DK180008B1 - GRID WITH GRID SHAPE STRUCTURE - Google Patents

Abstract

A grid with a grid-shaped structure is described, and in the upper side of the grid there is a pattern of openings which allows water to drain away from the upper side. The grate is formed of a sheet material. The openings in the upper side of the grate are formed by compressing sheet material so that walls are formed between the openings, which are shaped like barrel vaults, where the tops of the vaults form the upper side of the grate, and where the sides of the vaults form side walls in adjacent openings.

Description

Grating with grid-shaped structure

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a grid having a grid-shaped structure and wherein, in an upper side of the grid, there is a pattern of openings which allows water to drain away from the upper side, wherein the grid is formed of a sheet material, the openings in the upper side of the grid being formed at compression of sheet material, so that walls are formed between the openings, which are shaped like barrel vaults, the tops of the vaults forming the upper side of the grate, and where the sides of the vaults form side walls in adjacent openings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The basis of the present invention lies in the desire to produce lattice grids where there is a large air passage over plate grating, where the air passage is typically 15-25%. Furthermore, it is desirable for a grate to be produced in which a high strength / weight ratio is obtained.

Furthermore, it is an object to provide a grate that is particularly useful in environments where there are high requirements for cleaning and non-slip, as is the case in the food industry. Gratings are known which are made of intersecting slats. Thus, several sub-elements are used for these lattice grids, and where there is assembly of intersecting slats in the grate structure, there is a risk that food products can accumulate and bacterial growth occur.

Furthermore, the traditional lattice grilles formed by slats are labor intensive as they require the handling of several sub-elements.

Sheets are also known. Openings in the sheet metal are punched out in the sheet material. At these grids, where a punch is made, cracks and cracks can also be formed when punching openings where food can be accumulated and bacteria can become stuck and therefore not suitable for use in the food industry.

Furthermore, the known plate grate will generally have an air passage of just 15-25%. This means that such slats are unsuitable for use in floor structures in interposed decks. If plate grating with such a small passageway is used, the use of separate sprinklers under a deck is required as the air / water passage will be insufficient.

An example of a grate described at the outset is known from DE 2423305 A1, EP 0288885 A1 and GB 2190114 A. It shows grids with elongated parallel openings formed by pressing and punching sheet material to form the walls in the form of barrel vaults. between the openings.

The object of the invention

It is the object of the present invention to provide a grate having a lattice-shaped structure and the drawbacks mentioned above being overcome. According to one aspect, the object is to provide a grating which provides a particularly good strength-to-weight ratio and which does not require the use of multiple rods, such as cross rods, support rods and edge rods, which are commonly used in grating grilles.

According to a further aspect, the object of the invention is to provide a grate which is simple to manufacture with traditional manufacturing technology and where it is possible to use the advantages of plate grating.

Description of the Invention

This is achieved according to the present invention with a grate of the type mentioned initially, which is characterized in that the openings are rectangular and that the side walls form intersecting vaults.

With a grate of this type, the barrel vaults formed will give a great strength using limited material. The very structure with the load-bearing capacity of vaults is particularly well known in the building industry, but the same benefits are obtained in the manufacture of a grate. Furthermore, a grate formed with intersecting barrel vaults will provide a great strength so that it can be produced in bearing sections which can be carried in directions perpendicular to each other, which is unique to grid grids where traditionally only one bearing direction is used.

With the use of vaults, a rounded top will emerge where water flows easily and flows down the side of the vaults through the openings formed in the surface of the grate. As the vaults have a smooth transition, there will be no cracks or joints where there is a risk of bacteria accumulation. Therefore, the grate of the present invention will be particularly suitable for use in areas where high cleaning requirements are set, such as the food industry.

In the grate, the barrel vaults, which form the individual rods, will form cross vaults where the side walls intersect. Cross vaults will contribute to a strength as well as a smooth transition where no cracks are formed, which give rise to the accumulation of bacteria.

The manufacture of the sidewalls between the adjacent apertures by depressing part of the sheet material is a simple process known from sheet metal making. That is, the grate can be made from rolls of metal, steel, pre-galvanized steel, aluminum or stainless steel, depending on what is needed for the grate. This can be done automatically, and tools can be made that allow fabrication of different mesh sizes, that is, different dimensions for openings in the grate.

