EP2321163A2

EP2321163A2 - Connection system for vehicle reservoirs

Info

Publication number: EP2321163A2
Application number: EP09775579A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel Busskamp; Adolf Panzierer; Gregor Wasle
Original assignee: Alutech GmbH
Current assignee: Alutech GmbH
Priority date: 2008-09-09
Filing date: 2009-08-03
Publication date: 2011-05-18
Also published as: WO2010028414A3; AT11076U1; BRPI0919089A2; WO2010028414A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection system for vehicle reservoirs, especially cylindrical compressed-air reservoirs, at least one reservoir (1-4) being provided with a profiled rail (6) on or in which a connection element (6, 12, 16, 19, 29, 36, 40-49) for connecting to an adjacent reservoir (1-4) can be fixed in a sliding manner.

Description

Connection system for vehicle containers

The present invention relates to a connection system for vehicle containers, in particular cylindrical Druckluftbe- container, wherein at least one container is equipped with a rail on or in which an element is slidably fixed.

From the AT 9755 Ul a system for securing compressed air tanks to a vehicle chassis is known. The containers are equipped with a profile rail approximately C-shaped cross section, in which a fastening element for anchoring the container on the vehicle is slidably fixed. The fastener is the head or nut of a screw which is the same anchored to the vehicle chassis or a U-profile adapter. The system of the AT 9755 Ul is thus not directly suitable for connecting vehicle containers, since screwing in screws in the wall of an adjacent vehicle container is not readily possible. Also described in the AT 9755 Ul separate U-profile intermediate adapter is not a suitable solution because it needs too much space between the containers.

The invention has set itself the goal of creating a system for space-optimized grouping and mutual connection of a plurality of vehicle containers, in particular a cylindrical compressed air container, which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and easy to assemble. This object is achieved with a connection system of the type mentioned in the introduction, which according to the invention is characterized in that said element is a connection element for connection to an adjacent container. In this way, the slidable in the rail slidable element itself is used for connection to the adjacent container, ie without additional intermediate adapter, whereby an intimate neighborhood and excellent space utilization can be achieved. At the same time allows Gleitverschieblichkeit the connecting element a simple adjustment and adaptation to the respective installation situation and container size.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, each container is equipped with a rail and the connecting element is formed by the rail of the adjacent container itself, the rails of the two containers are designed telescopically in the profile longitudinal direction to form a mutual toothing. This complementary design of the rails can be achieved in a particularly simple manner, a close and stable connection of the two containers with axial adjustment possibility.

It is particularly favorable if the profile rails have approximately C-shaped cross-sections for the presentation of an undercut groove, one of the C-legs in each case having a widened end which in each case engages complementarily in the groove of the other profile rail. Such designed profiled rails can thus uniformly both for attachment of a vehicle container on the vehicle, as known from the AT 9755 Ul, as well as for mutual connection of the containers are used, which allows a modular production.

In this case, an expansion element is preferably provided, which can be inserted between the toothed profile rails in order to wedge the toothing. According to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, each container is provided with a grooved rail and the connecting element is an end plate with projections for clamping engagement in the frontal openings of two adjacent rails. Although there is no adjustment possibility in the axial direction, but the connection can be particularly easy to be closed from the front sides of the container ago, which facilitates assembly.

Preferably, the end plate is additionally fixable by means of screws, which in frontal openings of the rails intervene to increase the reliability of the connection.

In a further. Preferred arrangement of the invention, the rail on a groove and the connecting element is a cantilever, which is slidably fixed at one end with a head in the groove and at its other end holds the adjacent container, preferably at the end face. This variant is particularly suitable for containers of unequal size, such as the connection of a small container to a large container.

For further simplification, a tab may be provided, which holds the container at its front side facing away from the cantilever.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that each container is equipped with a rail with an undercut groove and the connecting element carries two heads, which are each slidably fixed in a groove of a rail. Such a symmetrical connection element is easy to manufacture and easy to assemble and allows an adjustment of the container in the axial direction.

Preferably, the heads of the connecting element can be expanded so that the connection can additionally be wedged. A particularly stable and production-technically simple embodiment is characterized in that the connecting element comprises two parallel plates with edge pointing away from each other edge projections, which are spread apart by means of a spacer, each two edge projections form an expandable head.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, each container is provided with a profile rail approximately C-shaped cross-section and the connecting element is a terminal which engages in each case one of the C-legs of two adjacent, facing each other profile rails. This guide has the additional advantage that the clamp engages as it were from the side into the connection point of the container and thus is particularly easy to access for mounting. Preferably, the clamp comprises two parallel plates, which are clamped together by means of a screw, which allows a simple and effective clamping.

