Connector assembly for tire chains

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector assembly (1) for connecting two directly adjacent chain mesh elements (66) of a chain mesh (34) of a tire chain (64) which, in use, contacts a tire tread of a vehicle tire, said elements having two legs (2) which in an area between their respective ends (4) are spaced apart by a gap (20), wherein at least one leg (2) is concave when viewed from the gap (20).

Description

[0001] Connection arrangement for tire chains

[0002] The present invention relates to a connecting arrangement for a running network of a tire chain resting on a tread of a vehicle tire during operation, as well as a running network and a tire chain with such a connecting arrangement.

[0003] Tire chains are used as traction aids to prevent tires from slipping on slippery surfaces such as snow, ice, slush or mud, or to protect tires on pointed or sharp-edged surfaces such as slag, metal and glass waste or gravel.

[0004] The production of chain links involves high manufacturing and material costs. The aim of the invention is to reduce this cost.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a connecting arrangement for connecting two adjacent running network elements for a running network of a tire chain, which during operation rests on a tread of a vehicle tire, having two legs which are spaced apart from one another by an intermediate space in an area between their respective ends, wherein at least one leg is concavely shaped when viewed from the intermediate space.

[0006] Due to the space between the links, this type of connection requires less material than conventional, solid chain links. The connection arrangement is easier to manufacture due to the lower material requirements, making it easier to harden, for example. The arrangement with two legs also allows for more flexible adaptation to the substrate.

[0007] The invention can be further improved by the following embodiments, each of which is advantageous in itself and can be combined with one another as desired.

[0008] According to one possible embodiment of the invention, the legs can be elongated in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal ends can be directly or indirectly connected to each other. This embodiment thus forms a structural unit and a larger surface area, which can increase traction.

[0009] If the two legs are firmly (rigidly) connected, they form a tire chain link, particularly a web link of the chain mesh. The legs can converge at an acute angle at their ends, allowing for a larger contact area between the two legs. Furthermore, the mechanical cohesion of the legs is increased with this design.

[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment, the two legs are spaced apart from one another and their ends are not connected to one another, so that individual legs can be easily and arbitrarily replaced with differently shaped and / or undamaged legs for maintenance or for better adaptation to external conditions.

[0011] At least one leg, preferably both legs, can have two flat sides facing away from each other. One flat side can define the gap between the two legs. The other flat side faces away from the gap. During operation or in the assembled state, the flat sides can face in the circumferential direction of the running surface.

[0012] The gap should completely penetrate the connecting arrangement, i.e., be continuous. With the chain mesh or tire chain installed, the gap should be continuous in the radial direction. Thus, with the connecting arrangement resting on the tread, a plane spanned by the gap should point in the radial direction in the normal direction.

[0013] In one variant, the legs can be made from a flat material, which reduces manufacturing costs because, for example, sheet metal can be used. Thus, in a further development, at least one leg, preferably both legs, of the connecting arrangement can be a stamped and bent part.

[0014] Furthermore, at least one leg, preferably both legs, can have two narrow sides facing away from each other, which run perpendicular to the flat sides and are connected to the flat sides at their edges. One of the narrow sides can be provided with traction projections that increase traction with the ground.

[0015] In one embodiment, the traction protrusions can be jagged, for example, to increase traction in snow or slush. During operation or when mounted, the traction protrusions can be located on the narrow side facing away from the tread of the vehicle tire. The narrow side facing away from the tread of the vehicle tire should point in the radial direction of the tire when the connection arrangement rests on the tread. In one possible embodiment, the other narrow side can be smooth and have no traction protrusions. This narrow side can rest on the tread of the tire during operation or when mounted, which minimizes the risk of tire damage.

[0016] In a further possible embodiment, a traction projection can be provided at each end of the legs, which has the advantage of increasing traction even when the connection arrangement is not in an optimal position and otherwise ensures an even load distribution on the traction projections at the ends.

[0017] At least one leg, preferably both legs, can be plate-shaped or strip-shaped. Likewise, at least one leg, preferably both legs, can be an elongated plate or a strip, which offers the advantage of simple manufacturing.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one leg, preferably both legs, can be concavely curved and / or provided with kinks, which promotes a stable support surface.

[0019] The space between one end of the legs can widen in the direction towards the other end.

[0020] The gap can be lens-shaped in the plane spanned parallel to the narrow side, in operation or in the assembled state in the radial direction.

