CONNECTION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection with a connecting element and at least one end of a band-shaped article according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connecting element for use in a connection according to the invention according to claim 13, a band-shaped article according to claim 14 for use in a connection according to the invention, and a drive or conveyor system according to claim 15 with at least one connection according to the invention. State of the art

[0002] State-of-the-art belt-shaped items such as conveyor belts or drive belts are known that cannot usually be manufactured as endless belts and then installed. Instead, they are manufactured in individual lengths and then assembled on-site using special connectors to form an endless closed belt, as shown, for example, in US2020 / 187420A1. This also applies to open belts, for example, for use as elevator belts, which are also joined from individual segments to form a longer belt.

[0003] Preparing the individual lengths of the strip-shaped articles for joining requires some rather complex work. Folding or bending the ends back onto themselves is the simplest method of preparation. Often, punching out ends is also necessary to create a bonded joint, for example, by welding.

[0004] For many applications, it is also crucial that the connection points can be opened and closed easily. This is necessary, for example, for replacing individual components due to wear.

[0005] EP 3 078 880 B1 discloses a belt as an endless traction device for conveyor belts of agricultural machinery. The belt consists of a polymer reinforced by fabric layers, with at least one fabric layer of each belt end being folded back on itself around a thickened portion. The thus prepared belt ends are inserted into a cage consisting of two half-shells, with the two half-shells being screwed together so that the belt ends are clamped between the two half-shells.

[0006] DE 10 2019 213 022 A1 discloses a conveyor system comprising at least two belts made of elastomeric material arranged adjacent to one another at a distance from one another, which are configured as endless belts by means of a belt connector connecting their ends. Each of the belts consists of one or more individual lengths, the ends of which are connected to form an endless belt. At least one driver bar is configured at at least one connection to one of the belts as a belt connector connecting the ends of one or more individual lengths to form an endless belt.

[0007] The disadvantage of the solutions presented above is that only a force-locking connection exists between the contact surfaces of the clamping connection and the belt. If static friction is exceeded and sliding friction occurs, relative movement between the belt and the belt connector is possible, so that any tensile force in the longitudinal direction of the belt is transmitted exclusively via the remaining form fit between the belt connector and the thickened portion wrapped around the belt. This creates very high load peaks within the belt, which can cause damage to the belt in the area of ​​the wrap arc around the thickened portion. Task

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a connection with a connecting element to at least one end of a band-shaped article. Compared to known solutions, the connection point is to be improved in such a way that large tensile forces can be transmitted without damaging the band-shaped article and / or the connection becoming loose. Solution to the task

[0009] The solution to this problem arises from a combination with the features of claim 1.

[0010] Claim 12 relates to a drive or conveyor system with at least one connection according to the invention. Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

[0011] The connection according to the invention disclosed in claim 1 comprises a connecting element and at least one end of a band-shaped article. The band-shaped article is constructed from at least one reinforcement layer made of steel cords and a polymeric material at least substantially surrounding the reinforcement layer, wherein the band-shaped article has a top side and a bottom side. The connecting element has at least one locking element and a clamping connection, wherein the clamping connection has at least one first clamping profile. The at least one reinforcement layer of at least one end is freed from the polymeric material surrounding the reinforcement layer by a predetermined length, wherein the at least one reinforcement layer of at least one end wraps around the locking element at least partially, preferably by 180°, and the reinforcement layer of at least one end is clamped between the locking element and the at least first clamping profile.

[0012] According to the invention, the first clamping profile or the locking element or the first clamping profile and the locking element are made of a material with a lower hardness compared to the steel cords of the reinforcement layer, so that when a clamping force is exerted, the material of the first clamping profile and / or the locking element is cold-formed in contact with the reinforcement layer and the surface structure of the reinforcement layer is reproduced as a negative in the first clamping profile and / or the locking element, so that a positive connection is formed between the reinforcement layer and the first clamping profile and / or the locking element.

[0013] Thus, the band-shaped article can be formed from a single band-shaped article, which is continuously wound, or from a series connection of a plurality of band-shaped articles, which are open or continuously closed. The connection comprises a connecting element and at least one end of the band-shaped article that is in contact with the connecting element. The connecting element can also be connected to another object. Likewise, several band-shaped articles can be connected in series via one or more such connecting elements.

