SE2350430A1 - Tightener, transport means cargo securing arrangement and transport means - Google Patents

Abstract

A tightener (1) for securing cargo (28) by a securing means (16) to a cargo space (30) of a transport means comprises a frame (2) adapted to be fixed to the transport means or to a platform structure (20) of the transport means; a car (3) adapted to be moved along the frame; a drive screw (4) and a nut (5), by means of the relative movement between them, the car (3) is adapted to be moved; and a rotary actuator (15) to form said relative movement. The frame (2) comprises a first surface (2.1) to be adapted towards the cargo space (30), and the car (3) is adapted in use to be moved along the frame (2) behind the first surface (2.1) as viewed from the direction of the cargo space. A transport means cargo securing arrangement and a transport means.

Description

TIGHTENER, TRANSPORT MEANS CARGO SECURING ARRANGEMENT AND TRANSPORT MEANS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to securing cargo to a transport means such as a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION lt is generally known to use in vehicles cargo securing arrange- ments and cargo tighteners to secure the cargo to the vehicle structure during transport. Thus, the load cannot move during transport or become unsecured.

Publication Fl 74910 describes a log bunk for securing elongated objects. Publication Fl 128575 B describes a timber bunk. Publication Fl 129072 B describes a device for securing a load to a vehicle.

SUMMARY An object of the invention is to provide a new tightener and arrange- ment for securing cargo to a transport means, and a transport means compris- ing the tightener or the securing arrangement.

A new tightener for securing cargo by a securing means to a cargo space of a transport means is provided, comprising a frame adapted to be fixed to the transport means or to a platform structure of the transport means, a car adapted to be moved along the frame, a drive screw and a nut, by means of the relative movement be- tween them, the car is adapted to be moved, and a rotary actuator to form said relative movement.

The frame comprises a first surface to be adapted towards the cargo space, and the car is adapted in use to be moved along the frame behind the first surface as viewed from the direction of the cargo space.

According to an embodiment the length of the securing means ex- tending into the cargo space of the transport means is arranged to be varied by moving the car within the frame.

According to an embodiment the frame comprises an elongated beam or column which is open on one side for at least part of its length.

According to an embodiment the securing means is adapted to pass into the cargo space through an open side of the frame.

According to an embodiment the tightener comprises a fixing ele- ment of the securing means which is attached to the frame or to the car for the attachment of an initial end of the securing means.

According to an embodiment at least one folding wheel is arranged in the car, via which the securing means is adapted to pass immediately into the cargo space, in particular without passing through other folding wheels.

According to an embodiment at least one folding wheel is arranged in the frame, via which the securing means is adapted to pass immediately into the cargo space, in particular without passing through other folding wheels.

According to an embodiment at least one fixing point is arranged along the length of the frame, to which a folding wheel is detachably adaptable, via which folding wheel, fixable to the fixing point, the securing means is adapt- able to pass immediately into the cargo space, in particular without passing through other folding wheels.

According to an embodiment at least one folding wheel is arranged in the car and at least one folding wheel is arranged in the frame, via which the securing means is adapted to pass so that, when the car is moved, the secur- ing length of the securing means varies by an integer multiple of the car move- ment.

According to an embodiment the securing means is adapted to pass into the cargo space around a folding wheel through an open side of the frame.

According to an embodiment the car and the drive screw are adapted inside the frame.

According to an embodiment the nut is fixed to the car and the drive screw is adapted to be rotated by means of the rotary actuator which is pref- erably fixed to the frame.

According to an embodiment the car comprises at least one folding wheel and the frame comprises at least one folding wheel such that the secur- ing length of the securing means when moving the car by a distance a varies in the cargo space by a distance a*[number of folding wheels] when the differ- ence between the number of folding wheels used by the securing means in the car and in the frame is 0 or 1.

According to an embodiment the car comprises at least one guide wheel for moving the car in rolling contact inside the frame.

According to an embodiment the car comprises a car frame includ- ing guide surfaces adapted to be moved in sliding contact along an inner sur- face of the frame.

According to an embodiment the rotary actuator is a hydraulic motor or an electric motor or a pneumatic motor.

According to an embodiment the frame of the tightener forms part of a timber bunk or part of a frame structure of a wall of the transport means.

