CA1231004A

CA1231004A - Elongated track structure for monorail suspended transport systems

Info

Publication number: CA1231004A
Application number: CA000423012A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Franz Hortnagl; Siegfried Wagner
Original assignee: Stahl (r) & Co GmbH
Current assignee: Stahl (r) & Co GmbH
Priority date: 1982-04-20
Filing date: 1983-03-07
Publication date: 1988-01-05
Also published as: ATE18686T1; EP0092608A1; DE3214437C2; DE3214437A1; EP0092608B1; JPS58189401A

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

To improve the stiffness and permit ready attachment of the track structure to holding brackets (20), the upper and lower track portions (2, 3) have mutually facing flanges (5, 6) formed thereon, projecting towards each other, extending longitudinally of the track structure, and being positioned in vertical alignment at the same side of the web, parallel to the central plane of the web, and spaced from said plane by the same distance. The sections may be made as a unitary extrusion (Figures 1, 3), for example of aluminum or steel, with hollow or solid rail portions (Figures 1, 2, 3; Figure 3A) or may be made as rolled sheet-metal elements (Figure 2) in which the rail portions are separately rolled structures welded, by spot-welding or bead-welding, to the central web. Preferably, the central web has, roughly, .OMEGA. shape, to permit an end portion (43) of a holding bracket to fit therebetween to provide direct force transfer from the rail portions (2, 3) to the end portion of the holding bracket.

Description

I

The present invention relates to track structures for suspended transport systems, such as transporter trolleys and the like, and more particularly to such transport rails which have upper and lower track sections or portions, adapted to be engaged by suspension wheels and guide rollers of bogies of the apparatus or device to be transported, for example structural elements in production lines, platforms, gondolas, or cabins; and in which the rail or track sections are connected by a web adapted for attach-mint to support hangers.
It is an object to provide a freely position able, self-supporting rail or track structure for suspended transport systems in which the attachment elements can be secured to the track or rail structure at any position along the length thereof, and which permits the structure to be made either as a sheet-metal rolled structure or, alternatively, as an extruded metal structure or by a continuous casting process.
Briefly, the invention provides elongated cantilever track structure for a monorail suspension transport system comprise in: an upper profiled track portion; a lower profiled track port lion parallel to the upper track portion; a continuous connecting web portion interconnecting the upper and lower track portions and securing said track portions together in vertical alignment; and continuous flange portions projecting from the upper and lower track portions towards each other, extending longitudinally of the track structure and positioned in vertical alignment at the same side of and parallel to the web, and equally spaced from the web and defining therewith a continuous opening of somewhat C-shaped cross-section to receive track mounting elements engage able behind ~L23~

said flange portions at any location in the length of the track structure.
The attachment flanges preferably are formed with a longitudinally extending groove in order to provide a locating recess, which can fit into a matching locating projection on an attachment plate which, in turn, is adapted for support on a post, a building wall, or the like. Such a groove has the additional advantage that it also permits attachment to the track structure of switching elements, such as electrical sensing switches which sense the presence or passage of a wheel or bogies on the track structure, and which can provide, for example, limit or terminal switches, or indicator elements for various control functions.
These grooves, thus, readily permit selective positioning of such switches or control sensors, by sliding them along the length of the track structure without danger of dropping from the structure when loose.

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The attachment plates to support the track or rail structure are simplified if the outer facing surfaces of the flanges are in a common plane, Various types of transport devices which are adapted for running on the monorail structure have their own motors receiving current from exposed electrical bus bars. Attachment of power buses, as well as control lines or control buses, for moving contact with brushes, sliders, or connecting wheels on the bogies or the transport devices, can be easily inserted by forming grooves adjacent the web at the side opposite the flanges, the grooves facing each other and extending longitudinally of the track structure, permitting slip-in or snap-in insertion of support strips or webs, for example of insulating material, carrying electrical bus bars or equivalent power supply rails or conductors.
The track structure can be inexpensively made by forming the shaped rail portions unitary with the central web, so that the structure can be manufactured in form of an aluminum extrusion element or rail; alternatively, it may be made as a shaped steel extrusion element. Making the track structure of aluminum has a substantial advantage with respect to weight thereof; additional weight reduction can be achieved by forming the actual rail portions or heads of the structure as hollow elements, If this causes difficulty in manufacture, however, the rail portions or rail heads may be made solid.
The track structure usually is made in sections, which are assembled longitudinally abutting each other. For smooth running of the bogies of suspended structures, the alignment of two adjacent, butting elements should be good. Thus, abutting structures should be in alignment, even if the 3L~3~LO~)~

