Device for coupling components

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for coupling two components arranged concentrically with respect to a longitudinal centre axis (1), comprising - a base body (20) with an outer circumferential annular groove (21), - a displacement body (30) which engages around the base body (20) and is held in a longitudinally displaceable manner and can be moved from a coupling position into a release position and back, - a ring-segment-shaped blocking body (10), wherein the blocking body (10) provides a layer structure with an activation layer (11) made of a thermally reactive shape memory alloy and a restoring layer (12) made of a metal material, wherein in a non-active state the blocking body (10) is provided in the annular groove (21) of the base body (20) and wherein in the thermally active state of the activation layer (11) the blocking body (10) is radially expanded such that the blocking body (10) projects out of the annular groove (21) and a movement of the displacement body (30) from the coupling position into the release position is blocked.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Applicant: Ingpuls Dynamics GmbH

[0003] Von-Waldthausen-Straße 77

[0004] 44894 Bochum

[0005] Our reference number ISS2408PCT

[0006] Date: August 13, 2025

[0007] Device for coupling components

[0008] The invention relates to a device for coupling two components.

[0009] From EP 3 564 568 A1 a device for coupling two components is known which uses a bimetallic strip as a temperature-controlled locking element and which is designed as a quick coupling for fluid lines.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to advantageously further develop a device for coupling two components.

[0011] To solve this problem, the invention has the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the device for coupling two components arranged concentrically about a longitudinal center axis comprises a base body as a first component, wherein a circumferential annular groove is provided on the outer surface of the base body, and a sliding body as a second component, wherein the sliding body engages the base body. The sliding body is held longitudinally displaceable relative to the base body in the direction of the longitudinal center axis. It can be moved from a coupling position to a release position and back. Furthermore, the device comprises a ring-segment-shaped locking element, which has a layered structure with an activation layer made of a shape-memory alloy and a restoring layer made of a metallic material.In a non-active state of the activation layer, the locking element lies in the annular groove of the base body in such a way that movement of the sliding element from the coupling position to the release position is permitted. In a thermally activated state of the activation layer, the locking element is expanded in such a way that it protrudes, at least partially, from the annular groove and blocks movement of the sliding element from the coupling position to the release position.

[0012] The particular advantage of the invention lies in the fact that a very compact coupling device is provided, in which the locking element couples or blocks a relative movement of the base body and the sliding body. The device is therefore very robust and durable and characterized by high operational reliability.

[0013] The functional core of the device is the locking element with an activation layer made of a thermally reactive shape-memory alloy. The shape-memory alloy is preferably produced from a flat strip blank. This makes it very cost-effective to manufacture. In the simplest case, only the raw material needs to be cut to the appropriate length. In its non-activated state, the activation layer has a martensitic microstructure. The martensitic microstructure is soft, flexible, and deformable.

[0014] In particular, it is so flexible and deformable that the activation layer can be shaped into a round form by the restoring layer of the locking element and pressed against the bottom of the annular groove. In the activated state, the activation layer has an austenitic microstructure. As a result of the microstructure transformation from the martensitic to the austenitic phase, the activation layer, or rather the flat strip blank, tends to assume its imprinted shape. This imprinted shape is chosen such that the locking element expands and is pressed against the sliding element with the restoring layer leading.

[0015] The microstructure transformation occurs in a temperature-controlled or thermally induced manner. For example, a self-actuating locking element can be provided that is activated depending on the ambient temperature. Active actuation of the locking element can be achieved, for instance, by heating the locking element with a suitable heating element or by energizing the activation layer or the locking element itself, causing it to heat up. For example, the shape-memory alloy for the activation layer can be selected such that the microstructure transformation occurs within a temperature range of 55 to 65 °C.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a radially extended contact shoulder is provided on an inner surface of the sliding body. Furthermore, in the activated state of the activation layer, the locking element is pressed against the contact shoulder of the sliding body on one side and a radially extended locking flank of the base body on the other. For example, the locking flank of the base body laterally defines the annular groove. Advantageously, the arrangement of the locking element between the contact shoulder and the locking flank results in a particularly reliable coupling or blocking of the relative movement of the sliding body to the base body. The coupling device is thus characterized by a high degree of operational reliability.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, the groove base of the annular groove extends parallel to the longitudinal center axis and / or the locking flank of the base body or the contact shoulder of the sliding body are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis. Advantageously, this geometry leads to a positive-locking reception of the locking body in the annular groove or a positive-locking coupling between the sliding body and the base body.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the radial thickness of the locking element is less than the depth of the annular groove. This advantageously allows the locking element to be completely recessed into the annular groove when the activation layer is not activated. The sliding element can thus be moved over the annular groove without colliding with the locking element recessed within it. This further improves the compactness of the coupling device and protects the locking element from external influences and contact. In another further development of the invention, the activation layer and the restoring layer of the locking element lie flat against each other. In particular, the locking element can be designed to consist solely of the activation layer and the restoring layer. This allows the locking element to be manufactured cost-effectively and assembled easily.At the same time, the elimination of any intermediate layers leads to a small radial thickness and compactness of the barrier body.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, the activation layer and the restoring layer of the locking element are locally connected to each other at a single point. For example, the connection of the layers is made by spot welding. Alternatively, the layers can be locally bonded to each other at this single point. Advantageously, connecting the layers at a single point ensures that they cannot be rotated relative to each other during assembly of the locking element or during the intended use of the coupling device. At the same time, relative displacement of the layers, which occurs as a result of the structural transformation of the activation layer and the expansion of the locking element, is prevented. Internal stresses that could lead to detachment of the layers or damage to the locking element are thus avoided.

