CN110886543A

CN110886543A - Coupling device for a door fitting, door fitting system and method for coupling or uncoupling a coupling device

Info

Publication number: CN110886543A
Application number: CN201910857389.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 安德雷斯·霍夫; 托马斯·凯泽尔; 奥特马尔·克尼; 斯特凡·雷迪希; 马丁·费尔曼
Original assignee: Dom Sicherheitstechnik GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Dom Sicherheitstechnik GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2018-09-10
Filing date: 2019-09-10
Publication date: 2020-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-10
Also published as: EP3620598A1; DE102018122016B3; SI3620598T1; CN110886543B; ES2924366T3; EP3620598B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device for a door fitting and a door fitting having such a coupling device. The coupling device has a coupling assembly and an actuation assembly. The coupling assembly has a first nut half, a second nut half, and a coupling element. The actuating assembly has a driver element, a spring device and an actuator. The first nut half and the second nut half are each rotatably mounted about a rotational axis in the circumferential direction between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The coupling element is displaceable in the axial direction between a coupled position and a uncoupled position. The first nut half and the second nut half are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the coupling position in the circumferential direction. The first nut half and the second nut half are decoupled in the circumferential direction in a decoupled position. The actuator is connected with the driving element through a spring device. The driving element is movable in the axial direction. The invention further relates to a method for coupling and uncoupling a coupling device.

Description

Coupling device for a door fitting, door fitting system and method for coupling or uncoupling a coupling device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a coupling device for a door fitting and a method for coupling and uncoupling such a coupling device. The coupling device has a coupling device for coupling two nut halves

And a driver element for moving the coupling element.

Background

Such coupling devices for door fittings are well known in the art.

For example, document EP 1522659 a2 shows an electric lock with a multifunctional spring. The electric strike comprises a locking element, decoding means designed to house the code-carrying part, a first actuating element connected to the inner handle and directly associated with the locking element, and a second actuating element connected to the outer handle and coupled to the locking element by electromechanical means. The second actuating element comprises an outwardly projecting rod, the shaft being rigidly coupled with the outer handle. The electromechanical device consists of an electric motor and a sliding device, wherein a spiral worm is arranged on a shaft of the electric motor, and the sliding device is connected with the spiral worm through a spring. The spring includes one end, a central section, and an opposite end. The opposite end is housed between two consecutive tips of the helical worm. The sliding device is provided with a coupling device on its head. The protruding rod ends in a rotating plate. The electric strike includes a reversing plate that is also rotatable. The plate rests freely on a collar, which can also be rotated and rigidly coupled with the locking element. The plate, the counter plate and the collar are provided with corresponding recesses. One end is fixed to the lock body, the central section is engaged into the slide, and the coupling means are designed to enter the recess when the slide is in the forward position to rigidly couple the plate, the counter plate and the collar to each other.

Furthermore, document EP 1113130B 1 shows an electric lock comprising a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is arranged in the inner lock plate and has the purpose of minimizing transmitted forces on the one hand (in which premature wear is avoided) and on the other hand is adapted to each lock. The structure thereof makes it possible to minimize the rotation of the handle or the external operation knob in the absence of a load. The outer lock plate has a key reader and an outer knob. The inner lock plate has an electronic control circuit operated by a battery, a coupling mechanism, and an inner knob. Starting from the coupling mechanism are two concentric shafts, one of which acts on the locking of the lock and the other of which is free to rotate and is connected to the outer knob. An effective key starts a motor or the like which displaces the sleeve, whereby a coupling mechanism temporarily couples the two concentric shafts so that they form a single unit and allows the lock to open.

The main technical requirements of such couplings are fatigue strength (nominal 20000 cycles) and torque resistance (nominal 60 Nm). This must be achieved by a construction (width or diameter and thickness) which is as compact as possible. The width of the door fitting must not exceed a maximum value, so that it can also be mounted on a so-called tube frame door.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on this, it was an object of the present invention to provide a coupling device for a door fitting, which can be operated with low wear and energy efficiency.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a coupling device for a door fitting which is as simple to manufacture as possible.

Therefore, according to the invention, in a first aspect a coupling device for a door fitting is proposed. The coupling device has a coupling assembly and an actuation assembly. The coupling assembly has a first nut half, a second nut half, and a coupling element. The actuating assembly has a driver element, a spring device and an actuator. The first nut half and the second nut half are each rotatably mounted about a rotational axis in the circumferential direction between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The coupling element is displaceable in axial direction between a coupled position and a uncoupled position. The first nut half and the second nut half are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the coupling position in the circumferential direction. The first nut half and the second nut half are decoupled in the circumferential direction in a decoupled position. The actuator is connected with the driving element through a spring device. The driving element can move along the axial direction. The entraining element is coupled with the coupling element in the axial direction when the nut half coupled with the coupling element is arranged in the first rotational position. When the nut halves coupled with the coupling element are arranged in the second rotational position, the entraining element is decoupled from the coupling element in the axial direction.

Furthermore, in a second aspect, a door fitting system with a coupling device according to the first aspect is proposed.

Furthermore, in a third aspect of the invention, a method for coupling a coupling device is proposed. The method comprises the following steps:

providing a coupling arrangement of a coupling assembly and an actuating assembly, wherein the coupling assembly has a first nut half, a second nut half and a coupling element, wherein the actuating assembly has a driver element, a spring device and an actuator, wherein the first nut half and the second nut half are rotatably supported about an axis of rotation in the circumferential direction between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, wherein the actuator is coupled to the driver element by the spring device;

arranging the coupling element in a decoupling position in which the first nut half and the second nut half are decoupled in the circumferential direction, wherein the nut half coupled with the coupling element is arranged in a second rotational position in which the entraining element is decoupled from the coupling element in the axial direction;

moving the driving element in an axial direction by an actuator;

twisting the nut halves coupled with the coupling element from the second rotational position into a first rotational position in which the entraining element is coupled with the coupling element in the axial direction;

the coupling element is displaced in the axial direction from a decoupling position into a coupling position in which the first nut half and the second nut half are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for decoupling a coupling device is proposed, wherein the method has the following steps:

arranging the coupling element in a coupling position in which the first and second nut halves are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction, wherein the first and second nut halves are arranged in a second rotational position in which the entraining element is decoupled from the coupling element in the axial direction;

moving the driving element in an axial direction by an actuator;

twisting the first nut half and the second nut half from the second rotational position into a first rotational position in which the entraining element is coupled with the coupling element in the axial direction,

the coupling element is displaced in the axial direction from a coupling position, in which the first nut half and the second nut half are uncoupled in the circumferential direction, to a decoupling position.

The orientation of the coupling device in space is defined with respect to the axial, radial and circumferential directions. These three directions thus define a three-dimensional coordinate system. The coordinate system can also be generally specified in cartesian coordinates, wherein the axial, radial and circumferential directions result from a corresponding transformation of the cartesian coordinates in cylindrical coordinates. The axis of the axial component corresponds here to the axis of rotation of the component of the coupling assembly.

The nut half coupled with the coupling element is preferably a first nut half. Alternatively, the nut half coupled with the coupling element may also be the second nut half. The coupling element is arranged in the coupling device such that it is always coupled with at least one of the two nut halves.

The term "spring means" generally defines a means having an elasticity such that it is elastically deformable under the action of a force. Thereby, static energy may be stored in the form of mechanical stress in the spring means. In other words, the spring means are designed to receive mechanical stress, such as tensile stress, shear stress or torsional stress, in one or more spatial directions, thereby establishing mechanical stress against the pre-biasing force. For example, the spring device can be designed as a spring, in particular as a bending spring, a torsion spring or a disk spring. Alternatively, the spring means may also be formed of a resilient material, such as rubber, metal foam or the like.

The term "actuator" generally defines a device for converting a signal into mechanical motion. The signal may be, for example, an electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically transmitted signal. In these cases, therefore, they are referred to as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical actuators. For example, an electrical actuator is designed to receive an electrical control signal and convert it into mechanical motion.

The movable part in the lock is usually called nut, button nut or lock nut, in which there is a housing for a connecting element connected to the pusher of the door. In particular, the receptacle may be formed as a square opening and the connecting element may be formed as a square pin. However, in general, other cross-sectional geometries than square openings and square pins may be used. In principle, any non-circular cross-sectional geometry that can transmit torque is suitable, for example triangular, pentagonal or hexagonal geometries or elliptical. Different combinations of square pins and nuts may be made through the intermediate sleeve.