As the preparation is done by a pressing operation, a cold deformation will occur in the metal. Such cold deformation will have an inevitable consequence in a deformation hardening, which will help to increase the strength of the grate.

Thus, a grate according to the invention will not only have the advantages of the strength produced in a barrel vault, but also the strength obtained in the deformation hardening of the material during manufacture of the grate.

It is popular to say that the grating is made by folding sheet material down to form elements which correspond to the rods in a grating. This results in a particularly high strength, since the folded material will have a greater strength-to-weight ratio than with a corresponding sidewall / rod formed in the traditional manner.

The particular advantage of the invention is that a grate is made which consists of only one element rather than the manufacture of multi-element grating, where there are cracks at risk of bacterial accumulation between different elements.

By unfolding material to form the sidewalls / rods, it is possible to obtain a grate with a large air / water passage than is possible with traditional plate grating without having the disadvantages associated with a grating, which is usually is necessary to provide a corresponding air / water passage.

According to a further embodiment, the grating is characterized in that the sides of the vaults extend at an angle between 0 ° and 20 °.

The sides of the vaults will generally be able to extend substantially parallel to the lower part of the vaults. However, it is also possible that the sides of the vaults after a curved top have an angle of mutuality that can be up to approx. 20 °.

The angle on the sides of the vaults can contribute to different forces in relation to the air passage. The optimum air passage will be obtained if the sides of the vaults are parallel, but it may also be possible to establish sufficient air / water passage through the grate, even if the sides of the vaults are made at an angle greater than 0 °.

According to a further embodiment, the grating is characterized in that the sheet material is punched in connection with the pressing.

If, in connection with the deformation that occurs during the pressing, the sheet material is punched, a control of the shape which the openings will assume can be produced. Hereby one can vary the shape of the formed sidewalls depending on the desire and depending on how a cutout is made of one or more cuts which facilitate the pressing. In the formation of incisions, it is only important to observe that this does not result in sharp or pointed edges forming cracks in which bacteria can accumulate.

However, the pressing, whether done alone or with a stamping of the sheet material, will provide openings where the side walls form a total unbroken sidewall enclosing the opening and made without joints.

According to a further embodiment, the grating is characterized in that at the top of the vaults there are formed grooves extending over the upper side of the grate.

In connection with the grids, there is often a requirement for slip resistance. Therefore, it is possible that in connection with the erection, upright uprights are formed which extend over the top of the grate. Such uprights will help to establish slip resistance.

According to a further embodiment, the grate is characterized in that the uprights are closed dome-shaped uprights.

If the uprights are closed dome-shaped uprights, a closed surface will be formed between the openings of the grate. By the use of dome-shaped protuberances, a rounded transition is obtained to the top of the vaults where these protuberances are formed.

Alternative to dome-shaped uprights may be used other forms, such as pyramid-shaped uprights or uprights with a truncated cone shape.

According to a further embodiment, the grate is characterized in that there are openings at the top of the uprights.

In openings, an opening may be formed at the top. Hereby, a relatively sharp edge may be formed in the rim area of the openings. This improves slip safety. By forming a sharp edge, there is no risk of bacterial growth, since such a sharp edge, directed upwards, will not give rise to the accumulation of bacteria.

According to a further embodiment, the grating is characterized in that the uprights are formed with a combined punch, so that the uprights form upwardly directed tabs, which are preferably largely triangular.

In order to achieve better slip resistance, it is possible that the cut-outs provide a punch of cut, so that the cut-outs appear as upwardly directed tabs. This is well known for sheet metal. Such tabs will preferably be triangular.

At the interface between adjacent tabs, a rounding can be established to reduce the risk of bacteria accumulation.

According to a further embodiment, the grate is characterized in that the uprights are formed where the barrel vaults cross and form cross vaults.

As already mentioned above, intersecting barrel vaults will form cross vaults. Such cross vaults are known as a strong construction. With the formation of cross vaults, the grate will have a bearing capacity in directions perpendicular to each other and thus will be capable of being formed in bearing sections which carry in a longitudinal and transverse direction.

According to a further embodiment, the grating is characterized in that the sheet material comprises an edge region bent downwards at an angle of substantially 90 ° to form frame side walls for the grating.

If the edge area used for making the grate comprises an edge area that surrounds the area provided with apertures, it is possible to do a downward bending of that edge area. This creates a structure where the downward curved area corresponds to edge rods in a traditional grating. Thus, an increased strength will be obtained in the grate, as the bent edge areas will contribute to the strengthening of the grate.

