Connecting element

Abstract

The connector (1) comprises a foot end (2) and at least two spring elements (3A, 3B), which are fixed to the foot end (2), wherein each spring element (3A, 3B) has a first wall region (4A, 5A), which is situated closer to the foot end (2), and a second wall region (4B, 5B), which is situated further away from the foot end (2), and also has a head end (6A, 6B), wherein the first wall region (4A, 4B) is at a smaller distance from a longitudinal axis (X) of the connector (1) than the second wall region (5A, 5B), and so an undercut is formed. The connector (1) is characterized in that the spring elements (3A, 3B) have mutually facing, preferably spaced-apart sliding surfaces (7A, 7B), and so they spring when the head ends (6A, 6B) are subjected to radial loading.

Description

[0001] NIRO isipat

[0002] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0003] Verb ending element

[0004] Introduction

[0005] The invention relates to the field of connecting elements. In particular, the invention relates to a connecting element for joining components, especially those made of wood-based materials.

[0006] State of the art and disadvantages

[0007] Connectors, or simply fasteners, are used to join components, and in most cases, the purpose is to prevent any change in the relative position of the components to one another. Connectors are therefore also used when joining components made of wood-based materials, for example, in the manufacture of furniture from wooden panels.

[0008] Simple wooden or plastic dowels are known for this purpose. A hole is drilled in both components, into which the dowel is inserted approximately halfway, for example, by hammering. An interference fit and / or circumferential barb-like collars, as known from German patent application DE 17 75 747 U, ensure that once joined, the components do not separate again, as long as a limit is not exceeded for tensile or bending force. The advantage of this solution is its simplicity; however, the achievable limits are insufficient for some applications. Furthermore, a gap can remain after assembly, since the two components, although in contact, are not clamped together; there is no so-called joint pressure.

[0009] To increase the strength of the joint, it is very often glued. To generate the necessary joint pressure, presses or clamps are used. However, the use of such aids is not always easy; moreover, their application necessitates additional work steps.

[0010] A connector that can automatically provide such joint pressure is disclosed, for example, in German patent application DE 10 2012 219 154 A1. The connector comprises two separate components: a clamping bolt that can be attached to a first component, and a clamping element which is used to...

[0011] Immersion into a receiving recess of a second component is intended. NIRO 2 isipat

[0012] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0013] A connector consisting of only one part is known from publication EP 3 961 049 Al. This connector comprises a hollow body, one end of which has two compressible and expandable parts. These parts have a larger outer diameter at their distal ends than in the remaining, narrower section. If the connector is firmly anchored in a first component and then inserted with the two parts into a bore located in a second component, the two expandable parts are initially compressed together, since the bore has a diameter approximately equal to that of the narrower section. Sufficient space exists between the two parts so that they can approach each other when compressed without jamming, which would prevent insertion into the bore.Finally, the two ends engage in an undercut of the bore, which is dimensioned to accommodate the thicker ends of the spread-open parts. During the re-spreading process, chamfers on the ends of the parts slide along a corresponding chamfer in the undercut. The radially outward spring force of the not yet fully relaxed parts draws them into the bore due to the chamfers. This creates a tensile force which, due to the anchoring of the hollow body in the first component, pulls it onto the second component; the joint is minimized by this pressure.

[0014] A disadvantage of this and similar solutions known from the prior art, such as DE 10 2013 204 704 Al, DE 792 98 66 Ul or EP 3 353 430 Al, designed according to the “push-button principle”, is that due to the limited space in the bore, the spring strength of the connector responsible for the joint pressure is also limited.

[0015] From US patent publication 2,560,211 A, a proposal is known, in particular, for providing a thread protruding from a bore for the purpose of attaching a nut or the like. This can then be used to create joint pressure. However, the use of screw-type fasteners is only possible in certain cases. NIRO 3 isipat

[0016] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0017] Problem of the invention and solution

[0018] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a connector which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0019] According to this, the connector according to the invention is intended to provide a higher joint pressure compared to known solutions.

