Fastening devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening device, in particular a fastening device for a chassis component, which fastening device has at least one sensor and at least one transmitter of a monitoring device, the monitoring device being used to monitor at least one mechanical fastening parameter. The fastening device is characterized in that at least one energy supply unit is associated with the transmitter, the transmitter and the energy supply unit are connected to each other via a switch contact, an electrical connection can be closed via the switch contact, the switch contact is designed such that the electrical connection is disconnected when the fastening device is installed in accordance with the provisions and is closed only when the fastening device is released, and the transmitter is supplied with current and emits a signal only when the electrical connection of the switch contact is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening device, in particular a fastening device for a chassis component, which fastening device has at least one sensor and at least one transmitter of a monitoring device for monitoring at least one mechanical fastening parameter. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for monitoring a mechanical fastening. Background Art

[0002] Such a fastening device is known from DE 10 2014 217 076 A1. The fastening device should be suitable for monitoring the fastening of a wheel at a wheel suspension. According to DE 10 2014 217 076 A1, a basic unit including a signal processing unit can be connected to a sensor assembly, wherein the sensor assembly should be associated with a corresponding fastening device. Here, various sensors, such as pressure sensors or position sensors, are mentioned as sensor assemblies, wherein all sensor assemblies in other designs should be similar in that the current contact pressure or the presence of contact between the components to be fastened to each other is detected as a parameter. Here, the current state monitoring according to DE 10 2014 217 076 A1 requires a continuous signal transmission between the signal processing unit and the sensor assembly, so that a permanent current supply of the sensor assembly must be ensured. The sensor unit accordingly has an electrical energy source, which should preferably be an energy generation unit in order to ensure a permanent energy supply and signal transmission.

[0003] Furthermore, a mechanical connecting component is known from DE 10 2010 001 144 A1. The mechanical connecting component has a sensor layer for reading, for example, a tightening torque. The information about the mechanical load of the connecting component determined via the sensor layer is detected and read via a wireless interface. The mechanical connecting component can therefore also be associated with a corresponding permanent energy supply. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve such a fastening device in such a way that the monitoring device consumes as little energy as possible and thus ensures the functionality of the fastening device over a long period of time.

[0005] This object is achieved with the fastening means according to the invention and the device according to the invention. The invention has a number of further developments and advantageous embodiments.

[0006] A fastening device, in particular a fastening device of a chassis component, has at least one sensor and at least one transmitter of a monitoring device, the monitoring device being used to monitor at least one mechanical fastening parameter. The fastening device according to the invention is characterized in that the transmitter is associated with at least one energy supply unit, the transmitter and the energy supply unit are connected to each other via switch contacts, an electrical connection can be closed via the switch contacts, the switch contacts are constructed so that the electrical connection is disconnected when the fastening device is installed in accordance with regulations and is closed only when the fastening device is loosened, and the transmitter is supplied with current and emits a signal only when the electrical connection of the switch contacts is closed.

[0007] Since the switch contacts of the transmitter are not closed when the fastening means is installed as required and the transmitter is not supplied with current, the transmitter cannot emit a signal and does not consume current from the energy supply unit. The transmitter is accordingly inactive. The energy storage device provided as the energy supply unit can thus ensure the energy supply of the transmitter for a long period of time in the event of a loosening of the fastening means. The fastening means can be used, for example, to fasten the wheel to the wheel suspension. When the wheel is loosened from the wheel suspension, the switch contacts are closed and the transmitter emits a signal, in particular a warning signal.

