (4) is partially defined by a first jaw (3) and partially by a second jaw (3) and comprises a first end (5) of the channel and a second end (6) of the channel, wherein at least one of the ends of each channel (4) opens onto the outer surface of the clamping device (1), wherein the clamping device (1 ) further comprises a hole (8) for threading the rod element (2), wherein the longitudinal axes (18) of all channels (4) for accommodating the rod element (2) are located in the same plane, wherein each channel (4) intersects at least one other channel (4) and at least one channel (4) passes outside the hole (8) for threading the rod element, wherein the intersection of the longitudinal axes (18) of one pair of channels (4) is different from the intersection of the longitudinal axes (18) of another pair of channels (4).

Description

[0001] Clamping Device

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a clamping device for connecting rod elements, which solves problems associated with the variability of connecting a number of rod elements that are oriented differently relative to each other and do not intersect at a single common point.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] In the current state of the art, many types of clamping devices are known, which comprise two jaws between which the rods to be connected are clamped and secured. For example, the patent document CN204646891 U U describes a multi-functional connecting element that comprises two identical jaws for clamping rod elements therebetween, wherein each jaw comprises symmetrically arranged grooves that are oriented radially with respect to the center of the connecting element, i.e. , in the radial direction. A disadvantage of this clamping device is that it does not allow connection of rod elements that intersect outside the center and the central hole of the clamping device.

[0006] The document CH-408381 A discloses a clamping device comprising two jaws, where each comprises three grooves and these grooves are inclined with respect to each other so as to connect three mutually perpendicular rods. The jaws are connected by a bolt. A disadvantage of this solution is that it only allows connection of mutually perpendicular rods at precise angles and does not provide any variability in the orientation of the rods. The rods to be connected cannot be oriented such that the longitudinal axes of these rods intersect.

[0007] A different solution is disclosed in the document KR20170121955 A, which describes connection of rods by means of two clamping jaws, wherein each jaw comprises two grooves that are mutually perpendicular or oriented at a different angle for accommodating the rods. The rods can therefore only be oriented in one given direction and are not accommodated in the same plane. Another disadvantage is that the rods are not completely clamped between the jaws, but only by one jaw and further supported by the other rod only at the point of their crossing. Thus, each groove can accommodate only one rod, wherein the rods to be connected cannot be oriented such that the longitudinal axes of these rods intersect.

[0008] None of these solutions allows sufficiently variable and stable connection of the rod elements to connect at least four rod elements, as known clamping devices have limited possibilities in terms of inclination or mutual orientation of the rods to be connected. Another disadvantage of the known clamping devices is that they have to be specifically adapted for each particular application, which is inefficient both in terms of time spent on designing the clamping device and in terms of manufacturing and other costs. None of the known solutions comprises channels for accommodating the rod elements in such a way to allow selection between fully threading the rod element through the entire clamping device and between partially threading the rod element through the clamping device such that one rod element may, e.g., directly rest against another rod element clamped by the clamping device.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] The above shortcomings are eliminated to a certain extent by a clamping device for connecting rod elements, wherein the clamping device comprises at least two removably connected jaws for clamping at least two rod elements therebetween, wherein the clamping device comprises at least three channels for accommodating the rod element. Each channel is partially defined by a first jaw and partially by a second jaw and comprises a first end of the channel and a second end of the channel, wherein at least one of the ends of each channel opens onto an outer surface of the clamping device. The clamping device further comprises a hole for threading the rod element, wherein the longitudinal axes of all channels for accommodating the rod element are located in the same plane, wherein each channel intersects at least one other channel and at least one channel passes outside the hole for threading the rod element, wherein the intersection of the longitudinal axes of one pair of channels is different from the intersection of the longitudinal axes of another pair of channels.

[0011] Said clamping device allows variable configuration of the rod elements to be connected at different angles. The body of the clamping device comprises at least three channels, wherein each channel is partially defined by a first jaw and partially by a second jaw. Depending on the number and orientation of the longitudinal axes of the channels, mutually parallel, perpendicular, and non-parallel rod elements may be connected, wherein the longitudinal axes of the channels, or the longitudinal axes of the rod elements to be connected accommodated in these channels, may or may not intersect. The longitudinal axes of the channels may be oriented at regular interval or rotation with respect to the hole for threading the rod element, or with respect to the axis of this hole for threading the rod element. Preferably, at least 2 channels are parallel and / or perpendicular to each other to allow the connection of rods at the most commonly used angles. In particular, the use of channels such that at least 2 channels are parallel while at least 2 channels are perpendicular provides advantageous applicability of the device to a variety of standard applications.

[0012] Jaws means two main clamp parts of the clamping device, wherein each jaw comprises a recess forming part of the channel and a recess forming part of the hole for threading the rod. Each jaw may further partially form a passage opening for the end of the channel. Each jaw may comprise projections between the passages. Each jaw preferably comprises mounting holes for connecting the jaws. The specific implementation of these elements on the first jaw and on the second jaw may differ, i.e., the first and the second jaw may differ in the depth of the recess, the shape of the mounting holes or the shape of projections, but the function of the first and the second jaw remains the same. The implementation of the first and the second jaw may also be completely identical.