[0020] The problem is solved by a connector according to claim 1 and a set according to dependent claim 15. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the respective dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0021] Description

[0022] In the following, the direction "distal" refers to the area that extends further out of the bore in which the connector is inserted after installation. The term "diameter" refers to the dimension of a cylinder or cylindrical component or bore; however, it can also denote the "imaginary" diameter that would result if a first component, which is not itself rotationally symmetrical but is attached to a (essentially) rotationally symmetrical second component, were to rotate with the latter around its longitudinal axis. If the first component is segment-shaped in the longitudinal direction, its diameter would result if the segment were to cover a full circle.

[0023] The invention relates to a self-tensioning connector for joining two components by providing joint pressure. The components can be made of any material, provided their strength is sufficient to anchor the connector. Preferably, the components are made of wood, but they can also be made of metal, glass, stone, or plastic; components made of different materials can also be joined with the connector according to the invention. The joint pressure serves to pull the two components together so that, if possible, no gap appears between them, provided the corresponding surfaces are flat and parallel to each other; however, the invention can also be used advantageously with other surfaces.

[0024] The connector comprises a preferably cylindrical stainless steel (NIRO 4 isipat) designed for fixing in a first bore provided in the first component.

[0025] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0026] Foot end. The foot end serves for the permanent, non-removable or preferably also removable anchoring of the connector in the first component.

[0027] The connector further comprises at least two spring elements that are rigidly connected to the foot end and extend axially from it. "Rigidly connected" means that the spring elements can be supported by the foot end under load without detaching; the bending angle at the connection point to the foot end is minimal, in particular zero, and maximal at the distal end. In particular, the spring elements are manufactured integrally with the foot end; however, they can also be made of a different material and inserted, glued, welded, or otherwise rigidly connected to the foot end. The advantage of using different materials for the foot end and spring elements lies in the improved optimization for the respective task (foot end: anchoring in the bore; spring elements: providing the greatest possible spring force).

[0028] Each spring element has a first wall section located closer to the foot end, a second wall section located further away from the foot end, and a head end. The first wall section is positioned at a smaller radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the connector than the second wall section. This creates a simple undercut, meaning the spring elements are radially "thinner" in a central region than in a region closer to the distal end.

[0029] This undercut is designed to interact with a counter-undercut located in a second bore in the second component. "Interaction" means that the (first) undercut, which represents a tapered section of the connector, fits into the (second) counter-undercut of the second bore. The more distal (thicker, defined by the second wall section) portion of the connector's spring elements can pass through the constriction of the counter-undercut when inserted into the second bore, so that this distal portion is positioned behind the constriction of the second bore in the insertion direction. While the two spring elements initially compress upon insertion, they relax as soon as the more distal portion passes the constriction. This subsequent relaxation allows the undercut portion to slide further into the second bore.This causes the springs to "pull" axially at the base end; the first component is pulled onto the second, thereby providing the desired joint pressure. NIRO 5 isipat.

[0030] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0031] The invention is characterized in that the spring elements have sliding surfaces facing each other and optionally spaced apart from each other, so that when a radial load is applied to the head ends by inserting them into the second bore, they spring in a direction substantially parallel to the sliding surfaces. In other words, the spring elements do not spring "towards each other" in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connector, as is known from the prior art, but rather "past each other". In doing so, they can make contact with each other via the sliding surfaces; the movement is not blocked by contact, but the spring elements continue to slide.This provides a significantly longer spring travel, and / or the spring elements can be correspondingly stronger, since more space is available for each spring element than if it had to move towards the adjacent spring element, which would lead to an early blockage of the evasive movement when inserting into the second bore. Thus, with the same bore diameters, the joint pressure achievable with the connector according to the invention can be significantly higher than with known connectors.

[0032] A gap of, for example, 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm can be provided between the sliding surfaces; this allows the spring elements to move a corresponding distance towards each other. However, such (optional) movement is always superimposed on the sliding movement described above. "Sliding" here means a movement that is essentially parallel to each other, similar to a shearing motion; it is not essential that the two sliding surfaces actually touch. If a gap exists, the movement can initially occur without contact between the sliding surfaces, and then, with further loading, with contact between the sliding surfaces.

