AU2012201799B2

AU2012201799B2 - Load handling part with contactlessly readable data carrier

Info

Publication number: AU2012201799B2
Application number: AU2012201799A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Smetz
Original assignee: RUD Kettenfabrik Rieger und Dietz GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: RUD Kettenfabrik Rieger und Dietz GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2011-04-04
Filing date: 2012-03-27
Publication date: 2016-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-27
Also published as: CN102734387A; CN102734387B; EP2508461B1; AU2012201799A1; DE102011001787A1; EP2508461A1

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates to a load handling part (1) for fastening, lifting, lashing and/or materials handling technology into which at least one contactlessly readable 5 data carrier (14) is integrated. To facilitate the attachment of the data carrier (14), the latter is driven into the load handling part (1). The data carrier (14) can in particular be arranged at a head (31) of a fastening element (32), for example an axle pin of the load handling 10 part (1), or in an opening for such a fastening element. To facilitate the location, relief-like markings (17) can be arranged adjacent to the data carrier (14). (Fig. 8) 3250320_1 (GHMattere) P90019.AU 27/03/12

Description

LOAD HANDLING PART WITH CONTACTLESSLY READABLE DATA

CARRIER

The invention relates to a load handling part for fastening, lifting, lashing and/or materials handling technology in which at least one contactlessly readable data carrier is integrated.

As load handling parts in fastening, lifting, lashing and/or materials handling technology, for example chain links, load fastening points, hooks, eyes, shackles, claws and clamping elements are employed and in most cases made of an electrically conductive material, such as steel. A load handling part with the features mentioned in the beginning is described in DE 10036014 A1. In this citation, the load handling parts are especially designed for receiving contactlessly readable data carriers. For example, chain links in addition comprise a web and load hooks in addition comprise an eye to be able to arrange data carriers outside a region defined by the respective operational stress. DE 10234626 B4 deals with the integration of a pulse generator and a sensor spaced apart in a load handling part. From WO 2004/085985, a service life sensor is described which can also be employed in load handling equipment, such as a round steel chain.

It would be desirable if at least an embodiment of the invention provided an improved load handling parts with integrated data carriers in terms of their manufacturing complexity and use.

Driving the data carrier in is less complex compared to casting it in, which is described in DE 10036014 A1. As data carrier, in particular an RFID element, i.e. a transponder, comes into question.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a load handling part for fastening, lifting, lashing and/or materials handling technology, in which at least one contactlessly readable data carrier is integrated, wherein the data carrier is provided with radially projecting retaining ribs at its circumferential surface and is driven into the load handling part.

The invention can be further improved by the following embodiments, each separately advantageous and combinable in any way.

The retaining ribs are preferably squeezed in the driven-in state and retain the data carrier in the load handling part by friction. By the ribs, the data carrier is moreover automatically centered in the receptacle of the load handling part provided for it. The retaining ribs preferably extend along a driving-in direction to facilitate assembly. An exact centering is favored by a preferably uniform distribution of the retaining ribs in the circumferential direction.

At at least one end, the data carrier can be provided with a preferably surrounding collar that radially projects beyond the retaining ribs. Preferably, the collar is located at the end of the data carrier located opposite the driving-in direction. By the collar, the retaining ribs and a gap between the data carriers and the load handling part can be covered, so that no tool can be inserted between the gap or the retaining ribs to loosen the data carrier. The collar can furthermore function as a seal which prevents the penetration of contaminations and moisture into the gap between the data carrier and the load handling part. For this, the collar can in particular be provided with a sealing surface inclined by 45° with respect to the circumferential surface or the driving-in direction, the sealing surface facing away from the outer surface of the load handling part or into the driving-in direction, respectively. The receptacle in the load handling part into which the data carrier is driven in can be provided with a complementarily designed, preferably also inclined sealing surface, so that by driving in, the two sealing surfaces are moved up against each other in a sealing manner. The inclination of the sealing surfaces with respect to the driving-in direction here reinforces the contact pressure between the sealing surfaces by a slight radial compression of the collar.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the data carrier can be arranged in a fastening element of the load handling part. Such fastening or fixing elements are, for example, screws, nuts, bolts or pins. They serve to fix the load handling part at a support or to establish the integral cohesion of the load handling part. The data carrier can be driven-in into a front face of such a fastening element or into a circumferential surface which serves as a wrench surface, for example for a wrench. In this embodiment, an already existing load handling part does not have to be structurally modified. An intervention in its supporting structure and possible adverse effects can be avoided; the only thing one has to do is to produce a receptacle for the data carrier in the fastening element.

