Fastening element, assembly with a fastening element, and collection container with a fastening element
The fastening element with inclined hooks and magnetic/clamping mechanisms simplifies sensor attachment to sloping walls, ensuring accurate level measurement and secure positioning in collection containers.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOXINSIGHTS GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for mounting fill level sensors in collection containers, such as cable ties, gluing, or riveting, are cumbersome, difficult to position accurately, and often require structural modifications, leading to irreversible changes.
A fastening element with inclined hooks and a receiving device that allows easy attachment to sloping walls, featuring magnetic and clamping mechanisms for secure positioning of components like sensors, enabling quick and reliable assembly.
Enables quick, easy, and secure attachment of sensors to sloping walls, ensuring accurate level measurement and preventing slippage or falling during emptying processes, while accommodating varying wall thicknesses.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a fastening element, an assembly with a fastening element and a collection container with a fastening element. State of the art
[0002] It is common practice to equip collection containers with a fill level sensor to monitor their filling. The application of these sensors requires robust mounting. Often, the sensors are attached with cable ties, which is cumbersome during installation and, especially with fill level sensors, makes precise positioning difficult for accurate level measurement within a defined area. Other mounting methods, such as gluing or riveting the sensors inside the container, require structural modifications and are therefore more complex and costly. Furthermore, they can sometimes result in irreversible alterations to the container.
[0003] DE 202013000384 U1, FR 2855567 A1 and FR 2696510 A1 describe different mountings for sensors.
[0004] In DE 202013000384 U1, a sensor is mounted on a tiltable mounting plate using a tongue-and-groove connection. In FR 2855567 A1, an angled element is mounted to a U-shaped bracket by inserting tabs of the angled element through one leg of the U-shaped bracket. One tab forms a pivot point, while the other is slidable along an arc-shaped guide in the U-shaped bracket, thus enabling a pivoting mounting on a threaded rod.
[0005] FR 2696510 A1 describes a clamp for connecting two profiles. The clamp comprises an elastic element, a screw system with a bore, and two jaws with complementary profiles. Disclosure of the invention
[0006] One objective of the invention is to create a fastening element that is easy to install.
[0007] Another task is to create an assembly with a fastener that is easy to install and allows for improved positioning.
[0008] Another task is the creation of a collection container with such a fastening element.
[0009] The problems are solved by the features of the independent claims. Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention become apparent from the further claims, the description, and the drawings.
[0010] The features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined in a technologically meaningful way and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and by details from the figures, showing further embodiment variants of the invention.
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a fastening element, particularly for a component, especially a sensor, is proposed, comprising an element body ( Fig. 1-6:) with a vertical axis, on one side of which there is at least one hook element with a bearing surface for attaching the hook element to a ( Fig. 1-4, page 2, last paragraph, page 9, first paragraph and lines 25-27:) upper, with an edge of a wall running obliquely to the vertical axis, ( Fig. 1-4, page 6, lines 29-33, page 7, line 36-page 8, line 2:) wherein the hook element (110, 120, 130) in the assembled state lies as a bridge (114, 124, 134) over the wall (52), and on an opposite side has at least one (partial feature of original claim 2:) receiving device for the component projecting from the element body (102). The receiving device has a plane that defines a horizontal, ( Fig. 1-6:)which is arranged perpendicular to the vertical axis, wherein the bearing surface of the at least one hook element is inclined at an angle to the horizontal, (page 2, last paragraph, page 9, first paragraph and lines 25-27:)whereby the chamfered hooks (110, 120, 130) allow compensation of the chamfer of the edge (54) of the wall (52).
[0012] The invention enables quick, easy and reliable assembly of a component, in particular a sensor, which can be attached to sloping walls, for example to partition walls in waste glass containers.
[0013] The mounting element can be easily slid onto an intermediate plate inside the glass recycling container from the side. The mounting device, for example, a plate with a receiving opening for the component, then protrudes from the container wall and hangs freely above the area below the mounting element. At least one angled hook compensates for the slope of the container wall, allowing a component, particularly a sensor, to be positioned at a defined angle. A level sensor can be positioned vertically above the medium and detect its level, which is necessary for accurate level measurement.
