Connecting unit and connecting device for connecting a drive device to a rod, and method for exchanging a doctor rod

A connecting device to connect a drive device with a rod, the connecting device comprising:

• a connecting unit for connecting the drive device to the rod, the connecting unit including:
• a receiving opening configured for axially receiving a connecting element arranged on the rod so as to transmit a torque;
• an interlocking element, which is a force-applied interlocking element, the interlocking element including a free end, the interlocking element further including or being configured as a spring element, the spring element being a flexible spring;
• and
• a recess located radially adjacent to the receiving opening and by way of which the interlocking element engages in the receiving opening, with the result that the connecting unit is configured such that the connecting element is axially securable thereby, the interlocking element at a first position being firmly connected with a portion of the connecting unit and at the free end is configured for moving relative to a portion of the connecting unit so as to move the interlocking element out of the receiving opening, with the result that the connecting unit is configured such that a securement of the connecting element is releasable;
• and
• a connecting element configured for being arranged on the rod and for being arranged in an interlocking manner in the receiving opening of the connecting unit, the connecting element including a securement recess which is radially arranged and which is configured for accommodating the interlocking element arranged on a portion of the connecting unit so as to secure the rod into position axially.

A method to replace a rod, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing that the connecting device includes a connecting unit and a connecting element, the connecting unit including a receiving opening in which the connecting element—which is arranged on the rod—is arranged in an interlocking manner so as to transmit a torque, the connecting unit including a recess located radially adjacent to the receiving opening and by which an interlocking element—which is a force-applied interlocking element—of the connecting unit engages in the receiving opening and in a securement recess—which is radially arranged—of the connecting element so as to secure the rod axially, the interlocking element being firmly connected in a first position with a portion of the connecting unit, the interlocking element including or being configured as a spring element, the spring element being a flexible spring,
• moving the interlocking element at a free end of the interlocking element relative to the connecting unit in a release step so as to move the interlocking element out of the receiving opening and to release a securement of the connecting element;
• and
• replacing the rod by way of the connecting device.