TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an insert device for an element, particularly a pipe element, according to the preamble to claim 1 .

From the standpoint of additional aspects, the invention concerns a method for mounting an insert device in an element, particularly a pipe element, according to the preamble to claim 13.

The invention also concerns a support device installed in a vehicle, particularly a tractor, for carrying electrical and air lines to a trailer according to the preamble to claim 15, and a vehicle comprising such a support device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When a load-bearing pipe element with an open end is to be joined to other types of elements, e.g. another pipe element, a joint of some type is used. It is relatively common to join these types of elements by means of a weld joint. In those cases when it is desirable for the joint to be able to bear a large variable load, a weld joint is not a suitable alternative, as this type of joint does not have sufficiently high strength. One alternative to a weld joint is a bolted joint, e.g. in the form of a clamp. The clamp consists of an mounting plate with side walls, which are arranged so that the pipe element is arranged between said side walls during mounting. The bolted joint is completed in that a screw or bolt is passed through holes in the walls of the clamp and in the pipe element, and the screw or bolt is then tightened with a nut. The disadvantage of a bolted joint in the form of a clamp is that the pipe element is at risk of being compressed and deformed if the clamping force from the bolted joint over the pipe becomes too great because of a large variable load. This type of bolted joint also requires some form of rubber spacer to give the joint sufficient spring travel. Rubber is a material that ages and is heat-sensitive and expensive. When using a bolted joint that must bear large variable loads, where elements must be fastened to one another by screwing one or more screws or bolts straight through the pipe element, the screws or bolts must be tightened to a very high torque. One way of preventing the pipe element from becoming deformed is to reinforce the pipe element at the point or points where the clamping force is greatest by means of a sleeve, so that the force is distributed over a larger area. The bolted joint in mounted so that the screw or bolt is passed through holes in the pipe element walls and through corresponding holes in the sleeve, whereupon a nut is secured on the screw or bolt on the diametrically opposed side of the pipe and tightened to a suitable torque. One problem with using the sleeves that are currently available on the market is that it is difficult to insert the sleeve into the pipe so that the holes in the sleeve align with the holes in the pipe element while simultaneously mounting the bolted joint. In those cases where the bolted joint must include two or more bolts, the problems becomes even greater. Using hands and fingers to get such sleeves into the correct position in the pipe element is usually inadequate; a special tool is normally need to keep the sleeves in place while mounting the bolted joint. The use of a special tool also increases the complexity and cost of the bolted joint. Yet another problem with these types of sleeves is that, despite using a tool, it is difficult to keep the sleeve in the correct position without it moving inside the pipe element and thus getting out of position before the screw or bolt has been passed through the hole in the sleeve. A device that is fast and easy to mount and requires no special tool to be inserted into and kept in place in the pipe element until its screw or bolt has locked the device in the desired position is thus desirable. A device that can be produced at a reasonable price is also desirable.

EP1416168 shows an example of an alternative solution in which a sleeve is inserted into a pipe so that it is possible to use bolts to join the pipe to a second element, in this case a piece of furniture of some type. The sleeve in this joint is elastic, and is not intended to bear large variable loads. The disadvantage with this solution is also that it requires a tool to insert and position the sleeve in the correct position for mounting.

GB24701 16 shows another example of another bolted joint for joining a pipe element with another element. A device consisting of two arms can be pushed into a pipe to position the nuts at the level of the mounting holes in the pipe. The disadvantage with this joint, just as was the case with the joint in EP1416168, is that it cannot bear large variable loads, as the arms are quite simply too weak.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide an insert device for a first element, particularly a pipe element, that will reduce the risk that the first element will be deformed due to heavy clamping forces from a bolted joint that joins said first element to a second element. The object is also to provide an insert device that can be secured in said first element easily and without tools, so that the insert device is prevented from moving inside the element before the bolted joint has been mounted on the element and the insert device. Another object is to provide an insert device that is light and can be produced and fabricated at a reasonable price.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects, which are presented in the description below, are achieved by means of an insert device of the type specified above, and which further exhibits the features in the characterizing part of accompanying

independent claims 1 and 13. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in non-independent claims 2-1 2 and 14.

There is thus defined, according to the present invention, an insert device for an element, which insert device comprises at least one frame part, wherein at least a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface of the frame part are equipped with at least one hole, which, with the insert device in its mounted state, runs transverse to the longitudinal direction of said element, characterized in that said insert device further comprises securing means to prevent the insert device from moving in the longitudinal direction of the element after its insertion into said element and prior to mounting.