[0014] To prevent slipping and / or falling during emptying processes, the fastening element can also be fixed to the wall, which provides additional support to the wall even under harsh operating conditions.
[0015] The fastening element can be slid onto the sloping wall, for example, from above. The fastening element can also feature a thread to accommodate a level sensor. By combining at least one hook element with other fixing means, sloping walls, especially sloping sheets, of varying thicknesses can be fitted with a fastening element or an assembly comprising a fastening element and sensor.
[0016] A wide hook element can be provided, or several hook segments can be provided.
[0017] With a favorable design of the fastening element, the receiving device can project from the side of the element body. In particular, the receiving device can be designed to hold the component, especially a sensor, horizontally. This allows for easy mounting of the component to the fastening element, practically independent of any slope in the wall. The component can be arranged horizontally on the fastening element.
[0018] In a favorable design of the fastening element, the receiving device can have an opening that provides means for at least axially fixing the component. Advantageously, the component can be hung, clamped, or otherwise fixed in the opening. It is advantageous for the component to be screwed into the opening if it has an internal thread. A bayonet fitting is also conceivable.
[0019] According to a favorable design of the fastening element, a fixing device for force-fit and / or form-fit and / or magnetic fixing to the wall can be provided on an inner side of the at least one hook element.
[0020] In a favorable embodiment of the fastening element, the fixing device can include at least one magnet. The fastening element can be easily and securely attached to a sheet metal surface. The fastening is preferably releasable, but securely fastened against unwanted slippage or tilting of the fastening element.
[0021] According to a favorable design of the fastening element, the fixing device can include at least one clamping spring.
[0022] Optionally, a combination of different types of fixing devices, such as clamping springs and magnets, can be used.
[0023] By combining hooks and magnets, for example, sloping metal sheets of varying thicknesses can be fitted with the fastening element. The magnets, located in at least one hook, provide additional security for the fastening element on the sloping metal sheet.
[0024] In a favorable embodiment of the fastening element, the receiving device can have at least one opening into which the component can be inserted. The opening can be a through hole or a recess. Depending on the component or sensor type, the component can either pass through the opening or be arranged within the recess.
[0025] With a favorable design of the fastening element, the opening can have an internal thread into which the component can be screwed. This allows for virtually tool-free assembly of the component and quick replacement of the component or fastening element.
[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, an assembly is proposed comprising a fastening element according to the invention and a component, in particular a sensor, received therein. The assembly is designed to be attached to an inclined edge of a wall.
[0027] The component can be permanently attached to the fastening element or, alternatively, detachably attached to the fastening element.
[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, a collection container with at least one fastening element is proposed. This allows for the monitoring of recycling containers in particular.
[0029] With a suitable design, the collection container can be configured as a recycling container, particularly for glass waste. For example, the component could be a level sensor that uses ultrasound to detect the fill level in the collection container. drawing
[0030] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.
[0031] They show, for example: Fig. 1 an isometric view of a fastening element according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 an isometric view of a fastening element according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 the fastening element after Fig. 2 in a built-in state on a beveled wall; Fig. 4 the fastening element after Fig. 2 before installation on a beveled wall; Fig. 5 in a partial section a collection container with an assembly consisting of a fastening element and sensor mounted inside according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 in a partial section the collection container with the assembly attached inside according to Fig. 5. Embodiments of the invention
[0032] In the figures, similar or equivalent components are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as limiting.
[0033] Before the invention is described in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the respective components of the device or the respective process steps, as these components and processes may vary. The terms used here are intended solely to describe particular embodiments and are not used restrictively. Furthermore, where the singular or indefinite articles are used in the description or in the claims, this also refers to the plural of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0034] The directional terminology used below, including terms like "left," "right," "above," "below," "in front," "behind," "after," and the like, serves only to improve the understanding of the figures and is in no way intended to limit their generality. The components and elements depicted, their interpretation, and their use may vary according to the considerations of a person skilled in the art and be adapted to the specific applications.