[0013] A channel means a recess in the jaws, wherein the walls of this recess correspond to the shape of the rod element and follow at least a part of the surface of the rod element such that the walls of the recess, i.e., the walls of the channel, and the walls of the rod element abut each other when the rod element is clamped between the jaws. The jaws may be completely identical, i.e., both jaws comprise an identically shaped surface, where this surface comprises walls of the channel for accommodating the rod elements. Alternatively, the jaws may differ, e.g., in the depth of the recess or other features. At least one end of the channel opens onto the outer surface of the clamping device such that the rod element may protrude outside the clamping device when clamped between the jaws. The outer surface of the clamping device means the outer surface of a body composed of two connected jaws. The outer surface of the clamping device thus comprises substantially all of the surface areas of both jaws except the walls of the channels, where these walls of the channels clamp the rod elements when the jaws are connected, and further except for the walls of the jaws, where these walls of the jaws are oriented towards the other one of the jaws or directly contact the other one of the jaws when the jaws are connected. The channel is thus partially open and does not have a closed profile to allow the insertion of the rod element, wherein this rod element can be freely inserted into the channel from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel (in the disassembled state of the jaws). Thus, the rod element is accommodated in the channel so that it is first inserted in the recess of the channel of one of the jaws and then the other one of the jaws is placed on the jaw and the rod element.

[0014] The outer shape of the clamping device and the jaws (in the assembled state) may take the form of any spatial figure, e.g., a cuboid, a cube, a cylinder, a sphere, etc. In the case of forms with perpendicular walls, the longitudinal axes of the channels may be located, e.g., in a plane parallel to the base of the form, wherein the ends of the channels open onto the lateral walls or shell of the form. The hole for threading the rod element may be oriented, e.g., perpendicular to the base of the form or non-parallel with respect to the base of the form. The lateral walls or shell of the clamping device then comprise the lateral walls or shell of the jaws.

[0015] The hole for threading the rod element preferably extends in a non-parallel manner with respect to the plane with the longitudinal axes of the channels for accommodating the rod elements, in other words, the axis of the hole for threading the rod element may be inclined relative to the plane with the channels at any selected angle, e.g., at 45 °, 60 °, 80 °, 90 °. Preferably, the axis of the hole for threading the rod element is perpendicular to or at least approximately perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the channels for accommodating the rod elements, for example the axis of the hole for threading is inclined relative to the plane of the longitudinal axes of the channels by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, still more preferably by at least 75°. At least one channel passes outside the hole for threading the rod element, i.e., at least one channel does not intersect this hole such that one rod element may be guided through both this channel and the hole for threading the rod element simultaneously, such that the rod element accommodated in the channel extends through the entire clamping device. The separation of the channel from the hole for threading the rod element may be provided by, e.g., a wall and a material of the clamping device that separate the channel and this hole for threading the rod element. Preferably, however, the hole for threading extends through the plane defined by the axes of the channels.

[0016] The hole for threading the rod element may extend through the entire clamping device and open onto the outer surface of the clamping device such that the rod element protrudes through both ends of the rod element outside the clamping device after threading thereof through the hole. The hole for threading the rod element may extend through the clamping device only partially such that the rod element protrudes outside the clamping device after threading through the hole with only one end of the rod element, wherein the other end of the rod element remains hidden inside the clamping device. The hole for threading the rod element thus comprises at least one end of the hole that opens onto the outer surface of the clamping device. The end of the hole for threading the rod element, where this end does not open onto the outer surface of the clamping device, may be terminated, e.g., by a solid wall. The hole for threading the rod element preferably comprises a locking mechanism for fixing the rod element in the hole for threading the rod element. The locking mechanism preferably comprises an element sliding in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the hole for threading the rod element.

[0017] The first end of the channel and the second end of the channel mean the end (last) cross-section of the channel defining the length of the channel, wherein at least one end of the channel opens onto the outer surface of the clamping device. The end of the channel may be an end cross-section of the channel perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel, the end of the channel may also be a chamfered end cross-section of the channel. The end cross-section of the channel is defined by the edges on the first and second jaws. Thus, only the first end of the channel, only the second end of the channel, or both the first and second ends of the channel may open onto the outer surface of the clamping device. Each channel intersects at least one other channel, which means that the first rod element may be guided through the entire length of one of the two intersecting channels, where at least one end of the first rod element protrudes outside the clamping device. The second rod element may be guided through the second of these two intersecting channels, wherein the first end of the second rod element may rest against the first rod element inside the clamping device and the second end of the second rod element may protrude outside the clamping device.

[0018] The intersection of the longitudinal axes of one pair of channels is different from the intersection of the longitudinal axes of another pair of channels. The clamping device therefore comprises at least two different intersections of the longitudinal axes of the channels. Preferably, the intersection of the longitudinal axes of one pair of channels is spaced away from the intersection of the longitudinal axes of another pair of channels by at least the largest dimension of the cross-section of the channel. The cross-section of the channels may be circular, wherein the intersection of the longitudinal axes of one pair of channels is then spaced away from the intersection of the longitudinal axes of another pair of channels preferably by at least the largest dimension of the cross-section of the channel. The cross-section of the individual channels may be different, wherein preferably, the intersection of the longitudinal axes of one pair of channels is spaced away from the intersection of the longitudinal axes of another pair of channels by at least the largest dimension of the cross-section of the channel with the largest cross-section.

[0019] The channel may be completely straight, in which case the first and second ends of the channel correspond to opposite ends of the channel and the longitudinal axis of the channel is a straight line, wherein the first and second ends of the channel may open onto opposite sides of the clamping device. For connecting the shaped rod elements, the channel may also be rounded or otherwise shaped, wherein the longitudinal axis of the channel may be a curve. The end of the channel that does not open onto the outer surface of the clamping device may be terminated, e.g., by a solid wall.

