GB2605185A

GB2605185A - Mounting device for holding and fixing a tube, in particular for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2605185A
Application number: GB2104266.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Norlin Michael; Lopez-González Vinicio; Menche Frederick
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2021-03-26
Filing date: 2021-03-26
Publication date: 2022-09-28
Also published as: GB202104266D0

Abstract

A mounting device 10 for holding and fixing a tube (12, fig 4) to a component (14, fig 5), the mounting device 10 comprising a z-shaped bracket 16, the z-shape of which is formed by a middle section 18, a first flange (20, fig 2) extending angularly away from the middle section along a first direction (22, fig 2), and two second flanges 24a, 24b extending angularly away from the middle section along a second direction (26, fig 2) opposite to the first direction, wherein the middle section comprises a first receptacle (28, fig 2) for receiving a first length portion (L1, fig 6) of the tube at least partially, the first receptacle being open into a third direction (30, fig 2) extending away from the first flange. The second flanges are arranged opposite of each other and spaced away from each other. The device further comprising a first clamp 38 and a second clamp 40, the first clamp having a second receptable for receiving a portion of the tube and the second clamp having a third receptacle for receiving a portion of the tube.

Description

MOUNTING DEVICE FOR HOLDING AND FIXING A TUBE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A

VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to mounting device for holding and fixing a tube to a component, in particular, for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

C\I [0002] CN 205716022 U shows a steel pipe stationary blade. Furthermore, CN 204572182 U shows a device for fixing a pipe. Moreover, CN 210165007 U shows a pipe clamp support. Furthermore, CN 211039932 U shows an inclined pipe clamp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting device by which tubes may be fixed to components in a particularly advantageous way.

[0004] This object is solved by a mounting device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

[0005] The invention relates to a mounting device for holding and fixing a tube to a component, in particular for a vehicle such as, for example, a commercial vehicle. For example, the commercial vehicle may be a truck. The mounting device comprises a z-shaped bracket having a z-shape which is formed by a middle section, a first flange and two second flanges. Preferably, the bracket is formed in one piece such that, preferably, the middle section is formed in one piece or integrally with the first flange, and the middle section is formed in one piece or integrally with the second flanges. Preferably, at least a major portion of the middle section is at least substantially planar. The first flange extends angularly away from the middle section along a first direction. Furthermore, the respective second flange extends angularly away from the middle section along a second direction opposite to the first direction. Preferably, the first flange starts extending away from the middle section at a first end of the middle section, and the respective second flange starts extending away from the middle section at a second end of the middle section, the second end being opposite of the first end. Preferably, the first flange extends perpendicularly to the middle section. Alternatively or additionally, the respective second flange extends perpendicularly to the middle section.

[0006] The middle section comprises a first receptacle for receiving a first length portion of the tube at least partially, wherein the first receptacle is open into a third direction extending away from the first flange. Thus, the first length portion may be arranged in the first receptacle at least partially by inserting the first length portion into the first receptacle along an inserting direction extending opposite to the third direction. The second flanges are arranged opposite of each other, wherein the second flanges are spaced away from C\I each other. Preferably, the second flanges are spaced away from each other along a CO fourth direction extending perpendicularly to the second and third directions.

[0007] Moreover, the mounting device comprises a first clamp which is formed or (r) manufactured separately from the bracket. The first clamp comprises a second receptacle for receiving a first part of a second length portion of the tube. The first clamp has first fastening elements by which the first clamp is attachable to the second flanges. This means that the first clamp may be attached to one of the second flanges by one of the first fastening elements, and the first clamp may be attached to the other second flange by another one of the first fastening elements.

[0008] Furthermore, the mounting device comprises a second clamp which is formed or manufactured separately from both the bracket and the first clamp. The second clamp comprises a third receptacle for receiving a second part of the second length portion. For example, by inserting the tube into the second receptacle, the first part of the second length portion is arranged in the second receptacle. The second part of the length portion of the tube may be arranged in the third receptacle by arranging the second clamp on the second part of the length portion, for example, in such a way that the second clamp is moved onto the second part of the length portion along the inserting direction. The second clamp comprises second fastening elements by which the second clamp is attachable to the second flanges. Thus, for example, the second clamp may be attached to one of the second flanges by one of the second fastening elements, and the second clamp may be attached to the other second flange by another one of the second fastening elements. By attaching the first and the second clamps to the second flanges, the second and third receptacles are arranged opposite of each other such that the first and second parts of the second length portion of the tube are arranged in the second and third receptacles.