[0021] At least one leg, preferably both legs, can have a bulge between the ends of the legs. This bulge can be located midway between the two ends of the legs. The legs can be more curved in the area of ​​the bulge than in the remaining area. In another embodiment, the legs can be straight up to the bulge. Another advantageous configuration can have a traction projection on the bulge. The greatest distance between the legs can be midway between the ends.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one leg, preferably both legs, can be forged. Each leg can be forged separately, which allows for individual adaptation to the tire chain.

[0023] One possible embodiment provides for the two legs to be firmly connected to each other at their two ends, in particular by a material bond. This material bond can be achieved by welding, which allows for a stable joining of the legs into a single chain element. In one embodiment, the connecting arrangement can be a monolithic component, which reduces complexity during assembly.

[0024] Furthermore, the legs can each have at least one connecting element by means of which the connecting arrangement can be movably joined to other elements, in particular other running network elements of the tire chain, for example to form a chain strand or chain network.

[0025] The connecting element can be configured as at least one suspension opening penetrating the two legs. At least one further element of the chain mesh or tire chain can be suspended in at least one suspension opening. The suspension opening preferably penetrates the connecting arrangement in a direction that is at least approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the intermediate space penetrates the connecting arrangement.

[0026] In one embodiment, a suspension opening is provided at each end of each leg, which simplifies the connection of several connecting assemblies and / or running net elements.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the hanging openings of the legs can be aligned with each other, which enables simple and uniform installation.

[0028] The attachment opening can extend through the flat sides of the legs to enable a tight connection. An elongated attachment opening along the length of the legs and / or an attachment opening extending into the gap can lead to increased elastic compliance of the tire chain element as it rolls over the tire contact patch. Such compliance can be advantageous in certain cases, for example, to reduce rolling noise.

[0029] Furthermore, the suspension opening can preferably be located exclusively in the area of ​​the legs that are firmly connected. This results in a relatively rigid and deformation-resistant connection arrangement.

[0030] In a further embodiment, a suspension opening can be recessed in a traction projection that projects upwards parallel to the flat sides.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, a blocking element extending from one end of the legs to the other can be arranged in the intermediate space, which can be spaced apart from the two legs in the area between the two ends of the legs. The use of this blocking element prevents stones from penetrating the intermediate space of the connecting arrangement.

[0032] For quick and easy production, the locking element can be plate-shaped, with the flat sides of the locking element facing the flat sides of the legs. Furthermore, the locking element can be a sheet metal part for a cost-effective, easily deformable and wear-resistant solution. It can run between the two legs. The ends of the locking element can be firmly connected to the ends of the legs, in particular by a material bond. This material bond can be welded. The locking element cannot protrude beyond the legs in the direction of the plane spanned by the legs in order to prevent wear on the locking element due to friction with the ground. During operation or when installed, the locking element cannot protrude beyond the legs in the radial direction.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the blocking element can have at least one traction projection that runs in the shadow of a traction projection of one leg to provide a precisely fitting blockade against the penetration of small particles such as stones. To save weight and material, the blocking element can have a thinner material than one or both legs.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the locking element can also have at least one connecting element. Here, too, the connecting element can be designed as at least one suspension opening. The at least one suspension opening of the locking element can be designed in the same way as the at least one suspension opening of a leg or legs.

[0035] Furthermore, the locking element can have a mounting opening at each of its ends. At least one mounting opening can be aligned with the at least one mounting opening of the legs. This allows for easy installation of the tire chain.

[0036] The aforementioned running network can have at least two ring links and at least one connecting arrangement. The two ring links can be directly connected to one another via the connecting arrangement. Likewise, the running network can have a plurality of ring links and a plurality of connecting arrangements. The plurality of connecting arrangements can be suspended from a ring link of the plurality of ring links. The ring link can also be directly connected to other ring links of the plurality of ring links. The running network can thus be assembled in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, a ring link of the running network connects one connecting arrangement to two adjacent connecting arrangements.

[0037] A further embodiment could be a tire chain for a vehicle with the aforementioned chain mesh. The tire chain can be used for commercial vehicles such as excavators, wheel loaders, or trucks.

[0038] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond to one another in terms of function and / or structure.

