EP0653977A1 - Appareil pour la construction de charpentes. - Google Patents

Appareil pour la construction de charpentes.

Info

Publication number
EP0653977A1
EP0653977A1 EP92917255A EP92917255A EP0653977A1 EP 0653977 A1 EP0653977 A1 EP 0653977A1 EP 92917255 A EP92917255 A EP 92917255A EP 92917255 A EP92917255 A EP 92917255A EP 0653977 A1 EP0653977 A1 EP 0653977A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
platen
press head
press
head
trolley
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92917255A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0653977B1 (fr
Inventor
Luke Richard John Whale
Alan Peter Shuttle
Leonard Michael Beale
James Francis Pirrie Sm Goebel
Michael Anthony Smj De Mccully
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aldershot GNS Ltd
Original Assignee
Gang Nail Systems Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gang Nail Systems Ltd filed Critical Gang Nail Systems Ltd
Priority to AT92917255T priority Critical patent/ATE145577T1/de
Priority claimed from PCT/GB1992/001480 external-priority patent/WO1994003312A1/fr
Publication of EP0653977A1 publication Critical patent/EP0653977A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0653977B1 publication Critical patent/EP0653977B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B27—WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
    • B27F—DOVETAILED WORK; TENONS; SLOTTING MACHINES FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES
    • B27F7/00—Nailing or stapling; Nailed or stapled work
    • B27F7/15—Machines for driving in nail- plates and spiked fittings
    • B27F7/155—Machines for driving in nail- plates and spiked fittings for nail plates

Definitions

  • the invention relates to apparatus for manufacturing a truss, a press head for use therein and a device for automatically feeding connector plates to the press head.
  • roof trusses have exclusively been manufactured manually.
  • various developments have been made which have assisted in the manufacturing process.
  • machines having a plurality of press heads each having an integral platen have been developed wherein the press heads and platens are manually positioned at the joints of the truss and locked in position.
  • the members forming the truss are positioned on the platens and all of the press heads are then operated simultaneously and from a central control to press connectors into the joints to form a self supporting structure.
  • Another type of known jig consists of separate platens and press heads wherein the platens are first laid out at their required joint locations (often they are strung together to form long continuous sections for ease), and suspended or floor mounted press heads are then individually moved into position at each joint and operated.
  • a further type of known jig consists of a solid roller used to press connector plates into the joints. The plates are loosely fixed at the joints by hammering and then the entire truss assembly is fed into the roller mechanism which acts rather like a mangle to press the connectors into the joints and fix the truss members together.
  • the known apparatus for assisting in the manufacture of trusses is therefore time consuming to operate and labour intensive.
  • the average time taken to set up suitable apparatus for manufacturing a run of identical trusses is half an hour to an hour. Pressing a run of 8 to 10 trusses will also typically take about half an hour.
  • the setting up of the jig usually occupies at least 50% of the production time and hence a considerable proportion of the cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus which enables a truss to be accurately and swiftly manufactured. It is a further object of the invention to reduce the labour costs involved in manufacturing trusses.
  • the invention provides apparatus for manufacturing a truss, comprising a plurality of press heads arranged in a single plane about a fixed datum point and movable within the plane about the datum point, wherein the press heads are each connected to control means for automatically positioning each head with respect to the datum point.
  • the press heads are movable both transversely and longitudinally with respect to the datum point, the remainder of the press heads being movable only transversely with respect to the datum point.
  • the press heads are movable both transversely and longitudinally with respect to the datum point to give even greater freedom of movement. It is envisaged that at least one press head should be positioned at each junction of the truss members forming the truss.
  • the press heads which are movable both transversely and longitudinally are mounted on a plurality of longitudinally extending support structures so as to be longitudinally movable therealong, the support structures being themselves transversely movable with respect to the datum point.
  • the support structures are transversely movable along at least one track which is fixed with respect to the datum point.
  • press heads which are movable only transversely with respect to the datum point are provided, they are mounted on a transversely extending support structure so as to be transversely movable therealong.
  • This support structure is preferably located parallel to the track.
  • each press head comprises a platen and a retractable trolley operable to press connectors into truss members during manufacture of a truss.
  • the operation of each press head can be controlled automatically from a control panel operated by the apparatus operator.
  • the platens and trolleys are all simultaneously operable, although it is envisaged that the platens and trolleys can be selectively operable according to the truss to be manufactured.
  • each press head is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the single plane with respect to the support structure on which it is mounted.
