EP1923529B1 - Connection adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

The connecting adapter (8) has a base (12) having two connecting surfaces (17, 20). The first connecting surface encloses a connecting end (18) of a first mast section (5) and the second connecting surface (20) is manufactured as an actuated connection between the base and the connecting end of the second mast section (6). The second connecting surface (20) is provided for tight fit between the base and the connecting end of the second mast section is actuated with the connecting end of the base. The base is in the form of a hollow cylinder with a continuous diameter (25, 33). An independent claim is included for a mast.

Description

The present invention relates to a connection adapter for forming a coaxial connection of two mast sections of a mast assembly.

Steel or aluminum tube masts are known from the prior art and are used, for example, as a carrier for lighting objects use. Traditionally, these masts are made by welding individual mast sections. This is associated with an adverse weakening of the material structure of the masts. Usually, the welding takes place in the factory, so that a complex and expensive transport of the finished masts to the installation site is required.

In the German utility model DE 203 07 432 U1 It is described that individual mast sections can also be mounted on site. For this purpose, a trained independently of the mast sections connecting adapter is provided which forms both with a first mast section, as well as with a second mast section a positive engagement connection, which is secured by additional securing means, such as adhesive, screws or rivets. The assembly of the mast assembly can thus be carried out on site. However, it is still very expensive, since the terminal ends of the mast sections and the connecting parts of the connection adapter must always be secured in an additional step using the securing means.

In the patent CH 656 913 is described how two individual tubes can be connected to each other by means of an intermediate member, wherein the intermediate member has two sleeves of different cross-section. The lower tube is pushed into the lower sleeve and the upper tube to the upper sleeve. Also in this solution additional securing means are required to secure the nested parts, namely wedges, which are pressed by means of screws between the components to be secured.

An object of the present invention is to significantly reduce the assembly cost of a mast assembly over this known solution.

This object is achieved by a connection adapter according to claim 1 and a mast assembly according to claim 16. Thereafter, it is provided that at least one frictional connection between the connection adapter and a mast section is formed. As a result, connection adapter and mast section are held frictionally in their mutual position by friction. A non-positive, secure hold of the mast section on the connection adapter is thus already achieved by connecting the two workpieces without separate securing means, such as adhesive, rivets, screws without a weld must be used. The use of such an additional securing means is no longer necessary and can therefore be omitted. Even without a securing means the removal of a mast section is no longer possible. This also eliminates the separate step (gluing, riveting, screwing, welding, etc.) to secure the connection, whereby the cost of mounting the mast assembly compared to conventional solutions is significantly reduced. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a fitting connection between the mast sections is such that a position correction during or after the connection process is not required.

Fig. 1

eine fertig montierte Mastbaugruppe,

Fig. 2

den Verbindungsbereich der Mastbaugruppe aus Fig. 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung,

Fig. 3

ein Grundkörperelement eines Verbindungsadapters gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 4

das Grundkörperelement aus Fig. 3 in einer anderen Perspektive,

Fig. 5

das Grundkörperelement aus Fig. 3 bzw. 4 mit dem eingelegten Verbindungsende eines ersten Mastteilstücks,

Fig. 6

ein auf das Verbindungsende eines ersten Mastteilstücks aufgelegtes Grundkörperelement eines Verbindungsadapters gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 7

das Grundkörperelement aus Fig. 6 in einer anderen Perspektive,

Fig. 8

wie Fig. 7, jedoch ohne das Verbindungsende des ersten Mastteilstücks.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments. Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a fully assembled mast assembly,

Fig. 2

the connection area of the mast assembly Fig. 1 in an enlarged view,

Fig. 3

a base member of a connection adapter according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 4

the basic body element Fig. 3 in a different perspective,

Fig. 5

the basic body element Fig. 3 or 4 with the inserted connection end of a first mast section,

Fig. 6

a base body element of a connection adapter according to a second embodiment of the invention placed on the connection end of a first mast section

Fig. 7

the basic body element Fig. 6 in a different perspective,

Fig. 8

as Fig. 7 but without the connection end of the first mast section.

