Fastening system for fixing pressure tanks

Abstract

A coupling system (100, 400, 600) for mechanically coupling straps (105, 107, 313, 315, 317) includes a number of coupling interfaces (101, 103), each coupling interface (101, 103) includes a rod (119, 505), a spring member (113, 125), a spring movement limiting member (115, 127), a connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) and a fixing member (109, 121), the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) being movably disposed on the rod (119, 505) and connected to the straps (105, 107, 313, 315, 317), the fixing member (109, 121) being fixed on the rod (119, 505), and the spring member (113, 125) The spring movement limiting member (115, 127) is disposed between the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) and the fixed member (109, 121), and the spring movement limiting member (115, 127) is disposed on the rod (119, 505) between the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) and the fixed member (109, 121), and when the spring movement limiting member (115, 127) is shorter than the spring member (113, 125), and the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) is pressed toward the fixed member (109, 121) with a predetermined force, the spring movement limiting member (115, 127) establishes a frictional connection between the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503), the strap (105, 107, 313, 315, 317) connected thereto, and the rod (119, 505).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection system, a fastening system, a pressure tank system and a method for fastening a pressure tank, as set forth in the accompanying claims. [Background technology]

[0002] Pressure tanks are frequently used to store fluids. For this purpose, a fluid, e.g., a gas or a liquid, is forced into the pressure tank under pressure, usually at high pressure. As a result, the pressure tank expands, or its cross-sectional area increases. Therefore, to prevent this expansion during filling, the pressure tank must not be fixedly mounted. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Fastening systems are known in which the pressure tank is fastened to the frame by pretensioning straps, where the connectors connecting the straps to the frame are subjected to high stresses due to the very high acceleration forces exerted by the pressure tank in the event of an accident in the vehicle. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for securing a gas pressure tank.

[0004] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the proposed invention, there is proposed a coupling system for mechanically coupling a strap, the coupling system comprising a number of coupling interfaces, each coupling interface of the number of coupling interfaces comprising a rod, a spring member, a spring movement-limiting member, a connecting member and a fixing member, the connecting member being movably arranged on the rod and configured to be connected to the strap, the fixing member being fixedly arranged on the rod, the spring member being arranged between the connecting member and the fixing member, the spring movement-limiting member being arranged on the rod between the connecting member and the fixing member, the spring movement-limiting member being shorter than the spring member such that when the connecting member presses towards the fixing member with a predetermined force, the spring movement-limiting member establishes a frictional connection between the connecting member, the strap connected to the connecting member, and the rod.

[0005] In the context of the proposed invention, a strap is understood to be a strip of material, such as for example a strip of metal and / or plastic material and / or woven fabric. In the context of the proposed invention, a spring element is understood to be an elastic, reversibly deformable element, such as, for example, a mechanical spring.

[0006] The proposed connection system is based on the principle that the straps arranged on the connection members of the respective connection interfaces are themselves movable due to the movable attachment of the connection members, so that the pressure tank secured by the straps can expand or contract without losing contact with the straps.

[0007] In particular, the connecting members are configured to engage the loops formed by the straps. Of course, the respective straps may be connected in other ways, for example by being screwed or clamped to the connecting members.

[0008] The spring travel limiting member provided according to the present invention creates a frictional connection between the connecting member and the strap arranged on the connecting member with the fixing member, and therefore with the rod, when the spring member is compressed or when the connecting member presses the spring travel limiting member against the fixing member. In other words, when the spring member is compressed, the force flow between the coupling system and the pressure tank to be fixed is guided through a "bypass" around the spring member, and as a result, the pressure of the spring member is released.

[0009] This further means that when the spring members are compressed, the connection system is rigid, or stiff. Therefore, applying further force beyond the point where the spring movement limiting member presses against the fixing member directly applies force to the rod and each strap. Therefore, the spring members allow each pressure tank to deform up to a predetermined geometric limit, resulting in the connection system deforming along with the pressure tank. If the pressure tank deforms beyond the predetermined geometric limit, for example, if the pressure tank moves from its mounting position due to a collision with an obstacle, the connection system's deformation tolerance is exceeded and the connection system operates rigidly to secure the pressure tank in place. Therefore, the connection system switches between two states: a compressed state with a predetermined holding force and a stiff state with maximum holding force.