According to an embodiment the frame of the tightener forms part of the platform structure.

According to an embodiment the frame forms a |inear guide along which the car is adapted to be moved.

A new transport means cargo securing arrangement is also pro- vided comprising one or more tighteners according to any one of the tighteners described above, attached to the transport means or to a platform structure of the transport means for securing cargo by a securing means to a cargo space of the transport means.

According to an embodiment the cargo space is bordered on a lon- gitudinal side of the transport means by a side wall of the cargo space, adja- cent to or in connection with which one or more tighteners are disposed.

According to an embodiment one or more tighteners are disposed horizontally in connection with the platform structure of the transport means.

According to an embodiment the securing means is coupled to a liftable and lowerable structure ofthe cargo space of the transport means, such as a second side wall, so that when a locking of said structure is opened and said structure is lifted up, a locking of the securing means to the structure of the transport means is also opened, and correspondingly when said structure is locked down, a coupling of the securing means to the structure of the transport means is also established.

According to an embodiment one or more tightener frames are dis- posed in a central longitudinal area of the cargo space of the platform structure of the transport means.

According to an embodiment one or more tighteners are adapted remote operable.

A new transport means is also provided, on which cargo is adapted to be transported, comprising one or more tighteners according to any one of the tighteners described above or a transport means cargo securing arrange- ment according to any one of the transport means cargo securing arrange- ments described above, attached to the transport means or to a platform struc- ture of the transport means.

The tightener according to the invention and the transport means cargo securing arrangement enable cargo to be secured and tightened to the transport means easily and reliably.

Securing and tightening the cargo to the transport means, such as a truck or a train wagon, can be done automatically, or at least with less work than is known, manually.

DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in more detail in connection with preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figures 1 and 2 show a partial sectional drawing of a transport means cargo securing arrangement, wherein a tightener according to some embodiments is attached in connection with a cargo space of the transport means, Figure 3 shows a tightener car according to a first embodiment from the direction of an end of a tightener frame, Figure 4 shows a tightener car according to a second embodiment from the direction of an end of a tightener frame, Figure 5 shows an arrangement for securing cargo to a transport means according to one embodiment with a cargo space closed and without cargo, Figure 6 shows the arrangement of Figure 5 when an unsecured first cargo is placed in the opened cargo space of the transport means, Figure 7 shows the arrangement of Figure 6 when the first load is secured by the tightener, Figure 8 shows a cargo securing arrangement where a second cargo is secured using the tightener, Figures 9 and 10 show arrangements for securing cargo to the transport means according to some embodiments, with a cargo space closed and without cargo, and Figures 11 and 12 show arrangements for securing cargo to the transport means according to some embodiments, with a cargo space closed and without cargo.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figures 1 and 2 show an arrangement for securing and tightening cargo 28 to a transport means, wherein one or more a tighteners 1 is placed in connection with a cargo space 30 of the transport means. ln the Figures, the cargo space 30 is bordered at the bottom by a platform structure 20 of the transport means, such as a bottom 20 of the cargo space for receiving and supporting the cargo, and by a first side wall 21 of the cargo space, adjacent to which one or more tighteners 1 are disposed.

The tightener1 comprises a frame 2 and a car 3 movable along the frame 2. The frame 2 comprises a first surface 2.1 to be adapted towards the cargo space 30, and the car 3 is adapted in use to be moved along the frame 2 behind the first surface 2.1 as viewed from the direction of the cargo space.

When the car 3 is behind the first surface 2.1 as seen from the di- rection of the cargo space 30, the car 3 and a securing means 16 passing via the car can be moved with the cargo 28 against the frame 2, in particular against the first surface 2.1.

According to an embodiment the length of the securing means 16 extending into the cargo space 30 of the transport means is arranged to be varied by moving the car 3 within the frame 2.

According to an embodiment the length and/or tightness of the cargo securing means 16, such as a securing strap 16, in the cargo space 30 is adjustable by means of the movable car 3.

The cargo securing means 16 may be an elongated means which transmits securing force when tightening the cargo, known per se, such as a cargo belt or a securing strap or a lashing belt or a rope or a braid or a wire or a chain. The securing means 16 may be a length-adjustable securing strap equipped with an adjustable locking mechanism for length adjustment and a loop or an eye at its initial end 17.