[0014] In other words, the steel cords of the reinforcement layer at at least one end of the band-shaped article are freed from the polymeric material. The exposed steel cords can be wrapped around the barrier element in such a way that the steel cords surround the outer periphery of the barrier element. In one embodiment, they can also extend from the outer periphery of the barrier element and rest on themselves.

[0015] Arranged in this way, the at least one composite of locking element and steel cord is received by the clamping connection of the connecting element. The clamping connection has at least one first clamping profile, which can have at least one concave recess on the side facing the composite of locking element and steel cord, which is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped article. The composite of locking element and steel cord can be received in this concave recess of the clamping profile. In this way, the reinforcement layer of at least one end can be clamped firmly between the locking element and the at least first clamping profile. To receive a second end of the band-shaped article, the clamping profile can have a further concave recess. In further embodiments, the clamping connection can also have a plurality of clamping profiles and a plurality of locking elements.

[0016] The at least first clamping profile or the locking element, or the at least first clamping profile and the locking element, are made of a material that has a lower hardness than the steel cord. This material combination allows the comparatively soft material of the clamping profile and / or the locking element to be cold-formed by the harder reinforcement layer when a clamping force is applied to it.

[0017] In other words, the contour of the reinforcement layer can be pressed into the material of the clamping profile and / or the locking element. Since the steel cord can be rope-shaped from several strands twisted around each other, the steel cord can have a structured surface that can interlock with the cold-formed material of the clamping profile and / or the locking element and thus form a positive connection in addition to the frictional connection formed from the coefficients of friction between the steel material of the reinforcement layer and the material of the clamping profile and / or the locking element. This advantageously allows forces to be transmitted via the connection that are greater than the static friction between the steel material of the reinforcement layer and the material of the clamping profile and / or the locking element.The concave recess of the clamping profile also ensures in a particularly advantageous manner that the largest possible contact surface can be present between the steel cord and the clamping profile, whereby the connection can transmit relatively large tensile forces even with a comparatively low clamping force.

[0018] According to claim 1, the first clamping profile and / or the locking element has grooves on the surface facing the reinforcement layer, wherein the grooves are aligned in the same direction as the reinforcement layer made of steel cords and are designed to at least partially encompass the steel cords. Due to the profiling of the clamping profile and / or the locking element, the reinforcement layer, in conjunction with additional cold deformation of the material of the clamping profile and / or the locking element, can penetrate even deeper into the clamping profile and / or the locking element. This allows the contact area between the clamping profile and / or the locking element and the reinforcement layer to be further enlarged, which, as explained above, can enable greater force transmission of the connection.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the connecting element is designed to connect two ends of one or more band-shaped articles. In other words, a connecting element can both connect two band-shaped articles in series and connect two ends of a band-shaped article to form an endless band-shaped article. Furthermore, the connecting element can also connect several band-shaped articles connected in series to form an endlessly closed band-shaped article. The advantages of a clamping connection for transmitting high tensile forces can thus be transferred to a wide variety of applications and arrangements of band-shaped articles.For many applications, especially those involving particularly long strip-shaped articles, a connecting element according to the invention can be advantageous, as it allows the length of the strip-shaped article to be scaled using individual segments of strip-shaped articles. These individual segments can be procured cost-effectively as mass-produced goods and combined to form an application-specific product.

[0020] Individual segments can also be replaced by opening and closing the connecting element.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the first clamping profile and the locking element are screwed together. In this case, the locking element is not wrapped by the reinforcement layer in the area of ​​the screw connection, so that the reinforcement layer cannot be damaged by the screw connection. A screw connection offers the advantage that the clamping force between the clamping profile and the locking element can be variably adjusted. Furthermore, a screw connection is detachable, which can facilitate the easy replacement of individual band-shaped articles.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the clamping connection comprises the first clamping profile and a second clamping profile, wherein the first clamping profile is arranged on the upper side of the band-shaped article and the second clamping profile is arranged on the underside of the band-shaped article. The clamping connection encompasses the at least one locking element in sections around the circumference, preferably around more than half the circumference. The assembly of locking element and surrounding reinforcement layer is arranged in the clamping connection of the connecting element and is clamped by bracing the first clamping profile and the second clamping profile.

