Fastening device for screwing components together in a commercial vehicle

Abstract

Fastening device (10) for screwing components in a commercial vehicle (20), wherein the fastening device (10) comprises a first component (11) with bores (11.1) and a second component (12) with bores (12.1), as well as several fastening screws (13) each with a screw head, which connect the first and the second component (11,12) to each other by means of a screw connection through the bores (11.1,12.1), wherein a screw plate (15) is provided which has several recesses (16) and nuts (14) which are inserted or pressed into these recesses (16) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the respective fastening screws are screwed into the nuts (14) in such a way that the first component (11) and the second component (12) are clamped between the screw heads of the fastening screws (13) and the nuts (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening device for screwing components together in a commercial vehicle, wherein the fastening device comprises a first component with bores and a second component with bores, as well as several fastening screws, each with a screw head, which connect the first and the second component to each other by means of a screw connection through the bores.

[0002] Some of the components are relatively heavy and can often only be mounted on one side. Furthermore, commercial vehicles experience high lateral forces while driving, which the mounting device must reliably absorb. This necessitates multiple and sufficiently long mounting bolts. However, when installing components in a commercial vehicle, especially those of a fuel system, the installation space is very limited. When tightening the mounting bolts, there is usually no room to hold the nuts on the opposite side of the bolts with tools. Particularly when multiple mounting bolts are present, not all nuts are accessible with a single tool.

[0003] Therefore, a prior art solution exists where, instead of several individual nuts, a threaded block is used into which the threads for all fastening screws are cut. The threaded block can be held as a whole in the required position for assembly and provides a good way to absorb the tightening torque of the fastening screws during assembly. The first and second components are then clamped between the screw heads and the threaded block and thus held in place. If the threaded block is sufficiently thick, long fastening screws can be used that absorb the necessary lateral forces via their shank and withstand them without breaking.

[0004] The disadvantage of the known fastening devices is that they still require more installation space and are more complex to manufacture and relatively heavy due to the threaded block.

[0005] The object of the invention is now to provide an improved fastening device that requires less installation space, is cheaper to manufacture, easy to assemble and lighter, while at the same time being able to withstand high lateral forces.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by an embodiment according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are found in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, the fastening device is characterized by a screw-on plate with several recesses. Nuts are positively inserted or pressed into these recesses, and the respective fastening screws are screwed into the nuts in such a way that the first and second components are clamped between the screw heads of the fastening screws and the nuts. That is, there are as many recesses and as many nuts as there are fastening screws. The nuts and the recesses are designed to fit together so that the nuts can be inserted or pressed into the plate and are thus held in the recess against rotation.

[0008] The advantage of the fastening device according to the invention is that the screw plate requires significantly less installation space and weighs less than a screw block. By pressing the nuts into the corresponding recesses, the nuts can be easily positioned for assembly and can be tightened without the need for any additional tools. A further advantage is that the screw plate can be manufactured much more cheaply, since precise thread machining, as required for a threaded block, is not necessary. Standard nuts can be used.

[0009] The solution according to the invention is also suitable if, in addition to the first and second components, one or more further components are arranged between the first and second components, which are then screwed together. The further component(s) arranged between the first and second components have corresponding bores for the fastening screws.

[0010] For simple fastening devices, two or three fastening screws are sufficient.

[0011] The solution according to the invention is particularly well suited when the fastening device comprises at least four, and preferably at least six, fastening screws and pressed-in nuts. Such fastening devices are primarily intended for particularly demanding applications.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the recesses in the mounting plate are shaped so that they positively engage the nuts on at least four edges, preferably six. The more edges of the recess that positively engage with the edges of the nut, the greater the torque that can be absorbed.

[0013] To prevent the mounting plate from coming loose during subsequent operation of the commercial vehicle, for example due to vibrations, it is advantageous if the mounting plate has a bent tab at least at one of the recesses, which rests against the respective nut in such a way that it prevents the mounting plate from being pulled off the nuts. Preferably, several or all recesses can also be provided with such a tab.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous to use nuts in the mounting plate that have a collar, which prevents the nuts from being forced through the recesses during installation. The collar is shaped like a prong and rests against the mounting plate on one side.

