Tensioning devices for tensioning chains, belts, ropes or similar tensioning mechanisms.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tensioning device for tensioning a chain (1), belt, rope or similar tensioning mechanism (1), comprising at least one tubular tensioning nut (2) and at least one bolt (3) recessed into and cooperating with the tensioning nut (2), the tensioning nut (2) and / or bolt (3) being equipped with a connecting element (4) for coupling with the end side of the tensioning mechanism (1), and the connecting element (4) being movably connected to the tensioning nut (2) and / or bolt (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tensioning device for tensioning chains, belts, ropes or similar tensioning mechanisms, the tensioning device comprising at least one tubular tensioning nut and at least one bolt recessed into and cooperating with the tensioning nut, the tensioning nut and / or bolt being equipped with connecting elements, particularly for coupling to the end side of the tensioning mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Such tensioning devices are typically used in the fields of lifting and transportation technology, i.e., general logistics. The tensioning mechanism used in this way is usually a chain, belt, rope, or similar tensioning mechanism. This tensioning mechanism, for example, allows loaded goods to be secured to the transport surface of a transport vehicle. Envisioned transport vehicles include semi-trailers, trailers, and tractor-trailers, but also loading platforms for ships, containers, etc.

[0003] Based on the described application area, high tension forces must often be applied to the tensioning mechanism using a tensioning device. For this purpose, the tensioning device may be connected to the tensioning mechanism on one side and its other end fixed to the loading surface or side at a fastening point. Alternatively, the tensioning device may be connected to the tensioning mechanism on both sides to provide, for example, the binding force required to secure the goods to the transport surface.

[0004] The tensioning device described at the beginning is illustrated, for example, in two prior publications of the same category, WO2018 / 073098A1 or US 4,130,269. Known tensioning devices have proven feasible, for example, when used to tension a steel chain and to provide the required tension force.

[0005] In practice, and increasingly more, so-called textile chains are being used instead of steel chains, including forged links, as detailed in the applicant's DE 20 2018 105 723 U1. A problem exists in such textile chains as tensioning mechanisms: when the tubular tensioning nut is operated by means of, for example, a ratchet mechanism, torsion can occur within the tensioning mechanism, or the textile chain. This torsion causes, on the one hand, a relatively large portion of the stroke provided by the tensioning device to be easily lost due to the torsion of the associated textile chain. That is, for the actual tensioning process, a reduced tensioning stroke is provided.

[0006] However, a more serious and important consequence is the danger that the torsion introduced into the textile chain creates a hazard: for example, the ratchet mechanism acting on the tensioning nut may "rebound" after the tensioning process ends due to the torsion introduced into the textile chain. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to operator injury, and additionally, damage to the ratchet mechanism based on the impact. Besides this rebound effect and the risk of operator injury, another risk is that the previously introduced preload drops to a significantly lower level after the tensioning process and, for example, when the ratchet mechanism releases.

[0007] In steel chains including forged links, the reduced or completely imperceptible torsion results in virtually no or no such problem in practice. However, with the increasing practical use of inherently advantageous textile chains, combined with previous tensioning devices, the described problems naturally arise, and the risk of damage increases. The present invention will provide a general remedy here. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem of the present invention is to further develop such tensioning devices for tensioning chains, belts, ropes or similar tensioning mechanisms in a way that controls possible torsion in the tensioning mechanism and, in particular, reduces the risk of injury to the operator.

[0009] To address this technical problem, the present invention proposes a similar tensioning device for tensioning chains, belts, ropes, or the like, wherein the connecting element is movably connected to the tensioning nut and / or bolt.

[0010] This invention begins with the fundamental understanding that the tensioning device is equipped with at least one connecting element for coupling with the tensioning mechanism. This connecting element can, in principle, be located on the tensioning nut, bolt, or both. This is due to the flexible arrangement of the tensioning device and the flexible design of the tensioning mechanism. For example, one end of the tensioning nut can be fixedly connected to the transport surface, while the other end of the tensioning nut is equipped with a bolt recessed therein.

[0011] As long as a textile chain, such as that described in DE 20 2018 105 723 U1 at the beginning of the applicant's description, is connected to the bolt, the bolt can be equipped with a movable connecting element on the end side for coupling with the tensioning mechanism. Alternatively, the tensioning nut can also have such a connecting element. In any case, the movable design of the connecting element for coupling with the tensioning mechanism generally achieves that the tensioning device according to the invention explicitly does not introduce torsion into the tensioning mechanism during tensioning. More precisely, the movable design of the connecting element ensures that such torsion is avoided from the outset.