[0023] In other words, the exposed steel cords can be folded back on themselves by 180° in such a way that the steel cords wrap around the outer circumference of the locking element, run off the outer circumference of the locking element, and come to rest on themselves. Arranged in this way, the at least one composite of locking element and steel cord can be received by the two-part clamping connection of the connecting element. The two-part clamping connection has a first clamping profile arranged on the upper side of the band-shaped article and a second clamping profile arranged on the underside of the band-shaped article, which can each have at least one concave recess on the side facing the composite of locking element and steel cord, which is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped article. The composite of locking element and steel cord can be received in these concave recesses of the first and second clamping profile.By bracing the first clamping profile and the second clamping profile against each other, the composite of locking element and steel cord is clamped between the first and second clamping profiles. The aforementioned advantages can thus be transferred to this type of connection. The clamping profiles can each have an additional concave recess to accommodate two ends of one or more strip-shaped articles.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the first clamping profile and the second clamping profile are screwed together. A screw connection offers the advantage that the clamping force between the clamping profiles can be variably adjusted. Furthermore, a screw connection is detachable, which can facilitate the easy replacement of individual band-shaped articles.

[0025] A further advantageous embodiment consists in the polymeric material of the band-shaped article comprising polyurethane, preferably consisting of polyurethane. This allows the advantages explained above to be transferred to band-shaped articles made of polyurethane and / or the properties and advantages of polyurethane as a material to be utilized in the band-shaped article.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the underside of the belt-shaped article has a profile, preferably teeth aligned in the transverse direction. This allows the advantages explained above to be transferred to drive belts, in particular to toothed belts.

[0027] According to a further aspect, the second clamping profile has a profile similar to that on the underside of the belt-shaped article. In a particularly advantageous manner, the profile of the clamping profile allows drive power to be transferred from a pulley to the belt-shaped article via the profile, for example, when used on timing belts. This can reduce the load on the remaining belt teeth in contact with the pulley and prevent load peaks.

[0028] According to a further advantageous aspect of the connection according to the invention, the hardness of the reinforcement layer and the hardness of the first clamping profile and / or the second clamping profile and / or the locking element have a ratio of at least 3 to 1. The hardness is preferably determined according to the Brinell (HBW) hardness test. It proves advantageous here that a positive connection between the steel cord and the clamping profile and / or the locking element can occur with a decreasing clamping force as the hardness difference between the harder steel cord and the softer clamping profile or the locking element increases. Thus, the previously explained advantages can be transferred to clamped connections with low clamping force.

[0029] A further advantageous embodiment of the connection according to the invention provides that the material of the first clamping profile and / or the second clamping profile and / or the locking element comprises, and is preferably formed from, aluminum, copper, or brass. The choice of material makes it possible to provide an application-specific solution in which the technical requirements regarding mechanical strength can be reconciled with economic requirements regarding costs.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement layer is interspersed with the polymeric material of the band-shaped article. In other words, the spaces between the individual strands of the steel cord of the reinforcement layer are filled with the polymeric material. This can advantageously result in the steel cord being supported by the polymeric material, so that it cannot be deformed within the clamped connection under the action of a clamping force. Thus, the steel cord can retain its mechanical properties even within the clamped connection.

[0031] In other words, the reinforcement layer interspersed with the polymer material within the clamped joint can prevent a reduction in the strength of the steel cord. A particularly advantageous supporting effect of the reinforcement layer can be achieved with an interspersed polymer material of 20% to 80% of the spaces between the individual strands of the steel cord in the reinforcement layer.

[0032] Claim 12 discloses a drive or conveyor system with at least one connection according to the invention. The advantages of the connection according to the invention explained above can be applied to all drive or conveyor systems. These can include, in particular, agricultural harvesting machines. Explanation of figures

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Fig. 1shows a first embodiment of the connection according to the invention with a two-part clamping connection for connecting two ends of the band-shaped article in side view. Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the connection according to the invention with a one-piece clamping connection for connecting two ends of the band-shaped article in side view. Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the connection according to the invention with a one-piece clamping connection for connecting two ends of the band-shaped article in a side view, wherein the band-shaped article runs into the clamping connection.

