CONNECTING UNIT AND CONNECTING DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A DRIVE DEVICE TO A ROD, AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING A DOCTOR ROD

Abstract

A connecting unit for connecting a drive device to a rod includes: a receiving opening for axially receiving a connecting element arranged on the rod to transmit a torque; an interlocking element including a free end and further including or being configured as a spring element, which is a flexible spring; and a recess located radially adjacent to the receiving opening and by way of which the interlocking element engages in the receiving opening, with the result that the connecting element is axially securable thereby, the interlocking element at a first position being firmly connected with a portion of the connecting unit and at the free end is configured for moving relative to a portion of the connecting unit so as to move the interlocking element out of the receiving opening, with the result that a securement of the connecting element is releasable.

Claims

1. A connecting unit for connecting a drive device to a rod, the connecting unit comprising: a receiving opening configured for axially receiving a connecting element arranged on the rod so as to transmit a torque; an interlocking element, which is a force-applied interlocking element, the interlocking element including a free end, the interlocking element further including or being configured as a spring element, the spring element being a flexible spring; and a recess located radially adjacent to the receiving opening and by way of which the interlocking element engages in the receiving opening, with the result that the connecting unit is configured such that the connecting element is axially securable thereby, the interlocking element at a first position being firmly connected with a portion of the connecting unit and at the free end is configured for moving relative to a portion of the connecting unit so as to move the interlocking element out of the receiving opening, with the result that the connecting unit is configured such that a securement of the connecting element is releasable.

2. The connecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the receiving opening is configured as an internal polygon which includes at least two surfaces, and wherein the recess intersects the at least two surfaces of the internal polygon.

3. The connecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the spring element is configured for absorbing a plurality of lateral forces acting in an axial direction between the connecting unit and the connecting element.

4. The connecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking element includes a support body.

5. The connecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the connecting unit includes a circumference, wherein the interlocking element is arranged in a locking position within the circumference of the connecting unit.

6. The connecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit includes a circumferential side, wherein the free end of the interlocking element is configured for being moved from the circumferential side of the connection unit.

7. The connecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit includes a circumferential side, wherein the free end of the interlocking element is configured for being moved from the circumferential side of the connection unit without using a tool.

8. The connecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the spring element is a leaf spring, a flat spring, or a flat form spring.

9. The connecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the connecting unit is configured for connecting the drive device to the rod, which is a doctor rod.

10. A connecting device to connect a drive device with a rod, the connecting device comprising: a connecting unit for connecting the drive device to the rod, the connecting unit including: a receiving opening configured for axially receiving a connecting element arranged on the rod so as to transmit a torque; an interlocking element, which is a force-applied interlocking element, the interlocking element including a free end, the interlocking element further including or being configured as a spring element, the spring element being a flexible spring; and a recess located radially adjacent to the receiving opening and by way of which the interlocking element engages in the receiving opening, with the result that the connecting unit is configured such that the connecting element is axially securable thereby, the interlocking element at a first position being firmly connected with a portion of the connecting unit and at the free end is configured for moving relative to a portion of the connecting unit so as to move the interlocking element out of the receiving opening, with the result that the connecting unit is configured such that a securement of the connecting element is releasable; and a connecting element configured for being arranged on the rod and for being arranged in an interlocking manner in the receiving opening of the connecting unit, the connecting element including a securement recess which is radially arranged and which is configured for accommodating the interlocking element arranged on a portion of the connecting unit so as to secure the rod into position axially.

11. The connecting device according to claim 10, wherein the securement recess of the connecting element is arranged circumferentially.

12. The connecting device according to claim 10, wherein the connecting element includes and end face and a chamfer at the end face.

13. The connecting device according to claim 10, wherein the connecting device is configured for connecting the drive device to the rod, which is a doctor rod.