According to the invention, the advantage is obtained that the insert device can be mounted quickly, easily and cost-effectively in an element, particular a pipe element, insofar as a user can insert and withdraw the insert device into/out of the pipe element using neither tools nor other aids. The frame parts of the insert device also entail that a bolted joint that joins the pipe element with another element can be obtained that exhibits favorable clamping force and clamping length. Because the frame parts absorb the force from the bolted joint, the risk that the pipe element will be deformed due to heavy clamping forces from the bolted joint is reduced. The bolted joint thus because highly strong and robust, and is able to bear heavy variable loads.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the insert device, said frame part can, with the element in its mounted state, extend over essentially the entire diametrical length or width of said element. According to another advantageous embodiment, at least the one hole can extend from said first lateral surface to said second lateral surface of the frame element. In this way, a bolt can be passed straight through the element and the insert device so as to then be secured by means of a nut on the diametrically opposed or opposite side. The force applied when tightening the bolted joint can thus be absorbed by the frame part, and the risk that the element will deform due to clamping forces from the bolted joint is decreased considerably. According to another advantageous embodiment of the insert device, the securing means can comprise at least one hook element which, when the insert device is inserted into the element, is arranged so as to hook into a recess arranged in the surface of the element. The insert device is thereby prevented from moving out of the pipe element before the bolted joint has mounted the pipe element together with another element.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the insert device, said securing means can comprise at least one shoulder element which, when the insert device is inserted into the pipe element, is arranged so as to hook into a corresponding groove arranged in one end of the pipe element. An advantage is hereby achieved in that the insert device cannot move into the pipe element before the bolted joint has mounted the pipe element together with another element.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the insert device, at least the one frame part is made of metal. As a result, a bolted joint can be tightened to a high torque without deforming the frame part and, in turn, the pipe element. In this way the bolted joint acquires excellent clamping force and clamping length, and this provides a strong and robust joint that can bear heavy variable loads.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the insert device, it comprises a matrix arrangement, in which said at least one frame part is a matrix arrangement, in which said at least one frame part is implemented. The frame parts can thereby be held in place and remain in the correct position in relation to mounting holes in the pipe element during the insertion of the insert device. The matrix is preferably made of a plastic material, which enables an inexpensive and simple design.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the insert device, the matrix arrangement and said securing element are cast in one piece. A single unit that is simple and inexpensive to fabricate and mount is thereby obtained.

A method for mounting an insert device in an element is defined based on another aspect of the invention.

A support device mounted in a vehicle for carrying electrical and air lines to a trailer attached to said vehicle and a vehicle comprising such a support device are defined based on another aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in greater detail with the help of non-limiting embodiments, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the insert device according to the present invention,

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an insert device before it is pushed into and mounted in a pipe element, and a bolted joint by means of which the insert device and another element are to be secured to the pipe element. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a pipe element into which an insert device according to the present invention has been pushed.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a support device with two free and open pipe ends, where an insert device has been pushed into the one pipe end, and a second insert device is depicted before being pushed into the second pipe end, and

Fig. 5 shows a vehicle in the form of a tractor, on which a support device has been mounted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 -3 show an embodiment of the present invention, applied to an insert device 1 intended to be inserted into an element, in particular a pipe element, in order to reinforce a pipe element when said pipe element is to be joined with another element by means of a bolted joint. However, it must be emphasized immediately that the invention is in no way limited to this type of insert device 1 , but can be applied to any insert device 1 . Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an insert device 1 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the insert device 1 comprises two frame parts 3, 4 and a matrix arrangement 1 2. A hole 5, 6 is arranged in each of the frame parts 3, 4, which holes 5, 6 extend from a first lateral surface 8, 9 of the frame parts 3, 4 through each respective frame part 3, 4 to a second lateral surface (not shown in Fig. 1 ), which is arranged essentially opposite said first lateral surface 8, 9. The two frame parts 3, 4 in the embodiment in Fig. 1 are cast in the matrix 12, which is made of a plastic material in this embodiment. Naturally it is also possible, in another embodiment, to cast one or more than two frame parts 3, 4 in the matrix arrangement, depending entirely on how many mounting holes 13, 14 (see Figs. 2 and 3) are desired in the pipe element 2.

The insert device 1 further comprises a securing element 7 that is cast together with the matrix arrangement 12, forming a single unit. Said securing element 7 is composed of a leg section 14 and a foot section 15 and comprises two hook elements 22, 23, each of which consists of an elastic base part 32, 33 and a protrusion 30, and two shoulder elements 25, 26, each of which consists of a base part 40, 41 and an upper part 42, 43, which together form a T-shape. The hook elements 22, 23 and the shoulder elements 25, 26 are arranged so as to secure the insert device in the pipe element 2, so that the insert device 1 will not move in the longitudinal direction of the pipe element 2 after the insert device 1 has been inserted into the pipe element 2.

