Clamping unit and storage unit with at least one clamping unit

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping unit for clamping a first and an opposite second side wall of a storage unit, in particular a carton, in a clamped state. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a storage unit for receiving bulk material, comprising at least one clamping unit according to the invention.

[0002] A storage unit comprising a clamping unit for the transport and storage of bulk material is already known from the applicant's utility model DE 20 2006 015 624 U1. The known storage unit forms a space for receiving the bulk material between a total of four side walls arranged in pairs opposite one another. Two opposing side walls are clamped together by a clamping unit in such a way that the weight force acting on the side walls is reduced. Due to the reduced force acting on the side walls, the side walls can be made thinner, which means that both the manufacturing costs of the storage unit can be reduced due to material savings and the transport costs of the bulk material using the storage unit can be reduced due to the larger bulk material volume.

[0003] The tensioning unit, which is designed as a separate component from the storage unit, comprises a tensioning strand that extends between a first tensioning anchor and a free end. The tensioning strand comprises a locking region with a plurality of adjacent locking steps. Furthermore, the known tensioning strand comprises a second tensioning anchor, which is formed by a separate component and comprises locking means designed for releasable securing in one of the locking steps. In a tensioned state, two opposite side walls can thus be tensioned by the tensioning strand, with both tensioning anchors forming a force application surface, each of which rests on the outside against one of the side walls of the storage unit.

[0004] To insert the locking means into one of the locking steps, the second tensioning anchor comprises a slot-like recess for forming a guide for securing the tensioning anchor, which opens into the locking means. By using the known tensioning unit, several storage units, which have a rectangular base and thin side walls, can be arranged in a space-saving manner in a loading space, especially stacked, which enables the efficient transport of the bulk material.

[0005] From DE 10 2020 116 A1, a tensioning unit including tensioning cord of the applicant is known, in which the tensioning cord has several locking sections and thus allows adaptation to transport and storage units with different dimensions.

[0006] From EP 2 865 902 A1, a connecting device for a construction system and a construction system for furniture is also known, in which a tension rod is fastened or screwed on both sides in order to press components against each other.

[0007] US Pat. No. 3,938,587 A discloses a tensioning fixture for installing an oil cooler in an engine system. The tensioning system consists of two tensioning anchors and a tensioning strand, which features a tooth-like locking area along most of its length. One of the tensioning anchors includes an inlet opening with a locking mechanism, allowing this tensioning anchor to be fixed at the desired position along the tensioning strand.

[0008] US 2014 / 0072386 A1 and US 2017 / 0045073 A1 also describe tensioning fixtures with two tension anchors, with one tension anchor initially arranged independently and the second tension anchor attached to a tensioning strand. A long locking area is formed on the tensioning strand, within which the movable tension anchor can be positioned in its entry opening by a locking mechanism.

[0009] GB 2 541 495 A describes a tensioning fixture that features, on the one hand, a clip mechanism to which the tensioning cable is attached, and, on the other hand, a movable disc-shaped tensioning anchor. Here, too, the tensioning cable features a locking area extending over most of its length, to which the movable tensioning anchor can be secured by a locking mechanism.

[0010] However, one of the second tensioning anchors located on the outside, which are designed to be detachable from the tensioning strand, can be subjected to a force during loading or unloading, for example, by a side edge of an adjacent storage unit or the tensioning anchor of the adjacent storage unit in the area of ​​the slot or slot-like recess. If this force acts on the second tensioning anchor in the direction of the guide, this can, in the worst case, result in the second tensioning anchor becoming dislodged from the locking step, which then leads directly to a collision with the storage unit due to the weight of the bulk material acting on the side walls. This leads to complex cleanup work and causes considerable time loss.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention is based on the object of overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a tensioning unit and a storage unit in which, even when several storage units are arranged directly adjacent, the accidental release of the second anchor unit from the tendon strand is significantly less likely or even less likely.

[0012] The object is achieved by the clamping unit having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a storage unit with at least one clamping unit according to the invention.

[0013] Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims. The scope of the invention includes all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the claims, and / or the figures.

[0014] Within the scope of the present invention, a clamping unit is provided for clamping opposite side walls, in particular a first and an opposite second side wall, of a storage unit, in particular a carton, in a clamped state.

[0015] The tensioning unit according to the invention comprises a tensioning strand which comprises a first tensioning anchor, extends from the first tensioning anchor along a longitudinal direction to a free end and comprises at least one locking region with a plurality of locking steps arranged adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction between the first tensioning anchor and the free end, wherein the first tensioning anchor, in the tensioned state, forms a first force introduction surface for the first side wall for externally supporting one of the side walls, in particular the first side wall.

[0016] Furthermore, the tensioning unit according to the invention comprises a second tensioning anchor which can be connected to the tensioning strand for supporting one of the other side walls, in particular the opposite second side wall, by forming a further force application surface, wherein the second tensioning anchor comprises locking means which are designed to cooperate with the locking region such that the second tensioning anchor can be fixed in one of the locking stages.

[0017] According to the invention, it is now provided that the second tensioning anchor comprises an outer section with an outer contour that is completely closed in the circumferential direction and an inner section with an inlet opening for passing through and / or inserting the free end of the tensioning strand and for guiding and / or positioning the locking region formed by the tensioning strand in the tensioned state.

[0018] The second tensioning anchor is designed as a separate component from the tendon strand and, in particular, from the first tensioning anchor. The second tensioning anchor can be connected to the tendon strand to achieve the tensioning state. For this purpose, the second tensioning anchor includes locking means, which are designed to secure the second tensioning anchor in one of the locking positions.