[0020] The only connection point between the activation layer and the restoring layer can, for example, be located opposite or adjacent to a longitudinal slot of the ring-segment-like barrier body.

[0021] According to a further development of the invention, the restoring layer of the locking element is formed by a sheet metal strip, preferably made of spring steel. This advantageously results in a very cost-effective method for manufacturing the restoring layer or the locking element. At the same time, the sheet metal strip or spring steel is very robust, enabling the transmission of high forces in the coupled state. Furthermore, the energy density is high, allowing the restoring layer to have a small thickness.

[0022] According to a further development of the invention, the restoring layer encompasses the

[0023] The activation layer of the locking element is located on the outside. In this configuration, the restoring layer is advantageously positioned towards the sliding element, with the result that the activation layer of the locking element is protected by the robust restoring layer when the sliding element is moved in the direction of the longitudinal center axis.

[0024] According to a further development of the invention, the base body is designed as a hollow body with a through-hole extending in the direction of the longitudinal center axis. Advantageously, the coupling device can be used as a coupling device for fluid lines. In particular, it can be provided that a temperature-controlled fluid flows through the hollow base body and that, depending on the temperature, the fluid line connection can be either disconnected or prevented by the locking element releasing or blocking the actuation of the sliding element. The coupling device thus provides scalding protection, ensuring that the fluid lines cannot be disconnected above a fluid temperature of, for example, 55 °C.

[0025] Further advantages, features, and details of the device according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the drawings, and the following description. Features mentioned therein can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Thus, the disclosure relating to the individual aspects of the invention can always be referred back to each other.

[0026] The drawings serve only as examples to clarify the invention and are not intended to be restrictive. They show:

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section BB through a device for coupling components with a sliding body in a coupling position and a locking body in a non-activated state,

[0028] Fig. 2 shows the device for coupling components with the sliding body in a release position and the locking body in the non-activated state.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a cross-section AA through the device for coupling components according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 shows the locking element of the device for coupling components in the non-activated state,

[0030] Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section DD through a device for coupling components with the sliding body in the coupling position and the locking body in an activated state and

[0031] Fig. 6 shows a cross-section CC through the device for coupling components according to Fig. 5.

[0032] A device for coupling two components arranged concentrically to a longitudinal center axis 1 comprises a base body 20 as a first of the two components, a sliding body 30 as a second of the two components, and a locking body 10, which is arranged between the base body 20 and the sliding body 30 and selectively enables or blocks a relative movement of the components 20, 30.

[0033] The coupling device can be used, for example, to connect fluid lines or to connect a fluid line to a dispensing or extraction point.

[0034] The base body 20 is designed concentrically to the longitudinal center axis 1 as a hollow body with a through-hole 25 extending in the direction of the longitudinal center axis 1. It has an outer surface 22 and a circumferential annular groove 21 in the region of the outer surface 22. The annular groove 21 has a constant width and a constant depth 26. A groove base 23 of the annular groove 21 extends parallel to the longitudinal center axis 1. Laterally, the annular groove 21 is bounded by a locking flank 24 and a further groove flank opposite the locking flank 24. The locking flank 24 and the further groove flank are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis 1 and extend radially.