14. A method to replace a rod, the method comprising the steps of: providing that the connecting device includes a connecting unit and a connecting element, the connecting unit including a receiving opening in which the connecting elementwhich is arranged on the rodis arranged in an interlocking manner so as to transmit a torque, the connecting unit including a recess located radially adjacent to the receiving opening and by which an interlocking elementwhich is a force-applied interlocking elementof the connecting unit engages in the receiving opening and in a securement recesswhich is radially arrangedof the connecting element so as to secure the rod axially, the interlocking element being firmly connected in a first position with a portion of the connecting unit, the interlocking element including or being configured as a spring element, the spring element being a flexible spring, moving the interlocking element at a free end of the interlocking element relative to the connecting unit in a release step so as to move the interlocking element out of the receiving opening and to release a securement of the connecting element; and replacing the rod by way of the connecting device.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the spring element is a leaf spring, a flat spring, or a flat form spring.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the rod is a doctor rod.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a first exemplary design example of a connecting device for connecting a drive device to a rod;

[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a second exemplary design example of a connecting device for connecting a drive device with a rod;

[0040] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic representations of exemplary connecting units for connecting a drive device with a rod; and

[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a sequence of the method according to the present invention for replacement of a rod.

[0042] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary connecting device 10 For connecting a drive device with a rod 30-in this instance a doctor rod 30.

[0044] Connecting device 10 includes a connecting unit 11 with a receiving opening 12 which, in this example is designed as an internal hexagon. Receiving opening 12 is designed to axially accommodate a connecting element 31 arranged on a rod 30 in order to transmit a torque.

[0045] Connecting unit 11 has a circumferential way of engagement 15 to enable an interlocking connection with a tool and thus a rotation of connecting device 10 with doctor rod 30. In this design example, way of engagement 15 is designed as an external square and is arranged at a distance from the end face of connecting unit 11 which incorporates receiving opening 12. At an end opposite this end face, connecting unit 11 includes a coupling device 16, which is designed to be connected to a drive device (not shown).

[0046] Connecting unit 11 has a recess 13 radially adjacent to receiving opening 12, through which a force-applied interlocking element 14 of connecting unit 11 can engage in receiving opening 12, whereby connecting element 31 can be axially secured. In first position 21, interlocking element 14 is firmly connected with connecting unit 11. In the illustrated design example, interlocking element 14 is designed as an angled flat spring, which encompasses an angle of 90?, which can be moved tangentially at free end 22 relative to connecting unit 11. Thus, interlocking element 14 can be moved out of receiving opening 12 whereby the securement of connecting element 31 can be released.

[0047] In the illustrated design example, connecting element 31 is designed as an external hexagon in order to be accommodated in receiving opening 12 in an interconnecting manner and thus enable transmission of a rotary movement about longitudinal axis of rod 30. At its end face, connecting element 31 has a chamfer 32, which can facilitate insertion of connecting element 31 into receiving opening 12.

[0048] Connecting element 31 has a radially positioned securement recess 33 whichin the illustrated design exampleis designed as a circumferential groove with a rectangular cross section in order to block an axial movement relative to interlocking element 14 arranged therein in an interlocking position. Securement recess 33 is located at a distance from the free face end of connecting element 31, in order to achieve axial securement in both axial directions. In one locking position in which connecting element 31 is accommodated by receiving opening 12, securement recess 33 is aligned with recess 13 in order to facilitate engagement of interlocking element 14 and thus axial securement or securement between connecting unit 11 and connecting element 31.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a second exemplary design example of a connecting device 10. Connecting device 10 includes a connecting unit 11 and a doctor rod 30 with a connecting element 31, which are shown here in an unassembled state, in other words, not connected or engaged with each other.

[0050] In this design example, connecting unit 11 has a force-applied interlocking element 14 arranged in a securement recess 13, which is designed as a flat spring element. On a flat side of spring element 14 opposite receiving opening 12, securement ways are shown in the form of screws, by way of which a support body 18, which is not visible in FIG. 2, is attached to spring element 14. At its end, which is turned away from first position 21, interlocking element 14 has a free end 22 in order to allow interlocking element 14 to be moved.