[0008] In order to close and open the switch contacts, the switch contacts can be associated with an actuating element. In another embodiment, the actuating element has a prestress so that the actuating element is held in a predetermined position depending on the installation position of the fastening element. Advantageously, the actuating element is under stress when the fastening element is installed in accordance with the regulations and is relieved when the fastening element is released.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the actuating element can be designed such that the electrical connection of the switch contacts is disconnected when a force that overcomes the prestressing force is applied. The force that overcomes the prestressing force can act on the actuating element via the pressure of the object to be fastened or the receiving portion or the holding portion to which the object to be fastened is to be fastened. When the pressure decreases, the actuating element is relieved of pressure and the electrical switch contacts are closed.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is a spring-loaded pin that can be moved parallel to the rotation axis of the thread of the fastening element. If the fastening element is connected to the corresponding thread when installed in the direction of the rotation axis of the thread as specified, a contact section can be formed in a particularly simple manner on a receiving part or a retaining part with a corresponding thread. This contact section of the receiving part or retaining part then presses against the fastening element designed as a spring-loaded pin. In another embodiment, the receiving part or retaining part can be, for example, a receiving part or a wheel bolt of a wheel suspension or wheel carrier.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment, the actuating element can alternatively be a spring-loaded pin which is arranged at an angle to the rotation axis of the thread of the fastening element such that the pin can be moved in the direction of the central region of the fastening element, in particular in the direction of the rotation axis. This arrangement makes it possible for the contact section on the holder or the receptacle to also be designed laterally to the fastening element and to enable actuation of the switch contact in the same way when the fastening element is screwed in.

[0012] The switch contact is preferably formed by two ends of a metal strip, wherein the switch contact is closed when the ends of the metal strip are connected to each other. In another embodiment, at least one of the metal strips is designed as a bent and one-sided lever (or handle, i.e. Hebel). The one-sided lever is arranged so that the switch contact is closed in the initial position due to its inherent stress, in particular the lever of the switch contact closes the switch contact in the initial position due to its inherent stress. The transmitter is then supplied with current via the energy supply unit in this initial position.

[0013] In another design, the lever and the operating element of the on-off contact are arranged relative to each other so that the operating element presses against the lever when the on-off contact is disconnected and deflects the lever against its inherent stress, especially deflecting it so that the on-off contact is disconnected. Not only the operating element but also the lever of the on-off contact is under stress when the on-off contact is disconnected, especially under the maximum possible stress. According to an extended solution, the transmitter realizes wireless transmission of the signal to the receiver. The fastening device does not therefore have to be directly connected to the receiver, and the transmitter can also transmit when the fastening device is completely loosened or separated. Suitable standards for wireless signal transmission are, for example, radio signals or Bluetooth.

[0014] A particularly advantageous arrangement of the monitoring device in or at the fastening device is obtained when the monitoring device is installed in the fastening device at the head end outside the fastening device. The transmitter is thus surrounded by as little material as possible even when the fastening device is installed or partially installed, so that the transmitter can already emit a signal with a low signal strength that can be received by the receiver. This is also the case in particular when the fastening device is only partially loosened and this cannot be easily seen by visual observation.

[0015] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, at least the transmitter and the switch contacts of the monitoring device can be arranged in a chamber that is sealed off from the outside. The sealed chamber ensures the greatest possible protection from contaminants, such as dust, lubricants and sludge, which could impair the intended function of the switch contacts. Furthermore, by arranging the transmitter and the switch contacts in the chamber, protection is provided from forces acting from the outside, so that these forces do not lead to damage to the components arranged in the chamber. In addition to the transmitter and the switch contacts, in particular an energy supply unit, in particular an energy accumulator, can also be arranged in the chamber. In order to be able to replace the energy supply unit, in particular the energy accumulator, if possible, the energy accumulator can also be arranged in a further chamber that is accessible from the outside.

[0016] In all embodiments of the fastening device with a chamber, the operating element is advantageously always guided out of the chamber so that pressure can be applied to the fastening device. Accordingly, the lead-through provided for the operating element should be sealed to ensure that no dust, lubricant or mud can penetrate into the chamber.

[0017] Since the fastening means are provided in particular for fastening chassis components and since the fastening means are provided in particular for fastening wheels to wheel suspensions, according to a preferred first embodiment, the fastening means are wheel bolts. This embodiment is mostly used in passenger cars.