According to an embodiment the frame 2 of the tightener 1 is ar- ranged vertically in the transport means. According to an embodiment the frame 2 forms at least part of a timber bunk. According to an embodiment the vertically arranged frame 2 forms at least part of a timber bunk. ln Figures 1 and 2, the frame 2 is attached to the platform structure 20 of the transport means, preferably in a pocket 22 formed in the bottom of the platform of the transport means or in an opening formed through the bottom of the cargo space. According to one embodiment, the frame 2 is attached to a body of the transport means.

According to an embodiment the frame 2 comprises an elongated beam or column, such as a C-profile, which is open on one side, preferably on the side facing the cargo space, over at least part of its length. According to an embodiment the frame 2 forms a linear guide along which the car 3 is adapted to be moved. ln Figures 1 and 2, the frame 2 is arranged vertically. According to an embodiment, the frame 2 is adapted in the cargo space near the side wall 21 of the cargo space. According to an embodiment, the load 28 may be loaded against the frame 2 of the tightener 1, whereby the frame 2 may form a lateral support for the load. Preferably, the frame 2 is of metallic material.

According to some embodiments, the frame 2 is arranged horizon- tally in the transport means (Figures 9 and 10). According to an embodiment, the frame 2 forms part of the platform structure 20 of the transport means. According to an embodiment, the frame 2 is arranged horizontally and forms part of the platform structure 20 of the transport means. According to an em- bodiment, the horizontally arranged frame 2 is attached to the platform struc- ture 20 of the transport means or under the platform.

According to an embodiment, an elongated open space or opening is arranged in the platform structure 20 of the transport means, for example at the bottom of the platform, aligned with the open side 2' of the tightener frame 2 with the tightener being adapted as part of the platform structure, whereby the path of travel of the securing means 16 can be arranged in a desired area of the platform structure 20 and the open side 2' of the frame 2 to pass from the tightener 1 to the cargo space 30.

According to an embodiment, the horizontally arranged frame 2 is attached to the platform structure 20 of the transport means transversely to the direction of travel of the transport means. The horizontal arrangement of the frame 2 allows maximum utilisation of the cargo space 30 without taking up space from the cargo 28 in the width direction of the cargo space 30.

The car 3 is adapted to move backwards and forwards within the frame 2 in the longitudinal direction of the frame as indicated by arrow 3', as determined by a relative movement between the drive screw 4 and the nut 5. According to an embodiment, the drive screw 4 is adapted to be rotated in the frame 2 and the nut 5 is attached to the car 3. According to an embodiment, the drive screw 4 is a trapezoidal screw and the nut 5 is a trapezoidal nut. Preferably, the combination of the drive screw and the nut is self-retaining. ln this case, a high retention force may not necessarily be required from the rotary actuator 15 of the drive screw.

According to a first embodiment, the car 3 comprises a car frame 6 to which a nut 5 is non-rotatably attached (Figure 3). According to a first em- bodiment, the car 3 comprises at least one guide wheel 8 for moving the car 3 in ro||ing contact within the frame 2. According to an embodiment, in the car frame 6 is arranged at least one shaft 7 which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated frame 2. ln other words, said at least one shaft 7 is hori- zontal in the car 3 disposed in the vertical tightener frame 2. According to an embodiment, the car 3 comprises at least one guide wheel 8 bearing-mounted on said at least one shaft 7 for moving the car 3 in ro||ing contact within the frame 2. The car 3 of the frame 2 of the first elongated embodiment of the tightener1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes four guide wheels 8, which are adapted to roll along the inner surface of frame 2.

The car 3 according to a second embodiment shown in Figure 4 comprises a car frame 6' for moving the car by sliding within the elongate frame 2. The nut 5 is attached to the car frame 6', which includes guide surfaces 6" which are adapted to move in sliding contact along the inner surface of the body 2.

As illustrated in Figure 1, according to an embodiment, the tightener 1 comprises a securing member fixing element 18 attached to the car 3, by means of which the initial end 17 of the securing means 16, such as of a lash- ing strap, is adapted to be fixed to the tightener 1 and, via the frame 2, to the transport means. Preferably, the securing means fixing element 18 comprises a pin or a shaft, for example for coupling the end loop 17 of the lashing strap 16 to the car 3.