[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a fastening element 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The fastening element 100 comprises an element body 102, which has a wide hook element 110 on one side 104 and a receiving device 150 for a component 10 on the opposite side 106 ( Fig. 5, Fig. 6), for example, a sensor.
[0036] The hook element 110 is designed to be attached to a wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) formed, for example on a sheet, and lies as a bridge 114 over the wall 52 and has a bearing surface 112 on its underside, with which the hook element 110 rests on an edge of the wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) can rest on.
[0037] The receiving device 150 is designed, for example, as a plate that projects perpendicularly from side 106. The receiving device 150 has a plane 152 that defines a horizontal. The bearing surface 112 of the hook element 110 is inclined at an angle α to the horizontal.
[0038] Because of the inclination angle α to the horizontal, the receiving device 150 can still be horizontally aligned when mounted on an inclined edge.
[0039] The receiving device 150 has an opening 160 perpendicular to the horizontal through the receiving device 150, with an internal thread 162. The component 10 inserted therein can be inserted into the receiving device 150 via the internal thread 162. Fig. 5, Fig. 6) It must be fixed at least axially. It can be easily assembled or disassembled.
[0040] On an inner surface of the hook element 110, a fixing device 140 is arranged for force-fit and / or form-fit and / or magnetic fixing to the wall 52, which is not visible in the figure. The fixing device 140 can, for example, be a magnet attached to a magnetizable wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) can be in contact. Alternatively or additionally, a clamping spring or leaf spring can be provided, which secures the hook element 110 to the wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) can get stuck.
[0041] The fixing device 140 can also accommodate a tolerance between the inclination of the edge of the wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) and the angle of inclination α are compensated.
[0042] Fig. Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a fastening element 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention.
[0043] The fastening element 100 comprises, as before, an element body 102.
[0044] In this embodiment, two hook elements 120, 130 are arranged on one side 104 and a receiving device 150 for a component 10 is arranged on the opposite side 106 ( Fig. 5, Fig. 6), for example, a sensor.
[0045] The hook elements 120, 130 are for mounting on a wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) formed, for example on a sheet, and lie as a bridge 124, 134 over the wall 52 and each have a bearing surface 122, 132 on their undersides, with which the hook elements 120, 130 can be placed on an edge of the wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) can lie on top of each other.
[0046] The receiving device 150 is designed, for example, as a plate that projects perpendicularly from side 106. The receiving device 150 has a plane 122 that defines a horizontal. The bearing surfaces 112 of the hook elements 120, 130 are inclined at an angle α to the horizontal.
[0047] Because of the inclination angle α to the horizontal, the receiving device 150 can still be horizontally aligned when mounted on an inclined edge.
[0048] The receiving device 150 has an opening 160 perpendicular to the horizontal through the receiving device 150, with an internal thread 162. The component 10 inserted therein can be inserted into the receiving device 150 via the internal thread 162. Fig. 5, Fig. 6) It must be fixed at least axially. It can be easily assembled or disassembled.
[0049] On an inner side of the hook elements 120, 130, a fixing device 140 is arranged for force-fit and / or form-fit and / or magnetic fixing to the wall 52. In this embodiment, the fixing device 140 can be formed by magnets 142, 144 which are attached to a magnetizable wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) can be in contact. Optionally, a clamping spring or leaf spring can be provided as an alternative or additional measure, which secures the hook elements 120, 130 to the wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) can get stuck.
[0050] The fixing device 140 can also accommodate a tolerance between the inclination of the edge of the wall 52 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) and the angle of inclination α are compensated.
[0051] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows an installation situation of the fastening element 100 according to Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 3 shows the fastening element 100 in its installed state, attached to an inclined edge 54 of a beveled wall 52. Fig. Figure 4 shows the fastening element 100 before it is slid onto the edge 54 of the wall 52.