[0015] With conventionally manufactured components that are typically laser-cut, it is not possible to achieve tolerances precise enough to secure the components against lateral forces using dowel pins or dowels. These lateral forces are therefore exerted on the fastening screws and are thus reliably absorbed by a sufficient number of sufficiently long fastening screws.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the solution according to the invention, the number and length of the fastening screws can be reduced while maintaining the same permissible transverse load if the fastening device comprises at least one conical bushing with a collar and a cone. The conical bushing is arranged on one of the fastening screws and is designed such that the cone of the bushing is pressed into the corresponding bore of both the first component and the second component. This conical bushing, which is in firm contact with the bores of the two components, allows significantly higher transverse forces between the first and second components to be absorbed. Since the conical bushing is in compression with the bores in the two components, it prevents any transverse displacement between them.The conical bushing in the second component does not need to cover the entire length of the bore; it is sufficient if it only extends a part of the bore.

[0017] The solution can be further improved if such conical bushings are used on several fastening screws or if such conical bushings are provided on all fastening screws of the fastening device.

[0018] In the version with a conical bushing, it is preferred that the respective bores of the first component, into which the conical bushing is pressed, have a larger diameter than the respective bores of the second component, into which the conical bushing is pressed. This ensures that the conical bushing is pressed into both components in such a way that it has good contact with the respective bore surfaces.

[0019] In particular, the two bores can be matched to the cone angle of the cone bushing in such a way that approximately the same interference is present on both components, thus distributing the pressure from the cone bushing relatively evenly across both components.

[0020] The conical bushings are preferably made of a metallic material, as this best withstands the static and dynamic loads over the long term.

[0021] The fastening plate is also preferably made of a metallic material. Depending on the requirements, the thickness of the fastening plate can be adjusted. Preferably, the fastening plate is thinner than the thread length of the nuts. In special cases, two fastening plates can also be stacked on top of each other.

[0022] Furthermore, the invention relates to such a screw-fastening plate as described above for use in a fastening device for screwing components together in a commercial vehicle, wherein the screw-fastening plate has several recesses and nuts that are positively inserted or pressed into these recesses, into which fastening screws can be screwed, so that two components can be clamped between the screw heads of the fastening screws and the nuts.

[0023] The advantages and further features for improving the embodiment according to the invention have already been described above and are applicable here in the same way.

[0024] Further advantageous features of the invention are explained using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. These features can be advantageously implemented not only in the combination shown, but also individually combined with one another. The figures show in detail: Fig. 1 Commercial vehicle with tank system for which the fastening device according to the invention is provided Fig. 2. Fastening device according to the state of the art Fig. 3. Fastening device according to the invention Fig. 4a Screw connection with conical bushing on a fastening device according to the invention Fig. 4b Conical bushing for such a screw connection Fig. 4c Schematic cross-sectional view of the conical bushing in the bores Fig. 5 Further embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention Fig. 6. Screw plate according to the invention for a fastening device according to the invention

[0025] The figures are described in more detail below. Identical reference numbers denote identical or analogous parts or components.

[0026] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary application of the fastening device according to the invention in a commercial vehicle. The vehicle 20 has the tank system 9 with several pressure tanks 1 behind the driver's cab. The pressure tanks 1 for storing gas are provided as fuel tanks in the gas-powered vehicle, for example, for hydrogen. Each pressure tank 1 has a rotationally symmetrical, elongated shape and includes a so-called boss 2 at each of its two end caps. The tank fitting 3 for filling and withdrawing the gas is screwed into one boss. A plug for closing the opening or another valve, for example, a safety valve, is screwed into the other boss 2. The tank system 9 is also attached to the vehicle 20 via the support structure 21. The support structure 21 has several components that are bolted together. The components of the support structure 21 are bolted to the vehicle frame.