Figures 1 and 11 show a first path of travel 16' of the securing means, whereby the securing means 16 is adapted to pass from the securing means securing member 18, attached to the car 3, directly into the cargo space 30, in particular through the open side 2' of the frame on the cargo space side, without passing via any folding wheel.

Figures 1 and 12 show a second path of travel 16" of the securing means, whereby the securing means 16 is adapted to pass from the securing means securing member 18, attached to the car 3, to the cargo space 30 via a folding wheel 19', through the open side 2' of the frame 2 on the cargo space side.

According to an embodiment, the folding wheel 19' is detachably adapted to at least one folding wheel fixing point 29 formed along the length of the frame 2. When the securing means 16 passes via the folding wheel 19' fixed to the upper part of the vertical frame 2, also high cargo 28 such as, for example, roof trusses can be supported at its upper part against the tightener 1.

Figures 2 and 5-8 show a third travel path 16"' for the securing means 16, whereby the securing means 16 is adapted to pass from the secur- ing means securing member 18, attached to the frame 2, to the cargo space 30 via a plurality of folding wheels 10, 19, through an open side 2' of the frame 2 on the cargo space side.

According to some embodiments at least one folding wheel is ar- ranged in the car and at least one folding wheel is arranged in the frame, via which the securing means is adapted to pass so that, when the car is moved, the securing length of the securing means varies by an integer multiple of the car movement.

According to some embodiments, the car 3 comprises a first folding wheel 10 attached to the car frame 6, 6', by which the path of travel of the securing means 16, such as of the lashing strap, is adapted to be folded in substantially opposite direction of travel in connection with the car 3. The first folding wheel 10 is positioned horizontally at a distance from the drive screw 4 to provide a movement space for the securing means 16. Preferably, the car 3 comprises an inner shaft 11 connected to the car frame 6, 6', on which the first folding wheel 10 external to the inner shaft 11 is bearing-mounted. The bearing of the first folding wheel 10 may be implemented with a rolling-element bearing such as a needle roller bearing, or optionally with a sliding contact bearing. According to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, supports 9 are ar- ranged on the car frame 6, extending away from the drive screw, to which the inner axle 11 on the inside of the first folding wheel 10 is fixed at its ends.

According to an embodiment, the securing means 16 is adapted to pass into the cargo space 30 around a folding wheel through an open 2' side of the frame 2, preferably via the open side on the cargo space side. According to an embodiment, the folding wheel adapted to the car 3 is displayed on one side of the frame 2 in an open space, preferably on the cargo space side. The open space 2' of the frame 2 enables the replacement of the securing means 16 and the change of the travel path of the securing means. ln addition, this enables, inter alia, observation, maintenance and servicing of the securing means and the car. The frame 2 open space 2' on one side of the frame 2 enables different passage arrangements for the securing means 16, for exam- ple, the travel path for the securing means to the cargo space 30 may be im- plemented via a folding wheel arranged in the car, instead of via a lower end of the frame.

According to an embodiment, at least one folding wheel 10 is ar- ranged in the car 3, via which the securing means 16 is adapted to pass im- mediately into the cargo space 30, in particular without passing through other folding wheels.

According to an embodiment, at least one folding wheel 19, 19' is arranged in the frame 2, via which the securing means 16 is adapted to pass immediately into the cargo space 30, in particular without passing through other folding wheels.

According to an embodiment, the tightener 1 comprises at least one fixing point 29 arranged along the length of the frame 2 for a folding wheel 19' detachably adaptable to the frame. The securing means 16 may be adapted to pass via the folding wheel fixed to the fixing point 29 preferably immediately into the cargo space 30, in particular without passing through other folding wheels.

The drive screw 4 is adapted to be rotated by means of the rotary actuator 15, shown by arrow 4'. Preferably, the rotary actuator is a hydraulic motor or an electric motor or a pneumatic motor. Preferably, the rotary actuator is remotely operable.

According to an embodiment, in the transport means cargo securing arrangement, one or more rotary actuators 15 may be manually operated to- gether or separately, and optionally, the transport means rotary actuators 15 may be remotely operated. Automatic tightening and verification of tightness of the cargo securing is easily implementable on the transport means, prefer- ably also remotely carried out by the operator/transport means driver or by a dedicated system, e.g. periodically during transport, when typically the cargo may become compacted and tightening may be necessary.

