Tensioning device for tensioning chains, straps, ropes or similar tensioning devices

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tensioning device for tensioning chains, belts, ropes or similar tensioning means, with at least one tubular tensioning nut and at least one threaded bolt which penetrates into the tensioning nut and interacts with it, wherein the tensioning nut and / or the threaded bolt is equipped with an end-side connecting element, in particular for coupling to the tensioning means, and wherein the connecting element is movably connected to the tensioning nut and / or the threaded bolt.

[0002] Such tensioning devices are typically used in the field of lifting and transport technology, i.e., logistics in general. The tensioning devices used in this way are usually chains, straps, ropes, or similar tensioning devices. They can be used, for example, to secure cargo on the transport surfaces of transport vehicles. Possible transport vehicles include truck semi-trailers, trailers, tractor trailers, etc., but also loading platforms for ships, containers, etc.

[0003] Due to the applications described above, high tensioning forces often have to be applied to the tensioning device using the tensioning device. For this purpose, the tensioning device can, for example, be connected to the tensioning device at one end and secured with its other end to a fastening point on or near the loading area. However, it is also possible for the tensioning device to be connected to a tensioning device on both sides to provide the necessary lashing force to secure the load on the transport surface in the example case.

[0004] Tensioning devices are described, for example, in the two prior publications WO 2018 / 073098 A1 and US Pat. No. 4,130,269. These known tensioning devices have proven their worth when it comes to tensioning steel chains, for example, and providing them with the necessary tensioning force.

[0005] In practice, so-called textile chains are increasingly being used instead of such steel chains with forged chain links, as described in detail in DE 20 2018 105 723 U1 by the applicant. The problem with such textile chains as tensioning devices is that when the tubular tensioning nut is actuated using a ratchet, for example, torsions can occur within the tensioning device or the textile chain. These torsions result in, on the one hand, a relatively large portion of the travel provided by the tensioning device being lost simply because the textile chain in question is twisted. This means that a reduced tensioning travel is available for the actual tensioning process.

[0006] More serious and significant, however, is the fact that the torsions introduced into the textile chain pose the risk that, for example, a ratchet engaging the tensioning nut for tensioning could "kick back" after the end of a tensioning process due to the torsions introduced into the textile chain. In the worst case, this could result in injury to an operator; furthermore, damage due to the ratchet striking is also possible. In addition to this kickback effect and the risk of injury to an operator, there is a further risk that after the tensioning process, and for example, when the ratchet is released, the previously applied pretension force drops back to a significantly lower level.

[0007] Such problems rarely or never occur in practice with steel chains with forged links due to their reduced or even non-existent torsion. However, the increasing use of textile chains, which are advantageous in themselves, in conjunction with existing tensioning devices, is causing the problems described above and increasing the risk of injury.

[0008] For this purpose, the generic prior art according to ES 296 745 U uses a rotatable connecting element connected to a corresponding clamping nut. However, this does not substantially solve the problems described above. This also applies to the further prior art according to KR 101 835 121 B1.

[0009] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a tensioning device for tensioning chains, belts, ropes or similar tensioning devices in such a way that any torsions in the tensioning device are controlled and, in particular, the risk of injury to an operator is reduced.

[0010] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes, in a generic tensioning device for tensioning chains, belts, ropes or the like, that the connecting element is rotatably received in a connecting block which is screwed at the end into the clamping nut and an internal thread provided therein, wherein at the other end of the clamping nut an external thread of the threaded bolt which penetrates into the clamping nut and interacts with it also interacts with the internal thread, and wherein the connecting block is equipped with a bearing or pivot bearing in its interior.

[0011] The invention is based, first of all, on the fundamental finding that the clamping device in question is equipped with at least one connecting element for coupling to the clamping device. The connecting element can generally be provided and implemented on the clamping nut, the threaded bolt, or even on both the clamping nut and the threaded bolt. This is due to the fact that the clamping device can be arranged flexibly and the clamping device can be designed flexibly. For example, one end of the clamping nut can be firmly connected to a transport surface, while the other end of the clamping nut is equipped with the threaded bolt that penetrates into it.

