PATENT ABSTRACT
A threaded ring has a single-component body provided with an internal screw thread ( 14, 16 ) and two body parts ( 10, 12 ). The first part ( 10 ) forms an adjusting ring having an end face ( 22 ) located on a radial plane. The second body part ( 12 ) forms a security ring connected to the first body part ( 10 ) by an elastically flexible wall part ( 32 ) of the body, forming a gap ( 26 ) between the two body parts. An actuating device can adjust the geometry of the gap ( 26 ) due to the elastic flexibility of the wall element ( 29 ) along the longitudinal axis of the body. A bearing surface ( 46 ) having a predefinable inclination is arranged in the premounting state between parts of the actuating device and parts of the body.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a threaded ring having a one-piece body provided with internal threading and at least two body components. The first body component is in the form of a set collar with an end plane surface in a radial plane. The second body component forms a retaining ring connected to the first body component to form a gap positioned between the two body components by an elastically flexible wall component of the body. An actuating mechanism adjusts the geometry of the gap due to the elastic flexibility of the wall component along the longitudinal axis of the body. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Threaded rings of this type are disclosed in DE Patent Application 1 675 685, for example, are commercially available and are applied in various areas of mechanical engineering. The body component forming the plane surface serves as a high-precision nut seated on the external threading of a shaft or spindle. The nut axial position along the longitudinal axis of the threaded ring can be determined with high accuracy by the second body component used as the retaining ring. The threaded flank clearance present between external threading and internal threading is eliminated in that the width of the gap between the two body components is modified by the actuating mechanism. Such modification is made possible by the elastic flexibility of the wall component forming the body components. 
     The actuating mechanism can be set screws permitting reciprocal tightening of the set collar and the retaining ring. The set collar may function as an adjusting nut with a plane surface forming a contact surface for positioning of roller bearings on shafts, or can be used as a precisely positioned shaft collar or the like. 
     In the described threaded ring, the gap between the body components is formed by two gap segments offset from each other in the axial direction. One segment extends from the threaded bore to the vicinity of the circumference of the threaded ring. The other segment extends radially inward from the circumferential surface to the vicinity of the threaded bore. Between the two gap segments, an elastically flexible wall component connects the two body components and has a wall thickness selected such that this wall component is elastically flexible. The geometry of the gap may then be adjusted by the set screws serving as an actuating mechanism. The threaded flank clearance is eliminated. The locking effect desired is achieved by tensioning the two body components. The relatively high production cost is a disadvantage of this threaded ring. 
     EP 0 956 768 A1 discloses another generic threaded ring made as a precision tensioning nut. This precision tensioning nut has a solid nut block having an internal threading, an end face machined flat and aligned at a right angle to the axis of the thread, and a circumferential surface. Individual clamping elements each form a radially extending segmented sector from a part of the nut block. The clamping elements, for the purpose of axial locking by a clamping screw operable parallel with the axis, may be elastically inclined. The clamping elements moreover form at most 50% of the component such that in axial locking on the tensioning side at most 50% of the circumference of the thread in the form originally produced is changed. Distortion of the plane surface and loosening by insufficient locking are thus avoided. This solution compared to the initially mentioned solution in the prior art has only one open gap segment and not two. The gap segment is also closed to the outside so that no foreign substances are able to penetrate from the outside into the gap area. The production effort and the costs are thus reduced accordingly. Only the production of the segmented clamping element is in turn associated with increased production effort. Achieving a uniform application of the clamping force is likewise made difficult as a result of the segmented configuration of the clamping elements. 
     DE-A-102 52 780 A1 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,564) discloses another threaded ring. A second body component used as the retaining ring forms an elastically flexible wall component having a circumferential area which, compared to the first body component, is reduced to an outside diameter situated over a smaller radius than the end of the gap situated radially to the outside. The circumferential area of the second body component which has been reduced in diameter ends at an axial distance from the gap defining the extension of the flexible wall component in the axial direction. 
     Instead of the complex production of two gap sections, in this disclosed solution with the formation of the flexible wall component, only the configuration of an integral gap as an internal recess and the external machining of the second body component are necessary to reduce its outside diameter in areas. This reduction can be effected by simple machining. 
     Furthermore, in the disclosed solutions, after fixing the set collar on the assignable threaded piece and after subsequent tightening of the retaining ring, plastic deformations may unintentionally occur along the threadings. This deformation leads to the threaded ring becoming unusable. The threaded ring then possibly can no longer be removed from the clamping thread. Basically, this problem can be prevented by torque wrenches with a definable locking torque. In practical applications for the threaded ring, however, often in the absence of a suitable torque wrench, this measure is ignored and the threaded ring is fixed with conventional tools. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an improved threaded ring while maintaining the advantages of the conventional threaded rings, that is simple and economical to produce, so that at a reduced size high efficiency can still be achieved. By tensioning the two body components, the threaded flank clearance is effectively eliminated to achieve the desired locking action. 