In Fig. 1 a mast 1 is shown, which is anchored by means of a foundation 2 in the bottom 3. The mast 1 may have at its upper end 4 a boom for a lighting object or the like (not shown). Typical dimensions of such a mast 1 are in Fig. 1 specified.

The mast 1 is designed as a mast assembly and includes an upper mast section 5 and anchored in the bottom 3 lower mast section 6. The upper mast section 5 is connected to the lower mast section 6 coaxially in a connection region 7 by means of a connection adapter 8.

Upper and lower mast section 5, 6 are made of steel. However, instead of steel, aluminum or another material may be used. Both mast sections 5, 6 are formed as tubes with circular cross-sections and substantially constant diameters, wherein the outer diameter of the upper mast section 5 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower mast section 6. However, other tube sections are possible, for example, triangular, square or polygonal or oval.

The lower mast section 6 has below the connection region 7 a closable with a lid opening 9, behind which is located in the interior of the lower mast section 6, an electrical connection device, such as a cable junction box or the like (not shown). In addition, the lower mast section 6 has a continuous cable hole 11 in the region of the lower mast end 10.

The connection region 7 of the mast assembly and the connection adapter 8 used to form the coaxial connection of the two mast sections 5, 6 is enlarged in FIG Fig. 2 displayed.

The connecting adapter 8 consists essentially of a base body 12. The main body 12 has substantially the shape of a hollow cylinder, more precisely a straight circular cylinder. However, other basic body shapes are possible, these being adapted to the cross sections of the mast sections 5, 6. The connection adapter 8 has at the ends 13, 14 of the base body 12 in each case an axial stop 15, 16. The stop 15 on the pointing in the direction of the first mast section 5 base body end 13 protrudes radially outward, while at the opposite, pointing in the direction of the second mast section 6 base end 14 stop 16 projects radially inwardly.

The inner circumferential surface 17 of the main body 12 is formed as a first connecting surface such that the base body 12 in the assembled state, the connecting end 18 of the first mast section 5 encloses. In other words, the first mast section 5 is located in a receiving opening 19 of the connection adapter 8. In this case, the connecting end 18 of the first mast section 5 is supported on the radially inwardly projecting stop 16 of the connection adapter 8.

The outer circumferential surface 20 of the base body 12 is formed as a second connection surface. The second mast section 6 has an opening 21 for receiving the connection adapter 8. Between the outer circumferential surface 20 and the connecting end 22 of the second mast section 6 there is a frictional connection in the mounted state. This is preferably formed as a press fit, wherein the connecting end 22 of the second mast section 6, the base body 8 of the connection adapter 8 wrapped non-positively. In other words, the second mast section 6 a kind of fitting hole, while the connection adapter 8 serves as a fitting pin.

For mounting the mast assembly, the connection adapter 12 is first connected to the connection end 18 of the first mast section 5 in the manner described in more detail below. Subsequently, the first mast section 5 carrying the connection adapter 12 is connected to the second mast section 6. To be particularly advantageous, it has been found that one of the two mast sections is fixed, while the other mast section, for example by means of a pulling device, axially to the other mast section is moved to such that the two mast sections are attached to each other in the axial direction 23. For example, the first mast section 5 provided with the connection adapter 12 is pushed onto the fixed second mast section 6 in the axial direction 23. An exact alignment of the two mast sections 5, 6 on each other is not required for the joining process. Rather, by pushing the mast sections 5, 6 successively an automatic alignment in the axial direction 23. To facilitate this automatic alignment, the base body 12 of the connection adapter 8 at its second mast section 6 end facing 14 conically, so that a kind of circumferential Run-on slope 24 results. The joining of the two mast sections 5, 6 can be done in a simple manner not only in the factory (stationary production), but also directly on site on the site (mobile production), without the need for complex mounting devices are required. Only a device for fixing a mast section and for moving the other mast section are required. For example, this device may be on a separate Assembly vehicle be kept or already integrated in the delivery vehicle.