[0009] The mounting device according to the present invention allows to fix the tube to the component, in particular on a surface of the component, in a particularly space-saving way. The design of the bracket allows a bridge to be generated between a wall surface of the component and the tube, and the clamps may provide a particularly high stiffness in order to mount or fix the tube. The geometry of the bracket allows the adjustment and refinement of an orientation and an alignment of fasteners in order to simplify an assembly of the tube. Furthermore, the mounting device according to the present invention may be manufactured in a particularly easy and thus cost-effective way.

C\I [0010] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the (.0 following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the (.0 features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0012] The drawings show in: [0013] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mounting device according to a first embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a z-shaped bracket of the mounting device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a further schematic and perspective view of the bracket according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of the bracket according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of the bracket on a component of a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a fixing arrangement of a tube on the component, wherein the tube is held and fixed to the component by the mounting device C according to the first embodiment.

CO [0019] Fig. 7 is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of the bracket.

cr) [0020] Fig. 8 is a schematic front view of a third embodiment of the bracket.

[0021] Fig. 9 is a schematic front view of a fourth embodiment of the bracket.

[0022] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0024] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0025] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by "comprises" or "comprise' does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0026] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be C\I utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic and perspective view, a mounting device 10 for holding and fixing a tube 12 (Fig. 6) to a component 14 (Figs. 5 and 6). Preferably, the component 14 is a component of a vehicle such as a commercial vehicle. The mounting device 10 comprises a z-shaped bracket 16, which is shown in Fig. 2 in a schematic perspective view. Preferably, the bracket 16 is formed in one piece. The bracket 16 comprises a middle section 18 which may be planar. Thus, the middle section 18 is also referred to as a planar section. Moreover, the middle section 18 is also referred to as a body or body section. The bracket 16 further comprises a first flange 20 extending angularly away from the middle section 18 along a first direction illustrated by an arrow 22. The bracket 16 further comprises two second flanges 24a, b extending angularly away from the middle section 18 along a second direction illustrated by an arrow 26. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. Since, preferably, the bracket 16 is formed in one piece and comprises the middle section 18 and the flanges 20, 24a, 24b, the flange 20 is formed integrally with the middle section 18, and the middle section 18 is formed integrally with the second flanges 24a, b. Since the bracket 16 is z-shaped, the bracket 16 has a z-shape which is formed by the middle section 18 and the flanges 20, 24a, b. The middle section 16 has a first receptacle 28 which is semi-circular. For example, the first receptacle 28 is a semi-circular cut-out of the middle section 18. Moreover, the first receptacle 28 is open into a third direction illustrated by an arrow 30, the third direction extending or facing away from the first flange 20. Moreover, the second flanges 24a, b are arranged opposite of each other and spaced away from each other along a fourth direction illustrated by a double arrow 32, the fourth direction extending perpendicularly to the second and third directions. As shown in Fig. 2, the bracket 16 has no wall arranged between the flanges 24a, b. As shown in Fig. 6, the first receptacle 28 is configured to receive a first length portion L1 of the tube 12 at least partially. Fig. 6 shows a holding arrangement 34 of the tube 12 on the component 14. In the holding arrangement 34, the tube 12 is held and fixed to the component 14 by the mounting device 10. In the holding arrangement 34, which is also referred to as the fixing arrangement, the first length portion L1 of the tube 12 is arranged at least partially in the first receptacle 28. Thus, a wall area 36 of the middle section 18 surrounds the length portion L1 of the tube 12 at least partially in the circumferential direction of the tube 12, the wall area 36 bounding the receptacle 28 directly. Moreover, a second length portion C\I L2 of the tube 12 is arranged between the second flanges 24a, b along the fourth CO direction (double arrow 32), the second length portion L2 following the first length portion L1, in particular the longitudinal direction of the tube 12.

(r) [0028] As shown in Fig. 1, the mounting device 10 comprises a first clamp 38 and a second clamp 40. The clamps 38 and 40 are separately manufactured components which are separately manufactured from the bracket 16. This means the first clamp 38 is formed or manufactured separately from the bracket 16, and the second clamp 40 is formed or manufactured separately from the first clamp 38 and the bracket 16. The first clamp 38 comprises a second receptacle 42 for receiving a first part of the second length portion L2 of the tube 12. This means that, in the holding arrangement 34, the first part of the second length portion L2 is arranged in the second receptacle 42 of the clamp 38. Furthermore, the first clamp 38 has first fastening elements by which the first clamp 38 is attachable or attached to the second flanges 24a, b. Said first fastening elements are not shown in the figures, wherein, in the embodiments shown in the figures, the respective first fastening element is configured to as a respective through opening.

