TARPAULIN SUSPENSION DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a tarpaulin suspension device having a base plate (2) on which are provided at least one connecting device (4) for a tarpaulin and at least two support rollers (3) which can be displaced along a longitudinal carrier of a cover frame for a tarpaulin structure. An improved tarpaulin suspension device which can be operated easily and reliably is devised, according to the invention, in that at least one guide roller (8), which is perpendicular to the support rollers (3), is mounted on a narrow side (2S) of the base plate (2).

Claims

1-40. (canceled)

41. A tarpaulin suspension device comprising a base plate, wherein at least one connection device for a tarpaulin and at least two support rollers are disposed on the base plate, wherein the rollers can be displaced along a longitudinal carrier of a cover frame for a tarpaulin structure, wherein at least one guide roller is mounted on the base plate, wherein the at least one guide roller is perpendicular to the support rollers, and wherein the at least one guide roller is mounted in the edge of the base plate.

42. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the at least one guide roller is mounted on at least one side in the edge of the base plate.

43. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the base plate comprises at least one planar section, and wherein the at least one guide roller is arranged in an extension of the at least one planar section.

44. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the at least one guide roller is mounted on a side of the base plate that lies opposite the support rollers.

45. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the at least one guide roller projects radially on both sides of the base plate.

46. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the at least one guide roller is disposed adjacent to the connection device.

47. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the at least one guide roller is disposed in a downward-facing end of the base plate.

48. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the at least one guide roller is disposed perpendicular to a plane of the support rollers, and wherein the at least one guide roller is disposed perpendicular to a plane of the base plate.

49. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the base plate has a recess in which the at least one guide roller is disposed.

50. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 49, wherein the recess is provided in a corner of the base plate.

51. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the at least one guide roller is mounted on a bearing journal protruding from the base plate.

52. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein at least a second guide roller is disposed on the base plate.

53. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 41, wherein the support rollers are connected with the base plate by way of a roller bearing having an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring, wherein the inner bearing ring has a hollow-cylindrical section that projects axially beyond the outer bearing ring, and wherein the inner bearing ring forms a spacer section relative to the base plate.

54. A tarpaulin suspension device comprising a base plate, wherein the base plate comprises two substantially planar surfaces and a rim, wherein the rim is substantially perpendicular to the two surfaces, wherein a first support roller and a second support roller are disposed on one of the surfaces, wherein a hole for connecting the base plate to a tarpaulin is provided in the base plate, wherein a first guide roller and a second guide roller are mounted on the base plate, wherein the guide rollers are oriented perpendicular to the support rollers, and wherein the first guide roller and the second guide roller are mounted in the rim of the base plate.

55. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 54, wherein the base plate comprises a first planar section and a second planar section that are disposed at an angle relative to one another.

56. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 54, wherein each of the support rollers are connected with the base plate by way of a roller bearing having an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring, wherein the inner bearing ring has a hollow-cylindrical section that projects axially beyond the outer bearing ring, wherein the inner bearing ring forms a spacer section relative to the base plate, and wherein the spacer section has a face side that is supported on one surface of the base plate.

57. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 54, wherein the guide rollers project radially on both surfaces of the base plate.

58. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 54, wherein the base plate comprises a first recess and a second recess each provided in a lower corner of the base plate, wherein the first guide roller is disposed in the first recess, and wherein the second guide roller is disposed in the second recess.

59. The tarpaulin suspension device according to claim 54, wherein a bearing journal protrudes from the base plate and defines an axis of one of the first guide roller and the second guide roller.

60. A tarpaulin suspension device for being displaced along a longitudinal carrier of a tarpaulin structure and comprising a base plate, wherein the base plate comprises two substantially planar surfaces, wherein the base plate comprises a narrow edge connecting the two surfaces, wherein a first support roller and a second support roller are disposed on one of the surfaces, wherein a connecting hole is provided in the base plate, wherein at least a first guide roller is mounted on the base plate, wherein the first guide roller is oriented transverse to the support rollers, and wherein the first guide roller is rotatable about a bearing journal protruding from the edge of the base plate.

