Tensioning device for tensioning a tensioning mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a tensioning device for tensioning a tensioning mechanism, which is equipped with at least one tubular tensioning nut (4) and at least one bolt (2) which is sunk into the tensioning nut (4) and interacts with the tensioning nut. According to the invention, the tensioning nut (4) is divided longitudinally into at least two tensioning nut halves (4a, 4b) and has at least one guide opening (5a, 5b) for radially loading the two tensioning nut halves (4a, 4b), which interacts with a guide pin (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tensioning device for tensioning a tensioning mechanism, such as a chain, belt, rope, screw or the like, the tensioning device comprising at least one tubular tensioning nut and at least one bolt recessed into and interacting with the tensioning nut. Background Technology

[0002] Tensioning devices for tensioning chains, belts, ropes, or the like are used, for example, in the fields of lifting and transport technology or general logistics, within the scope of the teachings of the constituent category according to WO 2018 / 073098 A1. For example, the relevant chains, ropes, or belts can be used to secure goods, for example, to a truck. For this purpose, the relevant tensioning mechanism, such as a chain, rope, or belt, is coupled to a transport surface at one end, while the other end is loaded by means of a tensioning device, so as to secure the transported material to be secured in this way to the loading surface. This has been proven feasible in principle.

[0003] In addition to the prior art that has been previously cited and constitutes a category under WO 2018 / 073098 A1, similar tensioning devices are also used in conjunction with rope drive mechanisms corresponding to EP 2 301 816 B1.

[0004] Nevertheless, a tension lock, particularly a wire and sheath tensioner, is known by DE 2 310 152. The tension lock comprises a tubular tension nut, into which a bolt is screwed from each end. The two internal threads are opposite and the tensioning process is achieved by the torsion of the nut relative to the bolt.

[0005] Furthermore, the internal threads are equipped with different diameters, wherein a tubular bolt is screwed into a nut thread with a larger diameter.

[0006] When it comes to, for example, securing or binding materials to be transported to the loading surface of a transport vehicle, existing technology has proven feasible in principle. Of course, in such cases, a large tensioning stroke is often required, more or less, to compensate for, for example, the sagging of the associated tensioning mechanism. Using existing tensioning devices, this can only be achieved at a significant cost, because for this purpose, bolts must be screwed into tubular tensioning nuts that receive the bolts. The present invention takes this as its starting point. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem of the present invention is to further improve such a tensioning device for tensioning mechanisms such as chains, belts, ropes or the like, so that large tensioning strokes can be achieved simply and quickly or that possible sag of the tensioning mechanism can be controlled without problems.

[0008] To solve this technical problem, a similar tensioning device for tensioning a tensioning mechanism such as a chain, belt, rope or the like is characterized within the scope of the invention by the tensioning nut being longitudinally divided into at least two tensioning nut halves and having at least one guide opening that interacts with a (positioned) guide pin for radial loading of the two tensioning nut halves.

[0009] By dividing the tension nut longitudinally into at least two tension nut halves, there is a principled possibility of constructing different functional states. In practice, the tension nut in the first variation allows for the normal screwing in of the bolt. For this purpose, the two tension nut halves abut against each other in the area of ​​their mating surfaces, and the internal threads of the tension nut are engaged with the corresponding external threads of the bolt interacting with the tension nut. In the second and third variations, the tension nut is opened. Correspondingly, radial loading is applied to each of the two tension nut halves. For this purpose, guide pins are engaged in guide openings, thereby ensuring the desired radial loading of the two tension nut halves.

[0010] Here, the two aforementioned variations can be distinguished as follows: in the second variation, the force of the spring is applied radially to the two tension nut halves, and the spring causes the two tension nut halves to come back against the thread of the bolt after the radial opening of the tension nut halves caused by the press-in bolt.

[0011] In contrast, the third variation is characterized by continuously loading the tension nut while keeping the spring fixed, such that the two tension nut halves are radially spaced apart from each other, allowing the bolt to slide back and forth unimpeded relative to the tension nut, or rather, the two spaced-apart tension nut halves. This enables rapid adjustment in general, either within the scope of the second variation when considering skipping one or more pitches, or, corresponding to the third variation, in a way that the thread for subsequent engagement can be predetermined with almost complete flexibility. Significant advantages are evident in this respect.