[0019] The locking steps encompassed by the tensioning strand are formed adjacent to one another in the locking region with respect to the longitudinal extent of the tensioning strand. Advantageously, the distance extending between the first tensioning anchor and the second tensioning anchor can thus be adjusted in steps, which is why the tensioning unit according to the invention can be adapted to storage units of different widths and / or lengths. Advantageously, this ensures that the first force application surface formed by the first tensioning anchor and the further force application surface formed by the second tensioning anchor are optimally, preferably evenly, aligned.

[0020] The outer section is understood to be a region of the second stressing anchor that forms the outer contour of the second stressing anchor. The outer contour represents a frame element or a housing element that is completely closed, in particular with respect to a circumferential direction. In the tensioned state, the circumferential direction runs around the tendon strand, which extends along the longitudinal direction. In a preferred plate-, donut-, or plate-shaped design of the second stressing anchor, the outer section is arranged on the outside or radially outside around the inner section and completely encloses it in the circumferential direction. In other words, the outer section forms an outer contour for the inner section that completely encloses, preferably frames, the inner section.

[0021] The inner section is enclosed and / or framed by the outer section in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the inner section comprises the inlet opening, which is designed for inserting the free end and thus the tensioning strand and arranges or aligns the locking region relative to the locking means such that the locking means can be fixed in one of the locking stages in order to connect the second tensioning anchor, in particular in a force-fitting manner, to the second tensioning anchor.

[0022] To fix the second tension anchor in one of the locking stages, the tension cord must be inserted into the inlet opening starting from the free end and then guided and / or pushed through the inlet opening until the locking means are fixed in a suitable locking stage and the second tension anchor rests against the side wall of the storage unit, in particular on the outside of the second side wall, in order to form the further force application surface for the second side wall through the second tension anchor.

[0023] The inlet opening is preferably formed as a material recess or material cutout in the inner section. In the tensioned state, the locking means preferably come into active contact with the locking region and thus the tensioning strand on the circumferential side, more preferably on two or four opposite sides of the tensioning strand. Therefore, the locking steps in the tensioning strand are preferably formed along the entire circumferential direction. This advantageously leads to a reliable fixation of the second tensioning anchor in the locking region of the tensioning strand, thus making the tensioning unit robust and able to withstand high tensile forces.

[0024] The inventive design of the second stressing anchor leads to improved securing of the second stressing anchor in one of the locking stages in the tensioned state. Due to the complete encirclement of the tendon strand by the second stressing anchor, in particular by the outer section, accidental release of the second stressing anchor, in particular the lateral displacement of the second stressing anchor as is possible in the generic prior art, is largely prevented during loading and unloading despite lateral force being applied to the second anchor unit. The omission of the slot-like recess reduces the opportunities for attack that could lead to unintentional release of the stressing anchor.The handling of the clamping unit according to the invention and / or the handling of a storage unit with the clamping unit according to the invention is thus simplified, in particular when loading and unloading a loading space of a truck with a plurality of storage units that are arranged and / or stacked directly adjacent to one another, since it is no longer possible for the second clamping anchor to be accidentally released from the locking area.

[0025] The separation and / or redetachment of the second tensioning anchor from the tensioning strand may - as will be explained in more detail below - be possible or impossible depending on the design of the tensioning anchor, whereby preference may be given to a corresponding tensioning anchor depending on the field of application or specific use case of the tensioning unit. In order to detach the tensioning unit from the storage unit in a tensioning anchor not covered by the invention for which redetachment is not provided, i.e. to end the tensioned state, for example in order to convert a foldable storage unit into its original flat state for return transport for reuse, the tensioning unit must be divided, preferably cut, and thus destroyed, in particular in the area of ​​the tensioning strand. In this case, the tensioning unit, in particular the tensioning strand, is designed as a disposable product and is in particular not reused after use.The advantage, however, is that accidental release of the tensioning anchor is completely prevented. According to the invention, as described in more detail below, a tensioning anchor is used that significantly reduces, though not eliminates, the risk of accidental release through the circumferentially closed outer section according to the invention, thereby avoiding the known slot-like recess. At the same time, it can be reversibly separated from the tendon strand without causing damage and reused.

[0026] In the following, a first, alternative embodiment of the tension anchor is described which is not covered by the invention and which does not provide for a non-destructive release of the tension anchor.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise an edge portion that completely frames and / or delimits the inlet opening, wherein the edge portion is designed such that it can be fixed in one of the locking steps of the locking region.

[0028] The edge section is preferably formed by a region of the inner section which surrounds the inlet opening in the circumferential direction, preferably directly delimits it, more preferably formed within the second tensioning anchor and / or the inner section. The edge section, which extends circumferentially of the inlet opening in a depth and / or radial direction towards the outer section, is designed to vary in terms of depth and / or radial direction and / or to have different widths and / or thicknesses. The edge section can, for example, have a round or oval or jagged or star-shaped configuration and thus comprise a round, oval, jagged or star-shaped inlet opening, i.e. an inlet opening with a round or oval or jagged or star-shaped inner contour.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferably provided in this context that the plurality of locking steps or latching steps have a sawtooth-shaped contour in longitudinal section with obliquely aligned sliding surfaces and vertically aligned end faces in order to fix the second tensioning anchor in such a way that when the second tensioning anchor is inserted, an elastic deformation of the edge section initially occurs as it slides along the various sliding surfaces, wherein the edge section is then aligned substantially parallel to the end face and at least partially abuts against it in order to prevent the second tensioning anchor from being led out counter to the insertion direction.

[0030] In In a preferred embodiment, the edge section comprises at least three, preferably at least four, locking lugs, which are in particular cake-shaped and which project partially into the inlet opening in such a way that the at least three, preferably at least four, locking lugs can be brought into engagement with one of the locking steps at the end.

[0031] The locking lugs are preferably designed such that they interact with the locking steps at the ends to secure the second tensioning anchor in the locking area. Furthermore, the locking lugs are preferably arranged opposite one another and / or spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction and / or evenly distributed, and are particularly designed such that the locking lugs elastically deform when the second tensioning anchor is inserted into one of the locking steps, particularly when sliding over the sliding surfaces.