Panic locks with buttons on both sides usually have so-called "split nuts". It is a push-button group with separate connecting elements, in particular a quadrangular prism, in which the two element halves, in particular the quadrangular prism halves, are operated independently of each other. In the closed state, the door cannot be opened from the outside. Although the button can be pressed, the door does not open. In any case, accessibility from the inside is guaranteed.

The coupling solution according to the invention uses a two-piece nut which is formed by two nut halves. The two nut halves may be arranged in the door fitting system as a button side and a lock side half. The two nut halves can be connected in a form-locking manner by an axially displaceable coupling element. For example, the coupling element can be located completely in the nut half on the button side in the idle mode. In the event of authorization, the door or lock is displaced axially and is then also in engagement with the lock-side nut half. The actuation of the external push button can then be transmitted from the push button-side nut half to the lock-side nut half and thus to the lock quadrangular prism by means of the external quadrangular prism ("push button accommodation").

The two nut halves together with the coupling element form a very compact assembly, which allows a small construction. The coupling element can also be arranged in the diameter of the nut half, so that the components can in principle be supported radially over the entire circumference. Furthermore, the required torque can be reliably transmitted through the selected geometry.

The nut halves are disposed in a first rotational position and aligned with each other when the exterior door button and the interior door button are not actuated. The coupling element can then be moved between the coupling position and the sorting position almost without load. However, if the nut halves are twisted relative to each other, such that for example the second nut half is arranged in the first rotational position and the first nut half is arranged in the second rotational position. This is the case, for example, when an external button coupled to the external nut is actuated before the coupling is manoeuvred, for example by presenting an authorized transponder. In this case, the coupling element cannot be moved axially, since the nut halves have already been twisted relative to one another. This is also the case in the case of internal buttons of the suspension and/or locking which undesirably reset the lock quadrangular, in particular due to the weak return spring in the lock.

The roughly opposite is the case when the operator actuates the button after presenting the authorized transponder and activating the coupling, and still keeps it pressed in the event of a uncoupling command of the electronic device. Since in this case the two nut halves are tensioned relative to one another, the coupling element cannot be moved backwards. In the worst case, the fitting will remain attached so that the door is accessible to anyone.

According to the invention, a spring device, which is designed, for example, as a leg spring, is provided for this purpose as an energy store. The energy store of the spring device is loaded with the coupling element jammed, so that the coupling element can then be displaced after the nut halves are aligned again in the first rotational position.

If an uncoupling command is issued with a deflected push button, the entraining element is first moved by the actuator without loading the energy store. When the nut half is rotated back, the driver element is displaced when the driver element is coupled to the coupling element, as a result of which the energy store of the spring device is discharged. As soon as the nut halves are aligned again, the energy store is unloaded and the coupling element is completely displaced again into the button-side nut half by the entraining element.

In order to charge the energy store, the drive energy of the actuator is usually used in comparable systems. The actuator thus operates almost load-free only if the coupling element is also freely displaceable. However, according to the invention, the actuator can almost always be operated without load, since the loading of the energy store is not caused by the movement of the actuator, but by the coupling between the entraining element and the coupling element.

In other words, by means of the structure of the coupling device according to the invention it is achieved that the spring means are pre-biased (only) when the nut halves are twisted from the second rotational position into the first rotational position, i.e. only when energy is stored, whereby the entraining element is coupled with the coupling element.

Thereby, the actuator and the spring means are less loaded as a whole compared to the known solutions. Thus, the coupling device can be operated with less wear and energy efficiency.

Thus, the objects set forth initially are fully achieved.

In a first configuration, it can be provided that the first nut half and the second nut half each have a radially outwardly arranged groove which extends in the axial direction and in which the coupling element is guided.

The required torque in the coupled state in the coupled position can be reliably transmitted by the contact surfaces between the coupling element and the corresponding grooves of the nut halves. In this case, the coupling element is arranged in particular in the groove. This also achieves a space-saving installation of the coupling element.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the first nut half and the second nut half are arranged adjacent to one another in the axial direction.

A compact design of the coupling assembly is thereby achieved. Preferably, the two nut halves are coupled to each other in the radial direction and in the axial direction and are rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction. For this purpose, the nut halves can have receptacles and projections which are designed complementary to one another and rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the coupling element has a projection arranged radially outward, wherein the entraining element has a groove arranged radially inward, and wherein the projection engages into the groove when the nut half coupled with the coupling element is arranged in the first rotational position in order to couple the entraining element with the coupling element in the axial direction, and wherein the groove extends in the circumferential direction.

In this case, the projections and the grooves are formed such that they can be coupled or uncoupled when the coupling assembly is twisted between the first and second rotational positions. Preferably, the entraining element is arranged radially outwardly with respect to the nut half in this case, and the projection of the coupling element extends radially further outwardly than the nut half.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the groove has at least one first end and one second end, the first end being open in the circumferential direction.

Thus, the coupling element can be moved into or out of the groove with the projection on the open end when rotating between the first and second rotational positions.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the second end is open in the circumferential direction and is arranged opposite the first end in the entraining element.

The coupling assembly is rotated to the right or left from the first position to the second position, depending on the installation. Depending on, among other things, whether the door fitting is mounted on the right or left side of the door. Thereby, the direction of rotation from the first rotational position to the second rotational position may be different. The symmetrical arrangement of the grooves of the driver element makes it possible to couple or decouple the driver element and the coupling element when rotating between the first and second rotational position independently of the installation situation.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the groove has a groove profile in the circumferential direction, wherein a first width of the groove profile at a first end of the groove is greater than a second width of the groove profile in a central section of the groove, wherein the central section is arranged between the first end and the second end.

In this case, the projection of the coupling element couples with the entraining element in the central section of the groove in the first rotational position. The wider width of the groove of the entraining element is such that the projection of the coupling element remains aligned with the groove when the entraining element is offset in the axial direction relative to the coupling element.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the first width is greater than or equal to the sum of the width of the projection and the axial offset between the coupled position and the uncoupled position, wherein the second width of the groove profile is substantially equal to the width of the projection.

This makes it possible on the one hand to achieve that the projection of the coupling element is arranged in the central section of the groove with virtually no play in the coupled state with the entraining element. On the other hand, by selecting the width of the open end it is ensured that the projection of the coupling element is in any case arranged in alignment with the groove of the entraining element.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the projection of the coupling element is arranged in the central section of the groove when the nut half coupled with the coupling element is arranged in the first rotational position.

As already mentioned, the projection of the coupling element can thus be coupled with the entraining element in the central section of the groove.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the groove profile tapers from the first end to the central section, in particular with a constant slope.

Thus, the load acting on the grooves and the projections during the transition between the second and the first rotational position is minimized.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the entraining element is guided in the axial direction.

In this way, the driver element can be placed in a precisely matched manner in the circumferential direction. It is thus ensured that the entraining element is always aligned as far as possible in the first rotational position relative to the coupling element.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the entraining element can be pre-biased by the actuator in the axial direction selectively into a first position or into a second position by means of a spring device, wherein the entraining element is couplable in the first position to the coupling element in the uncoupled position and couplable in the second position to the coupling element in the coupled position.

In other words, the first position is formed to correspond to the uncoupled position, and the second position is formed to correspond to the coupled position. The actuator is thus designed to selectively displace the unbiased state of the spring means towards the first position or the second position, whereby the actuator selectively pre-biases the spring means relative to the first position or the second position.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the entraining element can be moved in the axial direction by means of a pre-biasing force of the spring device when the nut halves coupled with the coupling element are arranged in the first rotational position or the second rotational position, respectively, in particular wherein the entraining element can be selectively moved into the first position or the second position by means of the pre-biasing force of the spring device.

In other words, by coupling with the coupling element from the respective pre-biased position, the entraining element is moved out of this position, thus loading the energy store of the spring device and generating a pre-biasing force oriented towards the respective pre-biased position. It is thereby achieved that the spring means stores energy or establishes a pre-biasing force only when the coupling assembly is rotated from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, thereby reducing wear of the spring means and the actuator.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the spring device can be tensioned in the axial direction via the entraining element by a movement of the nut half coupled with the coupling element from the second rotational position into the first rotational position.

