EP3620598B1 - Coupling device for a door fitting, door fitting system and method for coupling or uncoupling of a coupling device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a coupling device for a door fitting and a method for coupling and decoupling such a coupling device. In particular, the coupling device has a coupling element for coupling two nut halves and a driver element for moving the coupling element.

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

For example, the pamphlet shows EP 1 522 659 A2 an electric lock with a multifunction spring. The electric lock comprises a locking element, a decoding device adapted to receive a component bearing a code, a first operating element connected to an internal handle and directly associated with the closure member, and a second actuator connected to an outer handle and coupled to the closure member by an electromechanical device. The second actuator includes a protruding shaft rigidly coupled to the outer handle. The electromechanical device consists of an electric motor on the shaft of which a worm gear is mounted and a slider coupled to the worm gear by a spring. The spring includes an end, a central portion, and an opposite end. The opposite end is received between two consecutive tips of the spiral helix. The slider is equipped with a coupling means at its head. The protruding shaft ends in a rotating plate. The electric lock includes a counterplate which is also rotatable. The plates rest freely on a collar which is also rotatable and rigidly coupled to the closure member. The plate, counter plate and collar are notched respectively. One end is fixed to the body of the lock, the central portion engages the slider and the coupling means is adapted to enter the notches when the slider is in the forward position, around the plate, counter-plate and collar to be rigidly coupled.

Furthermore, the pamphlet shows EP 1 113 130 B1 an electric lock containing a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism is placed in the inner lock escutcheon and has the purpose, on the one hand, of minimizing the forces that are transmitted, avoiding premature wear, and, on the other hand, of being suitable for every lock. Its structure allows to minimize the turning of the handle or the outer control knob under any load. The outer lock escutcheon features a key reader and an outer knob. The inner lock plate includes electronic control circuitry powered by a battery, the clutch mechanism and an inner knob. Starting from the clutch mechanism are two concentric shafts, one of these shafts acting on the lock tumbler and the other freely rotating and connected to the outer knob. A valid key activates a motor or similar that displaces a sleeve, causing the clutch mechanism to temporarily couple the two concentric shafts so that they form a single unit and allow the lock to be opened.

The essential technical requirements for such a coupling are the fatigue strength (200,000 cycles normative) and the torque strength (60 Nm normative). This must be achieved with a design that is as compact as possible (width, diameter and thickness). The width of the door fitting must not exceed a maximum so that it can also be mounted on so-called tubular frame doors.

Building on this, it is an object of the present invention to provide a coupling device for a door fitting that is low-wear and can be operated more energy-efficiently.

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

According to the invention, it is therefore proposed in a first aspect to provide a coupling device for a door fitting. The clutch device has a clutch assembly and an actuation assembly. The clutch assembly includes a first nut half, a second nut half, and a clutch member. The actuation assembly has a driver element, a spring device and an actuator. The first half of the nut and the second half of the nut are mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation in each case between a first rotational position and a second rotational position in a circumferential direction. The coupling element is displaceable in an axial direction between a coupling position and a decoupling position. In the coupling position, the first nut half and the second nut half are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction. The first nut half and the second nut half are decoupled in the circumferential direction in the decoupling position. The actuator is coupled to the driver element via the spring device. The driver element is movable in the axial direction. The driver element is coupled to the coupling element in the axial direction when a nut half coupled to the coupling element is arranged in the first rotational position. The driver element is decoupled with the coupling element in the axial direction when a nut half coupled with the coupling element is arranged in the second rotational position.

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

• Bereitstellen der Kupplungsvorrichtung einer Kupplungsbaugruppe und einer Aktuierungsbaugruppe, wobei die Kupplungsbaugruppe eine erste Nusshälfte, eine zweite Nusshälfte und ein Kupplungselement aufweist, wobei die Aktuierungsbaugruppe ein Mitnehmerelement, eine Federeinrichtung und einen Aktuator aufweist, wobei die erste Nusshälfte und die zweite Nusshälfte um eine Drehachse zwischen einer ersten Drehposition und einer zweiten Drehposition in einer Umfangsrichtung drehbar gelagert sind, wobei der Aktuator über die Federeinrichtung mit dem Mitnehmerelement gekoppelt ist;
• Anordnen des Kupplungselements in einer Entkuppelposition, in der die erste Nusshälfte und die zweite Nusshälfte in der Umfangsrichtung entkoppelt sind, wobei eine mit dem Kupplungselement gekoppelte Nusshälfte in der zweiten Drehposition angeordnet ist, in der das Mitnehmerelement mit dem Kupplungselement in einer axialen Richtung entkoppelt ist;
• Bewegen des Mitnehmerelements durch den Aktuator in der axialen Richtung;
• Verdrehen der mit dem Kupplungselement gekoppelten Nusshälfte von der zweiten Drehposition in die erste Drehposition, in der das Mitnehmerelement mit dem Kupplungselement in der axialen Richtung gekoppelt ist;
• Versetzen des Kupplungselements in der axialen Richtung von der Entkuppelposition in eine Kuppelposition, in der die erste Nusshälfte und die zweite Nusshälfte drehfest in der Umfangsrichtung gekoppelt sind.

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

• Providing the clutch device of a clutch assembly and an actuation assembly, the clutch assembly having a first nut half, a second nut half and a clutch element, the actuation assembly having a driver element, a spring device and an actuator, the first nut half and the second nut half rotating about an axis of rotation between a first rotational position and a second rotational position are rotatably mounted in a circumferential direction, the actuator being coupled to the driver element via 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 a nut half coupled to the coupling element is arranged in the second rotational position in which the driver element is decoupled to the coupling element in an axial direction;
• moving the cam in the axial direction by the actuator;
• rotating the nut half coupled to the coupling element from the second rotational position to the first rotational position in which the driver element is coupled to the coupling element in the axial direction;
• Displacing the coupling element in the axial direction from the decoupling position to a coupling position in which the first nut half and the second nut half are non-rotatably coupled in the circumferential direction.

• Bereitstellen der Kupplungsvorrichtung einer Kupplungsbaugruppe und einer Aktuierungsbaugruppe, wobei die Kupplungsbaugruppe eine erste Nusshälfte, eine zweite Nusshälfte und ein Kupplungselement aufweist, wobei die Aktuierungsbaugruppe ein Mitnehmerelement, eine Federeinrichtung und einen Aktuator aufweist, wobei die erste Nusshälfte und die zweite Nusshälfte um eine Drehachse zwischen einer ersten Drehposition und einer zweiten Drehposition in einer Umfangsrichtung drehbar gelagert sind, wobei der Aktuator über die Federeinrichtung mit dem Mitnehmerelement gekoppelt ist;
• Anordnen des Kupplungselements in einer Kuppelposition, in der die erste Nusshälfte und die zweite Nusshälfte drehfest in der Umfangsrichtung gekoppelt sind, wobei die erste Nusshälfte und die zweite Nusshälfte in der zweiten Drehposition angeordnet sind, in der das Mitnehmerelement mit dem Kupplungselement in einer axialen Richtung entkoppelt ist;
• Bewegen des Mitnehmerelements durch den Aktuator in der axialen Richtung;
• Verdrehen der ersten Nusshälfte und der zweiten Nusshälfte von der zweiten Drehposition in die erste Drehposition, in der das Mitnehmerelement mit dem Kupplungselement in der axialen Richtung gekoppelt ist,
• Versetzen des Kupplungselements in der axialen Richtung von der Kuppelposition in eine Entkuppelposition, in der die erste Nusshälfte und die zweite Nusshälfte in der Umfangsrichtung entkoppelt sind.

Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for decoupling a clutch device is proposed, the method having the following steps:

• Providing the clutch device of a clutch assembly and an actuation assembly, the clutch assembly having a first nut half, a second nut half and a clutch element, the actuation assembly having a driver element, a spring device and an actuator, the first nut half and the second nut half rotating about an axis of rotation between a first rotational position and a second rotational position are rotatably mounted in a circumferential direction, the actuator being coupled to the driver element via the spring device;
• Arranging the coupling element in 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, the first nut half and the second nut half being arranged in the second rotational position in which the driver element is decoupled from the coupling element in an axial direction is;
• moving the cam in the axial direction by the actuator;
• Rotating the first half of the nut and the second half of the nut from the second rotational position into the first rotational position, in which the driver element is coupled to the coupling element in the axial direction,
• Displacing the coupling element in the axial direction from the coupling position to a decoupling position in which the first nut half and the second nut half are decoupled in the circumferential direction.

The spatial orientation of the coupling device is defined with respect to the axial direction, the radial direction and the circumferential direction. These three directions thus define a three-dimensional coordinate system. This coordinate system can generally also be specified in Cartesian coordinates, with the axial direction, the radial direction and the circumferential direction resulting from corresponding transformations from the Cartesian coordinates into cylindrical coordinates. The axis of the axial component here corresponds to the axis of rotation of the components of the clutch assembly.

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

The term "spring device" generally defines a device that has an elasticity so that it can be elastically deformed under the action of a force. As a result, static energy can be stored in the spring device in the form of mechanical stresses. In other words, a spring device is designed to absorb mechanical stresses, such as tensile stresses, shear stresses or torsional stresses, in one or more spatial directions, and thereby build up a prestressing force directed counter to the mechanical stress. For example, a spring device can be designed as a spring, in particular a bending spring, torsion spring, or disc spring. Alternatively, a spring device can also be formed from an elastic material, for example rubber, metal foam or the like.

The term "actuator" generally defines a device that is intended to convert a signal into a mechanical movement. The signal can be, for example, an electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically transmitted signal. Accordingly, in these cases one speaks of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical actuators. For example, an electrical actuator is designed to receive an electrical control signal and convert it into a mechanical movement.

In general, the movable individual part in a lock is referred to as a nut, handle follower or lock follower, in which there is a receptacle for a connecting element to the handle of a door. In particular, the receptacle can be designed as a square opening and the connecting element can be designed as a square pin. In general, however, cross-sectional geometries other than square openings and square pins can also be used. In principle, any non-circular cross-sectional geometry that can transmit a moment is suitable, for example triangular, pentagonal or hexagonal geometries or an ellipse. Different square pins and nuts can be combined using spacers.

Panic locks with a handle on both sides usually have what is known as a "split nut". This is a handle set with a split connecting element, in particular a square, in which both element halves, in particular square halves, can be actuated independently of one another. When locked, the door cannot be opened from the outside. The handle can be pressed down, but the door does not open. Accessibility from the inside is guaranteed in any case.

The clutch concept according to the invention uses such a two-piece nut, which is formed from two halves of the nut. The two nut halves can be arranged in a door fitting system as halves on the handle and lock side. The two nut halves can be positively connected by the axially displaceable coupling element. For example, the coupling element can be located completely in the nut half on the handle side when it is freewheeling. If authorized, it is shifted axially in the direction of the door or lock and is then also in engagement with the nut half on the lock side. An actuation of the outside handle can then be transferred via an outside square ("handle receptacle") from the handle to the lock-side nut half and thus to a lock square.

Together with the coupling element, the two nut halves form a very compact assembly that allows a small design. The coupling element can also be arranged in the diameter of the nut halves, so that these parts can in principle be mounted radially over the entire circumference. In addition, the required torques can be safely transmitted due to the selected geometries.

When the outside and inside door handles are not actuated, the nut halves are arranged in the first rotational position and aligned with one another. The coupling element can then be moved between the coupling position and the uncoupling position virtually load-free. However, if the nut halves are rotated relative to one another, so 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 outside handle, which is coupled to the outside follower, is actuated before the clutch is activated, for example by presenting an authorized transponder. In this case, the coupling element cannot be shifted axially, since the halves of the nut are already twisted relative to one another. The same can happen with a hanging inside handle and/or with a lock that does not return the lock square ideally, especially as a result of a weak return spring in the lock.

The quasi-opposite case is that the operator, after presenting an authorized transponder and activating the clutch, presses the button and keeps it pressed when the electronics give a command to disengage. Since the two nut halves are braced against each other in this case, the coupling element cannot be moved back. In the worst case, the fitting would then remain engaged so that the door would be accessible to everyone.

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

If the disengagement command occurs when the handle is deflected, the driver element is first moved by means of the actuator without the energy store being charged. When the nut halves are 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 charged. As soon as the halves of the nut are aligned again, the energy store is discharged and the coupling element is completely relocated to the nut half on the handle side via the driver element.

The drive energy of the actuator is usually used to charge an energy store in comparable systems. As a result, the actuator only works almost load-free when the coupling element can also be freely displaced. According to the invention, however, the actuator can almost always work load-free, since the charging of the energy store is not effected by a movement of the actuator but by the coupling between the driver element and the coupling element.

In other words, the structure of the coupling device according to the invention ensures that the spring device is prestressed (only then), i.e. only stores energy, when the nut halves are rotated from the second rotational position into the first rotational position, as a result of which the driver element couples with the coupling element .

As a result, the actuator and the spring device are less stressed overall than in known solutions. The clutch device is therefore less subject to wear and can be operated more energy-efficiently.

The task set at the beginning is therefore completely solved.

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

Due to the contact surfaces between the coupling element and the corresponding grooves of the nut halves, the required torques can be safely transmitted in the coupled state in the coupling position. In particular, the coupling element is arranged in the grooves. This also achieves a space-saving accommodation of the coupling element.

In a further configuration it can be provided that the first nut half and the second nut half are arranged adjacently in the axial direction.

This achieves a compact design for the clutch assembly. The two nut halves are preferably coupled to one another in the radial direction and the axial direction and can be rotated relative to one another in the circumferential direction. For this purpose, the nut halves can have receptacles and projections which are designed to be rotationally symmetrical to one another and to the axis of rotation.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the coupling element has a projection arranged radially on the outside, with the driver element having a groove arranged radially on the inside, and with the projection in the groove when the nut half coupled to the coupling element is arranged in the first rotational position engages to couple the cam member with the clutch member in the axial direction, and the groove extends in the circumferential direction.

The projection and the groove are designed in such a way that they can be coupled or decoupled when the coupling assembly is rotated between the first and the second rotational position. The driver element is preferably arranged radially on the outside with respect to the nut halves and the projection of the coupling element extends radially further outward than the nut halves.

