Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the connecting assembly for connecting of components, such as tubular structures, in particular tubular lattice structures, for merging of main tubes in modular systems of lattice girder and shaped bodies used in exhibitions, entertainment industry, architecture, etc.

State of the Art

In the state of art, components of tubular lattice structures are commonly connected by means of conical connections secured by conical pins in cones, e.g. turned elements having an internal conus and a transverse opening and being welded at the ends of the main pipes of the truss beams. The pins are secured against falling out by means of a flexible split pin.

This connection type is arranged to accommodate small production inaccuracies, is partially self-locking, but has five free parts: one connector, two pins and two flexible split pins, and for its assembly and disassembly it is necessary to use a hammer.

Recently, in this field of the art, two connecting devices appeared that do not require tools for connection realization:

WO2017095218 (A1 ) describes the connecting device consisting of a connector and terminals that are welded to the ends of tubes, and are composed of several parts. The connection principle lies in that steel balls in the inner space of the terminal are pulled out through an outer nut, whereas the balls are pushed into the groove of the inserted connector, by way of which the connection is secured. The connection loosening is then performed by loosening of the terminal nut. This type of connecting device is intended for connecting of tubes of 50 mm in diameter, can be assembled without the need for tools and is able to accommodate small production inaccuracies.

WO2014177537 (A1 ) describes a connecting device consisting of a cylindrical connector with two grooves and terminals, which are composed of several parts and welded to the ends of tubes. The principle of the connection arrangement is in swivel-nut, by means of which the bolts inside the terminal being moved into the connection nuts are controlled, whereby the connection is locked. The swivel-nut is held in its position by means of a pull-out pin at a spring.

This connection type is intended for connecting of tubes of 50 mm in diameter, is tool-free and demanding of accuracy with regard to the locked/unlocked position.

In the branch, a connecting device is still missing, that allows connection without the use of tools and a connection of components even in case of small inaccuracies, and at the same time it is arranged for handling components of smaller diameter such as pipes of 50 and 35 mm in diameter.

Summary of the Invention

The new technical solution is a connecting assembly suitable for connecting of components, such as tubes for lattice structures with a diameter of 50 mm and 35 mm, which are most commonly used for connecting, and being conveniently produced in a wide range of sizes. However, the connecting assembly is limited either by shape nor the size of the cross-section of the connected components, if these can be firmly attached to the corresponding components of the connecting assembly.

Furthermore, the advantage of the connecting assembly of the present invention is the possibility to provide a reliable connection without the use of tools and to achieve a fixed connection as well as an easy connection disassembly without the use of tools even in the case of small inaccuracies of relative position of the components, such as inaccuracies arising i.e. from bending of terminal of one of the connected components in the event of crash during handling, or from moving of the connected components f.E. as a result of due to misalignment of lattice beams.

The object of the invention is to provide a connecting assembly consisting of a longitudinal connector and at least one terminal, that consists of a main part being a load-bearing part for the other parts of the terminal, of a splitter being pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the terminal between the main part and the lid being fastened to the main part through the spacers by at least one connecting element and having at its outer shell an outer thread on that a swivel-nut with an inner thread is held, characterized in that the splitter on its side facing away from the main part comprises a transverse wall, in that a shaped central through-opening with cogs is arranged, wherein the longitudinal connector has at least one of its longitudinal ends arranged such that it is complement with the shape of the central through-opening of the splitter.

The term "complement" means that the central through-opening arranged in the splitter wall is shaped in such a manner, that when the connector is moved into the terminal in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the terminal, the splitter cogs will substantially closely pass through the spaces between the splitter cogs, and that, when the connector is substantially fully inserted in the terminal, it is allowed to rotate the splitter around the longitudinal axis of the terminal in such way, that the connector cogs jutting out in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connector to its circumference are located at least partially in alignment behind the cogs of the central opening of the splitter, wherein the cogs are jutting out from the from the splitter circumference to the longitudinal axis of the splitter, and thus it is not possible to move the connector back from the terminal. The number of cogs can be preferably in the range of two to eight, and the cogs can be arranged around the axis of the terminal at regular and irregular intervals; the most preferably four cogs at regular intervals are used. By the number of cogs the angle of angular splitter rotation is determined, whereby the connector cogs move from the position between the splitter cogs ("open") to a position of exact alignment behind the splitter cogs ("closed"), for example by four cogs is this angle 90°. The extreme rotary positions of the splitter can be preferably exactly defined, as will be described below.

