Chain link for a tyre chain

Abstract

The invention relates to a chain link (1) for a tire chain. The chain link (1) has a first part (2) and a second part (4) which is welded together with the first part (2). The first part (2) is provided with at least two webs (6) which are arranged next to each other, wherein a hook-in opening (8) is delimited by two respective webs (6) and the second part (4), and two opposite sides (10, 10') of the second part are provided with recesses (12) which correspond to the webs and into each of which a respective end (14) of the webs (6) is inserted.

Description

[0001] Chain link for a tire chain

[0002] The invention relates to a chain link for a tire chain.

[0003] It is common practice to equip vehicles with tire chains, such as tire protection chains or anti-skid chains, to protect the vehicle tires and / or increase traction on the surface being driven on. Tire chains can protect vehicle tires from pointed or sharp-edged objects, particularly on construction sites and / or in mines. The chain links of the chain strands are subject to high loads and wear, requiring a comparatively high material expenditure. Furthermore, tire chains of different sizes must be manufactured for different tire sizes. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the tire chain is manufactured flexibly and with as little inventory as possible.

[0004] Consequently, it is an object of the invention to provide a chain link that enables automated and flexible production of tire chains.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention for the above-mentioned chain link in that the chain link comprises a first part and a second part welded to the first part, wherein the first part is provided with at least two adjacently arranged webs. A suspension opening of the chain link is defined by two webs and the second part. The second part is provided with recesses on two opposite sides, into which one end of each web is inserted.

[0006] The above-mentioned solution makes it possible to construct or expand a tire chain consisting of individual chain links in a modular fashion. This allows any number of chain links to be coupled together in a chain strand as required. Furthermore, the first and second parts can be pretreated independently of each other and / or have different material properties.

[0007] Since the ends of the at least two webs are inserted into corresponding recesses in the second part, and the recesses are arranged on two opposite sides of the second part, the first part and the second part can be positioned relative to each other at least in one rotational direction before welding. Consequently, the parts are already pre-positioned during welding, facilitating handling of the chain link during production. The welding point is easily accessible at the ends of the webs, reducing the welding effort. All of this together particularly improves the suitability of the chain link for automated production of a chain strand and / or a tire chain.

[0008] The following are further training courses that can be combined independently of one another and are each advantageous in their own right.

[0009] Thus, according to a first advantageous embodiment, the first part and the second part can have different material properties. The parts can be optimized for their respective functions. For example, the first part can be a wear part or a closure part. However, the first part can preferably be designed as a wear part which, in the assembled state of a tire chain mounted on a vehicle tire, is located on a side of the chain link facing away from the tread of the vehicle tire. The wear part can be hardened, for example, by appropriate heat treatment, thereby improving its wear resistance.

[0010] The second part can be a complementary closure part or a wear part. Preferably, the second part can be a closure part that rests on the tread of the vehicle tire when installed. The closure part is subject to less stress and wear than the wear part. Therefore, weight can be saved if the closure part is formed from a lighter and / or softer material than the wear part.

[0011] The first part and the second part can be heat-treated differently from one another. In particular, the first part and the second part can be heat-treated separately. The parts are not yet welded or suspended in a chain strand during heat treatment. This means that, for example, the furnace capacity can be better utilized for heat treatment in a furnace, as a closer arrangement of the parts is possible. Furthermore, the heat treatment can be used to adjust the structure of the two parts to their respective specific function, so that the physical properties of the parts, such as hardness, can be determined. It is possible to adapt the heat treatment to individual requirements, which creates more freedom in the design of the chain link.

[0012] Preferably, the first part and the second part can be heat-treated before welding. The heat treatment before welding is reflected in the microstructure of the chain link. The microstructure can be examined, for example, using a light microscope, whereby conclusions about the heat treatment process can be drawn by assessing the size, shape, and arrangement.

[0013] For example, the microstructure can be used to determine that the weld is embedded in a previously heat-treated structure. A transition section may be located between the weld metal and the previously heat-treated structure on the chain link, where the structure differs from the rest of the chain link due to the welding process.

[0014] Preferably, the end of each web can be welded to the recess that receives it. This not only creates a large contact area for the weld, but also protects the weld from external influences.

[0015] In particular, the weld can be located entirely within the recess. The weld does not protrude from the recess. This prevents the weld from being damaged, for example, by stone chips. For this purpose, the second part can be provided to project beyond the webs. In particular, the second part can project beyond the webs in a longitudinal direction of the webs, in which they extend away from a common base of the first part.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the recesses can be arranged on two opposite flat sides of the chain link. The flat side of the chain link refers to the largest side of the chain link. The suspension opening can be open on the opposite flat sides of the chain link. Consequently, the suspension opening can extend through the chain link from one flat side to the opposite flat side.