[0012] If, for example, a textile chain comparable to DE 20 2018 105 723 U1 by the applicant mentioned above is connected to this threaded bolt, the threaded bolt can, for example, be equipped with the end-side movable connecting element for coupling to the clamping device. Alternatively, the clamping nut can also have such a connecting element. In any case, the movable design of the connecting element for coupling to the clamping device as a whole means that the clamping device according to the invention expressly does not introduce any torsions into the clamping device during clamping. Rather, the movable design of the connecting element ensures that such torsions are avoided from the outset. According to the invention, the design is such that the connecting element is rotatably connected to the clamping nut. The connecting element is generally designed to be rotatable about an axis running in the longitudinal direction.The axis usually coincides with the longitudinal axis of the clamping nut and / or the threaded bolt.

[0013] Furthermore, the design is such that the connecting element is coupled to the clamping nut and / or threaded bolt via a bearing. The bearing is typically inserted into the head of the clamping nut and / or threaded bolt. The bearing is usually a pivot bearing.

[0014] In principle, all conceivable types of pivot bearings have proven to be suitable for this purpose. In fact, the pivot bearing can be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, a plain bearing, etc., individually or in combination. The connecting element may, for example, be designed as a connecting eyelet, but can also be designed as a connecting hook or even a combination of these.

[0015] In addition, at least one ratchet is usually connected to the clamping nut to apply the required clamping force to the clamping nut and, consequently, the threaded bolt. In addition to the ratchet, a locking device is usually also provided. The locking device may ensure that, when the ratchet is applied, the clamping nut is secured by the locking device, thus allowing the ratchet to transfer the required clamping force to the clamping nut.

[0016] The locking device can generally engage the threaded bolt and / or the clamping nut. However, the clamping nut is usually equipped with a locking device in addition to the ratchet, which can advantageously be a locking lever. This means that in this case, the locking device or the locking lever does not engage the connecting element, but rather the clamping nut itself, just as the ratchet engages its outer circumference.

[0017] In any case, the fixing device or fixing lever generally ensures, at the very least, that the clamping nut is fixed at least at its respective reversal point when the ratchet is applied during the clamping process. In fact, clamping with the help of the clamping nut and ratchet is carried out in such a way that an extension is connected to the ratchet, for example as a handle or clamping lever. When the clamping nut is actuated, for example to tighten the clamping device connected via the threaded bolt, the clamping nut must be actuated in an actuation direction, for example clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the front. This allows the threaded bolt to penetrate the clamping nut more and more. As a result, the connected clamping device is accordingly subjected to the clamping force generated thereby.

[0018] In order to exert the previously mentioned and exemplary clockwise movement of the clamping nut on the clamping nut with the aid of the ratchet or the connected clamping lever, the clamping lever is moved, for example, from the first reversal point to the second reversal point into engagement with the clamping nut. During the return movement of the clamping lever from the second reversal point to the first reversal point, however, the ratchet and consequently also the clamping lever are not in engagement with the clamping nut. To ensure that the clamping nut is not moved back, for example due to frictional forces, starting from the second reversal point during the return movement of the ratchet, the fixing device or the fixing lever ensures, at least at the second reversal point, that the clamping nut is fixed in the position it has reached. In addition, this controls any torsional forces that are not present anyway according to the invention or are avoided by the rotatable design of the connecting element.

[0019] As soon as the ratchet and, with it, the tensioning lever, have reached the first reversal point, the ratchet can again engage the clamping nut at the first reversal point, allowing the clamping nut to be further tightened in the same direction of actuation (clockwise in the example). As soon as the ratchet and, with it, the tensioning lever, have reached the first reversal point, the locking device or the locking lever is released, allowing the clamping nut to be further tightened in its actuation direction (clockwise in the example).

[0020] The clamping device can generally be equipped with two threaded bolts that engage and interact with the clamping nut. This means that a design comparable to WO 2018 / 073098 A1, as described above, is conceivable. In this case, the two threaded bolts engage opposing threaded sections of the clamping nut and can, in principle, also engage with each other.

[0021] As a rule, however, the clamping device according to the invention is only equipped with a (single) threaded bolt which engages the clamping nut at one end. At the other end, however, the end-side connection element is rotatably connected to the clamping nut. This means that the clamping device connected there can be provided with the required clamping force with the help of the one (single) threaded bolt. At the same time, the connection element provided at the end of the clamping nut and rotatably connected to the clamping nut prevents any torsion in the clamping device. This applies both when the end-side connection element is firmly fixed to a loading area, for example, and when the end-side connection element is additionally coupled to another or the same clamping device.This means that, in a particularly preferred variant, not only a (single) threaded bolt is used, but also such that the connecting element is only connected to the clamping nut, specifically at the end opposite the (single) threaded bolt. In principle, however, the connecting element can also be connected to either the clamping nut or the threaded bolt.

