Length-adjustable telescopic tube, support jack and assembly process

Abstract

A length-adjustable telescopic tube (1) has a longitudinal axis (L), an inner tube (2) and an outer tube (4). In one of the tubes (2, 4) a component (20) is arranged, which features first attachment structures (28a, 28b). The tube (2, 4) has second attachment structures. Furthermore, at least one plug-in element (50, 60, and 70) with third attachment structures (58, 68, and 78) is provided, which cooperate with the first (28a, 28b) and second attachment structures (48a, 48b) to form a form-locking connection with the component (20) in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis (L) or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Claims

1. A length-adjustable telescopic tube (1) with a longitudinal axis (L), comprising an inner tube (2), an outer tube (4), at least one component (20) arranged in or on at least one of the inner tube and the outer tube (2, 4), at least one plug-in element (50, 60, 70), first attachment structures (28a, 28b) on the component (20), second attachment structures (48a, 48b) on at least one of the inner tube (2) and the outer tube (4), and third attachment structures (58, 68, 78) on the plug-in element, the third attachment structures cooperating with the first attachment structures (28a, 28b) and second attachment structures (48a, 48b) to create form-locking connections of the component (20), wherein the plug-in element (50, 60, 70) is connected in a force-locking or material-bonding manner with the at least one of the inner tube (2) and the outer tube (4).

2. The telescopic tube according to claim 1, wherein the component (20) is a pressure-loaded component.

3. The telescopic tube according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment structures (28a, 28b) of the component (20) comprise at least one holding protrusion (21).

4. The telescopic tube according to claim 1, wherein the second attachment structures (48a, 48b) of the tube (2, 4) comprise at least one mounting opening (47a, 47b).

5. The telescopic tube according to claim 1, wherein the third attachment structures of the plug-in element (50, 60, and 70) comprise a plug-in protrusion (51, 61, and 71).

6. The telescopic tube according to claim 5, wherein the plug-in projection (51, 61, 71) comprises at least one web (54, 57, 64, 67), on which the first attachment structures (28a, 28b) of the component (20) abuts.

7. The telescopic tube according to claim 1, wherein the tube (2, 4) and the component (20) consist of different materials.

8. The telescopic tube according to claim 1, wherein the plug-in element (50, 60, 70) consists of the same material as the tube (2, 4).

9. The telescopic tube according to claim 1, wherein the component (20) is additionally force-locked to the tube (2, 4).

10. A support jack (100) comprising a telescopic tube (1) according to claim 1 and a spindle (10), wherein the component (20) is a bearing bracket for the spindle (10) and the bearing bracket is attached on the outer tube (4).

11. The support jack according to claim 10, wherein the outer tube (4) has a rectangular cross-section with a rear wall (42), a front wall (44), and two side walls (46a, 46b), wherein the component (20) is form-lockingly connected to at least two of the rear wall (42), front wall (42), and side walls (46a, 46b) of the outer tube (4).

12. The support jack according to claim 10, wherein in the loaded state of the support jack (100), the third attachment structures of the plug-in element (50, 60, and 70) are arranged in the force flux between the first attachment structures (28a, 28b) and second attachment structures (48a, 48b).

13. A method of assembly for at least one component (20) with first attachment structures (28a, 28b), the component being arranged on or in at least one tube portion (2, 4) of a telescopic tube (1) having second attachment structures (48a, 48b) on an inner tube or on an outer tube of the telescopic tube, wherein the telescopic tube has a longitudinal axis (L), the method comprising the following steps: a) inserting the component (20) to the tube portion (2, 4) translatorily with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) while the tube portion (2, 4) is in a tilted state (T1) with respect to the longitudinal axis; b) aligning the component and inserting the first attachment structures (28a, 28b) of the component (20) in the second attachment structures (48a, 48b) of the tube portion (2, 4, R2 and T3); c) inserting at least one plug-in element (50, 60, 70) having third attachment structures (58, 68, 78) into the second attachment structures (48a, 48b) of the tube portion, wherein the third attachment structures (58, 68, 78) cooperate with the first attachment structures (28a, 28b) and second attachment structures (48a, 48b) to form-lockingly fix the component (20); and d) connecting the plug-in element (50, 60, 70) and the tube portion (2, 3) by at least one of a force-locking connection and a materially bonding connection.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the plug-in element (50, 60, and 70) is inserted from the outside of the tube (2, 4).

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the plug-in element (50, 60, and 70) is inserted from the inside of the tube (2, 4).

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the at least one component (20) is moved perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (L) (T4) between steps b) and c).