carriers or supports, which support the respective elements, do not provide for exact alignment of adjacent structural parts. In order to provide for matching engagement of the abutting surfaces, the end portions of the rail structures, in accordance with a feature of the invention, may have openings formed therein into which connecting elements can be inserted, extending longitudinally of the track, when assembled. In accordance with a feature of the invention, these connecting elements may be bolts or tubes or pipe sections, fitted into appropriate openings formed in the end portions of the track sections. To permit tight, yet easily insertable connecting elements, if poorly aligned track sections are to be fitted to each other, the elements, whether pipes or tubes, or solid bolts, preferably are longitudinally slit -at least in part, so that a portion having a slit therein can be somewhat compressed to fit into the matching hole of the adjacent track element or section, to then resiliently expand and securely hold two abutting track sections in alignment, and to each other. Use of tubular sections reduces material costs and weight.
If the rail portions are hollow throughout, to prevent uncontrolled movement of the connecting tubes or bolts, the tubes or bolts, preferably, are restrained from moving within the track section after insertion. In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention, a suitable adhesive is provided, which is strong enough to prevent relative sliding movement of the inserted element interiorly of the hollow section, The outer shape of the rail portions on which the wheels of the bogies will run can be shaped as desired, to match the respective wheels and wheel arrangement of the bogies, for example of a transport system already in ~Z3~00~

use. Thus the top rail portion can be rounded and the lower one essentially rectangular or square in cross section or vice versa,or both may have round or square track portions; in accordance with a suitable embodiment, at least the upper track portion has, in cross section an essentially semi-circular outline merging into depending straight surfaces.
The invention will further be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-Figure 1 is a part-perspective, part-sectional view of the track section having an upper part semi-circular track section or portion, and a lower, essentially rectangular track section or portion;
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view through a sheet-metal track made of rolled sheet metal and showing connecting insertion elements, also illustrating attachment to a bracket structure;
Figure 3 is an end sectional view showing an Q-shaped center portion connecting the rail sections or portions, and providing a unitary structure; and Figure PA is a fragmentary exploded pictorial view, in section, of a solid top track section which, otherwise may have the shape illustrated in Figure 1 or I together with a collecting bolt.
The self-supporting track structure 1 of Figure 1 has an upper track or rail portion 2, having essentially semi-circular cross section, and a lower track portion 3, of essentially rectangular cross section, the upper and lower track portions being connected by a web 4. The track portions 2, 3 as well as the web 4 extend longitudinally to form elongated structural elements adapted for suspension, by brackets, to suitable support structures, clue such as the wall of a building, support posts, U-frames, or the like. The track 1 is made as an aluminum extruded structural shape, which is hardened, and has the characteristic of only small material flow.
The upper rail portion 2, and the lower rail portion 3, are formed with mutually facing flanges 5, 6. The flanges 5, 6 are on the same side of the center web 4, are parallel thereto and spaced therefrom by the same distance, so that they are in alignment They extend throughout the entire length of the respective rail structure element. The placement of the flanges 5, 6 is so selected that the surfaces 7, 8 which face the flange are parallel to a longitudinal axis or, rather, the plane of the web I. The outer surfaces 9, lo of the flanges 5, 6 are located in a common longitudinal plane, and are formed with grooves 11, 12 which, in cross section, are preferably at least approximately trapezoidal.
The rail or track portions 2, 3 are formed at the side opposite the flanges 5, 6 with inwardly extending grooves 13, 14. The grooves 13, I are provided to receive attachment elements (not shown) for connecting bus bars to provide electrical power, or control signal connections for transport elements running on the monorail track. Insertion of elongated plate carriers for the electrical bus bars, connecting lines, and the like, is facilitated by chamfering the lower, essentially rectangular track section 3, as shown by the inclined surface 16. A similar inclined surface is formed on the upper track section, as shown at 15.
The track 1 can be made as an aluminum extrusion structural element and formed with hollow spaces 17, 18 in the rail or track portions in order to reduce the weight and material requirements. The strength of the rail or track section is hardly affected thereby. The open spaces 17, 18, forming ~231~