[0032] In a further development, it is provided that the at least three locking lugs are delimited in the circumferential direction by at least three slot-shaped material recesses, or that the at least four locking lugs are delimited in the circumferential direction by at least four slot-shaped material recesses.

[0033] In other words, the edge portion comprises at least three, preferably at least four, slot-shaped material recesses, which are arranged in particular in the circumferential direction between two adjacent locking lugs. The slot-shaped material recesses are preferably formed in the inner portion and can preferably also extend in some areas in the outer portion.

[0034] Advantageously, the slot-shaped material recesses that limit the locking lugs in the circumferential direction lead to improved elastic deformation of the locking lugs.

[0035] In a further development, it is provided that the locking means, in particular the inner section, are arranged in a recess and / or depression formed by the second tensioning anchor, in particular by the outer section, such that in the tensioned state at least one of the locking steps can be arranged in the recess and / or depression.

[0036] In the clamped state, the recess and / or depression advantageously prevents an end portion of the tensioning cord from projecting beyond the locking step in which the locking means are secured. Advantageously, in the clamped state, the tensioning cord is shortened using side cutters so that the portion of the tensioning cord projecting beyond the locking means in the longitudinal direction, in particular the end portion, is completely accommodated in the depression.

[0037] This also improves the handling of the storage unit, as there is no risk of damage to another storage unit when it is arranged directly adjacent to it due to a sharp cutting edge of the shortened tensioning strand.

[0038] The embodiment of the second stressing anchor according to the invention is described below, which significantly reduces the risk of unintentional release and at the same time enables the non-destructive reuse of the stressing anchor and tendon strand or a re-release of the second stressing anchor.

[0039] According to the invention, it is provided that the inlet opening for inserting the free end and for guiding and / or positioning the locking area in the clamped state has two sections, wherein a first section with a larger cross section enables the insertion of the free end and a second section with a smaller cross section enables the positioning or fastening of the locking area in the clamped state.

[0040] The larger cross-section is, quite naturally, designed to be larger than the maximum diameter of the stressing anchor. This allows the free end and other sections of the tendon strand to pass through the first section of the entry opening with the larger cross-section. The smaller cross-section of the second section of the entry opening is designed to enable clamping or locking with the locking area, particularly with the locking steps of the locking area, thus achieving and maintaining a tensioned state.

[0041] The function or operation of the tensioning anchor in this embodiment is basically such that the tensioning strand is first inserted with the free end through the first section of the inlet opening and the tensioning strand is brought into tension or tightened and in the tightened state the tensioning anchor is displaced relative to or moved relative to the tensioning strand in such a way that, preferably without reducing or removing the pretension, the tensioning strand, in particular the locking area, is transferred into the second section of the inlet opening and causes a locking or jamming there.This relative movement is preferably reversible or can be carried out in reverse, so that a release of the tensioning state can be achieved non-destructively by displacing or moving the tensioning anchor relative to the tensioning strand, in particular the locking area, so that the latter returns from the second section of the inlet opening into the first section of the inlet opening, in which the tension can then be released and the tensioning anchor can be released or removed.

[0042] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first and second sections of the inlet opening can be connected to each other via a constriction. The constriction thus represents a resistance that must be overcome when transferring the tensioning cord from the first section to the second section and vice versa. In other words, the constriction and its overcoming with the tensioning cord lead to the establishment and release of the tensioning state, respectively.

[0043] Likewise, in a particularly preferred further embodiment, it can be provided that the second section of the inlet opening has a widening cross-section in the longitudinal direction, preferably in the shape of a truncated cone, in particular with an expansion angle that essentially corresponds to an angle between adjacent locking steps of the locking region. This can particularly advantageously achieve a relatively large-area contact and thus a relatively large-area positive connection between the locking region, in particular the locking steps, of the tensioning strand on the one hand and the second tensioning anchor on the other hand in the tensioned state in which the tensioning strand runs through the second section of the inlet opening, so that a particularly secure and reliable bracing, in particular locking or clamping, between the tensioning strand and the tensioning anchor can be established.

[0044] It can also be advantageously provided in one embodiment that the constriction is designed to be elastically deformable on one side or both sides.

[0045] The terms "one-sided" and "bilateral" should not be confused or equated with the terms "in one direction" or "in both directions." The transition between the first section and the second section of the inlet opening is achieved along the contour of the inlet opening by two essentially opposite sections of the contour. Unilateral deformability of the constriction should therefore be understood to mean that one of these sections of the contour is deformable. Accordingly, bilateral deformability should be understood to mean that both, preferably opposite, sections of the contour of the inlet opening that form or delimit the constriction exhibit elastic deformability.

[0046] The deformability serves to ensure that the tendon strand can be transferred from the first section of the inlet opening into the second section of the inlet opening with relatively small forces, preferably with a temporary deformation, in particular widening, of the constriction and, after passing the constriction, the best possible and secure locking or fastening of the stressing anchor to the tendon strand is nevertheless achieved, in particular by partially or completely returning or reshaping the elastically deformable constriction to its original shape.

[0047] The same applies to the return transfer of the tendon from the second section of the inlet opening to the first section of the inlet opening.

[0048] Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageously provided that the deformability of the constriction is achieved by material recesses in areas of the inner section of the stressing anchor located radially outward from the constriction. The elastic deformability of the constriction can be created and adjusted particularly easily through appropriate material recesses. This is because the further the material recesses are from the constriction, the stiffer the elastic deformability of the constriction will be. Such material recesses can be implemented simultaneously, easily and cost-effectively, without any particular challenges, for example, as part of an injection molding process for producing the second stressing anchor.