[0033] The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0034] The invention provides a connector for joining components with a higher joint pressure compared to known solutions. Alternatively, the diameters of the bores can be reduced. Furthermore, in many cases, the use of clamps or even glue can be completely eliminated.

[0035] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below. NIRO 6 isipat

[0036] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the head ends provide the two wall sections in the form of at least one notch. The end diameter of the connector has a value that is then reduced in the area of ​​the notch; the notch "tapers" the end diameter. The end diameter has a larger radial distance from the longitudinal axis and thus provides the second wall section. The diameter at the base of the notch has a smaller radial distance, so that the first wall section is provided. A step or chamfer, and thus the aforementioned undercut, is formed between the two diameters. Preferably, a chamfer is provided whose angle, measured to the longitudinal axis, has a value of 2° to 60°, preferably 5° to 45°, and particularly preferably 15° to 30°.

[0038] Particularly preferably, each spring element has a spring section, i.e., a section along the spring, which essentially determines the movement of the entire spring element, since the areas outside the spring section are stiffer than it.

[0039] This spring section has a cross-sectional profile whose axial area moment of inertia is smaller in a direction parallel to the sliding surface than in a radial direction, so that when the head end is loaded, the spring element preferably deflects in the direction parallel to the sliding surface. In other words, the spring stiffness of the spring section is greater in the radial direction than in a direction parallel to the sliding surface.

[0040] Thus, when the spring is subjected to radial load (as is the case when inserting the connector into the second bore), it will deform more in the direction parallel to the sliding surface than in a radial direction. Therefore, the preferred direction of movement is the sliding past each other described above. The advantage of this embodiment lies in ensuring precisely this desired direction of movement of the spring elements when inserted into the second bore; moving the two spring elements towards each other would lead to increased friction between the sliding surfaces, which would make insertion more difficult.

[0041] The spring section is particularly preferably arranged in the connection area to the foot end, i.e., as far away as possible from the head end. This minimizes the movement of the head end when the spring element (and especially the...) deforms.

[0042] Spring section) maximum. NIRO 7 isipat

[0043] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0044] However, the spring section can also be longer and may extend along the entire spring element (to the head end).

[0045] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the cross-sectional profile is dimensioned such that its side running along the sliding surface is shorter than a side running in the radial direction. Accordingly, the cross-sectional profile can have a rectangular shape, wherein, in particular, the edge of the cross-sectional profile facing the circumference has an arc shape defined by this circumference, which must not exceed the circumference.

[0046] The cross-section can also vary in the axial direction without losing the relationship described above for the area moment of inertia. Thus, the cross-section can be larger near the foot and head ends than in the area between the foot and head ends, or it can be smaller in the head end region than in the foot end region.

[0047] It is also possible to provide several spring sections, for example one in the area of ​​the foot end and one in the area of ​​the head end. The cross-section between the spring sections is dimensioned such that essentially no deformation takes place there (for example by means of a spring stiffness that is 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100 times higher than in the spring sections).

[0048] To avoid weakening caused by notches, the transitions between spring section(s) and the adjoining areas are preferably rounded.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, each spring element also comprises a cylindrical segment-shaped guide area arranged between the foot end and the head end. This serves to improve the guidance of the connector, and in particular the springs, in the second bore. "Cylindrical segment-shaped" means that its side facing the circumference is curved according to the circumference. The shapes and positions of the other surfaces of the guide area, however, are not significant with regard to the purpose of guidance.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, said guide area includes a shoulder pointing towards the head end for interaction with an insertion aid. In this way, the connector can be driven into the first bore with high force without stressing the spring elements. Subsequently, the insertion aid can be pulled off the connector, preferably even if the connector is already inserted further into the first bore than up to the shoulder.

[0051] The shoulder is preferably freely accessible in the axial direction from the distal end, so that the insertion aid can be designed as a simple, slotted sleeve that is pushed onto the distal end of the connector. For this purpose, the head ends of the spring elements have flattened sections that are flush with the inner edges of the shoulders. The insertion aid can also have a "counter-shoulder" at its insertion end, which is offset from its end face just enough so that the end face serves as a bearing surface. This means that when the connector is driven in, it is inserted far enough into the bore precisely when the end face of the insertion aid touches the component; the aforementioned guide area then protrudes from the bore. The distance of the shoulder to the beginning of the guide area corresponds to the distance of the inwardly offset counter-shoulder of the insertion aid from its end face.