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

When turning between the first and the second rotational position, the coupling element with the projection at the open end can thus be moved into the groove or out of the groove.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the second end is open in the circumferential direction and is arranged opposite to the first end in the driver element.

Depending on the installation situation, the coupling assembly is turned to the right or left from the first to the second position. This depends in particular on whether the door fitting is attached to the right or left of the door. As a result, the direction of rotation can be different from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. The symmetrical design of the groove of the driver element means that the driver element and the coupling element can be coupled or decoupled independently of the installation situation when rotating between a first and a second rotational position.

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

The projection of the coupling element in the first rotational position couples with the driver element in the middle section of the groove. The wider width of the groove of the driver element makes it possible for the projection of the coupling element to still be aligned with the groove when the driver element is offset relative to the coupling element in the axial direction.

In a further embodiment 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 coupling position and a decoupling position, the second width of the groove profile being essentially equal to a width of the projection.

On the one hand, this makes it possible for the projection of the coupling element to be arranged almost without play in the central section of the groove when it is coupled to the driver element. On the other hand, the selection of the width of the open end ensures that the projection of the coupling element is always aligned with the groove of the driver element.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the projection of the coupling element is arranged in the middle section of the groove when the nut half coupled to the coupling element is arranged in the first rotational position.

As previously mentioned, this allows the projection of the coupling element to couple with the driver element in the middle section of the groove.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the groove profile tapers from the first end towards the middle section, in particular with a constant gradient.

This minimizes the stresses on the groove and projection when transitioning between the second and first rotational positions.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the driver element is guided in the axial direction.

As a result, the driver element can be placed with a precise fit in the circumferential direction. This ensures that the driver element is always aligned in the best possible way with respect to the coupling element in the first rotational position.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the driver element can be pretensioned by the actuator via the spring device in the axial direction, optionally into a first position or into a second position, with the driver element being in the first position with the coupling element in the uncoupling position and in the second position can be coupled with the coupling element in the coupled position.

In other words, the first position corresponds to the decoupling position and the second position corresponds to the coupling position. Thus, the actuator is configured to shift the relaxed state of the spring device selectively toward the first position or toward the second position, whereby the actuator biases the spring device selectively with respect to the first position or the second position.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the driver element can be moved in the axial direction by a prestressing force of the spring device when the socket half coupled to the coupling element is arranged in the first rotational position or the second rotational position, in particular with the driver element being moved by the prestressing force of the Spring means can be moved either into the first position or into the second position.

In other words, if the driver element is moved out of this position by being coupled to the coupling element from the respective prestressed position, the energy store of the spring device is charged and a prestressing force is created which is directed towards the respective prestressed position. As a result, the spring device only stores energy or builds up a prestressing force when the clutch assembly is rotated from the second rotational position into the first rotational position, thereby reducing wear on the spring device and the actuator.

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

As already described above, the energy store of the spring device is charged by the rotational movement of the clutch assembly from the second rotational position into the first rotational position. When both nut halves of the coupling assembly are arranged in the first rotational position, the spring device is discharged again in that the driver element moves the coupling element almost load-free in the axial direction corresponding to the direction of the prestressing force due to the prestressing force of the spring device.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the coupling device also has a further spring device, with the further spring device prestressing the socket half coupled to the coupling element into the first rotational position.

This ensures that the coupling assembly can be automatically moved back into the first rotational position after one of the nut halves or both nut halves have been rotated into the second rotational position. As already mentioned above, the twisting can be brought about by actuating an external or internal handle, in particular a door handle or door knob, if this is coupled to one of the nut halves. The first rotational position can thus be viewed as the rest state or initial state. The additional spring device is designed to preload the coupling device into this initial state or to convert the coupling device into this initial state when a deflected state into the second rotary position occurs as a result of actuation.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the clutch device also has a housing, with the clutch assembly and the actuation assembly being 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 embodiment it can be provided that when the nut half coupled to the coupling element is arranged in the first rotational position, the driver element is coupled to the coupling element, so that the driver element and the coupling element can be moved together in the axial direction, and wherein when the nut half coupled to the coupling element is arranged in the second rotational position, the driver element is decoupled from the coupling element, so that the driver element is movable in the axial direction independently of the coupling element.

As already described above, the driver element and the coupling element interact in such a way that they are coupled to one another only in the first rotational position and can therefore be moved together in the axial direction. This coupling or decoupling in the first and second rotational position ensures that the energy storage device of the spring device only rotates from the second to the first position Rotational position is charged, whereby the coupling device is wear-resistant and more energy-efficient to use.

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

The spring device prestresses the driver element in the first position when the first spring limb is arranged in the first limb end position, and in the second position when the first spring limb is arranged in the second limb end position.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the first spring leg of the spring device is in the first leg end position and the second leg end position out of engagement with a recess of the actuator, and the first spring leg for moving between the first leg end position and the second leg end position is in engagement with the Recess of the actuator can be brought.

In particular, this means that the spring device does not exert any torque on the actuator when the first spring leg of the spring device is disengaged from a recess in the actuator in the first leg end position and the second leg end position.

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

The first nut half thus forms an outer nut and the second nut half forms an inner nut. By actuating the first actuating element, the outer nut is rotated from the first to the second rotational position. By actuating the second actuating element, the inner nut is rotated from the first to the second rotary position. 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 embodiment of the door fitting system, it can be provided that the door fitting system also has a query device for querying an access authorization, the query device being coupled to the actuator of the coupling device, in particular the actuator being designed after querying a valid access authorization to move the driver element in to bias the second position, the actuator otherwise being configured to bias the cam member to the first position.

The query device can preferably be designed to query the access authorization mechanically or electronically. A mechanical interrogation device can be designed, for example, as a lock cylinder that interrogates the key profile of a key. An electronic query device can be designed, for example, to read out and check the code of a transponder. Alternatively, an electronic query device can also be designed to query the input of a number combination via a keyboard or a numeric keypad. If the interrogation device establishes a valid access authorization, the interrogation device causes the actuator to bias the driver element into the second position. For this purpose, the actuator is mechanically or electronically coupled to the query device. Preferably, after a certain period of time after a valid access authorization has been queried, the actuator is prompted to bias the driver element back into the first position.

In a further embodiment of the method for coupling, it can be provided that in the step of moving the driver element is preloaded by the actuator via the spring device in the axial direction into a second position, wherein the driver element can be coupled in the second position to the coupling element in the coupling position.

Thus, the actuator displaces the relaxed state of the spring means in the axial direction to the second position. In the second rotational position, the driver element is decoupled from the coupling element. As a result, the driver element can be displaced into the second position by the movement of the spring device directed towards the second position.

In a further embodiment of the method for coupling, it can be provided that in the twisting step the driver element is moved in the axial direction from the second position to a first position in which the driver element can be coupled to the coupling element in the uncoupled position, as a result the spring device is tensioned via the driver element in the direction of the second position.

As previously described, the spring means is in the relaxed state in the second position. If the driver element is now moved from the second position into the first position, the spring device builds up a prestressing force directed towards the second position.