[0049] According to a likewise particularly preferred embodiment of the clamping unit, the material recesses can be arranged such that the constriction is delimited by material webs acting as springs. This advantageously ensures that the constriction has a corresponding prestress and thus a correspondingly high elastic restoring force or tendency to return to its original position. This allows for deformation of the material webs acting as springs, while at the same time, after the tensioning strand has passed through the constriction, a high restoring force or tendency to return to its original position ensures that the constriction is partially or completely deformed back to its original position, thus ensuring good and secure fixation of the stressing anchor and reliable production and maintenance of the clamped state.

[0050] In In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it can also be provided that the outer section, preferably on an outer edge, has a projection that is arranged essentially in the extension of a center point of the first section of the inlet opening and a center point of the second section of the inlet opening. The projection can be used, with appropriate tools or without tools, to effect the movement or displacement of the tensioning anchor, essentially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the tendon, by a relative movement with respect to the tensioning anchor, and in doing so to transfer the tendon from the first section of the inlet opening to the second section of the inlet opening, or vice versa.

[0051] In In a preferred embodiment, the locking steps in the tensioning strand are formed on at least two opposite outer sides of the tensioning strand.

[0052] In other words, the plurality of locking steps or latching steps, which preferably have a sawtooth-shaped contour with obliquely aligned sliding surfaces and vertically aligned end faces in a longitudinal section, are preferably formed on two opposite outer sides of the tendon and thus also interact with at least two latching lugs. The locking means and the locking area are thus advantageously designed to be robust in order to prevent the second stressing anchor from becoming loose from one of the locking steps in which it was previously secured, even under high forces.

[0053] In a further development, it is provided that the tensioning strand has a round or oval cross-sectional area, wherein in this context it is further provided that the locking steps are designed to be continuous, in particular flat and / or uniform, on the circumferential side of the tensioning strand.

[0054] Furthermore, it is intended that the end section of the tensioning strand form a point at the free end to allow penetration of a side wall. This advantageously allows for tool-free assembly of the tensioning unit.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning strand for forming the locking steps comprises a sequence and / or series and / or chain of truncated cone sections, each comprising an annular end face, which are designed such that the locking means, in particular the edge section or the locking lugs, can be brought into engagement with one of the annular end faces of one of the truncated cone sections.

[0056] The annular end faces, which are formed by the round tendon in the radial direction, thus connect two lateral surfaces of two adjacent truncated cone sections.

[0057] To fix the second stressing anchor, the free end of the tendon strand is inserted into the inlet opening, whereby the elastically deformable edge section and / or the elastically deformable locking lugs slide over the inclined surface when the second stressing anchor is moved relative to the tendon strand.

[0058] Within the scope of a further development, it is provided that the first tensioning anchor and / or the second tensioning anchor is plate-shaped and comprises at least one stiffening element formed in the radial direction, which is in particular rod-shaped or web-shaped.

[0059] Advantageously, the stiffening element formed in the radial direction in the inner and / or outer sections leads to improved dimensional stability of the second tensioning anchor. At the same time, the stiffening elements lead to a beneficial reduction in material, which makes the tensioning unit more cost-effective to manufacture.

[0060] In a further development, it is provided that the first tensioning anchor and the tensioning strand are formed monolithically and / or in one piece and / or integrally with each other and can be or are produced in particular by means of injection molding technology from a single casting, in particular an injection molding.

[0061] The monolithic production of the first stressing anchor together with the tendon strand results in a cost-effective manufacturing method for the tensioning unit. Furthermore, the monolithic connection between the first stressing anchor and the tendon strand maximizes the maximum tensile force acting on the first stressing anchor in the tensioned state. For large quantities, injection molding technology allows for low manufacturing costs for the tensioning unit.

[0062] In a further development, the tensioning cord comprises at least two locking regions that extend in different sections with respect to the longitudinal extent of the tensioning cord. Preferably, at least one connecting section is arranged between a first locking region and a second locking region, which connects the first locking region to the second locking region in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] In particular, the connecting section does not comprise any locking steps and preferably differs in its surface quality from the at least two locking areas.

[0064] In connection with rectangular storage units, a tensioning unit can thus be used for tensioning across the width extension by means of the first locking area and for tensioning across the length extension by means of the second locking area.

[0065] A preferred development further provides that the tensioning strand is designed in the longitudinal direction such that the first locking region is designed to cooperate with opposite, spaced-apart side walls of a storage unit in the range of substantially 600 mm, in particular between 540 mm and 630 mm, and that the at least one second locking region is designed to cooperate with opposite, spaced-apart side walls of a storage unit in the range of substantially 800 mm, in particular between 740 mm and 830 mm.

[0066] A particularly preferred development further provides that the tensioning strand comprises a third locking region, wherein the third locking region is designed to interact with opposite side walls of a storage unit in the region of substantially 1200 mm, in particular starting from the first tensioning anchor between 1140 mm and 1230 mm.

[0067] Alternatively, it is also preferred if the first locking region and the third locking region are interchanged. Thus, in this embodiment, the first locking region is designed to interact with opposite side walls of a storage unit in a region of substantially 1200 mm and then extends, in particular, from the first tensioning anchor in a range of 1140 mm to 1230 mm. The third locking region is correspondingly designed, in particular, in a region of substantially 600 mm and then extends, in particular, from the first tensioning anchor in a range of 540 mm to 630 mm.

[0068] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, protection is also claimed for a storage unit, in particular a carton, with opposite side walls, in particular carton walls, which delimit a receiving space for bulk material, in particular plastic granulate, on the shell side and comprise at least one clamping unit according to the invention for clamping two opposite side walls.