The outer diameter 25 of the base body 12 of the connecting adapter 8 on the one hand and the inner diameter 26 of the second mast section 6 on the other hand are matched to one another, that results in an adhesion of the proposed interference fit between these two workpieces. In other words, the fixed to the first mast section 5 connection adapter 8 and the second mast section 6 are frictionally held in their mutual position by friction, wherein the friction is generated by a voltage that is due to an occurring during joining elastic deformation. As will be explained below, the elastic deformation according to the invention occurs exclusively in the connection adapter 8, while the second mast section 6 remains substantially undeformed. As a result, damage to the material structure of the second mast section 6 is avoided. A transfer of the shape or structure of the connection adapter 8 to the second mast section 6 by the joining process does not take place.

Inner and outer diameter of the base body 12 of the connection adapter 8 are - apart from the stops 15, 16 - preferably constant over the entire base length 27, wherein at a complete overlap of the axial positions of the connecting surfaces 17, 20, the in Fig. 2 displayed image results. Insofar as the connecting surfaces 17, 20 overlap, the first mast section 5 ensures a secure and invariable position of the connection adapter 8 due to its dimensional stability during the joining process The invention does not necessarily have to be about the inner and outer lateral surface of the basic body 12 in the case of the connecting surfaces. It is therefore also possible to provide the connecting surfaces 17, 20 so that they only partially overlap (not shown).

If the connection adapter 8 is only positively connected to the connection end 18 of the first mast section 5, the overlap width corresponding to the press length must be selected large enough to ensure a secure interference fit. The intended pressing length preferably corresponds to at least 1.5 times the outer diameter 25 of the base body 12. It is particularly advantageous if the pressing length is 1.5 to 2 times the diameter. Preferably, the basic body length 27 corresponds to the pressing length, so that the entire basic body 12 is utilized for the interference fit.

The main body 12 of the connection adapter 8, as preferably the entire connection adapter 8 itself, is made of an elastically deformable material to provide the deformation stress required for the interference fit. Preferably, the connection adapter 8 is made of a plastic material which has these properties. Moreover, the use of an electrically insulating plastic ensures electrical insulation of the first mast section 5 relative to the second mast section 6. This is particularly advantageous when one of the mast sections 5, 6 due to external influences or due to other causes, such as a dissolved cable connection, current.

With the separate provision according to the invention of the mast sections 5, 6 and the connection via the connection adapter 8 described above, any desired combinations of mast sections 5, 6 can be provided. For example, it is possible to combine mast sections 5, 6 made of different materials and / or surface or color variants. For example, the mast 1 may consist of a lower mast section 6 made of steel and an upper mast section 5 made of stainless steel or a lower mast section 6 made of stainless steel and an upper mast section 5 made of aluminum.

The main body 12 preferably consists of two identical and interconnectable half-shell-shaped base body elements 28, cf. in the Fig. 3 and 4 illustrated first embodiment of the invention. The base body elements 28 in the assembled state comprise the connecting end 18 of the first mast section 5 in the manner of a sleeve, cf. Fig. 5 (also first embodiment). To connect the two basic body elements 28 with each other, these have a number of cooperating connecting elements, which produce a non-positive and / or positive connection. The connecting elements may be plug-in, latching or snap-action elements. In the present exemplary embodiment, the base body elements 28 have plugs 29 and corresponding plug openings 30 in the region of the stops 15, 16. The connecting elements preferably ensure a tight abutment of the two basic body elements 28 in such a way that the penetration of water through the connecting region 7 into the interior of the connecting adapter 8 and thus into the interior of the second mast section 6 is avoided.