In this case, one of the platelets can also be equipped with edge projections for latching in undercuts of the C-legs in order to achieve an even more stable connection.

In a further preferred variant of the invention, each container is provided with a profile rail, wherein the mutually facing profile rails of two adjacent containers together form an undercut groove and the connecting element carries a head, which is slidably fixed in the groove. This embodiment allows a particularly easy assembly, since the connecting element is accessible here from the side between the facing containers. Again, it is particularly advantageous if the head of the connecting element can be expanded and, for this purpose, the connecting element preferably comprises two parallel plates, which can be spread apart by means of a spacer screw, resulting in a secure locking. A further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that each container is equipped with a rail, wherein the mutually facing rails of two adjacent containers together form an approximately C-shaped cross-section and the connecting element is a terminal, each one of the C-leg grasps. Again, there is the advantage of a particularly easy installation, since the connecting element is accessible from the side between the containers.

In this embodiment as well, the clamp preferably comprises two parallel plates, which are fastened by means of a screw. are nanderspannbar, more preferably one of the platelets is provided with edge projections for locking in undercuts of the C-leg.

The connection system according to the invention is not only suitable for the connection of two containers, but can also be particularly easily extended to the connection of more than two containers on the basis of said connecting elements. For this purpose, at least one of the connecting elements is preferably equipped with a spacer for connection to a further connecting element of an adjacent container pair. In this way, a modular system for the formation of arbitrarily large container groups, all of which are interconnected via connecting elements and their spacers results.

The spacer can be integrally formed with one of the adjoining connecting elements or a separate part and connected thereto, for example screwed, welded or riveted.

It when the spacer has a normal to the profile longitudinal direction extending flat shape, the circumference of which is adapted to the skfangfang contour of the or the adjacent container is particularly advantageous. As a result, a stable positional fixation of the container can be achieved.

The spacer may for example be composed of bent sheets or interconnected profiles or suitably cut in one piece from an extruded profile. It when the spacer is a deep-drawn part with a flat base and bent edge, which combines light weight with ease of manufacture and large contact surface is particularly advantageous. According to a further preferred feature of the invention, at least one of the connecting elements can also be equipped with a cantilever arm for connection to a vehicle chassis. As a result, the connection system can be expanded to a combined, modular connection and fastening system. Preferably, the cantilever has a normal to the profile longitudinal direction extending planar shape whose circumference is adapted to the peripheral contour of the or adjacent container, resulting in a secure positional fixation. The cantilever may be composed of bent sheets or interconnected profiles or suitably be cut in one piece from an extruded profile. Preferably, the cantilever is a deep-drawn part with a flat base and bent edge. According to a further advantageous variant of the invention, the spacer may be formed simultaneously as a cantilever and / or two mirror-image adjacent and interconnected cantilevers may form a spacer. In a further aspect, the invention finally also provides a composite of two or more vehicle containers, in particular cylindrical compressed air containers, which are connected to one another via a connection system of the type presented here.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the enclosed drawings. In the drawings: Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the connection system of the invention for two cylindrical vehicle containers in section (Figure 1) and in enlarged section (Figure 2); Figures 3 to 5 show a second embodiment of the connection system of the invention for two containers in a perspective view (Figure 3) and two variants in enlarged, fragmentary perspective views (Figures 4, 5); Figures 6 and 7 show two variants of a third embodiment of the connection system of the invention, respectively in a perspective view. 8 to 11, a fourth embodiment of the connection system according to the invention in three different variants, the first variant in section (Fig. 8) and in Ver. Largest section (Figure 9) and the second and the third variant in enlarged sections (Figures 10, 11) are shown. FIGS. 12 and 13 show a fifth embodiment of the connection system of the invention in section (FIG. 12) and in an enlarged section (FIG. 13);

14 shows a sixth embodiment of the connection system of the invention for four containers with rod-shaped spacers between the connecting elements of two pairs of containers in perspective view; Figure 15 is a seventh embodiment of the connection system of the invention for four containers with a flat, adapted to the contour of the adjacent container spacers in the perspective view. and FIGS. 16 to 18 show further embodiments of the connection system of the invention for four containers, wherein in addition cantilevers are provided for attachment to a vehicle chassis, in perspective views.