[0012] Typically, the design allows the connecting element to be rotatably connected to the tensioning nut and / or bolt. Here, the connecting element is generally rotatably constructed about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. This axis typically coincides with the longitudinal axis of the tensioning nut and / or bolt.

[0013] Furthermore, this design allows the connecting element to be coupled to the tension nut and / or bolt with a bearing connected in the middle. The bearing is typically installed in the tension nut and / or bolt on the head side. The bearing is usually a rotary bearing.

[0014] Here, in principle, all conceivable variations of the rotary bearing have proven advantageous. In practice, the rotary bearing can be a single or combination of ball bearings, roller bearings, sliding bearings, etc. The connecting element may be exemplarily constructed as a connecting ring, but can also be implemented as a connecting hook or combination thereof.

[0015] In addition, at least one ratchet mechanism is typically provided connected to the tensioning nut to introduce the required tension force into the tensioning nut and thus into the bolt. A fixing device is also typically provided attached to the ratchet mechanism. The fixing device ensures that the tensioning nut is secured by the fixing device when the ratchet mechanism is loaded, thus allowing the required tension force to be transferred to the tensioning nut via the ratchet mechanism.

[0016] The fixing device here can generally act on the bolt and / or tension nut. However, tension nuts are usually equipped with the fixing device additionally in addition to the ratchet mechanism, which can advantageously be a fixing rod. That is, in this case, the fixing device, or fixing rod, does not act on the connecting element, but on the tension nut itself, and more precisely, on its outer periphery in the same way as the ratchet mechanism.

[0017] In each case, the fixing device or fixing rod is generally and at least provided for securing the tension nut during tensioning, at least at its corresponding return point, under loading via a ratchet mechanism. Tensioning is actually performed by means of the tension nut and ratchet mechanism, for example, by connecting it to the ratchet mechanism as a handle or extension of the tensioning rod. When operating the tension nut, for example, to tension a bolted tensioning mechanism, the tension nut must be loaded in the operating direction, for example, clockwise or counterclockwise in the front view. The bolt can thus be progressively recessed into the tension nut. As a result, the connected tensioning mechanism is correspondingly loaded with the resulting tension force.

[0018] To apply the previously described and exemplarily illustrated clockwise movement of the tension nut to the tension nut via a ratchet mechanism or a connected tensioning rod, the tensioning rod moves from a first return point to a second return point, for example, engaged with the tension nut. Conversely, during the reverse movement of the tensioning rod from the second return point to the first return point, the ratchet mechanism, and therefore the tensioning rod, is not engaged with the tension nut. To prevent the tension nut from moving back from the second return point during the reverse movement of the ratchet mechanism by, for example, friction, a fixing device or rod at least at the second return point ensures that the tension nut is fixed in its reached position. Furthermore, this controls any possible torque, which, according to the invention, is either absent or avoided through the rotatable design of the connecting elements.

[0019] Once the ratchet mechanism and tension bar reach the first return point along with the ratchet mechanism, the ratchet mechanism can re-engage with the tension nut at the first return point, thereby allowing the tension nut to be further tensioned in the same direction of operation (clockwise in this example). That is, once the ratchet mechanism and tension bar have reached the first return point along with the ratchet mechanism, the fixing device or fixing rod disengages, thereby allowing the tension nut to be further loaded in its direction of operation (clockwise in this example).

[0020] The tensioning device can generally be equipped with two bolts that are recessed into and cooperate with the tensioning nut. That is, a design similar to WO2018 / 073098A1, as described at the beginning, can be envisioned here. In this case, the two bolts are engaged in the reverse threaded sections of the tensioning nut and, in principle, can also engage with each other.

[0021] However, the tensioning device according to the invention is typically equipped with only a single bolt, which is recessed into the tensioning nut at one end. Conversely, at the other end of the tensioning nut, a connecting element is provided on the end side and rotatably connected to the tensioning nut. This allows the tensioning mechanism connected thereto to be supplied with the required tension force by means of the single bolt. The connecting element, provided on the end side of the tensioning nut and rotatably connected to it, also serves to prevent possible torsion in the tensioning mechanism. This applies not only to cases where the end-side connecting element is fixedly fastened to the loading surface, but also to cases where the end-side connecting element is additionally coupled to another or the same tensioning mechanism. That is, in a particularly preferred variation, it works not only with a single bolt, but also such that the connecting element is connected only to the tensioning nut, and more precisely, to the tensioning nut at the end opposite to the single bolt. However, in principle, the connecting element may also be connected only to the tensioning nut or the bolt.

