Elongated clamping unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an elongated clamping unit (100) with a casing (102), which surrounds an interior (104), and a plurality of clamping elements (106), which run in the longitudinal direction (A) of the clamping unit (100) and are received in the interior (104) of the casing (102). According to the invention, the casing (102) has a depression (108) which protrudes into the interior (104) at at least one circumferential position, wherein at least one electric functional unit (112), for example at least one lighting unit, and at least one connection line (114a, 114b) for the at least one electric functional unit (112) are received in said depression. Alternatively, the at least one electric functional unit can also be received in a paired recess of a water-repelling element which is arranged on the outer surface of the casing.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an elongated clamping unit comprising a shell enclosing an interior space and a plurality of clamping elements which extend in the longitudinal direction of the clamping unit and are received in the interior space of the shell.

[0002] Primarily for aesthetic reasons, it has recently become fashionable to illuminate elongated tensioning units, such as stay cables used in cable-stayed bridges, towers, and similar structures. Initially, these structures were indirectly illuminated with spotlights. However, this had the disadvantage that only a small fraction of the emitted light was reflected by the structure or its tensioning units. Therefore, correspondingly powerful light sources had to be used, which, due to the associated electricity consumption, resulted in correspondingly high operating costs. Furthermore, the intended aesthetic effect could not be achieved to the desired extent.

[0003] To solve this problem, it was proposed to arrange the lighting elements directly on the clamping units. For example, CN 202403211 U discloses the method of retrofitting the lighting elements to the clamping unit using clamps. The main disadvantage of this solution is the increased tendency of the retrofitted clamping units to vibrate, which results from increased air resistance caused by turbulence around the lighting elements.

[0004] Furthermore, it is also known from CN 202403211 U to clad the clamping unit with an additional shell in which the lighting elements are housed. While this embodiment has a substantially circular cross-section and thus better aerodynamic properties than the embodiment described above in CN 202403211 U, the significant increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping unit clad with the shell, and thus the considerable increase in its air resistance, is nevertheless a disadvantage. Moreover, the increased supply costs due to the additional shell are also a disadvantage. In addition, retrofitting the additional shell makes maintenance of the clamping units and their lighting more difficult. For further information on the prior art, reference is also made to US 2012 / 243225 A1, CN 201269444 Y, and WO 01 / 44680 A1.

[0005] The purpose of the invention is to remedy this situation.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by an elongated clamping unit of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the jacket has a recess projecting into its interior at at least one circumferential position, in which at least one electrical functional unit, for example at least one lighting unit, and at least one connecting cable for the at least one electrical functional unit are received.

[0007] The inventors have recognized that the arrangement of the clamping elements within the interior of the shell can be chosen arbitrarily. The decisive factor is only the number of clamping elements required for the respective load-bearing capacity of the clamping unit. This makes it possible to provide at least one recess projecting into the interior within the outer outline of the shell, which is responsible for the aerodynamic properties of the clamping unit, and in which the electrical functional unit can be accommodated. Advantageously, according to the invention, the clamping elements can also be arranged in partial areas of the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the shell, which are located at the same height in the radial direction, but between two adjacent side walls of a recess or several recesses in the circumferential direction.

[0008] Overall, the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior space has a shape other than a circle.

[0009] Since the wall thickness of the casing can remain essentially the same, the cross-sectional area of ​​the casing, and thus of the entire clamping unit, increases only slightly, namely by just the cross-sectional area required for accommodating the at least one recess that receives the electrical functional unit. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention reduces the number of components required for arranging the at least one electrical functional unit, which has a beneficial effect on production costs.

[0010] Because at least one recess projects into the interior of the casing, the casing can be free of cavities, advantageously free of cavities that are free of clamping elements arranged therein. Since the casing material required to form such cavities can thus be saved, the clamping unit according to the invention can be manufactured more cost-effectively.