longitudinal chambers, can be used to receive connecting elements - not shown in Figure 1 - in order to provide for aligned connection of two abutting track structure elements.
The track 1 can also be made as a steel extruded structural shaped rail; since it is difficult to form hollow chambers 17, 18 in steel extrusions, the head or rail portions 2, 3 when made of steel, would be solid The track section 1 can be attached to a suitable support by L-shaped brackets 20 - see Figure 2, where the brackets are shown in fragmentary representation. The short end of the L-shaped bracket 20 has a holding plate 21 butt-welded thereon, which engages the flanges 5, 6 with a surface fitting there against. Preferably, the plate 20 has shoulders formed therein which fit precisely within the space defined by the end surfaces of the flanges 5, 6.
The grooves if, 12 at the outer side of the flanges 5, 6 provide for a stall-gaily determined surface for engagement of the flanges 5, 6 with the outer flange portion aye (Figure 2) of the plate 21. Additionally, the grooves facilitate attachment of limit switches, control switches, and the like, to the flanges 5, 6 by providing for an inter engaging fit of such elements with the grooves 11, 12, for example by including a holding bracket on the respective switches or elements which has a plate fitting behind the flanges 5, 6 to engage the surfaces 7, 8, with clamping or screw connections engaging the grooves 11, 12. Thus, sliding the respective elements along the track is easily possible by loosening the clamping connection, while preventing accidental detachment of such elements even if they are located on the vertically upper flange 5.
The bogies of a suspended transport device usually has one or more support rotters which run on the convex, essentially semi-circular upper rail r 3~L100~

portion 2, Lateral guide rollers engage the respectively parallel lateral guide surfaces of the lower rail section 3 to prevent uncontrolled lateral swinging.
Various shapes other than those shown in Figure 1 may be used;
for example, rather than forming the upper and lower rail portions as shown, both rail portions may have essentially rectangular or square cross section;
or both may be essentially semi-circular in cross section. Preferably, if semi-circular rail portions are used, mutually parallel lateral surfaces 23, 24 (Figure 1) are provided, smoothly merging with the semi-circular head portion of the respective rail portion.
In Figure 27 a track 30 is provided, formed of rolled sheet steel.
The elements, generally, are similar to those illustrated in Figure 1, and the same reference numerals have been used, with the addition a, The central portion or web pa has two inwardly directed support legs 31, 32, so that, in general, the central portion pa and the legs 31 have a cross section roughly that of a horizontal Q. The legs 31, 32 are formed of double-wall construction. The outer portion 33, facing away from the central axis of the leg 31, is parallel to the central plane of the track 30. It extends upwardly, and is then bent over horizontally in the region of the head portion pa to form a horizontal portion 34. The flange pa is then formed on the horizontal portion 34, and is also of double-wall construction. The flange pa is bent backwardly against itself, by 1~0 upwardly. The support leg 32 on the lower side is the mirror image of the leg 31. Thus, the support leg 32 has unitary elements which merge with the flange pa. The distance of the terminal portions of the two legs 31, 32 from each other is less than or equal to the distance of the terminal portions of the flanges pa, pa.