[0022] The result is a tensioning device that, from the outset and in principle, prevents torsion introduced into the tensioning mechanism. As a result, the required tension force can be appropriately supplied to the tensioning mechanism, and more precisely, the previously described "backlash" of the tensioning rod, which is typically provided, will not occur after the tension force is removed. This clearly avoids potential injury to the operator. Furthermore, the tensioning device according to the invention is associated with the advantage that the introduced preload is maintained and will not, for example, be reduced to a small level by torsion. This is particularly important for the reliable and durable securing of loaded goods on transport surfaces. Significant advantages are evident here. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will then be further explained with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which show only one embodiment; in the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 An overview of the tensioning device according to the invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The magnified portion in the area of ​​the connecting element; and

[0026] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 A variation of the tensioning device. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The figures depict a tensioning device for tensioning a chain 1, belt, rope, or similar tensioning mechanism 1. The tensioning mechanism, or chain 1, in this embodiment is a so-called textile chain, as detailed in the applicant's DE 202018 105 723 U1, which has already been cited at the beginning. That is, the chain 1, or textile chain, consists of links, which are loops formed by struck rigging based on plastic filaments. The plastic filaments themselves are constructed as multifilament yarns made of plastic fibers and are based on thermoplastic plastic fibers such as PE, PA, PET, PP, etc.

[0028] In accordance with Figure 1The tensioning device for tensioning a textile chain 1 shown in the overview has at least one tubular tensioning nut 2 in this example. At least one bolt 3, which engages with the tensioning nut, is recessed into the tubular tensioning nut 2. In practice, it is designed such that, according to the embodiment, the tensioning nut 2 engages with only one bolt 3, which is recessed into one end of the tensioning nut 2. This end, according to the embodiment, is the left end of the tubular tensioning nut 2. In contrast, the other end of the tensioning nut 2 (according to the embodiment, the right end) is equipped with an end-side connecting element 4. The connecting element 4 is a connecting ring 4 in this embodiment. However, the connecting element 4 can also generally be constructed as a connecting hook. Furthermore, the connecting element, or connecting ring 4, can be used with... Figure 1 The hook and loop 5 shown in the example are coupled together, and the textile chain 1 is connected to the hook and loop in this example. The bolt 3 is also equipped with a connecting element 4, which is also in this example and is not limited to a connecting ring 4.

[0029] The present invention is characterized in that the connecting element 4 is movably connected to the tension nut 2 and / or the bolt 3. That is, the present invention, in principle, opens up the possibility that the connecting element 4 connected to the bolt 3, the connecting element 4 connected to the tension nut 2, or both connecting elements 4 are respectively designed to be movable and, in particular, rotatable. In practice, within the scope of the described embodiments, this is done such that the connecting element or connecting ring 4 connected only to the tension nut 2 at the end is configured to be movable and rotatable, while the bolt 3 is equipped with a connecting element fixed relative to this, or a connecting ring 4 fixedly connected to the bolt 3.

[0030] The rotation of connecting element 4 is achieved by means of Figure 2 The enlarged view is best shown here. It can be seen that the tensioning nut 2 is coupled at its end to a rotatable connecting element, or tensioning ring 4. The tensioning ring 4 is capable of rotating about axis A, which is the longitudinal axis A of the tensioning nut 2. That is, the axis A of the rotational movement of the tensioning element 4 coincides with the longitudinal axis A of the tensioning nut 2.

[0031] The tensioning element 4 is rotatably received in the connecting block 6. The connecting block 6 is screwed into the tensioning nut 2 and the internal thread 7, which is present here and shown. Similarly, at the other end of the tensioning nut 2, the external thread of a bolt 3, which is recessed into and engages with the tensioning nut 3, engages with the internal thread 7. The connecting block 6 is internally equipped with a bearing 8, or a rotary bearing.