[0011] As already indicated above, at least one electrical functional unit can advantageously be a lighting unit. However, it is also conceivable to provide other types of electrical functional units, such as sensor units.

[0012] Regardless of the type of electrical functional unit(s), a plurality of recesses can be arranged distributed around the circumference of the casing. To ensure that the clamping unit is clearly visible from all directions in the case of lighting units, it is proposed that at least three recesses be arranged distributed around the circumference of the casing.

[0013] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the tensioning unit according to the invention can also be a tension cable, for example a stay cable, as is used in cable-stayed bridges, towers and similar structures.

[0014] Even if multiple electrical functional units are provided, arranged at predetermined positions along the length of the clamping unit, it is advantageous if at least one recess extends over at least a predetermined portion of the clamping unit's length, preferably substantially over its entire length. In principle, it is therefore conceivable to provide the electrical functional units in only one longitudinal section or in several separate longitudinal sections of the clamping unit.

[0015] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the recess has a ceiling wall that extends along the circumference of the outer surface of the casing. In other words, the ceiling wall runs essentially along the outer surface of the casing. This development prevents the at least one electrical functional unit from projecting beyond the outer surface of the casing. Thus, it does not present an increased surface area exposed to wind and / or weather.

[0016] If the electrical functional elements are only provided at certain positions along the longitudinal extension of the clamping unit, the ceiling wall between these positions can be formed, at least in sections, by a rail element inserted into the respective recess. The rail elements can, for example, have a length of approximately one to two meters.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the ceiling wall is at least partially formed as a single piece with the cladding surface.

[0018] The ceiling wall can extend only over part of the opening width of the recess in the circumferential direction of the mantle, whereby the recess has an undercut on one or both longitudinal edges in which at least one connecting line for the electrical functional unit can be arranged.

[0019] To make the clamping unit particularly stable against external forces, such as those exerted by wind and / or weather, it is proposed that the ceiling wall have a number of openings corresponding to the number of electrical functional units. In this way, the casing can extend over a large part of the clamping unit's length and its entire circumference, so that it is only interrupted by the openings required for inserting the electrical functional units.

[0020] These perforations or openings can be circular, oval, rectangular, square, polygonal or any other shape, depending on the specific application.

[0021] Furthermore, the perforations or openings can be introduced during the manufacture of the casing or during the production of the pipe sections intended to form the casing. However, it is also conceivable to introduce the perforations or openings into the casing on-site, as needed.

[0022] The at least one connecting line can be a power supply line, in particular a line for supplying electrical energy to the at least one electrical functional unit, and / or a data line for unidirectional or bidirectional data connection with the at least one electrical functional unit.

[0023] In the case of lighting units, a single power supply line may suffice if the ground connection is formed, for example, by a rail that is inserted into the recess and supports the lighting units. However, the ground connection can also be designed as a separate power supply line. If the intensity and / or color of the light emitted by the lighting units is to be varied, a data line for unidirectional communication between a control unit and the lighting units can also be provided. If status information is also to be retrieved from the lighting units, at least one additional data line for unidirectional data communication or one data line for bidirectional data communication can be provided. Analogous considerations apply if the electrical functional units are sensor units.

[0024] To minimize the depth of the at least one recess with regard to the stability of the casing, a further development of the invention proposes that the at least one connecting line runs in front of and / or behind the electrical functional unit when viewed circumferentially, i.e., when viewed longitudinally along the clamping unit, on one or both sides next to the electrical functional unit. If present, the at least one connecting line can be arranged in an undercut as already mentioned above.

[0025] As is known in itself, the mantle can have an essentially circular cross-section.

[0026] In order to protect the electrical functional units from the influence of moisture, for example rain, it can also be provided that sealing elements are assigned to the boundary walls of the recesses, which are preferably arranged adjacent to the transition from the boundary walls to the outer circumferential surface of the shell.