[0020] The opening for the end of the channel onto the outer surface of the clamping device may be common with the opening for the end of another channel or may directly abut the opening for the end of another channel. Thus, multiple ends of the channels may open onto one location of the outer surface of the clamping device and form a single passage at the outer surface of the clamping device, wherein multiple ends of the channels open via a single passage. Therefore, exactly one end of one channel or multiple ends of the channels may open onto the outer surface of the clamping device via the passage. The clamping device, or jaws, may be made of any materials that meet the requirements for strength, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and other properties of the clamping device, i.e., they can be made of polymers, reinforced polymers, or other composites, metal, etc. Depending on the chosen material, the jaws may be manufactured by casting, injection molding, 3D printing, etc. The rod elements to be connected may have any cross-section, e.g., circular, oval, n-gon, etc., and any shape of the outer walls, e.g., in the shape of a cylinder, cuboid, etc. The rod elements may be straight, rounded, or otherwise shaped, wherein the shape of the walls of the channels of the clamping device must be adapted to the shape of the rod elements. The rod elements may be made of plastic, composite materials, metal, wood, etc. The connection of the jaws of the clamping device may be secured by any connecting elements, e.g., bolts with nuts. The position of the rod elements between the jaws may be additionally secured by other connecting elements.

[0021] Preferably at least one channel intersects at least two other channels. The variability of the clamping device increases with the intersection of the channel with more than one channel. Thus, the clamping device may comprise, e.g., a total of three channels, where two of the channels are parallel to each other and the third channel is perpendicular to the two parallel channels, wherein each of the channels may open onto the outer surface of the clamping device with only one or both of its ends.

[0022] Preferably, each channel intersects at least two other channels. Thus, the clamping device may comprise, e.g., a total of three channels, wherein the longitudinal axes of the channels form a triangle, or, e.g., four channels, wherein the longitudinal axes of the channels form a regular or irregular quadrilateral, wherein each of the channels may open onto the outer surface of the clamping device with only one or both of its ends. At least one or each channel may also intersect multiple other channels, e.g., in an embodiment with eight channels, each channel may also intersect four other channels.

[0023] Preferably, the first end of each channel and the second end of each channel open onto the outer surface of the clamping device. An advantage of this arrangement is the possibility of guiding the rod elements through the entire clamping device, wherein only a part of the rod element is clamped between the jaws and the protruding parts or ends of the rod elements may thus be clamped and connected by another piece of the clamping device of this invention. Preferably, the longitudinal axes of the channels form an n-gon. The clamping device may thus comprise, e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10 channels, wherein the longitudinal axes of these channels form an n-gon with the corresponding number of sides, e.g., there might be 6 channels whose longitudinal axes form a hexagon. Preferably, this n-gon has at least 2 mutually parallel sides such that 2 rod elements may be connected by the clamping device in a parallel manner. Alternatively or in addition, it is preferable if at least 2 sides of this n-gon are perpendicular to each other, since the requirement for a perpendicular connection of the rods is quite common in practice. The arrangement of the channels may thus be uniform, e.g., with respect to the hole for threading the rod element. The hole for threading the rod element may be, e.g., perpendicular with respect to the plane in which the longitudinal axes of the channels lie, and the channels may be arranged uniformly around the axis of this hole for threading the rod element. In other words, the hole for threading the rod element may lie in the center of the n-gon formed by the longitudinal axes of the channels. Even if this hole does is not located directly in the center of the n-gon, the axis thereof passes preferably through the interior of this n- gon, and more preferably the entire hole for threading passes through the interior of this n-gon. Preferably, the longitudinal axes of the channels form a regular n-gon.

[0024] Preferably, the hole for threading the rod element is at least partially surrounded by the channels. If the clamping device comprises three channels, where two channels are parallel to each other and the third channel is perpendicular to the two parallel channels, the hole may extend, e.g., perpendicular to the plane of the longitudinal axes of the channel may be surrounded from three sides by the channels. If the clamping device comprises three or more channels that form an n-gon, the hole may be surrounded from all sides by the channels and located, e.g., directly in the center of the n-gon.

[0025] Preferably, the clamping device comprises a total of at least four channels. The advantage of the clamping device with at least four channels is a greater variability. The clamping device may comprise a total of four channels, e.g., two pairs of channels with parallel longitudinal axes of the channels, wherein the longitudinal axes of the first pair of channels are perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the second pair of channels. The longitudinal axes of the channels may form a regular or irregular quadrilateral, wherein each of the channels may open onto the outer surface of the clamping device with only one or both of its ends. The clamping device may comprise a total of six channels, e.g., two triplets of channels, wherein the longitudinal axes of each triplet of channels form a triangle, wherein the triangle formed by the longitudinal axes of the second triplet of channels is rotated with respect to the triangle formed by the longitudinal axes of the first triplet of channels. Each channel may thus intersect four other channels, wherein each of the channels may open onto the outer surface of the clamping device by only one or both of its ends.

[0026] Preferably, the clamping device comprises a total of eight channels, wherein the longitudinal axes of the channels form an octagon. In other words, the clamping device comprises a total of eight channels, e.g., two quartets of channels, wherein the longitudinal axes of each quartet of channels form a square, rectangle, or irregular quadrilateral, wherein the quadrilateral formed by the longitudinal axes of the second quartet of channels is rotated with respect to the quadrilateral formed by the longitudinal axes of the first quartet of channels. Each channel may thus intersect four other channels, wherein each of the channels may open onto the outer surface of the clamping device by only one or both of its ends. The longitudinal axes of the channels may thus form a regular or irregular octagon.