[0035] The sliding body 30 surrounds the base body 20. It has a ring or sleeve geometry and is held coaxially with respect to the longitudinal center axis 1, allowing it to be longitudinally displaceable relative to the base body 20. The sliding body 30 has an inner surface 31 facing the base body 20. A contact shoulder 32 is formed in the area of ​​the inner surface 31. The contact shoulder 32 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis 1 and extends radially. It lies opposite the locking flank 24 of the base body 20.

[0036] The locking element 10 is formed in a ring-segment shape. It therefore has a longitudinal slot 13 extending in the direction of the longitudinal central axis 1 and otherwise has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0037] The ring-segment-shaped locking element 10 has a layered structure. It comprises an activation layer 11 as an inner layer and a restoring layer 12, which surrounds the activation layer 11 on the outside. The activation layer 11 is made of a thermally reactive shape-memory alloy. The restoring layer 12 is made of a metallic material, in particular a sheet metal strip or spring steel. The activation layer 11 and the restoring layer 12 are in contact with each other over a surface area. These are preferably the only layers of the locking element 10. The activation layer 11 and the restoring layer 12 of the locking element 10 are particularly preferably connected to each other at a single point, preferably by spot welding. The single connection point of the activation layer 11 and the restoring layer 12 is particularly preferably located adjacent to the longitudinal slot 13 of the locking element 10.

[0038] The activation layer 11 of the barrier body 10 is preferably made from a flat strip blank of the thermally reactive shape-memory alloy. The shape-memory alloy has a phase transition temperature. Below the phase transition temperature, the activation layer 11 exhibits a martensitic microstructure and is soft and readily deformable. Above the phase transition temperature, the activation layer 11 has an austenitic microstructure.

[0039] During the transformation of the microstructure from the martensitic to the austenitic phase, the activation layer undergoes a geometric change towards a shape or basic geometry imprinted during the manufacturing process. This geometric change is used—as explained in detail below—to actuate the coupling device and to couple the components 20 and 30. The activation layer 11 of the locking element 10 of the coupling device can be brought into an activated or a non-activated state depending on the temperature. A change in the state of the activation layer is accompanied by a transformation of the microstructure. In the non-activated state, the activation layer 11 has a martensitic microstructure, whereas in the activated state, the microstructure is austenitic.

[0040] In the non-activated state of the activation layer 11, the locking element 10 is arranged in the annular groove 21 provided on the base body 20. The restoring layer 12 exerts a force acting in the direction of the longitudinal center axis 1 on the martensitic and therefore soft or deformable activation layer 11. The locking element 10 rests flat against the base of the groove 23 with the activation layer 11. A radial thickness 14 of the locking element 10 is less than a depth 26 of the annular groove 21, with the result that the locking element 10 is entirely contained within the annular groove 21 and the sliding element 30 can be moved over the locking element 10 in the direction of the longitudinal center axis 1 along the outer surface 22 of the base body 20. In particular, the displacement body 30 can be moved into a release position in which it rests with the mounting shoulder 32 against the locking flank 24 of the base body 20.

[0041] In a coupled position of the device, the activation layer 11 of the locking element 10 is in the activated state. It therefore possesses an austenitic structure, with the consequence that the activation layer 11 tends to assume the learned or imprinted shape or basic geometry. In the present example, this is chosen such that the locking element 10 expands radially and is pressed against the inner surface 31 of the sliding element 30 with the restoring layer 12 leading. The locking element 10 is then arranged between the locking flank 24 of the base body 20 and the contact shoulder 32 of the sliding element 30, and is in contact with both, such that the contact shoulder 32 of the sliding element 30 cannot be brought any closer to the locking flank 24 of the base body 20. Relative movement and approach of the two components 20, 30 in one direction of movement is therefore blocked.The activation layer 11 of the locking element 10 is brought into the activated state and back again by temperature control. Above a certain conversion temperature, the activation layer 11 is in the activated state, so that the locking element 10 blocks the relative movement of components 20, 30 in one direction. Below the activation temperature, the activation layer 11 has a martensitic structure. This structure is so soft and deformable due to untwinning that the locking element 10 reduces its diameter through the restoring layer 12 and is pressed against the bottom 23 of the annular groove 21 with the activation layer 11 leading.

[0042] In the activated state of the activation layer 11, movement of the displacement body 30 in the direction of the locking flank 24 of the base body 20 is blocked. The displacement body 30 then prevents, for example, a further component (not shown) from being detached from the base body 20. This further component could be, for example, a fluid connection or another fluid line.