[0017] To improve access to the weld during welding, the recesses can be open in at least one direction. This allows the welding tool to easily reach the desired weld point from the outside, further optimizing the welding process.

[0018] In particular, the recesses can open in the direction away from the flat sides. Alternatively, or additionally, the recesses can be open in the direction away from the first part. In particular, the combination of open recesses in the direction away from the flat sides and away from the first part is advantageous because this improves access to the webs located in the recesses. At least one recess can also be open laterally to the outside, i.e. in a direction parallel to the flat side and away from the suspension opening. If the assembly of the first and second parts is to be simplified further, it can be provided that the number of recesses corresponds to the number of webs. Accordingly, the parts can be assembled correctly intuitively before welding and errors can be avoided.

[0019] Two of the at least two webs can form a bow of the chain link. Consequently, two webs can each form one side of the chain link, which, when the tire chain is mounted on the vehicle tire, extends substantially perpendicular to the tread of the vehicle tire.

[0020] The first part can have an arched cross-section in a plan view of the flat side, with each web forming one side of the arch, a so-called bow. The bows are connected to each other via a common base. The second part can have a plate-shaped cross-section in a plan view of the flat side. In one embodiment, the second part can be cranked.

[0021] To simplify the positioning of the first and second parts relative to each other before welding, the first part can have at least three, in particular exactly three, webs, with a suspension opening located between each two webs. The ends of the at least three webs can be inserted into at least three corresponding recesses in the second part, with the recesses and the webs being arranged alternately on opposite sides. The resulting positive connection between the parts blocks rotational movement in both directions.

[0022] In particular, the recesses and webs can be arranged alternately on opposite sides with respect to a center plane running parallel to the flat sides of the chain link. Thus, the end of a web can be arranged closer to one flat side and / or the recess associated with this web can be open toward one flat side, and the end of the adjacent web can be arranged closer to the opposite flat side and / or the recess associated with this web can be open toward the opposite flat side.

[0023] Preferably, exactly three recesses and exactly three webs can be provided, with the outer webs and recesses being arranged on the same side relative to the center plane, and the intermediate recess or web being arranged on the opposite side. According to an advantageous embodiment, the first part and the second part can be positively fixed in the welding position in a direction substantially transverse to the center plane prior to welding. In particular, the parts on both sides can be fixed in the welding position substantially transverse to the center plane.

[0024] The second part can be placed on the first part in a plug-in direction. For this purpose, the webs can be provided with supports on which the second part rests in the welding position. Consequently, the second part can be supported on the first part during welding and is positively secured in the plug-in direction. The plug-in direction refers to a direction parallel to the center plane spanned by the chain link.

[0025] Preferably, the first and second parts can be positively fixed in a direction substantially transverse to the insertion direction and parallel to the center plane prior to welding. The freedom of movement of the individual parts relative to each other can be restricted to such an extent that the second part rests on the first part by gravity alone, thereby being precisely in the welding position.

[0026] The free end of the web, which is inserted into the corresponding recess, can protrude from the support in a direction away from the common base, essentially parallel to the insertion direction. Preferably, the free end has a smaller cross-section in a plane essentially transverse to the insertion direction than the web below the second part. Preferably, the support and the free end of the web form a fold into which the second part is inserted in the welding position.

[0027] The object mentioned at the outset is further achieved by a chain strand for a tire chain, wherein the chain strand comprises at least two chain links according to one of the preceding embodiments and at least one connecting link inserted into the suspension openings of the at least two chain links.

[0028] The chain strand can, in particular, comprise a plurality of chain links interlinked in rows or in a net-like manner. With the row-like arrangement, for example, a chain strand of a tire chain can be constructed from a plurality of chain links arranged in a row, allowing the creation of track and / or conductor strands through which the handling and / or traction of the tire chain can be specifically influenced. With the net-like chain strands, a close-meshed network can be created that protects the tires.

[0029] The at least two chain links can be web links which, in the tire chain mounted on the vehicle tire, protrude in the direction away from the vehicle tire, in particular the tread of the vehicle tire, compared to the other, in particular horizontal chain links, such as the connecting links. Such web links form the tread of the tire chain and ensure traction. The web link can be designed to be particularly wear-resistant compared to the connecting link. In particular, the web link can have a wear web on the side facing away from the tread of the vehicle tire, the material thickness of which is increased compared to the remaining chain link. Several web links can be suspended in a substantially annular connecting link.

