fastening system

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening system for attaching components to a superstructure (1) of a commercial vehicle with an elongated, one-piece, material-uniform sheet metal profile (3) with a recess (5) extending in the direction of extension and at least one connecting element (4) which can be positively attached in the recess (5) in the direction of an opening (6) of the recess (5) and is displaceable in the direction of extension. This allows for flexible positioning of attachments and variability for different sizes, especially different lengths, because profiles of any length can be used. This reduces production and storage costs.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening system for attaching components to the body of a commercial vehicle with the features of claim 1.

[0002] Commercial vehicles are equipped with different types of superstructures mounted on a chassis. For example, in the case of refuse collection vehicles, the superstructure typically includes a collection container and a lifting and tipping or tilting device to empty a waste container into the collection container.

[0003] Various attachments are mounted to the body. These include, for example, lights, headlights, underride protection, storage boxes, and the like. The exact position of the attachments in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle depends on the dimensions of the body, especially its length.

[0004] For assembly, it is common practice to equip the superstructures with sheet metal profiles to which fasteners are attached at the designated positions for the add-on components. This requires appropriately adapted sheet metal profiles for superstructures of varying lengths to ensure correct positioning of the add-on components. Furthermore, customer requirements often necessitate the installation of specific add-on components, which in turn require additional fasteners. This results in significant manufacturing and storage costs, as different profiles must be kept in stock or even custom-made.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages.

[0006] The invention relates to a fastening system for attaching components to the body of a commercial vehicle. This system comprises an elongated, one-piece, uniform sheet metal profile with a recess extending in the longitudinal direction and at least one connecting element that can be positively engaged in the recess towards an opening of the recess and is slidable in the longitudinal direction. This means that the positive engagement acts in the direction of the opening, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This allows the connecting element to be positioned at any desired location along the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal profile. There is no limitation to predetermined positions. Instead, the sheet metal profile can be cut to length and used as required for the specific body. This eliminates the need to stock sheet metal profiles of varying lengths; instead, they can be produced directly to fit the specific vehicle.Similarly, various attachments can be provided in flexible positions. Customer requirements can also be individually accommodated.

[0007] Preferably, the sheet metal profile is an open profile.

[0008] The direction of extension is normally the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, but it is also possible to attach the sheet metal profile in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0009] The structures in question are preferably collection containers for waste collection vehicles, offered with varying collection volumes and therefore different lengths and heights as required. The sheet metal profiles can be adapted to the respective length and the connecting elements positioned accordingly.

[0010] The connecting elements are designed so that they can move freely in the indentation in the extension direction of the sheet metal profile and / or that they can be inserted into the indentation at any position in the extension direction of the sheet metal profile.

[0011] Simultaneously, the connecting elements are designed to form a positive fit with the sheet metal profile in the direction of the recess opening. An undercut is generated in this direction. This positive fit is preferably achieved by inserting a connecting element appropriately into the recess of the sheet metal profile at its end, or by inserting the connecting element at any position within the opening of the recess and then rotating it.

[0012] The connecting elements are preferably made of a metallic material. Preferably, the connecting elements are identical to each other to ensure efficient production. Multiple connecting elements can be used to attach a component.

[0013] The sheet metal profile preferably consists of a metallic material that is formed into the profile using bending or roll forming techniques. In bending production, a single sheet of the appropriate dimensions is cut from a coil and bent into the desired shape. In roll forming, the material is also cut from a coil, roll-formed, and then cut to the required length.

[0014] Within the scope of the invention, an attachment is understood to mean, on the one hand, a component that is directly connected to at least one connecting element. On the other hand, it can also be a multi-part component whose individual parts are only indirectly connected to at least one connecting element. It is also possible for attachments to be indirectly connected to at least one connecting element via an intermediate element.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elongated sheet metal profile is connected to the structure at its ends, which are free perpendicular to its direction of extension. This is then an open profile whose cross-section, viewed in the direction of extension, has free ends. These are connected to the structure. This can be done by welding, bonding, screwing, or other suitable means. The advantages here are the simple attachment of the profile and the reduction in weight.