[0032] The bearing, or rotary bearing 8, in this embodiment is a ball bearing 8. In principle, roller bearings, sliding bearings, or even combinations thereof can also be used. In each case, the rotary bearing 8 present in the connecting block 6 ensures that the connecting element, or connecting ring 4, can perform the desired rotational movement about the axis or longitudinal axis A of the tension nut 2, as in... Figure 2 The double arrows in the diagram indicate this. This results in no overall torsion being introduced into the textile chain 1 during the tensioning process on the tensioning nut 2.

[0033] In fact, the tensioning nut 2 is equipped with a connected ratchet mechanism 9, 10. The ratchet mechanism 9, 10 not only has a tensioning rod, but also a gear ring 10 fixedly connected to the tensioning nut 2. The gear ring, viewed individually and in itself... Figure 3 As can be seen, for this purpose, ratchet mechanisms 9 and 10 are equipped with additional, but not explicitly shown, tensioning pawls that act on gear ring 6, thereby loading the tension nut 2 by means of ratchet mechanisms 9 and 10 in one direction of rotation, while the opposite direction of rotation of ratchet mechanisms 9 and 10 corresponds to a backward or reverse movement in which no rotational movement is applied to the tension nut 2. In any case, the virtually unilateral rotational movement of ratchet mechanisms 9 and 10 on the tension nut 2 ensures that bolt 3 gradually sinks into the tension nut 2 and here applies the desired tension force to the textile chain 1.

[0034] The ratchet mechanisms 9 and 10 can also be used to implement a fixing device (not explicitly shown), which can act on the tension nut 2 or the connecting element 4 and thus on the bolt 3, as already described at the beginning. Figure 3 The text then provides a variation in which two bolts 3 are recessed into and cooperate with the tension nut 2. As similarly detailed in WO 2018 / 073098 A1, as already noted at the beginning, the bolts 3 are further designed such that one bolt 3 can be additionally recessed into the hole of the other bolt 3 to achieve a particularly long adjustment stroke of the tensioning device. Furthermore, in this case, the design is such that the two bolts 3 are engaged in the respective opposing threaded sections 7 of the tension nut 2.

[0035] Within the scope of the described embodiment, the movable or rotatable connecting element 4 is connected only to the bolt 3. For this purpose, the connecting block 6 is screwed into the internal thread 7' of the bolt 3. In contrast, the opposing bolt 3 has a fixed and non-rotatable connecting element, or corresponding connecting ring 4. In principle, the opposite can also be done. A variation is also conceivable in which both connecting elements 4 are rotatably constructed. However, this is not shown. Furthermore, variations including only one rotatable connecting ring 4 are particularly advantageous in terms of operation, wherein, as... Figure 1 As shown, in this case, the rotatable connecting ring 4 is connected to one end of the tension nut 2.

Claims

1. A tensioning device for tensioning a chain, belt, rope or similar tensioning mechanism (1), the tensioning device comprising at least one tubular tensioning nut (2) and at least one bolt (3) recessed into and cooperating with the tensioning nut (2), the tensioning nut (2) and / or bolt (3) being equipped with end-side connecting elements (4) for coupling with the tensioning mechanism (1). The connecting element (4) is movably connected to the tension nut (2) and / or bolt (3), characterized in that, The connecting element (4) is rotatably received in a connecting block (6), which is screwed into a tension nut (2) at one end and into an internal thread (7) present in the tension nut. At the other end of the tension nut (2), the external thread of the bolt (3) which is recessed into the tension nut (2) and engages with the tension nut also engages with the internal thread (7), and the connecting block (6) is equipped with a bearing (8) inside it.

2. The tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting element (4) is rotatably constructed about an axis (A) extending in the longitudinal direction.

3. The tensioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The axis (A) coincides with the longitudinal axis of the tension nut (2) and / or bolt (3).

4. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The connecting element (4) is coupled to the tension nut (2) with the bearing (8) connected in the middle.

5. The tensioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bearing (8) is inserted into the tension nut (2) on the head side.

6. The tensioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bearing (8) is constructed as a rotary bearing.

7. The tensioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bearing (8) is a single or combination of ball bearings, roller bearings, and sliding bearings.

8. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The connecting element (4) is constructed as a connecting ring.

9. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one ratchet mechanism (9, 10) is provided that is connected to the tension nut.

10. The tensioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that, A fixing device is provided attached to the ratchet mechanism (9, 10).

11. The tensioning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fixing device acts on the bolt (3) and / or tension nut (2).

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