[0039] They show:

[0040] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the connecting arrangement;

[0041] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the connecting arrangement with locking element;

[0042] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the connecting arrangement with the design of the locking element;

[0043] Fig. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of the connecting arrangement; and

[0044] Fig. 5 shows the entire tire chain with the connecting arrangements and ring links.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the connecting arrangement 1. The connecting arrangement 1 has two legs 2 with their ends 4. The legs 2 can each be longer in one direction 6 than in the other directions. Such a direction 6 can, for example, be the one that runs along the imaginary straight line 8 drawn between the two ends 4 of the legs 2. The direction 6 can point from one end 4 of the leg 2 to the other end 4 of the leg 2.

[0046] In a direction 10 perpendicular to this straight line 8, each leg 2 can have a shorter extension 12 along this directional straight line 14. Each of the legs 2 has at least one flat side 16 which runs approximately parallel to the plane 18 spanned by the two straight lines 8, 14. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, each leg 2 has two opposite flat sides 16, wherein one flat side 16 of each leg 2 points outwards and the other flat side 16 of each leg 2 delimits the intermediate space 20 on the inside between the two legs 2. This intermediate space 20 runs parallel to the plane 18 spanned by the straight lines 8, 14 completely through the connecting arrangement 1 and spans a plane 22 (as can be seen in Fig. 3) between the two legs 2, which is perpendicular to the plane 18 of the flat sides 16.

[0047] Each leg 2 advantageously has, as also shown in Fig. 1, a thickness 24 which forms the narrow sides 26 of the respective leg 2, which are opposite one another.

[0048] The traction protrusions 28 on the legs 2, shown in Fig. 1 as an example in a jagged shape, represent an alternative embodiment and serve to increase traction. The traction protrusions 28 protrude upwards from the narrow side 26, which points in the same direction 10 as the direction of the shorter extension 12 of the leg 2. The traction protrusions 28 can point away from the narrow side 26 at the ends 4 of the legs 2 and protrude in the middle of each leg 2.

[0049] In this embodiment, the opposite narrow side 26 of the respective leg 2 is smooth, in particular flat, and has no traction projections 28. The smooth narrow side 26 can be the narrow side 26 that is applied to the tire (not shown in Fig. 1) during operation or in the mounted state. For rapid production, it is also conceivable to make all narrow sides 26 of a leg 2 smooth, thus giving the leg 2 a plate-like configuration. A band-like configuration of at least one leg 2 is also conceivable.

[0050] At least one leg 2 can be forged, whereby preferably both legs 2 can be forged. It is also possible for both legs 2 to be forged separately and individually manufactured.

[0051] The legs 2 can also be made from a flat or strip material. For example, sheet metal can be used. In one embodiment, at least one leg 2 can be a stamped and bent part.

[0052] The legs 2 each have at least one suspension opening 30, through which the connection to other connecting assemblies 1 or ring links 32 is made. The at least one suspension opening 30 can pass through the flat side 16 of a leg 2 and be located at at least one end 4 of a leg 2. The at least one suspension opening 30 serves as a connection to other connecting assemblies 1 or ring links 32 (shown in Fig. 5) when constructing a chain net 34 (seen in Fig. 5). The at least one suspension opening 30 of one leg 2 can be aligned with the suspension opening 30 of the other leg 2 and, in one embodiment, can be located in the interconnected region 36 of the legs 2.

[0053] If the two legs 2 are rigidly connected to one another in the interconnected area 36, ​​for example by means of a material bond, they together form a tire chain link or a web link 37 of the running network 34.

[0054] An advantageous embodiment provides two suspension openings 30 on each leg 2, wherein a suspension opening 30 can be provided at each end 4 of the leg 2. A further embodiment can provide an elongated suspension opening 38 in the leg 2, which extends from one end 4 to the other end 4 of the leg 2 and contributes to dampening rolling noise by increasing the flexibility of the leg 2.

[0055] A blocking element 40 can be inserted between the two legs 2 to reduce or even prevent the penetration of small particles such as stones into the gap 20. Figures 2 to 3 show this further exemplary embodiment of the connecting arrangement 1 with the two legs 2, the suspension openings 30, the traction projections 28, and the blocking element 40. Figure 3 shows a top view of the connecting arrangement 1.

[0056] The locking element 40 extends from one end 4 of the leg 2 to the other. As shown, the locking element 40 can be a flat body, with the flat sides 48 of the locking element 40 in this embodiment facing the flat sides 16 of the legs 2. In the intermediate space 20 (in Fig. 3), the locking element 40 is spaced from the legs 2.

[0057] The locking element 40 can be a stamped and bent part made of sheet metal.