According to a further embodiment, the grating is characterized in that holes are formed in the frame side walls for receiving connecting means which hold parallel grids to form a floor covering.

A grate according to the invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including stair steps, floor decks, floor coverings or the like, where an open grating structure is desired in a surface where people can move and where washing is needed.

As holes are formed in the frame side walls, connecting means, such as screw joints, can be used to hold side shelves. This creates a total floor covering. The flooring will be a load-bearing structure solely for the reason that the grate itself will be a load-bearing structure. Thus, in a floor structure formed by several parallel shelves, there will be a very limited need or no need to have a support that extends across the floor covering itself. Thus, the floor covering alone can be supported by the outer edge area of the floor covering formed by several juxtaposed grilles.

According to a further embodiment, the grating is characterized in that the grating has a mesh width between 10x30 mm to 50x50 mm, for example a mesh width of 33x33 mm.

There are advantageous mesh width sizes. Mesh width means the length / width ratio of the openings formed in the grate.

It is possible to have smaller mesh widths, as well as larger mesh sizes. Also, it is also possible to have mesh widths with different length-to-width ratios than those listed above.

According to a further embodiment, the grating is characterized in that 50% of the surface of the grating is formed by the openings.

By having 50% or more opening of the grate, a particularly advantageous construction for the manufacture of tires is achieved. Here, the requirement for sprinklers will be reduced, as there is no requirement for the placement of sprinklers under a deck which has an opening with air / water passage of 50% or greater.

Because of the vaulted construction, water will readily penetrate the grids used to form a tire.

According to a further embodiment, the grate is characterized in that the grate is formed of steel.

Generally, the grids may be made of steel. However, as mentioned earlier, it will also be possible to use other metals, such as aluminum. Steel can be used in various grades, which can be galvanized or without galvanizing, as well as stainless steel.

According to a further embodiment, the grate is characterized in that the grate is formed by cold deformation.

By using cold deformation to form the grate, a deformation hardening is obtained. This helps to establish a high strength / weight ratio.

Common to the various embodiments of the present invention is the advantage of being able to produce the grate of only one element. This element can be manufactured using known production equipment used in the manufacture of sheet metal grating, but where the advantages of grating are obtained.

In the manufacture, the grating can be made into a single tool which forms the openings and a follower tool, where the edge area forms the frame side walls. This will be a production method that is already used in connection with plate grating, where it is also known to use several follow-up tools in the manufacturing process.

drawing Description

The invention will then be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which

FIG. Figures 1-5 show perspective views of various embodiments of a grate according to the invention,

FIG. 6 shows a floor structure consisting of a combination of several grids shown in FIG. 3

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,

FIG. 8-11 show different sections through the embodiment of FIG. 1,

FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 7 and shows an enlarged detail of the one shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 13-16 corresponds to FIG. 8-11, showing different sections of the one shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 17 corresponds to FIG. 7 and shows an enlarged detail of the embodiment of FIG. 3,

FIG. 18-21 correspond to FIG. 8-11, showing different sections of the one shown in FIG. 3,

FIG. 22 corresponds to FIG. 7 and shows an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, and FIG. 23-26 corresponds to FIG. 8-11 and showing different sections through the one shown in FIG. 4.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following, identical or similar elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the various figures. Thus, no specific explanation of details will be given in connection with each of the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a grating 1 having an upper surface 2 in which a series of openings 3 are defined by walls 4. The grating 1 is made of a sheet material having frame side walls 5 formed in an edge area which surrounds the area where the openings 3 are provided. Holes 6 are formed in the frame side walls 5 for interconnecting several adjacent grids by connecting means (not shown), which may be, for example, screw-nut connections.

FIG. 2 shows a view of a grate 1 'which corresponds to that of FIG. 1. In this grid, uprights 7 are shown at the top of the walls 4. The uprights 7 are provided where the walls 7 intersect.

The uprights 7 are provided as closed dome-shaped uprights 7.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a grate 1 "which corresponds to that of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, grooves 7 'are formed which are formed where the walls 4 intersect. Rings 7 'are made with openings 8 at the top of the ridge.

