DE102011118872A1 - Connecting device for releasably connecting two preferably plate-like parts, has shift element accommodated in sleeve, where shift and adjustment elements comprise guide units that are assigned to each other to make rotatable adjustment - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a shift element (2) i.e. expanding element (22), with a base body (20a), which penetrates an axially directed aperture (11) in a guide sleeve (1) such that the body forms a counter bearing (21). An outer supporting surface of the bearing engages and protrudes through the sleeve. The shift element is rotatably accommodated in the sleeve. The shift element and an adjustment element (3) comprise guide units (23, 33) that are assigned to each other to make axial, rotatable adjustment. An elastic element (24) is made of rubber or elastomer or formed as a spring steel element. The needle (32) of the device is provided with counter bearing hooks (32a) formed as a one-piece plastic part with injected prolonged fibers e.g. glass, carbon or plastic stretched fibers and single fibers.

Description

The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting two preferably plate-like parts, in particular for the detachable connection of two parts to be glued according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a needle made of plastic according to claim 11 for corresponding connecting devices and a method for Making this needle.

Known connection devices of the principle according to the invention have a sleeve-like basic body, which at the same time forms an abutment for the parts to be joined. Also, the spreader is firmly connected to this body. In the temporary connection of parts to be bonded, in particular plate-shaped parts, there is regularly contamination of these parts, as well as the so-called stapling needles with adhesive. As a result, the soiled with plastic devices must be disposed of or recycled by means of a complex cleaning process.

The invention has for its object to form a connection device such and further develop (preferably in the manner of a modular system) that a simple exchange of soiled parts and a high degree of reuse of parts of the device can be ensured.

• – das axial verschiebbare Einstellelement und das dieses antreibende Antriebselement innerhalb einer Führungshülse entnehmbar angeordnet sind, wobei das Antriebselement axial an der Führungshülse abgestützt ist, um axial wirkende Kräfte zu übertragen,
• – das zum Schalten der Widerlagerhaken der Nadeln vorgesehene Schaltelement einen Basiskörper aufweist, der eine axial gerichtete Öffnung in der Führungshülse derart durchgreift, dass der Basiskörper mit seiner Abstützfläche die Führungshülse axial durchgreift und überragt, und so ein axial vorstehendes Widerlager bildet, welches die sich überdeckenden Öffnungen der zu verbindenden Teile vollständig überdeckt, so dass die Führungshülse selbst in der Regel nicht verschmutzen wird,
• – das Schaltelement drehfest in der Führungshülse aufgenommen ist, und
• – das Schaltelement und das Einstellelement einander zugeordnete Führungsmittel aufweisen, die eine axial verschiebliche, aber zueinander drehfeste relative Einstellung zueinander ermöglichen.

The object is achieved by a device according to the characterizing features of claim 1, which

• The axially displaceable adjusting element and the drive element driving the latter are removably arranged within a guide sleeve, the drive element being supported axially on the guide sleeve in order to transmit forces acting axially,
• - Which provided for switching the abutment hooks of the needles switching element has a base body, which passes through an axially directed opening in the guide sleeve such that the base body axially engages and projects beyond the guide sleeve with its support surface, and so forms an axially projecting abutment, which covers the overlapping Openings of the parts to be joined completely covered, so that the guide sleeve itself will not normally pollute,
• - The switching element is rotatably received in the guide sleeve, and
• - Have the switching element and the adjusting element mutually associated guide means which allow an axially displaceable, but mutually rotatable relative adjustment to each other.

Such a device allows easy replacement of soiled parts. Furthermore, these parts can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner. Even a production of all plastic parts is possible for many applications.

According to the in the 1 to 1d such as 2 illustrated embodiment of the principle according to the invention, the connecting device consists of 5 components, the needles 32 of the adjusting element 3 with the abutment hooks 32a as well as the abutment 21 of the switching element 2 have the highest risk to pollute when temporarily fixing parts to be bonded together. The other parts 1, 4, 5 are largely protected and can without cleaning in conjunction with any parts to be replaced (switching element 2 and / or adjustment 3 ) are used several times.

In order to transmit the necessary for the switching and clamping process or the release process driving forces and to realize the required switching paths, an axial support of the drive element end of the guide sleeve on the one hand and on the switching element or directly to an inner support surface at the front end of the guide sleeve on the other hand provided. The end support can be realized in a simple manner by means of a snap ring, wherein the snap ring engages on the one hand at the bottom of the drive element and on the other to form-fitting regions of the guide sleeve. The driving force is transmitted via a tool interface provided on the bottom of the drive element for engagement of a rotating tool.