Description

[0045] The invention will be explained in greater detail below, making reference to the attached drawing, using preferred exemplary embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a preferred exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device according to the invention from the front.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the tarpaulin suspension device from FIG. 1 from the rear.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the tarpaulin suspension device from FIGS. 1 and 2 from above.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the tarpaulin suspension device from FIGS. 1 to 3 from below.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the tarpaulin suspension device from FIGS. 1 to 4 from a side.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the tarpaulin suspension device according to FIGS. 1 to 5 from the front.

[0052] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a different preferred exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device according to the invention from a side corresponding to FIG. 5.

[0053] FIG. 8 shows a vertical section through the tarpaulin suspension device from FIG. 7 through a support roller.

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a vertical section through the tarpaulin suspension device from FIG. 7 through a guide roller.

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a tarpaulin structure that covers a semi trailer, having tarpaulin suspension devices according to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0056] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section through a longitudinal carrier of the tarpaulin structure from FIG. 10 with a tarpaulin suspension device and the upper end of a tarpaulin.

[0057] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section through a longitudinal carrier of a tarpaulin structure as in FIG. 10, with another exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device.

[0058] FIG. 13 shows a cross-section through a longitudinal carrier of a tarpaulin structure as in FIG. 10, with yet another exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device.

[0059] FIG. 14 shows a cross-section through a longitudinal carrier of a tarpaulin structure as in FIG. 10, with yet another exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device.

[0060] FIG. 15 shows a cross-section through a longitudinal carrier of a tarpaulin structure as in FIG. 10, with yet another exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device.

[0061] FIGS. 1 to 6 show a preferred exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device 1, in which a flat or planar base plate 2, punched out of a steel sheet, carries two support rollers 3, which are intended for being displaced horizontally in a corresponding running pathway of a longitudinal carrier L, in the plane of the two support rollers 3. Furthermore, a connection device for a tarpaulin P, configured as an oblong hole 4, is provided in the base plate, the two ends of which are rounded off and which furthermore has edges rounded off toward the inside, between a front side 2v and a rear side 2h of the base plate 2. A belt can be passed through the oblong hole 4, which belt is sewn onto the tarpaulin P, configured as a side tarpaulin, so that the tarpaulin suspension device 1 as a whole suspends the tarpaulin P on the longitudinal carrier L. In general, a plurality of tarpaulin suspension devices 1 are connected with the tarpaulin P and suspended into the longitudinal carrier for this purpose. Alternatively to a belt, a different suspension element is also possible, for example if a rigid part similar to a stake is disposed in the tarpaulin.

[0062] It can be seen that furthermore, a square perforation 5 and a round perforation 6 are formed in the base plate, which lie on a plane E that cuts the base plate 2 in half, into a left half and a right half (FIG. 1). The tarpaulin suspension device 1 is structured with mirror symmetry relative to this plane E.

[0063] Furthermore, it can be seen that with the exception of a sharp-edged upper depression 7, the edge of the base plate 2 is structured with radii at the corners and has a sufficient material distance from the edge with respect to all the perforations 4, 5, 6 so that weak points are prevented.

[0064] The base plate 2 can be approximately circumscribed by a rectangle that lies on its long side, wherein an approximately square field 2e is left out in the two lower corners. At the downward-facing edge or the downward-facing narrow side 2s of the base plate 2, a guide roller 8 is mounted, in each instance, which rollers both support themselves against an outward-facing guide pathway of the longitudinal carrier L. The two guide rollers 8 lie in a common horizontal plane, which lies at a right angle to the vertical plane in which the support rollers 3 lie.

