DE102012023160A1 - Load distribution element for band e.g. lorry, has opening for receiving bolt, where load distribution element is partly loopable from loop of clamping band, and support surface delimited by collar is arranged at load distribution element - Google Patents

Abstract

The element (20) has an opening for receiving a bolt, where the load distribution element is partly loopable from a loop of a clamping band (60). A support surface delimited by a collar is arranged at the load distribution element. The opening is centrally arranged, and a set of half-elements is arranged at opposite ends of the element. An interference unit is arranged at the load distribution element. The clamping band is arranged at one of opposite ends of the element. An independent claim is also included for a method for fixing a band.

Description

The invention relates to a load distribution element for a tension band and a method for fixing a tension band.

Articles are often attached to motor vehicles by means of straps on the body or a designated body console. Examples of this are fuel tanks or compressed air tanks in trucks. Usually, a tension band is guided at its end in a loop around a bolt and then fixed at a fixing point via a suitable fixing means. If the strap extends substantially in the y-direction or z-direction of the motor vehicle, it is biased obliquely especially during braking by the force of the attached by him and now pressing in the direction of travel object. This results in stress peaks at the end portions of the loop, which lead to a wear of the material and to a possible slippage of the loop, which may have the result that even more uneven distributed loads must be absorbed over the surface.

The DE 10 2008 048 435 A1 describes a bolt with a tapered central part which guides the strap and reduces its lateral mobility.

The object of the invention is to provide alternative solutions with which the burden of straps can be reduced or their durability can be increased.

The invention results from the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

The object is achieved in a first aspect by a load distribution element for a tension band, which has an opening for receiving a bolt, wherein the load distribution element of a loop of the tension band is at least partially wrapped and for the wrap has a limited by at least one collar support surface. In particular, the load distribution element is designed as a collar sleeve.

While in a solution according to the prior art, the loop of a tension band rests directly on a bolt, the loop is at least partially on the load distribution element in the inventive solution. By a feasible through the breakthrough of the load distribution element bolt this can be fastened to the body or a body console of the motor vehicle. The adhesion occurring between the surface of the tensioning band and the surface of the load distribution element, in particular frictional engagement, counteracts slippage of the tensioning band when forces occur which do not act parallel to the main extension axis of the tensioning band. Serves a strap, for example, to secure a along the x-axis of the motor vehicle extending elongated tank, this runs with its main axis of extension perpendicular, in particular at an acute angle to the x-axis of the vehicle and wraps around a load distribution element with an inserted pin, which is parallel to X-axis runs, so the tank exerts a force in the x-direction on the strap when braking the motor vehicle. Under some circumstances, this would be deflected or deformed without the load distribution element in such a way that predominantly the part of the tensioning band facing the vehicle end would be loaded. In the present load distribution element, however, the load distribution element is deflected together with the clamping band, so that the force is transmitted more uniformly from the clamping band to the load distribution element, whereby a more uniform loading of the clamping band occurs. Advantageously, thus the life of the tension band can be increased or the tension band are designed to save material in anticipation of lower load peaks. In particular, the load distribution element can be deformable, preferably elastically deformable. This can cause the deflection of the clamping band, the common deflection of the load distribution element. Advantageously, a more uniform surface pressure of the clamping band can be effected on the load distribution element even with a deflection of the clamping band. In addition, due to an internal damping of the load distribution element, a damping of possible vibrations of the clamping band can take place.

After looping around the load distribution element, the two tension band components which come to lie next to one another behind the load distribution element can be fixed to one another at a fixing point as is customary in the art, for example via known fixing means such as rivet connections, screw connections, welded connections or clamping devices. It can be seen that the closer the fixing point is to the load distribution element, the more completely is a load distribution element wrapped around the tension band.

The cross section of the load distribution element can take any shape. In special embodiments, the shape is designed so that the largest possible proportion of the surface of the load distribution element acts as a bearing surface for a strap surrounding the load distribution element. An example of such a shape is a wing profile in which the thickness of the Load distribution element in cross section in the region of the opening for the bolt is greater than in an area which is closer to the fixing point of the loop. According to a particular embodiment, there is a circular cross-section. The breakthrough is according to particular embodiments, in particular in the case of circular cross-section, arranged centrally or substantially centrally, so that a maximum structural load capacity of the material of the load distribution element is ensured.

The bearing surface is limited by at least one collar, so a survey that is high and / or abrupt enough to prevent slipping of the strap over this survey time. If there is only one collar, it is preferably located on the side of the load distribution element, in the direction of which the tension band would predominantly slip in the forces expected during operation of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, collars may be present on both sides of the support surface of the tension band, whereby a guide for the tension band is provided, which limits the maximum residual movement of the tension band. The frets can limit the contact surface for the tension band to match the width matched to the width or leave a free space, for example, to facilitate the insertion of the tension band during assembly.