[0034] In the two illustrated embodiments, the band-shaped article 100 is closed to form an endless band by connecting the first end 101 and the second end 102 with the connecting element 1.

[0035] The connecting element 1 in Figure 1has two locking elements 2, a first clamping profile 4 arranged on the top side 105 of the band-shaped article 100 and a second clamping profile 5 arranged on the bottom side 106 of the band-shaped article 100. The clamping profiles 4, 5 and the locking elements 2 are made of aluminum, which has a lower hardness than the steel cord of the reinforcement layer 103. To form the clamping connection 3, the first clamping profile 4 and the second clamping profile 5 are clamped against one another via a screw connection 6. In this exemplary embodiment, the second clamping profile 5 has the contour of a belt tooth, so that the second clamping profile 5 can run into the corresponding profile of a belt pulley and thus can introduce a force into the band-shaped article 100, which can be a toothed belt, for example.

[0036] The reinforcement layer 103 is exposed at the first end 101 and the second end 102 and freed from the polyurethane. Thus exposed, the reinforcement layer 103 of the first end 101 and the reinforcement layer 103 of the second end 102 wrap around the respective associated locking element 2 such that the reinforcement layer 103 is folded back on itself.

[0037] The assembly of the locking element 2 and the respective ends 101, 102 is held by the clamping connection 3. The first clamping profile 4 encloses the reinforcement layer 103 as viewed from the top side 105 of the strip-shaped article 100, while the second clamping profile 5 encloses the reinforcement layer 103 from the bottom side 106 of the strip-shaped article 100. By clamping the clamping profiles 4, 5 via the screw connection 6, the two ends 101, 102 of the strip-shaped article 100 are held in the clamping connection 3. Due to the hardness difference between the strength member layer 103 made of steel and the aluminum material of the clamping profiles 4, 5 and the locking elements 2, the surfaces of the clamping profiles 4, 5 and the locking elements 2 that are in contact with the strength member layer 103 are deformed, so that the surface structure of the strength member layer 103 is reflected in the clamping profiles 4, 5 and the locking elements 2 and a positive connection is created between them.

[0038] The connecting element 1 in Figure 2 has two locking elements 20 and a first clamping profile 40. The first clamping profile 40 and the locking elements 20 are made of aluminum, which has a lower hardness than the steel cord of the reinforcement layer 103. To form the clamping connection 3, the first clamping profile 40 and the locking elements 20 are clamped against one another via a screw connection 6 (not shown in detail). In the area of ​​the screw connection, the locking elements 20 are not wrapped by the reinforcement layer 103. In this embodiment, the clamping profile 40 has the tooth profile of a toothed belt on the side associated with the underside 106 of the band-shaped article 100.

[0039] Here, too, the reinforcement layer 103 is exposed at the first end 101 and the second end 102 and freed from the polyurethane. Thus exposed, the reinforcement layer 103 of the first end 101 and the reinforcement layer 103 of the second end 102 wrap around the respective associated locking element 20 at an angle of 180°. In the area of ​​the inlet and outlet of the reinforcement layer 103 into the clamping connection 3, the clamping profile 40 and the locking elements 20 have radii so that the reinforcement layer 103 is not damaged by sharp-edged transitions.

[0040] The concave recesses of the first clamping profile 40 accommodate the composite of the semicircular locking elements 20 and the reinforcement layer 103 of the respective end 101, 102, wherein the reinforcement layer 103 is arranged in the region of the 180° wrap arc around the locking elements 20, between the locking elements 20 and the first clamping profile 40. By clamping the first clamping profile 40 to the locking elements 20, the two ends 101, 102 of the band-shaped article 100 are held in the clamping connection 3. Due to the hardness difference between the strength member layer 103 made of steel and the aluminum material of the first clamping profile 40 and the locking elements 20, the surfaces of the first clamping profile 40 and the locking elements 20 that are in contact with the strength member layer 103 are deformed, so that the surface structure of the strength member layer 103 is reflected in the first clamping profile 40 and the locking elements 20 and a positive connection is created between them.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment based on the design of the Figure 2 , wherein the base body of the band-shaped article 100 runs into the clamping connection 3. Thus, the reinforcement layer 103 outside the clamping connection is surrounded by the polymeric material 104 and protected from environmental influences, such as corrosion.