[0065] In order to connect the two guide rollers 8 with the base plate, a groove 2n that passes through the thickness of the base plate 2 is formed in the base plate 2, which groove cuts into the lower narrow side 2s. In this regard, the region of the groove 2n that lies adjacent to the lower narrow side 2s has an introduction bevel formed in the manner of a chamfer, in order to facilitate insertion of a bearing journal 8z of the guide roller 8. The bearing journal 8z is pressed into or welded into the groove 2n of the base plate 2, wherein in the case of it being pressed in, further securing can be provided by means of welding. It can be seen that the thickness of the journal 8z is greater than the thickness of the base plate 2, so that the journal 8z projects beyond the base plate both on the front side 2v and on the rear side 2h. In this regard, the bearing journal 8z projects somewhat further on the front side than on the rear side 2h. The width of the bearing journal 8z is adapted to the width of the groove 2n, so that the bearing journal 8z is accommodated in the groove 2n without play, possibly even in wedged manner. The bearing journal 8z is produced from steel, so that good weldability with the material of the base plate 2n exists. It is possible that the regions of the bearing journal 8z that project out of the groove 2n project laterally beyond the front side 2v and/or the rear side 2h of the base plate 2 and thereby achieve additional wedging in the manner of a flange or T piece at the two planar sides of the base plate 2. It is furthermore possible to provide undercuts or the like in the groove 2n, into which projections of the bearing journal 8z can penetrate after it has been pressed in, with the result that assembly is particularly easy and the tolerances that possibly occur during welding or during pressing in can be avoided.

[0066] It can be seen that a disk 8s configured in the manner of a washer, forming a collar, and made of the same material as the bearing journal 8z is provided, from the center point of which disk a bolt-like cylindrical section 8b of the bearing journal 8z projects axially, which section holds and supports a perforated disk 8k of the guide roller, which disk has a central bore. The perforated disk 8k of the guide roller 8 is then fixed in place on the cylindrical bearing bolt 8b or a circumferential groove formed on it, using a split ring 8r, and secured to prevent movement along the bolt 8b. It can be seen that it is possible to displace the bearing journal 8z with reference to the base plate 2, in the direction of the groove 2n, in such a manner that the guide roller 8, i.e. its rotating part, the perforated disk 8k, has precisely the desired distance from the guide surface of the longitudinal carrier L.

[0067] It is understood that instead of the comparatively simple mounting of the guide roller 8 on the bolt 8b, a ball bearing can also be provided, in which the inner mounting part would possibly be structured in one piece with the journal 8z, so that the outer mounting part, for example composed of metal, would account for the rolling part of the roller 8. It can be seen that the guide rollers 8 have practically no tolerance with regard to the base plate 2 due to the rigid affixation of the bearing journal 8z to the base plate 2, so that there is no risk that the guide rollers 8 move back as the result of introduction of a force into the tarpaulin suspension device 1, for example by pulling on the tarpaulin P, causing the base plate 2 to work into the longitudinal carrier L. It can furthermore be seen that replacing the plastic part 8k of the roller 8 is easy, by removing the split ring 8r, so that in case of wear, the wear part 8k can be replaced and then be affixed to the cylindrical bolt 8b of the bearing journal 8z of the roller 8 once again, using the split ring 8r.

[0068] In FIG. 7, a modified embodiment of a preferred tarpaulin suspension device 1 is shown, wherein the same reference symbols refer to the same or structurally comparable parts as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 6. In contrast to the tarpaulin suspension device 1, the tarpaulin suspension device 1 is bent to the rear by an angle of approximately 25 approximately in the horizontal plane that divides the oblong hole 4 into two vertical halves, so that the lower edge of the oblong hole 4 no longer aligns with the upper section 2o of the base plate 2. As a result, the lower section 2u of the base plate 2 is angled away relative to the upper section 2o of the base plate 2. In this way, the result is advantageously achieved that the belt passed through the oblong hole 4 and the tarpaulin P that hangs on it bring about a moment on the base plate 2 about the plane in which the underside of the support rollers 3 lie on the corresponding pathway of the longitudinal carrier L, with the result that the guide rollers are pressed against the guide surface of the longitudinal carrier L with this moment. It can be seen that the region with which the guide rollers 8 are connected still belongs to the upper section 2o of the base plate, so that the lower narrow side 2s of the base plate 2 further allows perpendicular placement of the guide roller 8 relative to the support roller 3. However, it is possible, if the base plate is supposed to be folded in a higher region, to insert the bearing journal 8z into the groove 2n in such a manner, at an angle, that the guide roller 8 continues to lie in a horizontal plane. Likewise, it is possible to configure the plastic part 8k of the guide roller 8 conically, in order to balance out the angle.