The connection system shown in FIGS. 1 to 18 serves for the mutual connection of vehicle containers 1-4 and optionally for fastening the container group thus formed on the chassis 5 of a vehicle (not shown). The containers 1 - 4 can be any container for operating means of vehicles, for example for liquid or gaseous fuels, oils, catalysts such as urea solutions, etc. The system presented here is particularly suitable for compressed air tanks, as used for air brakes of commercial vehicles.

The vehicle containers 1-4 are made of metal, preferably aluminum sheet, and are each provided with at least one profiled rail 6. In or on the rail 6, an element is slidably fixed, which serves for connection to other containers (and optionally for attachment to the vehicle chassis 5) and will now be explained in various embodiments in detail. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the first container 1 with two rails 6 and the second container 2 is provided with a rail 6. The profiled rails 6 extend on the outside of the containers 1, 2 parallel to the container longitudinal axis. The profiled rails 6 are preferably extruded profiles, in particular of aluminum, and are riveted, glued, screwed or preferably welded to the wall of the containers 1, 2.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, the profile rails 6 in this embodiment have a substantially C-shaped cross-section, so that they form a groove 7 undercut on both sides in the manner of a "T ^λλ . In each case one of the C-legs of each rail 6 in turn has an approximately T-shaped widened end 8, which is designed to be complementary to the groove 7. When assembling the container 1, 2, the end 8 of a rail 6 is inserted in the profile longitudinal direction in each case in the groove 7 of the other rail 6, so that an intimate toothing as shown in Fig. 2 results. An optional expansion element 9, for example a pin or bolt, can be inserted from the front side or also from another side between the toothed profile rails 6 in order to additionally wedge the connection.

Preferably, the cross sections of the rails 6 of the two containers 1, 2 are the same and the rails 6 only mirror images of the containers 1, 2, which simplifies the production.

Instead of a C-shaped design of the profile rails 6 and T-shaped design of the ends 8, any other complementary cross-sectional configuration could alternatively be used, which allows telescoping the profile rails 6.

In the groove 7 of the second rail 6 of the container 1, as shown, a fastener 10 for anchoring the container pair 1, 2 are fixed to the vehicle chassis 5 in a conventional manner slidable, for example in the form of a nut for a screw 11, which is anchored to the vehicle chassis 5.

In the embodiment of Figures 3-5, each of the containers 1, 2 is also provided with a profile rail 6 C-shaped cross-section presenting a T-groove 7. A face plate 12 engages with two projections 13 (shown in Fig. 4 only one) in the frontal mouths of the grooves 7 of the rails 6, to connect them, u.zw. at both ends of the rails 6 (in Fig. 3, only one end plate 12 shown). Optional screws 14 can engage in frontal openings of the rails 6, to achieve additional fixation.

In the variant of Fig. 5, the clamping projections in the form of centering pins 15 are formed, which engage like the screws 14 in frontal openings of the rails 6.

6 and 7 show a further embodiment in which the connecting elements are two cantilevers 16 which slide with their one ends in the T-slot 7 of the rail 6 of the container 1 and can be fixed therein by means of a screw 17 and to their hold the other end of the adjacent container 2 at its end faces.

In the variant of Fig. 7, only a single in the rail 6 of the container 1 slidably cantilevered cantilever 16 is provided, whereas the containers 1, 2 are connected at their the cantilever 16 end faces by a tab 18.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 11, each container 1, 2 is again provided with a profiled rail 6 with an undercut groove 7, in the example shown a C-shaped profiled rail 6 with a T-groove 7. A separate connecting element 19 bears diametrically two heads 20, 21, which are each slidably mounted in a groove 7 of the rails 6 slidably.

As shown in FIG. 9, the heads 20, 21 of the connecting element 19 can be designed to be spreadable, namely in FIG following way. The connecting element 19 here comprises two parallel plates 22, 23 with edge projections 24-27 facing away from each other. The plates 22, 23 can be spread apart by means of a spacer screw 28, and two edge projections 24, 25 or 26, 27 each form an expandable head 20, 21st

FIGS. 10 and 11 show two embodiments in which, instead of a double-head connecting element 19, a connecting element 29 in the form of a clamp is used. The containers 1, 2 are again provided here with mutually facing C-shaped profiled rails 6, and the clamp-shaped connecting element 29 engages in each case one of the C-legs of the profiled rails 6.