[0029] The second clamp 40 comprises a third receptacle 44 for receiving a second part of the second length portion L2 of the tube 12. This means that, in the holding arrangement 34, the second part of the second length portion L2 is arranged in the third receptacle 44. This means that a second wall area 46 of the first clamp 38 surrounds the first part of the second length portion L2 in the circumferential direction of the tube 12, the second wall area 46 bounding the second receptacle 42 directly. Furthermore, a third wall area 47 of the second clamp 40 surrounds the second part of the second length portion L2 of the tube 12 in the circumferential direction of the tube 12, the third wall area 47 bounding the third receptacle 44 directly. As shown in Figs. 1, 5 and 6, the second clamp 40 comprises second fastening elements 48 by which the second clamp 40 is attachable or attached to the second flanges 24a, b. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening elements 48 are configured as studs, in particular weld studs or bolts. Thus, for example, the respective fastening element 48 may have a first thread which may be configured as a male thread. As shown in Fig. 6, in the holding arrangement 34, the second and third receptacles 42 and 44 are arranged opposite of each other such that the second length portion L2 is arranged in the second and third receptacles 42 and 44. In other words, in the holding arrangement 34 the length portion L2 of the tube 12 is surrounded by the clamps 38 and 40 in the circumferential direction of the tube 12. Thus, by attaching the clamps 38 and 40 to the second flanges 24a, b, the clamps 38 and 40 C\I and thus the receptacles 42 and 44 are arranged opposite of each other.

CO [0030] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the first flange 20 comprises third fastening elements

CD

by which the first flange 20 and, thus, the bracket 16 are attachable or attached to the in the figures, the respective third fastening element 50 is configured as a through opening.

[0031] Furthermore, preferably, each of the second flanges 24a, b, comprises a fourth fastening element 56, wherein, by the fastening elements 56, the clamps 38 and 40 are attachable or attached to the second flanges 24a, b. Hence, in order to attach the bracket 16 to the component 14, screws 54 are inserted through the fastening elements 50 and screwed into corresponding screw openings of the component 14. Moreover, preferably subsequently, the second clamp 40 is arranged on the second flanges 24a, b in such a way that the fastening elements 48 are inserted through the fastening elements 56, in particular along the third direction. Thus, preferably, the second clamp 40 is, in particular, directly supported on first sides of the second flanges 24a, b, the respective first side facing into a fifth direction opposite of the third direction. Moreover, preferably subsequently, the first clamp 38 is arranged on the second flanges 24a, b in such a way that the fastening elements 48 penetrating the fastening elements 56 are inserted through the first fastening element of the first clamp 38 such that, in particular in the holding (0 component 14, in particular a surface 52 of the component 14. In the embodiment shown arrangement 34, the fastening elements 48 penetrate the first fastening elements of the clamp 38. In particular, the clamp 38 is, in particular directly, supported on second sides of the second flanges 24a, b, wherein the respective second side faces away from the respective first side and into the third direction. Furthermore, in particular subsequently, a respective nut 58 is screwed onto the respective fastening element 48 thereby clamping or tightening the clamp 38 against the flanges 24a, b, in particular the second sides, and tightening or clamping the clamp 40 against the second flanges 24a, b, in particular the first sides, before arranging the clamp 38 on the flanges 24a, b and before screwing the nuts 58 onto the fastening elements 48, the tube 12 is arranged on the clamp 40, in particular such a way that the first length portion L1 is arranged in the receptacle 28 and the second part of the second length portion L2 is arranged in the receptacle 44 of the clamp 40. Subsequently, the clamp 38 is arranged on the flanges 24a, b, thereby arranging the first part of the second length portion L2 of the tube 12 in the receptacle 42. Moreover, by tightening or clamping the clamps 38 and 40 against the flanges 24a, b, the tube 12, in particular the second length portion L2, is clamped between the clamps 38 C\I and 40, thereby holding and fixing the tube 12 to the clamps 38 and 40. Since the clamps CO 38 and 40 are attached or fixed to the component 14 via the bracket 16, the tube 12 is held and fixed to the component 14 by the mounting device 10 in the holding arrangement cr) 34. Thus, for example, the respective nut 58 has a respective second thread which may be configured as a female thread such that the respective second fastening element 48 is screwed to the respective nut 58 by said threads.

[0032] Since the first flange 20 is used to attach the bracket 16 to the component 14, the flange 20 is also referred to as a base. Since the second flanges 24a, b are used to hold and fix the tube 12, the flanges 24a, b are also referred to as mounting sections. Since the middle section 18 has the receptacle 28, the receptacle 28 allows an alignment of the tube 12 with the clamps 38 and 40. The tube 12 is also referred to as a pipe.