[0030] The at least two chain links and the connecting link can be made of different materials. For example, the web link can be made of a more wear-resistant material than the connecting link. The at least two web links and the connecting link can be made of different metal alloys and / or have different microstructures.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one web link and the connecting link and / or the joined parts of the at least one chain link, which are made of different materials, can be heat-treated differently, in particular separately from one another. As a result, the properties of each part of the at least one chain link and / or of the different chain links can be optimized individually and independently of one another through heat treatment. A conclusion about the respective heat treatment process can be drawn, for example, through a structural analysis under a light microscope.

[0032] Connecting links and web links can be arranged alternately in the chain strand. In a chain strand with interlocking chain links, a plurality of web links, for example, four web links, can be suspended in one connecting link.

[0033] A chain strand as described above can be arranged in a tire chain's running network for vehicle tires, and / or the running network can be composed of such chain strands. A majority of the chain strands can be located in the tire chain's running network. However, a chain strand can also form the tire chain's running network itself.

[0034] The heat-treated chain links and / or parts of a chain link can be assembled into a chain strand using a handling robot, in particular interlocked, and then the at least one chain link can be welded using a welding robot. This enables automated production of the chain strand. The handling robot can assemble the chain links and / or the parts of a chain link directly after heat treatment, so that they are already heated during welding. The previously heat-treated structure reduces the temperature difference between the weld seam and the material to be welded. Consequently, thermal stresses can be reduced. Furthermore, the heat pretreatment can lower the cooling rate after welding, thereby preventing undesirable hardening phenomena and thus minimizing the risk of cold cracks.

[0035] The invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, elements that correspond to one another in terms of structure and / or function are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0036] The combinations of features shown and described in the individual embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. In accordance with the above explanations, a feature of an embodiment can be omitted if its technical effect is not important for a specific application. Conversely, in accordance with the above explanations, a further feature can be added to an embodiment if its technical effect should be advantageous or necessary for a specific application.

[0037] They show:

[0038] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a chain link;

[0039] Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the exemplary design of the chain link;

[0040] Fig. 3 is a schematic rear view of the exemplary design of the chain link;

[0041] Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the exemplary design of the chain link; and

[0042] Fig.5 is a schematic side view of the exemplary design of the chain link.

[0043] Figures 1 to 5 show various schematic views of an exemplary embodiment of a chain link 1.

[0044] The chain link 1 comprises a first part 2 and a second part 4 welded to the first part 2. The first part 2 can be provided with at least two webs 6 arranged side by side. Two webs 6, together with the second part 4, can define a suspension opening 8. The second part 4 is provided on two opposite sides 10, 10' with recesses 12 corresponding to the webs 6, into which one end 14 of the web is inserted.

[0045] The chain link 1 can be designed as a web link 16. A web link 16 is a chain link 1 which, in a tire chain mounted on a vehicle tire, protrudes from other chain links, in particular connecting links, in the direction away from the vehicle tire, in particular the tread of the vehicle tire. Such web links 16 ensure traction and form the tread of the tire chain. For this purpose, the first part 2 can be designed as a wear part 18 with a wear web 20 arranged on the side facing away from the tread of the vehicle tire.

[0046] The wear bar 20 can form a common base 22, from which the at least two bars 6 extend essentially parallel to a plugging direction S. In this exemplary embodiment, the first part 2 has three bars, with two outer bars 6 each forming a bow 24 of the chain link 1. The third bar 6 can, in particular, be arranged equidistantly between the two outer bars 6 and form a central bar 26.

[0047] In a central plane, which in Figures 2 and 3 is arranged parallel to the plane of the drawing, the first part 2 can have a substantially O-shaped cross-section. The third web 6, together with an outer web 6, can form a separate suspension opening 8. Therefore, for example, a connecting link can be suspended in each suspension opening 8, whereby the connecting links do not interfere with each other.

[0048] Each web 6 is provided with a free end 14 that projects from the remaining web 6 parallel to the insertion direction S. Consequently, a cross-section of the free end 14 in a cross-sectional plane arranged substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction S is smaller than the cross-section of the corresponding web 6 below the free end.

[0049] The webs 6 can each have a support 28 with a support surface arranged approximately parallel to the cross-sectional plane, on which the second part 4 rests in the welding position. "Approximately parallel" here means a deviation from the parallel of ±20°, ±15°, ±10°, or ±5°. The free end 14 can protrude from the support 28 essentially parallel to the insertion direction S. Preferably, the support 28 and the free end 14 are arranged on different sides with respect to a plane running parallel to the center plane, so that the support 28 and the free end 14 form a fold 30 into which the second part 4 is inserted in the welding position.