For this purpose, the connecting element 29 comprises either a marginally bent plate 30 (FIG. 10) or a groove block 31 provided with edge projections (FIG. 11), which or which are the nearest legs of the C profile rails

6 engages behind and clamped by means of a screw 32 and an externally applied to the C-legs counter-plate 33. In the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 13 slightly modified profile rails 6 are used, which in addition to the T-shaped grooves 7 have their C-shaped central part of these laterally adjoining L-leg 34. The L-legs 34 of two profile rails 6 facing each other with their T-slots 7 form together, i. between each other, from the T-grooves

7 at right angles outwardly facing undercut grooves 35th

The undercut grooves 35 are symmetrical in the example shown, i. again approximately T-shaped, and determined for the engagement of a respective connecting element 36.

The connecting elements 36 here have again a head 37 in the form of a groove or sliding block which is slidably fixed in the groove 35, for example by being clamped by means of an entering into the groove 35 screw 38 against the L-leg 34. Between head of the screw 38 and Outside of the L-leg 24 may optionally be interposed a washer or plate 39, which may additionally engage in outboard grooves of the L-leg 34, if desired. In the embodiment of Figs. 12 and 13, the screws 38 thus from the junction of the container 1, 2 to the outside and are therefore particularly easy to access for mounting. The central T-slot 7 of the profile rails 6 can also optionally be used again for anchoring to a vehicle chassis 5 (FIG. 12).

The connecting elements 19, 29 and 36 of the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 13 can be interconnected via spacers to form larger groups of containers from a plurality of container pairs, as will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18.

14 shows two rod-shaped spacers 40, which are connected via angles 41 to the connecting elements 36 between two pairs of containers 1, 2 and 3, 4. Fig. 15 shows a modified spacer 42 with a normal to the profile longitudinal direction of the profiles 6 extending planar shape whose scope is adapted to the handling contour of the adjacent container 1-4. The spacer 42 is formed as a deep-drawn part with a flat base 43 and a bent edge 44, which comes close to the containers 1-4 - to the plant. Fig. 16 shows a further variant in which some connecting elements 36 are additionally equipped with a cantilever arm 45 for connection to a vehicle chassis (not shown here). The cantilevers 45 may be formed at the same time as a spacer and thus combined "cantilever / spacer" form.

As shown in FIG. 16, cantilevers 45, spacers 42 and / or combined cantilevers / spacers can also be segmented into individual interconnected elements 42, 46, 47 to allow modularized fabrication. In the embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 18, two cantilevered adjoining and interconnected cantilevers 48 are combined to form a combined cantilever / spacer 49. The cantilevers and spacers 42 and 45-49 of FIGS. 15-18 can each be manufactured as deep-drawn parts with a flat base and bent edge, for example made of aluminum sheet, or also cut in one piece from extruded profiles, as the embodiment of FIG. The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but includes all variants, modifications and all possible combinations of the rails shown, fasteners, spacers and cantilevers, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A connection system for vehicle containers, in particular cylindrical compressed air containers, wherein at least one container (1-4) is provided with a profile rail (6) on or in which an element is slidably fixed, characterized in that said element is a connecting element (6, 12, 16, 19, 29, 36, 40-49) for connection to an adjacent container (1-4). 2. Connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that each container (1, 2) equipped with a rail (6) and the connecting element by the rail (6) of the adjacent container (1, 2) itself is formed, wherein the profile rails ( 6) of the two containers (1,

2) are designed to be telescopically slidable in the longitudinal direction of the thread in order to form a mutual toothing.

3. A connection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the profile rails (6) have approximately C-shaped cross-section for the performance of an undercut groove (7), wherein each one of the C-leg has a widened end (8), each complementary in the groove (7) of the other rail (6) engages.

4. Connection system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that an expansion element (9) is provided, which between the toothed profile rails (6) is insertable to key the teeth.

5. Connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that each container (1, 2) equipped with a grooved rail (6) and the connecting element an end plate (12) with projections (13, 15) for clamping engagement in frontal openings of two adjacent Profile rails (6) is.