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned functionality in detail, two opposing guide openings are typically provided. Two opposing, fixed-position guide pins are also typically provided. These two opposing, fixed-position guide pins are respectively engaged in adjacent, corresponding guide openings. That is, once the tension nut moves longitudinally, an interaction occurs between the relevant guide pins and guide openings. As a result, radial loading can be applied to both tension nut halves, allowing the bolt to move linearly due to the spacing between the tension nut halves and the bolt recessed therein.

[0013] To achieve this in detail, the corresponding guide opening is typically constructed in two parts, having a guide region and a spreading region. The guide region typically has a net width adapted to the guide pin. In contrast, the spreading region is typically constructed to narrow obliquely towards the mating surface of the tension nut. As a result, the relative movement between the guide pin fixed in its respective position and the adjacent mating guide opening in the guide region corresponds to the situation where the two tension nut halves are not radially loaded. However, if there is an interaction between the relevant guide pin and the spreading region of the guide opening, then the two tension nut halves are radially loaded and spread apart from each other, so that the two tension nut halves, with their inner threads, can no longer, or can no longer, engage with the external threads of the bolt. The bolt can then move linearly relative to the tension nut in this situation.

[0014] In another advantageous design, the tensioning nut is recessed into the receiving portion of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is typically also—as with the tensioning nut—tubularly constructed and receives the tensioning nut internally, and therefore also receives the bolt recessed into the tensioning nut. The receiving portion in the outer sleeve is typically equipped with a mating area for the tensioning nut. This mating area is typically a tapered receiving portion of the outer sleeve, or a tapered receiving portion inside the receiving portion of the outer sleeve. Conversely, the mating area is typically constructed as a tapered region of the tensioning nut.

[0015] In this way, an interaction occurs inside the outer sleeve between the tapered region of the tension nut on one side and the tapered receiving portion inside the outer sleeve on the other side. As long as the tapered region of the tension nut sinks into the tapered receiving portion of the outer sleeve, the tension nut is closed and the two tension nut halves abut against each other along the mating surface. Conversely, movement of the tension nut into the widened region inside the outer sleeve that connects to the receiving portion corresponds to the situation where the tension nut can open in this widened region, i.e., by radially loading the two tension nut halves.

[0016] The tension nut, loaded with the spring as previously described, now ensures that the tension nut is pre-tensioned or has been pre-tensioned by means of the spring toward the receiving portion in the outer sleeve. For this purpose, the spring is typically supported relative to the spring sleeve surrounding it. The spring sleeve itself is supported inside the outer sleeve and, more precisely, is longitudinally movable. Here, the movable support of the spring sleeve in the outer sleeve proves particularly advantageous because it allows not only the spring sleeve but also the spring and the tension nut to be linearly offset relative to the outer sleeve, and thus the tension nut can be offset from the receiving portion inside the outer sleeve toward the widened area. The tension nut can thus be moved to an open position by means of the movable spring sleeve. In this position, the radially loaded half of the tension nut thus releases the bolt, which can slide back and forth linearly relative to the tension nut in this position. This allows for the rapid adjustment described earlier.

[0017] Furthermore, the design is typically carried out such that the spring loaded onto the tension nut is usually tensioned between a spring sleeve and an adapter. The adapter is typically longitudinally movable and connected to both tension nut halves. That is, the possible longitudinal movement of the tension nut and thereby the two tension nut halves is transmitted to the spring via the adapter. In this process, the spring is compressed, as in the previously described second variation, because here the spring sleeve maintains its position inside the outer sleeve and the tension nut moves toward the spring together with the adapter. Thus, the spring is compressed.

[0018] In contrast, the third variation achieves this by having the spring sleeve, which moves here, work together with the spring and the adapter connecting the intermediate links to ensure that the tension nut also moves, i.e., it is exposed from the receiving portion inside the outer sleeve and offset into the widened area connected thereto. This causes the tension nut to open and the two tension nut halves to be radially loaded. As a result, the bolt subsequently recessed into the tension nut can move along its longitudinal direction.

[0019] To achieve both radial loading of the two tension nut halves and the previously described longitudinal mobility of the two tension nut halves relative to the adapter, the adapter is equipped with corresponding radial pins. These radial pins engage with corresponding pin openings in the corresponding tension nut halves. Thus, the tension nut halves can move radially relative to the adapter, i.e., loaded through the interaction of guide pins and corresponding guide openings. Simultaneously, the radial pins of the adapter engaging with the pin openings ensure that the adapter and the tension nuts, or the two corresponding tension nut halves, are longitudinally movable and fixedly coupled together.