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein in step b), initially a first of two of the first attachment structures (28a, 28b) of the component (20) is inserted into a first of the second attachment structures (48a, 48b) of the tube (2, 4), that the component (20) is aligned perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (L), and that the component (20) is inserted into a further second attachment structure (48a, 48b) perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (L) with a second of the two of the first attachment structures (28a, 28b).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings,

(2) FIG. 1 shows a vertical cross-section of a support jack;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a perspective top plan view onto an outer tube with a component at the beginning of the assembly process;

(4) FIGS. 3 to 6 show various sectional views and top plan views illustrating the assembly steps;

(5) FIGS. 7 through 13a and 13b show various perspective views of embodiments of a plug-in element;

(6) FIG. 14 shows a perspective top plan view of a tube having a component in the mounted state according to an embodiment;

(7) FIGS. 15 and 16 show vertical sections of the arrangement shown in FIG. 14;

(8) FIGS. 17a and 17b show perspective top plan views of a tube having a component according to further embodiments;

(9) FIGS. 18a, 18b and 19 show sections of the arrangements shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b, and

(10) FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 show perspective top plan views of a tube having a component according to a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(11) In FIG. 1, a support jack 100 with a length-adjustable telescopic tube 1 with inner tube 2 and outer tube 4 is shown in a vertical cross-section. The telescopic tube 1 has a longitudinal axis L. In the upper region, the support jack 100 contains a gear 14 with gear output shaft 16 and input shaft 18. A spindle 10 and the transmission input shaft 18 are mounted together in a bearing block, which forms component 20. Component 20 is fixed in the outer tube 4, as will be explained in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(12) A spindle nut 12 is mounted on inner tube 2. Also, a foot element 6 attached to inner tube 2 via bolt 8.

(13) FIG. 2 shows a perspective top plan view on the upper part of outer tube 4, wherein component 20 is shown tilted for subsequent attachment in the outer tube 4. Component 20 with top surface 30 essentially consists of a rectangular plate with the four edge portions 22, 24, 26a and 26b, wherein the edge portions 26a and 26b form the first attachment structures 28a and 28b and thus holding protrusions 21.

(14) The outer tube 4 correspondingly has a square cross-section and a rear wall 42, a front wall 44 and two side walls 46a and 46b, wherein the rear wall 42 laterally has two mounting plates 90 and 91. The dimensions of component 20 are selected such that a free space 49 remains between the front edge portion 24 and front wall 44, for insertion of a portion of the transmission 14 (see FIG. 1).

(15) In both opposite side walls 46a and 46b, second attachment structures 48a and 48b in the form of rectangular mounting openings 47a and 47b are provided, into which the lateral edge portions 26a and 26b engage. The mounting openings 47a and 47b are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

(16) The assembly procedure is illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 6, wherein each of the upper part of the figure shows a vertical section through the outer tube 4 and the lower part of the figure shows the corresponding top plan view.

(17) FIG. 3 shows the situation according to FIG. 2, wherein component 20 is tilted with respect to the longitudinal axis L and inserted into the interior of outer tube T1 via a translatory movement.

(18) Via a pivoting motion (R2), component 20 is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and inserted with the lateral edge portion 26a into the mounting opening 47a (see FIG. 4).

(19) Via a subsequent translatory movement T3 to the right, the edge portion 26b is also inserted into the mounting opening 47b of the side wall 46b (FIG. 5).

(20) Subsequently, component 20 is pushed via translatory movement T4 to the rear wall 42 where, if desired, a force-locking connection may be used, for example with screw 32 (see also FIG. 16).

(21) Before the force-locking connection, the plug-in elements 50, 60, or 70 are inserted into the mounting openings 47a and 47b.

(22) The various embodiments of plug-in elements 50, 60, 70 are shown in FIGS. 7 to 13a and 13b.

(23) All plug-in elements 50, 60, and 70 have a plate 52, 62, and 72, on which at least one plug-in protrusion 51, 61, and 71 is arranged, which form the third attachment structures 58, 68, and 78.

(24) FIGS. 7 through 9 show a first embodiment of plug-in elements 50a, 50b, and 50c, which on a plate 52 show at least one first web 54 as plug-in protrusion 51 and third attachment structure 58. In addition to this first web 54, there may be second webs 57a and 57b (FIG. 8 or 9) perpendicularly arranged as plug-in protrusions 51 and third attachment structures 58 arranged at one end or at the ends of first web 54.

(25) While the first web 54 creates a form-locking connection in the vertical direction, the second webs 57a and 57b can create a form-locking horizontal connection. Depending on the type of plug-in element, the web may be aligned in the direction of the force flux (see e.g., Arrow K in FIG. 15) or outside of the direction of the force flux via rotation by 180.

(26) Adjacent to the first web 54, a receiving groove 56 is arranged, whose width B is adapted to the thickness of the edge portions 26a and 26b.