6. Connection system according to claim 5, characterized in that the end plate (12) additionally by means of screws (14) can be fixed, which engage in frontal openings of the profile rails (6).

7. Connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the profiled rail (6) has a groove (7) and the connecting element is a cantilever arm (16) which at one end with a head (17) in the groove (7) slidably fixed is and at its other end the adjacent container (2) holds, preferably at the end face.

8. A connection system according to claim 7, characterized in that a tab (18) is provided, which holds the container (1, 2) at its the cantilever arm (16) facing away from end faces.

9. A connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that each container (1, 2) is provided with a profiled rail (6) with an undercut groove (7) and the connecting element (19) carries two heads (20, 21), respectively in a groove (7) of a rail (6) are slidably fixed.

10. Connection system according to claim 9, characterized in that the heads (20, 21) of the connecting element (19) are spreadable.

11- connection system according to claim 10, characterized in that the connecting element (19) comprises two parallel plates (22, 23) with edge pointing away edge projections (24 - 27) which are spread apart by means of a spacer screw (28), wherein each two edge projections ( 24, 25, 26, 27) form an expandable head (20, 21).

12. A connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that each container (1, 2) with a profiled rail (6) is provided approximately C-shaped cross-section and the connecting element (29) is a clamp, each one of the C-leg of two adjacent, facing profiled rails (6) takes.

13. Connection system according to claim 12, characterized in that the clamp (29) has two parallel plates (30, 31; 33) which are mutually spanable by means of a screw (32).

14. Connection system according to claim 13, characterized in that one of the platelets (30, 31) is equipped with edge projections for latching in undercuts of the C-leg.

15. Connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that each container (1, 2) is provided with a profiled rail (6), wherein the mutually facing profile rails of two adjacent containers (1, 2) together form an undercut groove (35) and the connecting element (36) carries a head (37) which is slidably mounted in the groove (35).

16. Connection system according to claim 15, characterized in that the head (37) of the connecting element (36) can be expanded.

17. A connection system according to claim 16, characterized in that the connecting element (36) comprises two parallel plates, which are ausein- nerspreizbar means of a distancing screw (28).

18. Connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that each container (1, 2) is equipped with a profiled rail (6), wherein the mutually facing profiled rails

(6) of two adjacent containers (1, 2) together form an approximately C-shaped cross-section (34) and the connecting element (36) is a clamp which engages in each case one of the C-legs (34).

19. A connection system according to claim 18, characterized in that the clamp (36) comprises two parallel plates (37, 39) which are by means of a screw (38) zueinandgespannbar.

20. Connection system according to claim 19, characterized in that one of the platelets (37) is equipped with edge projections for latching in undercuts of the C-legs (34).

21. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that at least one of the connecting elements (19, 29, 36) with a spacer (40, 42, 49) for connection to a further connecting element (19, 29, 36) of a equipped adjacent container pair.

22. A connection system according to claim 21, characterized in that the spacer (42, 49) has a normal to the profile longitudinal direction extending planar shape whose circumference is adapted to the peripheral contour of or the adjacent container (1-4).

23. A connection system according to claim 22, characterized in that the spacer (42, 49) is a deep-drawn part with a flat base (43) and bent edge (44).

24. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that at least one of the connecting elements (19, 29, 36) with a cantilever arm (45, 48) for connection to a vehicle chassis (5) is equipped.

25. A connection system according to claim 24, characterized in that the cantilever arm (45, 48) has a normal to the profile longitudinal direction extending planar shape whose circumference is adapted to the peripheral contour of or adjacent container (1-4).

26. A connection system according to claim 25, characterized in that the cantilever arm (45, 48) is a deep-drawn part with a flat base (43) and bent edge (44).

27. Connection system according to one of claims 21 to • 23 in conjunction with one of claims claim 24 to 26, characterized in that the spacer is simultaneously formed as a cantilever.

28. Connection system according to one of claims 21 to 23 in conjunction with one of claims claim 24 to 26, characterized in that two mirror-image adjoining and interconnected cantilevers (48) at the same time form a spacer (49).

29 composite of at least two vehicle containers, in particular cylindrical compressed air tanks, which are connected to each other via a connection system according to one of claims 1 to 20.

30 composite of at least four vehicle containers, in particular cylindrical compressed air tanks, which are connected to each other via a connection system according to one of claims 21 to 28.