[0052] The fastening element 100 can very easily be slid onto, for example, an intermediate plate from the side. The beveled hooks 110, 120, 130 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3) enable compensation for the slope of the sheet metal. A component 10, for example a level sensor, can therefore detect a fill medium as vertically as possible, which is necessary for error-free level measurement. The fixing device 140 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2) prevents slipping and / or falling during emptying processes. The fixing device 140 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2) provides additional support on the sloping sheet. By combining one or more hook elements 110, 120, 130 and magnets 142, 144, sloping sheets of varying wall thicknesses can be fitted.
[0053] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows an assembly 200 consisting of a fastening element 100 and a sensor 12 according to an embodiment of the invention installed in a collection container 50. Fig. Figure 5 shows a partial section of the collection container 50 from the front with the assembly 200 installed inside, and Fig. Figure 6 shows a partial section of the collection container 50 with the assembly attached inside. Fig. 5 from the side.
[0054] The assembly 200, comprising the fastening element 100 and the component 10 contained therein, in particular the sensor 12, is attached to an inclined edge 54 of a sheet metal wall 52. The sheet metal, for example, separates different openings in a glass recycling container.
[0055] The fastening element 100 can very easily be slid onto, for example, an intermediate plate from the side. The beveled hooks 110, 120, 130 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3) enable compensation for the slope of the sheet metal. A component 10, for example a level sensor 12, can therefore detect a fill medium as vertically as possible, which is necessary for error-free level measurement. The fixing device 140 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2) prevents slipping and / or falling during emptying processes. The fixing device 140 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2) provides additional support on the sloping sheet. By combining one or more hook elements 110, 120, 130 and magnets 142, 144, sloping sheets of varying wall thicknesses can be fitted. Reference sign 10 components 12 Sensor 50 containers 52 wall 54 edge 100 fastening elements 102 element bodies Page 104 Page 106 110 hook element 112 contact area 114 Bridge 120 hook elements 122 contact area 124 Bridge 130 hook elements 132 contact area 134 Bridge 140 Fixing device 142 Magnet 144 Magnet 150 recording device Level 152 160 opening 162 internal threads 170 opening 200 assembly α Angle of inclination
Claims
[1] Fastening element (100) for a component (10), in particular a sensor (12), comprising an element body (102) with a vertical axis, which on one side (104) has at least one hook element (110, 120, 130) with a bearing surface (112, 122, 132) for attaching the hook element (110, 120, 130) to an upper edge (54) of a wall (52) having an angled edge (54) to the vertical axis, wherein the hook element (110, 120, 130) lies as a bridge (114, 124, 134) over the wall (52) in the assembled state, and on an opposite side (106) has at least one receiving device (150) projecting from the element body (102) for the component (10), wherein the receiving device (150) has a plane (152) which defines a horizontal which is arranged perpendicular to the vertical axis, and wherein the bearing surface (112, 122, 132) of the at least one hook element (110, 120, 130) is inclined at an angle (α) to the horizontal, wherein the at least one inclined hook element (110, 120, 130) enables compensation of an inclination of the edge (54) of the wall (52). [2] Fastening element according to claim 1, characterized by , that the receiving device (150) is designed to receive the component (10), in particular the sensor (12), in a horizontal position. [3] Fastening element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the receiving device (150) has an opening (160) into which the component (10) can be inserted and which has means (162) for at least axial fixation of the component (10). [4] Fastening element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that on an inner side of the at least one hook element (110) has a fixing device (140) for force-locking and / or form-locking and / or magnetic fixing to the wall (52). [5] Fastening element according to claim 4, characterized by that the fixing device (140) comprises at least one magnet (142, 144). [6] Fastening element according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the fixing device (140) comprises at least one clamping spring. [7] Fastening element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the opening (160) has an internal thread (162) into which the component (10) can be screwed. [8] Assembly (200) comprising a fastening element (100) according to one of the preceding claims and a component (10) received therein, in particular a sensor (12), wherein the assembly (200) is provided for mounting onto an inclined edge (54) of a wall (52). [9] Collection container (50) with at least one fastening element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [10] Collection container according to claim 9, in the form of a recycling container, in particular a waste glass container.