Tension strap for securing a container to a vehicle

Abstract

A tensioning strap adapted to at least partially surround a container (4) and to fasten it to a body (2) of a vehicle (1), wherein the tensioning strap (8) comprises an opening (19) adapted to allow an engagement element (20) to extend through it in order to fasten the tensioning strap (8) to the body (2), characterized by the fact that the opening (19) in a relaxed state has a semi-elliptical or elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shape, which converges towards a vertex (42) over a minimum distance that exceeds the radius (R2) of the engagement element (20) adapted to extend through the opening (19), where the semi-ellipse or the ellipse is: a small axis (40) passing through a first inner surface (45) at a first common vertex (43) and through a second inner surface (46) at a second common vertex (44), wherein the distance along the small axis (40) between the first inner surface (45) and the second inner surface (46) is greater than a diameter of the engagement element (20), and a half major axis (41), wherein the half major axis (41) passes through a third inner surface (47) at the vertex (42), wherein the third inner surface (47) is arc-shaped and has a first radius (R1), and wherein the engagement element (20) has a second radius (R2), and where the first radius (R1) is less than or equal to the second radius (R2).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a tensioning strap adapted to secure a container to a vehicle, a mounting assembly comprising a tensioning strap, and a vehicle comprising a mounting assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles, such as trucks, may include a fuel tank. The fuel tank may be attached to the vehicle body, such as to a crossmember, by means of elongated ratchet straps adapted to grip the tank. Other tanks and containers may also be attached to the body in a similar manner. The ratchet straps may have openings at their respective ends. A bolt may extend through each opening. The bolt may be configured to interact with appropriate fasteners, holes in mounting profiles, etc., on the vehicle body. When the ratchet strap is tightened, the stress in the material around the opening may depend on the size of the opening and the size of the bolt.If the opening is too large relative to the bolt, the material surrounding the opening will bend around the bolt during tensioning, potentially causing excessive stress on the end of the tie-down strap that engages with the vehicle body. In severe cases, such excessive stress could lead to cracking of the tie-down strap. Conversely, if the opening is smaller, the stress can be reduced, but it may be more difficult and less ergonomic to insert the bolt into the opening during installation. Therefore, improvements in tie-down straps for securing containers to vehicles are desirable.

[0003] Regarding known tensioning straps in general and also specifically for securing a container to a vehicle, reference is made to the publications DE 10 2015 015 504 A1 (general type), DE 10 2012 023 160 A1, DE 20 2010 006 571 U1 and DE 10 2005 059 913 A1. SUMMARY

[0004] One object of the present invention is to address and at least mitigate the aforementioned problems. A further object is to improve the durability of a tensioning strap.

[0005] According to the present invention, a tensioning strap with the features of claim 1 is provided. This strap is adapted to at least partially surround a container and fasten it to the body of a vehicle. The tensioning strap comprises an opening adapted to allow an engagement element to extend through it in order to fasten the tensioning strap to the body. In a relaxed state, the opening has a semi-elliptical or elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shape that tapers towards a vertex over a minimum distance exceeding the radius of the engagement element adapted to extend through the opening.

[0006] Ellipses have two perpendicular axes around which they are symmetrical. Due to this symmetry, the axes intersect at the center of the ellipse. The larger of the two axes, the major axis, corresponds to the greater distance between the antipodal points of the ellipse. The smaller of the two axes, the minor axis, corresponds to the smaller distance between the antipodal points of the ellipse. The four points where the axes intersect the ellipse are the vertices. In addition to being located at the greatest and smallest distances from the center, these points are also where the curvature of the ellipse is at its maximum and minimum. A semi-ellipse has the shape of half an ellipse bisected by one of its axes. A semi-ellipse can have a minor axis like an ellipse, but only half of a major axis, which is itself half the major axis.The semi-major axis extends from the center of the ellipse to a point where the curvature of the ellipse is minimal. During assembly, the engagement element is inserted into the opening, which has a semi-elliptical or elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shape. The engagement element is inserted at the center, where the distance between the vertices is greatest and the curvature of the ellipse is maximal, thus facilitating insertion. During tensioning, the engagement element is brought into contact at a point where the curvature of the ellipse is minimal, resulting in a relatively good fit between the engagement element and the curvature of the ellipse. This, in turn, eliminates or at least reduces excessive stress in the tensioning strap and improves its durability.