The rotary actuator 15 may be adapted to either end of the elon- gated frame 2. According to an embodiment, the rotary actuator is adapted to the lower end of the vertical frame. According to an embodiment, the rotary actuator is adapted to the upper end of the vertical frame.

According to an embodiment, the drive screw 4 is attached at its initial end 13 through a support flange 12 formed at the lower end of the frame 2 to the rotary actuator 15. According to an embodiment, the rotary actuator 15 is attached to the support flange 12. According to an embodiment, the drive screw 4 is bearing-mounted at its rear end 14 to the upper end of the frame 2.

According to a second embodiment, the drive screw 4 is attached at its initial end 13 to the rotary actuator 15, which is attached to the upper end of the frame 2 at the opposite end from the lower end. According to an embodiment, the drive screw 4 is bearing-mounted at its rear end 14 to the lower end of the frame 2.

According to an embodiment (Figure 2), the tightener 1 comprises a securing means fixing element 18 attached to the frame 2 near the support flange 12, by means of which the initial end 17 of the securing means 16, such as of the lashing strap, is adapted to be attached to the frame 2 and, via the frame 2, to the transport means.

Preferably, the securing means fixing element 18 comprises a pin or a shaft, for example for coupling the end loop 17 of the lashing strap 16 to the frame 2.

According to an embodiment (Figure 2), the tightener 1 comprises a second folding wheel 19 attached to the frame 2, whereby the path of travel of the securing means 16, such as of the lashing strap, is adapted to be folded from a direction parallel to the frame 2, in particular from the direction of the car to the cargo space 30. ln the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the second folding wheel 19 is positioned between the securing means fixing element 18 and the support flange 12, vertically below the securing means fixing element 18. Preferably, the tightener 1 comprises an inner shaft of the second folding wheel connected to the frame 2, on which the second folding wheel 19 is bear- ing-mounted, for example by a rolling-element bearing such as for example a needle roller bearing, or optionally by a sliding contact bearing.

The securing means 16 may be adapted to pass after the initial end 17 of the securing means in the longitudinal direction of the frame 2, in the vertical direction of Figures 2 and 5-8, to the first folding wheel 10 in the car 3, to fold clockwise around the first folding wheel 10 substantially in the longitu- dinal direction of the frame 2 to the second folding wheel 19, and to fold clock- wise around the second folding wheel 19 into the cargo space 30. When the second folding wheel 19 is between the fixing element 17 and the support flange 12 as shown in Figures 2 and 5 to 8, the securing means 16 turns around the securing means fixing element 18. ln this way, a compact, space- saving hoist arrangement is achieved with a gear ratio of 1:2 in the example of Figure 2. ln other words, as the car 3 moves in the frame 2 for a distance a, the securing means 16 moves in the cargo space 30 for a distance 2*a.

Optionally, the securing means may turn counterclockwise around the first folding wheel 10 and the second folding wheel 19, whereby the second folding wheel 19 is not necessarily arranged vertically below the securing means fixing element 18, but may also be arranged adjacent to the securing 11 means fixing element 18 in direction of the cargo space, or vertically above the securing means fixing element 18.

Optionally, the tightener 1 may comprise more than two securing means 16 folding points/folding wheels, whereby the securing means may be arranged to turn around more than two folding points. The hoist arrangement formed by the tightener 1 may thus comprise different gear ratios.

Optionally, the securing means fixing element 18 may be arranged in connection with the car 3.

According to an optional first example, the securing means fixing element 18 is arranged in connection with the car 3, the securing means 16 is adapted to pass downwardly after the initial end 17 of the securing means to the first folding wheel at the lower end of the frame 2, to fold clockwise around the first folding wheel upwards to the second folding wheel in the car 3, to fold clockwise around the second folding wheel to a third folding wheel at the lower end of the frame 2, and to fold clockwise around the third folding wheel into the cargo space 30. ln this way, a hoist arrangement is obtained with a gear ratio of 1:3, i.e. when the car 3 moves in the frame a distance a, the securing means 16 moves in the cargo space 30 a distance 3*a.