[0010] Furthermore, the spring travel limiting member limits the potential for force application to the spring member so that the spring member is protected from excessive stress and material failure due to overload is avoided. Thus, the life or service life of the spring member, and therefore the life or service life of the connection system, can be reliably and accurately specified regardless of its use.

[0011] The spring travel limiting member being shorter than the spring member allows the spring member to compress within a predetermined range, particularly up to a detent in the spring travel limiting member, and to extend to a maximum deflection position of the connecting member.

[0012] Even when the pressure tanks contract due to the deflection of the springs, the straps on the connecting members remain under mechanical tension. The length of the gap between the maximum deflection point of the connecting member and the fixing member, as well as the spring constant of the spring, determines the holding force exerted by the straps or connecting system on the pressure tank. Therefore, the holding force can be adjusted by adjusting or displacing the fixing member on the rod.

[0013] The rod may be provided with threads only in some areas for screwing in the fixing member, the fixing member being a threaded nut, and the threads may terminate in an area that is a distance away from the connecting member that is greater than the length of the spring movement limiting member in the relaxed state of the connecting system.

[0014] The threads formed only in the area of ​​the rod for screwing the fixing element onto the rod predetermine the holding force with which the coupling system secures the respective pressure tank in the relaxed position of the spring element. The holding force can therefore be adjusted by adjusting the length of the threads. Of course, the holding force can also be adjusted by changing the position of the fixing element on the rod.

[0015] Furthermore, the threads formed in one area have the effect of applying a predetermined torque to the spring member to tension the connection system. In particular, the fixing member comprises a threaded nut and a contact disc, and the spring member is adapted to come into contact with the fixing member via the contact disc.

[0016] Furthermore, the fixing member may be a fixed material protrusion on the rod, which in the relaxed state of the coupling system ends in an area spaced apart from the connecting member by a distance greater than the length of the spring movement limiting member. For example, a fixed material projection, such as a shank, machined or welded onto the rod during manufacture of the rod, creates a precisely predetermined holding force for the coupling system.

[0017] Furthermore, the spring movement limiting member can be provided so as to be movably disposed between the connecting member on the rod and the fixed member, or so as to be fixedly disposed on the fixed member. A spring movement limiting member that is fixedly arranged on the fixed member can, for example, be designed as an integral or monolithic component of the fixed member, whereas a spring movement limiting member that is designed to be movable can, for example, be hollow and guided around the rod and thus arranged on the rod.

[0018] Furthermore, the connection system may comprise two connection interfaces arranged together on the rod. Two connecting interfaces arranged on a common rod can connect two straps using a compact connecting system in which a frictional connection is established between the rod and the two straps when two spring members are compressed. For example, a fixing member fixedly formed on a first end of the rod and a fixing member fastened to a second end opposite the first end can be provided, and all components of the two connecting interfaces can be pressed onto the rod and finally fixed by the fixing member fastened to the rod.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the proposed invention relates to a fastening system for fastening a circular pressure tank, comprising a strap system and several possible design embodiments of the proposed connection system, the strap system comprising a plurality of straps connected to a first holding point and a second holding point and configured to enclose the pressure tank between the first holding point and the second holding point, the strap system being mechanically connected to the plurality of connection systems.

[0020] The proposed fastening system is used in particular for fastening a pressure tank to several, in particular two, holding points. The strap system includes a first strap connectable at a first end to a first retention point and connected at a second end to a connecting member of one of the plurality of connection systems, and the strap system includes a second strap connectable at a second end to a second retention point and connected at a second end to a connecting member of one of the plurality of connection systems.

[0021] The fastening system may have a strap system, in particular consisting of two straps that engage in a connecting system such that the connecting system connects the straps to a holding point connected to the straps, establishing a frictional connection between the straps and the connecting system. The fastening system thus allows the pressure tank to be fixed to the respective holding point. For this purpose, the straps may be connected to the respective holding points, in particular hooked onto the holding points, or screwed or clamped to the holding points. For example, the straps may form tabs into which the hook-like holding points engage.