[0007] According to the present invention, the semi-ellipse or ellipse has a minor axis, wherein the minor axis passes through a first inner surface at a first common vertex and through a second inner surface at a second common vertex. The distance along the minor axis between the first inner surface and the second inner surface is, according to an optional aspect of the invention, in the range of 13 to 23 mm. It has been found that an opening with a minor axis within this range can accommodate an engagement element whose diameter is large enough to provide secure load bearing while simultaneously facilitating the insertion of the engagement element into the opening.

[0008] According to the present invention, the semi-ellipse or ellipse has a semi-major axis, wherein the semi-major axis passes through a third inner surface at a vertex. The third inner surface has a first radius, wherein, according to an optional aspect of the invention, the first radius is in the range of 5.5 to 10.5 mm. It has been found that an opening with a first radius within this range can accommodate an engagement element whose diameter is large enough to provide secure load bearing while simultaneously providing a relatively good fit between the engagement element and the curvature of the ellipse.

[0009] According to an optional aspect of the invention, the tensioning strap comprises at least one end that is formed into a loop, the loop defining the opening. The looped end is guided along the tensioning strap and is attached to the tensioning strap by fasteners. This makes achieving the semi-elliptical or elliptical shape relatively easy.

[0010] According to an optional aspect of the invention, a tensioning device is arranged along the tensioning strap. This allows the tensioning strap to be tightened relatively easily.

[0011] According to the present invention, a mounting assembly with the features of claim 7 is also provided, comprising a tensioning strap adapted to at least partially surround a container and fasten it to the body of a vehicle, and an engagement element for fastening the tensioning strap to the body, the tensioning strap comprising an opening with a semi-elliptical or elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shape as previously mentioned. According to some embodiments, the engagement element is a bolt. A bolt is an easily accessible, ordinary component that has been found to be suitable for use in conjunction with tensioning straps.

[0012] According to the present invention, the engagement element has a second radius, wherein, according to an optional aspect, the second radius is in the range of 5.5 to 10 mm. The semi-ellipse or ellipse has a semi-major axis, wherein the semi-major axis passes through a third inner surface at a vertex, the third inner surface having a first radius, where the first radius equals the second radius, i.e., the first radius is equal to or substantially equal to the second radius. Since the first radius and the second radius are equal to or substantially equal to the second radius, a relatively good fit is provided between the engagement element and the curvature of the ellipse, which eliminates or at least reduces excessive stress in the tensioning strap and improves the durability of the tensioning strap.Furthermore, since a relatively good fit is provided between the engagement element and the curvature surrounding it, there is relatively little friction between the element and the curvature during a clamping process. This allows for a predetermined clamping force of only 100 N or less.

[0013] According to an alternative aspect of the present invention to the preceding paragraph, the semi-ellipse or ellipse has a semi-major axis, wherein the semi-major axis passes through a third inner surface at a vertex, the third inner surface having a first radius, the first radius being less than the second radius, i.e., slightly smaller than the second radius. During a clamping operation, the third inner surface is brought closer to the engagement element, and the engagement element is brought into contact with an inner contour of the semi-ellipse / ellipse at a distance from the third inner surface. During a further operation, the third inner surface is brought into contact with the engagement element while the contour slides on and is formed by the engagement element, which may require a predetermined clamping force of at least 1.5 kN.Since there is a sliding movement between the contour and the engagement element and no bending movement, the excessive load is eliminated or at least reduced, even though the first radius is smaller than the second radius.

[0014] According to an optional aspect of the invention, the first radius lies in the range of 0.65 to 0.95 times the second radius. It has been found that an opening with a first radius within this range can accommodate an engagement element whose diameter is large enough to provide secure load bearing while allowing sliding movement between the contour of the ellipse and the engagement element.

[0015] According to the present invention, a vehicle is also provided which includes an attachment assembly as previously mentioned.