[0052] Preferably, the head end, measured perpendicular to the sliding surface, has a greater width than the cross-sectional profile of the spring element below it in the direction of the foot end, and extends into a recess of the adjacent spring element, thus providing the largest possible area for interaction with an entry region of the second bore and / or with the counter-undercut of the second bore. The head end is dimensioned in the direction parallel to the sliding surface such that it only contacts the head end of the opposite spring element when the spring element is at its maximum deflection (otherwise, it would reduce the deflection, which is undesirable). Nevertheless, the head end still has a sufficiently large outer and end surface to cause the spring element to deflect when inserted. Preferably, the head end has a chamfer or rounded edge for this purpose.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, the transition between the head end and the cross-sectional profile below it (towards the foot end) is also designed as described above, thus providing an additional flexible area. This allows the spring stiffness to be reduced, particularly in the head area, which facilitates insertion into the second bore. Naturally, the additional flexible NIRO 9 isipat

[0054] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0055] The area may also be located at another point along the spring element.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the head end has an inner wall parallel to the opposite head end; when inserted into the second bore, these two inner walls move towards each other.

[0057] In one embodiment, the angle between the inner wall and the sliding surface of the same spring element is 90°. If the two inner walls touch, further compression is essentially inhibited.

[0058] In another embodiment, the angle between the inner wall and the sliding surface is between 30°, 40°, 50°, 60° and 89° or between 91° and 120°, 130°, 140° or 150°, so that, in addition to the deflection in the direction of the lower axial area moment of inertia (so), a torsional movement can be generated when inserting into the second bore. The load in the torsional direction further increases the spring stiffness (superposition of a bending spring and a torsional spring).

[0059] In one embodiment, the connector is designed as a hollow body. This saves material without noticeably impairing functionality. Furthermore, this allows the foot end to be designed with greater elasticity, so that – despite being made of a hard or rigid material (from which the spring elements are preferably also made) – it can yield sufficiently when driven into very hard materials (stone, glass, metal).

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the foot end features anti-tilting ribs. These circumferential ribs are angled in such a way as to facilitate driving in, but make pulling out more difficult.

[0061] Preferably, the foot end comprises a cylindrical end section for vertical axial alignment and centering in a bore. The end section preferably has a length of 1 to 10 mm and may optionally be chamfered. Such an end section is particularly advantageous in the case of automated insertion of the connector.

[0062] The foot end can also include a thread by means of which it can be screwed into the first bore. If the connector is made of a hard but elastic material, such as plastic, preferably polyamide, possibly also fiber-reinforced, it is possible that the NIRO 10 isipat

[0063] Connecting element PCT NI01WO-P

[0064] The bore is also made from a very inflexible material (e.g. stone, steel, glass).

[0065] According to another embodiment, at least one locking lug is present at the transition between the first and second wall sections. This lug is designed to engage with a notch in the counter-undercut of the second bore. The locking lug can be in the form of one or more points or a radially extending ring segment. Thus, the locking lug results in an (improved) engagement of the connector in the second bore.

[0066] In another embodiment, the connector has a longitudinal bore extending from the foot end towards the head end, but preferably not completely through the connector. A locking element can be inserted through this longitudinal bore, by means of which the two spring elements can be locked in their relaxed position. Thus, when the locking element is "active," the two spring elements can no longer move towards each other, as this direction is blocked by the locking element. Consequently, the connector can no longer be pulled out of the second bore.

[0067] The locking element can be in the form of a rod with, for example, a round or rectangular profile, which is inserted into the longitudinal bore from the base end. However, it can also be in the form of a glue capsule or, more generally, a self-locking "locking material." This means that the gap that forms between the two spring elements when they assume their relaxed position is filled after the connector is inserted into the second bore; thus, after the locking material has hardened, the spring elements are (permanently) prevented from springing together. The locking material can also be meltable, allowing it to be removed by applying heat and thus releasing the connector from the second bore.