  • each press head comprises holding means located directly or indirectly on the platen for holding at least one timber member in place with respect to the platen during operation of the press head. More preferably, the holding means are retractable during operation of the press head to a position wherein the holding means do not inhibit the pressing operation: Advantageously, the holding means are retracted to a position beneath the upper surface of the timber member or members.
  • the holding means comprise at least one pneumatically operated cylinder clamp arranged to press against a respective timber member to hold the said timber member in place. This allows the timber members to be held in place during the pressing operation and reduces the risk of the timber members becoming misaligned and thus reducing the efficiency of the apparatus.
  • control means are operable by comparing the actual position of each press head with a desired position for that press head, determining the error between these positions and actuating driving means for altering the position of the press head with respect to the datum point until the error is substantially nulled.
  • the movement of the press heads is accurate and swift; the jig configuration can be changed very quickly and with the minimum operator intervention by means of such a control system.
  • Alternative control means could equally be used, but are preferably computer operated.
  • the apparatus further comprises an automatic feeding device for automatically feeding connectors to the press heads.
  • an automatic feeding device for automatically feeding connectors to the press heads. This also speeds up the operation of the apparatus to manufacture a number of trusses of a given configuration.
  • each press head comprises magnetic means for retaining the connectors in position on the press head between having a pair of connectors automatically fed thereto and operation of the press head.
  • the invention also provides a press head for use in apparatus as described above, comprising a platen and a retractable trolley, the trolley having a trolley head and being movable between a retracted position wherein the upper surface of the trolley head is level with or below the upper surface of the platen, and an operating position wherein the lower surface of the trolley head is located above the upper surface of the platen so that, when the trolley is in the operating position, the platen can be raised towards the trolley head to carry out a pressing action on any truss members and connectors located therebetween.
  • the trolley is located adjacent the platen when in the retracted position and the upper surfaces of the trolley head and the platen are substantially coplanar.
  • frame members are attached to the platen along at least one side thereof to allow connectors to be placed freely between the upper surface of the platen and the truss members to be used to form a truss, the connectors being pressed into the truss members on operation of the press head. More preferably, the frame members are attached to the platen along three sides thereof, the platen being preferably rectangular in shape. This avoids the need for the truss members to rest on the connectors which can lead to instability of the truss members during manufacture and movement of the connectors away from their desired positions before pressing occurs.
  • the frame members are retractable during operation of the press heads to a position wherein the frame members do not project above the upper surface of the platen.
  • the frame members are releasably attached to the platen.
  • the frame members are each releasably attached to the platen by means of clamping devices specifically adapted to allow rapid and accurate clamping without overtightening.
  • Each clamping device preferably comprises an abutting member for abutting against either the frame or the platen, and a projecting member extending away from the abutting menber, the projecting member carrying at least one radially extending projection for interengagement with cammed groove means and being rotatable about an axis with respect to the cammed groove means, wherein the projecting member is slidably mounted with respect to the abutting member and is biased into a retracted position by means of resilient means acting between the projecting member and the abutting member such that, in use and on interconnection of the at least one projection carried by the projecting member and the cammed groove means and relative rotation therebetween, the projecting member is forced into an extended position against the biasing of the resilient means.
  • the respective frame member is permanently carried by the projecting member of the clamping device or devices arranged to connect the frame member to the platen. This reduces the risk that the appropriate clamping device or devices will be mislaid or dropped and also reduces the risk of damage to either the frame or the clamping device by allowing accurate and firm clamping without overtightening.
  • holding means are located directly or indirectly on the platen for holding at least one timber member in place with respect to the platen during operation of the press head.
  • the holding means are retractable during operation of the press head to a position wherein the holding means do not project above the upper surface of the platen.
  • the holding means comprise at least one pneumatically operated cylinder clamp arranged to press against a respective timber member to hold the said timber member in place.
  • the holding means are mounted on the frame members located on the platen.
  • the invention also provides apparatus for connecting a plurality of timber members comprising a fixed pressing member, a platen movable with respect to the pressing member and means for introducing at least one connector between the pressing member and the platen, wherein the platen and/or the pressing member comprise holding means for holding the or each connector in place during movement of the platen.
  • the holding means comprise electromagnets located in or on the platen and/or the pressing member.
  • the means for introducing at least one connector between the pressing member and the platen are preferably arranged to deliver connectors therebetween in pairs. More preferably, the connectors comprise pairs of gang-nail plates arranged so that the nails of each plate interengage with the nails of the other plate. When the platen is moved away from the pressing member, one connector of the pair is held on each of the platen and the pressing member until connection of the timber members takes place.