As an alternative or in addition, the data carrier can also be driven into an already existing receptacle for a fastening element of the load handling part. In this embodiment, there is neither any intervention in the structure of the load handling part necessary; only already existing structures are used to attach the data carrier. Examples of such receptacles are through bores or driving-in openings for pins or screws. In such receptacles, sufficient space is often present between a front face of the fastening element and the outer surface of the load handling part to attach a data carrier. If the data carrier has a collar, it simultaneously functions to seal the fastening element. The data carrier thus acts as a sealing plug for the fastening element.

One end of the data carrier on the read-out side facing the outer surface of the load handling part is preferably aligned with the surface of the load handling part. This permits to easily read out the data carrier despite the electrically conductive material of which the load handling part might be fabricated and which surrounds the data carrier.

The read-out end of the data carrier is preferably located in a flat region of the load handling part, so that the data carrier is easily accessible for a reader from all sides .

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the data carrier can also be arranged to be sunk-in in its receptacle to aggravate the reading of the data carrier and thus the access to the data stored therein. In such an embodiment, an especially designed reader can be employed which comprises a reading head that can be inserted into the receptacle down to the read-out surface of the data carrier .

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the load handling part can be provided with a marking tag which comprises information about the load handling part readable by a user at least at one surface. The data carrier can be inserted in the tag. This has the advantage that the data carrier is particularly easily accessible and is seated at the location where information about the load handling part is already presented to a user.

The data carrier is preferably designed in the form of a pill or a button and can have an essentially cylindrical basic body. The height of the data carrier in the driving-in direction is preferably smaller than the diameter of the data carrier so that the data carrier is flat. Thus, to receive the data carrier, only a flat receptacle is required which only slightly affects the supporting cross-section of the load handling part.

Easy accessibility to the data carrier is ensured according to a further advantageous embodiment if the data carrier is driven in at a point of the load handling part which is disposed between a retaining section at which the load to be carried is introduced into the load handling part, and a fastening section where the load handling part is fixed, for example, at a lifting means, such as a chain or a rope. Preferably, the data carrier is here arranged in a region which cannot be passed over by the retaining means arranged at the retaining section and the means arranged at the fastening section, so that these cannot hinder the access to the data carrier.

To quickly find the data carrier for inspection and maintenance purposes, relief-like aids to orientation can be arranged at the load handling part, preferably adjacent to the data carrier, or at an opening of the receptacle for the data carrier. The aids to orientation can in particular be formed by an embossing operation, for example forging, so that they can withstand rough operation and remain readable.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the load handling part is provided with an opening for engaging at least one further load handling member. Such load handling parts are, for example, chain links or eyes of fastening or lashing means. In the opening, a clamping element accommodating the data carrier can be inserted, in particular with a positive fit. This embodiment permits to integrate the data carrier without any intervention in the supporting structure of the load handling part. By the attachment of the data carrier in a separate clamping element, the load handling part can moreover be retrofitted. Moreover, the load handling part provided with the clamping element can be quickly identified, which is advantageous in particular in parts of chains of considerable lengths.

The clamping element is preferably made of durable plastics. To avoid damages, the clamping element can be flush with one side face of the load handling part. In this embodiment, no sections of the clamping element project from the outer contour of the load handling part.

To facilitate the assembly of the clamping element at the opening, it can be assembled from at least two parts of which at least one penetrates the opening. The two parts of the clamping element can be in particular connected to each other with a positive fit. They can be disposed at both sides of a plane defined by the opening.

The clamping element can be positively connected to an inner surface of the load handling part facing the opening. In particular in case of load handling parts made of round or profiled material, such as chain links or eyes, the already existing cross-sectional shape can be used for clamping the clamping element in this embodiment. The clamping element can be furthermore completely arranged in the opening.

If, according to a further advantageous embodiment, the clamping element is provided with at least one recess in which the at least one further load handling part engaged in the opening is received, the arrangement formed from the two load handling parts can be fixed in its usage position. In the recess, the further load handling part engaged in the load handling part is already prepositioned and cannot depart from the usage position. In this way, operational reliability can be increased.