As mentioned above, the energy store of the spring device is loaded by a rotational movement of the coupling assembly from the second rotational position to the first rotational position. When the two nut halves of the coupling assembly are arranged in the first rotational position, the spring means are unloaded again by: the entraining element, by means of the pre-biasing force of the spring device, displaces the coupling element almost without load in an axial direction corresponding to the direction of the pre-biasing force.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the coupling device also has a further spring device, wherein the further spring device pre-biases the nut half coupled with the coupling element into the first rotational position.

It is hereby achieved that the coupling assembly can be automatically moved back into the first rotational position after the nut half or both nut halves have been twisted into the second rotational position. As mentioned above, when it is coupled with one nut half, the twisting can be achieved by operating an external or internal handle, in particular a door button or knob. Thus, the first rotational position may be considered an idle state or an initial state. The further spring means are designed to pre-bias or to transfer the coupling means into the initial state when a deflected state into the second rotational position occurs by actuation.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the coupling device further has a housing, wherein the coupling assembly and the actuating assembly are arranged in the housing.

All components of the coupling device are arranged in the housing and the housing also ensures the relative positioning of the individual components.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that, when the nut half coupled with the coupling element is arranged in the first rotational position, the entraining element is coupled with the coupling element such that the entraining element and the coupling element are jointly movable in the axial direction, and wherein, when the nut half coupled with the coupling element is arranged in the second rotational position, the entraining element is decoupled from the coupling element such that the entraining element is movable independently of the coupling element in the axial direction.

As mentioned above, the entraining element and the coupling element cooperate in such a way that: i.e. they are coupled to each other only in the first rotational position and can thus be moved together in the axial direction. By such a coupling or decoupling in the first and second rotational position, it is achieved that the energy store of the spring device is loaded only during the rotational movement from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, whereby the coupling device can be operated in a less wear and more energy efficient manner.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the spring device is designed as a leg spring, wherein a first spring leg of the spring device is coupled to the actuator, wherein a second spring leg is coupled to the driver element, wherein the first spring leg is movable by the actuator between a first leg end position and a second leg end position.

In this case, the spring device pre-biases the entrainment element in the first position when the first spring leg is arranged in the first leg end position and in the second position when the first spring leg is arranged in the second leg end position.

In a further configuration, it can be provided that the first spring leg of the spring device is disengaged from the recess of the actuator in the first leg end position and the second leg end position, and wherein the first spring leg can be brought into engagement with the recess of the actuator for a movement between the first leg end position and the second leg end position.

In particular, it is thereby achieved that the spring device exerts no torque on the actuator when the first spring leg of the spring device is disengaged from the recess of the actuator in the first leg end position and the second leg end position.

In a further configuration of the door fitting system, it can be provided that the door fitting system further has a first actuating element, a second actuating element and an inner shaft, wherein the first actuating element is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the first nut half, wherein the inner shaft couples the second nut half in a rotationally fixed manner to the second actuating element.

Thus, the first nut half forms an outer nut and the second nut half forms an inner nut. The outer nut is twisted from the first rotational position to the second rotational position by actuating the first actuating element. The inner nut is twisted from the first rotational position to the second rotational position by actuating the second actuating element. If the coupling element is arranged in the coupling position, the first actuating element and the second actuating element are coupled to one another in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction.

In a further configuration of the door fitting system, it can be provided that the door fitting system further has an interrogation device for interrogating an access authorization, wherein the interrogation device is coupled to an actuator of the coupling device, in particular wherein the actuator is designed to pre-bias the entraining element into the second position after an interrogation of a valid access authorization, wherein the actuator is otherwise designed to pre-bias the entraining element into the first position.

The interrogation device can preferably be designed to mechanically or electronically interrogate the access authorization. For example, the mechanical interrogation device can be designed as a lock cylinder which interrogates the key profile of the key. For example, the electronic interrogation device can be designed to read out and check the code of the transponder. Alternatively, the electronic interrogation device can also be designed to interrogate the input of a combination of digits by means of a keyboard or a numeric keypad. If the interrogation device confirms a valid access authorization, the interrogation device causes the actuator to pre-bias the entraining element to the second position. To this end, the actuator is mechanically or electronically coupled to the interrogation device. The actuator is preferably designed to pre-bias the entraining element into the first position after a period of time following the interrogation of a valid access authorization.

In a further configuration of the method for coupling, it can be provided that the entraining element is pre-biased in the axial direction by the actuator in the movement step into a second position by means of a spring device, wherein the entraining element is couplable in the second position with the coupling element in the coupling position.

Thus, the actuator displaces the unbiased state of the spring means in the axial direction to the second position. In the second rotational position, the entraining element is uncoupled from the coupling element. Thereby, the entraining element can be displaced into the second position by a movement of the spring device towards the second position.

In a further configuration of the method for coupling, it can be provided that the driver element is movable in the axial direction in a twisting step from a second position into a first position in which the driver element can be coupled to the coupling element in the uncoupled position, whereby the spring device is tensioned by the driver element in the direction of the second position.

As mentioned above, the spring means is in a unbiased state in the second position. If the entraining element is now moved from the second position into the first position, the spring device establishes a pre-biasing force directed towards the second position.

In a further configuration of the method for coupling, it can be provided that in the displacement step the entraining element is moved from the first position into the second position by a pre-biasing force of the spring device in the axial direction directed into the second position, whereby the entraining element displaces the coupling element from the decoupling position into the coupling position.

In the first rotational position, the entraining element and the coupling element are coupled in the axial direction such that the entraining element and the coupling element are displaced in the axial direction by a pre-biasing force directed to the second position. In this case, the entraining element is displaced from the first position into the second position and the coupling element is displaced from the decoupling position into the coupling position.

In a further configuration of the method for decoupling, it can be provided that the entraining element is pre-biased in the axial direction by the actuator in the displacement step into a first position by means of a spring device, wherein the entraining element in the first position is couplable to the coupling element in the decoupling position.

Thus, the actuator displaces the unbiased state of the spring device in the axial direction to the first position. In the second rotational position, the entraining element is uncoupled from the coupling element. The catch element can thereby be displaced into the first position by a movement of the spring device which points into the first position.

In a further configuration of the method for decoupling, it can be provided that the entraining element is moved in the axial direction in a twisting step from a first position into a second position in which the entraining element can be coupled to the coupling element in the coupling position, whereby the spring device is tensioned by the entraining element in the direction of the first position.

As mentioned above, the spring means is in a unbiased state in the first position. If the entraining element is now moved from the first position into the second position, the spring device establishes a pre-biasing force directed towards the first position.

In a further configuration of the method for uncoupling, it can be provided that the entraining element is moved in the displacement step from the second position into the first position by a pre-biasing force of the spring device directed into the first position in the axial direction, as a result of which the entraining element displaces the coupling element from the coupled position into the uncoupled position.

In the first rotational position, the entraining element and the coupling element are coupled in the axial direction such that the entraining element and the coupling element are displaced in the axial direction by a pre-biasing force directed to the first position. In this case, the entraining element is displaced from the second position into the first position and the coupling element is displaced from the coupling position into the decoupling position.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively given combination but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the invention.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description. In the figure:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a coupling device;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the coupling device of FIG. 1 without the housing;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the coupling device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the coupling device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows two isometric views of a first nut half of the coupling device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows two isometric views of a second nut half of the coupling device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a coupling element of the coupling device of FIG. 2;

fig. 8 shows a plan view and two isometric views of a entraining element of the coupling device of fig. 2;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a method for coupling;

FIGS. 10 through 15 illustrate isometric views of the coupling device of FIG. 2 in various states of the method of FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of a method for decoupling;

FIGS. 17-22 are isometric views of the coupling device of FIG. 2 in various states of the method of FIG. 16;

FIG. 23 illustrates an isometric view of the motion transfer element of the coupling device of FIG. 2; and is

Fig. 24 shows a schematic view of different positioning states of the motion-transmitting element relative to the spring element of the coupling device of fig. 2.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of the structure of the coupling device 10. Such a coupling device may be used, for example, in door fittings. The coupling device 10 has a housing 12, a coupling assembly 14, and an actuation assembly 16. The coupling assembly 14 and the actuation assembly 16 are disposed in the housing 12.