     This object is basically achieved by a threaded ring having a preinstallation state where a contact surface is between the components of the actuating mechanism and the components of the body. The contact surface is provided with a definable inclination. The angle of inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the body is selected such that in the installed state the occurrence of threaded flank clearance is eliminated. In the installed state, the clamping force of the actuating mechanism then takes effect on the inside circumference near the threaded flanks which are to be clamped. As a result of the favorable distances between the external radial end of the gap, of the application of force of the actuating mechanism by the inclined contact surface and of the threaded flanks to be clamped, high efficiency is achieved. That is, the threaded flank clearance is effectively eliminated to obtain an adequate locking effect. The threaded ring of the present invention can be easily and economically produced, and requires only little installation space since there need not be two gap segments, but only one, and since making the two body components different with respect to their circumferential area can also be omitted. 
     An additional advantage is that there is no gap segment open to the outside on the threaded ring. The threaded ring of the present invention has a closed circumferential contour to avoid the danger during operation of foreign substances settling in the gap area. Such would occur if the circumference is open. For example, contaminants, wear particles, shavings or the like, contained in the lubricants, could lead to the formation of an unbalancing mass on the circumference of the threaded ring. Based on the sleeve-like configuration, uniform application of force with the threaded ring is achieved, as is a high level of locking of the threaded ring at the installation site. 
     The inclined positioning of the retaining ring before the defined fixing position of the threaded ring on the respective thread ensures that the set collar can be fixed in a defined manner. When the retaining ring is subsequently tightened, only the threaded flank clearance is overcome before the application of the locking force by the retaining ring to the set collar takes place. As a result of this measure, plastic deformations in the clamping process between the threads can for the most part be prevented. Even in an improper clamping process, the threaded ring then maintains its function and can also be easily removed again from the respective thread. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the threaded ring of the present invention, the actuating mechanism has tensioning means which, to the extent they are countersunk into respective recesses of the retaining ring in the installed state, form with their tightening contact surfaces to the front face of the retaining ring a clamping angle corresponding to the angle of inclination in the preinstallation state. This arrangement yields the possibility of visual checking for a successfully completed clamping process using the clamping angle. 
     Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure and which are schematic and not to scale: 
         FIG. 1  is a partial, side elevational view in section of one-half side of a threaded ring according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, on a threaded spindle, with the illustration being simplified for the sake of greater clarity of presentation of the principle of operation and in particular the threaded flank clearance being shown enlarged and the threaded ring being shown in the unlocked state, as it corresponds to the preinstallation or preinstalled state; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial, side elevational view in section of the threaded ring of  FIG. 1 , with the screw-on threaded ring being shown in the locked state, that is in the installation or installed state; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial, side elevational view in section of one side of a thread ring according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, on a threaded spindle, with the illustration being simplified for the sake of greater clarity of presentation of the principle of operation and in particular the threaded flank clearance being shown enlarged and the threaded ring being shown in the unlocked state, as it corresponds to the preinstallation state; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial, side elevational view in section of the threaded ring of  FIG. 3 , with the screw-on threaded ring being shown in the locked state, that is the installed state; and 
         FIG. 5  is a partial, end elevational view of the thread ring of  FIG. 1  showing plural screws. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The threaded ring shown in the figures has two primary components, specifically a first body component  10  functioning as a set collar or adjusting nut and a second body component  12  forming a retaining ring. The two body components  10  and  12  are provided with continuous internal threading or threads  14 ,  16  respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal threading  14  of the first body component  10  has more threads than the internal threading  16  of the second body component  12 . With these internal threadings  14 ,  16 , the threaded ring can be screwed onto a section of a spindle  20  provided with an external threading or thread  18 . The body component  10  has an end plane surface  22  used for fixing in position a ring body  24  seated on the spindle  20  as a shaft collar. 
     Between the two body components  10  and  12 , a gap  26  extends. In the installed state of the threaded ring, the gap extends in the radial direction from the external threading  18 . The radially external end  28  of the gap  26  is spaced at a radial distance from the common circumference of the two body components  10 ,  12 . The radially external end  28  of the gap  26  with the common circumference  30  borders a wall component  32  by which the first body component  10  and the second body component  12  are integrally joined to one another. The wall thickness of this wall component  32  is selected such that the wall component  32  forms a weak point or a flexible wall component. For a threaded ring produced from a steel material, wall component  32  permits flexible adjustment of the position of the second body component  12  relative to the first body component  10 . The corresponding adjustment of the geometry of the gap  26  is then effected, the gap width being modified locally, for example. 
     As the actuating mechanism for adjusting the geometry of the gap  26 , individual set screws  34  are used as tensioning means, penetrate the gap  26  parallel with the axis, fit into the threaded bores  36  of the first body component  10 , and are supported with their screw heads  38  at the end on the second body component  12  in the installed state (compare  FIG. 2 ). The set screws  34  are uniformly distributed over a graduated circle concentric with the longitudinal axis of the threaded ring. Six set screws (not shown) are provided, for example. In this exemplary embodiment, the set screws  34  are configured as socket head cap screws with screw heads  38  which act on the free end face  40  of the threaded ring. Instead of the socket head cap screws illustrated, conventional hexagonal head screws can also be used cost-effectively, since in the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  the radially tightening the set screws  34  is permitted from the outside, not coming from the front face. 