[0018] In an embodiment with a wheel bolt, the monitoring device is then advantageously integrated into the wheel bolt in such a way that the wheel bolt has a recess in the thread extending in the direction of the rotation axis of its thread, in which recess the actuating element of the switch contact is guided. By extending the recess of the actuating element in the direction of the rotation axis of the thread, a forced guidance of the actuating element is produced. When the wheel bolt is screwed into the corresponding thread of the wheel suspension, pressure is then exerted on the actuating element via the contact section of the wheel suspension, wherein the actuating element is moved in the direction of the head end of the fastening element. The actuating element that is moved in the direction of the head end of the fastening element then interrupts the switch contact between the energy supply unit and the transmitter.

[0019] In another embodiment, the recess is arranged at the head-side end of the thread, in order to be able to detect even small position changes of the wheel bolt. It is sufficient for the recess to extend from the head-side end of the thread in the direction of the end of the thread to be screwed in only over a partial area of ​​the entire thread.

[0020] Furthermore, in the wheel bolt according to the invention, the actuating element of the switch contact can also be guided outward from the interior of the wheel bolt at the conical to spherical contact surface of the wheel bolt, which is formed between the head of the wheel bolt and the thread. Since the conical to spherical contact surface in the region where the actuating element of the switch contact is guided outward from the wheel bolt when used in accordance with the intended use rests fully on the contact section, in particular the bolt receptacle or the wheel rim, it is possible in a simple manner to reduce contamination of the actuating element. Fewer contaminants on the actuating element also reduce the probability that the actuating element will adhere to contaminants and thus impair the function.

[0021] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the fastening means are wheel nuts. Such fastening means are particularly suitable for fastening and locking wheels on wheel suspensions using support bolts. Such connections are particularly popular in trucks and other commercial vehicles.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the wheel nut can then have an inner end projection (or end face projection, i.e., Stirnvorsprung) at the head-side end of its thread, at or in which the actuating element of the switch contact is held. In a similar manner to the first embodiment as a wheel bolt, the actuating element is here forcibly guided at or in the end projection. The forced guidance of the actuating element thus enables a movement of the actuating element parallel to the axis of rotation of the thread of the wheel nut.

[0023] The end projection advantageously extends in a radial plane relative to the rotation axis and can preferably be designed as a circumferential end ring or end plate. If the end projection is designed as an end plate, it can simultaneously limit the chamber in which the switch contacts are arranged toward the thread.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a device for monitoring mechanical fastenings, in particular of chassis components, with at least one monitoring device having at least one sensor and at least one transmitter, and a notification device having a receiver associated with the transmitter of the monitoring device, a data processing unit and an output unit. According to the invention, the device for monitoring mechanical fastenings is characterized in that the monitoring device is installed in the above-mentioned fastening device.

[0025] In the event of a signal being emitted by the transmitter of the loosened fastening element, the signal is processed and prepared accordingly via the notification device. The processing and preparation here includes receiving and checking the corresponding signal, which is preferably transmitted wirelessly from the transmitter to the receiver. If the checking of the signal in the data processing unit shows that the fastening element has been loosened from its intended installation position, the corresponding information is transmitted from the data processing unit to the output unit.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the device, the output unit has a device with which an alarm can be directly output or corresponding information about the state of a mechanical connection parameter can be transmitted. The alarm about the state of a mechanical connection parameter or a fastening device can then be realized via at least one of the following options: push message, e-mail, SMS, online registration, acoustic alarm or optical alarm, wherein the listed options are not exhaustive. The transmission of information is preferably realized when the alarm is made by means of a push message, e-mail, short message service or online registration, wherein the transmission is then preferably realized via a mobile radio network or a known standard for the mobile Internet. The different alarm options can also be combined with each other in order to ensure that the corresponding alarm is perceived as quickly as possible.

[0027] If chassis components of the vehicle, such as wheels and wheel suspension connections, are monitored, the notification device is advantageously installed directly in the vehicle, wherein one or more data processing units of the vehicle that are already present can possibly be utilized. In the case of new vehicles, then only an output unit with, for example, a warning light and / or an acoustic warning device and a corresponding receiver should be provided accordingly. The output unit is then advantageously fully integrated into the vehicle.