Fig. 2 and 3 show isometric and side views of the structure of the coupling device of fig. 1 with the housing 12 omitted to better present the structure of the coupling assembly 14 and the actuation assembly 16. Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the structure of the coupling device of fig. 2 and 3.

In fig. 2-4, the linkage assembly 14 and the actuation assembly 16 are arranged relative to a coordinate system 88. The coordinate system 88 is shown in cartesian coordinates x, y, z. Furthermore, the coordinate system is also presented in cylindrical coordinates, which can be derived from cartesian coordinates. In this case, the cylindrical coordinates define three directions, namely an axial direction 90 corresponding to the z-axis direction, a radial direction 92 lying in the x, y plane and extending away from the z-axis, and a circumferential direction 94 also lying in the x, y plane and rotating about the z-axis. Axial direction 90, radial direction 92, and circumferential direction 94 are each oriented perpendicular to one another.

The coupling device 14 has a first nut half 18, a second nut half 20 and a coupling element 22. The first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are mounted rotatably in the circumferential direction 94 about a common axis of rotation 15. The axis of rotation 15 extends in an axial direction 90 and corresponds to the z-axis of the coordinate system 88. The first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are arranged next to one another in succession in the axial direction 90. The first and second nut halves 18, 20 are coupled to each other in the radial direction 92 and the axial direction 90, and are movable relative to each other in the circumferential direction 94. The first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are rotatable in a circumferential direction between a first rotational position 120 and a second rotational position 122. The first and second

rotational positions

120, 122 and the movement between the first and second

rotational positions

120, 122 are described in more detail below in conjunction with fig. 10-15 and 17-22.

The first nut half 18 has a groove 48, the groove 48 being arranged externally in a radial direction 92 and extending in an axial direction 90. The coupling element 22 is inserted into the groove 48 of the first nut half 18 and guided therein in the axial direction 90. Thus, coupling member 22 is only movable in axial direction 90. The second nut half 20 likewise has a groove 60, the groove 60 being arranged externally in the radial direction 92 and likewise extending in the axial direction 90. If the

slots

48 and 60 are arranged in alignment, the coupling element 22 may move in the axial direction 90 in both

slots

48, 60. If the coupling element 22 is arranged in both

grooves

48, 60, the coupling element 22 couples the first and second nut halves 18, 20 in the circumferential direction 94. The coupling element 22 is thus movable in the axial direction 90 between a coupling position 126, in which the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction 94, and a decoupling position 124, in which the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are decoupled in the circumferential direction 94. The coupled position 126 and the uncoupled position 124 are described in more detail below in connection with fig. 10-15 and 17-22.

The actuating assembly 16 has a driver element 24, a spring device 26 and an actuator 28. The actuator 28 is coupled to the entraining element 24 via the spring element 26. The entraining element 24 is movable in the axial direction 90. The entraining element 24 is couplable to the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90, so that a joint movement in the axial direction 90 is possible. The actuator has a motion transmission device 30 and a drive device 32. The drive means 32 are controlled by control signals. The actuator is thus designed as an electrical actuator, which receives an electrical control signal and converts it into a mechanical movement. The motion transmission means 30 and the drive means 32 are coupled to each other by a transmission means consisting of gears. The motion transmission device 30 has a receptacle 31 for a shaft 37. The motion transmission device 30 is rotatably supported on a shaft 37. The drive means 32 are designed to rotate the motion transfer means 30 about an axis 37.

The spring device 26 is designed as a leg spring and has a first spring leg 27', a second spring leg 27 "and a coil. Two spring legs 27', 27 "extend away from the coil.

The coupling device 10 also has a first carrier element 34 and a second carrier element 36. The first carrier element 34 has a spring tongue 35 for receiving the coils of the spring device 26. The coil is rotatably mounted on the spring 35 about the spring 35. On the second carrier element 36, the motion transmission device 30 is arranged.

In fig. 23, the motion transfer device 30 is shown in more detail in an isometric view. The movement transmission device 30 also has a recess 80 for the end of the first spring leg 27' of the spring device 26. The first spring legs 27' can be moved together when the motion-transmitting means 30 is rotated about the axis 37. Thereby, the rotational movement of the movement transmission means 30 is transmitted to the rotational movement of the first spring leg 27' about the tongue 35. This motion transfer is described in more detail in fig. 4.

Fig. 24 shows various states of the movement transmission of the rotational movement of the movement transmission means 30 to the rotational movement of the first spring leg 27'. The spring leg 27 'is movable between a first leg end position 87' and a second leg end position 87 "by means of the motion transfer means 30. The motion transmission means 30 has a first contact surface 82 and a second contact surface 84 for the ends of the first spring leg 27'.

Fig. 24(a) shows a first state 86A, in which the first spring leg 27 'is arranged in a first leg end position 87'. At a first leg end position 87 ', the end of the first spring leg 27' is disengaged from the recess 80 and rests on a first contact point on the outer circumferential side of the motion transfer device 30. The first contact point is disposed adjacent the first contact surface 82.

Fig. 24(B) shows a second state 86B in which the end of the first spring leg 27' abuts against the second contact surface 84. This state occurs when the spring leg 27 'is transferred from the first leg end position 87' to the second leg end position 87 ".

Fig. 24(C) shows a third state 86C, in which the first spring leg 27' is disposed in the second leg end position 87 ". In a second leg end position 87 ″, the end of the first spring leg 27' is disengaged from the recess 80 and rests against a second contact point on the outer circumference side of the movement transmission device 30. The second contact point is disposed adjacent the second contact surface 84.

Fig. 24(D) shows a fourth state 86D in which the end of the first spring leg 27' abuts the first contact surface 82. This state occurs when the spring leg 27 'is transferred from the second leg end position 87 "to the first leg end position 87'.

The spring device 26 can be selectively pre-biased with respect to the first leg end position 87 ' or the second leg end position 87 ' by means of a movement transmission of the rotational movement of the movement transmission device 30 to the rotational movement of the first spring leg 27 '.

As is further shown in fig. 2 to 4, the driver element 24 has a receptacle 78 for the end of the second spring leg 27 ″ of the spring device 26. The axial movement of the entraining element 24 is thereby linked to the rotational movement of the spring device 26. The entraining element 24 is movable in the axial direction 90 by the pre-biasing force of the spring means 26. Instead, the spring device can be pre-biased in the axial direction 90 by an axial movement of the entraining element 24. Thus, the entraining element 24 is movable in the axial direction 90 between a first position 128 and a second position 130. In the first position 128, the entraining element 24 can be coupled with the coupling element 22 in the decoupling position 124. In the second position 130, the entraining element 24 can be coupled with the coupling element 22 in the coupling position 126. The first position 128 and the second position 130 are described in more detail below in conjunction with fig. 10-15 and 17-22.

In other words, the entraining element 24 can be selectively pre-biased by the actuator 28 into the first position 128 or the second position 130 via the spring device 26. In this case, the entraining element 24 can be coupled in the first position with the coupling element 22 in the uncoupled position and in the second position with the coupling element 22 in the coupled position.

When the first nut half 18 is arranged in the first rotational position 120, the entraining element 24 is coupled with the coupling element 22 such that the entraining element 24 and the coupling element 22 can be moved together in the axial direction 90. When the first nut half 18 is arranged in the second rotational position 122, the entraining element 24 is uncoupled from the coupling element 22, so that the entraining element 24 can be moved in the axial direction 90 independently of the coupling element 22. The spring device 26 can be tensioned in the axial direction 90 by the movement of the first nut half 18 from the second rotational position 122 into the first rotational position 120 via the entraining element.

Furthermore, the coupling device 10 has a further spring device 38. The further spring device 38 is designed as a return spring. The further spring means 38 has a first end, a second end and a coil. A further spring means 38 is arranged in an annular groove of the first nut half 18. The annular groove has two recesses radially on the outside, by means of which the ends of the further spring devices 38 are each led out of the first nut half 18 in the radial direction 92.

The coupling device 10 also has a first bearing ring 40 and a second bearing ring 41. The two bearing rings 40, 41 are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction 90. Furthermore, the two bearing rings 40, 41 are arranged radially inside the further spring arrangement 38 and serve as bearings for the further spring arrangement 38.

The coupling device 10 also has a bearing washer 42. A bearing washer 42 is disposed between the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20. Preferably, the bearing washer 42 is inserted into a recess of the second nut half 20.