[0020] The result is a tensioning device for tensioning mechanisms, such as chains, belts, ropes, or the like, optimized for the tensioning process. Specifically, three variations can be broadly distinguished based on the desired tensioning stroke, and how this tensioning stroke can be bridged or completed. In the first variation, the tensioning nut has its two tensioning nut halves closed, and the tensioning mechanism is performed as follows: the bolt is screwed into or out of the tensioning nut surrounding the bolt.

[0021] In contrast, the second variation corresponds to the situation where the bolt is pressed into the outer sleeve that receives the tension nut. Here, the tension nut opens against the force of the spring, and the spring is simultaneously tensioned. The bolt that previously engaged the tension nut thus slides with its external thread relative to the thread inside the tension nut until the spring loading the tension nut has ensured that the two tension nut halves are re-engaged with the bolt.

[0022] Finally, a third possible variation corresponds to the situation where the nut moves longitudinally together with the spring inside the outer sleeve, thereby opening the two tension nut halves. This state can theoretically be maintained for any length of time as long as the spring and the nut maintain their moving position relative to the outer sleeve. As a result, the bolt can be positioned in any position relative to the tension nut. When the spring and the tension nut move to their initial position and the two previously opened tension nut halves are applied to the bolt again, the third variation can be reversed at any time. This provides quick adjustment and fine-tuning as needed, which was previously unknown. Significant advantages are shown 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 A partial cross-sectional view of the tensioning device according to the invention in its initial position is shown;

[0025] Figure 2A The functional position according to the second variant scheme is shown. Figure 1 The object is pressed into the outer sleeve by this bolt;

[0026] Figure 2B Showing according to Figure 2A A perspective view of the object; and

[0027] Figure 3 This is shown according to the third variant scheme. Figure 1 The tensioning device of 2 includes a longitudinally movable nut and a spring for quick adjustment of the bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The figure shows a tensioning device for tensioning mechanisms such as chains, belts, ropes, screws, or the like. For this purpose, the tensioning device shown may be equipped with a [feature / equipment] on one end of bolt 2, only [within / without / etc.]. Figure 1 The ring 1 is shown in the diagram. A related tensioning mechanism can be attached to or onto the ring 1. Conversely, the outer sleeve 3 may be fixedly connected to the transport surface of the transport vehicle, so that the bolt 2 moves along the... Figure 1 The movement in the longitudinal direction L shown corresponds to the tensioning or unloading of the tensioning mechanism connected to the ring 1. For this purpose, the bolt 2 interacts with the tubular tensioning nut 4, with the bolt 2 sinking into the tensioning nut.

[0029] In fact, the interaction between bolt 2 and tubular tension nut 4 occurs such that bolt 2 is equipped with external threads and tension nut 4 has corresponding internal threads or matching and internally shown thread lines. As a result, in Figure 1 In the first variant shown, the bolt 2 can be screwed into the tension nut 4 in its normal functional state, thereby tensioning or unloading the tensioning mechanism connected to the ring 1 (not shown further) in the direction of the rotational movement of the bolt 2 relative to the tension nut 4.

[0030] Now, according to the present invention, and particularly significant, is the following: the tension nut 4 is longitudinally divided into at least two tension nut halves 4a and 4b. In fact, the two tension nut halves 4a and 4b are arranged according to... Figure 1 Within the scope of the variant schemes and closely related to each other in the normal or initial state, and more precisely regarding the... Figure 1 The longitudinally extending mating surfaces T shown in the diagram abut against each other. Furthermore, the tension nut 4 has guide openings 5a and 5b, into which the guide pin 6 is recessed. The relative movement between the fixed guide pin 6 and the guide openings 5a and 5b in the tension nut 4 now corresponds to the following situation: the two tension nut halves 4a and 4b are subjected to movement along... Figure 1 The radial load shown is in the radial direction R, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0031] According to the embodiment described, the tensioning nut 4 is not only tubular in shape, but also has a tapered region 7 on its front side. This tapered region interacts with the mating abutment region, which is also formed by a tapered receiving portion 8. The tapered receiving portion 8 is located inside the outer sleeve 3. For this purpose, the outer sleeve 3 is designed in a tubular shape and has the already described tapered receiving portion 8 on its head side, which transitions towards the bottom end of the outer sleeve 3 into a widened region 9.