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

In the first rotational position, the cam element and the clutch element are coupled in the axial direction, so that the cam element and the clutch element are displaced in the axial direction by the biasing force directed toward the second position. In this case, the driver element is shifted from the first position to the second position and the coupling element is shifted from the uncoupled position to the coupled position.

In a further embodiment of the method for uncoupling, it can be provided that in the step of moving the driver element is preloaded by the actuator via the spring device in the axial direction into a first position, the driver element being in the first position with the coupling element in the uncoupling position can be coupled.

Thus, the actuator displaces the relaxed state of the spring means in the axial direction to the first position. In the second rotational position, the driver element is decoupled from the coupling element. As a result, the driver element can be displaced into the first position by the movement of the spring device directed towards the first position.

In a further embodiment of the method for uncoupling, it can be provided that in the twisting step the driver element is moved in the axial direction from the first position to a second position, in which the driver element can be coupled to the coupling element in the coupling position, as a result the spring device is tensioned via the driver element in the direction of the first position.

As previously described, the spring means is in the relaxed state in the first position. If the driver element is now moved from the first position into the second position, the spring device builds up a pretensioning force directed towards the first position.

In a further embodiment of the method for uncoupling, it can be provided that in the step of displacing the driver element is moved in the axial direction from the second position to the first position by a biasing force of the spring device directed towards the first position, as a result of which the driver element moves the coupling element shifted from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

In the first rotational position, the cam element and the clutch element are coupled in the axial direction, so that the cam element and the clutch element are coupled in the axial direction by the biasing force directed toward the first position be transferred. In this case, the driver element is shifted from the second position into the first position and the coupling element is shifted from the coupling position into the uncoupling position.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those still to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1

eine isometrische Ansicht einer Kupplungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine isometrische Ansicht der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 ohne Gehäuse;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine Explosionsdarstellung der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 5

zwei isometrische Ansichten einer ersten Nusshälfte der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 6

zwei isometrische Ansichten einer zweiten Nusshälfte der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 7

eine isometrische Ansicht eines Kupplungselements der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 8

zwei isometrische Ansichten und eine Draufsicht eines Mitnehmerelements der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung eines Verfahrens zum Kuppeln;

Fig. 10 bis 15

isometrische Ansichten der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2 in verschiedenen Zuständen des Verfahrens aus Fig. 9;

Fig. 16

eine schematische Darstellung eines Verfahrens zum Entkuppeln;

Fig. 17 bis 22

isometrische Ansichten der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2 in verschiedenen Zuständen des Verfahrens aus Fig. 16;

Fig. 23

eine isometrische Ansicht eines Bewegungsübertragungselements der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2; und

Fig. 24

schematische Ansichten verschiedener Positionierungszustände eines Bewegungsübertragungselements bezüglich eines Federelements der Kupplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 2 zueinander.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

1

an isometric view of a coupling device;

2

an isometric view of the coupling device 1 without housing;

3

a side view of the coupling device 2 ;

4

an exploded view of the coupling device 2 ;

figure 5

two isometric views of a first nut half of the coupling device 2 ;

6

two isometric views of a second nut half of the coupling device 2 ;

7

an isometric view of a coupling element of the coupling device 2 ;

8

two isometric views and a top view of a driver element of the coupling device 2 ;

9

a schematic representation of a method for coupling;

Figures 10 to 15

isometric views of the coupling device 2 at different stages of the process 9 ;

16

a schematic representation of a method for decoupling;

Figures 17 to 22

isometric views of the coupling device 2 at different stages of the process 16 ;

23

an isometric view of a motion transmission element of the coupling device 2 ; and

24

schematic views of different positioning states of a movement transmission element with respect to a spring element of the coupling device 2 to each other.

1 shows an isometric view of the structure of a coupling device 10. Such a coupling device can be used, for example, for a door fitting. The clutch device 10 has a housing 12 , a clutch assembly 14 and an actuation assembly 16 . The clutch assembly 14 and the actuation assembly 16 are disposed within the housing 12 .

the figures 2 and 3 Figure 12 show an isometric view and a side view of the assembly of the coupling device 1 12 with housing 12 omitted to better illustrate the construction of clutch assembly 14 and actuation assembly 16. the 4 shows an exploded view of the structure of the coupling device from the figures 2 and 3 .

In the Figures 2 to 4 the clutch assembly 14 and the actuation assembly 16 are arranged with respect to a coordinate system 88 . The coordinate system 88 is shown in Cartesian coordinates x, y, z. Furthermore, the coordinate system is also shown in cylindrical coordinates, which can be derived from the Cartesian coordinates. The cylindrical coordinates define three directions, namely an axial direction 90, which corresponds to the direction of the z-axis, a radial direction 92, which lies in the x,y plane and extends away from the z-axis, and a circumferential direction 94, which also lies in the x, y plane and revolves around the z axis. The axial direction 90, the radial direction 92 and the circumferential direction 94 are each aligned 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 rotatably mounted in the circumferential direction 94 about a common axis of rotation 15 . The axis of rotation 15 extends in the 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 adjacent in the axial direction 90, arranged one after the other. The first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are coupled to one another in the radial direction 92 and the axial direction 90 and can be moved relative to one another in the circumferential direction 94 . The first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are rotatable in the circumferential direction between a first rotational position 120 and a second rotational position 122 . The first rotational position 120 and the second rotational position 122 and movements between the first rotational position 120 and the second rotational position 122 are associated with the Figures 10 to 15 and 17 to 22 described in more detail below.

The first nut half 18 has a groove 48 which is arranged on the outside in the radial direction 92 and extends in the axial direction 90 . The coupling element 22 is inserted into the groove 48 of the first nut half 18 and is guided therein in the axial direction 90 . Thus, the coupling element 22 can only be moved in the axial direction 90 . The second nut half 20 also has a groove 60 which is arranged on the outside in the radial direction 92 and also extends in the axial direction 90 . If the groove 48 and the groove 60 are arranged in alignment, the coupling element 22 can be moved in the two grooves 48, 60 in the axial direction 90. Is the coupling element 22 in both Arranged in 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 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, movable. The coupled position 126 and the uncoupled position 124 are associated with the Figures 10 to 15 and 17 to 22 described in more detail below.

The actuation assembly 16 has a driver element 24 , a spring device 26 and an actuator 28 . The actuator 28 is coupled to the driver element 24 via the spring element 26 . The driver element 24 can be moved in the axial direction 90 . The driver element 24 can be coupled to the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90 so that a joint movement in the axial direction 90 is made possible. The actuator has a movement transmission device 30 and a drive device 32 . The drive device 32 is controlled via a control signal. The actuator is thus designed as an electrical actuator which receives an electrical control signal and converts it into a mechanical movement. The movement transmission device 30 and the drive device 32 are coupled to one another via a transmission of gears. The movement transmission device 30 has a receptacle 31 for a shaft 37 . The movement transmission device 30 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 37 . The drive device 32 is designed to rotate the movement transmission device 30 about the shaft 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 winding. The two spring legs 27', 27'' extend away from the winding.

The coupling device 10 also has a first carrier element 34 and a second carrier element 36 . The first carrier element 34 has a pin 35 for receiving the winding of the spring device 26 . The winding is rotatably mounted on the pin 35 about the pin 35 . The movement transmission device 30 is arranged on the second carrier element 36 .