[0068] According to a further embodiment, in which the foot end is not cylindrical, it has a foot section that is widened in the transverse direction. This foot section forms a substantially rib-like section extending in an insertion direction and an adjoining lower gripping section that optionally projects in a plane transverse to the insertion direction. Viewed axially, the foot section thus does not have a NIRO 11 isipat

[0069] The connecting element PCT NIOIWO-P has a circular profile, but it is rectangular, or, if the lower grip section protrudes, e.g. T- or I-shaped.

[0070] The second bore therefore has a complementary recess, accessible from an outer surface of the component containing this bore, comprising a transition section and an adjoining locking section that optionally widens transversely, so that the base section can be axially inserted into the second bore from an end face of the second component. In the preferred case of a protruding lower gripping section, the transition section is narrower and the locking section is wider. Otherwise, both sections are the same width, or the locking section is narrower.

[0071] Such a recess is also known as a "nesting" joint. The shape of the base section and the complementary second bore are designed to hold the base section securely in the bore. The advantage of the nesting joint lies particularly in the fact that the second bore is machined into the second component from the surface. This is achieved, for example, by first placing a form milling tool with its cylindrical surface on the narrow edge and then moving parallel to the surface away from the edge into the interior of the component. If the transition section and the locking section are of the same width, machining can even be performed entirely from the surface.

[0072] The second hole can be provided by the second component itself. In this case, it will generally be necessary to create the aforementioned counter-undercut in the hole, for example, using a suitable tool.

[0073] However, it can additionally be provided that the invention also includes a sleeve for a connector according to the preceding description. The sleeve serves to reinforce the second bore, and in particular to provide the counter-undercut described above in a simple manner. Accordingly, such a sleeve includes an undercut as defined above. The sleeve is preferably made of plastic. It preferably includes retaining ribs, a thread, and / or an adhesive channel through which adhesive can be injected into the space between the sleeve and the second bore. Furthermore, the counter-undercut preferably includes a stainless steel (NIRO 12 isipat)

[0074] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0075] The inlet slope for tensioning the spring elements can be designed as a tilted plane (n) or as a radius. The sleeve can be open or closed at the base. In all cases, it is essential that the inner diameter of the sleeve matches the outer diameter of the connector, and that the shape and, in particular, the position of the counter-undercut is selected so that it can interact with the undercut of the connector as described above.

[0076] Preferably, the sleeve also includes a cylindrical end section for vertical axial alignment and centering in a bore, as described above for the connector.

[0077] Finally, the invention also relates to a set for joining two components by providing joint pressure, wherein the set comprises a connector and a sleeve, each as defined above. The advantages of such a set will become apparent from the preceding explanations and therefore do not require repetition.

[0078] Character description

[0079] The invention is explained below using figures as an example.

[0080] This shows

[0081] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the connector;

[0082] Figure 2 shows the connector from Fig. 1 in a further, perspective view;

[0083] Figure 3 shows the same connector from the side;

[0084] Figure 4 shows the same connector from a side rotated 90° around the longitudinal axis;

[0085] Figure 3 shows the same connector from above;

[0086] Figure 4 shows the same connector from a diagonal angle below;

[0087] Figure 5 shows the same connector in a top view;

[0088] Figure 6 shows a section of the same connector perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

[0089] Figure 7 shows a view of the connector with locking lugs; NIRO 13 isipat

[0090] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0091] Figure 8 shows a view of a connector with a non-cylindrical foot end;

[0092] Figure 9 shows a view of a matching second bore;

[0093] Figure 10 shows an external view of a sleeve, suitable for the connector;

[0094] Figure 11 shows a section through this sleeve.

[0095] Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the connector 1. Figures 3 and 4 show two side views.

[0096] The cylindrical foot end 2, intended for fixing in a first bore (not shown), is located at the bottom of the image.