For axial adjustability of the adjusting element and the associated abutment hook of the needles connected to a carrier, the carrier has a screw thread which is in operative connection with an associated screw thread of the drive element engageable with a tool. In order to provide the preferably made of plastic to be manufactured drive element with an internal thread and easy to remove from the mold, the corresponding screw thread of the drive element in the form of sector-wise arranged internal thread sections is formed. The adjacent surfaces are set back and thread-free.

The rotation between the guide sleeve and the switching element is ensured by integrally formed on a base body guide lugs or the like, which passable guide interfaces, z. B. are assigned in the form of guide grooves of the guide sleeve.

In addition, anti-rotation between the switching element and the adjustment are necessary. The rotation between the adjustment and the switching element can for example be ensured by molded therein guide channels, engage in the guide webs of the switching element.

To spread the provided at the free ends of the needles abutment hook tongue-like spreading elements are usually used, which should preferably be integrally formed on the base body. Laterally, the connection point of the expansion element Durchgriffsöffnungen are provided in the base body through which the needles with the abutment hooks formed thereon are feasible.

In order to ensure a simple release of the connecting device, ie a radial return of the abutment hooks in the direction of the central axis of the connecting device, the needles are at least in the region of their free ends, which carry the abutment hooks resiliently biased against each other.

According to a preferred variant of the invention, an elastic element is arranged between the base body of the switching element and the annular end face of the drive element, which is partially compressed during clamping of the parts to be joined together. This elastic element can, for. B. made of rubber or an elastomer or in the form of a spring steel element. It allows the compensation of axial relaxation effects of the connecting device itself and / or the parts to be joined.

A further improvement of the connecting device allows the needle according to the invention according to claim 11, according to which the needle is made with abutment hooks as a one-piece plastic part with injected long fibers. The long fibers are deflected in the region of the abutment hook by more than 90 degrees, preferably 130 to 180 degrees, relative to the direction of extension of the needle to ensure a favorable flow of force for the force to be transmitted. The thus made possible replacement of the usual steel needles opens up new possibilities for the use of efficient manufacturing processes, which can also promote the implementation of a modular system for such connecting devices.

As long fibers are preferably glass, carbon or stretched plastic fibers, eg. B. based on aramid, for use. These long fibers should be continuous, uninterrupted fiber elements so that the necessary forces can be transmitted safely over the very small available cross-section. In order to ensure a high dimensional stability in the area of the abutment hook, the long fibers are deflected by significantly more than 90 degrees during a shaping process.

The long fibers can be used, for example, as individual fibers or as twisted fibers in the plastic matrix of an endless semifinished product, eg. B. in the form of rods, be embedded. Various methods of plastic technology are known for producing corresponding semi-finished products. However, it should be striven to wet as possible each long fiber with the plastic matrix and thus to connect directly and to use sufficiently thin fiber, so that the deflection of the fibers in the region of the Widerwagerhakens does not lead to fiber breaks.

As already indicated, a particularly efficient production method for the needle according to the invention is based on prefabricated endless semi-finished products in the form of rods or wound profiles made of plastic with integrated long fibers. The prefabricated sections are longer than the length of the needles to be produced, since the inventive design of the hook-shaped end portions of the needles inevitably leads to a reduction in length.

By hot forming one end of the needle, the abutment hook is finally formed. This can be done in several steps, eg. B. first by a partial deformation in which the relevant end of the needle is brought into an approximately rectangular position to the needle axis. In the subsequent final shaping of the abutment hook gets its desired shape. During this thermoforming process, the hook-shaped portion and the needle shank are reshaped into a homogeneous structure with integrated arcuate long fibers.

According to a preferred variant of the invention is worked with an excess of plastic material in the area in which the abutment hook is to be formed. As a result, plastic must be removed during the hot forming process, which leads to an accumulation of the fiber material in the abutment hook and thus to a greater mechanical strength.

For the purpose of a secure power transmission must of course also ensure that the needles are well connected to their carrier. Therefore, form-fitting regions should be formed at each end of the needle opposite the abutment hook, so that a load-bearing connection is produced when injecting the needle into the carrier.