[0069] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions of preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

[0070] These show in Fig. 1a, b: various views of a tensioning unit not encompassed by the invention with a fixed second tensioning anchor according to a first, alternative embodiment; Fig. 2a, b: a side view and a detailed view on an enlarged scale of the tensioning strand according to the first, alternative embodiment not according to the invention; Fig. 3a-f: various views of the second tensioning anchor according to the already known first, alternative embodiment not according to the invention and Fig. 4: a perspective side view of a storage unit which, for tensioning opposite side walls, comprises a total of two tensioning units designed according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5a to Fig. 5f: various views of the second tensioning anchor according to a second embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 6a to Fig.6b: two views of the second stressing anchor according to the second embodiment of the invention in different states or positions with respect to a tendon strand.

[0071] The Fig. 1a shows a tensioning unit 1 not encompassed by the invention with a fixed second tensioning anchor 7 according to a first embodiment in a perspective view. The tensioning unit 1 comprises a tensioning strand 2, which extends along a longitudinal direction L from a first tensioning anchor 3 to a free end 4 formed by the tensioning strand 2, which in the Fig. 2a shown.

[0072] Between the first tensioning anchor 3 and the free end 4, the tensioning strand 2 comprises at least one locking region 5 with a plurality of locking steps 61, 62, 63 adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction L, which are arranged in the Fig. 2a are shown and are designed to interact with locking means 9 of the second tensioning anchor 7 in such a way that the second tensioning anchor 7, which is designed as a separate and thus connectable component to the tensioning strand 2 having the first tensioning anchor 3, can be fixed in one of the locking stages 61-63.

[0073] The second tension anchor 7 comprises an outer section 10 with an outer contour 11 that is completely closed in the circumferential direction and has an inner section 12 with an inlet opening 13. The inlet opening 13 is designed for inserting the free end 4 of the tensioning strand 2 and guides and / or positions the locking region 5 of the tensioning strand 2 in a tensioned state of the tensioning unit 1, which will be described in more detail later.

[0074] The first tensioning anchor 3 is plate-shaped and extends radially to the round tensioning strand 2 in order to form, in the tensioned state, a first force application surface 6 for a first or third side wall 101, 103 of a Fig. 4 illustrated storage unit 100 and thus to support it.

[0075] In the Fig. 1b the already known clamping unit 1, not covered by the invention, is shown in a schematic side view with a sectional view in the area of ​​the locking means 9.

[0076] The tensioning strand 2, which has a round cross-sectional area, forms the locking steps 61-63 by a sequence of truncated cone sections 18, which are each arranged directly adjacent to one another.

[0077] The locking means 9, which are shown here in a partial longitudinal section, comprise an edge section 14 which completely surrounds the inlet opening 13 radially on the outside circumferential side and can be fixed on the inside in one of the locking steps 61-63 when the second tensioning anchor 7 is in the fixed state.

[0078] With reference to the Fig. 3a It is clear that the edge section 14 is formed by four locking lugs 71-74, which have a triangular or pie-shaped configuration. Furthermore, the sectional view of the locking means 9 shows that these form a depression 16. In other words, the rear side of the second tensioning anchor 7 is partially recessed in the region of the inner section 12 toward the rear outer side of the second tensioning anchor 7, such that, when the second tensioning anchor 7 is in the fixed state, at least one of the locking steps 61-63 can be arranged completely in the depression 16.

[0079] When connecting the second tensioning anchor 7 to the tensioning strand 2 to achieve the tensioning state, the tensioning strand 2, in particular the free end 4 of the tensioning strand 2, is first inserted through the inlet opening 13 and the second tensioning anchor 7 is then moved and / or guided along the tensioning strand 2 against the longitudinal direction L into one of the locking stages 61-63 of the locking area 5.

[0080] Due to the design of the locking lugs 71-74, the displacement of the second tension anchor 7 opposite to the insertion direction, i.e. in the longitudinal direction L, is not possible after the locking means 9 have been fixed in a locking stage 61-63.

[0081] Advantageously, a further force application surface 8 for a second or fourth side wall 102, 104 is also formed by the second tensioning anchor 7 in order to clamp two opposite side walls 101, 102, 103, 104 of a storage unit 100 by means of the clamping unit 1.

[0082] After the second tension anchor 7 has been secured in the appropriate locking position 61-63, the tensioning strand 2 comprises an end region arranged in the longitudinal direction L behind the locking means 9 and extending to the free end 4 of the tensioning strand 2. The end region of the tensioning strand 2 is preferably severed, in particular using side cutters. This advantageously prevents the protruding end region of the tensioning strand 2 and / or the loose end of the tensioning strand 2 from causing adverse interference when arranging and / or storing multiple storage units 100 in close proximity.

[0083] In other words, the end region of the tensioning strand 2 is defined by a partial region of the tensioning strand 2 which extends in the longitudinal direction L behind the selected locking stage in which the locking means 9 were fixed.

[0084] By separating the end region, an end piece 25 of the tensioning strand 2 is created, which extends from the locking step in which the locking means 9 are fixed to the cut surface of the tensioning strand 2 created by separating the end region. The end piece 25 can preferably be arranged completely in the depression 16 in the clamped state to prevent any negative impact, particularly due to the sharp cutting edge.

[0085] The Fig. 2a shows the tensioning strand 2 in a side view. This illustration shows that the tensioning strand 2 comprises a total of three locking regions 51, 52, 53 between the first tensioning anchor 3 and the free end 4. The locking regions 51-53 extend circumferentially of the tensioning strand 2 along the longitudinal direction L in a region X of essentially 30 mm each. Each locking region 51-53 comprises a plurality of locking steps 61-63, which enable the second tensioning anchor 7 to be secured and thus achieve a step-like adaptation of the tensioning unit 1 to the dimensions of the storage unit 100.

[0086] Furthermore, it can be seen from the side view that the tensioning cord 2 comprises a tip 21 and a handle section 22 at the free end 4 in order to push the tensioning cord 2 by means of the tip 21 through the side wall 101-104 of a storage unit 100 made of cardboard.