According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a retrofit kit for load handling parts in fastening, lifting, lashing and/or materials handling technology which are provided with at least one opening for engaging further load handling parts, the kit comprising a clamping element which is provided with a contactlessly readable data carrier with radially projecting retaining ribs at its circumferential surface and is designed such that it can be brought into positive engagement with the opening.

Easy retrofitting for facilitating maintenance and for inspecting components can be achieved by the design of the clamping element.

Below, the invention will be illustrated in more detail by embodiments with reference to the drawings. The different features of the individual embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with each other according to the above statements. Where an advantage associated with a feature is not important for an application, this feature can also be omitted. In the different embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar with respect to their function and/or construction.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic depiction of a first embodiment of a load handling part according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic depiction of a second embodiment of a load handling part according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic depiction of a detail III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic depiction of a part of a section IV-IV of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic depiction of a modification of the embodiment of Fig. 2 along the arrow V of Fig. 2 in an enlarged depiction;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic depiction of a section VI-VI of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of a load handling equipment according to the invention in a first view;

Fig. 8 shows a schematic depiction of the embodiment of Fig. 7 in the viewing direction of the arrow VIII of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 shows a schematic depiction of a modification of the embodiment of Fig. 7 in a first view;

Fig. 10 shows a schematic depiction of the embodiment of Fig. 9 in a view along an arrow X of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of the load handling part according to the invention;

Fig. 12 shows a schematic depiction of a detail XII of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 14 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 15 shows a schematic depiction of the embodiment of Fig. 14 in a view along the arrow XV of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 17 shows a schematic depiction of the embodiment of Fig. 16 in a view along the arrow XVII of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of a load handling part according to the invention;

Fig. 19 shows a schematic depiction of a plan view onto a detail of a further embodiment of a load handling part according to the invention;

Fig. 20 shows a schematic depiction of a section along line XX-XX of Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 shows a schematic depiction of a modification of the embodiment depicted in Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 shows a schematic depiction of a plan view onto a detail of a further embodiment of a load handling part according to the invention;

Fig. 23 shows a schematic depiction of a section along line XXIII-XXIII of Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 25 shows a schematic depiction of a section along line XXV-XXV of Fig. 24;

Fig. 26 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment along section XXV-XXV of Fig. 24;

Fig. 27 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment along section XXV-XXV of Fig. 24;

Fig. 28 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 29 shows a schematic depiction of a section along line XXIX-XXIX of Fig. 28;

Fig. 30 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 31 shows a schematic depiction of a section along line XXXI-XXXI of Fig. 30;

Fig. 32 shows a schematic depiction of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 33 shows a schematic depiction of a detail XXXIII of Fig. 32.

First, the construction and function of a load handling part 1 according to the invention is illustrated with reference to Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a load handling part 1 in the form of a load hook 2 in which a hook aperture 3 can be closed by a movable safety closure 4.

The hook 1 comprises a fastening-side end 5 by means of which the hook is engaged in a lifting means (not shown), for example a chain or a wire cable. The fastening-side end 5 can be, as is shown in Fig. 1, in the form of a fork 6 and comprise a receptacle 7 for the lifting means, here a chain. In the receptacle 7, a retaining bolt 9 is arranged and secured by a pin 8, for example a driving-in sleeve. The retaining bolt 9 penetrates the receptacle 7 by extending from one fork leg 10 of the fork 6 to the other fork leg 11.

At the load-side end 12, the load hook is provided with a retaining section 13 in which a load-bearing sling, i.e. alternatively lashing or material handling means, can be engaged.

The load handling equipment 1 is provided with an electronically contactlessly readable data carrier 14, for example an RFID-chip or a data carrier 14. The data carrier 14 is driven into the load handling part 1. In the data carrier 14, data characterizing the load handling part 1 are stored. These data comprise, for example, manufacturer-related data on its type, mechanical properties and/or data as to its manufacture.

Some of the data stored in the data carrier 14 can also be modified and stored again. For example, data about performed maintenance works can be stored in the data carrier 14.

The data carrier 14 is preferably self-sustaining and does not have a separate energy source. Energy is provided by an electromagnetic alternating field of a reader. The information is transferred between the data carrier and reader also via the alternating field. To obtain easy access to the data carrier 14 by the reader and in order not to interfere with the electronic alternating field due to metallic lifting means engaged in the fastening-side end 5 and also metallic slings engaged in the load-side end 12, it is preferably arranged in a region 15 spaced apart from the two ends 5, 12 and outside the range of motion of the lifting means and slings engaged therein.