  • the invention also provides a method of connecting timber members together utilising apparatus as described above comprising the steps of:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective schematic view of a press head forming part of the apparatus of either of Figures 1 and 2;
  • Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the press head of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a clamping device used in the apparatus of any of Figures 1 to 4;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of an alternative clamping device for use in the apparatus of any of Figures 1 to 4;
  • Figure 7 is a plan view of a platen forming part of a press head with frame members mounted on three sides thereof;
  • Figure 8 is a schematic view of a pneumatic clamp for use in the apparatus of any of Figures 1 to 4;
  • Figure 9a is a schematic sectional view of a frame for attachment to the platen of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9b is a schematic front view of part of the frame of Figure 9a.
  • Figures 10a to lOd are schematic views of apparatus for connecting timber members incorporating a device for automatically feeding connectors to the press head.
  • the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a transversely extending support structure 2 and a transverse track 4 extending parallel to the support structure 2.
  • a plurality of longitudinally extending support structures 6 are arranged so that one end 6a of each support structure 6 is supported on and movable along the track 4.
  • the opposite end 6b of each support structure 6 is supported on a wheeled carriage (not shown) or other suitable supporting means allowing each support structure to move along the track 4.
  • a plurality of press heads 8 are mounted upon the support structures 2, 6.
  • the transverse support structure 2 carries a plurality of press heads, a total of eight being illustrated in Figure 1.
  • Each of the longitudinally extending support structures 6 is shown carrying two press heads 8 except for the central support structure 6' which carries only a single press head.
  • each support structure 6 can carry any number of press heads (typically between one and three).
  • the press heads are removable from the support structures 6 so that any one support structure 6 can have press heads added or removed to suit any particular design requirement.
  • Each press head 8 located on the longitudinally extending support structures 6 is rotatable about an axis 10 located substantially centrally of one edge of the press head (see Figure 7).
  • the press heads located on the transversely extending support structure 2 need not be rotatable but can be if so desired.
  • Each press head 8 is furthermore slidably movable along the respective support structure 2, 6 so as to vary its position therealong.
  • Driving means for carrying out the sliding movement are provided, but not shown for reasons of clarity.
  • Driving means (not shown) are also provided for moving the support structures 6 along the track 4.
  • the central point of the transversely extending support structure 2 is designated the datum point 12.
  • This datum point can be fixed at any suitable point within the overall geometry of the apparatus or, indeed, outside if desired. It is not necessary for the datum point to be fixed as illustrated in Figure 1, but it is convenient to fix the datum point at a specific point along the transverse support structure 2.
  • An X axis and a Y axis have also been illustrated in Figure 1 to assist in the description of the apparatus set out below. The X and Y axes intersect at the datum point and the X axis extends along the transverse support structure 2 and the Y axis extends parallel to the longitudinally extending support structures 6.
  • the apparatus of the invention also incorporates control means (not shown) which operate to drive the driving means and so to position the press heads 8 appropriately to manufacture a truss of a particular shape.
  • control means (not shown) which operate to drive the driving means and so to position the press heads 8 appropriately to manufacture a truss of a particular shape.
  • the position of all joints in the desired truss relative to the datum point are input into the control apparatus.
  • the control apparatus determines, by means of monitoring and comparative devices (not shown), the difference between the actual position of each press head 8 and its desired position in order to manufacture the required truss.
  • the control means then actuates the driving means to alter the position and orientation of each press head 8 in response to the value of the error between the actual position of the press head 8 and its desired position.
  • the driving means are arranged to move the press heads 8 located on the transverse support structure 2 along the support structure 2 in the direction of arrow 14 to their desired positions; to drive the support structures 6 in the direction of arrow 16 to locate the press heads 8 mounted thereon in their correct "X axis" positions with respect to the datum point; and to move the press heads 8 mounted on the support structures 6 in the direction of arrow 18 in order to achieve the correct "Y axis" position of each press head 8 with respect to the datum point 12.
  • each press head 8 can be moved by the control means to its desired position.
  • the press heads can be moved in pairs, in groups or all together which reduces the amount of time required to set up the apparatus to produce a specific truss.
  • the control means is also capable of rotating the press heads 8 about their axes 10 to align the press 8 heads in the direction of the members which will form the truss. Once all of the press heads are correctly positioned, they can be held in those positions by an automatic braking system (not shown).