[0027] Preferably, each channel is at the lateral side defined by a wall separating this channel from the hole for threading the rod element, wherein this wall is parallel to the longitudinal axis of this channel. The wall separating the channel from the hole for threading the rod element ensures the separation of the channel, i.e. , that the channel passes outside this hole and that the rod element may be guided through both the channel and the hole. The orientation of this wall parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel helps to secure the position of the rod element in the clamping device and to prevent the rod element from rotating in the plane of the longitudinal axes of the channels with respect to the longitudinal axis of the given channel. By the wall being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel is generally meant that the shape of the wall follows the shape of the channel, therefore, if the channel is rounded and the longitudinal axis of the channel is not a straight line, then the wall separating this channel from the hole for threading the rod element may also be rounded. The wall separating the channel from the hole for threading the rod element means the dividing wall located on the inner (clamp) side of the jaw, wherein this dividing wall is not a part of the outer surface of the clamping device.

[0028] Preferably, the clamping device further comprises at least three passages on the outer surface of the clamping device, wherein each passage serves as an opening for the end of at least one channel, wherein at least one passage serves as an opening for the ends of at least two channels. The adjacent passages are the two passages on the outer surface of the clamping device closest to each other, wherein exactly one end of one channel or multiple ends of channels, i.e. , the ends of multiple channels, may open via each of these two passages. These two passages may be separated by a projection, a vertical post or a different separating element which may prevent the rod element from being pulled out of the clamping between the jaws. The passage has preferably the shape of a pointed arc, wherein the ends of the two channels open via the passage onto the outer surface of the clamping device, wherein a first part of the pointed arc of the passage corresponds to the end of one channel and a second part of the pointed arc of the passage corresponds to the end of the second channel. Further, the longitudinal axes of these two intersecting channels opening via a common passage are preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0029] Preferably, the clamping device further comprises at least one projection to prevent the rod element from being pulled out, wherein the adjacent passages are separated from each other by the projection. The two passages are separated by the projection which prevents the rod element from being pulled out of clamping between the jaws, i.e., it prevents the rod element from sliding outward from the clamping device in the plane of the channels, wherein the projection may or may not directly contact the corresponding rod element. The projection may be implemented on only one jaw or on both jaws of the clamping device. Preferably, the projections are implemented between every two adjacent passages.

[0030] Preferably, the clamping device further comprises at least one mounting hole for inserting a bolt and connecting the jaws. Preferably, at least one mounting hole for connecting the jaws is located between the channel and the hole for threading the rod element. Said arrangement of the mounting holes between the channel and the hole for threading the rod element increases the stability of the connection and the strength of the clamping device. Preferably, at least one channel comprises its own mounting hole for inserting the bolt and pressing the bolt into the accommodated rod element, even more preferably each channel comprises this mounting hole. The clamping device or the mounting hole itself further preferably comprises a nut cavity, wherein this nut cavity is located on the side of the mounting hole closer to the channel. This measure also helps the fixation and stable securing of the rod element in the channel. Preferably, the clamping device further comprises at least one connecting element for attaching the clamping device to another clamping device. The connecting element may be located on the outer surface of the clamping device, wherein the connecting element may be one element of a pair of a protrusion and a depression, wherein the protrusion and the depression comprise mutually corresponding shapes and each element of the pair is located on a different one of the two clamping devices to be connected. Preferably, the channels of the two connected clamping devices are in the same plane after the two clamping devices are connected.

[0031] Preferably, after the connection of the two clamping devices, the longitudinal axis of at least one channel of the first clamping device is the same as the longitudinal axis of at least one channel of the second clamping device. In other words, after the connection, at least one channel of the first clamping device is aligned with the channel of the second clamping device, and one rod element may be accommodated in the channel of the first clamping device and in the channel of the second clamping device. Preferably, after the connection of the two clamping devices, the longitudinal axis of at least one channel of the first clamping device is parallel to the longitudinal axis of at least one channel of the second clamping device. Preferably, after the connection of the two clamping devices, the longitudinal axis of at least one channel of the first clamping device is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of at least one channel of the second clamping device. Preferably, the connecting element of the first clamping device is adapted for the connection to the connecting element of another clamping device in a direction perpendicular to the sides of the n-gon formed by the longitudinal axes of the channels.

[0032] Description of Drawings

[0033] A summary of the invention is further clarified using exemplary embodiments thereof, which are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a clamping device with jaws in the assembled state, wherein a total of four mutually perpendicular rod elements are connected by the clamping device. Fig. 2 shows an upper axonometric view of the clamping (inner) side of the first jaw.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows an upper view of the clamping (inner) side of the first jaw,

[0036] Fig. 4 shows an upper axonometric view of the outer side of the first jaw.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows an upper view of the outer side of the first jaw.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows an upper axonometric view of the clamping (inner) side of the second jaw.

[0039] Fig. 7 shows an upper view of the clamping (inner) side of the second jaw.

[0040] Fig. 8 shows an upper axonometric view of the outer side of the second jaw.

[0041] Fig. 9 shows an upper view of the outer side of the second jaw.

[0042] Fig. 10 shows an upper view of the rod element accommodation in the channel of the first jaw.

[0043] Fig. 11 shows an upper view of the rod element accommodation in the channel of the second jaw.

[0044] Fig. 12 shows a vertical section through the clamping device with the rod element clamped by the central hole of the clamping device, wherein the section is run through the central axis and perpendicular to the rod element.

[0045] Fig. 13 shows an upper view of the clamping device with the jaws in the assembled state, wherein a total of four rod elements are connected by the clamping device.

[0046] Fig. 14 shows an upper view of the clamping device with the jaws in the assembled state, wherein a total of two mutually parallel rod elements are connected by the clamping device.

[0047] Fig. 15 shows an upper view of the clamping device with the jaws in the assembled state, wherein a total of two mutually perpendicular rod elements are connected by the clamping device.

