Joints and connections – Interfitted members – Lugged member – rotary engagement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-12
2001-10-16
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Interfitted members
Lugged member, rotary engagement
C403S322400, C285S087000, C285S401000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302617
ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to a coupling means according to the preamble of claim
1
.
Such a generally known coupling means, which has the form of a bayonet catch, is described in more detail by means of FIG.
3
.
A stationary coupling element
101
is fastened to the rear side of the vehicle by means of screws
102
. A detachable coupling element
104
being provided for connection with the stationary coupling element
101
is connected by means of screws
105
with a trailer coupling
106
, which carries a ball head
107
.
The stationary coupling element
101
comprises a base plate
107
, with which an outer ring
108
is firmly connected at an axial side. Locking claws
109
are disposed on the outer ring
108
spaced apart from the base plate
107
and in the direction radial to the center line. Recesses
110
are provided between the locking claws
109
. Moreover, a recess
111
is provided in an axial area on the outer ring
108
. The detachable coupling element
104
comprises a base plate
112
and an inner ring
113
firmly connected therewith. The outer diameter of the inner ring
113
is adjusted to the inner diameter of the outer ring
108
such that the inner ring
113
guides the outer ring
108
. The inner ring
113
comprises interlocking claws
114
spaced apart from the base plate
112
and radially facing away from the center line, which correspond in their number (four claws are provided in the present embodiment) to the number of the locking claws
109
on the outer ring
108
. The width of the recesses
110
is dimensioned such that the claws
114
can be inserted therein. A spring biased lock
115
is disposed on the base plate
112
of the detachable coupling element
104
securing the detachable coupling element
104
against radial rotation over the stationary coupling element
101
.
The assembly of said coupling means is hereinafter described. At first, the detachable coupling element
104
is rotated by an angle &agr;. Through movement in the direction of the arrow A, the detachable coupling element
104
is brought to the stationary coupling element
101
, wherein the locking claws
114
enter into the recesses
110
of the outer ring
108
. By reversing the detachable coupling element
104
by the angle &agr;, the interlocking claws
114
of the inner ring
113
grip behind the locking claws
19
of the outer ring
108
like a bayonet catch, and the lock
115
catches the recess
111
, wherein the detachable coupling element
104
is secured against rotation.
This coupling means, which is attached to the rear of the vehicle, particularly serves to absorb tensile forces and to a small extent also bending moments. Said coupling means is not suited to be used for front attachments, such as snow plows, ground borers, sweeping machines and rams, which are mainly attached in the front area of the vehicle, due to the high bending moments occurring with said front attachments.
Also, the coupling cannot optionally be enlarged in its outer dimensions, as predetermined parameters, e.g. dimension a for ground clearance, do not allow this.
It is the object of the invention to provide a coupling means easy to assemble, which absorbs high bending moments.
Said object is provided with the features according to the characterizing part of claim
1
.
According to the invention, at least two additional interlocking claws extending inwardly in a radial direction are additionally disposed on one of the coupling elements, which additional interlocking claws are offset from the interlocking claws in radial direction, and correspondingly thereto at least two additional locking claws extending outwardly in radial direction are additionally disposed on the other of the coupling elements, which additional locking claws are outwardly offset from the locking claws in radial direction. Said arrangement allows the engaged claws, in particular the radially external ones, to absorb high bending moments whereas the radially internal claws can absorb particularly high tensile and pressure forces.
Further embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims.
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Bochna David E.
Browne Lynne H.
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
Rumpp Gerhard
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