[0016] It is understood that both the preceding general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide a further explanation of the claimed invention. Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the accompanying claims and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a side view of a vehicle having a body and a container attached to the body. Fig. 2 an end view of the container and a mounting assembly for the container. Fig. 3 a perspective view of part of the mounting assembly. Fig. 4 a longitudinal section in the plane AA in Fig. 3 of a conventional tensioning strap for the container, before the tensioning strap is tightened. Fig. 5 a longitudinal section in the plane AA in Fig. 3 of a conventional tensioning strap for the container, after the tensioning strap has been tightened. Fig. 6 a longitudinal section in the plane AA in Fig. 3 of an improved tensioning strap for the container according to some embodiments, before the tensioning strap is tightened. Fig. 7 a longitudinal section in the plane AA in Fig. 3 of an improved tensioning strap for the container according to some embodiments, after the tensioning strap has been tightened. Fig. 8 a longitudinal section in the plane AA in Fig. 3 of an improved tensioning strap for the container according to some embodiments, before the tensioning strap is tightened. Fig. 9 a longitudinal section in the plane AA in Fig. 3 of an improved tensioning strap for the container according to some embodiments during a tensioning process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which show some exemplary embodiments. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions are not necessarily described in detail.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle 1, which has a body 2 that includes a crossmember 3. A container 4 is attached to the body 2 by means of two mounting assemblies 5. The vehicle 1 can be a truck. The container 4 can be a fuel tank.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 shows, among other things, an embodiment of a mounting assembly 5. The mounting assembly 5 can comprise a mounting device 6, which is attached at one end to a first end 7, which is an end loop of a tensioning strap 8. Its other end is attached to the vehicle body 2 via a connecting piece 9, which is attached to the crossmember 3. The tensioning strap 8 is adapted to at least partially surround the container 4 and secure it to the vehicle body 2. The tensioning strap 8 can be ribbon-shaped. The tensioning strap 8 can be made of metal, preferably steel. The container 4 can rest on a generally L-shaped support device 11. The connecting piece 9 can be a separate part or an integrated part of the support device 11. A second end 12, which is an end loop of the tensioning strap 8 and is arranged opposite the first end 7, is attached to a free shaft end 13 of the support device 11.A clamping device 14 can be attached along the clamping strap 8, with the aid of which the clamping strap 8 can be tightened and the container 4 can be pressed against a bearing surface 15 on the holding device 11. In one embodiment, the clamping device 14 can be provided between the first end 7 and the second end 12. In another embodiment, the clamping device 14 can be provided at the first end 7. In yet another embodiment, the clamping device 14 can be provided at the second end 12.

[0021] There may be a slight deviation between the direction of an imaginary plane 16 through the mounting device 6 and the direction of an upper surface 17 of the container 4 when the container 4 is mounted on the vehicle. The reason for this deviation is that the fixing point in the connecting piece 9 for the mounting device 6 may be positioned slightly below the upper surface 17 to provide a downward holding force when the tensioning device 14 is activated to tension the tensioning strap 8. According to one embodiment, the first end 7 can be attached to the vehicle body 2 via the connecting piece 9 without an intervening mounting device 6. In this case, the direction of the imaginary plane 16 passes through the first end 7.Regardless of this slight deviation or whether the mounting device 6 is used or not, the forces acting on the tensioning strap 8 when the tensioning device 14 is activated act mainly in the longitudinal direction 18 of the tensioning strap 8.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first end 7 and the second end 12 of the tensioning strap 8 each comprise an opening 19 adapted to allow an engagement element 20 to extend through it in order to fasten the tensioning strap 8 to the vehicle body. Fig. As can be seen in more detail in Figure 3, at least one end, in this example the first end 7, is folded into a loop. The loop defines the opening 19 and is adapted to enclose the engagement element 20. The engagement element 20 can be arranged in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 18 ( Fig. 2) of the tensioning strap 8 is perpendicular. The engagement element 20 can have a cylindrical cross-section. The engagement element 20 can be a bolt, preferably a lifting eye bolt, and fits into bores 21 in a U-shaped first part 22 of the attachment device 6. In one embodiment, the end formed into a loop, in this example the first end 7, is guided along the tensioning strap 8 and fastened to the tensioning strap 8 by fasteners 24. A second part 27 is located at an opposite end of the attachment device 6. The second part 27 includes a bore parallel to the bores in the first part 22.This bore is adapted to receive a bolt 28, preferably a lifting eye bolt, which has a length to extend beyond the width of the second part 27, and with sections near its end to interact with the bores 29 in a U-shaped section of the retaining device 11 and / or with the connecting piece 9, which may be arranged inside the retaining device 11, to fix the mounting devices 6 to the body 2. Between the first part 22 and the second part 27, there is an intermediate part 30, which may have an elongated shape. In an embodiment without the mounting device 6, the first end 7 may be adapted to extend into the U-shaped section, and the engagement element 20 may be arranged to interact with the bores 29.