[0027] To enable the replacement of malfunctioning functional units, it is proposed that at least one electrical functional unit be detachably connected to the casing of the clamping unit. For this purpose, the electrical functional unit itself can be detachably connected to the casing or to a base element permanently connected to it. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that one or more electrical functional units are permanently mounted on a support element, which is detachably connected to the casing or to a base element permanently connected to it.

[0028] The detachable connection can be made, for example, by screwing, snapping, clamping, using a bayonet-type connection, or the like. Electrical contacts can be implemented in a manner known per se. The permanent connection can be made, for example, by gluing, clipping, clamping, screwing, or the like. It does not need to be present along the entire length of the base element. Rather, it is sufficient to provide it at at least one location, preferably at least two.

[0029] The exchange can be carried out, for example, using a robot that can move autonomously along the clamping unit.

[0030] The casing of the clamping unit can be made, for example, of plastic, preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or of steel, preferably corrosion-protected steel, in particular corrosion-protected stainless steel.

[0031] In a further development of the invention, the inner boundary wall of the at least one recess can be formed integrally with the shell. In this case, the inner boundary wall of the at least one recess can be formed simultaneously with the extrusion or compression molding of the shell. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the inner boundary wall of the at least one recess is formed as a separate element and permanently connected to the shell. In this case, the inner boundary wall of the at least one recess can be made of the same material as the shell or of a different material. For example, the shell can be made of plastic, preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and the inner boundary wall of the at least one recess can be made of steel, preferably corrosion-resistant steel, in particular corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

[0032] As already mentioned, the casing is typically formed from pipe sections of predetermined length, which are then joined together by welding, for example, butt welding. Similarly, the connecting pipes and / or the base elements to be inserted into the recesses can also be composed of sections of predetermined length.

[0033] Further training suggests that the lighting unit should include at least one light source. However, the use of multiple light sources is also conceivable, either as a reserve, for example to reduce maintenance, or to achieve special optical effects, particularly a change in the color of the emitted light.

[0034] With regard to power consumption and heat emission during operation of the lighting unit, it is suggested that at least one light source be an LED. However, it is also conceivable to use other types of light sources, such as halogen lamps, fluorescent elements, or the like.

[0035] In order to improve the visibility of the lighting unit regardless of the viewing angle, it can be provided that at least one lighting unit has integrated optics, preferably diffusing optics.

[0036] Furthermore, the lighting unit can include a local control unit which serves to control at least one light source, for example depending on the specifications of a central control unit for controlling the entirety of all lighting units of the clamping unit or at least a plurality of clamping units, preferably all clamping units, of the structure.

[0037] For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that at least some of the tensioning elements can be designed as prestressing strands in a manner known per se. For example, the prestressing strands can be formed from seven wires and / or have a diameter of approximately 15.7 mm. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the tensioning elements are formed from unstrapped wires running essentially parallel to each other, with these wires preferably having a diameter of approximately 7.0 mm.

[0038] It should further be added that at least one water-repellent element may be provided on the outer surface of the sleeve. This element serves to detach water, particularly rainwater, that has accumulated on the outer surface of the sleeve and flows along the clamping unit as a rivulet due to wind and weather, from the surface of the sleeve and release it into the surrounding air, where it is carried away from the clamping unit by wind and weather. Such water-repellent elements may preferably be designed as ribs projecting from the outer surface of the sleeve, which may, for example, have the form of a helix winding around the sleeve in the longitudinal direction of the clamping unit or the form of a ring surrounding the sleeve. The transition from the outer surface of the sleeve to the rib and / or the free end of the rib may be...They can be designed to be optimized for the most effective possible drainage of water.

[0039] Finally, it should also be added that the interior of the jacket, when the clamping unit is ready for operation, may be at least partially, preferably completely, filled with a filling material, preferably a corrosion protection material, for example wax, mortar or the like.