The distance of the region 15 to the lifting means and slings is sufficient, so that its accessibility is not hindered by these means.

The data carrier 14 can be arranged, as is shown in Fig. 1, in a flat region 16 of the load handling part 1. Adjacent to the data carrier 14, there is a relief-like marking 17 which serves as an aid to orientation to more quickly find the data carrier 14 in operation.

As Fig. 1 shows, the region 15 in which the data carrier 14 is arranged can be located in the region of a force flow 18 along which the forces are conducted through the load handling part 1 from the load-side to the fastening-side end 5, 12. In order not to impair the supporting cross-section of the load handling part, the flat region 15 can be formed by a button-like elevation the height of which corresponds at least to a height of the data carrier 14.

Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of a load handling part 1 according to the invention, here as a further variant of a load hook 2. A data carrier 14 is driven into the load handling part 1 in the central region between the fastening-side end 5 and the load-side end 12, the position of the data carrier being easily identifiable by a preferably relieflike adjacent marking 17.

In the section IV-IV of Fig. 2 depicted in Fig. 4, one can see that a receptacle 7 for a fastening element 20, here a driving-in bolt or a driving-in sleeve, is closed by the data carrier 14. The receptacle 7 simultaneously functions as a receptacle 19 for the data carrier 14. The fastening element 20 secures a closure 4 for the hook aperture 3 in the closed position. A reading-side surface 21 of the data carrier preferably flushes with an adjacent surface 22 of the load handling part 1. Not depicted transmitting and receiving means are located at the reading-side surface 21 of the data carrier 14. It should be preferably easily accessible and not covered by electrically conductive materials. The data carrier 14 is driven into the receptacle 19 in a driving-in direction E.

As Fig. 4 furthermore shows, the data carrier 14 preferably has a pill or button shape. It has a cylindrical basic shape whose diameter D is greater than the height H. Retaining ribs 23 radially projecting from a circumferential surface 23' of the data carrier 14 which are deformed during the driving-in process and produce a frictional connection with the inner wall of the receptacle 19 secure the data carrier 14 in the receptacle 19. The retaining ribs compensate work tolerances and center the data carrier in the receptacle 19, so that the opening 19 does not have to be processed too precisely.

The retaining ribs preferably do not extend across the complete, though at least across half the height H of the data carrier 14. In the driving-in direction E, the retaining ribs end in a chamfered guide bevel. A modification of the embodiment of Fig. 2 is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In Fig. 5, a detail of Fig. 2 in the viewing direction V is depicted.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the data carrier 14 is arranged in a front face 24 of the retaining bolt 9 also functioning as fastening means 20. The data carrier 14 is here arranged in the front face 24 of the retaining bolt 9 which lies in the receptacle 19 and is accessible from outside. The surface 21 of the data carrier 14 is well protected against external influences in the receptacle 19. Moreover, the reading of the data carrier 14 inside the receptacle 19 is aggravated if no reader (not shown) adapted to the special design of the load handling equipment 1 which can be inserted into the receptacle 19 is used to reduce interfering influences of the metallic surrounding area. By this constructive measure, the data carrier can be already well protected against unauthorized reading .

Fig. 6 depicts by way of example that an insertion direction F in which the fastening means 20 is inserted into the load handling part 1 can be directed against the driving-in direction E of the data carrier 14. In the receptacle 19, the retaining bolt 9 is retained between a stop 26 and the securing element 8 at the front face 27 opposite the data carrier 14.

In Fig. 7, a load fastening point 28 with a bow-like retaining section 13 preferably swiveling about an axis 29 is shown as a load handling part 1. The load fastening point is firmly attached to a load to be lifted (not shown), such as a container, via a fastening element 20, here a screw 30. The retaining section 13 serves, for example, to receive a load hook 2 as it is depicted in Figs. 1 and 2. The data carrier 14 is in this embodiment driven into a front face 24 of a head 31 of an axle bolt 32 serving as a fastening means 20 for the retaining section 13. At this location, the data carrier 14 is easily accessible in the mounted state.

Fig. 8 shows that the data carrier 14 lies preferably centrically in the cross-section of the axle bolt 32 or its head 31, respectively.