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The rail or track portions themselves are separate elements which, following straight, upwardly directed sections 36, 37 are bent over in semi-circular form, to merge into a section 38, parallel to the starting straight portion 36. A horizontally extending region 39 integral with the section 38 is positioned for approximate alignment with the portion 34 of the central support element which is integral with the web pa. The portion 39 then extends downwardly to a vertical region 40. The regions 40 and 35 of the rail or track section 37 are fitted between the two walls of the leg 31 and of the flange pa, respectively.
The rail portion pa, (which can readily be formed into the shape shown by rolling) after insertion between the portions of the support or web element, is then welded to the two walls of the leg 31, for example by spot-welding or by a rolling weld bead.
The lower rail portion pa is mirror-symmetrical to the upper section ; pa and, likewise, secured by spot-welding, by a weld bead, or the like, to the web pa.
Connector elements are provided to provide for aligned connection of two butting rail elements. Tubes 41, 42, shown completely inserted into the openings of the respective heads of the rail portions pa, pa, are arranged so that, upon pulling-out of the respective tubes 41, 42, aligned connection of adjacent rail structure elements can be obtained. To insure that the tubes 41, 42 do not slip uncontrollably upon joining of two rail sections, by sliding within the opening, the tubes are preferably secured within the respective rail or track head portions pa, pa, for example by an adhesive, such as a Senate acrylic adhesive. To facilitate assembly of two structural elements, the tubes can be longitudinally slit, as shown at aye in the tube 41, so that, won insertion into an adjacent structural unit, the tubes can be slightly compressed to facilitate introduction, and to then resiliently expand to fit within the respective circumference, as shown in Figure 2.
The attachment of any one of the track elements 1, 30, foggier 3) is shown in connection with Figure 2 only, for simplicity of the drawings. L-shaped bracket 20 - shown only in fragmentary representation -has a horizontal portion 43. The horizontal portion 43 of the bracket 20 has a holding plate 21 attached thereto which is formed with horizontal portions 22, dimensioned to fit between the marginal extent of the two attachment flanges pa, pa, while having a projecting covering portion aye overlapping the flanges pa, pa.
The end of the horizontal portion 43 which extends beyond the plate 21 preferably is so dimensioned that as to fit between the inner portions of the legs 31, 32, and be engaged thereby.
The track 30 is secured to the plate 21 by attachment or clamping elements which clamp around the flange pa and the outwardly extending flange aye, for example in the form of C-clamps snot shown), or similar and suitable attachment arrangements, as desired.
The support legs 31, 32 preferably are positioned in central alignment with the centers of the rail portions pa, pa. This position provides for excellent force transfer of weight placed Oil the rail sections, so that the holding plate 21 need accept only horizontal forces, for example due to imbalance of a load, curved track sections, or the like. Primary force ~231~)0~

transfer, thus, is directly from the rail head portion pa or pa as the case may be, to the leg portions 31, 32 and then directly to the horizontal portion 43 owe the bracket 20.
The track structure 50 of Figure 3 is made as an extrusion structure, for example of steel, and generally has the same parts previously referred to, which have been given like reference numerals with the addition _.
The web portion 4b, connecting the head portions 2b and 3b, is, in cross section, somewhat shopped; the attachment flanges 5b, 6b are unitary with the web 4b and the head portions 2b, 3b, and extend from the web 4b, merging with the web 4b at approximately the junction of the web 4b with the rail or track portions 2b, 3b.
The rail or track portions 2b, 3b may be hollow and have the openings 17, 18 (see also Figure 1) therein. When extruding steel, however, it may be difficult to form these openings, and the rail portions may be constructed as solid rail heads. Foggier illustrates a solid rail head portion 2c which, in all other respects, is similar to the head 2b. The openings 17, 18 can receive connecting elements, such as tubes 41, 42 figure

2) to connect two abutting track structures to each other while maintaining horizontal alignment. If the heads are solid - Figure PA - then it is desirable to form the solid head 2c with an internal bore 53, into which a bolt 51 can be pressed securely, for example with an interference fit.
Preferably, the bolt 51 is formed with a slit aye which is located in the region of the bolt 51 projecting from the hole 53 to facilitate insertion into an adjacent track element, The bolt, thus, can be resiliently compressed at the slit end, to permit resilient expansion and a snug fit aster connection.

I

'I've solid rail head has a ridded top portion 52, merging into straight' lateral portions 56, 58.
Forming the web with the generally Q-shaped cross section provides for particularly effective support of the structure by support brackets, since the portions 43 can fit within the mutually projecting legs, for example legs 31, 32 (Figure 2) or 31b, 32b (Figure 3). The spacing of the edges of the legs 31b, 32b preferably is somewhat less than the spacing of the edges of the outer flanges pa, 5b; pa, 6b. At the most, the distances between the tips of the Q-shaped web should be equal to the spacing of the tips of the flanges. This permits engagement owe the tips of the flanges 31, 31b; 32, 32b on the bracket portion 43, while providing for direct aligned force transfer passing through the central plane of the track structure.
The construction which, in many applications, is easiest to make and most suitable is that of Figure 2, since sheet steel rolling technology can be used. Only minimum welding operations are required, and those can be carried out on automatic machinery. The rail can be made equally well, however, by extrusion or casting.
If the embodiment owe Figure 2 is selected, then the rail or running portions against which the wheel of -the bogies engage preferably also are rolled Sections, so constructed that depending end portions fit within bent-back portions of the central web, as seen in Figure 2. This construction provides for a secure connection of the respective elements and effective force transfer. Assembly of the rail portions with the web is particularly simple since the parts can be placed such that the end portions of the rail heads pa, pa fit between the bent-over portions of the web before the bent-~Z3~0()~