In figure 23 the motion transmission device 30 is shown in more detail in an isometric view. The movement transmission device 30 also has a recess 80 for one end of the first spring leg 27 ′ of the spring device 26 . When the movement transmission device 30 rotates about the shaft 37, the first spring leg 27' can also be moved. As a result, a rotational movement of the movement transmission device 30 is transmitted to a rotational movement of the first spring leg 27 ′ about the pin 35 . This transfer of motion is in the figure 24 described in more detail.

the figure 24 shows different states of motion transmission of a rotary motion of the motion transmission device 30 to a rotary motion of the first spring leg 27 '. The spring leg 27' can be moved between a first leg end position 87' and a second leg end position 87'' by the movement transmission device 30. The movement transmission device 30 has a first contact surface 82 and a second contact surface 84 for the end of the first spring leg 27'.

the Figure 24 (A) FIG. 8 shows a first state 86A in which the first spring leg 27' is arranged in the first leg end position 87'. In the first leg end position 87 ′, the end of the first spring leg 27 ′ is out of engagement with the recess 80 and rests against a first contact point on the peripheral side of the movement transmission device 30 . The first contact point is arranged adjacent to the first contact surface 82 .

the Figure 24 (B) shows a second state 86B, in which the end of the first spring leg 27 ′ is in contact with the second contact surface 84 . This condition occurs when the spring leg 27' is transferred from the first leg end position 87' to the second leg end position 87''.

the Figure 24 (C) shows a third state 86C in which the first spring leg 27' is arranged in the second leg end position 87''. In the 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 peripheral side of the movement transmission device 30 . The second contact point is arranged adjacent to the second contact surface 84 .

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

By transferring the rotational movement of the movement transmission device 30 to the rotational movement of the first spring leg 27′, the spring device 26 can be pretensioned either with respect to the first leg end position 87′ or the second leg end position 87″.

As in the Figures 2 to 4 is also shown, the driver element 24 has a receptacle 78 for one end of the second spring leg 27" of the spring device 26. As a result, an axial movement of the driver element 24 is coupled with a rotary movement of the spring device 26. The driver element 24 is via a biasing force of the spring device 26 can be moved in the axial direction 90. Conversely, the spring device can be pretensioned by an axial movement of the driver element 24 in the axial direction 90. The driver element 24 can thus be moved in the axial direction 90 between a first position 128 and a second position 130. In the In the first position 128, the driver element 24 can be coupled to the coupling element 22 in the uncoupling position 124. In the second position 130, the driver element 24 can be coupled to the coupling element 22 in the coupling position 126. The first position 128 and the second position 130 are in connection with the Figures 10 to 15 and 17 to 22 described in more detail below.

In other words, the driver element 24 can be selectively prestressed into the first position 128 or the second position 130 by the actuator 28 via the spring device 26 . The driver element 24 is in the first position with the coupling element 22 can be coupled 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 driver element 24 is coupled to the coupling element 22, so that the driver 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 driver element 24 is decoupled from the coupling element 22, so that the driver 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 a movement of the first nut half 18 from the second rotational position 122 into the first rotational position 120 via the driver element.

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

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 after the other in the axial direction 90. Furthermore, the two bearing rings 40, 41 are arranged radially on the inside of the additional spring device 38 and serve to mount the additional spring device 38.

The coupling device 10 also has a bearing disk 42 . The bearing disk 42 is arranged between the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 . The bearing disk 42 is preferably inserted into a depression in the second nut half 20 .

The coupling device 10 also has a stop element 44 which is arranged on the outside in the radial direction 92 on the first nut half 18 at the first and second cutout of the annular groove. The stop element 44 forms a stop for the first and the second end of the additional spring device 38. When the first nut half 18 rotates, one of the ends of the additional spring device 38 is pressed against the respective stop of the stop device, as a result of which the spring device 38 moves counter to the direction of rotation of the first nut half 18 is prestressed in the circumferential direction 94 . The first nut half 18 can be rotated in the circumferential direction 94 by the prestressing force of the further spring device 38 . The further spring device 38 is preferably arranged in a relaxed state in the first rotational position and is pretensioned in the second rotational position in the circumferential direction 94 in the direction of the first rotational position.

The coupling device 10 also has a rod 46 which is designed as a square rod. The first nut half 18 has a receptacle for the rod 46 into which the rod 46 can be inserted and fastened. The rod 46 is then coupled to the first nut half 18 in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction 94 .

The coupling device can 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 outside of the door, 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 rod 46 can be designed as an external square. The door fitting system can have a second actuating element on the inside of the door, which is coupled non-rotatably in the circumferential direction 94 to the second nut half 20, preferably via an inner shaft or square lock. The first and the second actuating element can be designed, for example, as a door knob or handle.

The door fitting system can also have a query device for querying an access authorization. The interrogation device is mechanically or electrically coupled to the actuator 28 in order to forward a queried valid access authorization to the actuator 28 . Only after querying a valid access authorization the actuator 28 is configured to bias the driver element 24 in the second position 126 , whereas the actuator 28 is otherwise configured to bias the driver element 24 in the first position 124 .

the figure 5 12 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 the first isometric view (A). The side of the first nut half 18 facing away from the second nut half 20 is shown in the second isometric view (B).

The first nut half 18 is designed to be essentially rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation 15 . The first nut half 18 has a groove 48 on the radially outer edge. The groove 48 extends in the axial direction 90. In the assembled state of the coupling device 10, which is shown in FIGS Figures 1 to 3 is shown, the coupling element 22 is inserted in the groove 48. The coupling element 22 is in the 7 described in more detail.

The groove 48 has a constant width in the circumferential direction 94 . The width of the groove 48 essentially corresponds to the width of the coupling element 22 in the circumferential direction 94. As a result, the coupling element 22 is guided in the axial direction 90 and can therefore be moved without play. The groove has a constant height in the radial direction 92 . The height of the groove 48 essentially corresponds to a height of the coupling element 22 in the radial direction 92. The groove 48 has a length in the axial direction 90. The length of the groove 48 is at least as great as a 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 the side of the first nut half 18 facing the second nut half 20 and extends in the axial direction in the direction of the second nut half 20 . The projection 50 is rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation 15 .

The first nut half 18 also has a receptacle 52 for the square rod 46 . The receptacle 52 is arranged on the side of the first nut half 18 facing away from the second nut half 20 . The receptacle 52 is formed as a square recess, the center of which is the axis of rotation 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 receptacle 52 and the outer radial edge of the first nut half 18 . In the assembled state of the coupling device 10 in the Figures 1 to 3 is shown, 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 in the form of a slot along the radially outer edge of the first nut half 18. The first recess 56 and the second recess 58 are offset from one another in the circumferential direction 94 and in the axial direction 90 . The first recess 56 and the second recess 58 each extend in the radial direction 92 from the annular groove 54 to the outer radial edge of the first nut half 18. The first recess 56 and the second recess 58 form an opening through which one end of the further spring device 38 is guided out of the annular groove 54 .

the 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 the first isometric view (A). The side of the second nut half 20 facing the first nut half 18 is shown in the second isometric view (B).