[0087] Between the first locking region 51 and the second locking region 52, the tensioning strand 2 comprises a connecting section 20. Furthermore, the tensioning strand 2 comprises a further connecting section 20 between the second locking region 52 and the third locking region 53. In the connecting section 20, the tensioning strand 2 does not comprise any locking steps 61-63. Preferably, the tensioning strand 2 comprises a width extension Z of substantially 2.5 mm in the connecting section 20.

[0088] The Fig. 2b shows sections of the third locking area 53 of the tensioning strand 2 on an enlarged scale. The locking area 53 is formed by a sequence of several truncated conical sections 18. Each truncated conical section 18 comprises an annular end face 17 and a sliding surface 23 on the shell side.

[0089] The annular end face 17 is designed to project radially from the tensioning strand 2 and thus lies in a plane oriented perpendicular to the tensioning strand 2. The shell-side sliding surface 23 comprises, in a longitudinal section, an outer contour formed at an angle to the tensioning strand 2. In other words, the locking region 53 in the illustrated embodiment comprises, in longitudinal section, a substantially sawtooth-shaped outer contour formed over the entire circumference of the tensioning strand 2.

[0090] The truncated cone sections 18 are designed such that the locking lugs 71-74 engage at the end with one of the annular end faces 17 in order to thus enable the displacement of the second tensioning anchor 7 along the tensioning strand 2 only against the longitudinal direction L.

[0091] The truncated cone sections 18 enable the locking means 9 to come into operative contact with one of the annular end faces 17 at any circumferential position in order to transmit a force from the second tensioning anchor 7 into the tensioning strand 2. In the present embodiment, each truncated cone section 18 has a longitudinal extension Lx of substantially 2 mm in the longitudinal direction L.

[0092] When the second tensioning anchor 7 is guided along the tensioning strand 2 to establish the tensioning state, the locking lugs 71-74 deform elastically in the locking area 5, which is achieved by the sliding surfaces 23 of the truncated cone sections 18, which rise with respect to the insertion direction. In the tensioned state, the radially aligned end faces 17 form a force application surface for the end regions of the locking lugs 71-74 in order to transfer a force from the second tensioning anchor 7 into the tensioning strand 2 and thus achieve the tensioning of the side walls.

[0093] The Fig. 3a bis 3f show the second tensioning anchor 7, which is designed as a separate component from the tensioning strand 2, according to the first embodiment not according to the invention in individual representation from different views.

[0094] The Fig. 3a shows the second tension anchor 7 in a rear view. The second tension anchor 7 has a plate-shaped configuration with the round, completely closed outer contour 11, which is formed by the outer section 10 of the second tension anchor 7.

[0095] The outer portion 10 is arranged radially outwardly of the inner portion 12 of the second tensioning anchor 7, which includes the inlet opening 13 arranged in the center of the plate-shaped second tensioning anchor 7.

[0096] As already mentioned, the inlet opening 13 is framed and / or limited by the edge section 14 on the circumference and / or radially on the outside.

[0097] The edge section 14 comprises the four locking lugs 71-74 already mentioned. The four locking lugs 71-74 are each circumferentially delimited and / or defined within the inner section 12 by a slot-shaped material recess 15, each extending radially from the inlet opening 13. The material recess 15 has a width D1 of substantially 0.8 mm and, starting from the center point and / or the inlet opening 13, a length D2 / 2 of substantially 10 mm.

[0098] The Fig. 3b shows a sectional view of the second stressing anchor 7 according to the Fig. 3a Perspective A shown. The locking means 9 of the second tensioning anchor 7 are designed such that the locking lugs 71-74 form the recess 16 in the inner section 12. Advantageously, the end piece 25 of the tensioning strand 2 can thus be arranged completely in the recess 16 after the loose end 4 of the tensioning strand 2 has been severed.

[0099] Furthermore, the longitudinal section shows the dimensions of the second tensioning anchor 7 according to the first embodiment. The diameter D4 of the plate-shaped second tensioning anchor 7 is substantially 100 mm, with the outer section 10 in the region of the outer contour 11 having a thickness D6 of substantially 2 mm. The depth D5 of the formed depression 16 is substantially 5 mm in the present case.

[0100] The Fig. 3c shows the second tensioning anchor 7 in a front view. In addition to the inlet opening 13 formed centrally in the second tensioning anchor 7, the plurality of stiffening elements 19 encompassed by the second tensioning anchor 7 are visible. These stiffening elements extend from the inner section 12 in the radial direction over the outer section 10 to the outer contour 11 and thus form the force application surface 8 in the clamped state.

[0101] The Fig. 3d und 3e show a further sectional view of the second stressing anchor 7 according to the Fig. 3c Perspective C. The depression 16 and / or indentation formed by the locking lugs 71-74 is again visible. Furthermore, the Fig. 3e , which is an enlarged part of the Fig. 3d that the locking lugs 71-74 comprise an end surface 24 inclined towards the inlet opening 13, which is designed such that, in the fixed state, it rests on the sliding surface 23 formed by the tensioning strand 2 in the locking region 5. Due to the inclined end surface 24, the inlet opening 13 has a diameter D3 of substantially 2.2 mm, with two opposite end surfaces 24 spanning an angle β of substantially 60° in longitudinal section.

[0102] Furthermore, in the Fig. 3f The known second tensioning anchor 7 is shown in a perspective view. The web-shaped stiffening elements 19 are visible, which extend radially in the plate-shaped second tensioning anchor 7 and thus rest on one of the side surfaces in the tensioned state to form the additional force application surface 8.

[0103] In the Fig. 4 A storage unit 100 made of cardboard is shown. The storage unit 100 comprises four side walls 101-104, which laterally delimit a receiving space for bulk material.

[0104] The storage unit 100 comprises a first clamping unit 1a for clamping the first and second side walls 101, 102 across the width of the storage unit 100 and a second clamping unit 1b for clamping the third and fourth side walls 103, 104 across the length of the storage unit 100.