[0027] Gas-powered vehicles, for example, have a gas engine or a fuel cell with an electric motor as their drive system. To store sufficient fuel, the gas is stored under high pressure in the tank. Typical pressures for such tanks are over 200 bar, often up to 600 bar, and sometimes even up to 700 or 800 bar. This means that the pressure tank must not only be gas-tight under this pressure, but also require high mechanical stability and be securely mounted in the vehicle. Furthermore, components such as the valve block 6, the control unit 7, or other attachments 8 must be securely fastened. The components are attached to either components of the supporting structure 21 or to the vehicle frame 20 using a mounting device and bolts.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows the fastening device 30, as known from the prior art, in two perspective views. The first component 11 and the second component 12 are clamped together by means of the fastening screws 32 and the threaded block 31. In order to be able to absorb larger transverse forces between the components 11 and 12, it is crucial that the fastening screws 32 are sufficiently long.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the fastening device 10 according to the invention. A perspective view, a side view, and a front view of the nut side are shown.

[0030] The fastening screws 13, five of which are shown here as an example, are inserted through the holes in the first component 11 and in the second component 12.

[0031] Components 11 and 12, which are to be joined together, are shown as sheet metal parts. These could be, for example, components or mounting brackets of the vehicle's supporting structure or frame. Examples include angles, structural components, brackets, or brackets. These components are subjected to high static and dynamic loads and often need to be bolted in positions where there is no space to hold the nuts in place with a tool during assembly.

[0032] Furthermore, the fastening device 10 is also suitable for components of a tank system 9 such as a valve block, a control unit or another attachment to the tank system, which are screwed to the supporting structure 21 or the frame of the vehicle.

[0033] All these components must be attached to the vehicle in a particularly reliable yet space-saving manner. At the same time, the mounting device should be inexpensive and lightweight.

[0034] In the fastening device 10 according to the invention, the nuts 14 are inserted or pressed into the recesses 16 of the fastening plate 15, arranged in such a positive-locking manner that the fastening plate can absorb the torque when tightening the fastening screws 13 during assembly. Hexagonal nuts and recesses 16 are shown here, with six edges of the recesses positively engaging the wrench flats of the nuts 14. However, depending on the application, it is also sufficient if the recesses 16 engage the nuts positively with fewer edges. It is only necessary that the fastening plate can withstand the tightening torque of the fastening screws without the need for any additional tools that would have to be applied to the nuts. Likewise, other nuts 14 can also be used. And depending on the application, fewer or more fastening screws 13, and thus nuts 14, can be provided.

[0035] The nuts 14 shown each have a collar-like flange 14.1, which serves to ensure that the nuts 14 are not pushed through the recess, but are held securely in the screw plate 15.

[0036] The screw plate 15 with the nuts 14 can be securely held in the desired position for assembly and can absorb the torques acting on the nuts 14 when tightening the fastening screws. The screw connection presses the first and second components together over a flat surface and reliably clamps them between the screw heads and the nuts 14. The screw plate 15 requires less installation space and does not need to be manufactured with the same precision as a threaded block. The fastening device 10 according to the invention is also cheaper to manufacture and lighter, which offers a further advantage in commercial vehicles.

[0037] If desired, the mounting plate 15 can be removed from the nuts 14 after assembly. Alternatively, the mounting plate 15 can remain attached to the vehicle 20. In this case, it must be secured against accidental detachment. This can be achieved, for example, by pressing the nuts 14 into the mounting plate 15.

[0038] For a further improved design, one or more conical sleeves 17 can be provided. These conical sleeves 17 are designed so that their cone extends into the bores of the first and second components 11 and 12, and so that the fastening screw 13 is inserted through the conical sleeve 17. The conical sleeve 17, which is pressed into the bores of the first and second components, allows higher lateral forces between the two components 11 and 12 to be reliably absorbed. This design therefore allows for the use of shorter or fewer fastening screws 13. This offers the advantage that the fastening device 10 requires less installation space.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4a shows a screw connection with a conical sleeve 17. The fastening screw 13 is inserted through the conical sleeve 17 and screwed to the nut 14. And the Fig. Figure 4b shows the conical sleeve 17 alone. The conical sleeve 17 comprises the collar 17.1 and the cone 17.2, which is pressed into the bore of the first component and into the bore of the second component. Fig. Figure 4c schematically illustrates in cross-section how the conical sleeve 17 with its cone 17.2 is pressed into the bores of the first component 11 and the second component 12. The bore of the first component 11 has a larger diameter than the bore of the second component 12. The bores are matched to the cone angle such that the respective interference of the cone 17.2 is approximately the same in both bores, resulting in a substantially identical press fit for both components 11 and 12. This ensures good absorption of lateral forces between the components 11 and 12. The fastening screws 13 are subjected to less lateral stress and can therefore be made shorter. Furthermore, fewer fastening screws 13 are required for the same external load from the component or the operation of the vehicle.