[0048] Fig. 16 shows a lateral axonometric view of the clamping device with the jaws in the assembled state, wherein a total of two mutually parallel rod elements are connected by the clamping device. Fig. 17 shows a lateral axonometric view of the clamping device with the jaws in the assembled state, wherein a total of two mutually perpendicular rod elements are connected by the clamping device.

[0049] Fig. 18 shows a lateral axonometric view of the clamping device with the jaws in the assembled state, wherein a total of two mutually non-parallel rod elements are connected by the clamping device.

[0050] Fig. 19 shows an upper view of the clamping device with the jaws in the assembled state, wherein a total of two mutually non-parallel rod elements are connected by the clamping device.

[0051] Fig. 20 shows a lateral axonometric view of a detail of the clamping device with the jaws in the assembled state, wherein a total of two mutually non-parallel rod elements are connected by the clamping device (without the rod element threaded through the central hole).

[0052] Fig. 21 shows an upper axonometric view of three clamping devices with three clamped rod elements, wherein the clamping devices are connected by connecting elements on the lateral walls of the clamping device.

[0053] Fig. 22 shows an upper view of three clamping devices with three clamped rod elements, wherein the clamping devices are connected by connecting elements on the lateral walls of the clamping device.

[0054] Fig. 23 shows an upper view of the clamping (inner) side of the first jaw and the longitudinal axes of the channels that form a regular octagon.

[0055] Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention

[0056] The invention will be further clarified using exemplary embodiments with reference to the respective drawings. One exemplary embodiment is a clamping device 1. that comprises two jaws 3 and a total of eight channels 4 for accommodating a number of rod elements 2, wherein the channels 4 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 and the longitudinal axes 18 of the channels 4 form a regular octagon. In this embodiment, the clamping device 1. (in the assembled state) has the shape of a prism with an octagonal base, where the central axis 10 of the clamping device 1. is also the longitudinal axis of the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2. The clamping device 1. in the assembled state with five rod elements 2 is shown in Fig. 1 , wherein both jaws 3 are connected by a total of eight bolts (bolts are not shown in the figure).

[0057] The clamping device comprises a first jaw 3 and a second jaw 3, which are shown in the disassembled state in Fig. 2 to Fig. 9, wherein the first and the second jaws 3 are shown in a view of the inner (clamping) side of the jaw 3 and also in a view of the outer side of the jaw 3. The clamping device 1_, and thus also each of the jaws 3, comprise a central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 and further a total of eight circumferential outer lateral walls 11 . Each two adjacent lateral walls 11 are separated by a lateral edge 13 of the clamping device. The channels 4 are distributed evenly along the circumference of the clamping device 1_, or the jaws 3, wherein the longitudinal axis 18 of the channel 4 is always parallel to the corresponding lateral wall 11 . The central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 is surrounded by the channels 4, wherein the channels 4 are arranged tangentially with respect to the central axis 10, the longitudinal axes 18 of the channels 4 form a regular octagon, and the central axis 10 extends through the center of this octagon.

[0058] Both the first end 5 of each channel 4 and the second end 6 of each channel 4 open onto the outer surface of the clamping device 1_, specifically in the lateral wall 11 thereof, wherein each channel 4 intersects a total of four other channels 4, where two of these four channels 4 are channels 4 perpendicular to the given channel 4 and the remaining two channels 4 of these four channels 4 are the closest adjacent channels 4 whose longitudinal axes 18 are oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis 18 of the given channel 4 at an angle of 135 ° (these are the longitudinal axes 18 of the two adjacent channels 4, wherein these longitudinal axes 18 of the channels 4 form the adjacent sides of the octagon forming an angle of 135 °, as further shown in Fig. 23). Thus, exactly two channels 4 open onto each lateral wall 11 , wherein a projection 9 for preventing the rod element 2 from being pulled out abuts each lateral edge 13 between the two adjacent lateral walls 11.. The wall separating the channel 4 from the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 of the channel 4 for each of the channels 4, wherein the walls separating the individual channels 4 from the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 also form an octagon. Between each of this dividing wall and the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2, there are two mounting holes 7 for inserting bolts for connecting the jaws 3 of the clamping device 1_, thus, there are a total of eight mounting holes 7, wherein the longitudinal axis of the mounting holes 7 is parallel to the central axis 10 and to the lateral walls 11 of the clamping device 1_.

[0059] The direction of the channels 4 on the inner (clamp) side of the first jaw 3 is indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, showing the intersection of the two mutually perpendicular channels 4, wherein each channel 4 is defined by a dashed line on each lateral side of the channel 4. Each channel 4 comprises a first end 5 of the channel and a second end 6 of the channel, wherein one end of each of the two channels 4 opens via one common passage 12. The passage 12 of the channel in each lateral wall has the shape of a pointed arc, wherein it opens via each passage 12 onto the outer surface of the end of two channels 4, where the first part of the pointed arc of the passage 12 corresponds to the end of one channel 4 and the second part of the pointed arc of the passage 12 corresponds to the end of the second channel 4, wherein the longitudinal axes 18 of the two intersecting channels 4 are perpendicular to each other.