[0105] In the clamped state, the first clamping anchor 3a of the first clamping unit 1a rests on the outside of the first side wall 101 in order to form a force input surface 6a for this side wall 101 and the second clamping anchor 7a of the first clamping unit 1a rests on the outside of the second side wall 102 in order to form a further force input surface 8a for this side wall 102.

[0106] The first clamping unit 1a and the second clamping unit 1b are the same component, wherein the second clamping anchor 7a of the first clamping unit 1a is fixed for clamping the storage unit 100 across the width extension in the first locking area 51a and the second clamping anchor 7b of the second clamping unit 1b is fixed for clamping the storage unit 100 along the length extension in the second locking area 52b.

[0107] Fig. 5a shows a perspective view of a second stressing anchor 7 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The stressing anchor 7 has an outer section 10 with an outer contour 11 that is completely closed in the circumferential direction and an inner section 12 with an inlet opening 13.

[0108] In the front view of the tension anchor 7 in the Fig. 5b It can be seen that the inlet opening 13 has a first section 26 with a larger cross-section Q1, in particular with a larger radius, and a second section 27 with a smaller cross-section Q2, in particular with a smaller radius. The first section 26 enables the insertion of the free end 4 as well as the passage of the remaining tensioning strand 2. Therefore, the first cross-section Q1 is larger than the maximum diameter or cross-section Q1 of the tensioning strand 2.

[0109] The smaller cross-section Q2 of the second section 27 is designed to enable locking or hooking with the tensioning strand 2, in particular with locking regions 5, 51, 52, 53 of the tensioning strand 2. A constriction 28 is arranged between the first section 26 and the second section 27. The width of the constriction 28, in a neutral, force-free, or undeformed position, is preferably smaller than the maximum width, in particular the diameter, of the second cross-section Q2 of the second section 27.

[0110] Radially outwardly of the constriction 28, 12 material recesses 29 are located in the inner section, which allow the constriction 28 to be deformed on both sides. Furthermore, the material recesses 29 result in the constriction 28 being delimited or formed by material webs 30 acting as springs.

[0111] The outer section 10 has a projection 31 on an outer edge, which is arranged essentially in the extension of a center point 32 of the first section 26 of the inlet opening 13 and a center point 33 of the second section 27 of the inlet opening 13. The projection 31 can be used to shift or relocate the tensioning anchor 7 relative to the tendon strand 2, and thus to transfer the tendon strand 2 from the second section 27 to the first section 26, or vice versa, without the need for tools or with appropriate tools.

[0112] The projection 31 is also visible in the side view of the Fig. 5c of the tension anchor 7 according to the second embodiment is clearly visible.

[0113] The Fig. 5d shows a sectional view through the tension anchor 7 of the second embodiment according to the invention along the section plane AA of the representation of the Fig. 5b . In the sectional view it can be seen that the material recesses 29 extend through the entire thickness or along the entire longitudinal direction L of the tension anchor 7.

[0114] The Fig. 5e shows a sectional view through the second tension anchor 7 along the section plane BB of the illustration of the Fig. 5b and thus a sectional view along or at the level of the constriction 28 between the first section 26 and the second section 27. The material recesses 29 can also be seen therein. Likewise, it can be seen in the illustration that the material webs 30 acting as springs, as well as the remaining second section 27, have a cross-section widening in the longitudinal direction L, preferably in the form of a truncated cone. These can be particularly advantageously connected to the locking steps 61, 62, 63 according to the illustration of Fig. 2a und 2b interact and bring about an effective and stable fastening or locking and thus ensure the clamping state.

[0115] The Fig. 5f shows the Fig. 5d An enlarged view of the dashed section Z. This again shows the material recesses 29 laterally of the constriction 28 and the material webs 30 formed therefrom, which act as springs and enable the constriction 28 to be elastically deformed.

[0116] The Fig. 6a shows a second tensioning anchor 7 and a free end 4 of a tendon strand 2 in a release position or release arrangement of the tensioning anchor 7 and the tendon strand 2 relative to one another. The tendon strand 2 runs through the first section 26 of the inlet opening 13. In this illustration, the tendon strand 2 can be freely moved in the longitudinal direction L relative to the tensioning anchor 7 and the tensioning anchor 7 can also be completely released from the tendon strand 2.

[0117] The Fig. 6b shows a clamping state of the clamping unit 1. For this purpose, an appropriate prestress was first applied, for example by tensile forces on the tensioning strand 2 and / or compressive forces on the tensioning anchor 7 in the longitudinal direction L. In the prestressed state, a shear force F was then applied to the tensioning anchor 7 and / or the tensioning strand 2, so that the tensioning strand 2, in particular in the region of a locking area 5, passes the constriction 28 of the tensioning anchor 7 and the second section 27 of the inlet opening 13 encloses the locking area 5, in particular a locking step 61, 62, 63, almost completely in the circumferential direction and as far as possible in the longitudinal direction with a form-fitting fit.

[0118] This transfer is achieved or enabled by a temporary and elastic deformation of the material webs 30. In the illustration of the Fig. 6b It can be seen that the material webs 30 return completely or at least almost completely to their original position after the tensioning strand 2 has passed through. As a result, the constriction 28 effectively prevents the tensioning strand 2 from returning to the first section 26 of the inlet opening 13, although this remains possible, for example, by applying a correspondingly reversed force F to the projection 31.