[0040] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing and several exemplary embodiments. It illustrates: Figure 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a clamping unit according to the invention; Figure 2 is a view along lines II-II in Figure 1 Sectional view of the embodiment taken Figure 1 Figures 3 to 5 are similar views. Figure 2 Further embodiments of the clamping unit according to the invention; Figure 6 a top view similar to Figure 1a further embodiment of a clamping unit according to the invention; Figure 7 a along lines VII-VII in Figure 6 Sectional view of the embodiment taken Figure 6 ; and Figure 8 A view similar to Figure 7 a further embodiment of the clamping unit according to the invention.

[0041] In the Figures 1 and 2 A first embodiment of a clamping unit according to the invention is generally designated by 100. The clamping unit 100 comprises a shell 102, which encloses an interior space 104, and a plurality of clamping elements 106, which extend in the longitudinal direction A of the clamping unit 100 or of the shell 102 and are received in the interior space 104 of the shell 102. According to the invention, the shell 102 has in the Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiments, a recess 108 projecting into the interior 104 is provided at three circumferential positions, which in the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2essentially extend over the entire length of the shell 102 and thus of the clamping unit 100.

[0042] Rail elements 110 are inserted into the recesses 108, and these rail elements are equipped with lighting units 112 at predetermined positions. Furthermore, the rail elements 110 have connecting lines for the lighting units 112, namely power supply lines 114a and data lines 114b. The power supply lines 114a supply the lighting elements 116 of the lighting units 112, which are preferably formed by LEDs, with the energy required for their operation. The data lines 114b, which are connected to a local control unit 118 of the respective lighting unit 112, allow control over when, in what intensity, and / or in what color the lighting elements 116 illuminate. To ensure that the light emitted by the lighting units 112 is visible over a wide solid angle, the lighting units 112 also have a diffusing optic 120.To prevent moisture from entering the recesses 110, seals 122 are arranged at the transition from the outer circumferential surface 102a of the shell 102 to the recess 108.

[0043] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the shell 102 had a substantially circular cross-sectional area. However, due to the provision of the recesses 108, this does not apply to the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior 104 of the shell 102. Rather, the cross-sectional area 104a of the interior 104 of the shell 102 has sub-areas 104b which are located at the same height in the radial direction R, but between two adjacent side boundary walls 108a of adjacent recesses 108 in the circumferential direction U. According to the invention, these sub-areas 104b can also be used for the arrangement of clamping elements 106.

[0044] Thus, with the wall thickness d of the shell 102 remaining constant, the area of ​​the cross-sectional area 102a of the shell 102 and therefore of the entire clamping unit 100 increases only slightly, despite the provision of the recesses 108 for receiving the lighting units 112, namely only by the cross-sectional area of ​​the indentations of the shell 102 required to form the recesses 108.

[0045] As in Figure 2As further shown, the upper boundary surface 110a of the rail elements 110 essentially runs along the extension H of the outer boundary surface 102a of the shell 102 in the circumferential direction U, or along the envelope H of the shell 102. The same applies to the outer boundary surface 112a of the lighting units 112. In this way, the clamping unit 100 according to the invention, which is integrally equipped with the lighting units 112, has essentially the same aerodynamic properties as a conventional clamping unit of the same diameter that is not equipped with lighting units.

[0046] To enable the replacement of malfunctioning lighting units 112, the lighting units 112 can be detachably connected to the rail elements 110 according to a first embodiment. In this case, the rail elements 110 can be permanently connected to the casing 102 of the clamping unit 100. According to a second embodiment, however, it is also conceivable that the lighting units 112 are permanently connected to the rail elements 110, but that the rail elements 110 are detachably connected to the casing 102 of the clamping unit 100.

[0047] The detachable connection can be made, for example, by screwing, snapping, clamping, using a bayonet-type connection, or the like. Electrical contacts can be implemented in a manner known per se. The permanent connection can be made, for example, by gluing, clipping, clamping, screwing, or the like. It does not have to be present along the entire length of the rail element 110.

