Connection means with shape memory

US9458717B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG · DE

Inventors

• Rainer Fechte-Heinen · Bottrop, DE
• Lothar Patberg · Aachen, DE
• Joseph Georg Kevenhörster · Bochum, DE
• Andreas Cott · Düsseldorf, DE
• Thomas Flaskamp · Duisburg, DE
• Vanessa Wieschalla · Essen, DE
• Erik Hilfrich · Düsseldorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 2013
• Grant date: Oct 4, 2016
• Expiry date: Dec 19, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16B2200/77
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A connector is disclosed for providing a positive and/or a non-positive connection between at least two connecting partners. The connector or connecting means has at least one first region which engages with the first connecting partner by way of a positive and/or a non-positive connection, and at least one second region is provided which engages with the at least second connecting partner by way of a positive and/or a non-positive connection. The connecting means provides a positive and/or non-positive connection between at least two connecting partners in a simple and inexpensive manner and which meets high safety requirements. The second region of the connecting means has a region which is formed from an at least partially flat material made of an Fe alloy with shape memory characteristics and which, when activated, ensures the positive and/or non-positive connection with the second connecting partner by way of a change in shape.