(27) FIGS. 10 through 12 illustrate a second embodiment of the plug-in element 60a, 60b, and 60c with plate 62 and with two first webs 64a and 64b as plug-in protrusions 61 and third attachment structures 68, wherein a receiving groove 66 is formed between webs 64a and 64b. Like the first embodiment, this embodiment may also be equipped with one or two second webs 67a and 67b arranged perpendicular to the first webs as plug-in protrusions 61 and with third attachment structures 68 (see FIG. 11 or 12).

(28) All embodiments 50 and 60 shown are inserted into mounting opening 47a and 47b from the outside.

(29) In FIGS. 13a and 13b, a third embodiment of a plug-in element 70 is shown in two perspective views, which are preferably combined with one of the plug-in elements 50 and 60 of the first and second embodiment according to FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, 11.

(30) This third embodiment is preferably inserted from the inside into the mounting opening 47a and 47b.

(31) The plug-in element 70 has a base body 74 with a plate 72 and a plug-in protrusion 71 that forms the third attachment structure 78. With the first bearing surface 80, the plug-in element 70 lies, e.g., above a plug-in element 60 in an assembled state. With the staggered second bearing surface 82, plug-in element 70 is located on the upper surface 30 of component 20. With plate 72, the plug-in element 70 is located on the inner surface of the outer tube 4. Overall, this results in an additional stiffening and securing (see also FIGS. 21 and 22).

(32) FIG. 14 shows a top perspective top view of outer tube 4 with mounted component 20. A plug-in element 50a is inserted from the outside in mounting openings 47a and 47b (see FIG. 7). Plate 52 of the plug-in element 50a abuts on the outside of side wall 46a. The same applies to plug-in element 50a on the side wall 46b.

(33) FIG. 15 shows a vertical section of the outer tube 4 shown in FIG. 14. The first webs 54 of plug-in elements 50a engage in the mounting openings 47a and 47b. The edge portions 26a and 26b of the component 20 likewise engage in the mounting openings 47a and 47b and lie on the webs 54. The mounting opening 47a and 47b is filled in the direction of the longitudinal axis L by web 54 and the respective edge portion 26a and 26b, and so a form-locking connection in the longitudinal direction L is ensured. The force flux during operation of support jack is indicated by the arrow K. Web 54 is outside of the force flux.

(34) FIG. 16 shows a further sectional view of the outer tube 4 shown in FIG. 14.

(35) Between the front edge portion 24 of component 20 and front wall 44, there is a space 49 (see also FIG. 2). The rear edge portion 22 of component 20 is located on rear wall 42 and force-lock connected there by at least one screw 32. Component 20 also has an additional protrusion 27 at the rear edge portion 22 which engages into a corresponding opening 34 on rear wall 42. This provides additional fixation in rear wall area, even if no plug-in element with third attachment structures is used there. Instead of screw 32 a different a plug-in element can be provided which can be fastened to the tube in the same way as the other elements of the tube plug-in elements.

(36) FIGS. 17a through 19 show a further embodiment. FIG. 17a is a perspective top plan view an outer tube 4 having a component 20 where plug-in elements 60b (see FIG. 11) are used. Plug-in element 60b has a second web 67b, so that in addition to the form-locking connection of device 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, an additional form-locking connection is created perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

(37) The plug-in elements 60b are bonded, e.g., via welding or adhesive bonding to the side wall 46a and 46b respectively.

(38) In FIG. 17b, the plug-in elements 60b are force-locked via the bolts 69 to side walls 46a and 46b.

(39) FIG. 18a is a further partial illustration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17a. The lateral edge portion 26a of component 20 is inserted into the receiving groove 66 of plug-in element 60b between the two webs 64a and 64b web 64a is under load during force flux (see arrow C).

(40) FIG. 18b is a view corresponding to FIG. 18a, to illustrate the connection of the plug plug-in elements 60b to plate 62 via screws 69.

(41) FIG. 19 shows a top view and of embodiment partly shown in FIG. 17, which shows that the edge portion 26a abuts on plug-in element 60b of plate 62 and the second web 67b, which ensures a fixation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

(42) FIG. 20 shows a top perspective view of a further embodiment, wherein plug-in elements 60a are used (see FIG. 10). Since the plug-in elements 60a do not have a second web 67b, a free space 41 remains in mounting opening 47a and 47b. To ensure a form-locking fixation in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, at this point an additional plug-in element 70 (FIGS. 13a and 13b) is used from the inner side, whose plug-in protrusion 71 fits space 41. This is illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 in more detail where the side walls 22 have been omitted so that the plug-in protrusion 71 is clearly seen in addition to the edge portion 26a.

(43) As FIG. 21 shows, plug plug-in element 70 with its plate 72 lies on the inside wall of 46a and 46b. Additionally, plug-in element 70 and its bearing surface 80 lies on the upper side of the first web 64a of plug-in element 60a and with bearing surface 82 on the upper side 30 of component 20.

(44) While the above description constitutes preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation, and change without departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.