[0032] The conical region 7 is formed on the head side of the tension nut 4, opposite to this. Figure 1 In the normal state shown, the conical region 7 is engaged with the conical receiving portion 8 on the head side of the tensioning nut 4, or rather, with the receiving portion located inside the outer sleeve 3. This is explained by the tubular nature of the outer sleeve 3. Because the tensioning nut 4 is equipped with two opposing guide openings 5a and 5b according to the embodiment, there are also two corresponding guide pins 6 fixed in opposite positions, which are respectively engaged with the adjacent associated guide openings 5a and 5b. It can be seen that the corresponding guide openings 5a and 5b are constructed in two parts. In effect, a guiding region 5a and a spreading region 5b are implemented here.

[0033] The guide region 5a is designed in such a way that the guide region 5a is a slit-like opening, the net width of which approximately corresponds to the diameter of the pin-shaped or cylindrical guide pin 6. Conversely, the spreading region 5b is constructed to narrow obliquely toward the previously described mating surface T of the tension nut 4.

[0034] For the basic structure, a spring 10 is also implemented, by means of which the tensioning nut 4 is pre-tensioned toward the tapered receiving portion 8 inside the outer sleeve 3. The spring 10 is supported relative to the spring sleeve 11, which itself is supported inside the outer sleeve 3. In practice, the spring sleeve 11 can move longitudinally L inside the outer sleeve 3 and be correspondingly fixed in a desired position, as will be described in more detail below. For this purpose, the spring sleeve 11 may be equipped with a corresponding handle H, which... Figure 3 It can be seen and may pass through the slit opening in the outer sleeve 3.

[0035] The spring 10 is generally tensioned between the spring sleeve 11 and the additionally provided adapter 12. The adapter 12 is cage-shaped according to the embodiment and couples the spring 10, or spring sleeve 11, to the tensioning nut 4. Furthermore, the adapter 12 is longitudinally movably connected to, or disposed within, the two tensioning nut halves 4a, 4b. For this purpose, the adapter 12 has a guide tab 12a that engages with the guide slot 11a of the spring sleeve 11.

[0036] In other words, the movement of adapter 12 along the longitudinal direction L corresponds to the following situation: here, tension nut 4 also moves along the longitudinal direction L, and spring sleeve 11 and (uncompressed) spring 10 together with spring sleeve also move along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, as can be seen from the figure, adapter 12 can be longitudinally movably recessed into spring sleeve 11.

[0037] Adapter 12—as already explained—is longitudinally movably connected to the two tension nut halves 4a, 4b, but simultaneously allows radial movement of the two tension nut halves 4a, 4b in the radial direction R. For this purpose, adapter 12 has corresponding radial pins 13 that engage with the corresponding pin openings 14 of the mating tension nut 4, or rather, the tension nut halves 4a, 4b. Thus, the two tension nut halves 4a, 4b can open in the radial direction R, and more precisely, without disengaging the tension nut 4, or its two tension nut halves 4a, 4b, relative to adapter 12.

[0038] The working principle is as follows. From Figure 1 Starting from the normal state shown therein, the tensioning mechanism connected to the ring 1 can be tensioned, for example, by screwing the bolt 2 more or less into the tensioning nut 4. In the normal state shown, the tensioning nut 4 surrounds the external thread of the bolt 2 with its internal thread, or rather, the thread line provided internally, so that the corresponding helical movement of the bolt 2 can be implemented and corresponds to the desired movement of the ring 1 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0039] exist Figure 2A , 2B Within the scope of the second variant shown, conditional rapid adjustment of bolt 2 and therefore ring 1 is now possible. For this purpose, bolt 2 is... Figure 1 Starting from the initial or normal state, the tension nut 4 is pressed into the outer sleeve 3, and more precisely, in the embodiment, it is pressed to the right. Because the tension nut 4 is engaged with the bolt 2 here, it follows the bolt 2 in its described rightward movement and pressing into the outer sleeve 3. As a result, the two guide pins 6 ensure that, based on their fixed position, they can sink into the opening regions 5b of the guide openings 5a, 5b. Because the opening regions 5b are respectively narrowed at an angle towards the mating surface T of the tension nut 4, the movement of the tension nut 4 towards the guide pins 6 causes the tension nut 4 to open, and more precisely, to open in the radial direction R.