If a connecting device with a pair of needles is to be used, this pair of needles can also be produced together, ie simultaneously in one device, wherein the two free ends of a prefabricated semifinished product are formed into abutment hooks and in the middle region which surrounds the foot regions of the Needle pair represents a hinge-like connection is left. This connection is suitable for precisely positioning the two needles of the needle pairs and for facilitating the subsequent step of integration into a carrier.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment and the illustrated figures. Show it:

1 . 1' . 1'' Exploded view of the connection device

1''' Exploded view of the connecting device with translucent hidden lines

1a Sectional view of the switching element

1b View of the switching element from below

1c Sectional view of the adjusting element

1d View of the adjustment element from above

2 Perspective view of the connecting device after assembly

3a Semi-finished product for the production of the needles

3b Semi-finished products made into individual pieces

3c Representation of different transformation stages from semi-finished product to needle

4a Semi-finished product for the production of the needles

4b one-piece shaped and connected needles of a pair of needles

4c Needle pair injected or cast in carrier

That in the 1 to 1d as in 2 illustrated embodiment relates to a connecting device with a pair of needles 32 , abutment hooks at their free ends 32a molded and a gap 31 leaving foot side in a plastic support of the adjustment 3 are injected. This carrier has a cylindrical shape with a screw thread 30 and axially directed guide channels 33 , in the guide bars 23 of the switching element 2 can intervene displaceably.

The guide bars 23 of the switching element 2 are on one side of the base body 20a molded, while on the other side, the tongue-like expansion element 22 lying on the axis of the device is connected. Both sides and symmetrical to the expansion element 22 are in the base body 20a two access openings 200 incorporated, the penetration of the two needles 32 serve, so that the expansion element 22 in the gap 31 between the needles 32 can intervene.

The in the 1 . 1c and 1d illustrated position of the needles 32 already corresponds to the spread state, the only after the introduction of the expansion element 22 is reached. In fact, the needles are 32 designed or arranged such that their free ends with the abutment hooks 32a abut each other and thus have no larger diameter equivalent than the needle in their foot area. Due to the elasticity of the needles 32 will ensure that the splayed abutment hooks 32a after retraction of the expansion element 22 can reset back radially inward. That is for a release of the connection in which the abutment hooks 32a behind the edge of an opening in one of the parts to be connected behind, absolutely necessary.

The from the switching element 2 and the adjusting element 3 existing subassembly can now in the guide sleeve 1 introduced or initially with the drive element 4 be connected, the two parts 2 . 3 are plugged together to stop. This ensures that the expansion element 22 still occupies a low-lying position between the needles and so still no spreading effect on the abutment hooks 32a exercises. To a non-rotatable mounting of the switching element 2 in the guide sleeve 1 ensure are on a collar-like projection of the base body 20a guide tabs 20 molded, which correspond to Führungsnuten 10 the guide sleeve 1 assigned.

Essential to the invention is that the height of the base body 20a above the collar-like projection is greater than the thickness of the edge, the axial opening 11 in the guide sleeve 1 forms. Because this ensures that the abutment surface 21 of the switching element 2 from the guide sleeve 1 protrudes and so that a clear stop surface 21 is formed for the other of the parts to be joined.

The drive element 4 is pot-shaped and carries on its inner cylindrical surface on opposite segments an internal toothing 40 in order to adjust the adjustment 3 to move axially and so to be able to transfer the intended clamping force on the parts to be joined. On the outside of the floor 41 of the drive element 4 there is a tool interface 42 for engaging a rotating tool (not shown), in particular a tool with torque control. In order to transmit the torque, the tool must also be at the tool interface 12 support the guide sleeve.

The annular end face 44 of the drive element 4 is an elastic element 24 (For example, made of rubber or spring steel) associated, on the other hand, on the underside of the base body 20a of the switching element 2 supported. An upstream washer 24a prevents when turning the drive element 4 a shearing load on the elastic element 24 arises and this damaged.

When bracing the parts to be joined, so when shifting the adjustment 3 against the direction of the abutment hooks 32a , becomes the elastic element 24 partially compressed by the clamping force. The remaining compression reserve is suitable for compensating relaxation effects of the connection device and / or the parts to be joined (eg due to temperature fluctuations or the change in thickness of the hardening adhesive). In addition, this jamming of the connecting device is safely avoided.

A snap ring 5 or the like fixes the drive element 4 within the guide sleeve 1 and supports the axial forces that are applied to release the connection, wherein the adjusting element 3 in the direction of the abutment hook 32a is moved.