The coupling device 10 also has a stop element 44, which stop element 44 is arranged in the radial direction 92 on the first nut half 18 on the outside at the first and second recesses of the annular groove. The stop element 44 forms a stop for the first and second ends of the further spring device 38. When the first nut half 18 is rotated, one end of the further spring device 38 is thus pressed against a corresponding stop of the stop device, thereby pre-biasing the spring device 38 in the circumferential direction 94 against the direction of rotation of the first nut half 18. The first nut half 18 can be rotated in the circumferential direction 94 by the pre-biasing force of the further spring means 38. Preferably, the further spring means 38 is arranged in a unbiased state in the first rotational position and is pre-biased in the direction of the first rotational position in the circumferential direction 94 in the second rotational position.

The coupling device 10 also has a bar 46, the bar 46 being formed as a four-sided bar. The first nut half 18 has a receptacle for a rod 46, into which the rod 46 can be inserted and fixed. The rod 46 is then coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction 94 to the first nut half 18.

The coupling device may generally be part of a door fitting system. The coupling device is preferably arranged on the outside of the door. The door fitting system can have a first actuating element on the door outer side, which is coupled to the first nut half 18 in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction 94, preferably via the rod 46. The rods 46 may be formed here as outer quadrangular prisms. The door fitting system can have a second actuating element on the inner door side, which is coupled to the second nut half 20 in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction 94, preferably via an inner shaft or a lock square. The first and second actuating elements may be formed as, for example, door knobs or handles.

The door fitting system may also have an interrogation device for interrogating access authorizations. The interrogation device is mechanically or electrically coupled to the actuator 28 to relay the interrogation to the actuator 28 for valid access authorization. Only after querying for a valid access authorization is the actuator 28 configured to pre-bias the entraining element 24 in the second position 126, whereas otherwise the actuator 28 is configured to pre-bias the entraining element 24 in the first position 124.

Fig. 5 shows the first nut half 18 in a first isometric view (a) and a second isometric view (B). The side of the first nut half 18 facing the second nut half 20 is shown in a first isometric view (a). The side of the first nut half 18 facing away from the second nut half 20 is shown in a second isometric view (B).

The first nut half 18 is formed substantially rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation 15. The first nut half 18 has a groove 48 at the radially outer edge. The groove 48 extends in an axial direction 90. In the assembled state of the coupling device 10 shown in fig. 1 to 3, the coupling element 22 is inserted into the groove 48. Coupling member 22 is depicted in greater detail in fig. 7.

The groove 48 has a constant width in the circumferential direction 94. The width of the groove 48 corresponds substantially to the width of the coupling element 22 in the circumferential direction 94. Thereby, the coupling element 22 is guided in the axial direction 90 so as to be movable without play. The grooves have a constant height in the radial direction 92. The height of the groove 48 corresponds substantially to the height of the coupling element 22 in the radial direction 92. The slot 48 has a length in the axial direction 90. The length of the slot 48 is at least as great as the length of the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90.

The first nut half 18 also has a projection 50. The projection 50 is arranged on that side of the first nut half 18 which faces the second nut half 20 and extends in the axial direction in the direction of the second nut half 20. The projection 50 is formed rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis 15.

The first nut half 18 also has a receptacle 52 for the square bar 46. The receiving body 52 is arranged on that side of the first nut half 18 which faces away from the second nut half 20. The accommodating body 52 is formed as a quadrangular hollow portion, the center of which is the rotation axis 15.

The first nut half 18 also has an annular groove 54. The annular groove 54 is arranged in the radial direction 92 between the receiving body 52 and the outer radial edge of the first nut half 18. In the assembled state of the coupling device 10 shown in fig. 1 to 3, the further spring device 38 is inserted into the annular groove 54.

The first nut half 18 also has a first recess 56 and a second recess 58. The first recess 56 and the second recess 58 each extend in the circumferential direction 94 along the radially outer edge of the first nut half 18 in the form of a split. The first recess 56 and the second recess 58 are arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction 94 and in the axial direction 90. The first and

second recesses

56, 58 each extend in a radial direction 92 from the annular groove 54 to an outer radial edge of the first nut half 18. The first recess 56 and the second recess 58 form openings, through which the ends of the further spring device 38 are led out of the annular groove 54.

Fig. 6 shows the second nut half 20 in a first isometric view (a) and a second isometric view (B). The side of the second nut half 20 facing away from the first nut half 18 is shown in a first isometric view (a). The side of the second nut half 20 facing the first nut half 18 is shown in a second isometric view (B).

The second nut half 20 is formed substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation 15. The second nut half 20 has a groove 60 at the radially outer edge. The groove 60 extends in an axial direction 90. The groove 60 has a constant width in the circumferential direction 94. The width of the slot 60 substantially corresponds to the width of the slot 48. Preferably, the slot 60 is at least as wide as the slot 48. In particular, the slot 60 is minimally wider than the slot 48. Accordingly, the width of the groove 60 also substantially corresponds to the width of the coupling element 22 in the circumferential direction 94.

In the assembled state of the coupling device 10 shown in fig. 1 to 3, when the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are arranged in the rotational position 120, the coupling element 22 is guided in the groove 60 in the axial direction 90 and can be moved substantially without play.

The groove 60 has a constant height in the radial direction 92. The height of the groove 60 corresponds to the height of the groove 48. Accordingly, the height of the groove 60 also substantially corresponds to the height of the coupling element 22 in the radial direction 92.

The groove 60 has a length in the axial direction 90. The length of the slot 60 is less than the length of the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90.

The second nut half 20 also has a receptacle 62 for a square bar, in particular an inner shaft. The receiving body 62 is arranged on that side of the second nut half 20 which faces away from the first nut half 18. The accommodating body 62 is formed as a quadrangular hollow portion, the center of which is the rotation axis 15.

The second nut half 20 also has a recess 64. The recess 64 is arranged on that side of the second nut half 20 which faces the first nut half 18 and extends away from the first nut half 18 in the axial direction 90. The recess 64 is formed rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis 15. The recess 64 is formed complementary to the projection 50 of the first nut half 18 and forms a receptacle for the projection 50 and the bearing washer 42. The extension of the recess 64 in the axial direction 90 is preferably configured such that the first nut half 18 and the second nut half do not abut against each other in the axial direction outside the region of the bearing washer 42. In the assembled state of the coupling device 10 shown in fig. 1 to 3, the bearing washer 42 and the projection 50 are arranged in the recess 64 such that the first and second nut halves are rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction 94 and are coupled in the radial direction 92.

Fig. 7 shows the coupling element 22 in an isometric view. Coupling member 22 extends in an axial direction 90.

Coupling member 22 has a constant width in circumferential direction 94. The width of the coupling element 22 substantially corresponds to the width of the groove 48 of the first nut half 18 and the width of the groove 60 of the second nut half 20 in the circumferential direction 94.

Coupling member 22 has a height in radial direction 92. The height of the coupling element 22 substantially corresponds to the height of the groove 48 of the first nut half 18 and the height of the groove 60 of the second nut half 20 in the radial direction 92.

Coupling member 22 has a length in axial direction 90. The length of the coupling element 22 is less than or equal to the length of the slot 48 of the first nut half 18 and greater than the length of the slot 60 of the second nut half 20 in the axial direction 90.

Coupling member 22 has a projection 66. The projection 66 is arranged in the center of the extension of the coupling element in the axial direction 90. The projection 66 is also arranged in the center of the extension of the coupling element in the circumferential direction 94. The projection 66 has a width in the axial direction 90 and a length in the circumferential direction 94.

Fig. 8 shows the entraining element 24 in plan view (a) on the underside of the entraining element 24, the entraining element 24 in a first isometric view (B) and a second isometric view (C). The underside of the entrainment element 24 is the side of the entrainment element 24 facing the coupling element 22.

The driver element 24 has a groove 68 on the underside. The groove 68 extends in a circumferential direction 94 from the first end 70 to the second end 72. The first end 70 and the second end 72 are open.

The groove 68 has a groove profile 74 in the axial direction 90. The trough profile 74 has a central section 76 that is disposed between the first end 70 and the second end 72. The width of the groove profile 74 in the axial direction 90 is wider at the first and second ends 70, 72 than the width of the groove profile 74 of the central section 76. The width of the trough profile decreases from the first end 70 and the second end 72, respectively, to the central section 76 with a constant slope. In particular, the groove profile 74 is formed mirror-symmetrically in the axial direction 90. In particular, the groove profile 74 is also formed mirror-symmetrically in the circumferential direction 94.