The width of the load distribution element in one embodiment is consistent with the width of the wrap-around strap. Advantageously, therefore, a maximum proportion of the surface of the load distribution element for a frictional connection with the surface of the looping strap is available. In an alternative embodiment, the width of the load distribution element and its bearing surface for the clamping band is greater than the width of the looping strap. This advantageously facilitates the positioning of the tension band when looping around the load distribution element and provides a backup support surface in the event that the tension band still slips to a slight extent during operation of the motor vehicle due to forces occurring. According to a further alternative embodiment, the width of the load distribution element is less than the width of the looping strap. Advantageously, characterized the load distribution element can be performed in a material-saving and weight-saving manner comparatively narrower. Alternatively or additionally, this has only a collar, which preferably limits the support surface in the direction in which the clamping band would move predominantly at the expected forces in vehicle operation. At the side not bounded by a collar, in a particular development, the contact surface of the load distribution element flattens off at the outer edge in the direction of the opening, the flattening preferably being continuous. Should therefore occur to a slight extent a movement of the clamping band relative to the surface of the load distribution element, so be avoided by this surface geometry on the outer edge of the load distribution element sharp edges at which the clamping band could be heavily loaded. A possible damage of the tension band in such minimal movements is thus advantageously avoided. In addition, despite a deflection of the clamping band relative to the load distribution element at the flattened edges, a comparatively uniform surface pressure and thus a lower load on the clamping band can be achieved.

The load distribution element may be made in one piece, or designed to be multi-part for use with a bolt and a strap, so be composed of two or more sub-elements, which may be locked together for the assembled state and / or from the assembled state back into separate sub-elements can be dismantled. The sub-elements may be identical or different. Examples of identical sub-elements are those which each have a collar and half the proportion of a bearing surface for a strap. Examples of mutually different sub-elements are those in which a sub-element comprises a collar and the entire portion of a support surface, and is joined together with another sub-element, which represents only a second collar to limit the support surface. According to a particular embodiment, the load distribution element comprises two joinable half-elements, which are preferably identical.

In a further development, it is provided that in the assembled state, the mutually opposite ends of the half-elements have insertion bevels. This advantageously facilitates the insertion of each half-element into a strap loop. According to a particular development, there is an interference fit in the load distribution element with respect to the designated loop of the tension band. Knowing the inventive concept disclosed herein, the expected loads, and the materials and sizing used, those skilled in the art can readily determine appropriate tolerances for the oversize. Non-limiting examples of tolerance ranges are 0.0 to 0.8 millimeters, for example 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. Preferably, an inner diameter of the tension strap loop may have a tolerance range between +0.0 to -0.3 mm and an outer diameter of the load distribution element may have a tolerance range between -0.0 to +0.5 mm.

The load distribution element according to the invention is produced in a particular embodiment as a molded part, for example as an injection molded part. Advantageously, a shape-accurate design is achieved, which allows for easier installation and allows a better fit between the load distribution element and the bolt on the one hand and the load distribution element and the strap loop on the other. The better fit again advantageously increases the life of the load distribution element.

A load distribution element according to the invention may comprise or consist of any material which is customary in the art and suitable for the purpose of use. Examples of suitable materials which are also suitable for the production of moldings are plastics, such as ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), or combinations thereof. By the choice of plastics corrosion is also advantageously avoided at the contact surfaces with the clamping band, if this consists of metal. The choice of the material or materials of the load distribution element or its properties and the exact design of the load distribution element is in knowledge of the inventive concept by the skilled person depending on the secured by the strap objects, their weight and the speed profile of the relevant motor vehicle and the forces occurring thereby easily determined , According to an exemplary embodiment, the load distribution element has a hardness in the range of 60 to 90 Shore A, preferably in the range of 70 to 80 Shore A, such as 75 Shore A. Typical examples of the dimensioning of the tension band are tension belt thicknesses in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 millimeters, in particular 2.0 to 2.5 mm, and loop diameters in the range of 15 to 30 mm, in particular 17 to 25 mm.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for fixing a tension band comprising inserting a load distribution element according to the invention into a loop of the tension band, further aligning the breakdown of the load distribution element along a line connecting two body apertures or body panel openings, and inserting a bolt through a body aperture or body console breakthrough across the breakthrough of the load distribution element across to the second body opening or body panel breakthrough.

The insertion can be done by forming a loop of the tension band into which the load distribution member is pushed, or by looping the load distribution member with a tension band to form a loop. In practice, insertion and alignment may also be simultaneous or overlapping.