2 shows the assembly of all parts 1-5. Good to see is the above resists 21 , Such a device is suitable to brace those parts (not shown) with each other, whose thickness in total is smaller than the free length between the abutment 21 and the attack surface of the abutment hooks 32a ,

The operation of the connection device is as follows:
The needles 32 are inserted through the superimposed openings of the parts to be joined. Subsequently, a rotating tool to the interfaces 12 . 42 attached the connecting device and put into operation, wherein the driving force is the adjusting element 3 over the screw thread 30 . 40 in the cavity of the drive element 4 draws. The relative movement generated with respect to the switching element 2 leads to spreading of the end of the needles 32 molded abutment hook 32a through the expansion element 22 , With continued clamping movement it comes to rest the abutment hooks 32a on the facing surface of one of the parts to be joined. After reaching the intended clamping force, the rotating tool is stopped and can be removed.

To release the connection, the rotating tool is driven in the opposite direction. This will be the needles 32 through the openings 200 in the base body 20a pushed out, whereby due to the relative movement to the expansion element 22 the spread of the abutment hooks 32a will be annulled. Subsequently, the connection device can be removed.

So far, the needles were made of steel, since the small diameter of the openings in the parts to be joined is usually only 3-5 mm, which limits the cross section of the needles accordingly. However, the needle of the invention according to claim 11 allows for many applications, the use of plastics and the exploitation of the associated advantages in terms of improved manufacturing processes.

Accordingly (see 3a - 3c ) is made of a so-called endless semi-finished product 6 , namely a plastic profile strand assumed in the long fibers 60 are arranged, for. As glass, carbon or stretched plastic fibers. During the hot forming of the assembled individual pieces 6a - 6c the fibers are in the area of the abutment hooks 61 . 62 deflected by at least 120, so that a favorable power flow can be set and comparatively high holding forces are achieved. A further improvement of the mechanical stability of the abutment hooks 32a can be achieved by the long fibers 60 be compressed in this area, so the ratio of plastic matrix is increased to the fiber material in favor of the fiber material.

For a secure connection of the needles 6d ' . 6d '' to a carrier 3 . 8th are positive locking elements 63 formed on the foot side.

According to the variant of 4a - 4c is the formation of a connected pair of needles 7a . 7b on the basis of a common semi-finished product 7 intended. This can be done in principle as described above, but with the difference that in the middle of a hinge-like connection area 74 is formed, the lower end of the needles 7a . 7b represents. Again, there are positive locking elements 73 integrated, the durable injection of needles 7a . 7b in a carrier 8th serve.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

guide sleeve

10

guide

11

opening

12

Tool interface

110

collar

2

switching element

20

guide nose

20a

base body

21

abutment

22

spreader

23

Guide means (guide bar)

24

Elastic spring element

200

Through opening

3

Adjustment element, carrier

30

thread

31

gap

32

needle

32a

Abutment hook

33

Guide means (guide channel)

4

driving element

40

thread

41

ground

42

Tool interface

44

Ring-shaped end face

5

Support element (snap ring)

6

Semi-finished product, z. B. bar stock

6a, 6b, 6c, 6d

prefabricated semi-finished product

6d ', 6d' '

shaft area

61

Lace, preformed

62

Tip, final molded - with abutment hook

63

Form-fit area

7

Semi-finished product, z. B. bar stock

7a, 7b

shaft area

71, 72

Tip - with abutment hook

73

Form-fit area

74

Hinge-type connection area

8th

carrier

Claims (19)