The width of the groove profile 74 in the central section 76 is greater than or equal to, in particular substantially equal to, the width of the projection 66 of the coupling element 22. Thus, when the protrusion 66 of the coupling element 22 is disposed in the central section 76 of the slot 68 of the entraining element 24, the coupling element 22 and the entraining element 24 can be coupled. When the first nut half 18 is disposed in the first rotational position 120, the projection 66 of the coupling element 22 is disposed in the central section 76.

The width of slot profile 74 at first end 70 and second end 72 is greater than or equal to the sum of the width of tab 66 of coupling member 22 and the axial offset of coupling member 22 between coupled position 126 and uncoupled position 124.

The driver element 24 also has a receptacle 78 for the second end of the spring device 26. The receiving body 78 is arranged on that side of the driver element 24 which faces away from the coupling element 22. The receiving body is preferably designed as a ring.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a method 100 for coupling. The method 100 illustrates the coupling of the coupling device 10 of fig. 1 to 8 with the twisted state as the starting position.

In a first step 102 of the method 100, a coupling device 10 is provided.

In a further step 104 of the method 100, the coupling element 22 is arranged in a decoupling position 124 in which the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are decoupled. Furthermore, the first nut half 18 is arranged in a second rotational position 122 in which the entraining element 24 is decoupled from the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90.

In a further step 106 of the method 100, the entraining element 24 is moved in the axial direction 90 by the actuator 28. Preferably, the entraining element 24 is pre-biased by the actuator 28 in the axial direction 90 into the second position 130 via the spring device 26, wherein the entraining element 24 of the second position 130 is couplable to the coupling element 22 of the coupling position 126.

In a further step 108 of the method 100, the first nut half 18 is rotated from the second rotational position 122 into the first rotational position 120, in which the entraining element 24 is coupled with the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90. In this case, the driver element 24 is preferably moved in the axial direction 90 from the second position 130 into the first position 128, in which the driver element 24 can be coupled to the coupling element 22 of the decoupling position 124, so that the spring device 26 is tensioned in the direction of the second position via the driver element 24.

In a further step 110 of the method 100, the coupling element 22 is displaced in the axial direction 90 from a decoupling position 124 into a coupling position 126, in which the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction 94. In this case, the entraining element 24 is preferably moved in the axial direction 90 from the first position 128 into the second position 130 by means of the pre-biasing force of the spring device 26 directed into the second position 130, whereby the entraining element 24 displaces the coupling element 22 from the decoupling position 124 into the connecting position 126.

The method steps 102 to 110 of the method 100 are preferably carried out in succession.

Fig. 10 to 15 show the coupling device 10 in different process states of the method 100 for coupling.

Fig. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the coupling device 10 of fig. 1-4. The perspective of the isometric view is selected such that the second nut half 20 is disposed in front of the first nut half 18.

In fig. 10, the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are disposed in a first rotational position 120. In this case, the further spring means 38 pre-biases the first nut half 18 in the first rotational position 120. If the first nut half 18 is moved out of the first rotational position 120 in the circumferential direction 94, the further spring means 38 establishes a pre-biasing force directed towards the first rotational position 120.

For the second nut half 20, a spring means may also be provided, which pre-biases the second nut half 20 in the first rotational position 120. Thus, the arrangement of the two

nut halves

18, 20 in the first rotational position 120 constitutes a pre-biased neutral state.

Furthermore, in fig. 10, the coupling element 22 is arranged in the uncoupled position 124. The coupling element 22 is coupled with the entraining element 24. Thus, the entraining element 24 is arranged in the first position 128. In this case, the movement transmission element 30 is arranged such that the spring device 26 pre-biases the entraining element 24 in the first position. For this purpose, the first spring leg 27 'is arranged in a first leg position 87'.

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 of fig. 10, in fig. 11 the first nut half 18 is rotated from a first rotational position 120 into a second rotational position 122. Thus, the first nut half 18 is disposed in the second rotational position 122, while the second nut half 20 is also disposed in the first rotational position 120.

The rotational movement of the first nut half 18 from the first rotational position 120 to the second rotational position 122 may be performed, for example, by an actuating element of a door fitting coupled with the first nut half 18. In this case, the actuating element can be arranged in particular on the outer side of the door and be designed as a door knob or door button.

By arranging the first nut half 18 in the second rotational position 122, the entraining element 24 and the coupling element 22 are decoupled from one another in the axial direction 90.

In fig. 12, the perspective of the isometric view of the coupling device 10 is rotated. In this case, the perspective of the isometric view is chosen such that the first nut half 18 is now arranged in front of the second nut half 20. The rotated position provides an improved viewing angle for coupling element 22.

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 of fig. 11, in fig. 12 the drive element 24 has been moved in the axial direction 90 by the actuator 28 from the first position 128 into the second position. To this end, the drive arrangement 32 of the actuator 28 moves the motion transfer element 30 of the actuator 28 from the first state 86A to the third state 86C via the second state 86B, for example as shown in views (a), (B) and (C) of fig. 24, such that the first spring leg 27 'is moved from the first leg position 87' to the second leg position 87 ", thereby pre-biasing the spring arrangement towards the second position 130. Since the entraining element 24 is freely movable in the axial direction 90, the entraining element 24 is moved by the actuator 28 in the axial direction 90 into the second position 130 via the spring device 26. The spring means 26 is in an unbiased state in fig. 12.

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 in fig. 12, in fig. 13 the first nut half 18 is rotated in the circumferential direction 94 from the second rotational position 122 in the direction of the first rotational position 120. Thus, the first nut half 18 is disposed between the first rotational position 120 and the second rotational position 122.

In the intermediate state shown in fig. 13, the projection 66 of the coupling element 22 engages the groove 68 of the entraining element 24.

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 in fig. 13, in fig. 14 the first nut half 18 is rotated back into the first rotational position 120. The entraining element 24 is now arranged in the first position 128. The entraining element 24 is coupled to the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90.

The entraining element 24 is moved from the second position 130 to the first position 128 by rotation of the first nut half 18 from the second rotational position 122 to the first rotational position 120. In this case, the coupling element 22 is blocked in the axial direction 90, since the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are twisted relative to one another, so that the

grooves

48 and 60 of the two

nut halves

18, 20 are not aligned with one another. The entraining element 24 is not blocked in the axial direction and is therefore movable in the axial direction 90.

The rotational movement of the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 can be achieved by a pre-biasing force or a restoring force of the further spring means 38, which pre-biases the first nut half 18 in the direction of the first rotational position 120, as described above.

In the rotational movement of the first nut half 18 from the second rotational position 122 to the first rotational position 120, the projection 66 of the coupling element 22 is guided along the groove profile 74 of the groove 68 into the central section 76 of the groove profile 74 as soon as the projection 66 engages with the groove 68 of the entraining element 24. Thereby, the entraining element 24 is moved from the second position 130 to the first position 128.

By an axial movement of the entraining element 24 from the second position 130 into the first position 128, the end of the spring device 26 coupled to the entraining element 24 is likewise displaced in the axial direction, so that the spring device 26 is tensioned in the direction of the second position 130. In other words, the energy store of the spring device 26 is loaded by the axial displacement of the driver element 24.

In fig. 15, the perspective of the isometric view of the coupling device 10 is again rotated. In this case, the perspective of the isometric view is selected such that now the second nut half 20 is again arranged in front of the first nut half 18 as shown in fig. 10. The rotated position provides an improved viewing angle for coupling element 22.

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 of fig. 14, in fig. 15 the coupling element 22 is displaced into the coupling position 126. The entraining element 24 is arranged in the second position 130.

In the state of fig. 14 and 15, the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are arranged in the first rotational position 120. Thus, the

grooves

48 and 60 of the two

nut halves

18, 20 are arranged flush, so that the coupling element 22 is movable in the axial direction 90. As mentioned above, in the state of fig. 14, the spring means 26 is tensioned in the direction of the second position 130. Since the coupling element 22 is now movable in the axial direction 90, the coupling element 22 is displaced by the pre-biasing force of the spring device 26 via the entraining element 24 into the coupling position 126. In this case, the entraining element 24 is moved into the second position 130.