[0050] The free ends 14 of the webs 6 can be arranged alternately offset from one another. With three webs 6, the free ends 14 of the outer webs can preferably be aligned with one another and offset from the free end 14 of the central web 26. In particular, the free ends 14 of the outer webs 6 and the free end 14 of the central web 26 can be arranged, at least in sections, on different sides with respect to a plane extending parallel to the central plane.

[0051] The second part 4 can form a closure part 32, which is placed on the first part 2 in the insertion direction S. The closure part 32 can in particular be plate-shaped and form a flat support surface for resting on the vehicle tire.

[0052] For each free end, the second part 4 can have a complementary recess 12. Preferably, the outer recesses can be open in the direction away from the other outer recess and can be delimited in the direction toward the other outer recess by a wall 38 of the second part 4.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, all of the recesses are open parallel to the insertion direction S and essentially in the direction perpendicular to the center plane. This allows the second part 4 to be easily placed onto the first part, for example using a handling robot. The second part 4 and the first part 2 form a positive connection that blocks relative rotation about the insertion direction S. Furthermore, the positive connection blocks movement of the parts relative to one another both in the direction perpendicular to the center plane and in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction S and parallel to the center plane. The chain link 1 can have flat sides 40 extending parallel to the center plane. The flat sides 40 form the largest sides of the chain link 1, wherein the flat sides 40 are composed of the flat sides of the first and second parts. The flat sides of the second part can be provided with the respective recesses 12.

[0054] The second part 4 can be cranked, wherein the recess 12 for the central web 26 is limited by three sides and the recesses 12 for the outer webs are limited by two sides.

[0055] Preferably, the second part 4 projects beyond the free ends 14 of the first part 2 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction S. This enables the positioning of the weld 34 in the recess 12, so that at the weld 34, an end face 36 of the free end 14 of the first part 2 is welded to the walls 38 of the second part 4 that define the recess. In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the weld or the weld metal does not protrude from the recess 12.

[0056] This configuration allows easy access to a welding point 34 during welding, with the parts being securely fixed in the welding position. In contrast to a configuration in which the free ends of the first part are arranged on a plane and are inserted through through holes in the second part, the relative movement, in particular a relative rotation of the parts during welding can be reduced. Consequently, it is easier to hold the parts in the welding position. Several of these chain links 1 can be assembled into a chain strand by means of connecting links (not shown). The connecting links can in particular be ring-shaped, with one connecting link being hooked into a hooking opening of two or more chain links 1.

[0057] Reference symbol

[0058] 1 chain link

[0059] 2 first part

[0060] 4 second part

[0061] 6 bridge

[0062] 8 Hanging opening

[0063] 10.10' page

[0064] 12 Recess

[0065] 14 End

[0066] 16 bridge link

[0067] 18 Wear part

[0068] 20 Wear bar

[0069] 22 Base

[0070] 24 Bug

[0071] 26 Central bridge

[0072] 28 supports

[0073] 30 fold

[0074] 32 locking part

[0075] 34 Welding point

[0076] 36 frontal area

[0077] 38 wall

[0078] 40 flat side

[0079] 5 Plug-in direction

Claims

Claims 1. Chain link (1) for a tire chain, wherein the chain link (1) has a first part (2) and a second part (4) welded together with the first part (2), wherein the first part (2) is provided with at least two adjacent webs (6), wherein a suspension opening (8) is bounded by two webs (6) and the second part (4), and wherein the second part is provided on two opposite sides (10, 10') with recesses (12) in which one end (14) of the webs (6) is inserted.

2. Chain link (1) according to claim 1, wherein the end (14) of a web (6) is welded to the recess (12) receiving it.

3. Chain link (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of recesses (12) corresponds to the number of webs (6).

4. Chain link (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first part (2) has three webs (6) and a suspension opening (8) is located between each pair of webs (6), wherein the three webs (6) are inserted into three recesses (12) of the second part (4) and wherein the recesses (12) and webs (6) are arranged alternately on opposite sides (10, 10').

5. Chain link (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second part (4) projects beyond the webs (6).

6. Chain link (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the webs (6) have supports (28) on which the second part (4) rests.

7. Chain link (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the recess (12) of the second part (4) is open in the direction towards the side of the second part (4) facing away from the first part (2).

8. Chain link (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the recess (12) of the second part (4) is open in a direction perpendicular to a flat side of the chain link (1).

9. Chain link (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the end (14) has a smaller cross-section than a cross-section of the web (6) below the second part (4). Chain link (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first part (2) and the second part (4) are made of different materials and / or have undergone different heat treatments. Chain strand for a tire chain comprising at least two chain links (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and at least one connecting link inserted in the mounting openings (8) of the at least two chain links (1). Tire chain for a vehicle tire, characterized by a tread network with at least one chain strand according to claim 11.