Fig. 9 shows a variant of the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The data carrier 14 is arranged in a preferably flat region 16 at a lateral outer surface 33 of the bow-like retaining section 13. Front and back sides 34, 34' can be provided with relief-like, for example protruding markings 17 which indicate the data carrier 14 so that it can be easily found.

Fig. 10 shows the view along the arrow X of Fig. 9. One can see that the data carrier 14 is arranged in the region of the force flow 18. Due to the flat, button-like embodiment, however, the data carrier 14 only projects into the surface region of the load handling part 1 (Figs. 20, 21, 23), so that the load-bearing cross-section of the load handling part 1 is only marginally weakened by the receptacle for the data carrier 14.

In Fig. 11, a further embodiment of a load handling part 1 is shown, here in the form of a chain or suspension member 35. The load handling part 1 of Fig. 11 is provided with a flattening 37 at a straight leg 36 into which, for example, a shackle 38 can be engaged in a loss-proof manner. For marking, the load handling part 1 can be moreover provided with a tag 39.

The data carrier 14, which can be more clearly seen in the detail XII of Fig. 11 depicted in Fig. 12, is arranged in the flattened region 37. There is another flat region 16 in the region 37 which facilitates the reading of the data carrier 14. One can furthermore see the markings 17 which can in particular be included by forging and point towards the data carrier 14.

Fig. 13 shows a tag 39 which can be part of a load handling part 1, as is shown in Fig. 11. The tag 39 is provided with a data carrier 14 and with markings 40 which permit the identification of the load handling part 1 used with the tag 39.

The data carrier 14 can also be driven into other fastening means 20 which are used with the load handling part 1. For example, according to Fig. 14, the data carrier 14 can also be inserted into screws or studs 41 at their front faces 24, here into the screw head 42. The front face 24 can be provided with markings 17. The data carrier 14 can also be driven into the end of the screw. This in particular makes sense if it is fixed by a nut and the end of the screw consequently somewhat projects and is accessible for a reader.

In case of particularly large nuts or screw heads 42 as fastening means 20, the data carrier 14 can also be driven into a circumferential surface 43, as is shown in Figs. 16 and 17. The reading-side surface 21 of the data carrier 14 should here not project from the circumferential surface 43 so that the data carrier is not damaged when wrenches are applied.

Fig. 18 shows a load handling part 1 in the form of a solid or fixed, eye-shaped load fastening point 28 in which a chain or suspension member 35 is received. For fastening it to a load, the load handling part 1 is provided with a fastening means 20 which has a polygonal, here hexagonal, cross-section at least at one point, so that a wrench can be applied at this point. The external wrench surface 33 can be provided with a data carrier 14, as in the fastening means 20 of Figs. 16 and 17.

Fig. 19 shows an enlarged detail of a surface 22 of the load handling part 1. At the point where the data carrier 14 is located, a cap 45 is attached which functions as screen to hide the data carrier 14 situated behind it. In Figs. 20 and 21, two variants of Fig. 19 are depicted. The cap 45 can additionally serve as seal which protects the interior of the receptacle 19 against external influences. The cap 45 is preferably made of a dielectric material.

In both variants, the risk of abusive reading and manipulation of the data stored on the data carrier 14 is reduced due to the hidden installation of the data carrier 14. In both cases, the data carrier 14 is embodied in the already described button or disk shape and provided with retaining ribs 23.

According to Fig. 20, in the data carrier 14, an opening 46 forming the receptacle 19 is provided with a runout 47 underneath the data carrier. The cap 45 has an arched surface. In the embodiment of Fig. 21, the cap 45 is straight and arranged to be aligned with the surface 22 of the load handling part 1.

In Figs. 22 and 23, an embodiment is finally depicted in which the reading side of the data carrier 14 is provided with a collar 48. The collar 48 projects beyond the retaining ribs 23 in the radial direction and comprises a sealing surface 49 facing in the driving-in direction E which can in particular extend at an angle of 45° with respect to the driving-in direction E which corresponds to the direction of the vertical axis of the cylindrical basic body of the data carrier 14. The sealing surface 49 simultaneously functions as stop to limit the driving-in depth of the data carrier and position the data carrier .

The receptacle 19 ends in a beveled sealing surface 50 against the driving-in direction E against which the sealing surface 49 of the data carrier 14 is pressed in the driven-in state .

By the sealing collar 48, the receptacle 19 for the data carrier 14 is sealed. The data carrier 14 thus acts as sealing plug.