Fig. 16 shows a schematic diagram of a method 140 for decoupling. Method 140 illustrates decoupling of coupling device 10 of fig. 1-8 with a torsional state as a starting position.

In a first step 142 of the method 140, the coupling device 10 is provided.

In a further step 144 of the method 140, the coupling element 22 is arranged in the coupling position 126, in which the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction 94. The first nut half 18 and the second nut half are also arranged in a second rotational position 122 in which the entraining element 24 is uncoupled from the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90.

In a further step 146 of the method 140, the entraining element 24 is moved in the axial direction 90 by the actuator 28. Preferably, the entraining element 24 is pre-biased by the actuator 28 in the axial direction 90 via the spring device 26 into the first position 130, wherein the entraining element 24 of the first position 130 is couplable to the coupling element 22 of the decoupling position 124.

In a further step 148 of the method 140, the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are twisted from the second rotational position 122 into the first rotational position 120, in which the entraining element 24 is coupled with the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90. In this case, the driver element 24 is preferably moved in the axial direction 90 from a first position 128 into a second position 130, in which the driver element 24 is couplable with the coupling element 22 in the coupling position 126, as a result of which the spring device 26 is tensioned via the driver element 24 in the direction of the first position 130.

In a further step 150 of the method 140, the coupling element 22 is displaced in the axial direction 90 from the coupling position 126 into the decoupling position 124, in which the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are decoupled in the circumferential direction 94. In this case, the entraining element 24 is preferably moved in the axial direction 90 from the second position 130 into the first position 128 by means of the pre-biasing force of the spring device 26 directed into the first position 128, whereby the entraining element 24 displaces the coupling element 22 from the coupling position 126 into the decoupling position 124.

Method steps 142 to 150 of method 140 are preferably performed sequentially.

Fig. 17 to 22 show the coupling device 10 in different process states of the method 140 for coupling.

Fig. 17 shows an isometric view of the coupling device 10 of fig. 1-4. The perspective of the isometric view is selected such that the second nut half 20 is disposed forward of the first nut half 18.

In fig. 17, the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are disposed in a first rotational position 120. In this case, the further spring means 38 pre-biases the first nut half 18 in the first rotational position 120. If the first nut half 18 is moved out of the first rotational position 120 in the circumferential direction 94, the further spring means 38 establishes a pre-biasing force directed towards the first rotational position 120.

A spring device can likewise be provided for the second nut half 20, which spring device pre-biases the second nut half 20 in the first rotational position 120. Thus, the arrangement of the two

nut halves

Furthermore, in fig. 17, the coupling element 22 is arranged in the coupling position 126. The coupling element 22 is coupled with the entraining element 24. The entraining element 24 is thus arranged in the second position 130. In this case, the motion-transmitting element 30 is arranged such that the spring device 26 pre-biases the entraining element 24 into the second position 130. For this purpose, the first spring leg 27' is arranged in the second leg position 87 ".

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 of fig. 17, in fig. 18 the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are rotated from a first rotational position 120 into a second rotational position 122. Thus, the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are disposed in the second rotational position 122.

By arranging the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 in the second rotational position 122, the entraining element 24 and the coupling element 22 are decoupled from one another in the axial direction 90.

In fig. 19, the perspective of the isometric view of the coupling device 10 is rotated slightly. In this case, the perspective of the isometric view is chosen such that the second nut half 20 is also arranged in front of the first nut half 18. The rotated position provides an improved viewing angle for coupling element 22.

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 in fig. 18, in fig. 19 the drive element 24 has been moved in the axial direction 90 by the actuator 28 from the second position 130 into the first position 128. To this end, the drive arrangement 32 of the actuator 28 moves the motion transfer element 30 of the actuator 28 from the third state 86C to the first state 86A via the fourth state 86D, as shown, for example, in views (a), (B), and (C) of fig. 24, to move the first spring leg 27 'from the second leg position 87 ″ to the first leg position 87', thereby pre-biasing the spring arrangement toward the first position 128. Since the entraining element 24 is freely movable in the axial direction 90, the entraining element 24 is moved by the actuator 28 in the axial direction 90 into the first position 128 via the spring device 26. The spring means 26 is in an unbiased state in fig. 19.

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 of fig. 19, in fig. 20 the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are rotated in the circumferential direction 94 from the second rotational position 122 in the direction of the first rotational position 120. Thus, the first nut half 18 is disposed between the first rotational position 120 and the second rotational position 122.

In this intermediate state shown in fig. 20, the projection 66 of the coupling element 22 engages the groove 68 of the entraining element 24.

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 of fig. 20, in fig. 21 the first nut half 18 is rotated back into the first rotational position 120. The entraining element 24 is now arranged in the second position 130. The entraining element 24 is coupled to the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90.

The entraining element 24 is moved from the first position 128 to the second position 130 by rotation of the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 from the second rotational position 122 to the first rotational position 120. In this case, the coupling element 22 is blocked in the axial direction 90, since a torque between the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 is transmitted by the coupling element 22 during the rotational movement. As a result, a static friction is produced at the force transmission surfaces between the coupling element 22 and the two

nut halves

18, 20, which prevents the coupling element 22 from being movable in the axial direction. The entraining element 24 is not blocked in the axial direction and is therefore movable in the axial direction 90.

During the rotational movement of the first and second nut halves 18, 20 from the second rotational position 122 to the first rotational position 120, once the projection 66 of the coupling element 22 engages with the groove 68 of the entraining element 24, the projection 66 is guided along the groove profile 74 of the groove 68 into the central section 76 of the groove profile 74. Thereby, the entraining element 24 is moved from the first position 128 to the second position 130.

By an axial movement of the entraining element 24 from the first position 128 into the second position 130, the end of the spring device 26 coupled to the entraining element 24 is likewise displaced in the axial direction 90, so that the spring device 26 is tensioned in the direction of the first position 128. In other words, the energy store of the spring device 26 is loaded by the axial displacement of the driver element 24.

In fig. 22, the perspective of the isometric view of the coupling device 10 is again rotated. In this case, the perspective of the isometric view is again selected such that the second nut half 20 is arranged in front of the first nut half 18. The rotated position provides an improved viewing angle for coupling element 22.

Starting from the arrangement of the coupling device 10 of fig. 21, in fig. 22 the coupling element 22 is displaced into the decoupling position 124. The entraining element 24 is arranged in the first position 128.

In the state of fig. 21 and 22, the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are arranged in the first rotational position 120. Thus, the

grooves

48 and 60 of the two

nut halves

18, 20 are arranged flush and there is no longer torque, so that the coupling element 22 is movable in the axial direction 90. As mentioned above, in the state of fig. 21, the spring device 26 is tensioned in the direction of the first position 128. Since the coupling element 22 is now movable in the axial direction 90, the coupling element 22 is displaced by the pre-biasing force of the spring device 26 via the entraining element 24 into the decoupling position 124. In this case, the entraining element 24 is moved into the first position 128.

Claims

1. A coupling device (10) for a door fitting, having a coupling assembly (14) and an actuating assembly (16), wherein the coupling assembly (14) has a first nut half (18), a second nut half (20) and a coupling element (22), wherein the actuating assembly (16) has a entraining element (24), a spring device (26) and an actuator (28), wherein the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are each mounted rotatably about a rotational axis (15) in a circumferential direction (94) between a first rotational position (120) and a second rotational position (122), wherein the coupling element (22) is displaceable in an axial direction (90) between a coupling position (126) and a decoupling position (124), wherein the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction (94) by the coupling element (22) in the coupling position (126), the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are decoupled in the decoupling position (124) in the circumferential direction (94) by means of a coupling element (22), the actuator (28) is coupled to the entraining element (24) by means of a spring device (26), the entraining element (24) is movable in the axial direction (90), characterized in that the entraining element (24) is coupled to the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90) when the nut half (18, 20) coupled to the coupling element (22) is arranged in the first rotational position (120), and the entraining element (24) is decoupled from the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90) when the nut half (18, 20) coupled to the coupling element (22) is arranged in the second rotational position (122).

2. Coupling device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) each have a radially outwardly arranged groove (48, 60) which extends in the axial direction (90) and in which the coupling element (22) is guided.

3. Coupling device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are arranged adjacently in the axial direction (90).