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

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

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. The height of the groove 60 therefore also essentially 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 groove 60 is less than a length of the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90.

The second nut half 20 also has a receptacle 62 for a square rod, in particular an inner shaft. The receptacle 62 is arranged on the side of the second nut half 20 facing away from the first nut half 18 . The receptacle 62 is formed as a square recess, the center of which is the axis of rotation 15 .

The second nut half 20 also has a depression 64 . The depression 64 is arranged on the side of the second nut half 20 facing the first nut half 18 and extends away from the first nut half 18 in the axial direction 90 . The recess 64 is rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation 15 . The recess 64 is complementary to the projection 50 of the first nut half 18 and forms a receptacle for the projection 50 and the bearing washer 42. An extension of the recess 64 in the axial direction 90 is preferably designed such that the first nut half 18 and the second Nut half in the axial direction outside the area of the bearing disc 42 do not abut each other. In the assembled state of the coupling device 10 in the Figures 1 to 3 is shown, the bearing washer 42 and the projection 50 are disposed in the recess 64 so that the first Nut half and the second nut half are rotatable relative to one another in the circumferential direction 94 and are coupled in the radial direction 92 .

the 7 shows the coupling element 22 in an isometric view. The coupling element 22 extends in the axial direction 90.

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

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

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

The coupling element 22 has a projection 66 . The projection 66 is located in the middle of the extension of the coupling element in the axial direction 90 . Furthermore, the projection 66 is arranged in the middle of the extent 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 .

the 8 shows the driver element 24 in a plan view (A) of an underside of the driver element 24, in a first isometric view (B) and in a second isometric view (C). The underside of driver element 24 corresponds to the side of driver element 24 facing coupling element 22.

The driver element 24 has a groove 68 on the underside. The groove 68 extends in the circumferential direction 94 from a first end 70 to a 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 groove profile 74 has a middle section 76 which is arranged between the first end 70 and the second end 72 . A width of the groove profile 74 in the axial direction 90 is wider at the first end 70 and the second end 72 than a width of the groove profile 74 in the middle section 76. The width of the groove profile tapers from the first end 70 and from the second end 72 each to the middle section 76 with a constant slope. In particular, the groove profile 74 is mirror-symmetrical in the axial direction 90 . In particular, the groove profile 74 is also mirror-symmetrical in the circumferential direction 94 .

The width of the groove profile 74 is greater than or equal to, in particular substantially equal to, the width of the projection 66 of the coupling element 22 in the middle section 76. The coupling element 22 and the driver element 24 can thus be coupled when the projection 66 of the coupling element 22 is in the middle section 76 of the Groove 68 of the driver element 24 is arranged. The protrusion 66 of the coupling member 22 is located in the center portion 76 when the first nut half 18 is located in the first rotational position 120 .

The width of the groove profile 74 at the first end 70 and at the second end 72 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 driver element 24 also has a receptacle 78 for the second end of the spring device 26 . The receptacle 78 is arranged on the side of the driver element 24 facing away from the coupling element 22 . The recording is preferably designed as an eyelet.

9 FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a method 100 for coupling. The method 100 shows the coupling of the coupling device 10 of FIGS Figures 1 to 8 with a twisted state as the starting position.

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

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

In a further step 106 of the method 100 the driver element 24 is moved by the actuator 28 in the axial direction 90 . The driver element 24 is preferably pretensioned by the actuator 28 via the spring device 26 in the axial direction 90 into a second position 130, wherein the driver element 24 in the second position 130 can be coupled to the coupling element 22 in 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 driver element 24 is coupled to the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90 . Preferably, driver element 24 is moved in axial direction 90 from second position 130 to first position 128, in which driver element 24 can be coupled to coupling element 22 in uncoupling position 124, whereby spring device 26 moves via driver element 24 in the direction of the second Position 130 is clamped.

In a further step 110 of the method 100, the coupling element 22 is moved in the axial direction 90 from the uncoupling position 124 to 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. Preferably, the driver element 24 by a is moved in the axial direction 90 from the first position 128 to the second position 130 by the biasing force of the spring device 26 directed toward the second position 130, as a result of which the driver element 24 displaces the coupling element 22 from the uncoupled position 124 to the coupled position 126.

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

the Figures 10 to 15 show the coupling device 10 in different procedural states of the method 100 for coupling.

10 12 shows an isometric view of the coupling device 10 of FIGS Figures 1 to 4 . The perspective of the isometric view is chosen such that the second nut half 20 is arranged in front of the first nut half 18 .

In 10 the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are arranged in the first rotational position 120 . The additional spring device 38 prestresses 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 device 38 builds up a pretensioning force directed towards the first rotational position 120 .

A spring device can also be provided for the second nut half 20 , which preloads the second nut half 20 in the first rotational position 120 . Accordingly, the arrangement of the two nut halves 18, 20 in the first rotational position 120 represents a prestressed, neutral state.

Furthermore, in the 10 the coupling element 22 is arranged in the uncoupling position 124 . The coupling element 22 is coupled to the driver element 24 . The driver element 24 is accordingly arranged in the first position 128 . The movement transmission element 30 is arranged in such a way that the spring device 26 prestresses the driver element 24 in the first position. For this purpose, the first spring leg 27' is arranged in the first leg position 87'.

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 10 is in the 11 the first nut half 18 is rotated from the first rotational position 120 to the second rotational position 122. Accordingly, the first nut half 18 is arranged in the second rotational position 122 , while the second nut half 20 is still arranged in the first rotational position 120 .

The rotary movement of the first nut half 18 from the first rotary position 120 to the second rotary position 122 can take place, for example, via an actuating element of a door fitting that is coupled to the first nut half 18 . The actuating element can be arranged in particular on the outside of a door and be designed as a door knob or door handle.

Because the first nut half 18 is arranged in the second rotational position 122 , the driver element 24 and the coupling element 22 are decoupled from one another in the axial direction 90 .

In the 12 1 is the perspective of the isometric view of the coupling device 10 rotated. The perspective of the isometric view is selected in such a way 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 of the coupling element 22.

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 11 is in the 12 the driver element 24 has been moved by the actuator 28 in the axial direction 90 from the first position 128 to the second position. To do this, the drive device 32 of the actuator 28 moves the movement transmission element 30 of the actuator 28 from the first state 86A via the second state 86B to the third state 86C, such as in views (A), (B) and (C) of FIG 24 is shown, so that the first spring leg 27' is moved from the first leg position 87' to the second leg position 87'', as a result of which the spring device is prestressed towards the second position 130. Since the driver element 24 is freely movable in the axial direction 90, is the driver element 24 by the actuator 28 via the spring device 26 in moved in the axial direction 90 to the second position 130 . The spring device 26 is located in the 12 in a relaxed state.

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 12 is in the 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 . The first nut half 18 is accordingly arranged between the first rotational position 120 and the second rotational position 122 .

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

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 13 is in the 14 the first nut half 18 is rotated back to the first rotational position 120. The driver element 24 is now arranged in the first position 128 . The driver element 24 is coupled to the clutch element 22 in the axial direction 90 .