[0023] Fig. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section in the plane AA in Fig. 3 of a conventional tensioning strap 8 before it is tightened. The opening 19' has a teardrop-shaped longitudinal cross-section and includes a semicircular subsection 33 adapted to receive the engagement element 20. The engagement element 20 has a third radius 34, and the semicircular subsection 33 has an inner surface with a fourth radius 35. The fourth radius 35 is larger than the third radius 34, and the reason for this is to facilitate the insertion of the engagement element 20 into the opening 19' during assembly. Since the fourth radius 35 is larger than the third radius 34, a gap 36 exists between the engagement element 20 and the inner wall of the opening 19' before the tensioning strap 8 is tightened. During a tensioning operation, the tensioning device 14 ( Fig. 2) activated and a tension force is exerted on the tensioning strap 8 in its longitudinal direction 18. Initially, the inner surface of the opening 19' is brought into contact with the engagement element 20, as shown in Fig. 5 can be seen, but there are still gaps 36 between the engagement element 20 and the inner surface of the opening 19' at the ends 37 of the semicircular section 33. During a further process, the ends 37 bend around the engagement element 20 and the tensioning strap 8 reaches the position that is in Fig. 5 is marked with a dashed line. The bending can lead to excessive tensile stress at the end of the tensioning strap 8 and especially at the semicircular section 33. This stress is represented by a double arrow in the figure.

[0024] Fig. Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section in the plane AA in Fig. Figure 3 of an improved tensioning strap 8 in a relaxed state. The opening 19 can have a semi-elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shape, bisected by a minor axis 40. The semi-ellipse is shown in the figure with solid lines. In some embodiments, the opening 19 can have an elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shape, shown with dashed lines. Both the semi-ellipse and the ellipse, in addition to the minor axis 40, have a center point 48, half of a major axis 41, a vertex 42, a first common vertex 43, and a second common vertex 44. The minor axis 40 passes through a first inner surface 45 at the first common vertex 43 and through a second inner surface 46 at the second common vertex 44. The first and second inner surfaces 45, 46 are each arc-shaped. The half of the major axis 41 passes through a third inner surface 47 at the vertex 42.The third inner surface 47 is arc-shaped with a first radius R1. The distance along the minor axis 40 between the first inner surface 45 and the second inner surface 46 is greater than the diameter of the engagement element 20, which is adapted to be inserted into the opening 19. This distance can be, for example, in the range of 13 to 23 mm. In some embodiments, the distance is at least 16 mm. In some embodiments, the distance is at least 18 mm. In some embodiments, the distance is at least 20 mm. The engagement element 20 has a second radius R2. In some embodiments, the first radius R1 can be equal to or smaller than the second radius R2, thus first radius R1 ≤ second radius R2.Furthermore, the semi-elliptical or elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shape can taper over a minimum distance that exceeds the second radius R2 of the engagement element 20, which is adapted to extend through the opening 19. This distance can be equal to the distance along half the major axis 41 between the center point 48 and the third inner surface 47. In some embodiments, the distance is at least 1.5 times the second radius R2. In some embodiments, the distance can be in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 times the second radius R2. In some embodiments, the distance can be twice the second radius.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 can be equal, i.e., first radius R1 = second radius R2. The first radius R1 and the second radius R2 can, for example, be in the range of 5.5 to 10.5 mm. In some embodiments, the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 are at least 7 mm. In some embodiments, the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 are at least 8 mm. In some embodiments, the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 are at least 9 mm.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first radius R1 can be smaller than the second radius R2, i.e., first radius R1 < second radius R2. R1 can be in the range of 0.65 to 0.95 times the second radius R2. In some embodiments, R1 is at least 0.7 times the second radius R2. In some embodiments, R1 is at least 0.8 times the second radius R2. In some embodiments, R1 is at least 0.9 times the second radius R2.

[0027] Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 are equal. During assembly, the engagement element 20 is inserted into the opening 19 between the first inner surface 45 and the second inner surface 46 at the center 48 of the semi-ellipse / ellipse. Since the distance between the first inner surface 45 and the second inner surface 46 is greater than the diameter of the engagement element 20, insertion is facilitated. During a clamping operation, the clamping device 14 ( Fig. 2) activated and a tension force is exerted on the tensioning strap 8 in its longitudinal direction. Initially, the third inner surface 47 is brought into contact with the engagement element 20, as shown in Fig. 7 can be seen. Since the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 are the same, there is a relatively good fit between the engagement element 20 and the first inner surface 47, which results in the bending of the ends 37, which with reference to Fig. 4 was discussed, will be resolved, and the excessive load will therefore be resolved or at least reduced.