[0097] Spring elements 3A, 3B, extending distally and axially X from the foot end 2, are firmly connected to it. For easier identification, an oval is drawn at the tip of spring element 3A (without a reference symbol). Each spring element 3A, 3B comprises a first wall section 4A, 4B located closer to the foot end 2 and a second wall section 5A, 5B located further away from the foot end 2. A head end 6A, 6B is present at the upper end of each spring element 3A, 3B in the image.

[0098] As can be seen, the first wall section 4A, 4B has a smaller radial distance from the longitudinal axis X of the connector 1 than the second wall section 5A, 5B. In this way, an undercut is formed, which is intended to interact with a counter-undercut present in a second bore (second bore and counter-undercut not shown).

[0099] Each spring element 3A, 3B comprises a spring section 9A, 9B. In the present case, the spring section 9A, 9B is arranged in the connection area to the foot end 2.

[0100] According to the invention, the spring elements 3A, 3B each have a sliding surface 7A, 7B. If the two head ends 6A, 6B are radially loaded by insertion into a bore (not shown), the spring elements 3A, 3B spring essentially in a direction parallel to the two sliding surfaces 7A, 7B. This direction is parallel to the plane of the image in Fig. 3 and perpendicular to the plane of the image in Fig. 4. In Figs. 1 and 2, this direction of movement is indicated by the two arrows 8A, 8B. These are shown with exaggerated curves for better visibility. In Fig. 4, NIRO 14 isipat

[0101] Connecting element PCT NIOIWO-P shows that the two spring elements 3A, 3B move past each other when loaded (shown is the unloaded state).

[0102] In this case, the two wall sections 4A, 4B and 5A, 5B are provided in the form of a notch in the respective head end 6A, 6B. It is also conceivable that the first wall section of the spring element 3A is alternatively located at the position marked "Y" in Fig. 3, and the second wall section alternatively at the position marked "Z" in Fig. 3; these two wall sections X, Y also fulfill the requirement of different radial distances from the longitudinal axis X. Naturally, in this case, the counter-undercut in the bore would have to be designed accordingly. Furthermore, it is conceivable that both variants of the wall sections described above could be used together in the design, which would further improve the safety against unintentional withdrawal of the connector 1 from a bore.

[0103] Each spring element 3A, 3B further comprises a cylindrical segment-like guide area 10A, 10B arranged between foot end 2 and head end 6A, 6B.

[0104] Each guide area 10A, 10B includes a shoulder 11A, 11B pointing towards the head end 6A, 6B for interaction with an impact aid (not shown).

[0105] It is evident that each head end 6A, 6B has a greater width, measured perpendicular to the sliding surface 7A, 7B, than the cross-sectional profile located below the head end 6A, 6B; the head end 6A, 6B is "wider" than the section below it. Furthermore, the head end 6A, 6B extends into a recess 12A, 12B of the adjacent spring element 3B, 3A, thus preventing a collision between the two components, even when the spring elements 3A, 3B are deflected. Consequently, the head end 6A, 6B also sits asymmetrically on the respective section below it. This can lead to a torsional movement of the spring element 3A, 3B during insertion, which increases the spring stiffness and can therefore be advantageous.

[0106] The foot end 2 has anti-tilting ribs 14 to make it more difficult to pull the connector 1 out of a bore.

[0107] Each head end 6A, 6B has an inner wall 13A, 13B parallel to the opposite head end 6B, 6A. The angle W between this inner wall 13A, 13B and the sliding surface 7A, 7B is 90°. This is shown in the NIRO 15 isipat

[0108] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0109] Top view according to Figure 5 for head end 6A, sliding surface 7A and inner wall 13A shown.

[0110] Figure 6 shows a section of the foot end 2 with the base of the two spring elements 3A, 3B, cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X (section hatched). Each cross-sectional profile is designed such that its axial area moment of inertia in a direction parallel to the sliding surface 7A, 7B is smaller than in a radial direction.

[0111] Specifically, this is achieved by dimensioning the cross-sectional profile such that its side U running along the sliding surface 7A, 7B is shorter than a side V running in a radial direction (only the upper profile in the image is labelled with reference symbols U, V).