  • a system of lights and/or sirens can be used to reduce the risk of accident or injury to persons near the jig.
  • Red lights are arranged to light up or flash when the press heads 8 are moving or in operation. Hooters and sirens are also sounded.
  • an automatic stop and reverse system is provided to reduce the risk of accidents.
  • Indicators are provided on each press head 8 to show when the respective press head 8 is in the required position. A red light indicates an incorrect position, an amber light indicates that the error is within certain limits and a green light shows that the press head is positioned correctly. This enables the press heads to be manually positioned, if necessary, when for example the driving means are for any reason inoperable.
  • Figure 2 shows an alternative arrangement according to the invention similar to that shown in Figure 1 but omitting the transversely extending support structure.
  • the only support structures provided are those extending longitudinally 6.
  • the support structures 6 are movable along the track 4.
  • the datum point 12 is relocated to the intersection of the track 4 and the centre support structure 6' which may, if desired, be fixed with respect to the track 4.
  • the X and Y axes are also relocated to pass, respectively, parallel and perpendicular to the track 4 and through the datum point 12.
  • the datum point can in fact be located at any convenient position with respect to the jig.
  • Press heads 8 are mounted on the support structures 6 in sufficient numbers for at least one press head 8 to be positioned at each joint of the truss to be manufactured. Press heads are positioned near the track 4 to deal with joints located on the bottom chord of the truss. Alternatively, the truss could be manufactured "upside down”; i. e with the bottom chord extending parallel to the track 4 but adjacent the opposite ends of the support structures 6 to those mounted on the track.
  • This embodiment is even more versatile than the apparatus described above and facilitates the manufacture of trusses having bottom chords which are angled or which contain non-parallel sections. It is envisaged that this type of apparatus will require a larger number of support structures 6 than would be required by the apparatus of Figure 1 to accommodate the number of joints commonly required along a bottom chord.
  • FIG. 1 Both of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 utilise identical press heads 8.
  • Each press head 8 is substantially as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
  • Figure 3 shows a press head in its operational configuration.
  • the press head 8 consists of a platen 20 and a trolley 22.
  • the trolley 22 is movable between a retracted position (shown in Figure 4a) and an operational position (shown in Figures 3 and 4c). Suitable mechanical means by which the trolley 22 can be moved in relation to the platen 20 are well known and will not be described here.
  • a frame 24 (shown in dotted lines in Figures 3 and 4) is attached to the platen 20.
  • the frame itself and the means of connection will be described below.
  • the purpose of the frame 24 is to allow a space between the upper surface 26 of the platen 20 and the lower surface of a truss member 28 positioned on the press head 8 during the manufacturing process.
  • the truss members can be positioned on the apparatus shown in Figure 1 or 2. This involves laying truss members 28 across the frames 24 of each press head 8 and holding them in place by means of pneumatic timber clamps and stops (described below).
  • a connector 30 is positioned on the upper surface 26 of the platen in the space between the platen 20 and the truss member 28.
  • a further connector 32 is positioned on top of the truss member 28.
  • a signal is then given by the operator via the control means to commence the pressing operation and warning sirens and lights are operated.
  • the trolley 22 is initially in its retracted position, being located adjacent the platen 20 with the upper surface 34 of the trolley head 36 substantially level with the upper surface 26 of the platen.
  • the trolley 22 is then moved upward as shown in Figure 4b and subsequently transversely so that the trolley head 36 is located directly above the platen 20.
  • the trolley head 36 is also located above the truss member 28 and the two connecting members 30, 32.
  • the final step of the pressing operation is to raise the platen 20 with respect to the trolley 22 with sufficient force to press the connectors 30, 32 into the truss member 28.
  • the pressing motion is automatically ended when a sufficient force has been applied for a predetermined time.
  • the lifting mechanism by means of which the platen 20 is raised is preferably hydraulically operated and controlled by the same control means used to position the press heads 8.
  • Each of the press heads 8 is operated in an identical manner. If all of the press heads 8 are being used to manufacture a particular truss, then all of the press heads will be operated at the same time. If, however, there are a number of press heads which are not required in the manufacture of a particular truss, then the control means will select only the press heads which are required and will not operate those which are not required.
  • the frame 24 mentioned above is necessary to allow a connector to be positioned beneath the truss member 28 without rendering the truss member unstable with respect to the apparatus.
  • a clamping device such as that illustrated in Figure 5 is utilised.