[0048] The replacement of the lighting units 112 or the rail elements 110 can be carried out, for example, by means of a robot which can move autonomously along the clamping unit 100.

[0049] In Figure 3 is shown a further embodiment of a clamping unit according to the invention, which is essentially the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2 corresponds. Therefore, in Figure 3 Analogous parts are marked with the same reference symbols as in the Figures 1 and 2, however, increased by 100. Furthermore, the clamping unit is 200 according to Figure 3 They will only be described below insofar as they differ from the clamping unit 100 according to Figures 1 and 2 distinguishes, to whose description otherwise explicit reference is made.

[0050] The clamping unit 200 differs from the clamping unit 100 primarily in the design of the recesses 208. Specifically, the recesses 208 have undercuts 208b and 208c in which the power supply lines 214a and data lines 214b are arranged. This allows the power supply lines 214a and the data lines 214b to run circumferentially U in front of and behind the lighting unit 212, respectively. This makes it possible to design the recesses 208 with a smaller radial depth, which has a beneficial effect on the stability of the casing 202. Radially outward, the undercuts 208b and 208c are bounded by wall sections 202b formed integrally with the casing 202.

[0051] In Figure 4 is shown a further embodiment of a clamping unit according to the invention, which is essentially the embodiment of the Figure 3 corresponds. Therefore, in Figure 4Analogous parts are marked with the same reference symbols as in Figure 3 , however, increased by 100. Furthermore, the clamping unit 300 is specified according to Figure 4 They will only be described below insofar as they differ from the clamping unit 200 according to Figure 3 distinguishes, to whose description otherwise explicit reference is made.

[0052] In the clamping unit 300, the power supply lines 314a and the data lines 314b are the same as in the clamping unit 200 of the embodiment according to Figure 3 The conductors 314a and 314b are arranged circumferentially U in front of and behind the lighting unit 312, respectively. In contrast to the clamping unit 200, the conductors 314a and 314b are not arranged in undercuts of the recesses 308, but rather in side chambers 310b of the rail elements 310. This embodiment also achieves the advantage of a reduced radial depth of the recesses 308.

[0053] In Figure 5is shown a further embodiment of a clamping unit according to the invention, which is essentially the embodiment of the Figure 3 corresponds. Therefore, in Figure 5 Analogous parts are marked with the same reference symbols as in Figure 3 , however, increased by the number 200. Furthermore, the clamping unit 400 is used according to Figure 5 They will only be described below insofar as they differ from the clamping unit 200 according to Figure 3 distinguishes, to whose description otherwise explicit reference is made.

[0054] The clamping unit 400 differs from the clamping unit 200 according to Figure 3 merely by virtue of having only a single undercut 408b. This undercut can accommodate both the power supply lines and the data lines. In the representation according to Figure 5However, the clamping unit 400 only has power supply lines 414a. The lighting units 412 can therefore only be switched on and off, but not controlled in intensity and / or color.

[0055] In the Figures 6 and 7 is shown a further embodiment of a clamping unit according to the invention, which in large parts is the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2 corresponds. Therefore, in the Figures 6 and 7 Analogous parts are marked with the same reference symbols as in the Figures 1 and 2 , however, increased by the number 400. Furthermore, the clamping unit 500 is used according to the Figures 6 and 7 They will only be described below insofar as they differ from the clamping unit 100 according to Figures 1 and 2 distinguishes, to whose description otherwise explicit reference is made.

[0056] The clamping unit 500 differs from the clamping unit 100 primarily in that the recesses 508 are not open radially outwards over the entire length of the shell 502 or the clamping unit 500, but rather the shell 502 only has openings 524 to the recesses 508 at those positions where lighting units 512 are to be arranged. Otherwise, the recesses 508 are covered by wall sections 502b of the shell 502. As a result of this design, the shell 502 exhibits high stability.