[0058] At its ends 44, the locking element 40 can be directly or indirectly connected to the ends 4 of the legs 2. A possible connection 46 here is also welding. In a further advantageous embodiment, the two legs 2 and the locking element 40 are connected to each other via a ring member 32 (shown in Fig. 5). The locking element 40 does not project beyond the legs 2 in any direction or protrude between the legs 2.

[0059] It is advantageous to provide at least one traction projection 50 in the locking element 40, which is in the shadow of at least one traction projection 28 of a leg 2, in order to ensure a precise blocking of the intermediate space 20. The locking element 40 can, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, have a smaller material thickness than the two legs 2. For the construction of the running network 34, the locking element 40 can have at least one connecting element 52. A suspension opening 54 in the locking element 40 can serve as the connecting element 52. Likewise, the at least one suspension opening 54 in the locking element 40 can be aligned with the at least one suspension opening 30 of each leg 2 in order to facilitate assembly. In one embodiment, the locking element 40 can have a suspension opening 54 at each end 44 of the locking element 40, analogous to a leg 2.

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the connecting arrangement 1 and illustrates the advantageous embodiment with two concavely shaped legs 2. The intermediate space 20 widens from one end 4 of the legs 2 to the other end 4. In the plane 22, the intermediate space 20 can be lens-shaped.

[0061] In another possible embodiment, at least one leg 2 can be bent at least in sections. Alternatively or additionally, at least one leg 2 can be provided with kinks. The legs 2 can, in particular, converge at an acute angle, which improves the cohesion of the connection 46 between the two legs 2.

[0062] At least one leg 2, preferably both legs 2, can have a bulge 56 between the ends 4 of the legs 2. In this case, at least one leg 2 can be curved outwards as seen from the intermediate space 20. The leg 2 can be more strongly curved in the region of this bulge 56 than in the remaining region. This bulge 56 can be located in the middle between the ends 4 of the two legs 2. The legs 2 can be more strongly curved in the region of the bulge 56 than in the remaining region of the connecting arrangement 1. A further embodiment provides that the legs 2 can run straight up to the bulge 56, which results in simple production of the respective leg 2. It is also conceivable that a traction projection 28 can be formed on the bulge 56, further improving adhesion. The greatest distance 58 between the legs 2 is then in the middle between the ends 4.

[0063] In a further embodiment, the connecting arrangement 1 can be a monolithic component in which all components are integrally connected to one another.

[0064] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the connecting arrangement 1 with the two legs 2, which are spaced apart from each other at their ends 4. The legs 2 can be indirectly connected to each other by a ring link 32 (shown in Fig. 5). Each of the two legs 2 is thus movable independently of the other leg 2 on the ring link 32. Together, both legs 2 connect a ring link 32 to an immediately adjacent ring link of the chain mesh 34.

[0065] In this embodiment, the connecting arrangement 1 also has a gap 20 formed between the legs 2. The distance 60 between the opposite ends 4 of the legs 2 along a direction 62 perpendicular to the straight line 8 and within the plane 22 is less than the distance 58. The distance 60 between the ends 4 of the legs can be the smallest distance between the two legs 2 of the connecting arrangement 1. When the legs 2 are loosely arranged or threaded onto a ring link 32, the legs 2 can rest against one another without being firmly connected, so that the distance 60 is approximately zero.

[0066] The tire chain 64 with the chain mesh 34 is shown in Fig. 5 in a plan view with a plurality of chain mesh elements 66, in particular with a plurality of connecting assemblies 1 and a plurality of ring links 32, which are movably connected to one another by means of suspension openings 30 (shown in Figs. 1 and 2). The connecting assemblies 1 are shown in Fig. 5 in the variant with a locking element 40.

[0067] The running network 34 is mounted on a tire (not shown in Fig. 5) as shown in Fig. 5 with the narrow sides 26 pointing into the image plane. The narrow sides 26 of the connecting arrangement 1 that point into the image plane can be the smooth embodiment of the narrow side 26 of at least one leg 2 of the connecting arrangement 1 that is mounted on the tire. In this embodiment, the opposite narrow sides 26 of the connecting arrangement 1 can have the traction projections 28 (shown in Figs. 1 and 2), which increase grip to the ground.