In the schematic sectional depiction of Fig. 23, one can moreover see that the markings 17 are embossed into the surface 22 of the load handling part 1.

Figures 24 to 30 show a load handling part 1 in the form of a chain link 51. Instead of the chain link 51, the load handling part 1 can also be an eye (not shown).

The load handling part 1 according to Fig. 24 is provided with a clamping element 52 which holds the data carrier 14.

The clamping element 52 is inserted in an opening 53 of the load handling part 1 in a loss-proof manner. Chain links 54 inserted in the opening 53 are received in recesses 55 of the clamping element 52 such that they maintain their original mobility with respect to the chain link 51, as it is indicated by the arrows 56, and are simultaneously prepositioned in the usage position which is shown in Fig. 24. The clamping element 52 is arranged between the two chain links 54 and keeps them at a distance from each other.

The clamping element 52 can overlap the straight legs 57 of the chain link 51 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening 53 and thus create the positive fit. The clamping element 52 extends in the longitudinal direction of the opening 53 essentially across the straight region of the legs 57, so that the opening 53 remains free in the curved region of the bows 58.

The clamping element 52 is positively engaged with the inner surface 59 facing the opening 53, in particular the inner surfaces of the legs 57 of the chain link 51 or the load handling part 1, respectively. The clamping element 52 is captively retained in the load handling part 1, so that it cannot be released and removed by the forces occurring in normal operation.

The data carrier 14 is preferably arranged centrically between the adjacent chain links 54.

According to the embodiment of Fig. 25, the clamping element 52 can be integrally made of one body, preferably of plastics.

The data carrier 14 is driven into a front face 24 of the clamping element 52. The front face 24 is flush with the chain link 51, e.g. its legs 57, so that no projections are formed and the outer surface 60 of the load handling part 1 or the chain link 51 is preferably smoothly continued in the outer surface of the clamping element 52. The clamping element 52 is completely received in the opening 53.

At its sides facing the legs 57, the clamping element 52 comprises recesses 61 in which the inner surfaces 59 of the legs 57 are positively received, so that the positive connection blocks the movement of the clamping element in the direction perpendicular to the opening 53 (Fig. 24).

In the longitudinal direction of the chain link 51, the mobility of the clamping element 52 is restricted by the bend of the bows 58 and the chain links 54 received in the receptacles 55.

For assembly, the clamping element 52 is pressed or driven into the opening 53. A further embodiment of the clamping element 52 is shown in Fig. 26. The clamping element 52 accordingly comprises at least two positively connected parts 63, 64 which are in turn together positively retained in the opening 53. A part 63 projects through the opening 53 (Fig. 24) or the plane 65 spanned by the opening 53 which is preferably determined by the narrowest clearance of the opening 53. As Fig. 26 shows, the parts 63, 64 are preferably each arranged at opposite sides with respect to the plane 65. For assembly, the two parts 63, 64 are placed onto the load handling part 1 from their respective sides and joined thereby. Moreover, the construction and function of the embodiment of Fig. 26 correspond to those of the embodiment of Fig. 25.

In the embodiment of Fig. 27, the clamping element 52 also comprises at least two parts 63, 64. The parts 63, 64 are each connected with the load handling part 1 or the chain link 51 respectively with a material connection. As in the embodiment of Fig. 26, only one part, here the part 63, is provided with the data carrier 14. Apart from that, the construction and function of the embodiment of Fig. 27 correspond to those of the embodiment of Fig. 26.

In Figs. 28, 29, another embodiment of a clamping element 52 with a data carrier 14 is shown. The data carrier 14 in this embodiment can be accessed more easily as it is at the same height level as the external surfaces 60 of the adjacent chain links 54. The height of the clamping element 52 measured in the direction transverse to the opening 53 is only slightly smaller, preferably not greater than the outer width of the chain link 51.

The clamping element 52 of Figs. 28, 29 is preferably made of metal and also comprises at least two parts 63, 64 which are connected to each other in a loss-proof manner with a positive fit, for example by riveting, screwing or pressing. The one part 63 penetrating the opening 53 of the chain link 51 can preferably have a circular crosssection in each plane parallel to the plane 65 of the opening 53 (cf. Fig. 26) to minimally restrict the mobility of the chain links relative to each other.

The clamping element 52 comprises guide surfaces 66 which are facing the bows 58 of the chain links and are embodied complementarily to their outer bend. Thus, the chain links 54 maintain their mobility with respect to the chain link 51 and are prepositioned in the usage position.