[0042] In all embodiments, the band-shaped article 100 is formed from a base body made of polymeric material 104 and a longitudinally extending reinforcement layer made of steel cord 103. More specifically, the polymeric material 104 is a polyurethane in the embodiments. List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0043] 1Connecting element 2Locking element 3Clamping connection 4First clamping profile 5Second clamping profile 6Screw connection 20Locking element 40First clamping profile 100Band-shaped article 101First end 102Second end 103Steel cord reinforcement layer 104Polymeric material 105Top side of the band-shaped article 106Bottom side of the band-shaped article

Claims

1. Connection between a connecting element (1) and at least one end of a band-like article (100), wherein the band-like article (100) is constructed of at least one reinforcing layer (103) composed of steel cords and a polymeric material (104) which at least substantially surrounds said layer, wherein the band-like article (100) has a top side (105) and a bottom side (106), wherein the connecting element (1) has at least one blocking element (2, 20) and a clamping connection (3), wherein the clamping connection (3) has at least a first clamping profile (4, 40), wherein the at least one reinforcing layer (103) of at least one end (101, 102) is freed, by a predetermined length, from the polymeric material (104) surrounding the reinforcing layer (103), wherein the at least one reinforcing layer (103) of at least one end (101, 102) at least partially encircles the blocking element (2, 20) and the reinforcing layer (103) of at least one end (101, 102) is clamped between the blocking element (2, 20) and the at least first clamping profile (4, 40), characterized in that the first clamping profile (4, 40) and / or the blocking element (2, 20) are / is formed from a material with a lower hardness in comparison with the steel cords of the reinforcing layer (103), such that, when a clamping force is exerted, the material of the first clamping profile (4, 40) and / or of the blocking element (2, 20) in contact with the reinforcing layer (103) is cold-formed and the surface structure of the reinforcing layer (103) is reproduced as a negative in the first clamping profile (4, 40) and / or the blocking element (2, 20), such that a form fit is formed between the reinforcing layer (103) and the first clamping profile (4, 40) and / or the blocking element (2, 20), wherein the at least first clamping profile (4, 40) and / or the blocking element (2, 20) have grooves on the surface facing towards the reinforcing layer (103), wherein the grooves are oriented in the same direction in relation to the reinforcing layer (103) composed of steel cords and are formed so as to at least partially engage around the steel cords.

2. Connection according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (1) is designed to connect two ends (101, 102) of a band-like article (100) or multiple band-like articles (100).

3. Connection according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first clamping profile (40) and the blocking element (20) are screwed to one other.

4. Connection according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the clamping connection (3) has the first clamping profile (4) and a second clamping profile (5), wherein the first clamping profile (4) is arranged on the top side (105) of the band-like article (100) and the second clamping profile (5) is arranged on the bottom side (106) of the band-like article (100), wherein the clamping connection (3) partially engages around the periphery, preferably around more than half of the periphery, of the at least one blocking element (2), and the combination of blocking element (2) and encircling reinforcing layer (103) is arranged in the clamping connection (3) of the connecting element (1) and the combination of blocking element (2) and encircling reinforcing layer (3) is clamped by bracing of the first clamping profile (4) and of the second clamping profile (5).

5. Connection according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first clamping profile (4) and the second clamping profile (5) are screwed to one another.

6. Connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymeric material (104) of the band-like article (100) comprises polyurethane, preferably consists of polyurethane.

7. Connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom side (106) of the band-like article (100) has a profiling, preferably teeth oriented in the transverse direction.

8. Connection according to one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the second clamping profile (5) has a profiling analogous to that on the bottom side (106) of the band-like article (100).

9. Connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hardness of the reinforcing layer (103) and the hardness of the first clamping profile (4, 40) and / or of the second clamping profile (5) and / or of the blocking element (2, 20) exhibits a ratio of at least 3 to 1.

10. Connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the first clamping profile (4, 40) and / or of the second clamping profile (5) and / or of the blocking element (2, 20) comprises aluminium or copper or brass, preferably is formed therefrom.

11. Connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing layer (103) is permeated with the polymeric material (104) of the band-like article (100).

12. Drive or conveying system having at least one connection according to one of Claims 1 to 11.