4. Coupling device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coupling element (22) has a projection (66) arranged radially outwards, the entraining element (24) has a groove (68) arranged radially inwards, and when the nut half (18) coupled with the coupling element (22) is arranged in the first rotational position (120), the projection (66) engages into the groove (68) to couple the entraining element (24) with the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90), and the groove (68) extends in the circumferential direction (94).

5. The coupling device (10) of claim 4, wherein the slot (68) has at least a first end (70) and a second end (72), the first end (70) being open in the circumferential direction (94).

6. Coupling device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second end (72) is open in the circumferential direction (94) and is arranged opposite the first end (70) in the entrainment element (94).

7. The coupling device (10) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the groove (68) has a groove profile (74) in the circumferential direction (94), a first width of the groove profile (74) at the first end (70) of the groove (68) being greater than a second width of the groove profile (74) in a central section (76) of the groove (68), the central section (76) being arranged between the first end (70) and the second end (72).

8. Coupling device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first width is greater than or equal to the sum of the width of the projection (66) of the coupling element (22) and the axial offset of the coupling element (22) between the coupling position (126) and the uncoupling position (124), the second width of the groove profile (74) being substantially equal to the width of the projection (66) of the coupling element (22).

9. Coupling device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the projection (66) of the coupling element (22) is arranged in the central section (76) of the groove (68) when the nut halves (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element are arranged in the first rotational position (120).

10. The coupling device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the groove profile (74) tapers from the first end (70) to the central section (76), in particular with a constant slope.

11. Coupling device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the entraining element (24) is guided in the axial direction (90).

12. Coupling device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the entraining element (24) can be pre-biased selectively in the axial direction (90) by means of a spring device (26) by means of an actuator (28) into a first position (128) or into a second position (130), the entraining element (24) being couplable in the first position (128) with the coupling element (22) in the uncoupled position (124) and couplable in the second position (130) with the coupling element (22) in the coupled position (126).

13. Coupling device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the entraining element (24) is movable in the axial direction (90) by means of the pre-biasing force of the spring device (26), in particular the entraining element (24) is selectively movable into the first position (128) or into the second position (130) by means of the pre-biasing force of the spring device (26), when the nut halves (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) are arranged in the first rotational position (120) or in the second rotational position (122), respectively.

14. Coupling device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the spring device (26) can be tensioned in the axial direction (90) via the entraining element (24) by a movement of the nut halves (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) from the second rotational position (122) into the first rotational position (120).

15. Coupling device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the coupling device (10) further has a further spring device (38), which further spring device (38) pre-biases the first nut half (18) and/or the second nut half (20) into the first rotational position (120).

16. The coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the coupling device (10) further has a housing (12), the coupling assembly (14) and the actuation assembly (16) being arranged in the housing (12).

17. Coupling device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the entraining element (24) is coupled with the coupling element (22) such that the entraining element (24) and the coupling element (22) can be moved jointly in the axial direction (90) when the nut halves (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) are arranged in the first rotational position (120), and in that the entraining element (24) is decoupled from the coupling element (22) such that the entraining element (24) can be moved independently of the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90) when the nut halves (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) are arranged in the second rotational position (122).

18. Coupling device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the spring device (26) is designed as a leg spring, a first spring leg (27 ') of the spring device (26) being coupled with the actuator and a second spring leg (27 ") being coupled with the entrainment element, the first spring leg (27 ') being movable between a first leg end position (87 ') and a second leg end position (87") by means of the actuator (28).

19. Coupling device (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that the first spring leg (27 ') of the spring device (26) is disengaged from the recess (80) of the actuator (28) in the first leg end position (87') and the second leg end position (87 "), and the first spring leg (27 ') is engageable with the recess (80) of the actuator (28) for movement between the first leg end position (87') and the second leg end position (87").

20. A door fitting system having a coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The door fitting system according to claim 20, characterized in that the door fitting system further has a first actuating element, which is coupled with the first nut half (18) in a rotationally fixed manner, a second actuating element, and an inner shaft, which couples the second nut half (20) with the second actuating element in a rotationally fixed manner.

22. Door fitting system according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the door fitting system further has an interrogation device for interrogating an access authorization, which interrogation device is coupled to the actuator (28) of the coupling device (10), in particular the actuator (28) is designed to pre-bias the entraining element (24) into the second position (130) after an interrogation of a valid access authorization, the actuator otherwise being designed to pre-bias the entraining element (24) into the first position (128).

23. A method (100) for coupling a coupling device (10), the method having the steps of:

providing (102) a coupling device (10) having a coupling assembly (14) and an actuating assembly (16), the coupling assembly (14) having a first nut half (18), a second nut half (20) and a coupling element (22), the actuating assembly (16) having a driver element (24), a spring device (26) and an actuator (28), the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) each being rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (15) in a circumferential direction (94) between a first rotational position (120) and a second rotational position (122), the actuator (28) being coupled to the driver element (24) by means of the spring device (26);

-arranging (104) the coupling element (22) in a decoupling position (124), in which the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are decoupled in the circumferential direction (94), the nut halves (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) being arranged in a second rotational position (122), in which the entraining element (24) is decoupled from the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90);

moving (106) the driver element (24) in the axial direction (90) by means of the actuator (28);

twisting (108) the nut halves (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) from a second rotational position (122) into a first rotational position (120) in which the entraining element (24) is coupled with the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90);

the coupling element (22) is displaced (110) in an axial direction (90) from a decoupling position (124) into a coupling position (126), in which the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction (94).

24. Method (100) according to claim 23, characterized in that the entraining element (24) is pre-biased in the axial direction (90) by the actuator (28) via the spring device (26) in the second position (130) in the moving (106) step, the entraining element (24) being couplable with the coupling element (22) in the coupling position (126) in the second position (130).

25. Method (100) according to claim 24, characterized in that in the step of twisting (108), the entraining element (24) is moved in the axial direction (90) from the second position (130) into a first position (128), in which the entraining element (24) can be coupled with the coupling element (22) in the decoupling position (124), whereby the spring device (126) is tensioned by the entraining element (24) in the direction of the second position (130).

26. Method (100) according to claim 25, wherein in the step of displacing (110) the entraining element (24) is moved from the first position (128) to the second position (130) by a pre-biasing force of the spring device (26) in the axial direction (90) directed towards the second position (130), whereby the entraining element (24) displaces the coupling element (22) from the decoupling position (124) to the coupling position (126).

27. A method (140) for uncoupling a coupling device, wherein the method has the following steps:

providing (142) a coupling device (10) of a coupling assembly (14) and an actuating assembly (16), the coupling assembly (14) having a first nut half (18), a second nut half (20) and a coupling element (22), the actuating assembly (16) having a driver element (24), a spring device (26) and an actuator (28), the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) being rotatably mounted in a circumferential direction (94) about an axis of rotation (15) between a first rotational position (120) and a second rotational position (122), the actuator (28) being coupled to the driver element (24) by means of the spring device (26);

arranging (144) the coupling element (22) in a coupling position (126), in which the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction (94), the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) being arranged in a second rotational position (122), in which the entraining element (24) is decoupled from the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90);

moving (146) the driver element (24) in the axial direction (90) by means of the actuator (28);

twisting (148) the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) from a second rotational position (122) into a first rotational position (120) in which the entraining element (24) is coupled with the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90),

the coupling element (22) is displaced (150) in the axial direction (90) from a coupling position (126) into a decoupling position (124) in which the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are decoupled in the circumferential direction (94).

28. The method (140) according to claim 27, wherein, in the step of moving (146), the entraining element (24) is pre-biased by the actuator (28) in the axial direction (90) via the spring device (26) into a first position (128), the entraining element (24) in the first position (128) being couplable with the coupling element (22) in the decoupling position (124).

29. Method (140) according to claim 28, characterized in that in the step of twisting (148) the entraining element (24) is moved in the axial direction (90) from a first position (128) into a second position (130), in which the entraining element (24) can be coupled with the coupling element (22) in the coupling position (126), whereby the spring device (26) is tensioned by the entraining element (24) in the direction of the first position (128).

30. Method (140) according to claim 29, wherein in the step of displacing (150), the entraining element (24) is moved in the axial direction (90) from the second position (130) to the first position (128) by means of a pre-biasing force of the spring device (26) directed to the first position (128), whereby the entraining element (24) displaces the coupling element (22) from the coupling position (126) to the decoupling position (124).