[0016] It is further preferably provided that the elongated sheet metal profile has a first section whose free end is connected to a side wall of the superstructure, and a second section whose free end is connected to an underside of the superstructure, with the indentation being formed in the second section. This means that the sheet metal profile is arranged at the lower end of the superstructure, where most of the attachments need to be fastened. The profile is divided into two sections. The indentation, in which the connecting elements are arranged, is provided in the second section. The indentation must be positioned in the assembled state so that the attachments are correctly aligned. The first section can be designed to suit the specific application, so that the second section with the indentation is always arranged essentially facing the vehicle's contact surface.

[0017] The term "free end" can refer to an edge of the sheet metal profile, for example in the case of a welded connection. It can also refer to an end area, such as when a bolted connection is planned.

[0018] Preferably, the indentation has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section with a bottom surface opposite the opening and two side surfaces converging towards the opening. This creates an undercut within the indentation, viewed in the direction of the opening, which enables a positive fit with the connecting element.

[0019] Particularly preferred is the arrangement where, in the installed position, the base surface faces essentially towards the structure and the opening faces essentially towards the vehicle's contact surface. This arrangement simplifies the mounting of attachments, as the connecting element is held in position within the recess of the sheet metal profile by gravity and positive locking.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the connecting element has a connecting section with at least one screw hole and two side wings projecting at an angle α, such that the side wings come into contact with the side surfaces of the recess in the area of ​​the opening, thus holding the connecting element in a form-fit manner in the direction of the opening. The connection between the connecting element and an attachment is achieved by means of screws. For this purpose, at least one screw hole is provided in a connecting section. Although manufacturing identical parts is preferred, the hole pattern can easily be adapted to the respective attachment.

[0021] The connection section is designed to be flat to ensure optimal attachment to the component. Side arms extend from it at a predetermined angle α, which, in the installed position, align with the side surfaces of the recess. This means that the specific angle α depends on the design of the recess, particularly the angle of the side surfaces relative to the base, and must be adjusted accordingly. In the installed position, the connection element is recessed within the recess, forming a positive fit towards the opening of the recess. Advantageously, this allows the component to be attached to the sheet metal profile in a simple, detachable, and flexible manner.

[0022] Preferably, the width of the connection section is smaller than the width of the opening perpendicular to the direction of extension. Then the connection element can be inserted into the recess with its longitudinal direction parallel to the direction of extension.

[0023] Preferably, the distance between the side surfaces of the recess in the area of ​​the base is greater than the distance between the side wings of the connecting element. This allows for good mobility of the connecting element during assembly. In particular, the connecting element can then be rotated within the recess so that it can be inserted at any point in the sheet metal profile and then an undercut created by a ninety-degree rotation.

[0024] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that attachments can be screwed to the connecting element, thereby holding the connecting element immovably within the elongated sheet metal profile. The screwing action not only secures the attachment to the connecting element and thus to the structure, but also holds the connecting element immovably in the recess by pressing it against the sheet metal profile, thereby creating a frictional connection in the longitudinal direction. This simplifies assembly because an additional step to attach the connecting element in the intended location is eliminated. At the same time, this method allows for easy loosening and repositioning of the attachments if necessary. The screw connection is loosened, but the screws are not completely removed.The attachment can be moved together with the connecting element in the recess of the sheet metal profile and fixed again in the new position.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the invention, contact surfaces for attachments are formed on the elongated sheet metal profile adjacent to the opening of the recess. This supports the attachments on the sheet metal profile and ensures a stable, permanent connection.

[0026] Further features of the invention can be seen from the figures and the accompanying description: Fig. 1. The structure of a commercial vehicle in perspective view, Fig. 2 a section of the structure with a fastening system according to the invention, Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of a fastening system according to the invention, Fig. 4 a detailed presentation of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a first variant of a connecting element, Fig. 6 a second variant of a connecting element, Fig. 7. The structure of a commercial vehicle in perspective view with an attachment, Fig. 8 a section of the structure with a fastening system according to the invention with an attachment part, Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of a fastening system according to the invention with an attachment part, Fig. 10 a cross-sectional view of a fastening system according to the invention with an attachment part.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a superstructure 1 of a commercial vehicle (not shown in detail). This is the collection container of a waste collection vehicle. The waste is conveyed into the interior of the collection container manually or by means of a lifting and tipping or tilting device through a filling opening 2. An elongated, one-piece, uniform sheet metal profile 3 is arranged on each of the lower longitudinal edges of the superstructure 1. This profile extends in a direction E corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The sheet metal profile 3, together with a connecting element 4, forms a fastening system according to the invention for attaching components to the superstructure 1 of a commercial vehicle.