over portions of the Deb are tightly compressed. Compression and bead-welding or spot-welding can be carried out with a single machine set-up.
The track structure 3 particularly where the web is of horizontal Q
shape, has high load-carrying capability and is easily secured to support brackets or the like. Deformation, even under overload conditions, is effectively prevented.
Various changes and modifications may be made, and features described in connection with any one of the embodiments may be used with any of the others, within the scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WISH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Elongated cantilever track structure for a monorail suspension transport system comprising:
an upper profiled track portion;
a lower profiled track portion parallel to the upper track portion;
a continuous connecting web portion interconnecting the upper and lower track portions and securing said track portions together in vertical alignment; and continuous flange portions projecting from the upper and lower track portions towards each other, extending longitudinally of the track structure and positioned in vertical alignment at the same side of and parallel to the web, and equally spaced from the web and defining therewith a continuous opening of somewhat C-shaped cross-section to receive track mounting elements engage able behind said flange portions at any location in the length of the track structure.

2. Track structure according to claim 1, wherein the flanges have surfaces facing the web portion, said surfaces being parallel to the web plane.

3. Track structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the flanges is formed with a groove extending the length of the track structure at the outwardly directed surface of the flange.

4. Track structure according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the outwardly directed surfaces of the flanges are positioned in a single vertical plane.

5. Track structure according to claims 1, 2 or 3 further including positioning grooves formed at the side of the web opposite the flanges, and located adjacent the junction between the flanges and the upper and lower shaped track portions, said grooves extending lengthwise of the track structure and being dimensioned to receive electrical connecting elements.

6. Track structure according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the upper and lower track portions are unitary with the web portion.

7. Track structure according to claims 1, 2 or 3 comprising an aluminum extrusion structure.

8. Track structure according to claims 1, 2 or 3 comprising a steel extrusion structure.

9. Track structure according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the upper and lower track portions are hollow.

10. Track structure according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein at least one of the track portions is solid.

11. Track structure according to claim 1, further including connecting elements for connecting two track structures together in aligned, abutting relation; at least one of said track portions being formed with an opening therein to receive a connecting element, the respective connecting element being dimensioned to fit snugly within said opening, and having a length sufficient to provide a secure seat in the two abutting structures, when inserted into the respective openings, the connecting elements extending in essentially longitudinal direction of the track structures, when joined together.

12. Track structure according to claim 11, wherein the connecting element comprises a bolt, and the opening comprises a bore.

13. Track structure according to claim 11, wherein the connecting element comprises a tube.

14. Track structure according to claims 11, 12 or 13 wherein the connecting element is formed with a longitudinal slit extending at least partly along its length to permit resilient compression of the respective element to facilitate insertion into the receiving opening of a connecting abutting track structure.

15. Track structure according to claims 11, 12 or 13 including means for securing a connecting element in an associated opening of one of the track structures.

16. Track structure according to claim 1, wherein the central web is formed with confronting support legs so that the support web has approximately an .OMEGA. shape the distance between facing tips of the support legs being equal to or smaller than the distance between the terminal facing portions or tips of the flanges.

17. Track structure according to claim 16, wherein the web comprises a rolled sheet-metal element.

18. Track structure according to claim 16, wherein the upper and lower track portions and the web portion comprise rolled sheet-metal elements, secured together in the region of the longitudinally extending support legs.

19. Track structure according to claim 18, wherein the upper and lower track portions are additionally joined to the web portion in the region of the attachment flanges.

20. Track structure according to claim 19, wherein the support legs and the flanges are formed as double-bent, double-wall rolled sections, and the upper and lower track portions are formed with extending projecting portions fitting between the double-wall regions of the support legs and of the flanges, and are collected to the support legs and the flanges, respectively, by weld connection.

21. Track structure according to claims 16, 18 or 20 in combination with a support bracket, said support bracket having an end portion dimensioned to fit between the tips of the support legs, for direct force transfer from the upper and lower track sections via the support legs to said end portion;
and clamping plates are provided secured to the bracket engaging the flanges and having a portion fitting between the mutually facing ends or tips of said flanges.

22. Track structure according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein at least one of the track portions has essentially rectangular cross section.

23. Track structure according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein at least one of said track portions has an at least partly semi-circular cross section, merging with extending parallel side portions.