[0028] For retrofitting in existing vehicles, according to one embodiment of the invention, it is recommended to install a complete, self-enclosed notification device, in particular a notification device that transmits information about an output unit or emits an acoustic signal, so that the notification device can be arranged in the engine compartment or under the lining of the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0029] In order to ensure that the wireless transmission is not disturbed by external signals, according to one embodiment, it can be provided that the wireless signal transmission is carried out in an encrypted manner. This makes it easier for the receiver of the notification device to recognize the corresponding signal of the transmitter of the fastening means.

[0030] Fastening means designed as wheel nuts as well as fastening means designed as wheel bolts are also suitable for theft protection, wherein a notification is then generated which is transmitted by the output unit. The owner is thus informed even when he is not in the vicinity of the vehicle. The owner can then initiate appropriate steps, such as reporting to the police. In contrast to the function of monitoring the secure fastening of chassis components (e.g. the secure fastening of a wheel on a wheel suspension) and the need for all fastening means of chassis components to have a corresponding monitoring device, the function for theft protection is sufficient for a single fastening means per wheel and wheel suspension. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, from which further features important for the invention can be derived. In particular:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention;

[0033] Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a fastening device;

[0034] Figure 3 Shown with full outline according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Sketch of the perspective understanding of the fastening device;

[0035] Figure 4 A second perspective view showing a first embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention;

[0036] Figure 5 Show according to Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a fastening device;

[0037] Figure 6 Shown with full outline according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Sketch of the perspective understanding of the fastening device;

[0038] Figure 7 A perspective view showing a second embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention;

[0039] Figure 8 Show according to Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of a fastening device;

[0040] Fig. 9 Shown through the Figure 7 and Figure 8 a cross-section of the fastening device; and

[0041] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a fastening means according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] exist Figure 1 1 shows a fastening device according to the invention as a wheel bolt 1 in an embodiment. The wheel bolt 1 has a head 1a configured in a hexagonal shape. A conical to spherical contact surface 1c is provided between the head 1a and the thread 1b of the wheel bolt 1, and the contact surface is configured to gradually change toward the thread 1b. In the boundary area between the conical to spherical contact surface 1c and the thread 1b, the thread 1b has a recess 1d extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the thread 1b, in which the actuating element 2 is guided.

[0043] exist Figure 2The wheel bolt 1 is shown in section in the figure, wherein the same components as in the other figures are provided with the same reference numerals. Figure 1 What cannot be seen is that the switch contacts 3, the transmitter 4 and the energy supply unit 5 are arranged inside the head 1a of the wheel bolt 1. The transmitter 4 closes a chamber 6 in the head 1a of the wheel bolt 1. The switch contacts 3 and the energy supply unit 5 are arranged in the chamber.

[0044] In addition, Figure 2 It can be seen that the actuating element 2 is held in the wheel bolt 1 in a spring-loaded manner, wherein the spring element 7 associated with the actuating element 2 is deflected to the maximum extent, so that the actuating element 2 is not tensioned. The actuating element 2, the spring element 7, the switching contacts 3 and the energy supply unit 5 together form a sensor 8, which together with the transmitter 4 forms a monitoring device according to the invention.

[0045] On / off contact 3 Figure 2 The transmitter 4 and the energy supply unit 5 are thus electrically connected to each other via the switch contact 3. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The energy supply unit 5 supplies current and sends out a signal.

[0046] Figure 3 Once again, the same arrangement is shown with the overall outline of the wheel bolt 1 .

[0047] according to Figures 4 to 6 The icon and Figures 1 to 3 The difference from the illustration in is that the wheel bolt 1 is shown in the form in which the wheel bolt 1 is installed as intended.

[0048] In this case, the actuating element 2 is pressed into the wheel bolt 1 so that Figure 4 Only the recess 1d in which the actuating element 2 is guided can be seen.