According to an optional second example, the securing means fix- ing element 18 is arranged at the lower end of the frame 2, the securing means 16 is adapted to pass after the initial end 17 of the securing means upwardly to the first folding wheel 10 in the car 3, to fold counterclockwise around the first folding wheel downwards to the second folding wheel 19 at the lower end of the frame 2, and to fold clockwise around the second folding wheel into the cargo space 30, resulting in a gear ratio of 1:2. ln this case, the second folding wheel 19 may be positioned to the side or above the securing means fixing element 18.

According to an optional third example, the securing means fixing element 18 is arranged at the lower end of the frame 2, the securing means 16 is adapted to pass after the initial end 17 of the securing means upwards to the first folding wheel in the car 3, to fold counter-clockwise around the first folding wheel downwards to the second folding wheel at the lower end of the frame 2, to fold clockwise around the second folding wheel upwards onto the third folding wheel on trolley 3, to fold counter-clockwise around the third fold- ing wheel downwards onto a fourth folding wheel at the lower end of the frame 2, and to fold clockwise around the fourth folding wheel into the cargo space 30, resulting in a gear ratio of 1:4, i.e. when the car 3 moves in the frame a 12 distance a, the securing means 16 moves in the cargo space 30 a distance 4*a.

According to an embodiment, when the difference between the number of folding wheels used by the securing means in the car and in the frame is 0 or 1, the securing length of the securing means 16, when moving the car 3 by a distance a, varies in the cargo space by a distance a*[number of folding wheels].

Figure 5 shows an arrangement for tightening cargo to a transport means according to an embodiment when the cargo space 30 is closed and without cargo. The arrangement comprises one or more tighteners 1 arranged adjacent to each other in the |ongitudina| direction of the cargo space which are attached to the transport means, in particular to its supporting structure, e.g. in connection with or through the platform structure 20 of the cargo space 30. The cargo space 30 is bordered at the bottom the platform structure 20 of the cargo space such as the bottom 20 of the transport means platform for receiving and supporting the cargo, on a side a first side wall 21 of the cargo space, adjacent to which one or more tighteners 1 are disposed, a ceiling 23 of the cargo space, and on a second side wall 24 of the cargo space. The arrangement comprises adapted to the tightener 1 the cargo securing means 16, the terminal end of which may have a gripping means 16a such as a hook.

Optionally, the arrangement further comprises at least one attach- ment means 25, at least one fixed suspension means 26 and at least one flex- ible suspension means 27 by which the securing means 16 can be suspended in connection with the cargo space 30 to facilitate loading and securing of the cargo.

Preferably, the attachment means 25 is adapted to attach the cargo securing means 16 to the flexible suspension means 27. According to an em- bodiment, the securing means 16 is adapted to move mediated by the attach- ment means 25 relative to the flexible suspension means 27.

Preferably, the fixed suspension means 26 comprises a bracket at- tachable to the ceiling 23 or side wall 21, 24 of the cargo space, via or mediated by which the flexible suspension means 27 can move, inter alia, as the length of the flexible suspension means increases or decreases, and to accommo- date the load along the length of the flexible suspension means.

Preferably, the flexible suspension device 27 comprises a material that increases in length as the load increases and decreases in length as the load decreases, such as rubber rope or spring material. The flexible suspen- sion means 27 may be attached at its first end to a structure of the cargo space, 13 such as a ceiling or wall, pass via one or more fixed suspension means 26 and be attached at its second end to the attachment means 25. Optionally, the flexible suspension means 27 may also pass integrally from one attachment means 25 to another attachment means 25, passing via at least one fixed sus- pension means 26. Optionally, the flexible suspension means 27 may also form a continuous suspension means loop passing via one or more fixed sus- pension means 26, whereby at least one attachment means 25 is attached to the path of the suspension means loop.

Figure 6 shows the arrangement of Figure 5 when, with the ceiling 23 lifted up, the securing means 16 has been lifted out of the way of the cargo 28. ln the open cargo space 30 of the transport means, an unsecured cargo 28 is positioned on top of loading supports 28' and adjacent to the first surface 2.1 of the frame 2 of the tightener 1. The securing means 16 is plentifully pro- vided outside the tightener frame 2 when the car 3 is moved close to its lower position in the frame 2.

