A FLAT CLAMP

Abstract: A flat clamp for mounting, for example, a vehicle tank comprises an elongate clamping device (1) of metal, with anchorage devices (2, 3) at its ends. The clamping device (1) has, along its opposing longitudinal edge portions (11, 12), at least double material layers while having, in a central region (10), a single material layer. The double material layers are realised by bends along opposing edges of the clamping device (1).

Description: A FLAT CLAMP TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a flat clamp for mounting, for example, a vehicle tank and comprises an elongate clamping device of metal with anchorage devices at its ends. BACKGROUND ART Within the automotive industry, attempts have long been made to reduce the weight of the components included in a vehicle. At the same time with these attempts to reduce weight, attempts have also been made to render these components increasingly resistant to corrosion. Flat clamps of the type mentioned by way of introduction are known in many variations. As one example, mention might be made of a flat clamp which is produced from a band- or strip-shaped sheet piece where at least the one anchorage device includes a threaded rod which is welded into the clamp and is used on mounting of the clamp and for tightening it. Such a construction may afford good mechanical strength, but occasions problems with the corrosion protection, since the corrosion protection must be applied after the welding of the threaded rod in place. This entails that, for example, the clamp cannot be manufactured from previously galvanized, hot galvanized steel sheet, or steel sheet which has been painted with rust protection paint. Furthermore, the prior art type of clamp is of considerable weight in relation to its mechanical strength. PROBLEM STRUCTURE The present invention has for its object to obviate the drawbacks inherent in prior art technology within this particular field. Thus, the present invention has for its object to design the flat clamp intimated by way of introduction such that it has extremely god mechanical strength in relation to its weight and also extremely good corrosion protection without its manufacture being rendered more difficult. In addition, the present invention has for its object to design the clamp such that it may be manufactured simply and economically in large production series. SOLUTION The objects forming the basis of the present invention will be attained if the flat clamp intimated by way of introduction is characterized in that the clamping device has, along its opposing longitudinal edge portions, at least double material layers, while having a single material layer in a central region. Further advantages will be attained according to the invention if the subject matter hereof is also given one or more of the characterizing features as set forth in appended Claims 2 to 5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow, with reference to the accompanying Drawings. In the accompanying Drawings: Fig. 1 is a plan view of one example of a flat clamp produced according to the present invention; and Fig. 2 is a section taken along the section marking A- A in Fig. 1. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT It will be apparent from Fig. 1 that the clamp according to the present invention comprises a clamping device 1 which, at opposing ends, has anchorage devices 2 and 3. In general terms, the clamping device is elongate and band- or strip-shaped and is produced of metal. Both of the anchorage devices 2 and 3 are shown merely by way of example, for which reason the clamp according to the present invention may have one anchorage device of the type shows at reference numeral 2 at each end, or an anchorage device of the type shown at reference numeral 3 at each end. Other types of anchorage devices may also come into consideration. At the anchorage device 2, an end portion of the clamping device 1 is folded double so that there is formed a loop 4 in which is inserted a T-shaped drawbar 5 for tightening the clamping device. The drawbar 5 is inserted in a groove or recess 6 in the central region of the clamping device seen in its lateral direction. Within the region of the anchorage device 2, the clamping device 1 is folded back on itself so that an end portion 7 may be connected to the clamping device 1 proper. The connection between the end portion 7 and the clamping device may be made by means of spot welding, punching, riveting or the like. At the opposing end of the clamping device 1, the anchorage device 3 is designed in a slightly different manner, in that the clamping device 1 is bent back over itself so that it lies double. Also here, spot welds 8 or the like are employed to maintain a union. For securement, this anchorage device further displays a through-going aperture 9 for accommodating a screw or the like. The clamping device 1 has a longitudinal, elongate central region 10 where it has but a single, generally relatively thin, material layer. On both sides of this central region, the clamping device has edge portions 11 and 12 with at least double material layers. The edge regions with double material layers are realised by longitudinal bends 13 and 14 in a broader, strip-shaped blank so that the edge portions 11 and 12 are folded in over the clamping device proper, preferably on the same side of it. On loading of a flat clamp according to the present invention, tension loadings are those which principally occur. The mechanical strength which is here achieved is proportional to the cross sectional area in the flat clamp. If, however, an oblique loading were to occur (which does happen in practice), further loadings will be superposed on the pure tension loading so that, for example, the upper edge in Fig. 1 of the clamping device will have additional tension loading while, on the other hand, the central region 10 remains substantially unaffected at the same as the lower edge region 12 will have an additional loading in the opposite direction, i.e. a compression loading, for which reason the total loading in this edge region is reduced. From this it will be apparent that a substantial material saving may be made in the central region 10 without this in practice affecting the mechanical strength of the flat clamp, since ideal tension loading is uncommon. Fig. 2 shows a cross section taken along the section marking A-A in Fig. 1, and it will be apparent that the clamping device 1 has a central region 10 of single material thickness, while the opposing longitudinal edge portions 11 and 12 have double material thickness. Along opposing edges of the flat clamp, there are provided bends 13 and 14 which also contribute in increasing the mechanical strength of the clamp. It will be further apparent from Fig. 2 that the clamp has material surfaces which, in the area of edge regions 11 and 12, lie against one another. Normally, such a construction would involve serious problems as regards corrosion. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to manufacture the flat clamp from a double-sided sheet which is corrosion- treated or coated. This implies that, in the slot-shaped spaces 15 between material layers lying against one another, there are corrosion-preventing layers on each material layer surface. It will be apparent from the foregoing that, for example, a zinc-coated, galvanized or protective-painted sheet may be employed in the production of the subject matter of the present invention. Not even in the regions of the spot welds 8 do problems occur, since the thermal effects of the welding are extremely local and, for example, a zinc-coated sheet has a tendency to "heal" any possible damage to the zinc coating. It may also be possible to employ cold-rolled sheet which, after manufacture, is protective-painted, chromium- plated or provided with a zinc layer. Because of the considerable weight saving which may be made according to the present invention, it is also possible to employ an inherently anti- corrosive material such as stainless steel, since the cost of such material is proportional to its weight. If an extra large weight saving is desired, it is possible to make the edge regions 11 and 12 with more than double material layers, so that the number of material layers in these regions may be three or even four. The present invention may be modified within the scope of the appended Claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A flat clamp for mounting, for example, a vehicle tank, comprising an elongate clamping device (1) of metal with anchorage devices (2, 3) at its ends, characterized in that the clamping device (1) has, along its opposing longitudinal edge portions (11, 12), at least double material layers, while having a single material layer in a central region (10). 2. The flat clamp as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the double material layers are realised by bends (13, 14) along opposing edges of the clamping device (1). 3. The flat clamp as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that the bends (13, 14) are made towards the same side of the clamping device (1). 4. The flat clamp as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that mutually facing surfaces of the double material layers have corrosion- impeding or corrosion-preventing coatings. 5. The flat clamp as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that the corrosion- impeding or corrosion-preventing coatings are applied prior to the production of the bends (13, 14).

Inventors: IDIN LENNART, IDIN, LENNART
Applicants: IDIN LENNART, LEVI PETERSON IND AB, IDIN, LENNART, LEVI PETERSON INDUSTRI AB
Application year: 1997
Main classification: B60K15
IPC codes: B60K15