In addition to the first embodiment, a second embodiment is also described below ( Fig. 6 . 7 and 8th ). In both embodiments, the interference fit is carried out by an elastic deformation of the connection adapter 8, more precisely by an elastic deformation of serving as a mating surface second connection surface 20, so the outer surface of the base body 12. For this purpose, this with a number of spaced and transverse to the axial direction 23 extending Holding webs 31 provided, which are preferably integrally formed on the base body 12, for example, injection-molded by means of a plastic injection molding process. When the second mast section 6 is pushed onto the connection adapter 8 mounted on the first mast section 5 (or vice versa), the retaining webs 31 are elastically deformed and ensure the deformation stress necessary for a secure press fit connection.

At the same time, the first connection surface 17 of the main body 12, that is to say its inner lateral surface, can also be provided with a number of holding webs 32. This is particularly useful if the two basic body elements 28 of the connection adapter 8 are not wrapped around the connecting end 18 of the first mast section 5 in the manner of a cuff, but if between the first mast section 5 and the connection adapter 8 a frictional connection in the form of a press fit is provided. In this case, the inner diameter 33 of the main body 12, which is defined by the upper sides 34 of the inner holding webs 32, less than the outer diameter 35 of the first mast section 5, see. Fig. 5 , so that when joining the first mast section 5 and the inner retaining webs 32 deform elastically.

The number, shape and position of the retaining webs 31, 32 on the inner and / or outer lateral surfaces 17, 20 can be selected according to the requirements of the press fit depending on the load of the mast assembly by wind and other external influences. As in the Fig. 3 to 5 illustrated, the holding webs 31, 32, in particular provided on the second connection surface 20 holding webs 31, arranged substantially circumferentially. As a result, a particularly secure interference fit is possible.

In the further embodiment (not shown), the base body 12 of the connection adapter 8 at its first and / or second connection surface 17, 20 a number of spaced-apart and extending in the axial direction 23 axial webs. This Axialstege can be used instead of the holding webs 31, 32 for forming a Preßpaßverbindung, wherein the Axialstege deform itself elastic.

In the in the Fig. 6 to 8 illustrated embodiment, the base body 12 of the connection adapter 8 on such axial webs 36. The web edges 37 of the axial webs 36 are significantly rounded in such a way that during the joining process, no deformation of the mast material and the material structure of the second mast section 6 is not adversely affected. At the same time again arranged transversely to the axial direction 23 holding webs 31 are provided. The holding webs 31, which elastically deform during the joining of the workpieces to form the press fit, are in this embodiment on the tops 38 of the then substantially rigid or only slightly elastic axial webs 36. The tops 38 of the axial webs 36 define with In other words, in this case, the second connection surface 20 and thus the outer surface of the base body 12th

In this exemplary embodiment, axial webs 39 can additionally be provided on the second connecting surface 17, that is to say the inner surface of the base body 12, and optionally there form a further press fit with the first mast section 5.

In the illustrated embodiments, a rectangular recess 40 is provided in the radially inwardly facing stop 16 of the base body 12. This is used to attach a bar-shaped holding device 41 for an electrical connection device. The holding device 41 is provided at its attachment end with a hook 42 and engages in the mounted state, the inside 43 of the stopper 16, see. Fig. 7 and 8th , The holding device 41 extends from the connecting adapter 8 into the region of the lid opening 9 closable with the mast opening and thus guarantees - if it is made of an electrically non-conductive material - an insulated and thus particularly secure suspension of a cable transfer box or the like. Alternatively, the holding device may also be integrally connected to the connection adapter, for example, molded onto it.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1. 1 mast
2. 2 Lost property
3. 3 floor
4. 4 upper pole end
5. 5 upper mast section
6. 6 lower mast section
7. 7 connection area
8. 8 connection adapter
9. 9 lids
10. 10 lower mast end
11. 11 cable hole
12. 12 basic body
13. 13 first body end
14. 14 second body end
15. 15 first axial stop
16. 16 second axial stop
17. 17 inner lateral surface, first connection surface
18. 18 connecting end of the first mast section
19. 19 receiving opening
20. 20 outer lateral surface, second connection surface
21. 21 receiving opening
22. 22 connecting end of the second mast section
23. 23 axial direction
24. 24 run-up slope
25. 25 outer diameter of the main body
26. 26 inner diameter of the second mast section
27. 27 basic body length
28. 28 basic body element
29. 29 plug
30. 30 plug opening
31. 31 retaining bridge (outside)
32. 32 retaining bridge (inside)
33. 33 inner diameter of the body
34. 34 top of the jetty
35. 35 outer diameter of the first mast section
36. 36 axial bar (outside)
37. 37 web edge
38. 38 top of the axial web
39. 39 axial bar (inside)
40. 40 recess
41. 41 holding device
42. 42 hooks
43. 43 stop inside