[0022] The fastening system may also be configured to include a first connection system and a second connection system. The strap system may also include three straps, a first strap of the strap system connectable at a first end to a first retention point and connected at a second end to a first connection member of the first connection system, a second strap of the strap system connectable at a first end to a second connection member of the first connection system and connected at a second end to a first connection member of the second connection system, and a third strap of the strap system connectable at a first end to a second connection member of the second connection system and connected at a second end to a second retention point.

[0023] The strap system, consisting of three straps and two connecting systems, allows pressure tanks with particularly large volumes to be fixed, with the second strap connected to both connecting systems being adjustable in length, for example to adapt to the volume of the pressure tank.

[0024] According to a third aspect, the proposed invention relates to a pressure tank system for storing a fluid, comprising a circular, in particular cylindrical, pressure tank, a frame with a first and a second holding point, and a possible design embodiment of the proposed fastening system, which surrounds the pressure tank in at least some areas and is connected to the first and second holding points. The pressure tank system having a frame on which the fastening system is arranged can be easily and safely transported regardless of the filling state of the pressure tank.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect, the proposed invention relates to a method for fastening a pressure tank, in which the pressure tank is fastened to a number of retention points with a possible design embodiment of the proposed fastening system. The spring elements of the fastening system fasten the pressure tank to the retention points with minimal fastening force even in an unfilled state, and in particular are pressed into the frame, preventing the pressure tank from sliding out of the frame even at low accelerations. Due to the connection of the fastening system to the retention points, high acceleration forces compress the spring elements to the detents of the spring travel limiting elements, establishing a frictional connection between the fastening system and the frame, ensuring a secure hold of the pressure tank on the frame even at high acceleration forces. The proposed fastening system is particularly useful for implementing the proposed method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] Other features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 shows possible design embodiments of the proposed fastening system with two possible design embodiments of the proposed connection system. [Figure 2] 2 shows a longitudinal section of the fixation system of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 1 shows a possible design embodiment of the proposed pressure tank system. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross section of the pressure tank system of FIG. [Figure 5] 4 shows details of the connection system of the pressure tank system of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 10 shows additional possible design embodiments of the proposed coupling system. [Figure 7] 7 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling system of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The connection system 100 is shown in Figure 1. The connection system 100 is part of the fastening system 200 and includes a first connection interface 101, a second connection interface 103, a first strap 105, and a second strap 107.

[0029] The first coupling interface 101 includes a first fixed member 109 , a first contact disc 111 , a first spring member 113 , a first spring movement limiting member 115 , and a first connecting member 117 , each of which is disposed on a rod 119 .

[0030] The first connecting member 117 is movable between a first end point where the first spring member 113 is fully deflected and a second end point where the first connecting member 117 contacts the first spring movement limiting member 115. The first end point can be optionally preset by a stop formed on the rod 119.

[0031] The looped first strap 105 encircles the first connecting member 117 such that the first spring member 113 maintains the first strap 105 under continuous tension. When the first strap 105 is subjected to a tensile force, for example due to movement of the pressure tank secured by the first strap 105, the first strap 105 pulls or pushes the first connecting member 117 against the first spring member 113, compressing the first spring member 113 until the first connecting member 117 contacts the first spring movement limiting member 115 and forms a friction connection between the first strap 105, the first contact disc 111, and the first fixing member 109 or rod 119, respectively, thereby preventing further movement of the first strap 105 and securing the pressure tank in its position.

[0032] The second coupling interface 103 includes a second fixed member 121 , a second contact disc 123 , a second spring member 125 , a second spring movement limiting member 127 , and a second connecting member 129 , which are respectively disposed on the rod 119 . The second connecting member 129 is movable between a first end point where the first spring member 125 is fully deflected and a second end point where the second connecting member 129 presses the second spring movement limiting member 127 against the second contact disc 123. The second end point can optionally be preset by a thread formed in an area on the rod 119.