Optionally, the method further comprises securing the bolt after passage through the console openings, and / or fixing the tension band at least partially wrapped around the load distribution element to a fixing point by one or more fixing means.

If the load distribution element is in the form of two half-elements as described above, then in a particular embodiment of the method the step of insertion may comprise inserting one half-element from opposite sides into the loop of the tensioning strap.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a load distribution element according to the invention or a combination of such a load distribution element with a strap, or to which a method according to the invention can be carried out. In such a motor vehicle may be in particular a truck or a bus, with such vehicles items such as usually large-capacity tanks or containers for fuel additives, or pressure cylinders, such as pressurized or liquefied fuels or compressed air for applying compressed air brakes to be fastened via straps. However, corresponding containers, such as pressurized gas containers, or even batteries for electric drives can be attached via tension straps with load distribution elements in passenger vehicles.

Further advantages, features and details will become apparent from the following description in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. Described and / or illustrated features may form the subject of the invention itself or in any meaningful combination, optionally also independent of the claims, and in particular may also be the subject of one or more separate application / s. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Show it:

1 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle with an attached by a strap with load distribution element object;

2 a schematic plan view of occurring forces when looping a bolt;

3 a longitudinal section through a load distribution element with bolts and strap;

4 a schematic spatial view of a load distribution element with bolt and strap;

5 Cross sections through a load distribution element with different support surfaces and a load distribution element with frets on the support surface;

6 a schematic flow diagram of a method for fixing a tension band; and

7 a schematic plan view of load distribution elements of half-elements in a separate and assembled state

8th a schematic plan view of load distribution elements when attaching to a console breakthrough.

1 shows a schematic overview side view of a motor vehicle 10 with a over a strap 60 attached tank as an example of an object 80 , The strap 60 lies on a load distribution element 20 on. For clarity, the breakthroughs are not shown 30 the load distribution element 20 that passed through these bolts 70 and body console openings of the motor vehicle 10 through which the bolts 70 passed through. The following 2 can as a detailed view in the attachment area of the motor vehicle 10 be understood.

2 illustrates occurring forces when looping a bolt 70 through a strap 60 in different situations. Schematically shown in a plan view in a x-direction of a section of the motor vehicle, not shown 10 extending bolt 70 that of a strap 60 partially entwined, that is an object 80 For example, a fuel tank ensures. The car 10 moves in the left part of the figure 2A in the direction of the x-axis (symbolized by the arrow pointing to the left). When braking the motor vehicle is determined by the inertia of the object 80 a force F exerted in the direction of the previous direction of movement, resulting in an uneven loading of the tension band 60 leads, as only in a partial area of the tension band 60 an effective force from the strap 60 on the bolt 70 is transferred in the middle part of the figure 2 B symbolized by an arrow drawn in dotted lines. In the situation in the right part of the figure 2C is shown, is now under the strap 60 an inventive load distribution element 20 because of its location behind the strap 60 is shown with dashed lines. Due to the adhesion between the superimposed surfaces of the tension band 60 and the load distribution element 20 becomes the strap 60 Although also deflected by the applied force F, but there is no one-sided load, since the also deflected load distribution element 20 more uniformly absorbs the effective force.

3 shows a cross section through a load distribution element 20 , This is circular and has a breakthrough in the middle 30 for a bolt also shown 70 on. The load distribution element 20 is partially entwined by a strap 60 attached to a fixation site by a fixative 90 is fixed.

4 shows a schematic spatial view of the in 3 shown load distribution element 20 , where the in 3 underlying sectional plane is indicated by the dotted line. The load distribution element 20 shows the breakthrough 30 through which the bolt passes 70 is guided, and is of a strap 60 partially entwined. Behind the load distribution element 20 becomes the loop of the tension band 60 at a fixing point by means of two fixing means 90 fixed. The bearing surface 40 the load distribution element 20 is wider in the example shown than the strap 60 and is tied to one side by a fret 50 limited.

5 shows in the left part of the figure 5A a cross section through a load distribution element 20 , wherein two possible embodiments are shown, of which in practice preferably only one embodiment per load distribution element is realized. In the half of the load distribution element shown above 20 on one side by a waistband 50 is limited, is the bearing surface 40 wider than the strap 60 , In the half of the load distribution element shown below 20 on one side also by a covenant 50 is limited, is the bearing surface 40 narrower than the width of the strap 60 , To reduce a scrubbing effect caused by sharp edges, the support surface is 40 on the edge in the direction of the breakthrough 30 flattened. The right part of the figure 5B shows a load distribution element 20 , wherein two possible embodiments are shown, of which in practice also preferably only one embodiment per load distribution element is realized. In the half shown above, the load distribution element 20 a support surface 40 on, which is wider than the strap 60 which is on the support surface 40 rests and the load distribution element 20 at least partially wraps around. To protect against a shift of the tension band 60 over the support surface 40 in addition, for example, when a strong force F occurs, which is indicated by a double arrow is symbolized, indicates the bearing surface 40 frets on both sides 50 on, the maximum residual movement margin of the tension band 60 limit. In the half of the right part figure shown below 5B is the width of the support surface 40 the load distribution element 20 fitting to the width of the strap 60 Voted.