[0060] The first jaw 3 further comprises eight additional mounting holes 7, wherein each of these mounting holes 7 is located in the center of each channel 4 at the bottom of the recess of the channel 4 and is used for the insertion of a bolt and the fixation of the rod element 2 which can be accommodated in that channel 4. The longitudinal axis of these mounting holes 7 is also parallel to the central axis 10 and to the lateral walls 11 of the clamping device 1. The cross-section of the mounting holes 7 extending through the bottom of the channel 4 is hexagonal on the inner (clamp) side of the jaw 3, wherein this hexagonal cross-section corresponds to the nut cavity 17, (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3), and on the outer side of the jaw 3, this cross-section is circular, i.e. , the cross-section of the mounting hole 7 in the place closer to the rod element 2 accommodated in the channel 4 is hexagonal so that a nut can be inserted into this mounting hole 7 and thus the bolt can be secured. In the case of the mounting holes 7 arranged along the circumference of the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2, their cross-section on the inner (clamp) side of the jaw 3 is circular, and on the outer side of the jaw 3, this cross-section is hexagonal, i.e., the nut for securing the bolt is inserted into these mounting holes 7 from the outer side of the jaw 3, where the nut cavity 17 is located (these mounting holes 7 are located between the dividing walls separating the channels 4 from the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2). The outer side of the first jaw 3 is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig.

[0061] 5.

[0062] The channels 4 extending on the inner (clamp) side of the second jaw 3 are marked with dashed lines in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The intersection of two mutually perpendicular channels 4 is also shown here, wherein each channel 4 is defined by a dashed line on each lateral side of the channel 4. The opening of the ends of the channels 4 via passages 12 and the separation of the adjacent passages 12 by projections 9 is analogous to that of the first jaw 3. The depth of the recess of the channels 4 on the second one of the jaws

[0063] 3 shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is smaller compared to the depth of the recess of the channels

[0064] 4 on the first jaw 3 in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, for this reason, the channels 4 in the second jaw 3 are also narrower. In other words, the dimension of the channel 4 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 of the channel 4 is smaller in the case of the second jaw 3 in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 than in the case of the first jaw 3 in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The second jaw 3 also differs in the shape of the projections 9 between the passages 12, wherein the projections 9 are flatter and shorter compared to the projections 9 on the first jaw 3. The outer side of the second jaw 3 is shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.

[0065] In each lateral wall 11 of the second jaw 3, the mounting hole 7 for threading the bolt is implemented in the radial direction towards the central axis 10, i.e. , towards the hole 8 for threading the rod element 2, a total of eight mounting holes 7 for eight bolts, wherein these bolts are used to fix the position of the rod element 2 threaded through the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2. The mountings holes 7 simultaneously extend through the connecting elements for connecting the clamping device 1_ to another clamping device 1_, wherein the second jaw 3 comprises a total of eight connecting elements. Specifically, these are four connecting protrusions 14 and four connecting depressions 15. The connecting protrusions 14 and the connecting depressions 15 are located on the lateral walls 11 of the second jaw 3 alternately, wherein the connecting protrusions 14 and the connecting depressions 15 have a shape corresponding to the cross-section in the shape of a hexagon. The second jaw 3 further comprises a number of lightening holes 16, wherein the axis of these lightening holes 16 is parallel to the central axis 10. The lightening holes 16 are located on the sides of the mounting hole 7, which terminates with a connecting element, specifically a connecting depression 15.

[0066] The mounting holes 7 that extend through the connecting elements for connecting the clamping device 1. to another clamping device 1. are also used for inserting the connecting bolt and for connecting the clamping device 1_ to another clamping device 1_. In the case of the mounting hole 7 in the connecting depression 15, the bolt for fixing the central rod element 2 is guided radially and secured by a nut inserted in the nut cavity 17, wherein this nut cavity 17 is located between a pair of lightening holes 16 in the channel 4. In the case of the mounting hole 7 in the connecting protrusion 14, the bolt for fixing the central rod element 2 is guided radially and secured by a nut inserted in the nut cavity 17, wherein this nut cavity 17 is located between the lightening hole 16 in the channel 4 and the dividing wall that separates this channel 4 from the central hole 8 for threading the central rod element 8 (see Fig. 7).

[0067] Two bolts may be guided through the mounting hole 7 in the connecting protrusion 14: one bolt to secure the central rod element 2 and secured in the nut inserted in the nut cavity 17, which is located between the lightening hole 16 in the channel 4 and the dividing wall that separates this channel 4 from the central hole 8 for threading the central rod element 8, and, further, a second bolt to secure the connection of the clamping device 1 to another clamping device 1 and secured in the nut inserted in the connecting depression 15 of this other clamping device 1. The heads of the two bolts abut the longer side of the lightening hole 16, which is located between the nut cavity 17 and the connecting protrusion 14. The bolt to secure the central rod element 2 may be guided through the mounting hole 7 in the connecting depression 15 only if this connecting depression 15 is not currently used for connecting the clamping devices T

[0068] The second jaw 3 comprises the mounting holes 7 oriented parallel to the central axis 10) and intended to fix the position of the rod element 2 in the channel 4 only in every other channel 4, i.e., only in the channels 4 where the lateral walls 11 parallel to the longitudinal axes 18 of these channels 4 comprise the connecting depressions 15.

[0069] The accommodation of the rod element 2 in the channel 4 formed by the jaws 3 is shown in the upper view of the inner (clamping) side of the jaws 3 in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 . In Fig. 10, the accommodation in a part of the channel 4 formed by the first jaw 3 is shown, where the recesses of the channel 4 are deeper than in the second jaw 3. The rod element 2, when accommodated in the channel 4, contacts a total of four projections 9 that precisely define the position of the rod element 2, wherein the differences in the depth of the recesses of the channels 4 are also apparent in the section through the clamping device 1 in Fig. 12. In the case of a perpendicular section through the rod element 2, more than half of the surface of the rod element 2 contacts the first jaw 3 (in the figure, the first jaw 3 is oriented from above), and less than a third of the surface of the rod element 2 contacts the second jaw 3.