Figure 7 shows the arrangement of Figure 6 when a first load 28.1 is secured by means of the tightener 1 and the securing means 16. The ceiling 23 of the cargo space 30 and, with it, the gripping means 16a of the securing means 16 are lowered. The gripping means 16a is coupled to the structure of the transport means, such as the platform structure 20. The gripping means 16a can be manually coupled to the transport means one by one. The car 3 of the tightener 1 has been driven upwards to position 3.1, whereby the securing means 16 is tightened around the cargo with yielding of said at least one flex- ible suspension means 27.

According to an embodiment, the securing means 16, in particular its terminal end or the gripping means 16a attached to the terminal end, is coupled to a liftable and lowerable structure of the cargo space of the transport means, such as the second side wall 24. When the locking of the side wall 24 is opened and the side wall is lifted up, the locking of the gripping means 16a of the securing means to the structure of the transport means is also possible to open at the same time and the securing means 16 is lifted out in front of the loading. Correspondingly, when the side wall 24 is lowered, the securing of the terminal end of the securing means to the structure of the transport means can also be formed, whereby the coupling of the terminal end of the securing means to the transport means and the closing of the cargo space 30 can be performed in a single step. Thereafter, the tightener 1 can be used to tighten the securing means 16 around the cargo 28 with the yielding of said at least one flexible suspension means 27. 14 Figure 8 shows a cargo tightening arrangement where a second cargo 28.2 is secured using the tightener 1. The second cargo 28.2 is lower than the first cargo 28.1 by a height a, the widths of the cargoes being the same. The car 3 of the tightener 1 has been driven upwards by a distance a from position 3.1 in Figure 7 to position 3.2, whereby a reduction of the length of the coupling device 16 is 2*a with the second load 28.2 tightened, with the tightener gear ratio of 1:2 as described in the examples in Figures 5-8. ln Figures 9 and 10, the frame 2 is arranged horizontally in the transport means. Along the length of the frame 2 there may be provided fixing points for 29 a detachable folding wheel 19'. ln Figure 9, the fixing element 18 of the securing means 16, by means of which the initial end 17 of the securing means 16 is adapted to be secured to the tightener 1, is fixed to the frame 2. The securing means 16 folds around the folding wheel 10 adapted to the car 3, continues its path to the folding wheel 19 adapted to the frame, around which the securing means folds into the cargo space 30. ln Figure 10, the fixing ele- ment 18 of the securing means 16, by means of which the initial end 17 of the securing means 16 is adapted to be fixed to the tightener 1, is attached to the car 3. The securing means 16 folds around the folding wheel 19, which is adapted to the frame 2, into the cargo space 30.

According to an embodiment, one or more tightener 1 frames 2 are positioned on the longitudinal central area of the cargo space 30 of the platform structure 20 of the transport means, preferably in a vertical position. ln this way, for example, it is possible to implement a transport vehicle attachment arrangement for concrete wall elements or roof trusses that are transported vertically. Oppositely fittable tightener frames can be used to form trestles which can be positioned adjacent to each other lengthwise in the cargo space for the transport means securing arrangement.

According to an embodiment, the frame 2 is a closed beam, wherein the securing means 16" enters the cargo space near the end of the frame through the folding wheel 19'. ln this case, the point of exit of the securing means 16 from the frame is not adjustable.

According to an embodiment, the one or more frames 2 are ar- ranged in connection with the wall 21 of the transport means or form part of the frame structure of the wall 21 of the transport means. lt is obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology evolves, the basic idea behind the invention can be implemented in many different ways. The invention and its embodiments are therefore not limited to the ex- amples described above, but may vary within the scope of the patent claims.

Claims (26)

Claims

1. A tightener (1) for securing cargo (28) by a securing means (16) to a cargo space (30) of a transport means comprises a frame (2) adapted to be fixed to the transport means or to a plat- form structure (20) of the transport means, a car (3) adapted to be moved along the frame, a drive screw (4) and a nut (5), by means of the re|ative movement between them, the car (3) is adapted to be moved, and a rotary actuator (15) to form said re|ative movement, characterised in that the frame (2) comprises a first surface (2.1) to be adapted towards the cargo space (30), and the car (3) is adapted in use to be moved along the frame (2) behind the first surface (2.1) as viewed from the direction of the cargo space.