The insert device 1 further comprises a recess 17 that extends through the matrix arrangement 12, forming two openings on opposite side of the matrix arrangement 12, and which is arranged between said frame parts 3, 4 and runs essentially parallel to said holes 5, 6. Said recess 17 is arranged so as to receive, for example, a bolt 51 , 52 (see Fig. 3) that secures an additional element to the pipe element 2. Fig. 3 shows how a mounting hole 1 10 for such a bolt 51 , 52 is arranged in the pipe element 2.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the insert device 1 according to the embodiment in Fig. 1 before it is inserted into a pipe element 2. The pipe element 2 according to this embodiment comprises two recesses 18 that are arranged diametrically opposite one another, and two grooves 20, 21 that are arranged diametrically opposite one another and run from one end of the pipe element 2 and along its longitudinal direction. To prevent the insert element 1 from moving out of the pipe element 2 when it is inserted into the pipe element 2 in connection with mounting of the bolted joint, each of the recesses 30, 31 , which are oriented essentially perpendicular to said base part 32, 33 of the two hook elements 22, 23, grip into said recess 18 of the pipe element 2. To prevent the insert device 1 from moving in the pipe element 2 when it is inserted into the pipe element 2 in connection with mounting of the bolted joint, the base parts 40, 41 (see Fig. 1 ) of the shoulder elements 25, 26 are arranged so as to protrude from the foot section 15 of the securing element 7 on opposite sides thereof. When the insert device 1 is inserted into the pipe element 2, the base parts 40, 41 (see Fig. 1 ) are arranged so as to be inserted into respective grooves 20, 21 of the pipe element 2 and run in said grooves 20, 21 until the base parts 40, 41 of the shoulder elements 25, 26 reach an end position in the groove 20, 21 . When the base parts 40, 41 run in said grooves 20, 21 , the upper parts 42, 43 of the shoulder elements 25, 26 are arranged so as to run on the outside of the pipe element 2 and so as to thus secure the insert device 1 in the diametrical direction. The insert device 1 is now arranged in a mounting position, and in this position it is prevented from being able to be pushed farther into the pipe element 2. In this mounting position, the protrusions 30, 31 of the hook elements 22, 23 grip into the recess 18, whereupon the insert device 1 is prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction of the pipe element 2. When the insert element 1 has reached this mounting position, the center axis of the holes 5, 6 in the two frame parts 3, 4 is arranged so as to align with the center line of the mounting holes 13, 14 of the pipe element 2. In this way, a second element can be secured to the pipe element 2 by passing screws or bolts 61 , 62 through the mounting holes 13, 14 and corresponding holes 5, 6 and tightening them with respective nuts 44, 45. Fig. 2 also shows two washer elements 71 , 72 on diametrically opposite side of the pipe element 2. The washer elements 71 , 72 help to further distribute the force from the bolted joint so as to prevent deformation of the pipe element 2. Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a pipe element 2, in which an insert device 1 according to the embodiment in Fig. 1 in a mounting position in said pipe element 2 [sic]. The pipe element 2 in Fig. 3 comprises two recesses 18 (only one recess is shown in Figs. 1 -3), which are arranged diametrically opposite one another. In Fig. 3, said protrusions 30, 31 of the hook element 22, 23 grip into the recesses 18 and prevent the insert element 1 from moving out of the pipe element 2 before it is secured in the pipe element 2 by bolts 61 , 62 (see Fig.2). Fig. 3 also shows that the base parts 40, 41 of the shoulder elements 25, 26 have reached the end position in the groove 20, 21 , and that the upper parts 42, 43 of the shoulder elements 25, 26 are arranged on the outside of the pipe element 2. In this position, the center axis of the holes 5, 6 in the insert device 1 are aligned with the center axis of the mounting holes 13, 14 in the pipe element 2. Given that the insert device 1 is secured in the pipe element, the bolts 61 , 62 (see Fig. 2) can be inserted into the mounting holes 13, 14 of the pipe element 2 and the holes 5, 6 of the insert device 1 and secured on the diametrically opposite side by means of nuts 44, 45 (see Fig. 2).

If it is desirable to release the insert device 1 from the pipe element 2, the elastic base parts 40, 41 of the hook elements 22, 23 are moved toward one another by pressing on the protrusion 30, 31 by means of a simple thumb/index finger grip. In this way the spring force of the base parts 32, 33 of the hook elements 22 23 is overcome, whereupon the protrusion 18 is released from the recess 18 in the pipe element, thereby enabling the removal of the insert device 1 from the pipe element 2.

Fig. 4 shows a support device (100) that is intended to be mounted on a tractor to be able to carry electrical and air lines that are to be connected to a trailer attached to said tractor (300) (see Fig 4.) The support device (1 00) has a U-shape consisting of a base part (21 0) and two leg parts (220, 230) that extend at least essentially perpendicular from the longitudinal axis of said base part (219). Said leg parts (220, 230) each terminate in a respective free end (221 , 231 ), into which free ends (221 , 231 ) said insert device (1 ) can be pushed and mounted by means of a bolted joint. Fig. 5 shows a vehicle (300) in the form of a tractor equipped with said support device (100).