[0069] In FIG. 9, a vertical cross-section through the roller 8 and the related part of the base plate 2 is shown (the same construction for both exemplary embodiments), in which it can be seen that the bearing journal 8z, the disk 8s, and the bolt 8b are structured as a one-piece part, and that the bearing journal 8z does not completely reach the bottom of the groove 2n. It can be seen that the center of the bolt 8b is offset slightly in the direction toward the front side 2v of the base plate 2, as compared with the center plane of the base plate 2, and that the diameter of the plastic part 8k amounts to more than twice the diameter of the cylindrical bolt 8b. Furthermore, it can be seen that no further parts are required for the guide roller 8.

[0070] FIG. 8 shows a vertical cross-section through the tarpaulin suspension device 1, which passes through the center point of one of the support rollers 3. Here, too, it can be seen that the guide roller 8 remains in the horizontal plane, while the lower section 2u of the base plate 2, including the lower part of the oblong hole 4, is bent away toward the rear.

[0071] Furthermore, it can be seen that the support roller 3 is screwed onto the base plate 2 (in the same manner in both exemplary embodiments). For this purpose, a screw 9 having a head 9k and a screw shaft 9s is provided, which has an outside thread 9g, wherein the shaft-side flange of the head 9k lies against the rear side 2h of the base plate 2. The shaft 9s is adapted to the diameter of a bore 2b of the base plate, and is thereby held on the base plate 2 free of play. The bore 2b is configured as a square hole in the present case (not shown), while the section of the shaft 9s that passes through the square hole is structured as a complementary square profile, so that the two parts, which engage into one another, form an anti-rotation device.

[0072] The guide roller 3 comprises an inner ring 3i and an outer ring 3a, on which a rounded-off plastic profile 3k is applied. The rounded-off profile can, however, also be made of metal, if better running properties with the material of the longitudinal carrier L, which generally consists of aluminum, occur as a result. A ring composed of rolling bodies 3w configured as balls allows relative rotation of the outer ring 3a relative to the inner ring 3i, wherein corresponding spherical circumferential grooves are provided in the outer ring 3a and inner ring 3i for this purpose. The rolling bodies 3w are separated from one another by a roller body support ring 3t, which simultaneously covers the frontward-facing face side between outer ring 3a and inner ring 3i. On the opposite side, a shutter 3b is provided, which prevents penetration of contaminants and the like. It can be seen that the inner ring 3i is more than twice as wide as the outer ring 3a, and is elongated in the manner of a sleeve and has a central bore 3c. The central bore is equipped with an inside thread 3g, at least in certain sections, into which the outside thread 9g of the screw bolt 9 can be screwed.

[0073] A hexagon 3s is formed on the frontward-facing side of the central bore 3c of the inner ring 3i, which hexagon serves as a lug or receiving part for a tool. Likewise, if necessary, a further hexagon or slot is formed on the rearward-facing region of the screw bolt 9, which also serves as a receiving part for a tool, if bore 2b and the section of the shaft 9s that passes through it are not structured as a complementary square profile. In this way, the support roller 3 can be connected with the base plate 2 in simple manner, and furthermore, in the case of a defect or wear, can also easily be replaced. It is even possible to replace the support roller 3, just like the guide roller 8, without having to release the tarpaulin suspension device 1, 1 from the belt or from the tarpaulin P for this purpose. In this regard, the head 9k and the inner ring 3i have a diameter that allows covering the surface of the bore 2b configured as a square hole, so that water or contaminants cannot penetrate.

