Elongate tensioning unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an elongate tensioning unit comprising a casing which encloses an interior space, and a plurality of tensioning elements which extend in the longitudinal direction of the tensioning unit and are accommodated in the interior space of the casing. According to the invention, the casing comprises, at, at least one circumferential position, a depression which projects into the interior space and in which at least one electric functional unit, for example at least one lighting unit, and at least one connection line for the at least one electric functional unit are accommodated. Alternatively, the at least one electric functional unit can also be accommodated in an associated recess in a water-repelling element arranged on the outer surface of the casing.

Claims

1. An elongate tensioning unit comprising a casing which encloses an interior space, and a plurality of tensioning elements which extend in a longitudinal direction of the tensioning unit and are accommodated in the interior space of the casing, wherein the casing comprises, at least one circumferential position, a depression which projects into the interior space and in which at least one electric functional unit and at least one connection line for the at least one electric functional unit are accommodated.

2. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the casing is designed having no hollow regions.

3. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one depression extends over at least a predetermined fraction of the length of the tensioning unit.

4. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one depression comprises a top wall which extends in an extension of the circumferential extent of the outer surface of the casing.

5. The tensioning unit according to claim 4, wherein the top wall is formed at least in portions by a rail element inserted into a relevant depression of the at least one depression.

6. The tensioning unit according to claim 4, wherein the top wall is formed in one piece with the casing at least in part.

7. The tensioning unit according to claim 4, wherein the top wall comprises a plurality of apertures that corresponds to a number of the at least one electric functional units.

8. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connection line is an energy supply line and/or a data line for establishing a unidirectional or bidirectional data connection to the at least one electric functional unit.

9. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connection line extends in front of and/or behind the electric functional unit when viewed in the circumferential direction.

10. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a substantially circular cross section.

11. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one sealing elements arc is assigned to the depression.

12. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electric functional unit can be detachably connected to the casing.

13. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein an inner delimiting wall of the depression is formed in one piece with the casing.

14. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein an inner delimiting wall of the depression is designed as a separate element that is connected to the casing for operation therewith.

15. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical functional unit is at least one lighting unit and the at least one lighting unit comprises at least one lamp.

16. The tensioning unit according to claim 15, wherein the at least one lighting unit comprises an integrated optical system.

17. The tensioning unit according to claim 15, wherein the at least one lightning unit comprises a local control unit.

18. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the tensioning elements are designed as strands.

19. The tensioning unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one water-repelling element is arranged on an outer surface of the casing.

20. An elongate tensioning unit comprising a casing which encloses an interior space, and a plurality of tensioning elements which extend in a longitudinal direction of the tensioning unit and are accommodated in the interior space of the casing, wherein at least one water-repelling element is arranged on an outer surface of the casing, the at least one water-repelling element comprises at least one recess in which at least one electric functional unit is accommodated, and in that said tensioning unit also comprises at least one connection line for the at least one electric functional unit.

21. The tensioning unit according to claim 20, wherein the at least one connection line is accommodated in a channel which is formed in the at least one water-repelling element.

22. The tensioning unit according to claim 20, wherein the casing comprises, at at least one circumferential position, a depression which projects into the interior space and in which the at least one connection line is accommodated.

Description

(1) The invention is explained in more detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings and on the basis of several embodiments. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment from FIG. 1 along the line II-II in FIG. 1;

(4) FIGS. 3 to 5 are views similar to FIG. 2 of further embodiments of the tensioning unit according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 6 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 of a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention;

(6) FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the embodiment from FIG. 6 along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6;

(7) FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of a further embodiment of the tensioning unit according to the invention;

(8) FIG. 9 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 of a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention;

(9) FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the embodiment from FIG. 9 along the line X-X in FIG. 9;

(10) FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the embodiment from FIG. 9 along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9;

(11) FIG. 12 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 of a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention;

(12) FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the embodiment from FIG. 12 along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12;

(13) FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 of a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention.