Connecting device for connecting two preferably plate-like parts, in particular for the detachable connection of two parts to be glued, - with an abutment ( 21 ) for supporting on one of the parts to be connected on the one hand and - at least one in the connecting direction by means of an adjusting element ( 3 ) adjustable abutment hooks ( 32a ) or the like for supporting on the other of the parts to be connected on the other hand, wherein the abutment hook ( 32a ) on a needle ( 32 ) is formed and can be guided through overlapping openings of the parts to be joined, - with a drive element ( 4 ) for the axial adjustment of the adjusting element ( 3 ) and - with a switching element 82 ), in particular in the form of a spreading element ( 22 ), the abutment hook ( 32a ) determines radially depending on its relative axial adjustment position or spreads or releases, characterized in that the adjusting element ( 3 ) and the drive element ( 4 ) within a guide sleeve ( 1 ) are arranged, wherein the drive element ( 4 ) axially on the guide sleeve ( 1 ) is supported, that the switching element ( 2 ) a base body ( 20a ) having an axially directed opening ( 11 ) in the guide sleeve ( 1 ) so that the base body ( 20a ) the abutment ( 21 ), wherein the outer support surface of the abutment ( 21 ) engages through the guide sleeve and protrudes axially, that the switching element ( 2 ) rotatably in the guide sleeve ( 1 ), and that the switching element ( 2 ) and the adjustment element ( 3 ) Guiding means ( 23 . 33 ), which allow an axial, but mutually rotatable adjustment. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the axial support of the drive element ( 4 ) via a snap ring ( 5 ), which on the one hand the ground ( 41 ) of the drive element ( 4 ) and on the other hand form-fitting areas of the guide sleeve ( 1 ) into which the snap ring ( 5 ) can engage radially. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the ground ( 41 ) of the drive element ( 1 ) a tool interface ( 42 ) is provided for engagement of a rotating tool. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that for the axial adjustability of the adjusting element ( 3 ) and the associated abutment hook ( 32a ) a screw thread ( 30 ) provided with an associated screw thread ( 40 ) of a drive-engageable with a tool drive element ( 4 ) is in operative connection. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the screw thread ( 40 ) of the drive element ( 4 ) are formed as sector-wise arranged internal thread sections. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation between the Guide sleeve ( 1 ) and the switching element ( 2 ) is ensured by the base body ( 20a ) molded guide tabs ( 20 ), which guide grooves ( 10 ) of the guide sleeve ( 1 ) assigned. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation lock between the adjusting element ( 3 ) and the switching element ( 2 ) is ensured by molded therein guide channels ( 33 ), in the guide ways ( 23 ) of the switching element ( 2 ) can intervene. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that on the base body ( 20a ) a tongue-like spreading element ( 22 ) is arranged, preferably integrally formed, and that the side of the connection point of the expansion element ( 22 ) Access openings ( 200 ) in the base body ( 20a ) are provided through which the at the needles ( 32 ), in particular integrally formed abutment hooks ( 32a ) are feasible. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the abutment hooks ( 32a ) are elastically biased against each other. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that between the base body ( 20a ) of the switching element ( 2 ) and the thread ( 30 ) supporting body of the adjusting element ( 3 ) an elastic element ( 24 ) is arranged, for. As rubber or an elastomer or in the form of a spring steel element to compensate for axial relaxation effects of the device and / or the parts to be joined. Needle with integrated abutment hook, in particular for a connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the needle ( 6d '' . 62 ; 7a . 71 ; 7b . 72 ; 32 ) with abutment hooks ( 32a . 62 . 71 . 72 ) as a one-piece plastic part with injected long fibers ( 60 ), the long fibers ( 60 ) in the area of the abutment hook ( 32a . 62 . 71 . 72 ) at least 90 degrees with respect to the direction of extension of the needle ( 6d '' . 7a . 7b . 32 ) are deflected. Needle according to claim 11, characterized in that as long fibers ( 60 ) Glass, carbon or stretched plastic fibers, eg. B. based on aramid. Needle according to claim 11, characterized in that the long fibers ( 60 ) are deflected by 130 to 180 degrees. Needle according to claim 11, characterized in that the long fibers ( 60 ) are embedded as single fibers or as twisted fibers in the plastic matrix. Method for producing a needle according to claim 11, characterized by the following steps: a) fabrication of an endless semifinished product ( 6 ) in the form of rods or wound plastic profiles with integrated long fibers ( 60 ), whereby the prefabricated sections ( 6a . 6b . 6c . 7 ) are longer than the length of the needles to be produced and b) hot working of one end of the needle ( 6d '' . 7a . 7b . 32 ) to the abutment hook ( 32a . 62 . 71 . 72 ). A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the deformation process is carried out such that it leads to a compression (increase in concentration) of the glass fibers ( 60 ) comes. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that on the abutment hook ( 32a . 62 . 71 . 72 ) opposite end of the needle ( 6d '' . 7a . 7b . 32 ), Positive-fit regions ( 63 . 73 ) for injecting the needle ( 6d '' . 7a . 7b . 32 ), into a carrier ( 8th ) are formed. Method according to at least one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that a pair of needles ( 7a . 7b ) is produced simultaneously in a device. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the pair of needles ( 7a . 7b ) is connected to each other in the foot area.

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