[0112] Thus, the respective spring element 3A, 3B (only the base is shown, as the spring element is otherwise largely located above the section plane) is deflected under radial load R at the head end (head end not shown, force application of R at the base of the spring element 3A is shown instead) preferably in the direction parallel to the sliding surface 7A, 7B, indicated by the two arrows 8A, 8B.

[0113] Figure 7 shows a view of the connector 1 with locking lugs 17A, 17B. These are located at the transition between the first wall section 4A, 4B and the second wall section 5A, 5B. The function of these locking lugs 17A, 17B is to improve the locking of the connector 1 in the second bore (not shown), which has a corresponding notch in the counter-undercut 17. In this case, the locking lug 17A, 17B is each designed as a single point.

[0114] Fig. 7 also shows a connector designed as a (partially) hollow body; in this case, the foot end 2 is designed accordingly.

[0115] Figure 8 shows a connector 1 with a non-cylindrical foot end 2. This comprises a foot section widened in the transverse direction, forming a substantially web-like section 18 extending in an insertion direction and an adjoining lower grip section 19 projecting in a plane transverse to the insertion direction. Viewed axially, the foot section thus does not have a circular profile, but rather, for example, a T- or I-shaped profile. The dashed line indicates a recess, in NIRO 16 isipat

[0116] Connecting element PCT NIOIWO-P which has a locking element (not shown) that can be inserted to prevent the two spring elements (reference symbol omitted) from springing in.

[0117] The corresponding second bore shown in Figure 9 has a recess complementary to the foot section of the connector 1, which is accessible from an outer surface of the component having this bore (from above in the image). It comprises a narrower transition section 20 and an adjoining locking section 21 that widens transversely. The foot section can be axially inserted into the second bore from an end face of the second component.

[0118] Figure 10 shows an external view of a sleeve 15, suitable for the connector 1. Figure 11 shows a longitudinal section through this sleeve 15. The sleeve 15 is designed so that the connector 1 is inserted into it from the side shown at the bottom of the image. The sleeve 15 itself is anchored in a second component (not shown), for example, by being pressed or glued into it.

[0119] The sleeve 15 also has anti-tilt ribs 14 on its outer surface. Its inner surface has a counter-undercut 16, which is dimensioned to interact with the undercut of the connector 1, encompassing the first wall section 4A, 4B and the second wall section 5A, 5B. In particular, its axial position and its narrowest diameter are selected such that the spring elements 3A, 3B do not fully relax when the connector 1 is inserted into the sleeve 15, which in turn provides the corresponding second bore, when the two components (not shown) are in contact, so that a residual joint pressure is always present, which pulls the two components towards each other.

[0120] The inlet section (top of the image) preferably has an opening angle of 1° to 10°, particularly preferably 4°. The same applies to the back side section (bottom of the image). The opening angle of the (counter-) undercut on the inlet side (bottom of the image) is preferably between 50° and 70°, and particularly preferably 60°. The opening angle of the undercut on the back side (top of the image) is preferably between 100° and 140°, and particularly preferably 120°. NIRO 17 isipat