(14) In FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention is provided, in a very general manner, with reference numeral 100. The tensioning unit 100 comprises a casing 102 which encloses an interior space 104, and a plurality of tensioning elements 106 which extend in the longitudinal direction A of the tensioning unit 100 or the casing 102 and are accommodated in the interior space 104 of the casing 102. According to the invention, in the embodiments shown in FIG. 2, the casing 102 comprises, at each of three circumferential positions, a depression 108 which projects into the interior space 104 and extends, in the embodiments from FIGS. 1 and 2, over substantially the entire length of the casing 102 and thus of the tensioning unit 100.

(15) Rail elements 110 are inserted into the depressions 108 and are equipped with lighting units 112 at predetermined positions. Furthermore, the rail elements 110 comprise connection lines for the lighting units 112, specifically power supply lines 114a and data lines 114b. The power supply lines 114a provide lighting elements 116 of the lighting units 112, preferably formed by LEDs, with the energy required for the operation thereof. By means of the data lines 114b, which are connected to a local control unit 118 of the relevant lighting unit 112, it is possible to control when the lighting elements 116 are illuminated and at which intensity and/or in which colour. In order to be able to ensure that the light emitted by the lighting units 112 can be seen over a large solid angle, the lighting units 112 also have a dispersive optical system 120. In order to be able to prevent the ingress of moisture into the depressions 110, seals 122 are arranged at the transition between the outer circumferential surface 102a of the casing 102 and the depression 108.

(16) As can be seen in FIG. 2, the casing 102 has a substantially circular cross-sectional surface. Owing to the presence of the depressions 108, this does not, however, apply to the cross-sectional surface of the interior space 104 of the casing 102. Instead, the cross-sectional surface 104a of the interior space 104 of the casing 102 has portions 104b that are at the same height in the radial direction R, but, in the circumferential direction U, are positioned between two adjacent side delimiting walls 108a of adjacent depressions 108. According to the invention, these portions 104b can also be used for arranging tensioning elements 106.

(17) Therefore, when the wall thickness d of the casing 102 remains constant per se, despite there being depressions 108 for receiving the lighting units 112, the area of the cross-sectional surface 102a of the casing 102 and thus of the entire tensioning unit 100 is only increased slightly, specifically only by the cross-sectional area of the indentations in the casing 102 required for forming the depressions 108.

(18) As is also shown in FIG. 2, the upper peripheral surface 110a of the rail elements 110 extends substantially on the extension H of the outer peripheral surface 102a of the casing 102 in the circumferential direction U or on the envelope H of the casing 102. The same also applies to the outer peripheral surface 112a of the lighting units 112. In this way, the tensioning unit 100 according to the invention that is equipped with the lighting units 112 as an integral part thereof has substantially the same aerodynamic properties as a conventional tensioning unit of the same diameter that is not equipped with lighting units.

(19) So as to be able to replace lighting units 112 that are no longer working properly, according to a first variant, the lighting units 112 can be detachably connected to the rail elements 110. In this case, the rail elements 110 can be connected to the casing 102 of the tensioning unit 100 such that they cannot be detached. According to a second variant, it is however also conceivable for the lighting units 112 to be connected to the rail elements 110 such that they cannot be detached, but for the rail elements 110 to be detachably connected to the casing 102 of the tensioning unit 100.

(20) The detachable connection can be produced, for example, by screwing, locking, clamping, using a bayonet-like connection or the like. In this case, electrical contacts can be produced in a manner known per se. The non-detachable connection can be produced, for example, by adhesion, clips, clamps, screws or the like. In this respect, there does not need to be a connection over the entire length of the rail element 110.

(21) The lighting units 112 and/or the rail elements 110 can be replaced, for example, by means of a robot which can move along the tensioning unit 100 autonomously.