The driver element 24 is moved from the second position 130 to the first position 128 by the rotation of the first nut half 18 from the second rotary position 122 to the first rotary position 120 . 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 and as a result the grooves 48 and 60 of the two nut halves 18, 20 are not aligned with one another. The driver element 24 is not blocked in the axial direction and can therefore be moved in the axial direction 90 .

The rotational movement of the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 can be brought about by the prestressing force or restoring force of the further spring device 38 which, as previously described, prestresses the first nut half 18 in the direction of the first rotational position 120.

During the rotary movement of the first nut half 18 from the second rotary position 122 to the first rotary position 120, as soon as the projection 66 of the coupling element 22 engages with the groove 68 of the driver element 24, the projection 66 moves along the Groove profile 74 of the groove 68 out into the central portion 76 of the groove profile 74. As a result, the driver element 24 is moved from the second position 130 to the first position 128 .

Due to the axial movement of driver element 24 from second position 130 to first position 128, the end of spring device 26 coupled to driver element 24 is also displaced in the axial direction, so that spring device 26 is tensioned in the direction of second position 130. In other words, the energy store of the spring device 26 is charged by the axial movement of the driver element 24 .

In the 15 the perspective of the isometric view of the coupling device 10 is rotated again. The perspective of the isometric view is chosen so that now the second nut half 20 in front of the first nut half 18 as in FIG 10 is arranged. The rotated position provides an improved viewing angle of the coupling element 22.

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 14 is in the 15 the coupling element 22 is placed in the coupling position 126. The driver element 24 is arranged in the second position 130 .

In the state of figures 14 and 15 the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are arranged in the first rotational position 120 . The grooves 48 and 60 of the two nut halves 18, 20 are thus arranged in alignment, so that the coupling element 22 can be moved in the axial direction 90. As previously described, is in the state of 14 the spring device 26 tensioned in the direction of the second position 130 . Since the coupling element 22 can now be moved in the axial direction 90 , the coupling element 22 is displaced into the coupling position 126 via the driver element 24 by the prestressing force of the spring device 26 . The driver element 24 is thereby moved into the second position 130 .

the figure 16 14 shows a schematic view of a method 140 for decoupling. The method 140 shows the decoupling of the coupling device 10 from FIGS Figures 1 to 8 with a twisted state as the 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 the second rotational position 122 in which the driver element 24 is decoupled from the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90 .

In a further step 146 of the method 140 the driver element 24 is moved by the actuator 28 in the axial direction 90 . Preferably, the driver element 24 is prestressed by the actuator 28 via the spring device 26 in the axial direction 90 into a first position 130, wherein the driver element 24 in the first position 130 can be coupled to the coupling element 22 in the uncoupling position 124.

In a further step 148 of the method 140, the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are rotated from the second rotational position 122 to the first rotational position 120, in which the driver element 24 is coupled to the coupling element 22 in the axial direction 90. Preferably, the driver element 24 is moved in the axial direction 90 from the first position 128 to the second position 130, in which the driver element 24 can be coupled to the coupling element 22 in the coupling position 126, as a result of which the spring device 26 is moved via the driver element 24 in the direction of the first Position 130 is clamped.

In a further step 150 of method 140, the coupling element 22 is moved in the axial direction 90 from the coupling position 126 to the uncoupling position 124, in which the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 move in the circumferential direction 94 are decoupled. Preferably, the driver element 24 is moved in the axial direction 90 from the second position 130 to the first position 128 by a prestressing force of the spring device 26 directed towards the first position 128, as a result of which the driver element 24 disengages the coupling element 22 from the coupling position 126 to the uncoupling position 124 shifted.

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

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

17 12 shows an isometric view of the coupling device 10 of FIGS Figures 1 to 4 . The perspective of the isometric view is chosen such that the second nut half 20 is arranged in front of the first nut half 18 .

In 17 the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are arranged in the first rotational position 120 . The additional spring device 38 prestresses 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 device 38 builds up a pretensioning force directed towards the first rotational position 120 .

A spring device can also be provided for the second nut half 20 , which preloads the second nut half 20 in the first rotational position 120 . Accordingly, the arrangement of the two nut halves 18, 20 in the first rotational position 120 represents a prestressed, neutral state.

Furthermore, in the 17 the coupling element 22 is arranged in the coupling position 126 . The coupling element 22 is coupled to the driver element 24 . The driver element 24 is accordingly arranged in the second position 130 . The movement transmission element 30 is arranged so that the spring device 26 biases the driver element 24 into the second position 130 . For this purpose, the first spring leg 27' is arranged in the second leg position 87''.

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 17 are in the 18 the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are rotated from the first rotational position 120 to the second rotational position 122. Accordingly, the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are arranged in the second rotational position 122 .

The rotary movement of the first nut half 18 from the first rotary position 120 to the second rotary position 122 can take place, for example, via an actuating element of a door fitting that is coupled to the first nut half 18 . The actuating element can be arranged in particular on the outside of a door and be designed as a door knob or door handle.

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

In the 19 12 is the perspective of the isometric view of the coupling device 10 rotated slightly. The perspective of the isometric view is selected in such a way that the second nut half 20 is still arranged in front of the first nut half 18 . The rotated position provides an improved viewing angle of the coupling element 22.

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 18 is in the 19 the driver element 24 has been moved by the actuator 28 in the axial direction 90 from the second position 130 to the first position 128 . To do this, the drive device 32 of the actuator 28 moves the movement transmission element 30 of the actuator 28 from the third state 86C via the fourth state 86D to the first state 86A, such as in views (A), (B) and (C) of FIG 24 is shown, so that the first spring leg 27' is moved from the second leg position 87" to the first leg position 87', as a result of which the spring device is prestressed towards the first position 128. Since the driver element 24 is free in the axial direction 90 is movable, the driver element 24 is moved by the actuator 28 via the spring device 26 in the axial direction 90 into the first position 128 . The spring device 26 is located in the 19 in a relaxed state.

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 19 are in the 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 towards the first rotational position 120 . The first nut half 18 is accordingly arranged between the first rotational position 120 and the second rotational position 122 .

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

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 20 is in the 21 the first nut half 18 is rotated back to the first rotational position 120. The driver element 24 is now arranged in the second position 130 . The driver element 24 is coupled to the clutch element 22 in the axial direction 90 .

The driver element 24 is moved from the first position 128 to the second position 130 by the 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 . The coupling element 22 is blocked in the axial direction 90 since a torque is transmitted between the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 via the coupling element 22 during the rotary movement. This creates static friction on 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 driver element 24 is not blocked in the axial direction and can therefore be moved in the axial direction 90 .

The rotational movement of the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 can be brought about by the prestressing force or restoring force of the further spring device 38, which, as previously described, biases the first nut half 18 toward the first rotational position 120.

During the rotational movement of the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 from the second rotational position 122 to the first rotational position 120, as soon as the projection 66 of the coupling element 22 engages with the groove 68 of the driver element 24, the projection 66 along the groove profile 74 of the Groove 68 out into the central portion 76 of the groove profile 74. As a result, the driver element 24 is moved from the first position 128 to the second position 130 .

The axial movement of the driver element 24 from the first position 128 to the second position 130 causes the end of the spring device 26 coupled to the driver element 24 to also be 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 charged by the axial movement of the driver element 24 .