[0074] FIG. 10 shows a view of a tarpaulin structure A that is built over a loading surface F of a semi trailer S. The tarpaulin structure A contains longitudinal carriers L supported relative to the loading surface F by way of stakes R, with which carriers a sliding roof D is connected. The side tarpaulin P is connected with a chamber K of the longitudinal carrier L by way of tarpaulin suspension devices 1 (FIG. 11), which are covered by part of the roof tarpaulin in FIG. 10 and therefore cannot be seen; this chamber permits tilting about the contact point of the support rollers 3 on the bottom of the chamber K, in such a manner that the lower end of the tarpaulin suspension devices 1 is pivoted outward.

[0075] It can be seen in FIG. 11 that the guide roller 8 lies against a guide pathway B of the longitudinal carrier L and thereby ensures that even when the tarpaulin P has been loosened, the tarpaulin suspension device 1 does not drag on the longitudinal carrier L. In this manner, the tarpaulin P is also not rubbed against the longitudinal carrier L. Furthermore, the belt G can be seen, which connects the side tarpaulin P with the tarpaulin suspension device 1. If the tarpaulin P is pulled in order to pull it open or closed, the support rollers 3 roll along the bottom of the chamber K, while the guide rollers 8 roll along the outward-facing delimitation B of the longitudinal carrier L.

[0076] FIG. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device 1, in which the same parts or comparable parts as in the preceding exemplary embodiment are referred to with the same reference symbols, so that here, only the differences will be discussed.

[0077] It can be seen that the longitudinal carrier 11 has a modified configuration, in which the support roller 3 is guided in a track K1 provided in the chamber K, which track supports the support roller 3 on both sides. The chamber K has an outward-directed shank K2, which is disposed above the guide roller 3 and prevents lifting of the tarpaulin suspension device 1 out of the track K1. It can be seen that the outward-directed surface K3 of the chamber K, which connects the track K1 and the shank K2, is at a distance from the support rollers 3, so that the tarpaulin suspension device 1 can be pivoted within the track K1. For this purpose, it is possible to structure the lateral delimitations of the track K1 to be slightly lower, in order to facilitate the pivot movement, or to eliminate one of the two delimitations, as is the case for the longitudinal carrier L in FIG. 11.

[0078] The longitudinal carrier L has a further chamber J, the upper crosspiece J1 of which chamber projects beyond the tarpaulin suspension device 1 and from which chamber a region J2 that is folded downward projects, which region makes a further guide pathway B1 available.

[0079] A further guide roller 8 is connected at the upper edge of the base plate 2, comparable to the guide roller 8, wherein a further guide roller 8 is provided, in each instance, opposite the guide roller 8, wherein the outside circumference of the further guide roller 8 rolls on the guide pathway B1, in each instance. In this way, an additional support is created, which relieves stress on the guide roller 8 and therefore guarantees an increased useful lifetime of the tarpaulin suspension device 1. In this regard, the further guide rollers 8 are connected with the base plate 2 in the same manner as the guide rollers 8.

[0080] FIG. 13 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device 1, in which the same reference symbols show the same or structurally comparable parts as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12.

[0081] The geometry of the longitudinal carrier L from FIG. 13 is modified, in this regard, since the further guide roller 8 and the support roller 3 run in the same chamber K, in other words the crosspiece K2 from FIG. 12 is omitted, so that in total, a more compact, lower construction height of the chamber K is achieved. The support roller 3 is once again guided in a track K1, while the outside circumference of the guide roller 8 rolls on the guide pathway B1 of the chamber K. In this regard, the height of the chamber K is dimensioned in such a manner that the tarpaulin suspension device 1 can pivot in the track K1, but cannot be lifted out upward; for this purpose, the underside of the shank K4 is dimensioned to be so low that the upper end of the guide roller 8 or of its bearing journal prevents the tarpaulin suspension device 1 from being lifted out. It can be seen that the tarpaulin P can also be connected with the base plate 2 significantly closer to the support rollers 3, so that a very compact and space-saving tarpaulin suspension device 1 is created. Since no guide roller is connected at the lower edge of the base plate 2, the guide rollers 8 are the only guide rollers.