The design of the splitter transvers walls can be arranged as necessary in terms of the required mechanical properties and production possibilities. For example, the wall can be basically flat, wherein in its center a central through-opening is arranged such as that the cogs of the connector can pass it through closely, when the connector is moved into the terminal in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

To allow the angular rotation around the connector, when the connector is substantially fully inserted in the terminal, the recess for example can be arranged in the transvers wall of the splitter in such a manner, that in the recess, the cogs of the connector can be rotatable when the splitter is in angular rotation by substantially fully inserted connector in the terminal, or the wall can have a suitable thickness to allow the said angular rotation. At the same time, a rotary recess may be arranged behind the cogs of the connector end in the direction from the connection cogs so, that the recess allows free rotation of the cogs of splitter central opening, the cogs jutting out to the longitudinal axis of the splitter in relation to the connector, when the connector is substantially fully inserted in the terminal.

In one of the preferred embodiments, the main part is firmly attached to one component and the longitudinal connector on one of its longitudinal ends is firmly attached to an another component. "Firmly attached" means both detachable connection (for example thread, or appropriate interlock against loosening) and non-detachable connection (for example weld, or a thread secured by gluing or split pin). Both of the said components can therefore be reliably detachable connected.

In another embodiment, both longitudinal ends of the connector are arranged complementary with the shape of the shaped central through- opening of the splitter and the connecting assembly has two terminals, each of which is connected with one component, wherein these components are intended to be connected by means of the connecting assembly. In this embodiment, both components can be reliably detachable connected by inserting a "two-sided" connector.

In another modification of this embodiment of the "two-sided" connector, the connector can be transversly divided and the both parts of such a split connector are mutually connected preferably through a cone collar for determining a backlash between them. In such manner, a precise adjustment of the connector length can be achieved. In another modification, the "double-sided" connector can be formed as of one piece, provided with a collar protruding from the central part of the connector shell, which can be used to axial delimitation of the terminals position in relation to the connector when being inserted into the terminals.

In an another preferred embodiment, for a simple introduction of the splitter in the terminal and for a correct rotary orientation of the connector in the terminal, the connector on its outer shell has a longitudinal slot, and at least one mandrel, which is arranged to be complement with the shape of the slot of the splitter, interferes in the through-opening in the lid. The mandrel can be arranged, for example, cylindrical, and the groove can have corresponding rectangular cross-section. In another modification, there can be two mandrels facing each other, with two corresponding opposite slots in the connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the said connecting assemblies are connecting elements formed by at least two bolts passing the lid through at least two shaped openings arranged in the splitter transvers wall, continuing through spacers into the main part. In another embodiment, the connecting element can be a caliper or a cage located inside of the removed parts of the terminal.

As stated above, in a preferred embodiment the splitter pivoted on the main part has two extreme positions, one opened and another closed, wherein in the opened position the shaped end of the connector freely passes through the shaped opening in the splitter, whereas in the closed position of the splitter the cogs of the shaped central opening in the splitter mesh with the cogs of the shaped end of the connector, so that in this position the end of the connector cannot be removed from the terminal through the central opening.

Most preferably, extreme rotary positions of the splitter are defined by a stop of the shaped openings inside walls in the transvers walls of the splitter on the spacers of the connecting elements. For this rotation purpose, shaped openings in the transverse walls of the splitter are for example rotationally symmetrically expanded about the rotation axis of the splitter to allow the desired angle of angular rotation of the splitter relative to the other parts of the terminal.

In an embodiment of the connecting assembly according to the claim, the closed position of the splitter is indicated/locked either mechanically, f.E. by the protrusion formed on the splitter fitting into the recess on the main part, or visually by the marking arranged on the splitter and the main part. The markings can be arranged such as recessed or protruded points of arrows, notice "open", "closed", or a combination thereof.

For a reliable securing of the connection, when rotating the swivel-nut of the connecting assembly is preferably movable in the direction to the splitter and away from the splitter by means of cooperation of an external thread at the lid with an internal thread at the swivel-nut. Thus, by tightening of the swivel-nut in the direction to the splitter, the splitter is moved to the main part and the connection is firmly fixed to the main part in the locked position. On the contrary, by loosening of the swivel-nut in the direction from the splitter, the connection needed for the disconnection will be relaxed.

The connector can have a general cross-section, for example it can be at least in one of its part octagonal or conical. Most preferably, the connector in at least one part of its outer shell is generally cylindrical.