[0049] The position of the actuating element 2 when the wheel bolt 1 is installed correctly can be determined in particular from Figure 5 It can be seen that the spring element 7 is compressed to the maximum. The actuating element 2 now extends into the chamber 6 and presses against the switch contact 3, wherein the one-sided, metallic lever 9 of the switch contact 3 is pivoted by the actuating element 2 in such a way that the electrical connection between the energy supply unit 5 and the transmitter 4 is interrupted. The transmitter 4, which is now de-energized, therefore no longer emits a signal and does not require energy from the energy supply unit 5, which is preferably designed as an energy storage device, as long as the wheel bolt 1 is inserted in its proper position.

[0050] Figure 6 Once again showing and Figure 4 and Figure 5The same arrangement with interrupted switching contacts 3 and current-free transmitter 4 , wherein the entire contour of the wheel bolt 1 is shown.

[0051] exist Figures 7 to 9 . In contrast to the first embodiment, the fastening means is now designed as a wheel nut 10. Here, the wheel nut 10 again has a head 10a with lateral hexagonal faces. At its head-side end, the wheel nut 10 is designed in a dome shape.

[0052] Depend on Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , it can be seen that the chamber 6' formed inside the wheel nut 10, in which the transmitter 4', the switch contact 3', the energy supply unit 5' and the actuating element 2' which is spring-loaded by the spring element 7' are arranged. Figures 1 to 6 As shown in FIG, a monitoring device consisting of a transmitter 4 'and a sensor 8 'is constructed together. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The diagram in corresponds to Figures 4 to 6 The illustration shows the wheel nut 10 in the screwed-on state. Here, the actuating element 2 'is Figures 4 to 6 In the same way as in the embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter 4' is pressed against the on-off contact 3', so that the transmitter 4' is de-current-free and does not transmit a signal. As long as the transmitter 4' is de-current-free, the energy of the energy supply unit 5' is no longer consumed.

[0053] The significant difference here is that the actuating element 2' is arranged in an end projection which is designed here as an end plate 11. The end plate 11 here closes the chamber 6' at the head-side end facing the thread 10b of the wheel nut 10. In terms of their functionality, both embodiments are effectively identical.

[0054] If the wheel nut 10 is now loosened from the wheel bolt (not shown), the actuating element 2' is pressed by the spring element 7' in the direction of the inner thread of the wheel nut 10 and thereby out of the chamber 6'. As soon as the actuating element 2' no longer presses against the switch contact 3', in particular against the one-sided, metallic lever 9' of the switch contact 3', the lever is pressed in the direction of the end plate 11 due to its inherent stress, and the switch contact 3' is closed at its two ends.

[0055] Fig.10 The fastening device in the wheel bolt 1' is the wheel bolt 1'. Most of the wheel bolt 1' is connected to the wheel bolt 1'. Figures 1 to 6 The same wheel bolt 1 is the same as the wheel bolt 1 of FIG. The same components are assigned corresponding reference numerals with the same reference numerals. Figures 1 to 6The significant difference of the wheel bolt 1 of the embodiment of the present invention is the modified arrangement of the actuating element 2 ″, which can be moved at an angle relative to the rotation axis of the wheel bolt 1 ′ and is guided out of the interior of the wheel bolt 1 ′ at the conical to spherical contact surface 1 c ′. Advantageously, the recess 1 b ′ of the wheel bolt 1 is thus omitted. All other features are the same as those according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 6 The wheel bolt 1 is consistent with the wheel bolt 1.

[0056] All features can be combined in any desired way. The disclosure of the present invention is therefore not limited to the described or claimed feature combinations, but rather all meaningful feature combinations within the scope of the present invention are to be regarded as disclosed.