(22) FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention that substantially corresponds to the embodiment from FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, in FIG. 3, similar parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2, but increased by 100. Furthermore, in the following, the tensioning unit 200 according to FIG. 3 is only described insofar as it differs from the tensioning unit 100 according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the description of which is otherwise explicitly referred to.

(23) The tensioning unit 200 differs from the tensioning unit 100 primarily on account of the design of the depressions 208. Specifically, the depressions 208 have undercuts 208b and 208c in which the power supply lines 214a and data lines 214b are arranged. In this way, the power supply lines 214a and the data lines 214b can extend in front of and/or behind the lighting unit 212 in the circumferential direction U. This makes it possible to design the depressions 208 so as to have a smaller radial depth, and this has an advantageous effect on the stability of the casing 202. The undercuts 208b and 208c are delimited radially towards the outside by wall portions 202b that are formed in one piece with the casing 202.

(24) FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention that substantially corresponds to the embodiment from FIG. 3. Therefore, in FIG. 4, similar parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3, but increased by 100. Furthermore, in the following, the tensioning unit 300 according to FIG. 4 is only described insofar as it differs from the tensioning unit 200 according to FIG. 3, the description of which is otherwise explicitly referred to.

(25) As is also the case in the tensioning unit 200 of the embodiment according to FIG. 3, in the tensioning unit 300, the power supply lines 314a and the data lines 314b are arranged in front of and/or behind the lighting unit 312 in the circumferential direction U. However, unlike in the tensioning unit 200, the lines 314a and 314b are not arranged in undercuts in the depressions 308, but rather in side chambers 310b of the rail elements 310. In this embodiment too, the advantage is produced whereby the depressions 308 have a smaller radial depth.

(26) FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention that substantially corresponds to the embodiment from FIG. 3. Therefore, in FIG. 5, similar parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3, but increased by 200. Furthermore, in the following, the tensioning unit 400 according to FIG. 5 is only described insofar as it differs from the tensioning unit 200 according to FIG. 3, the description of which is otherwise explicitly referred to.

(27) The tensioning unit 400 differs from the tensioning unit 200 according to FIG. 3 merely in that it only comprises one single undercut 408b. Although both the power supply lines and the data lines can be housed in this undercut, in the view according to FIG. 5 the tensioning unit 400 only has power supply lines 414a. The lighting units 412 can thus only be switched on and off, but the intensity and/or colour thereof cannot be controlled.

(28) FIGS. 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention that substantially corresponds to the embodiment from FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, in FIGS. 6 and 7, similar parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2, but increased by 400. Furthermore, in the following, the tensioning unit 500 according to FIGS. 6 and 7 is only described insofar as it differs from the tensioning unit 100 according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the description of which is otherwise explicitly referred to.

(29) The tensioning unit 500 differs from the tensioning unit 100 primarily in that the depressions 508 are designed so as not to be open radially towards the outside over the entire length of the casing 502 or the tensioning unit 500, but rather the casing 502 only has apertures 524 leading into the depressions 508 at positions at which lighting units 512 are intended to be arranged. Otherwise, the depressions 508 are covered by wall portions 502b of the casing 502. As a result of this design, the casing 502 is highly stable.

(30) There are no restrictions at all in respect of the design of the inner delimiting wall 508d of the depressions 508. Instead of the course shown in FIG. 7, any other course can also be used, for example the courses shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

(31) The connection lines 514a and 514b are advantageously arranged in rail elements 510 which are introduced into the depressions 508 in the longitudinal direction A of the tensioning unit 500. The lighting units 512 are detachably connected to these rail elements 510.

(32) Two water-repelling elements 526 can also be seen in FIG. 6, which water-repelling elements are arranged on the outer surface 502a of the casing 502 so as to wind therearound quasi in the manner of a double helix. In this case, the apertures 524 for arranging the lighting units 512 are preferably arranged such that they are located approximately centrally between the two water-repelling elements 526.