[0082] A further particularity of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 13 consists in that the guide roller 8 is mounted on a journal formed in one piece and in one part with the base plate 2, projecting from the edge of the base plate 2, which journal was rounded off before the actual roller was set on. As a result, it is not necessary to insert or drive or weld a separate bolt into a recess of the base plate 2, so that production is simplified and the stability of the tarpaulin suspension device 1 is increased.

[0083] FIG. 14 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device 1, which can be displaced in a longitudinal carrier L, in which the same structurally comparable parts as in FIG. 11 are explained with the same reference signs.

[0084] It can be seen that the tarpaulin suspension device 1 has a very compact structure. The particularity of the tarpaulin suspension device 1 consists in that the further guide roller 8 has a concave outside circumference, as shown in FIG. 14, which makes it possible that the further guide roller 8 can support itself on the outward-facing edge of the shank K2, which edge forms a guide pathway B3. As a result, the guide roller 8 is relieved of stress, wherein here, too, the further guide roller 8 is connected with the base plate 2 opposite each of the two guide rollers 8, in each instance.

[0085] FIG. 15 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a tarpaulin suspension device 1, in which the same reference symbols as in FIG. 13 describe the same or structurally comparable parts.

[0086] It can be seen that the guide roller 8 is guided in a modified profile of a longitudinal carrier L, which has only one chamber K with a track K1, wherein the base plate 2 has a guide roller 8 above the plane of the connection of the support rollers 3, which guide roller is disposed approximately centered between the two support rollers 3 and is dimensioned to be quite small, so that it can be disposed so low down that it projects beyond the plane in which the support rollers 3 lie, above the upper edge of the base plate 2. In this regard, the circumference of the guide roller 8 rolls against the guide pathway B2, which rolls on a shank J2 of the chamber K.

[0087] It can be seen that the tarpaulin suspension device 1 can pivot well in the track K1 with its support rollers 3, wherein the guide roller 8 allows the side tarpaulin to pivot outward due to its contact with the guide pathway B2, but does not allow the tarpaulin to pivot inward. It can furthermore be seen that a section K3a is provided on the outward-facing surface of the chamber K, against which the support rollers 3 make contact in the event of pivoting, so that the maximal angle is advantageously restricted as a result. It can furthermore be seen that the shank K4 prevents the tarpaulin suspension device 1 from being lifted out, wherein here, the support rollers 3 make it impossible for it to be lifted out upward.

[0088] The particularity in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 15 consists in that only one guide roller 8 is connected with the tarpaulin suspension device 1, since the support rollers 3 are already supported laterally slightly farther away by the track K1, and therefore the moments that occur are slight.

[0089] The invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments in which the guide roller is structured with a perforated disk 8k composed of plastic as the rolling element or as the rotating part of the guide roller 8. It has to be understood that a perforated disk made of metal can also be provided, wherein then, it is expedient if a bushing improves the friction properties on bolt 8b and disk 8s. Such a bushing can be formed from Teflon, for example, in the manner of a collar bushing.

[0090] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the base plate is produced from steel. It has to be understood that the base plate can also be produced from other alloys or materials, in particular from plastic or a metal/plastic composite. If the base plate is formed from a plastic, which can also be reinforced with glass fibers or aramid fibers, it is easily possible to provide the grooves 2n, into which the bearing journal 8z of the roller 8 is worked, without performing any cutting work. Likewise, it is then possible to already produce the bearing journal 8z in one piece with the base plate 2, so that only the perforated disk 8k has to be applied and secured. It is even possible to already produce the perforated disk 8k in one piece during the production from plastic.