[0043] The circular cross-sectional geometry of the ring-segment-like locking body 10 shown in the figures is merely exemplary. The locking body 10 can have a geometry that deviates from the circular segment shape. This applies to the activated state and / or the non-activated state of the activation layer 11. For example, the locking body 10 can have an oval cross-sectional geometry in its expanded state, with the result that the restoring layer 12 only contacts the inner surface 31 of the displacement body 30 locally at certain points.

[0044] Reference symbol list

[0045] 1 Longitudinal center axis

[0046] 10 locking elements

[0047] 11 Activation layer

[0048] 12 Restoration layer

[0049] 13 longitudinal slots

[0050] 14 radial thickness of the barrier body

[0051] 20 basic bodies

[0052] 21 Ring groove

[0053] 22 Outer shell area

[0054] 23 Groove

[0055] 24 Blocking flank

[0056] 25 Passage recess

[0057] 26 Depth of the ring groove

[0058] 30 sliding bodies

[0059] 31 Inner surface

[0060] 32 Attachment shoulder

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for coupling two components arranged concentrically to a longitudinal center axis (1), comprising a base body (20) as a first component, wherein the base body (20) has a circumferential annular groove (21) on an outer surface (22) thereof, a sliding body (30) as a second component, wherein the sliding body (30) encompasses the base body (20) and wherein the sliding body (30) is held longitudinally displaceable relative to the base body (20) in the direction of the longitudinal center axis (1) and can be moved from a coupling position to a release position and back, a ring-segment-shaped locking body (10), wherein the locking body (10) has a layered structure with an activation layer (11) made of a thermally reactive shape-memory alloy and a restoring layer (12) made of a metallic material,wherein the locking element (10) is provided in a non-active state of the activation layer (11) in the annular groove (21) of the base body (20) such that movement of the sliding element (30) from the coupling position to the release position is permitted, and wherein the locking element (10) is radially expanded in a thermally activated state of the activation layer (11) such that the locking element (10) projects out of the annular groove (21) at least sectionally and movement of the sliding element (30) from the coupling position to the release position is blocked.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a radially extending The contact shoulder (32) is provided and the locking body (10) is in the activated state of the activation layer (11) against the contact shoulder (32) of the displacement body on the one hand and a radially extended locking flank (24) of the base body (20) on the other.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking flank (24) of the base body (20) laterally limits the annular groove (21) and / or that a groove base (23) of the annular groove (21) extends parallel to the longitudinal central axis (1).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking flank (24) of the base body (20) and / or the contact shoulder (32) of the sliding body (30) extend radially and / or are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis (1).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking flank (24) of the base body (20) and the contact shoulder (32) of the sliding body (30) are facing each other and / or that the locking flank (24) of the base body (20) is in the release position against the contact shoulder (32) of the sliding body (30).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a radial thickness (14) of the locking body (10) is smaller than a depth (26) of the annular groove (21).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the activation layer (11) and the restoring layer (12) of the barrier body (10) lie flat against each other.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the activation layer (11) and the reset layer (12) of the barrier body (10) are not connected to each other or are connected only at a single point.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that a connection point of the activation layer (11) and the restoring layer (12) opposite a longitudinal slot (13) of the ring-segment-like locking body (10) or that the connection point is provided adjacent to the longitudinal slot (13).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sliding body (30) is in contact with the inner surface (31) of the base body (20) and / or that the contact shoulder (32) of the sliding body (30) and / or the locking flank (24) of the base body (20) are formed in an annular shape and / or that the sliding body (30) is formed in a sleeve-like shape and / or that the contact shoulder (32) on the inner surface (31) of the sliding body (30) is formed as a step.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sliding body (30) covers the annular groove (21) and / or the locking element (10) at least partially in the release position and in the coupling position.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a radial thickness of the activation layer (11) of the barrier body (10) is greater than a radial thickness of the restoring layer (12).

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the restoring layer (12) of the locking body (10) is formed by a sheet metal strip and preferably made of spring steel and / or that the restoring layer (12) surrounds the activation layer (11) of the locking body (10) from the outside.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the activation layer (11) is made from a flat strip blank of the shape-memory alloy and / or that the activation layer (11) has a martensitic structure and is soft in the non-activated state and has an austenitic structure in the thermally activated state and undergoes a change in geometry towards an imprinted shape, wherein the imprinted shape is selected such that the barrier body (10) expands forward with the restoring layer (12).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the base body (20) is designed as a hollow body and provides a through-hole (25) extending in the direction of the longitudinal central axis (1).

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