(33) FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention that substantially corresponds to the embodiment from FIG. 7. Therefore, in FIG. 8, similar parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 7, but increased by 100. Furthermore, in the following, the tensioning unit 600 according to FIG. 8 is only described insofar as it differs from the tensioning unit 500 according to FIG. 7, the description of which is otherwise explicitly referred to.

(34) The tensioning unit 600 according to FIG. 8 differs from the tensioning unit 500 merely in that the inner delimiting wall 608d of the depressions 608 is not formed in one piece with the casing 602. Instead, the inner delimiting wall 608d is provided as an element that is separate from the casing 602, is introduced into the interior space 604 of the casing 602 during production of the tensioning unit 600 and is connected to the inside of the casing 602 for operation therewith. This separate element can be made of steel, for example.

(35) FIGS. 9 to 11 show a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention that substantially corresponds to the embodiment from FIGS. 6 and 7. Therefore, in FIGS. 9 to 11, similar parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 6 and 7, but increased by 200. Furthermore, in the following, the tensioning unit 700 according to FIGS. 9 to 11 is only described insofar as it differs from the tensioning unit 500 according to FIGS. 6 and 7, the description of which is otherwise explicitly referred to.

(36) The tensioning unit 700 also has water-repelling elements 726 which, unlike the water-repelling elements 526 of the tensioning unit 500 according to FIG. 6, are annular and are arranged substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis A of the tensioning unit 700. This tensioning unit also differs from the embodiment from FIGS. 6 and 7 in that the water-repelling elements 726 comprise recesses 728 in which the lighting units 712 are arranged. These recesses 728 are connected, by means of apertures 730, to channels 732 that extend in the longitudinal direction A of the casing 702 of the tensioning unit 700. The channels 732, the apertures 730 and the recesses 728 together form the depressions 708 in the tensioning unit 700. The power supply lines 714a and the data lines 714b are arranged in the channels 732. In particular, the lines 714a and 714b can be accommodated in rail elements 710 as in the embodiment from FIGS. 6 and 7.

(37) FIGS. 12 and 13 show a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention that substantially corresponds to the embodiment from FIGS. 9 to 11. Therefore, in FIGS. 12 and 13, similar parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 9 to 11, but increased by 100. Furthermore, in the following, the tensioning unit 800 according to FIGS. 12 and 13 is only described insofar as it differs from the tensioning unit 700 according to FIGS. 9 to 11, the description of which is otherwise explicitly referred to.

(38) The tensioning unit 800 according to FIGS. 12 and 13 differs from the tensioning unit 700 from FIGS. 9 to 11 merely in that, like in the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the water-repelling element 826 is again designed in the manner of a helix, only one single helix being provided in the embodiment from FIG. 12, however. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that two helices that wind around one another in the manner of a double helix could be provided.

(39) As is the case in the tensioning unit 700 from FIGS. 9 to 11, in the tensioning unit 800, the lighting units 812 are also accommodated in recesses 828 that are connected, by means of apertures 830, to a channel 832 that extends in the longitudinal direction A of the tensioning unit 800. In this case too, the recesses 828, apertures 830 and the channel 832 together form the depressions 808 in the casing 802.

(40) FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of a tensioning unit according to the invention that substantially corresponds to the embodiment from FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, in FIG. 14, similar parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2, but increased by 800. Furthermore, in the following, the tensioning unit 900 according to FIG. 14 is only described insofar as it differs from the tensioning unit 100 according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the description of which is otherwise explicitly referred to.

(41) Although the tensioning unit 900 is very similar to the tensioning unit 800 from FIGS. 12 and 13, it corresponds to the tensioning unit 100 from FIGS. 1 and 2 to a large extent. Specifically, like the tensioning unit 800, the tensioning unit 900 also has a water-repelling element 926 designed in the manner of a helix. However, like in the tensioning unit 100, the lighting units 912 are arranged in rail elements 910 which are inserted into a depression 908 that extends over the entire length of the helix 926.