[0070] Fig. 12 shows also the mounting holes 7 for fixing the position of the rod element 2 in the channel 4, wherein these mounting holes 7 are parallel to the central axis 10, and further, the mounting holes 7 for fixing the position of the rod element 2 threaded through the hole 8 for threading the rod element 2, wherein these mounting holes 7 are perpendicular to the central axis 10. The mounting holes 7 for fixing the position of the rod element 2 threaded through the hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 are implemented in the second jaw 3 (bottom jaw in Fig. 12), which is made possible by the fact that the channels 4 are, for the most part, implemented on the first jaw 3 (upper jaw in Fig. 12). The section in Fig. 12 is radially perpendicular to lateral walls 11 comprising the connecting protrusions 14, wherein it also shows the nut cavities 17 and the securing of the bolts in the mounting holes 7.

[0071] In order to precisely define the section of the rod element 2 to be clamped between the jaws 3, this section on the rod element 2 is marked with lines on the outer surface of the rod element 2 (lines are not shown in the figures). When the rod element 2 is being accommodated in the channel 4 in the jaw 3, the lines on the rod element 2 are aligned with the edges on the jaw 3. In the first exemplary embodiment, the lines on the rod element 2 are aligned with the edges defining the corresponding channel 4. The part of the mounting hole 7 with the shape in the form of a hexagon is intended for the insertion and placement of the nut, wherein the connecting bolt is subsequently guided through the mounting hole 7 and tightened into the thread of the nut. Therefore, the thread of the connecting bolts does not come into contact with the material of the jaws 3 in any way.

[0072] In Fig. 13 to Fig. 15, several variants of the connection of the rod elements 2 by the clamping device 1_ are shown. One clamping device 1_ may be used to connect up to four rod elements 2, e.g., arranged such that every two adjacent rod elements 2 are perpendicular to each other (Fig. 13), wherein one end of the rod element 2 protrudes out of the clamping device 1_ and the other end of the rod element 2 is hidden between the jaws 3 and almost contacts the adjacent perpendicularly accommodated rod element 2 (Fig. 13 shows another view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 ). The clamping device 1_ can also be used to connect only two rod elements 2, which are parallel to each other (Fig. 14) or perpendicular (Fig. 15). A lateral axonometric view of these two configurations of the two rod elements 2 is shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, where the threading of another rod element 2 through the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 is also apparent.

[0073] The clamping of two rod elements 2, which are non-parallel to each other and form an angle of 45 °, is shown in Fig. 18 and from the upper view in Fig. 19. One (first) rod element 2 (in Fig. 19 at the top) is accommodated in the channel 4 such that it completely extends through the clamping device 1_ and both ends of this rod element 2 protrude out of the clamping device 1_. The second rod element 2 then comprises one end that completely protrudes out of the clamping device 1_, and further a second end that protrudes only partially, because the complete protrusion is prevented by the first rod element 2. From the detail of Fig. 20, it is apparent that when the rod element 2 is accommodated in the channel 4, the rod element 2 is supported only by the first part of the pointed arc of the passage 12, wherein this first part of the pointed arc of the passage corresponds to the first end 5 of the channel with the accommodated rod element 2. The second part of the pointed arc then corresponds to the first end 5 of the channel perpendicular to the channel 4 with the accommodated rod element 2.

[0074] The connection of the rod elements 2 using several clamping devices 1_, wherein these clamping devices 1. are connected by connecting elements, is shown in Fig. 21 and Fig. 22. This arrangement comprises three clamping devices 1_ and three rod elements 2, where each clamping device 1. contacts the adjacent clamping device 1. by one lateral wall 11 . The first clamping device 1_ (in Fig. 21 at the top) is connected by its connecting protrusion 14 to the connecting depression 15 on the other clamping device 1. (in Fig. 21 in the center). In the same way, a third clamping device 1. is connected to the second clamping device 1_ (in Fig. 21 at the bottom). Two mutually perpendicular rod elements 2 are then guided through the first and third clamping device 1_, wherein one connecting rod element 2 is guided through both the first clamping device 1. and the third clamping device 1_. Two mutually perpendicular rod elements 2 are then guided through the first and third clamping device 1_, wherein one connecting rod element 2 is guided through both the first clamping device 1_ and the third clamping device 1_. These two additional rod elements 2 are parallel to each other and are guided through the second clamping device 1_, wherein one of these two rod elements 2 is further guided through the first clamping device 1. and the other of these two rod elements 2 is further guided through the third clamping device 1_. A lateral axonometric view of this arrangement is shown in Fig. 22. Fig. 23 shows for completeness the longitudinal axes 18 of all eight channels 4 of the clamping device 1_, where each longitudinal axis 18 of the channel 4 intersects the longitudinal axes 18 of four other channels 4, wherein the longitudinal axes 18 of the channels 4 form sides of a regular octagon. The longitudinal axes 18 of the channels are indicated by the letters A to H. It is apparent from this figure that in the clamping device 1. of the first exemplary embodiment, the rod elements 2 accommodated in the channels 4 may be clamped, e.g., parallel at an angle of 0 ° (e.g., in the channels 4 with longitudinal axes 18 A and B, C and D, etc.), then perpendicularly at an angle of 90 ° (e.g., in the channels 4 with the longitudinal axes 18 A and C, etc.), and, further, at an angle of 135 ° (or 35 °, e.g., in the channels 4 with the longitudinal axes 18 A and G, etc.).

[0075] In the following part, alternative embodiments of the clamping device 1_ of this invention will be described.