[0057] There are no restrictions regarding the formation of the inner boundary wall 508d of the depressions 508. Instead of the one in Figure 7 Any other progression can be used instead of the one shown, for example, those in the Figures 3 to 5 depicted processes.

[0058] The connecting lines 514a and 514b are advantageously arranged in rail elements 510, which are inserted into the recesses 508 in the longitudinal direction A of the clamping unit 500. The lighting units 512 are detachably connected to these rail elements 510.

[0059] In Figure 6 Furthermore, two water-repellent elements 526 can be seen, which are arranged in a helical, almost double-helix shape on the outer surface 502a of the sheath 502. The openings 524 for the arrangement of the lighting units 512 are preferably arranged such that they are located approximately midway between the two water-repellent elements 526.

[0060] In Figure 8 is shown a further embodiment of a clamping unit according to the invention, which is essentially the embodiment of the Figure 7 corresponds. Therefore, in Figure 8 Analogous parts are marked with the same reference symbols as in Figure 7, however, increased by 100. Furthermore, the clamping unit 600 is specified according to Figure 8 They will only be described below insofar as they differ from the clamping unit 500 according to Figure 7 distinguishes, to whose description otherwise explicit reference is made.

[0061] The clamping unit 600 according to Figure 8 The clamping unit 600 differs from the clamping unit 500 only in that the inner boundary wall 608d of the recesses 608 is not formed integrally with the shell 602. Rather, the inner boundary wall 608d is provided as a separate element formed from the shell 602, which is inserted into the interior 604 of the shell 602 during the manufacture of the clamping unit 600 and permanently connected to the inside of the shell 602. This separately formed element can, for example, be made of steel.

Claims

1. Elongate clamping unit (100) comprising • a casing (102) surrounding an inner space (104), and • a plurality of clamping elements (106) which extend in the longitudinal direction (A) of the clamping unit (100) and are received in the inner space (104) of the casing (102), characterised in that the casing (102) has a recess (108) which protrudes into the inner space (104) at at least one circumferential position and in which at least one electrical functional unit (112), for example at least one lighting unit, and at least one connection line (114a, 114b)for the at least one electrical functional unit (112) are received.

2. Clamping unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the casing (102) is designed to be free of cavities, in particular free of cavities which are free of clamping elements (106) arranged therein.

3. Clamping unit according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the at least one recess (108) extends at least over a predetermined part of the length of the clamping unit (100), preferably substantially over the entire length of the clamping unit (100).

4. Clamping unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the recess (108) has a top wall which extends as a continuation (H) of the circumferential extension of the outer surface (102a) of the casing (102), the top wall (110a) preferably being formed at least in portions by a rail element (110) inserted into the relevant recess (108).

5. Clamping unit according to claim 4, characterised in that the top wall (202b) is integral with the casing (202), at least in part.

6. Clamping unit according to either claim 4 or claim 5, characterised in that the top wall (502b) has a plurality of openings (524) corresponding to the number of electrical functional units (512).

7. Clamping unit according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that sealing elements (122) are associated with the recesses (108) and are preferably arranged so as to be adjacent to the transition from the recesses (108) to the outer circumferential surface (102) of the casing (102).

8. Clamping unit according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the at least one electrical functional unit (112) is detachably connectable to the casing (102).

9. Clamping unit according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the inner delimiting wall (508d; 608d) of the at least one recess (508; 608) is integral with the casing (502) or is a separate element that is operatively connected to the casing (602).

10. Clamping unit according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the lighting unit (112) comprises at least one lighting means (116), preferably at least one LED, the at least one lighting unit (112) preferably having an integrated optical system (120), preferably a dispersive optical system.

11. Clamping unit according to claim 10, characterised in that the at least one lighting unit (112) has a local control unit (118).

12. Clamping unit according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that at least one water-repelling element (526) is arranged on the outer surface (502a) of the casing (502).

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