Plug-in coupling allowing for compensating movements

US7168879B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bollhoff Inc. · DE

Inventors

• Andreas Bertram · Bad Salzuflen, DE
• Rainer Sussenbach · Steinhagen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 28, 2003
• Grant date: Jan 30, 2007
• Expiry date: Sep 24, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T403/32737
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A plug-in coupling for removably interconnecting a first structural member and a second structural member comprises a resiliently deformable female coupling part adapted to be inserted into a socket at the first structural member such that it is retained therein. The female coupling part comprises a ball-shaped cup, an intermediate annular wall integral with said ball-shaped cup and serving as a guide portion, and a tubular external wall integral with said annular intermediate wall. The external wall surrounds at least a part of the ball-shaped cup in spaced relation thereto and engages a peripheral wall of the socket when the female coupling part is inserted into the socket. A male coupling part comprises a ball-shaped head and a fixing portion for securing the male coupling part to the second structural member. The intermediate annular wall of the female coupling part is of an undulated shape at least in a certain area thereof.