[0028] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows how a connecting element 4 is arranged in a recess 5 of the sheet metal profile 3. The recess 5 extends in the direction E. The arrangement of the connecting element 4 in the recess 5 is shown in the cross-sectional views in Fig. 3 and the detailed presentation thereof Fig. 4 can be seen in more detail. The connecting element 4 can be moved in the indentation 5 in the extension direction E and positively attached in the direction of the opening 6 of the indentation 5.

[0029] The sheet metal profile 3 is an open profile manufactured by bending or roll forming. It has a first section 7 and a second section 8, which are joined together in one piece with a single material. The free end 9 of the first section 7 is welded to a side wall 10 of the superstructure 1. From the side wall 10, the first section 7 extends downwards towards the vehicle's contact surface.

[0030] In this embodiment, the second section 8 is angled at a right angle to the first section 7 and extends from it towards the underside 11 of the structure 1. The free end 12 of the second section 8 is welded to the underside of the structure 1. The recess 5 is formed in the second section 8. The design of the first section 7 and the second section 8, as well as their relative position to each other, depends on the specific application.

[0031] The recess 5 has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section with a base surface 13 opposite the opening 6 and two side surfaces 14 converging towards the opening 6. Preferably, the trapezoid is symmetrical, meaning that the side surfaces 14 project from the base surface 13 at the same angle. Viewed in the transverse direction of the sheet metal profile 3, the base surface 13 is larger than the opening 6. The opening 6 faces the vehicle's contact surface, while the base surface 13 faces the superstructure 1.

[0032] Adjacent to the opening 6, in the second section 8, mounting surfaces 15 are formed, with which an attachment can be brought into position in the installed state.

[0033] A connecting element 4 is arranged in the indentation 5, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown in detail. An alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows that both components share a connection section 16 with two screw holes 17 for attaching a component using screws 18. Two side arms 19 extend from the connection section 16 at an angle α. When the connection element 4 is installed in a position transverse to the indentation 5, the side arms 19 contact the side surfaces 14 of the indentation 5. The angle α is chosen such that the side arms 19 contact the side surfaces 14 particularly in the area of ​​the opening 6. The connection element 4 does not need to be symmetrical if the indentation 5 is also asymmetrical. Therefore, the side arms 19 can extend from the connection section 16 at different angles α, α'.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 4 shows how the side arms 19 rest against the side walls 14, forming a positive fit towards the opening 6. When a force is applied in the direction of the opening 6, the connecting element 4 cannot slip out of the recess 5. Simultaneously, when an attachment is screwed to the connecting element 4, the side surfaces 14 of the recess 5 are tightened, so that the connecting element 4 is also held immovably in the recess 5 or in the sheet metal profile 4 in the direction of extension E.

[0035] The width B of the connection section 16 of the connection element 4 is significantly smaller than the opening 6 in the transverse direction of the sheet metal profile 3, i.e., smaller than the distance between the side surfaces 14 in the area of ​​the opening 6. Therefore, the connection element can be rotated ninety degrees so that the side arms 19 point in the extension direction E and inserted into the opening 6. This can be done at any longitudinal position of the sheet metal profile 3. In the area of ​​the bottom surface 13, the distance between the side surfaces 14 is greater than the distance L between the side arms 19 of the connection element 4. Therefore, the connection element 4 can be rotated into its installation position there. Thus, the connection element 4 can be fixed at any desired position along the sheet metal profile 3. This allows identically designed sheet metal profiles 3 in different lengths to be used for different commercial vehicle superstructures.The attachments required for technical reasons or due to customer requirements can be positioned as needed by means of the fastening system according to the invention, since the connecting elements 4 can be moved arbitrarily along the sheet metal profiles 3.

[0036] The attachment is fastened to the connecting element 4 by means of screws. When the screws 18 are tightened, the connecting element 4 is pressed against the side surfaces 14 in the recess 3 and thus held securely in the recess. The hole pattern of the screw holes 17 can be adapted to a specific attachment. Several connecting elements 4 can also be used to fasten an attachment.