[0022] The result is a clamping device that inherently and inherently prevents torsion from being introduced into the clamping device. As a result, the clamping device can be perfectly equipped with the required clamping force, without the previously described "kicking back" of a clamping lever that is normally provided occurring after the clamping force is removed. This expressly prevents any injuries to an operator. Furthermore, the clamping device according to the invention has the advantage that the applied pre-tensioning force is maintained and does not drop to a lower level, for example, due to dissipating torsion. This is particularly important for the secure and permanent securing of loads on a transport surface. These are the key advantages.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment; in the drawings: Fig. 1 the clamping device according to the invention in an overview, Fig. 2 an enlarged section of the Fig. 1 in the area of ​​the connecting element and Fig. 3 a modified variant of the clamping device according to the Fig. 1 .

[0024] The figures show a tensioning device for tensioning chains 1, belts, ropes, or similar tensioning devices 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the tensioning device or chain 1 is a so-called textile chain, as described in detail in DE 20 2018 105 723 U1, already referred to in the introduction and attributable to the applicant. This means that the chain 1 or textile chain is composed of chain links, each of which is a ring of twisted rope based on plastic threads. The plastic threads themselves are designed as multifilament threads made of plastic fibers and are manufactured from thermoplastic fibers, for example, from PE, PA, PET, PP, etc.

[0025] The overview after the Fig. 1 The tensioning device shown for tensioning the textile chain 1 in the example has at least one tubular tensioning nut 2. At least one threaded bolt 3 interacting with the tubular tensioning nut 2 penetrates into the tubular tensioning nut 2. In fact, the design is such that, according to the exemplary embodiment, the tensioning nut 2 interacts with only one (single) threaded bolt 3, which penetrates into one end of the tensioning nut 2. This end is, according to the exemplary embodiment, the left end of the tubular tensioning nut 2. In contrast, the other end (right end according to the exemplary embodiment) of the tensioning nut 2 is equipped with an end-side connecting element 4. The connecting element 4 in the exemplary embodiment is a connecting eye 4. In general, the connecting element 4 can also be designed as a connecting hook. In addition, the connecting element or the connecting eye 4 can be provided with a Fig. 1 The shackle 5 is coupled to the textile chain 1 shown in the example, to which the textile chain 1 is connected in the example. The threaded bolt 3 is also equipped with a connecting element 4, which is also a connecting eyelet 4 in the example and is not intended to be limiting.

[0026] The special feature of the invention is that the connecting element 4 is movably connected to the clamping nut 2 and / or the threaded bolt 3. This means that the invention fundamentally opens up the possibility of designing the connecting element 4 connected to the threaded bolt 3, the connecting element 4 connected to the clamping nut 2, or both connecting elements 4 to be movable and, in particular, rotatable. In fact, within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, only the connecting element or the connecting eyelet 4 connected to the end of the clamping nut 2 is designed to be movable and rotatable, whereas the threaded bolt 3 is equipped with a connecting element or a connecting eyelet 4 that is firmly connected to the threaded bolt 3.

[0027] The rotation of the connecting element 4 is best understood from the enlarged illustration in the Fig. 2 Here, it can be seen that the clamping nut 2 is coupled at its end to the rotating connecting element in question, or rather, the clamping eyelet 4. The clamping eyelet 4 can be rotated about an axis A, which is the longitudinal axis A of the clamping nut 2. This means that the axis A of the rotational movement of the clamping element 4 coincides with the longitudinal axis A of the clamping nut 2.

[0028] The detailed design is such that the clamping element 4 is rotatably mounted in a connecting block 6. The connecting block 6 is screwed into the clamping nut 2 at its end, and into an already existing and indicated internal thread 7. At the other end of the clamping nut 2, an external thread of the threaded bolt 3, which penetrates into and interacts with the clamping nut 2, also interacts with the internal thread 7. The connecting block 6 is equipped with a bearing 8 or pivot bearing inside.

[0029] The bearing or pivot bearing 8 in the exemplary embodiment is a ball bearing 8. In principle, a roller bearing, a plain bearing, or even combinations of these can also be used here. In any case, the pivot bearing 8 in the connection block 6 ensures that the connection element or the connection eyelet 4 can perform the required rotational movements around the axis or longitudinal axis A of the clamping nut 2, as indicated by a double arrow in the Fig. 2 This means that during a tensioning process on the tensioning nut 2, no torsions are introduced into the textile chain 1 as a whole.