[0040] Fig. Figure 5 represents a further variant of the fastening device 10 according to the invention. Here, the screw plate 15 is held in place by the lug 15.1, which is bent at the recess 16 so that it rests laterally against the nut 14, thus preventing the screw plate 15 from slipping off the nuts. Such a lug 15.1 can also be provided at several recesses 16.

[0041] The Fig. Figure 6 shows the screw-in plate 15 according to the invention for a fastening device according to the invention. It is shown once in perspective and once in side view. It includes the positively inserted or pressed-in nuts 14. Hex nuts with a collar 14.1 are again shown. However, other nuts can also be used. The embodiment shown is for a variant with seven fastening screws 13. Here, too, a different number can be selected depending on the load. Reference symbol list 1 pressure tank 2 Boss 3 Tank fitting 4 plugs 5 Tank bracket 6 Valve block 7 Control unit 8 additional attachment 9 Tank system 10 Mounting device 11 first component 11.1 Drilling in the first component 12 second component 12.1 Drilling in the second component 13 fastening screws 14 nuts 14.1 Federal Government 15 Screw plates 15.1 Nose 16 recess 17 Conical bushing 17.1 Collar 17.2 Cone 20 vehicles 21 Supporting structure 30 Fastening device (state of the art) 31 Threaded block 32 fastening screws

Claims

[1] Fastening device (10) for screwing components together in a commercial vehicle (20), wherein the fastening device (10) comprises a first component (11) with bores (11.1) and a second component (12) with bores (12.1), as well as several fastening screws (13) each with a screw head, which connect the first and the second component (11,12) to each other by means of a screw connection through the bores (11.1,12.1), characterized by , that a screw plate (15) is provided which has several recesses (16) and nuts (14) which are inserted or pressed into these recesses (16) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the respective fastening screws are screwed into the nuts (14) in such a way that the first component (11) and the second component (12) are clamped between the screw heads of the fastening screws (13) and the nuts (14). [2] Fastening device (10) according to claim 1 characterized bythat at least four fastening screws (13) and at least four nuts (14) are provided. [3] Fastening device (10) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by that the recesses (16) are shaped such that they can receive the nuts (14) in a form-fitting manner at least on four edges, preferably on six edges. [4] Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the screw plate (15) has at least one of the recesses a bent tab which rests against the respective nut in such a way as to prevent the screw plate (15) from being pulled down from the nuts (14). [5] Fastening device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the nuts have a collar (14.1) which prevents the nuts (14) from being pressed through the recesses (16) when being pressed in. [6] Fastening device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by , that at least on one, preferably on several, particularly preferably on all fastening screws (13) a conical bushing (17) with a collar (17.1) and a cone (17.2) is provided, which is designed such that the cone (17.2) of the conical bushing is pressed into the respective bore (11.1) of the first component and into the respective bore (12.2) of the second component. [7] Fastening device (10) according to claim 6 characterized by , that the respective bores (11.1) of the first component into which the conical bushing (17) is pressed have a larger diameter than the respective bore (11.2) of the second component into which the conical bushing (17) is pressed. [8] Screw plate (15) for use in a fastening device (10) for screwing components in a commercial vehicle (20), characterized by, that the screw plate (15) has several recesses (16) and nuts (14) that are inserted or pressed into these recesses (16) in a form-fitting manner, into which fastening screws (13) can be screwed, so that two components can be clamped between the screw heads of the fastening screws (13) and the nuts (14).

Images