[0037] In Fig. 7 is again the one from Fig. Figure 1 shows a known structure 1, this time supplemented by a side impact protection element 20 as an exemplary attachment. The side impact protection element 20 is attached to the sheet metal profile 3 via a support 21 with the connecting element 4. Depending on the design of the chassis on which the structure 1 is arranged and depending on the length of the structure 1 itself, the side impact protection element 21 is attached at different positions in the direction of extension E. With the fastening system according to the invention, the position along the sheet metal profile 3 can be freely selected and the side impact protection element 21 can be mounted simply and efficiently.

[0038] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows how the support 21 is attached to the fastening system. The support 21 is designed as a U-profile made of a metallic material. Slotted holes are provided in the back 22 and legs 23 of the U-profile for screw fastening of the support 21 to the connecting element 4 and of the actual side impact protection 20 to the support 21.

[0039] The connecting element 4 is positioned in the recess 5 at the desired location and is already fitted with screws 18. The screws 18 are guided through the elongated holes in the back 22 of the support 21, and the support 21 is screwed to the connecting element 2. The back 22 comes into contact with contact surfaces 15, which are formed next to the opening 6 of the recess 5. This ensures a stable and permanent connection.

[0040] The side impact protection 20 is in Fig.Figure 10 shows the side impact protection 20 in its assembled state, viewed from the opposite direction of extension E. The side impact protection 20 is attached to the support 21 by means of screws 24, which are guided through elongated holes in the legs 23 of the support. Reference sign 1. Structure 2 Filling openings 3 sheet metal profile 4 Connecting element 5 indentations 6 opening of 5 7 first section of 3 8 second section of 3 9 free end of 7 10 side wall of 1 11 Bottom of 1 12 free ends of 8 13 floor area of ​​5 14 side area of ​​5 15 Plant area 16 Connection section of 4 17 screw holes 18 screw 19 side swing arms of 4 20 Side impact protection 21 carriers 22 backs out of 21 23 thighs of 22 24 screws B Width of 4 E Extension direction L distance of 19 α angle

Claims

[1] Fastening system for attaching components to a body (1) of a commercial vehicle with an elongated, one-piece, material-uniform sheet metal profile (3) with a recess (5) extending in the direction of extension and at least one connecting element (4) which can be positively attached in the recess (5) in the direction of an opening (6) of the recess (5) and is slidable in the direction of extension. [2] Fastening system according to claim 1 characterized by , that the elongated sheet metal profile (3) with its free ends (9,12) transverse to the direction of extension E is connected to the structure (1). [3] Fastening system according to claim 2 characterized by, that the elongated sheet metal profile (3) has a first section (7) whose free end (9) is connected to a side wall (10) of the structure (1), and a second section (8) whose free end (12) is connected to a bottom surface (11) of the structure (1), wherein the indentation (5) is formed in the second section (8). [4] Fastening system according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the indentation (5) has an essentially trapezoidal cross-section with a bottom surface (13) opposite the opening (6) and two side surfaces (14) converging towards each other in the direction of the opening (6). [5] Fastening system according to claim 4 characterized by , that in the installed position the floor surface (13) faces substantially towards the superstructure (1) and the opening (6) faces substantially towards the vehicle contact surface. [6] Fastening system according to claim 4 or 5 characterized by, that the connecting element (4) has a connecting section (16) with at least one screw hole (17) and two side wings (19) projecting at an angle α, so that the side wings (19) come into contact with the side surfaces (14) of the indentation (5) in the area of ​​the opening (6), so that the connecting element (4) is held in a form-fitting manner in the direction of the opening (6). [7] Fastening system according to at least one of claims 4 to 6 characterized by , that the distance between the side surfaces (14) of the indentation (5) in the area of ​​the base surface (13) is greater than the distance L between the side swings (19) of the connecting element (4). [8] Fastening system according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized by , that attachments can be screwed to the connecting element (4), whereby the connecting element (4) is held immovably in the elongated sheet metal profile (3). [9] Fastening system according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized by , that on the elongated sheet metal profile (3) adjacent to the opening (6) of the indentation (5) mounting surfaces (15) for attachment parts are formed.

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