2. The tightener according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the securing means (16) extending into the cargo space (30) of the transport means is arranged to be varied by moving the car (3) within the frame (2)-

3. The tightener according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (2) comprises an elongated beam or column which is open (2') on one side for at least part of its length.

4. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the securing means (16) is adapted to pass into the cargo space (30) through an open (2') side of the frame (2).

5. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tightener (1) comprises a fixing element (18) of the securing means (16) which is attached to the frame (2) or to the car (3) for the attachment of an initial end (17) of the securing means (16).

6. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one folding wheel (10) is arranged in the car (3), via which the securing means (16) is adapted to pass immediately into the cargo space (30), in particular without passing through other folding wheels.

7. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one folding wheel (19, 19') is arranged in the frame (2), via which the securing means (16) is adapted to pass immediately into the cargo space (30), in particular without passing through other folding wheels.

8. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one fixing point (29) is arranged along the length of the frame (2),to which a folding wheel (19') is detachably adaptable, via which folding wheel, fixable to the fixing point (29), the securing means (16) is adaptable to pass immediately into the cargo space (30), in particular without passing through other folding wheels.

9. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one folding wheel (10) is arranged in the car (3) and at least one folding wheel (19, 19') is arranged in the frame (2), via which the securing means (16) is adapted to pass so that, when the car is moved, the securing length of the securing means varies by an integer multiple of the car move- ment.

10. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the securing means (16) is adapted to pass into the cargo space (30) around a folding wheel (10, 19, 19') through an open (2') side of the frame (2).

11. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the car (3) and the drive screw (5) are adapted inside the frame (2).

12. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the nut (5) is fixed to the car (3) and the drive screw (4) is adapted to be rotated by means of the rotary actuator (15) which is preferably fixed to the frame (2).

13. The tightener according to claim 1, characterized in that the car (3) comprises at least one folding wheel (10) and the frame (2) comprises at least one folding wheel (19) such that the securing length of the securing means (16), when moving the car (3) by a distance a, varies in the cargo space (30) by a distance a*[number of folding wheels] when the difference between the number of folding wheels used by the securing means in the car and in the frame is 0 or

14. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the car (3) comprises at least one guide wheel (8) for moving the car in rolling contact inside the frame (2).

15. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the car (3) comprises a car frame (6') including guide surfaces (6") adapted to be moved in sliding contact along an inner surface of the frame (2).

16. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the rotary actuator (15) is a hydraulic motor or an electric motor or a pneumatic motor.

17. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the frame (2) of the tightener (1 ) forms part of a timber bunk or part of a frame structure of a wall (21) of the transport means.

18. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the frame (2) of the tightener (1) forms part of the platform structure (20).

19. The tightener according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the frame (2) forms a |inear guide along which the car (3) is adapted to be moved.

20. A transport means cargo securing arrangement comprising one or more tighteners (1) according to any of claims 1 to 19, attached to the transport means or to a platform structure (20) of the transport means for se- curing the cargo (28) by a securing means (16) to a cargo space (30) of the transport means.

21. The transport means cargo securing arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the cargo space (30) is bordered on a longitu- dinal side of the transport means by a side wall of the cargo space, adjacent to or in connection with which one or more tighteners (1) are disposed.

22. The transport means cargo securing arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that one or more tighteners (1) are disposed hori- zontally in connection with the platform structure (20) of the transport means.

23. The transport means cargo securing arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the securing means (16) is cou- pled to a liftable and lowerable structure (24) of the cargo space of the transport means, such as a second side wall, so that when a locking of said structure (24) is opened and said structure is lifted up, a locking of the securing means to the structure ofthe transport means is also opened, and correspond- ingly when said structure (24) is locked down, a coupling of the securing means to the structure of the transport means is also established.

24. The transport means cargo securing arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that one or more tightener (1) frames (2) are disposed in a central longitudinal area of the cargo space (30) of the platform structure (20) of the transport means.

25. The transport means cargo securing arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that one or more tighteners (1) are adapted remote operable.

26. A transport means, on which cargo (28) is adapted to be trans- ported, comprising one or more tighteners (1) according to any of claims 1 to 19 or a transport means cargo securing arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 25, attached to the transport means or to a platform structure (20) of the transport means.