6 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for fixing a tension band. In one process step 500 an insertion of a load distribution element takes place 20 in a loop of a strap 60 in a procedural step 600 aligning a breakthrough 30 the load distribution element 20 along a line connecting two openings of the bodywork or bodywork brackets. When alignment is done in one step 700 an insertion of a bolt 70 through a breakthrough of the body or body console over the breakthrough 30 the load distribution element 20 to the second breakthrough of the body or body console.

7 shows in schematic plan views two each of half-elements 20a . 20b existing load distribution elements 20 in separate and assembled condition. In subfigure 7A are two half elements 20a and 20b without insertion bevel 25 before, in part figure 7B such with insertion bevel 25 , The load distribution elements 20a and 20b are each in a loop of the tension band 60 introduced by fixative 90 is fixed. After insertion, the load distribution elements form 20a . 20b , which are now partially under the strap 60 and therefore in the subfigure 7C are shown with dashed lines, a planar bearing surface 40 for the loop of the tension band 60 , in the case of the subfigure 7D due to the insertion bevels 25 the in the assembled state opposite lying half-elements 20a and 20b a support surface 40 with notch, which does not disturb the load distribution.

In subfigure 8A is in a schematic plan an alignment of the sub-figure 7C illustrated arrangement of body panel breakthroughs 110 a body console 100 shown. The common breakthrough 30 of the half elements 20a . 20b is characterized by dashed lines, the body console breakthroughs 110 by dotted lines. This is followed by a body panel breakthrough 110 about the common breakthrough 30 up to the second body console breakthrough 110 an insertion of a bolt 70 whose course is within the bodywork console 100 and the half-elements 20a and 20b is shown by elongated dashed lines. Through the bolt 70 becomes the strap 60 about that from half elements 20a and 20b composite load distribution element 20 on the bodywork console 100 is attached.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplified embodiments are really only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and description of the figures enable one skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example, to the function or arrangement of individual elements recited in an exemplary embodiment, without Protected area, which is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanation in the description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

motor vehicle

20

Load distribution element

20a, 20b

Half element of the load distribution element

25

chamfer

30

breakthrough

40

bearing surface

50

Federation

60

strap

70

bolt

80

object

90

fixer

100

bodywork console

110

Bodywork console breakthrough

500 to 700

steps

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008048435 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Load distribution element ( 20 ) for a strap ( 60 ), which has a breakthrough ( 30 ) for receiving a bolt ( 70 ), wherein the load distribution element ( 20 ) of a loop of the tension band ( 60 ) is at least partially umschlingbar and for the wrap a at least one fret ( 50 ) limited contact surface ( 40 ) having. Load distribution element ( 20 ) according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section is circular. Load distribution element ( 20 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the breakthrough ( 30 ) is arranged centrally. Load distribution element ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the load-bearing element ( 20 ) two joinable half-elements ( 20a . 20b ). Load distribution element ( 20 ) according to claim 4, wherein the joined-together state opposite ends of the half-elements ( 20a . 20b ) Chamfers ( 25 ) exhibit. Load distribution element ( 20 ) according to claim 5, wherein in the load distribution element ( 20 ) with respect to the designated loop of the tension band ( 60 ) there is an interference fit. Load distribution element ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims, produced as a molded part. Method for fixing a tension band ( 60 ), comprising: - introducing a load distribution element ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7 in a loop of the tension band ( 60 ) - Aligning the breakthrough ( 30 ) of the load distribution element ( 20 ) along a line connecting two body openings or two body panel openings - insertion of a bolt ( 70 ) by a car body breakthrough or body console breakthrough over the breakthrough ( 30 ) of the load distribution element ( 20 ) to the second body break or body console breakthrough. Method according to claim 8, wherein the insertion of the load distribution element ( 20 ) the insertion of a half-element ( 20a . 20b ) according to one of claims 4 to 7 from opposite sides into the loop of the tension band ( 60 ). Motor vehicle comprising a load distribution element ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7 or a combination of such a load distribution element with a strap ( 60 ), or to which a method according to claim 8 or 9 is feasible.

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