[0033] In Figs. 3 and 4, an angle 0 represents a relative value of an alignment of a plane 60 used to orient the second flanges 24a, b versus the first flange 20, which is also referred to as a bay section of the bracket 16. In other words, the angle 0 is an angle between the plane 60 and a further plane 62 which, for example, extends perpendicularly to the at least subsequently planar middle section 18 and the at least substantially planar first flange 20. For example, said second sides of the flanges 24a, b extend in the plane 60. The second sides are also referred to as surfaces or are surfaces of the second flanges 24a, b. Said surfaces of the flanges 24a, b located on the top of the flanges 24a, b and thus the bracket 16 are coplanar between them, with the intention to allow mounting the tube 12 in the imaginary center line of the receptacle 28 being a semicircular cut-out in the embodiment shown in the figures. Thus, the design of the clamps 38 and 40 can be kept as simple and easy as possible. Particularly, the respective clamp 38, 40 may be configured as a c-clamp.

[0034] In Fig. 4, h represents an offset distance between the center line of the receptacle 28 and the flange 20 (base) used to fix the bracket 16 to the component 14. Moreover, in Fig. 4, I represents an offset distance between the center line of the first flange 20 (bay section) and the imaginary center line of the receptacle 28 (semi-circular cut-out). As a consequence, the bracket 16 has an asymmetrical geometry offering an additional advantage with respect to increasing the range for 0. When h or I increases its value, it is possible to have a wide range of values for 0. As shown in figures 7 to 9, the angle 0 may be 60°, 90° or 120°.

[0035] The asymmetrical geometry used in the embodiment shown in the figures allows CS' the alignment of pipes, nevertheless, the concept may work with symmetrical and inverted (.0 geometries. By varying the geometry, in particular by varying the angle 0, the relative orientation of the second flanges 24a, b may be varied to provide a desired alignment for (r) mounting the screws 54. Moreover, In Fig. 4, X is a predeterminable or predetermined value for the angle 0.

[0036] As shown in the figures, the bracket 16 is a 7-bracket which may work as a linking bridge between a surface wall (i.e. the surface 52 or a wall forming the surface 52) of the component 14 and the tube 12. The receptacle 28 is a feature which is used not only to fit the tube 12 into the bracket 16, but also to reduce a distance between the tube 12 and fixing points at which the bracket 16 is fixed to the component 14, realizing a better performance avoiding cantilever behavior during operation. An end portion of the bracket 16 comprises the second flanges 24a, b which work to mount the two clamps 38 and 40 which are used to orient and locate the flanges 24a, b. The mounting device 10 allows adjusting and refinement with the bracket's 16 geometry and generating options for fastener orientation, simplifying the assembly of the tube 12 for different situations and systems where tube mounting requires a particular solution.

Reference signs mounting device 12 tube 14 component 16 bracket 18 middle section first flange 22 arrow 24a, b second flange 26 arrow 28 first receptacle arrow 32 double arrow 34 holding arrangement C\I 36 wall area CO 38 first Clamp second clamp cr) 42 second receptacle 44 third receptacle 46 wall area 47 wall area 48 second fastening element third fastening element 52 surface 54 screw 56 fourth fastening element 58 nut plane 62 plane L1 first length portion L2 second length portion

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mounting device (10) for holding and fixing a tube (12) to a component (14), the mounting device (10) comprising: a z-shaped bracket (16), the z-shape of which is formed by: o a middle section (18), o a first flange (20) extending angularly away from the middle section (18) along a first direction (22), and o two second flanges (24a, b) extending angularly away from the middle section (18) along a second direction (26) opposite to the first direction (22), wherein: * the middle section (18) comprises a first receptacle (28) for receiving a first length portion (L1) of the tube (12) at least partially, the first receptacle (28) being open into a third direction (30) extending away from the first flange (20), and * the second flanges (24a, b) are arranged opposite of each other and spaced away from each other, a first clamp (38) formed separately from the bracket (16), the first clamp (38) comprising a second receptacle (40) for receiving a first part of a second length portion (L2) of the tube (12), wherein the first clamp (38) comprises first fastening elements by which the first clamp (38) is attachable to the second flanges (24a, b), and a second clamp (40) formed separately from the bracket (16) and the first clamp (38), the second clamp (40) comprising a third receptacle (44) for receiving a second part of the second length portion (L2), wherein the second clamp (40) comprises second fastening elements (48) by which the second clamp (40) is attachable to the second flanges (24a, b) thereby arranging the second and third receptacles (42, 44) opposite of each other.
2. The mounting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening elements are configured as through openings.
3. The mounting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second fastening elements (48) are configured as bolts.
4. The mounting device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flange (20) comprises at least one third fastening element (50) by which the first flange (20) is attachable to the component (14).
5. The mounting device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the third fastening element (50) is configured as a through opening.