FIG. 4 shows a grid 1 '' 'which corresponds to that of FIG. 1, but here are raised 7 ''. Raises 7 '' are formed by tabs 9 forming apertures, and grooves 7 '' are also formed where the walls 4 intersect.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment in which a grate 1 "" is formed with openings 3 in a first part 10 of the top surface of the grate 2. In a second part 10 'of the top surface of the grate are raised 11 with tabs 12. Rises 11 and the tabs 12 corresponds to the uprights 7 "and the tabs 9, shown in FIG. 4th

FIG. 6 shows a floor covering 13 formed by four assembled grids 1 'shown in FIG. 2nd

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view showing that the opening 3 is surrounded by four walls 4. Each of the walls 4 is formed as barrel vaults. In an area 14 where the side walls intersect, cross vaults are formed. The shape of the vaults is clearly seen in the cross sections shown in FIG. 8-11. Here it is seen that a side wall 4 is formed with a cross section with a vault having a top 15 forming the upper surface 2 of the grate, and the sides 16 of the vaults are directed downwards and forming side walls for the adjacent openings

3. It can thus be said that the wall 4 is composed of two side walls, each formed by the sides 16 of the vaults.

The shape of the vaults is clearly seen in the different sections of FIG. 8-10.

In FIG. 11, there is shown a section taken through a barrel vault, whereby the cross-section of the walls 4 is not seen.

It is seen that the sidewalls 4 form an unbroken wall that surrounds an opening 3 and that there are smooth transitions at the vaults. These smooth curvilinear transitions allow water from the top to flow easily through the openings 3.

FIG. 12 shows the elevations 7, which are also illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 12 shows how the uprights 7 are formed by closed dome-shaped uprights. In this construction, the uprights 7 will provide a slip resistance.

The projections 7 are formed in the region 14, where the walls 4 intersect, and at the upper side 2 of the grate.

FIG. Figures 13-16 show various sectional images which, like sections 8-11, show how the walls 4 are formed by barrel vaults forming intersectional vaults where the walls 4 cross.

FIG. 17 shows a grate 1 ", and there are more clearly shown the grooves 7 'in which apertures 8 are formed at the top. The apertures 8 allow for additional opening area in the formed grate and at the same time provide a slip resistance. The openings 8 may have an edge region 17 which is sharply angled to improve slip resistance.

FIG. 18-21, similar to the above-mentioned sectional images, show how the walls 4 are formed in the form of vaults.

FIG. 22 shows the grate 1 "" with the uprights 7 "illustrated in FIG. 4. Here we can see more clearly how the uprights 7 '' are formed by four tabs 9.

In the form shown, the tabs 9 are largely triangular, but have a rounded top. The tabs 9 will have edges 18 which are sharp-edged and provide a very safe slip resistance.

FIG. 23-26, like the previous sectional drawings, show how this grate is also made with walls that are shaped like barrel vaults.

Claims (14)

A grating with a grid-shaped structure, wherein, in an upper side of the grate, there is a pattern of openings which allows water to drain away from the upper surface, wherein the grate is formed of a sheet material, the openings in the top of the grate being formed by depressing sheet material. so that walls are formed between the openings, which are shaped like barrel vaults, the tops of the vaults forming the upper side of the grate, and the sides of the vaults forming side walls of adjacent openings, characterized in that the openings are rectangular and the side walls forming cross vaults. Grate according to claim 1, characterized in that the sides of the vaults extend at an angle between 0 ° and 20 °. Grate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet material is stamped in connection with the pressing. Grate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that grooves are formed at the top of the vaults extending over the top of the grate. Grate according to claim 4, characterized in that the uprights are closed dome-shaped uprights. Grate according to claim 4, characterized in that there are openings in the top of the uprights. Grate according to claim 4, characterized in that the grooves are formed with a combined punch, so that the grooves form upwardly directed tabs, which are preferably largely triangular. Grate according to any one of claims 4 - 7, characterized in that the grooves are formed where the barrel vaults cross and form cross vaults. Grate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet material comprises an edge region which is bent downwards at an angle of substantially 90 ° to form frame side walls for the grate. Grate according to claim 9, characterized in that holes are formed in the frame side walls for receiving connecting means which hold parallel grids to form a floor covering. 5 Grate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grating has a mesh width between 10x30 mm to 50x50 mm, for example a mesh size of 33x33 mm. Grate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 50% of the surface of the grate is formed by the openings. Grate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grate is formed of steel. 14. Grating according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grating is formed by cold deformation.