[0030] In fact, the clamping nut 2 is equipped with a connected ratchet 9, 10. The ratchet 9, 10 not only has a clamping lever, but also a toothed ring 10 that is firmly connected to the clamping nut 2, which can be seen individually and in isolation in the Fig. 3 For this purpose, the ratchet 9, 10 is equipped with an additional and not expressly shown tensioning pawl, which engages the gear rim 6, so that the tensioning nut 2 is regularly acted upon in one direction of rotation by means of the ratchet 9, 10, whereas the opposite direction of rotation of the ratchet 9, 10 corresponds to the backward movement or counter-movement, in which no rotational movement is exerted on the tensioning nut 2. In any case, the practically one-sided rotational movement with the aid of the ratchet 9, 10 on the tensioning nut 2 ensures that the threaded bolt 3 increasingly penetrates the tensioning nut 2 and in doing so exerts the desired tensioning forces on the textile chain 1.

[0031] In addition to the ratchet 9, 10, a fixing device (not explicitly shown) can also be implemented, which can engage the clamping nut 2 or the connecting element 4 and thus the threaded bolt 3, as already described in the introduction. Fig. 3 A further variant is shown in which two threaded bolts 3 are provided that penetrate into and interact with the clamping nut 2. Furthermore, the threaded bolts 3 are designed such that one threaded bolt 3 can also penetrate into a hollow bore of the other threaded bolt 3 in order to achieve a particularly long adjustment path of the clamping device, as described in detail in WO 2018 / 073098 A1, already mentioned in the introduction. Furthermore, the design in this case is such that the two threaded bolts 3 engage in opposing threaded sections 7 of the clamping nut 2.

[0032] In the context of the exemplary embodiment, the movable or rotatable connection element 4 is only connected to the threaded bolt 3. For this purpose, the connection block 6 is screwed into an internal thread 7' of the threaded bolt 3. In contrast, the opposite threaded bolt 3 has a fixed and non-rotatable connection element or a corresponding connection eyelet 4. In principle, the opposite procedure can also be used. Variants are also conceivable in which both connection elements 4 are each designed to be rotatable. This, however, is not shown. Furthermore, a variant with only one rotatable connection eyelet 4 is particularly advantageous in terms of handling, wherein in this case the rotatable connection eyelet 4 is connected to one end of the clamping nut 2, as is the case with the Fig. 1 represents.

Claims

1. Tensioning device for tensioning chains (1), belts, cables or similar clamping means (1), with at least one tubular clamping nut (2) as well as at least one threaded bolt (3) entering into clamping nut (2) and interacting therewith, wherein the clamping nut (2) and / or the threaded bolt (3) is / are provided with an end-side connecting element (4), more particularly for coupling to the clamping nut (1), and wherein the connecting element (4) is moveably connected to the clamping nut (2) and / or the threaded bolt (3), characterised in that the connecting element (4) is rotatably incorporated in a connection block (6), which at the end is screwed into the clamping nut (2) and an internal thread (7) present therein, wherein at the other end of the clamping nut (2), an external thread of the threaded bolt (3) entering into and interacting with the clamping nut (2) interacts with the internal thread (7), and wherein the connection block (6) is provided in its interior with a bearing (8) or pivot bearing (8).

2. Tensioning device according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (4) is designed to be rotatable about an axis (A) extending in the longitudinal direction.

3. Tensioning device according to claim 2, characterised in that the axis (A) coincides with the longitudinal axis (A) of the clamping nut (2) and / or the threaded bolt (3).

4. Tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connecting element (4) is connected to the clamping nut (2) with the interspersion of a bearing (8).

5. Tensioning device according to claim 4, characterised in that the head side of the bearing (8) is inserted into the clamping nut (2).

6. Tensioning device according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the bearing (8) is designed as a pivot bearing (8).

7. Tensioning device according to claim 6, characterised in that the beating (8) is a ball bearing, roller bearing, sliding bearing etc., individually or in combination.

8. Tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the connecting element (4) is designed as a connecting eyelet (4).

9. Tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that at least one ratchet (9, 10) connected to the clamping nut is provided.

10. Tensioning device according to claim 9, characterised in that in addition to the ratchet (9, 10), a fixing device is provided.

11. Tensioning device according to claim 10, characterised in that the fixing device engages on the threaded bolt (3) and / or the clamping nut (2).