[0068] In this embodiment, the suspension opening 30 at one end 4 of the connecting arrangement 1 is used to pass a ring member 32, which—as shown here by way of example—connects three connecting arrangements 1 to one another. The connecting arrangements 1 are mounted on the ring member 32 at the same distance from the adjacent connecting arrangements 1. One end 4 of the connecting arrangement 1 points toward the center of the ring member 32, while the other end 4 points away from the center of the ring member 32.

[0069] The other suspension opening 30 at the other end 4 of the connecting arrangement 1 is used to thread in another ring link 32, which in turn can also have two further connecting assemblies 1 at the same distance from one another. If this assembly is repeated with, for example, four further ring links 32 and the corresponding connecting assemblies 1, a circle 68 made up of connecting assemblies 1 is created. The running network 34 is thus composed of a plurality of circles 68, each of which consists of the connection of the connecting assemblies 1 to the ring links 32. The circles 68 thus formed from connecting assemblies 1 and ring links 32 can be positioned such that each connecting arrangement 1 is part of two opposite circles 68. This forms a stable running network 34 for attachment to a tire.For example, chain elements 70 can then be used, which are hooked onto a ring link 32 of the chain mesh 32 in order to attach the tire chain 64 with the chain mesh 34 to a tire.

[0070] Reference symbol

[0071] 1 connection arrangement

[0072] 2 legs

[0073] 4 End of the leg

[0074] 6 Direction along the straight line between the two ends

[0075] 8 imaginary straight line between the two ends

[0076] 10 Direction perpendicular to the straight line between the two ends

[0077] 12 shorter extension of the thigh

[0078] 14 Straight line perpendicular to the straight line between the two ends

[0079] 16 Flat side of a leg

[0080] 18 Plane defined by two lines

[0081] 20 space

[0082] 22 Level between the two legs

[0083] 24 thickness

[0084] 26 Narrow side of the leg

[0085] 28 Traction protrusion of a leg

[0086] 30 Hanging opening leg

[0087] 32 ring links

[0088] 34 Running net

[0089] 36 connected area

[0090] 37 tire chain link, web link

[0091] 38 elongated hanging opening

[0092] 40 locking element

[0093] 44 End of the locking element

[0094] 46 Connection

[0095] 48 Flat side of the locking element

[0096] 50 Traction projection of the locking element

[0097] 52 connecting element

[0098] 54 Hanging opening of the locking element

[0099] 56 Bulge / curvature of the thigh

[0100] 58 Distance between the legs

[0101] 60 Distance between the legs

[0102] 62 Direction along the plane of the gap

[0103] 64 Tire chain Running network element Circle of connecting arrangements Chain element

Claims

Claims 1 . Connecting arrangement (1) for connecting two adjacent running network elements (66) for a running network (34) of a tire chain (64), which during operation rests on a tread of a vehicle tire, having two legs (2) which are spaced apart from one another by an intermediate space (20) in an area between their respective ends (4), wherein at least one leg (2) is concavely shaped when viewed from the intermediate space (20).

2. Connecting arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one leg (2) has two flat sides (16) facing away from one another and one flat side (16) delimits the intermediate space (20).

3. Connecting arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one leg (2) has two narrow sides (26) pointing away from one another and one of the narrow sides (26) is provided with traction projections (28).

4. Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one leg (2) is made of a flat material.

5. Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intermediate space (20) widens from one end (4) of the legs (2) in the direction (6) to the other end (4).

6. Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one leg (2) is forged and / or punched out.

7. Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the two legs (2) are integrally connected to one another at their two ends (4).

8. Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the legs (2) are each provided at one end with at least one connecting element (52) by means of which the legs (2) can be movably joined to one of the two running network elements (64) of the tire chain (64).

9. Connecting arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein the connecting element (52) is designed as a suspension opening (30) passing through the two legs (2).

10. Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a locking element (40) extending from one end (4) of the legs (2) to the other is arranged in the intermediate space (20), which locking element is spaced from the two legs (2) in a region between the two ends (4) of the legs (2).

11. Connecting arrangement (1) according to claim 10, wherein the locking element (40) has a smaller material thickness than the legs (2).

12. Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the locking element (40) does not project beyond the legs (2) in the direction (10) of the plane (22) spanned by the legs (2).

13. Connecting arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the locking element (40) has at least one connecting element (52).

14. A chain mesh (34) for a tire chain (64) of a vehicle, wherein the chain mesh (34) has at least two ring links (32) and at least one connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the two ring links (32) are directly connected to one another via the connecting arrangement (1).

15. A tire chain (64) for a vehicle having a chain mesh (34) according to claim 14.

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