[0091] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the guide rollers 8 are disposed in a plane perpendicular to the support rollers 3 and in a plane perpendicular to the extension of the base plate 2, but at least of its upper section 2o. It has to be understood that the guide rollers 8 can also assume an angle relative to this, in order to balance out elastic deformation, in particular when the tarpaulin P is opened and closed.

[0092] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which a guide roller 8 is provided in the two corners 2e of the base plate 2, in each instance. It has to be understood that only one guide roller 8 can also be provided on the base plate 2, or alternatively, that a guide roller 8 can be disposed in only one of the two corners 2e. Furthermore, it is possible to provide further guide rollers aside from the two guide rollers 8, if, for example, further guide surfaces of the longitudinal carrier L allow support.

[0093] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the bearing journal 8z of the guide roller 8 is mounted in a groove 2n of the base plate 2 on one side. It has to be understood that it is also possible to mount the guide roller 8 on both sides, namely in that the bolt 8b is lengthened and fixed in place in an opposite region of the base plate 2. In this case, however, the plastic disk 8k cannot easily be replaced.

[0094] The invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments in which the circumference of the plastic perforated disk 8 does not project beyond the face-side delimitation of the base plate 2 in the displacement direction, so that when the side tarpaulin P has been pushed together and laid in folds, the metallic face sides of the base plate 2 reciprocally transfer the tension forces and shear forces of the tarpaulin suspension device 1, 1. However, it is also possible that the guide roller 8 projects not just beyond the two flat sides 2v, 2h of the base plate 2, but also beyond the edge of the base plate 2 on the face side.

[0095] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the guide rollers 8 are disposed approximately flush with the extension of the oblong hole 4. The precise positioning of the plane of the guide rollers 8 or of the plastic perforated disk 8k results from the position of the related guide surface on the longitudinal carrier L. It is possible to also dispose the guide rollers 8 farther down, with reference to the oblong hole 4, in other words below the oblong hole 4 or also below the corner 2e, with is then not left out or not left out entirely.

[0096] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the bearing axle 8b of the guide rollers 8 is disposed on the base plate 2 farther outward, in each instance, than the outermost point of the support rollers 3, which is defined by the maximal radius of the raceway 3k made of plastic. It is understood that the guide rollers 8 can also be disposed below the support rollers 3.

[0097] The invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments in which mirror symmetry exists with reference to the plane E. It has to be understood that the tarpaulin suspension device can also be structured as an asymmetrical part.

[0098] The invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments in which the support rollers are screwed onto the base plate. It has to be understood that the support rollers can also be connected with or screwed onto the base plate 2 in some other manner, but in particular, also riveted.

[0099] The invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments in which the guide roller 8 is inserted into a groove 2n of the base plate. It is understood that the guide roller 8 can also be disposed on a projection that projects away from the lower edge or the lower narrow side 2s of the base plate 2, if the projecting section is sufficiently rounded off to mount the plastic perforated disk 8k so as to rotate. Alternatively, instead of rounding off, a round bearing having a polygonal hole can be affixed to the above section. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a bore in the narrow side 2s instead of the groove 2n, into which bore a bolt is inserted, which either forms the bearing journal 8b or allows a rotating movement in the bore, and thereby the roller 8k is held so as to rotate with reference to the base plate 2.

[0100] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments in which the journal that supports the guide roller is disposed essentially in the plane of or as an extension of the base plate 2. It has to be understood that the bearing journal can also enclose an angle with regard to the plane of the base plate. In particular, the angle can also amount to as much as 135 and, in particular, 90. If the bearing journal is configured out of the base plate itself, it can be bent awayalso before or after rounding. As a result, it is also possible, for example, to punch a journal out of the base plate and then to bend it in perpendicular manner, with the result that the support rollers 3 can be connected with this journal.