[0028] Fig. Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which the first radius R1 is smaller than the second radius R2. During assembly, the engagement element 20 is inserted into the opening 19 between the first inner surface 45 and the second inner surface 46, as shown with reference to Figure 8. Fig. 6 described. During a clamping process, the third inner surface 47 is brought closer to the engagement element 20, as described in Fig. 9 can be seen, and the engagement element 20 is brought into contact with an inner contour 49 of the semi-ellipse / ellipse. During a further process, the third inner surface 47 is brought into contact with the engagement element 20, while the contour 49 slides on the engagement element 20 and is formed by it. The bending of the ends 37, which with respect to Fig. The issue discussed in point 4 will be resolved, and the excessive load will therefore be eliminated or at least reduced.

[0029] Vehicle 1 is described as a truck, but it could, for example, be a bus. Vehicle 1 could be any commercial vehicle, construction vehicle, or the like. Furthermore, vehicle 1 could be a semi-trailer, trailer, etc. Container 4 is described as a fuel tank, but it could, for example, be a hybrid battery container for one or more batteries for the hybrid operation of a hybrid vehicle. In another embodiment, the container could, for example, be a gas pressure tank or a tank housing to be used in a vehicle that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). In yet another embodiment, the container could be an exhaust muffler. In another embodiment, container 4 could be an auxiliary container, which in principle could be any type of container that can be attached to a vehicle.

[0030] In Fig.Figure 1 shows two mounting assemblies. However, the dimensions and number of mounting assemblies can vary according to the requirements regarding expected loads and available space. Furthermore, each mounting assembly can also be referred to as a vehicle container mounting assembly, a mounting arrangement, or a vehicle container mounting arrangement.

Claims

[1] A tensioning strap adapted to at least partially surround a container (4) and to fasten it to a body (2) of a vehicle (1), wherein the tensioning strap (8) comprises an opening (19) adapted to allow an engagement element (20) to extend through it in order to fasten the tensioning strap (8) to the body (2), characterized by , that the opening (19) in a relaxed state has a semi-elliptical or elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shape, which converges towards a vertex (42) over a minimum distance that exceeds the radius (R2) of the engagement element (20) adapted to extend through the opening (19), where the semi-ellipse or the ellipse is: a small axis (40) passing through a first inner surface (45) at a first common vertex (43) and through a second inner surface (46) at a second common vertex (44), wherein the distance along the small axis (40) between the first inner surface (45) and the second inner surface (46) is greater than a diameter of the engagement element (20), and a half major axis (41), wherein the half major axis (41) passes through a third inner surface (47) at the vertex (42), wherein the third inner surface (47) is arc-shaped and has a first radius (R1), and wherein the engagement element (20) has a second radius (R2), and where the first radius (R1) is less than or equal to the second radius (R2). [2] Tensioning strap according to claim 1, characterized by, that the distance along the minor axis (40) between the first inner surface (45) and the second inner surface (26) is in the range of 13 to 23 mm. [3] Tensioning strap according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the semi-ellipse or the ellipse, wherein the first radius (R1) lies in the range of 5.5 to 10.5 mm. [4] Tensioning strap according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the tensioning strap (8) includes at least one end (7) which is formed into a loop, and that the loop defines the opening (19). [5] Tensioning strap according to claim 4, characterized by , that the end (7), which is formed into a loop, is guided to the tensioning strap (8) and is attached to the tensioning strap (8) by means of fastening means (24). [6] Tensioning strap according to claim 1, characterized by , that the tensioning device (14) is arranged along the tensioning strap (8). [7] Mounting assembly comprising a tensioning strap (8) adapted to at least partially surround a container (4) and to attach it to a body (2) of a vehicle (1), and an engagement element (20) for attaching the tensioning strap (8) to the body (2), characterized by , that the tensioning strap (8) comprises an opening (19) with a semi-elliptical or elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shape according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Mounting assembly according to claim 7, characterized by , that the engagement element (20) is a bolt. [9] Mounting assembly according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the second radius (R2) lies in the range of 5.5 to 10 mm. [10] Mounting assembly according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the first radius (R1) lies in the range of 0.65 to 0.95 times the second radius (R2). [11] Vehicle comprising a mounting assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

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