Claims

1. A fastening device having at least one sensor (8, 8', 8") and at least one transmitter (4, 4', 4") of a monitoring device for monitoring at least one mechanical fastening parameter, It is characterized in that At least one energy supply unit (5, 5', 5") is associated with the transmitter (4, 4', 4"), The transmitter (4, 4', 4") and the energy supply unit (5, 5', 5") are connected to each other via on-off contacts (3, 3', 3"), The electrical connection can be closed via the on-off contacts (3, 3', 3"), The switch contacts (3, 3', 3") are designed in such a way that the electrical connection is disconnected when the fastening element is inserted in accordance with the regulations and is closed only when the fastening element is released, and The transmitter (4, 4', 4") is supplied with current and transmits a signal only when the electrical connection of the on / off contacts (3, 3', 3") is closed. The switch contacts (3, 3', 3") are associated with operating elements (2, 2', 2"), The actuating element (2") is a spring-loaded pin which is arranged at an angle relative to the rotation axis of the thread (1b') of the fastening device (1') such that it can be moved in the direction of the center region of the fastening device (1').

2. The fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that The on-off contact (3, 3', 3") is formed by at least two ends of a metal strip, wherein at least one of the strips is bent and the on-off contact (3, 3', 3") is closed by the inherent stress of the strip.

3. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The transmitter (4, 4', 4") realizes wireless signal transmission.

4. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The monitoring device is mounted in the fastening device at a head end external to the fastening device.

5. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that At least the transmitter (4, 4', 4") and the switch contacts (3, 3', 3") of the monitoring device are arranged in a chamber (6, 6', 6") which is sealed to the outside.

6. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The fastening means are wheel bolts (1, 1').

7. The fastening device according to claim 6, characterized in that The wheel bolt (1) has in its thread (1b) a recess (1d) which extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the thread (1b) and in which the actuating element is guided.

8. The fastening device according to claim 6, characterized in that The actuating element is guided outward from the interior of the wheel bolt (1') at a conical to spherical contact surface (1c') of the wheel bolt (1'), which is formed between the head (1a') and the thread (1b') of the wheel bolt.

9. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The fastening device is a wheel nut (10).

10. The fastening device according to claim 9, characterized in that The wheel nut (10) has, at the head-side end (10a) of its thread (10b), an inner end projection, at or in which the actuating element is held.

11. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The fastening means are fastening means of a chassis component.

12. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The pin is arranged at an angle relative to the rotation axis of the thread (1b') of the fastening element (1') in such a way that the pin can be moved in the direction of the rotation axis.

13. A fastening device comprising at least one sensor (8, 8', 8") and at least one transmitter (4, 4', 4") of a monitoring device for monitoring at least one mechanical fastening parameter, It is characterized in that At least one energy supply unit (5, 5', 5") is associated with the transmitter (4, 4', 4"), The transmitter (4, 4', 4") and the energy supply unit (5, 5', 5") are connected to each other via on-off contacts (3, 3', 3"), The electrical connection can be closed via the on-off contacts (3, 3', 3"), The switch contacts (3, 3', 3") are designed in such a way that the electrical connection is disconnected when the fastening element is inserted in accordance with the regulations and is closed only when the fastening element is released, and The transmitter (4, 4', 4") is supplied with current and transmits a signal only when the electrical connection of the on / off contacts (3, 3', 3") is closed. The switch contacts (3, 3', 3") are associated with operating elements (2, 2', 2"), And wherein the actuating element (2, 2', 2") is a spring-loaded pin which is movable parallel to the axis of rotation of the thread (1b, 10b) of the fastening device.

14. A device for monitoring mechanical fastenings, the device comprising at least one monitoring device having at least one sensor (8, 8', 8") and at least one transmitter (4, 4', 4"), and a notification device having a receiver associated with the transmitter (4, 4', 4") of the monitoring device, a data processing unit and an output unit, It is characterized in that The monitoring device is installed in a fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The output unit has means by which an alarm can be directly output or corresponding information about the state of a mechanical connection parameter can be transmitted.

16. The device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The output unit is integrated into the vehicle.

17. The device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The device is a device for monitoring the mechanical fastening of chassis components.

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