[0121] PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element

[0122] Reference symbol list

[0123] 1 connector

[0124] 2 Foot end

[0125] 3A, 3B Spring element

[0126] 4A, 4B first wall area

[0127] 5B, 5B second wall area

[0128] 6A, 6B Head end

[0129] 7A, 7B Sliding surface

[0130] 8A, 8B Arrow

[0131] 9A, 9B Fe der ab schnitt

[0132] 10A, 10B Management area

[0133] 11A, 11B Shoulder

[0134] 12A, 12B recess

[0135] 13A, 13B Interior wall

[0136] 14 canting ribs

[0137] 15 sleeve

[0138] 16 Counter-cut

[0139] 17A, 17B Rastnase

[0140] 18 Bridge section

[0141] 19 Lower section

[0142] 20 transition section

[0143] 21 Locking cut

[0144] R radial load

[0145] U, V side of the profile

[0146] X axial direction, longitudinal direction

[0147] Y, Z alternative first / second wall area

Claims

NIRO 18 isipat PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element Patent claims 1. Self-tensioning connector (1) for connecting two components under Provision of a joint pressure, the connector (1) comprising a foot end (2) provided for fixing in a first bore, and at least two spring elements (3A, 3B) firmly connected to the foot end (2) and extending from it in axial direction X, wherein each spring element (3A, 3B) has a first spring element located closer to the foot end (2). The connector (1) has a wall area (4A, 5A) and a second wall area (4B, 5B) located further away from the foot end (2), as well as a head end (6A, 6B), wherein the first wall area (4A, 4B) has a smaller radial distance from a longitudinal axis (X) of the connector (1) than the second wall area (5A, 5B), so that an undercut is formed which is provided for interaction with a counter-undercut (16) located in a second bore, characterized in that the spring elements (3A, 3B) have sliding surfaces (7A, 7B) facing each other, so that they spring in a direction parallel to the sliding surfaces (7A, 7B) when a radial load is applied to the head ends (6A, 6B) by inserting them into the second bore.

2. Connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the head ends (6A, 6B) connect the two Provide wall areas (4A, 4B; 5A, 5B) in the form of at least one notch.

3. Connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each spring element (3A, 3B) has a spring section (9A, 9B) with a cross-sectional profile whose axial area moment of inertia in a direction parallel to the sliding surface (7A, 7B) is smaller than in a radial direction, so that the spring element (3A, 3B) deflects preferably in the direction parallel to the sliding surface (7A, 7B) when the head end (6A, 6B) is loaded.

4. Connector (1) according to claim 3, wherein the spring section (9A, 9B) is arranged in the connection area to the foot end (2), and / or wherein the cross-sectional profile is dimensioned such that its side (U) extending along the sliding surface (7A, 7B) is shorter than a side (V) extending in a radial direction. NIRO 19 isipat PCT NIOIWO-P connecting element 5. Connector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, each spring element (3A, 3B) further comprising a cylindrical segment-like guide area (10A, 10B) arranged between foot end (2) and head end (6A, 6B) .

6. Connector (1) according to claim 5, wherein the guide area (10A, 10B) comprises a shoulder (11A, 11B) pointing towards the head end (6A, 6B) for cooperating with an impact aid.

7. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head end (6A, 6B) in the direction measured perpendicular to the sliding surface (7A, 7B) has a greater width than the cross-sectional profile of the spring element (3A, 3B) below it in the direction of the foot end (2) and extends into a recess (12A, 12B) of the adjacent spring element (3B, 3A).

8. Connector (1) according to claim 7, wherein a transition between head end (6A, 6B) and underlying cross-sectional profile is also designed as in claim 3 or 4, so that a further flexible area is provided.

9. Connector (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the head end (6A, 6B) has an inner wall (13A, 13B) parallel to the opposite head end (6B, 6A), and wherein the angle (W) between this inner wall (13A, 13B) and the sliding surface (7A, 7B) is 90°, or between 60° and 89°, so that in addition to the deflection in the direction of the lower axial area moment of inertia according to claim 3 a torsional movement can be generated when inserted into the second bore.

10. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the same is designed as a hollow body, and / or wherein the foot end (2) has tilting ribs (14) or comprises a thread.

11. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the same is attached to the The transition between the first wall area (4A, 4B) and the second wall area (5A, 5B) has at least one locking lug (17A, 17B) which leads to The interaction is set up with a notch in the counter-undercut (16) of the second bore.

12. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the same has a longitudinal axial bore through which a locking element can be inserted, by means of which the two spring elements (3A, 3B) can be locked in a spring-loaded position. NIRO 20 isipat Connecting element PCT NI01WO-P 13. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot end (2) has a foot section widened in the transverse direction, which forms a substantially web-like web section (18) extending in an insertion direction and an adjoining lower grip section (19) optionally projecting in a plane transverse to the insertion direction; and wherein the second bore has a complementary recess accessible from an outer surface of the component having this bore and comprises a narrower transition section (20) and an adjoining locking section (21) widened in the transverse direction, so that the foot section can be axially inserted into the second bore from an end face of the second component.

14. Sleeve for a connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the same comprising an undercut as defined in claim 1.

15. Set for joining two components by providing a joint pressure, the set comprising a connector as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, and a sleeve as defined in claim 14.

Images