Claims (16)

1. Connection adapter (8) for forming a coaxial connection between two pole sections (5, 6) of a pole assembly, having a base body (12) which has a first connection surface (17) and a second connection surface (20), wherein the first connection surface (17) is designed to surround the connection end (18) of the first pole section (5) and the second connection surface (20) is designed to establish a force-fitting connection between the base body (12) and the connection end (22) of the second pole section (6), characterized in that the force-fitting connection is achieved by connecting the base body (12) and the connection end (22) without using separate securing means, wherein the second connection surface (20) is designed for a press-fit between the base body (12) and the connection end (22) of the second pole section (6), the connection end (22) thereby encasing the base body (12) in a force-fitting manner.
2. Connection adapter (8) according to Claim 1, wherein the base body (12) substantially has the shape of a hollow cylinder with a constant diameter (25, 33).
3. Connection adapter (8) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial position of the first connection surface (17) at least partially overlaps the axial position of the second connection surface (20).
4. Connection adapter (8) according to Claim 3, wherein the axial position of the first connection surface (17) coincides with the axial position of the second connection surface (20).
5. Connection adapter (8) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the base body (12) has a first and/or a second axial stop (15, 16) at its ends (13, 14), the first and/or second pole section (5, 6) being supported against the said stop or stops during assembly or in the assembled state.
6. Connection adapter (8) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the base body (12) comprises two half-shell-like base body elements (28) which are connected to one another and which encompass the connection end (18) of the first pole section (5) in the manner of a collar in the assembled state.
7. Connection adapter (8) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the base body (12) has a number of retaining webs (31, 32), which are spaced apart from one another and run transverse to the axial direction (23), on its first and/or second connection surface (17, 20).
8. Connection adapter (8) according to Claim 7, wherein the retaining webs (31, 32) can be elastically deformed.
9. Connection adapter (8) according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the retaining webs (31, 32) are arranged in a substantially peripheral manner.
10. Connection adapter (8) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the base body (12) has a number of axial webs (36, 39), which are spaced apart from one another and run in the axial direction (23), on its first and/or second connection surface (17, 20).
11. Connection adapter (8) according to Claim 10, wherein the retaining webs (31, 32) are arranged on the upper faces (38) of the axial webs when there is a combination of retaining webs (31) and axial webs (36).
12. Connection adapter (8) according to one of Claims 7 to 11, wherein the web edges (37), in particular those of the axial webs (36, 39), are rounded.
13. Connection adapter (8) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the base body (12) runs in a conical manner at its end (14) which faces the second pole section (6).
14. Connection adapter (8) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the base body (12) is composed of an electrically insulating plastic material.
15. Connection adapter (8) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein a retaining apparatus (41) for an electrical connection apparatus can be fitted to the base body (12), or a retaining apparatus (41) of this kind is integrally connected to the base body (12).
16. Pole assembly having at least two pole sections (5, 6) which are coaxially connected in a connection region (7) using a connection adapter (8) according to one of Claims 1 to 15.

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