In Fig. 30, the use of the tag 39 in chain links is depicted. The tag 39 is preferably made of a forged, hardened and tempered bending-in member of flat material. The bending-in member can be subsequently inserted into the chain bond in a press or a vise in a loss-proof manner. The data carrier 14 is driven in at a flat side.

Fig. 32 shows a modification of the load handling part 1 in the form of a suspension member 35. A data carrier 14 is driven into the leg 36 of the suspension member. A reading face or surface of the data carrier 21 is located parallel to the plane spanned by the opening of the suspension member 35.

As the detail XXXIII shows, markings 17 are provided adjacent to the data carrier which point to the reading surface 21.

Reference numerals 1 Load handling part 39 Tag 2 Load hook 40 Marking 3 Hook aperture 41 Screw 4 Safety closure 42 Screw head 5 Fastening-side end 43 Circumferential 6 Fork 45 Cap 7 Receptacle 46 Opening 8 Closure pin/Securing pin 47 Runout 9 Retaining bolt 48 Collar 10 Fork leg 49 Sealing surface 11 Fork leg 50 Sealing surface 12 Load-side end 51 Chain link 13 Retaining section 52 Clamping element 14 Data carrier 53 Opening 15 Region in which the data 54 Chain links carrier is arranged 16 Flat region 55 Recesses 17 Marking 56 Arrows 18 Force flow 57 Straight leg 19 Receptacle 58 Bows 20 Fastening element 59 Inner surface of the 21 Surface of the data carrier 60 Outer surface of the or reading surface load handling part 22 Surface of the load 23 Retaining ribs 61 Recess 23' Circumferential surface of 63 Part of the clamping the data carrier element 24 Front face 64 Part of the clamping element 26 Stop for the retaining bolt 65 Plane of the opening 27 Front face 66 Guide surface 28 Load fastening point 29 Axis 30 Screw 31 Nut or screw head D Diameter of the data carrier 32 Axle bolt E Driving-in direction of the data carrier 33 Outer surface F Insertion direction of the fastening 34, 34' Front and back sides fastening means 35 Suspension member H Height of the data 3 6 Leg 37 Flattening 38 Shackle

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Load handling part for fastening, lifting, lashing and/or materials handling technology, in which at least one contactlessly readable data carrier is integrated, wherein the data carrier is provided with radially projecting retaining ribs at its circumferential surface and is driven into the load handling part.
2. Load handling part according to claim 1, wherein the data carrier is at least at one end provided with a collar projecting in the radial direction.
3. Load handling part according to claim 2, wherein the collar at least covers the retaining ribs.
4. Load handling part according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the collar seals a receptacle in which the data carrier is arranged to the outside.
5. Load handling part according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data carrier is inserted in a fastening element of the load handling part.
6. Load handling part according to claim 5, wherein the data carrier is arranged in a screw or nut.
7. Load handling part according to claim 6, wherein the data carrier is arranged at a front face of the fastening element.
8. Load handling part according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a reading-side end of the data carrier is aligned with a surface of the load handling part.
9. Load handling part according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the load handling part is provided with a tag in which the data carrier is inserted.
10. Load handling part according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein adjacent to the data carrier, relief-like aids to orientation are arranged.
11. Load handling part according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data carrier is arranged in a receptacle for a fastening element of the load handling part.
12. Load handling part according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the data carrier is covered with a cap.
13. Load handling part according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the load handling part has an opening for engaging at least one further load handling part wherein in the opening, a clamping element receiving the data carrier is fastened.
14. Load handling part according to claim 13, wherein the load handling part is in the form of a chain link or eye .
15. Load handling part according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the clamping element is flush with the load handling part.
16. Load handling part according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the clamping element is assembled from at least two parts of which at least one penetrates the opening .
17. Load handling part according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the clamping element is positively connected with an inner surface of the load handling part facing the opening .
18. Load handling part according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the clamping element comprises at least one recess in which the at least one other load handling part engaged in the opening is movably received.
19. Retrofit kit for load handling parts in fastening, lifting, lashing and/or materials handling technology, which are provided with at least one opening for engaging further load handling parts, the kit comprising a clamping element which is provided with a contactlessly readable data carrier with radially projecting retaining ribs at its circumferential surface and is designed such that it can be brought into positive engagement with the opening.