[0033] The second strap 107, by means of a loop, encircles the second connecting member 129 such that the second spring member 125 keeps the second strap 107 under continuous tension. When the second strap 107 is subjected to a tension force, for example due to movement of the pressure tank secured by the second strap 105, the second strap 105 causes the second connecting member 129 and second spring movement limiting member 127 to be pulled or pressed against the second contact disc 123, forming a frictional connection between the second strap 107, the second contact disc 123 and the second fixing member 121 or rod 119, thereby preventing further movement of the second strap 107 and securing the pressure tank in its position.

[0034] Coupling system 100 is shown in cross section in Figure 2, where it can be seen that first spring travel limiting member 115 and second spring travel limiting member 127 surround rod 119, and that first fixing member 109 is an integral part of rod 119.

[0035] The pressure tank system 300 is shown in Figure 3. The pressure tank system 300 comprises a circular pressure tank 301, a frame 303 having a first retention point 305 and an additional retention point 307, a first fastening system 309 and a second fastening system 311. The pressure tank 301 is fixed to the frame 303 by a first fastening system 309 and a second fastening system 311 .

[0036] A cross section of the pressure tank system 300 is shown in Figure 4. Here, it can be seen that the first fastening system 309 comprises a first strap 313, a second strap 315, and a third strap 317. The first strap 313 is connected to the first connection system 100 and the first retention point 307 . The second strap 315 is connected to the second fastening system 311 and the first connection system 100 . The third strap 317 is connected to the second connection system 400 and the second retention point 319 .

[0037] The second coupling system 400 of the pressure tank system 300 is shown in detail in Figure 5. Here, it can be seen that the connecting members 501, 503 of the coupling system 400 surround either side of the rod 505 so as to engage the tabs formed by the second strap 315 and the third strap 317 and guide the rod 505 through the clearances 507, 509 of the tabs.

[0038] Figure 6 shows a coupling system 600. The coupling system 600 is based on the coupling system 100 of Figure 1, with an additional contact disk 601 or 603 arranged between the first connecting member 609 and the first spring member 113 or between the second connecting member 611 and the second spring member 125, respectively.

[0039] The shape of the first connecting member 609 and the second connecting member 611 has changed compared to the connection system 100 of FIG. 1 such that the first connecting member 609 and the second connecting member 611 each have no flat areas or have a completely circular cross section. Due to the additional contact discs 601, 603 and the circular shape of the first connecting member 609 and the second connecting member 611, the movement of the first connecting member 609 is transmitted directly to the first spring member 113, or the movement of the second connecting member 611 is transmitted directly to the second spring member 125, thereby minimizing play between the connecting members 609, 611 and the spring members 113, 125.

[0040] Additionally, the coupling member 600 has threaded connections 605, 607 at either end, which allow the spring members 113, 125 to be tensioned, ie, pre-tensioned or re-tensioned.

[0041] The invention is not limited to any of the above-described embodiments, but can be varied in many different ways. All features and advantages that emerge from the claims, the description and the drawings, including details of construction, spatial arrangements and method steps, may be essential to the invention both individually and in the most diverse combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 100 Connected System 101 Connected Interface 103 First Strap 105 Second Strap 107 Second Strap 109 First fixing member 111 First contact disc 113 First spring member 115 First spring movement limiting member 117 First connecting member 119 Rod 121 second fixing member 123 Second contact disc 125 Second spring member 127 Second spring movement limiting member 129 Second connecting member 200 Fixed System 300 Pressure Tank System 301 Pressure Tank 303 frames 305 1st holding point 307 Additional holding points 309 First Fixing System 311 Secondary Fixing System 313 First Strap 315 Second Strap 317 Third Strap 319 2nd holding point 400 Connected System 501 Connecting member 503 Connecting member 505 Rod 507 Clearance 509 Clearance 600 Connected System 601 Contact disc 603 Contact Disc 605 threaded connection 607 Threaded Connection