[0051] In the illustrated design example, interlocking element 14 has an element of engagement 24 at free end 22 in order to enable spring element 14 to be actuated, in particular to be lifted manually, for example with one finger by operator. Interlocking element 14 is accommodated in recess 13, which has an operating range 25 in a region associated with the free end of interlocking element 14, as a result of which the free end of interlocking element 14 is arranged freely or operably within circumference of connecting unit 11. In the region of the free end of interlocking element 14, recess 13 can have an engagement region 26, which extends operating region 25 in order to enable interlocking element 14 to be gripped, for example with a finger.

[0052] Engagement ways 15 are provided on the circumference of connecting unit 11, in particular for rotating of connecting unit 11 about a longitudinal axis, which adjoins a free end face of connecting unit 11 and is arranged in the axial direction on both sides of recess 13. In addition, connecting unit 11 in this design example features a connecting device 17 for a protective device.

[0053] FIGS. 3A to 3C show a cross-sectional view of a design example of a connecting unit 11 in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of connecting device 10 or in a plane of motion of an interlocking element 14. Connecting unit 11 always has a receiving opening in the shape of an internal hexagon 12, to which a recess 13 adjoins in radial direction in order to form a transition or respectively an opening with same.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, interlocking element 14 is designed as a straight leaf spring and engages in receiving opening 12 in the illustrated interlocking position in order to axially secure a connecting element 31 (not shown) of a doctor rod 30 arranged therein. At a first position 21, interlocking element 14 is firmly connected to connecting unit 11 by way of a screw in order to form a support for interlocking element 14.

[0055] Recess 13 has an operating range 25 in a region of a free end 22 of interlocking element 14 in order to allow free end 22 to be actuated or respectively moved. Interlocking element 14 has an engagement element 24 to facilitate manual gripping or actuation of interlocking element 14.

[0056] FIG. 3B illustrates an additional embodiment of a connecting element 11, whereby a receiving opening 12 therein adjoins a recess 13 of connecting unit 11 in order to accommodate an interlocking element 14, at least partially. Interlocking element 14 is designed as a flat spring and spans an angle of 90? between first position 21 and a free end 22. This makes it possible to extend the length of interlocking element 14 and thus to provide an improved lever for actuating interlocking element 14.

[0057] In the area of a free end of interlocking element 14, recess 13 has an operating range 25 to enable interlocking element 14 to be moved. In addition, engagement area 26 is arranged on recess 13 to enable an engagement element 24 of interlocking element 14 to be gripped with a finger.

[0058] FIG. 3C shows an additional design example of a connecting unit 11, which is extensively consistent with the design examples of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, interlocking element 14 is designed as an angled flat spring, which encompasses an angle of 90? and is pretensioned in relation to receiving opening 12 in order to prevent accidental detachment of interlocking element 14 from receiving opening 12. A support body 18 is arranged on a flat side of interlocking element 14 assigned to receiving opening 12, which engages at least partially with receiving opening 12 in a locking position. By way of the support body, a cross-section of interlocking element 14 can be enlarged to further improve the absorption of lateral forces.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a sequence of one design example of the method for replacement of a rod 30. FIG. 4 shows a connecting unit 11 according to the design example of FIG. 3A, whereby in a step 101 (direction of movement represented by an arrow) interlocking element 14 is moved at a second end 22 relative to connecting unit 11 in order to move interlocking element 14 out of receiving opening 12 and to release securement of connecting element 31 of rod 30. Interlocking element 14 is hereby moved about a first position 21, which represents a support for interlocking element 14, and is thus released from receiving opening 12 and a securement recess 33 in order to release connecting element 3.

COMPONENT REFERENCE LISTING

[0061] 10 connecting device [0062] 11 connecting unit [0063] 12 receiving opening [0064] 13 recess [0065] 14 force-applied interlocking element [0066] 15 way of engagement [0067] 16 coupling device [0068] 17 connecting device [0069] 18 support body [0070] 21 first position [0071] 22 free end [0072] 24 engagement element [0073] 25 operating region [0074] 26 area of engagement [0075] 30 rod, doctor rod [0076] 31 connecting element [0077] 32 chamfer [0078] 33 securement recess [0079] 101 release step

[0080] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.