[0040] Therefore, the two tension nut halves 4a and 4b are radially spaced from each other in the radial direction R and radially spaced from the mating surface T. This results in the thread inside the tension nut 4 being spaced from the external thread of the bolt 2, and thus the bolt 2 can move in the direction of insertion (to the right). Meanwhile, the spring 10 is also compressed here because the adapter 12 follows the movement of the tension nut 4 and gradually sinks into the spring sleeve 11, which itself is fixed longitudinally relative to the outer sleeve 3. For this purpose, the adapter 12 has a longitudinal tab or guide tab 12a, which is longitudinally movably supported in the guide device or guide groove 11a of the spring sleeve 11.

[0041] The compressed spring 10 now ensures that the tension nut 4 is pressed to the left toward the tapered receiving portion 8 inside the outer sleeve 3 and thus slides along the threaded section of the bolt 2. At the end of this movement, the bolt 2 has typically moved to the right by one pitch, and the tension nut 4, by the force of the previously compressed spring 10, directly engages again with the bolt 2. A second variant of the conceivable functional state, previously described, corresponds to this. In principle, this can also bridge two or more pitches.

[0042] The third variant of the functional state now corresponds to Figure 3 The diagram shows that the spring sleeve 11 has moved to the right relative to the outer sleeve 3. This also causes the spring 10, adapter 12, and consequently the tensioning nut 4 to move to the right along with the spring sleeve 11 (via handle H). This can be done using the external handle H. As a result, the two fixed guide pins 6 can re-sink into the opening area 5b of the guide openings 5a, 5b and ensure that the two tensioning nut halves 4a, 4b open in the radial direction R. Because the spring 10 is not compressed during this process, according to the third variation... Figure 3 The functional state shown can be maintained for an arbitrarily long time, and due to the two tension nut halves 4a and 4b that are radially raised about the bolt 2, the bolt 2 and the ring 1 can reciprocate linearly along the longitudinal direction L following the bolt.

[0043] When the spring sleeve 11 moves back to the left, according to... Figure 1 In the initial or normal state, this state can be canceled again, and as a result, the conical region 7 of the tension nut 4 sinks into the conical receiving part 8 and the two tension nut halves 4a and 4b are closed.

Claims

1. A tensioning device for tensioning a tensioning mechanism, the tensioning device comprising at least one tubular tensioning nut (4) and at least one bolt (2) recessed into and interacting with the tensioning nut (4). The tension nut (4) is longitudinally divided into at least two tension nut halves (4a, 4b) and has at least one guide opening (5a, 5b) that interacts with the guide pin (6) for radial loading of the two tension nut halves (4a, 4b). Its features are, The guide openings (5a, 5b) are constructed in two parts, having a guiding area and a spreading area. The guide area has a net width that is adapted to the guide pin (6). The spreading area is constructed to narrow at an angle toward the mating surface (T) of the tensioning nut (4). The relative movement between the guide openings (5a, 5b) in the fixed guide pin (6) and the tension nut (4) corresponds to the following situation: the two tension nut halves (4a, 4b) are subjected to radial loading in the radial direction (R) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

2. The tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tensioning mechanism is a chain, belt, rope, or screw.

3. The tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It is equipped with two opposing guide openings (5a, 5b).

4. The tensioning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Two opposing guide pins (6) are fixed in position and respectively embedded in adjacent matching guide openings (5a, 5b).

5. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The tensioning nut (4) is sunk into the receiving part of the outer sleeve (3).

6. The tensioning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The receiving part has a contact area for the mating contact area of ​​the tension nut (4).

7. The tensioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The contact area is constructed as the conical receiving part of the outer sleeve (3), and the mating contact area is constructed as the conical area of ​​the tension nut (4).

8. The tensioning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The tensioning nut (4) is pre-tensioned by means of a spring (10) toward the receiving part in the outer sleeve (3).

9. The tensioning device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The spring (10) is supported relative to a spring sleeve (11).

10. The tensioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The spring sleeve (11) is movably supported in the outer sleeve (3).

11. The tensioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The spring sleeve (11) is longitudinally movable and supported in the outer sleeve (3).

12. The tensioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The spring (10) is tensioned between the spring sleeve (11) and the adapter (12).

13. The tensioning device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The adapter (12) is longitudinally movable and connected to the two tension nut halves.

14. The tensioning device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The adapter (12) is fitted into the corresponding pin opening (14) of the associated tension nut half with a corresponding radial pin (13).

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