Claims

1. A coupling system (100, 400, 600) for mechanically coupling straps (105, 107, 313, 315, 317), comprising: A plurality of connection interfaces (101, 103) are provided; each of the plurality of connection interfaces (101, 103) includes a rod (119, 505), a spring member (113, 125), a spring movement limiting member (115, 127), a connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503), and a fixing member (109, 121); the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) is movably disposed on the rod (119, 505) and configured to be connected to a strap (105, 107, 313, 315, 317); the fixing member (109, 121) is fixedly disposed on the rod (119, 505); the spring member (113, 125) is disposed between the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) and the fixing member (109, 121); the spring movement limiting member (115, 127) is disposed between the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) on the rod (119, 505) and the fixed member (109, 121); a spring movement limiting member (115, 127) that is shorter than the spring member (113, 125) such that, when the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) presses toward the fixed member (109, 121) with a predetermined force, the spring movement limiting member (115, 127) establishes a frictional connection between the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503), the strap (105, 107, 313, 315, 317) connected to the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503), and the rod (119, 505).

2. the rod (119, 505) has a thread in only a partial area for screwing the fixing member (109, 121) thereto; The fixing member (109, 121) is a threaded nut, 2. The connection system (100, 400, 600) of claim 1, wherein the threads terminate in an area that is away from the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) by a distance greater than the length of the spring travel limiting member (115, 127) in a relaxed state of the connection system (100, 400, 600).

3. A connection system (100, 400, 600) as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fixed member (109, 121) is a fixed material protrusion of a rod (119, 505) that ends in an area away from the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) by a distance longer than the length of the spring movement limiting member (115, 127) in a relaxed state of the connection system (100, 400, 600).

4. 4. A connection system (100, 400, 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spring movement limiting member (115, 127) is movably arranged between the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) on the rod (119, 505) and the fixed member (109, 121), or is fixedly arranged on the fixed member (109, 121).

5. The connection system (100, 400, 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connection system (100, 400, 600) comprises two connection interfaces (101, 103) arranged in combination on the rod (119, 505).

6. A fastening system (200, 309, 311) for fastening a circular pressure tank (301), comprising: Strap system and a plurality of connection systems (100, 400, 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the strap system comprises a number of straps (105, 107, 313, 315, 317); the strap system is connected to a first retention point (307) and a second retention point (319) and configured to enclose the pressure tank (301) between the first retention point (307) and the second retention point (319); A fastening system (200, 309, 311), wherein the strap system is mechanically coupled with a plurality of connecting systems (100, 400, 600).

7. the strap system comprises a first strap (313) connectable at a first end to the first retention point (307) and connected at a second end to the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) of one of the plurality of connecting systems (100, 400, 600); 7. The fastening system (200, 309, 311) of claim 6, wherein the strap system comprises a second strap (315) connectable at a second end to the second retention point (319) and connected at a second end to the connecting member (117, 129, 501, 503) of one of the plurality of connecting systems (100, 400, 600).

8. the fastening system (200, 309, 311) comprises a first coupling system (100, 400, 600) according to claim 6 and a second coupling system (100, 400, 600) according to claim 6, the strap system comprises three straps (313, 315, 317); a first strap (313) of the strap system connectable at a first end to the first retention point (307) and connected at a second end to a first connecting member (117) of the first connection system (100); a second strap (315) of the strap system is connected at a first end to a second connecting member (129) of the first connecting system (100) and at a second end to a first connecting member of the second connecting system (100, 400, 600); 7. The fastening system (200, 309, 311) of claim 6, wherein a third strap (317) of the strap system is connected at a first end thereof to a second connecting member of the second connecting system (100, 400, 600) and is connectable at a second end thereof to the second retention point (319).

9. A pressure tank system (300) for storing a fluid, comprising: a circular pressure tank (301); a frame (303) having a first retention point (307) and a second retention point (319); A fastening system (200) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The fastening system (200) surrounds the pressure tank (301) at least in a partial area; A pressure tank system, wherein the fastening system (200) is connected to the first holding point (307) and the second holding point (319).

10. A method for fastening a pressure tank (301), wherein the pressure tank (301) has a fastening system (200) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, and is fastened to a plurality of holding points (307, 319).

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