[0119] In the clamping or locking position shown, the Fig. 6b If desired, the protruding end of the tensioning strand 7 can be cut to length, in particular cut or pinched off. Bezugszeichenliste

[0120] 1 Clamping unit 1a First clamping unit 1b Second clamping unit 2 Tensioning strand 2a Tensioning strand of the first clamping unit 2b Tensioning strand of the second clamping unit 3 First tensioning anchor 3a First tensioning anchor of the first clamping unit 3 First tensioning anchor of the second clamping unit 4 Free end 5 Locking area 6 Force application surface 6a Force application surface of the first clamping unit 7 Second tensioning anchor 7a Second tensioning anchor of the first clamping unit 7b Second tensioning anchor of the second clamping unit 8 Further force application surface 8a Further force application surface of the first clamping unit 9 Locking means 10 Outer section 11 Outer contour 12 Inner section 13 Inlet opening 14 Edge section 15 Slot-shaped material recess 16 Depression 17 Annular end face 18 Conical section 19 Reinforcing element 20 Connecting section 21 Tip 22 Grip section 23Sliding surface 24End surface 25End piece of the tendon 26First section 27Second section 28Narrow point 29Material recesses 30Material webs 31Protrusion 32Center point 33Center point 51First locking area 51aFirst locking area of ​​the first clamping unit 51bFirst locking area of ​​the second clamping unit 52Second locking area 52bSecond locking area of ​​the second clamping unit 53Third locking area 61first locking level 62second locking level 63third locking level 71-74 first to fourth locking lug 100Storage unit 101First side wall 102Second side wall 103Third side wall 104Fourth side wall FFustrial force LLongitudinal direction Q1larger cross-section Q2smaller cross-section AASection plane BBSection plane

Claims

1. A fortifying unit (1) for fortifying opposite lateral walls (101-104) of a storage unit (100), in particular of a cardboard box, in a fortified state, the fortifying unit comprising a fortifying shank (2), which comprises a first fortifying anchor (3), extends from the first fortifying anchor (3) along a length (L) to a free end (4) and comprises at least one stop area (5) between the first fortifying anchor (3) and the free end (4), the stop area (5) having a plurality of stop steps (61, 62, 63) disposed adjacent to each other along the length, the first fortifying anchor (3) forming a first force-application surface (6) in the fortified state for supporting one of the lateral walls (101, 103) from the outside, and a second fortifying anchor (7) connectable to the fortifying shank (2) and configured to support the opposite lateral wall (102, 104) by forming another force-application surface (8), the second fortifying anchor (7) comprising stop means (9), which are formed in such a manner for interacting with the stop area (5) that the second fortifying anchor (7) is set in one of the fortifying steps (61-63) for fortifying the lateral walls, the second fortifying anchor (7) comprising an outer section (10) having an outer contour (11) fully closed in the circumferential direction and an inner section (12) having an entry opening (13) for inserting the free end (4) and for guiding and / or positioning the stop area (5) in the fortified state, characterized in that the entry opening (13) for inserting the free end (4) and for guiding and / or positioning the stop area (5) has two sections (26, 27) in the fortified state, a first section (26) with a larger cross section (Q1) enabling the insertion of the free end (4) and a second section (27) with a smaller cross section (Q2) allowing a positioning of the stop area (5) in the fortified state.

2. The fortifying unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second section (26, 27) are connected to each other via a constriction (28).

3. The fortifying unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second section (27) has a widening cross section (Q2), preferably in the form of a frustum, along the length (L), in particular at a widening angle which essentially corresponds to an angle between the adjacent stop steps (61, 62, 63) of the stop area (5).

4. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the constriction (28) is elastically deformable on one or both ends.

5. The fortifying unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the constriction (28) is deformed by material removals (29) in areas of the inner section (12) located on the radially outer side of the constriction (28).

6. The fortifying unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the material removals (29) are disposed in such a manner that the constriction (28) is limited by material webs (30) acting as springs.

7. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the outer section (10) has a projection (31), preferably at an outer edge, the projection (31) being disposed substantially in the extension of a center (32) of the first section (26) and a center of the second section (27).

8. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fortifying shank (2) comprises and / or forms the stop steps (61-63) at at least two outer sides of the fortifying shank (2) opposite each other along the length.

9. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fortifying shank (2) has a round or oval cross-sectional surface.

10. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fortifying shank (2) comprises a sequence of frustum sections (18) for forming the stop steps (61, 63), each frustum section (18) comprising an annular front face (17) and being designed such that the stop means (9), in particular the edge section (14) or the locking noses (71-74), are engaged with one of the annular front faces (17) of one of the frustum sections (18).

11. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first fortifying anchor (3) and / or the second fortifying anchor (7) is plate-shaped and / or comprises at least one in particular web- and / or rod-shaped stiffening element (19) formed in the radial direction.

12. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first fortifying anchor (3) and the fortifying shank (2) are formed monolithically and / or in one piece and / or integrally and are producible or produced in particular from a mold, in particular an injection mold, by means of an injection-molding technique.

13. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the fortifying shank (2) comprises at least two stop areas (51, 52), at least one connective section (20) being disposed between the at least two stop areas (51, 52).

14. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the fortifying shank (2) is designed such along the length (L) that the first stop area (51) is formed in the range of essentially 600 mm, in particular between 540 mm and 630 mm, for interacting with oppositely spaced lateral walls (101-104) of a storage unit (100) and in that the at least second stop area (52) is formed in the range of essentially 800 mm, in particular between 740mm and 830 mm, for interacting with oppositely spaced lateral walls (101-104) of a storage unit (100).

15. The fortifying unit according to any one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the fortifying shank (2) comprises a third stop area (53), the third stop area (53) is formed in the range of 1200 mm, in particular between 1140 mm and 1230 mm, for interacting with oppositely spaced lateral walls (101-104) of a storage unit (100).

16. A storage unit (100), in particular a cardboard box, having opposite lateral walls (101-104), in particular cardboard walls, which limit the holding space for bulk solids, in particular plastic granules, from the outside and comprise at least one fortifying unit (1) for fortifying two opposite lateral walls (101-104) against the weight of the bulk solid to be held, characterized in that the fortifying unit (1) is designed according to any one of the preceding claims.