Each part of the connecting assembly can be independently made of materials with appropriate mechanical and physical-chemical features, such as f.E. strength, weldability, corrosion resistance, etc. For example it can be steel, stainless steel, aluminum and its alloys, plastics, composites, etc. List of Figures on the Drawings

A further understanding of the invention can be gained from the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector and distributed individual parts of the terminal of the connecting assembly;

Figure 2A is as perspective view of the cross section of the assembled terminal with inserted connector in the locked position;

Figure 2B is as perspective view of the cross section of the assembled terminal with partially extended connector in the unlocked position;

Figure 3A shows the shaped through-opening of the splitter in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting assembly; and

Figure 3B shows the corresponding end of the connector complementary arranged with the shaped through-opening of the splitter in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting assembly.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

One of the preferred embodiment of the connecting assembly according to the invention shown in Figure 1 is formed by "two-sided" longitudinal connector 7 being cylindrical in the central part of its outer shell, wherein on this central part a collar 8 is formed, which defines more precisely the axial location and/or the backlash of the connector 7 against the lid (or lids) 5 of the terminal. In the cylindrical part of the connector 7 outer shell, a longitudinal slot 9 from both ends of the connector 7 is milled to secure proper rotary position of the connector 7 related to the terminal.

At both ends of the connector 7 modified ends are arranged being complementary with the shaped central opening JM of the splitter 3, as it is clearly apparent from Figures 3A, 3B. Thus, in this embodiment, the central opening 1J_ has four cogs jutting out to the middle of the central opening 1J_ of the splitter 3, i.e. in the direction from the circumference of the splitter 7 to its longitudinal axis, and both ends of the connector 7 are also provided with four cogs jutting outward in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connector 7 to its circumference. In one appropriate mutual position of the connector 7 and the splitter 3, respectively in a certain angle of the splitter 3, in open position, the connector 7 can closely pass through the central opening H of the splitter 3, while in the closed position the cogs of the shaped central opening H in the splitter 3 mesh with the cogs of the shaped end of the connector whereby moving in/out of the connector 7 is disabled.

The terminal according to this embodiment of the invention consists of a main part 1, which is provided with a chamfer (in Fig. 1 left) for welding on the end of the beam tube. A lid 5 provided with an external thread with fixed swivel-nut 4 having an internal thread is then bolted to this main part 1 by way of four bolts 6 through spacers 2, on which the splitter 3 is fixed, thus in its rotation, the swivel-nut 4 is moveable via mutual cooperation of the lid external thread 5 and internal thread on the swivel-nut 4 in the direction to the splitter 3 for fixing the connection and in the direction from the splitter 3 for relaxing the connection.

The connection is carried out by way of inserting a connector 7_into the assembled terminal with relaxed swivel-nut 4 and splitter 3 in the unlocked position. Rotary position of the connector 7 related to the terminal is determined by the slot 9 in the connector 7 body, in which the mandrel 0 interfered into the through-opening in the lid 5 is fitted.

In this embodiment, by 90 degrees rotation of the splitter 3 the overlap of connector 7 cogs and splitter 3 occurs, and the connection will be locked. To allow the angular rotation of the splitter 3, a recess around the central opening 1 1 for the connector 7 cogs is arranged in the transverse wall of the splitter 3, and in the connector 7 from its end behind its cogs in the central cylindrical part around the entire connector 7 circumference a recess for the cogs of the central opening 1 1 is arranged.

Then it is necessary to secure the splitter 3 in the locked position, which is carried out by tightening the swivel-nut 4 to the splitter 3. Connection disassembly is then performed in reverse order. The swivel-nut 4 shall be relaxed, the splitter 3 shall be 90° back rotated, whereby the connector 7 will be released.

The mandrel 10 is apparent in Fig. 2A and 2B, that show the terminal and the connector 7 in connection secured position (2A) and in connection relaxed position (2B) with partially pulled-out connector 7.

The extreme rotary positions of the splitter 3 are exactly defined by the stop of the inside walls of four shaped openings 12 of the transvers wall of the splitter 3 (see Figure 3A) to the spacers 2 fixed on connecting bolts 6. The shaped openings 12 are rotationally symmetrically expanded in the kidney shape about the rotation axis of the splitter 3 to allow the desired angle of angular rotation of the splitter 3 related to the other parts of the terminal, and thus also related to the connector 7.

In the marked arrangement of the terminal, the closed position of the splitter is indicated/mechanically locked by way of protrusion arranged at the splitter 3 fitting into the recess on the main part 1, as it is apparent e.g.. in Fig. 1 on the left. Visually, the protrusion is marked in this arrangement with an arrow arranged on the splitter 3 and with a point arranged on the main part 1, wherein in the closed position of the connection, the arrow and the point are in front of each other.

The main part 1 of the terminal was made of high-strength aluminum alloy EN AW 6082, whereas other parts were made of the aluminum alloy EN AW 2007 and the connecting bolts 6 are made of zinc-plated steel.

Technical Applicability

The new connection can be used for connecting of components of 50 or 35 mm in diameter, such as pipes of tubular lattice structures for exhibitions, entertainment industry, architecture, etc. List of reference numerals

1 main part

2 spacers

3 splitter

4 swivel-nut

5 lid

6 bolts

7 connection

8 collar

9 slot

10 mandrel

1 1 central opening

12 openings