     In the second embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , conversely the screw heads  38  are held countersunk in the axially widening end segment of the pertinent through bore  42 . In the preinstallation state, the screw heads  38  are essentially flush with the external end face  44  of the second body component  12 . This widening end segment in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4  is also accompanied by a lengthened internal threading segment relative to the internal threading  16  of the second body component  12 . Otherwise, the two embodiments correspond to one another in terms of their function and action. The details stated in the foregoing with respect to the first embodiment also apply accordingly to the subject matter of the second exemplary embodiment, and for the second embodiment the same reference numbers are used for individual components corresponding to those in the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 1  shows the unlocked state, that is, the preinstallation state of the threaded ring. The existing threaded flank clearance of the thread engagement between the internal threadings  14  and  16 , and external threadings  18  is shown enlarged for the sake of clarity. As shown, the flank surfaces of the internal threading  14 ,  16  are situated on the right side in the drawing are situated at a distance from the flank surfaces of the external threading  18  which are situated on the left side in the drawing. 
       FIG. 2  shows the locked state or the installation state, in which by actuating the actuating mechanism with the individual set screws  34  the second body component  12  is tensioned toward the first body component  10 . For the second body component  12 , the flank surfaces of the internal threading  16  are situated on the right side are then supported on the flank surfaces of the external threading  18 . Conversely, for the first body component  10  the flank surfaces of the internal threading  14  situated on the left side are supported on the external threading  18 . The threaded ring unit formed from the body components  10  and  12  tightened against each other, is then secured in its entirety. 
     The threaded ring of the present invention is designed to be rotationally symmetrical and has no grooves, slots, etc. generating unbalance. The set screws  34  distributed uniformly over a concentric graduated circle in conjunction with the flexible configuration of the wall component  32  yield uniform clamping forces on the threading. These clamping forces ensure intensive contact of the threaded flanks of the internal and external threadings  14 ,  16  and  18  and accordingly high axial stiffness of the threaded ring over the entire circumference. Any form defect adjustments and surface compressions which may be present may be evened out during installation by increased tensioning of the body components  10  and  12 . The plane surface  22  of the first body component  10  used as a set collar or adjusting nut may be aligned by deliberate uniform tensioning of the set screws  34  until complete balance is achieved. If necessary, individual set screws  34  may be additionally tightened to compensate for tension on one side caused by the smallest errors of plane extension of the adjacent components. 
     In addition to the mutual positioning of gap  26  and the two body components  10 ,  12 , the wall thickness of the elastically flexible wall component  32  is of importance to the configuration of the threaded ring of the present invention. Specifically, in the preinstallation state between the components of the actuating mechanism in the form of set screws  34  and components of the body of the threaded ring, a contact surface  46  is provided with a definable inclination a. The angle of inclination a is selected relative to the longitudinal axis of the body such that in the installation state the threaded flank clearance occurring is completely eliminated, as shown. This angle of inclination a for reliable use may assume values between one-half to five degrees, preferably between one to three degrees, depending on the equalization to be achieved for the threaded flank clearance and the accompanying thread pitch. 
     The contact surface  46  extending at an incline in the preinstallation state and forming the head support surface for the screw heads  38  of the set screws  34  is always dimensioned such that the contact surface  46  for the respective screw head  38 , after locking the screw connection is set at a right angle, at the earliest at the maximum possible threaded flank clearance of the screw connection (compare installation state shown in  FIG. 2 ). For the embodiments shown, most of the tensioning force generated by the set screws  34  acts near the external spindle thread  18  to be clamped so that the efficiency, compared to the conventional threaded ring designs, is therefore significantly improved. Based on the improved efficiency during clamping and securing of the threaded ring on the spindle  20 , the threaded ring of the present invention can be deployed both in the axial and in the radial direction with very small dimensions. Furthermore, the improved efficiency also allows the new threaded ring to be designed with fewer set screws  34 . 
     In the second embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , as an additional distinctive feature, when the screw heads  38  are integrated into the through bores  42  in the installed state, they form a clamping angle b relative to the external end face  44  of the retaining ring  12 . Clamping angle b corresponds to the angle of inclination a in the preinstallation state, and allows visual monitoring of the locking. If the respective hexagonal head screw with its screw head  38  is axially integrated in the respective recess in the retaining ring  12 , the use of socket head cap screws shown in  FIGS. 3  and  4  is recommended, with the possibility of effecting clamping or loosening of the threaded ring by suitable tools from the axial longitudinal front side. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  conversely, the hexagonal head screw one is preferably used with a screw head  38  having the hexagon on the outer circumferential side. In this way, it is possible to effect the described clamping and loosening processes from the circumferential side of the threaded ring, that is, radially. 
     While various embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.