[0076] The second exemplary embodiment of the clamping device 1_ comprises the jaws

[0077] 3 having the same outer shape as the first exemplary embodiment, wherein the clamping device 1. comprises only four channels 4, wherein the longitudinal axes 18 of the channels

[0078] 4 form a square and each channel 4 intersects a total of two other channels 4 perpendicular thereto. This embodiment thus comprises only four passages 12, wherein the lateral walls 11 parallel to the channels 4 are solid (without the passage 12). Thus, up to four rod elements 2 in the channels 4 of the clamping device 1_ and, further, one rod element 2 perpendicular to the plane of the longitudinal axes 18 of the channels 4, similarly to the first embodiment in Fig. 1 and Fig. 13, may be guided through this clamping device 1_. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the lateral wall

[0079] 11 , through which no rod element 2 protrudes, is solid and does not comprise the passage

[0080] 12. This embodiment is suitable only for connecting rod elements 12 perpendicular to each other, wherein solid lateral walls 11 parallel to the longitudinal axes 18 of channels 4 provide even better fixation of the rod elements 2 in the channels 4.

[0081] In the assembled state, the third exemplary embodiment of the clamping device 1_ has the shape of a hexagonal prism and comprises the jaws 3 with the same outer shape, wherein the clamping device 1_ comprises only six channels 4, where the longitudinal axes 18 of the channels 4 form a regular hexagon. In this embodiment (in the assembled state), the clamping device 1_ has the shape of a prism with a hexagonal base and the longitudinal axes 18 of the adjacent channels 4 form an angle of 120 ° (these are the longitudinal axes 18 of the two adjacent channels 4, wherein these longitudinal axes 18 of the channels 4 form the adjacent sides of the hexagon forming an angle of 120 °). This embodiment is suitable for connecting the rod elements 2 at only one given angle, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rod elements 2 form an angle of 60 °.

[0082] The fourth exemplary embodiment is identical to the first exemplary embodiment and differs in that the hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 extends in a non-parallel manner at an angle of 80°° with respect to the plane of the channels 4. This embodiment is preferable for special applications where the threading of the rod element 2 through the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 perpendicular to the plane of the channels 4 is not desired.

[0083] The fifth exemplary embodiment is identical to the first exemplary embodiment and differs in that it comprises the hole 8 for threading the rod element 2, which is located outside the center of the octagon defined by the longitudinal axes 18 of the channels 4. This embodiment is less preferable in that the clamping device 1. is not symmetrical with respect to the central hole 8 for threading the rod element 2, wherein the center of gravity of the clamping device 1_ is located outside the central axis 10 of the clamping device. For some design purposes, however, this offset of the hole 8 for threading the rod element 2 from the central axis 10 of the clamping device 1. may be preferable.

[0084] Industrial Applicability

[0085] The above described clamping device may be used for connecting any rod elements, e.g., in the manufacture of building structures, furniture, toys, etc. List of Reference Signs

[0086] 1 - clamping device

[0087] 2 - rod element

[0088] 3 - jaw

[0089] 4 - channel

[0090] 5 - first end of the channel

[0091] 6 - second end of the channel

[0092] 7 - mounting hole

[0093] 8 - hole for threading the rod element

[0094] 9 - projection

[0095] 10 - central axis

[0096] 11 - lateral wall

[0097] 12 - passage

[0098] 13 - lateral edge

[0099] 14 - connecting protrusion

[0100] 15 - connecting depression

[0101] 16 - lightening hole

[0102] 17 - nut cavity

[0103] 18 - longitudinal axis of the channel

Claims

CLAIMS1. A clamping device (1 ) for connecting rod elements (2), wherein the clamping device (1 ) comprises at least two removably connected jaws (3) for clamping the rod elements (2) between the jaws (3), wherein the clamping device (1 ) comprises at least three channels (4) for accommodating the rod element (2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (18) of the channel (4), where each channel (4) is partially defined by a first jaw (3) and partially by a second jaw (3) and comprises a first end (5) of the channel and a second end (6) of the channel, wherein at least one of the ends of each channel (4) opens onto the outer surface of the clamping device (1 ), wherein the clamping device (1 ) further comprises a hole (8) for threading the rod element (2), characterized in that the longitudinal axes (18) of all channels (4) for accommodating the rod element (2) are located in the same plane, wherein each channel (4) intersects at least one other channel (4) and at least one channel (4) passes outside the hole (8) for threading the rod element, wherein the intersection of the longitudinal axes (18) of one pair of channels (4) is different from the intersection of the longitudinal axes (18) of another pair of channels (4).

2. The clamping device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one channel (4) intersects a total of at least two other channels (4).

3. The clamping device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both the first end (5) of each channel and the second end (6) of each channel open onto the outer surface of the clamping device (1 ).

4. The clamping device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal axes (18) of the channels (4) form an n-gon.

5. The clamping device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hole (8) for threading the rod element (2) is at least partially surrounded by the channels (4).

6. The clamping device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a total of at least four channels (4).

7. The clamping device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a total of eight channels (4), wherein the longitudinal axes (18) of the channels (4) form an octagon.

8. The clamping device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each channel (4) is at the lateral side defined by a wall separating this channel (4) from the hole (8) for threading the rod element (2), wherein this wall is parallel to the longitudinal axis (18) of this channel (4).

9. The clamping device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least three passages (12) on the outer surface of the clamping device (1 ), wherein each passage (12) serves as an opening for the end of at least one channel (4) , wherein at least one passage (12) serves as an opening for the ends of at least two channels (4).

10. The clamping device (1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises at least one projection (9) for preventing the rod element (2) from being pulled out, wherein the adjoining passages (12) are separated from each other by the projection (9).

11. The clamping device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one connecting element for attaching the clamping device (1 ) to another clamping device (1 ).

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