In the 22 the perspective of the isometric view of the coupling device 10 is rotated again. The perspective of the isometric view is also chosen 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 of the coupling element 22.

Based on the arrangement of the coupling device 10 21 is in the 22 the coupling element 22 is placed in the uncoupling position 124 . The driver element 24 is arranged in the first position 128 .

In the state of figures 21 and 22 the first nut half 18 and the second nut half 20 are arranged in the first rotational position 120 . The grooves 48 and 60 of the two nut halves 18, 20 are thus arranged in alignment and there are no longer any torques, so that the coupling element 22 can be moved in the axial direction 90. As previously described, is in the state of 21 the spring device 26 is tensioned in the direction of the first position 128 . Since the coupling element 22 is now in the axial direction 90 is movable, the coupling element 22 is displaced into the uncoupling position 124 by the prestressing force of the spring device 26 via the driver element 24 . The driver element 24 is thereby moved into the first position 128 .

Claims (15)

1. Coupling device (10) for a door fitting, with a coupling assembly (14) and an actuating assembly (16), the coupling assembly (14) comprising a first nut half (18), a second nut half (20) and a coupling element (22), the actuating assembly (16) comprising a driver element (24), a spring device (26) and an actuator (28), wherein the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (15), each between a first rotational position (120) and a second rotational position (122) in a circumferential direction (94), wherein the coupling element (22) is displaceable in an axial direction (90) between a coupling position (126) and an uncoupling position (124), wherein the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are non-rotatably coupled in the coupling position (126) by the coupling element (22) in the circumferential direction (94), wherein the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are uncoupled in the circumferential direction (94) in the uncoupling position (124) by the coupling element (22), wherein the actuator (28) is coupled with the driver element (24) via the spring device (26), wherein the driver element (24) is movable in the axial direction (90), characterized in that the driver element (24) is coupled with the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90) when a nut half (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) is arranged in the first rotational position (120), and in that the driver element (24) is uncoupled with the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90) when a nut half (18, 20) coupled with 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 comprise 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 adjacent to each other in the axial direction (90).
4. Coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coupling element (22) comprises a radially outwardly arranged projection (66), wherein the driver element (24) comprises a radially inwardly arranged groove (68), and wherein, when the nut half (18) coupled with the coupling element (22) is arranged in the first rotational position (120), the projection (66) engages in the groove (68) to couple the driver element (24) with the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90), and wherein the groove (68) extends in the circumferential direction (94).
5. Coupling device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the groove (68) comprises at least a first end (70) and a second end (72), wherein the first end (70) is open in the circumferential direction (94), in particular wherein the second end (72) is open in the circumferential direction (94) and is arranged opposite to the first end (70) in the driver element (94).
6. Coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the driver element (24) is guided in the axial direction (90).
7. Coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the driver element (24) is selectively biasable by the actuator (28) via the spring device (26) in the axial direction (90) in a first position (128) or in a second position (130), wherein the driver element (24) is couplable in the first position (128) with the coupling element (22) in the uncoupling position (124) and in the second position (130) with the coupling element (22) in the coupling position (126).
8. Coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the driver element (24) is movable in the axial direction (90) by a biasing force of the spring device (26) when the nut half (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) is respectively arranged in the first rotational position (120) or the second rotational position (122), in particular wherein the driver element (24) is selectively movable into the first position (128) or into the second position (130) by a biasing force of the spring device (26).
9. Coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the spring device (26) is biasable in the axial direction (90) by a movement of the nut half (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) from the second rotational position (122) to the first rotational position (120) via the driver element (24).
10. Coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spring device (26) is formed as a leg spring, wherein a first spring leg (27') of the spring device (26) is coupled with the actuator, wherein a second spring leg (27") is coupled with the driver element, wherein the first spring leg (27') is movable by the actuator (28) between a first leg end position (87') and a second leg end position (87").
11. Door fitting system comprising the coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. Method (100) for coupling a coupling device (10), the method comprising the following steps:

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

    - arranging (104) the coupling element (22) in an uncoupling position (124) in which the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are uncoupled in the circumferential direction (94), wherein a nut half (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) is arranged in the second rotational position (122) in which the driver element (24) is uncoupled with the coupling element (22) in an axial direction (90);

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

    - rotating (108) the nut half (18, 20) coupled with the coupling element (22) from the second rotational position (122) to the first rotational position (120) in which the driver element (24) is coupled with the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90);

    - displacing (110) the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90) from the uncoupling position (124) to a coupling position (126) in which the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are non-rotatably coupled in the circumferential direction (94).
13. Method (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that in the step of moving (106) the driver element (24) is biased by the actuator (28) via the spring device (26) in the axial direction (90) in a second position (130), wherein the driver element (24) is couplable in the second position (130) with the coupling element (22) in the coupling position (126);

    in particular wherein in the step of rotating (108) the driver element (24) is moved in the axial direction (90) from the second position (130) to a first position (128) in which the driver element (24) is couplable with the coupling element (22) in the uncoupling position (124), whereby the spring device (126) is biased via the driver element (24) towards the second position (130);

    in particular wherein in the step of displacing (110) the driver element (24) is moved in the axial direction (90) from the first position (128) to the second position (130) by a biasing force of the spring device (26) directed to the second position (130), whereby the driver element (24) displaces the coupling element (22) from the uncoupling position (124) to the coupling position (126).
14. Method (140) for uncoupling a coupling device, the method comprising the following steps:

    - providing (142) the coupling device (10), a coupling assembly (14) and an actuating assembly (16), wherein the coupling assembly (14) comprises a first nut half (18), a second nut half (20) and a coupling element (22), wherein the actuating assembly (16) comprises a driver element (24), a spring device (26) and an actuator (28), wherein the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (15) between a first rotational position (120) and a second rotational position (122) in a circumferential direction (94), wherein the actuator (28) is coupled to the driver element (24) via 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 non-rotatably coupled in the circumferential direction (94), wherein the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are arranged in the second rotational position (122) in which the driver element (24) is decoupled with the coupling element (22) in an axial direction (90);

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

    - rotating (148) the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) from the second rotational position (122) to the first rotational position (120) in which the driver element (24) is coupled with the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90);

    - displacing (150) the coupling element (22) in the axial direction (90) from the coupling position (126) to an uncoupling position (124) in which the first nut half (18) and the second nut half (20) are uncoupled in the circumferential direction (94).
15. Method (140) according to claim 14, characterized in that in the step of moving (146) the driver element (24) is biased by the actuator (28) via the spring device (26) in the axial direction (90) to a first position (128), wherein the driver element (24) is couplable in the first position (128) with the coupling element (22) in the uncoupling position (124);

    in particular wherein in the step of rotating (148) the driver element (24) is moved in the axial direction (90) from the first position (128) to a second position (130) in which the driver element (24) is couplable with the coupling element (22) in the coupling position (126), whereby the spring device (26) is biased via the driver element (24) towards the first position (128);

    in particular wherein in the step of displacing (150) the driver element (24) is moved in the axial direction (90) from the second position (130) to the first position (128) by a biasing force of the spring device (26) directed to the first position (128), whereby the driver element (24) displaces the coupling element (22) from the coupling position (126) to the uncoupling position (124).

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