  • the device consists of a housing 40 in which is slidably located a cylindrical member 42 carrying a projecting member 44.
  • the projecting member 44 carries bayonet catches 46 which are locatable in cammed grooves 48 formed in the side walls of the platen 20.
  • a disc spring 50 is located between the end wall of the housing 40 and the adjacent face of the cylindrical member 42 and the spring 50 biases the projecting member 44 into a retracted position.
  • the cylindrical member 42 is retained in the housing by means of a handle member 52 rotatably fixed to the cylindrical member 42; the handle member 52 abuts against a disc shaped member 54 which is securely fixed by means of a split ring in the housing 40.
  • the frame 24 is non-releasably mounted on the projecting member 44 between the housing and the bayonet catches 46. The clamping device and the frame 24 cannot therefore be separated.
  • the projecting member 44 and the bayonet catches 46 are introduced into the cammed grooves 48 in the platen 20 to bring the frame 24 into abutment with the platen 20.
  • the handle 52 is then rotated so that the bayonet catches 46 engage with the cammed surface of the grooves 48.
  • the projecting member 44 is forced into an extended position against the bias of the spring 50.
  • the movement involved is, in fact, very slight.
  • This type of clamping device can be used to rapidly achieve a high clamping force without risking damage to the clamping device, or to the components being clamped, by overtightening.
  • the frame 24 can be easily and quickly removed from the platen if desired merely by rotation of the handle 52 in the opposite direction to that required for connection, followed by removal of the projecting member 44 from the cammed groove 48.
  • Figure 6 shows a variation of the connector shown in Figure 5 adapted for connection to a frame 24 so that the housing 40 can act as a stop member to assist in positioning the timber member on the platen.
  • the connector itself is virtually identical with the connector shown in Figure 5 but has a slightly longer projecting member 44 on which is mounted a clamping member 60 having internal cammed grooves 62.
  • the bayonet catches 46 are arranged at the ends of these cammed grooves 62.
  • the clamping member 60 is rectangular in shape, although any non-circular shape would be adequate.
  • the operation of the clamping device as a stop is as follows: The projecting member 44 and clamping member 60 are introduced into a slot 64 running the length of an appropriate frame 24 by means of one of two keyways 66 appearing at either end of the slot 64 (see Figure 7). The stop is then slid along the slot 64 with the frame member 24 located between the clamping member 60 and the housing 40. When the desired position has been reached, the handle 52 is rotated to cause the bayonet catches 46 and the clamping member 60 rotate as well. The clamping member 60 will, after a certain amount of rotation, abut against the frame 24 due to the non-circular shape of the clamping member.
  • the connector described above in relation to Figures 5 and 6 is extremely versatile.
  • the connector can be adapted to receive pneumatic holding stops for assisting in the location and gripping of timber members in relation to the platen.
  • pneumatic cylinder stops as illustrated in Figure 8 are connectable to the upper surface of the stop shown in Figure 6 so that the pneumatic stops can be easily positioned at any suitable point around the platen.
  • the platens of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 4 will ideally have at least two pneumatic holdings stops located along at least one side of the platen and mounted on the appropriate frame. Fixed stops may also be provided on the frame members to provide an abutment for the timber members against which the pneumatic holding stops may press the timber members.
  • the pneumatic holding stops are controlled by the control means described above so that, when the press heads have all been correctly positioned and the timber members introduced to the jig assembly, the pneumatic holding stops can then be acuated to grip the timber members in place for the duration of the pressing operation.
  • the platen In order to achieve an effective pressing operation, the platen must be able to press the lower connector into the lower surface of the timber members located on the press head.
  • the frame members which support the timber members and also the stops and holding means should therefore be retractable to a position wherein they do not impede the pressing operation.
  • Figures 9a and 9b show a frame 24 having two parts; an upper part 24a and a lower part 24b.
  • the lower part 24b is releasably connected to the platen 20 by means of at least one connector as shown in Figure 5 and described above.
  • the upper part 24a of the frame 24 is connected to the lower part 24b by means of a bolt 70 which passes through a circular aperture in the lower part 24b but through an elongated slot 72 in the upper part 24a.
  • a retention bolt 74 extends between the upper part 24a and the lower part 24b with a helical spring 76 arranged therealong. The action of the spring 76 biases the upper part 24a away from the lower part 24b so that the bolt 70 is retained at the lower end of the slot 72.
  • the biasing force of the spring 76 is sufficient to keep the upper part 24a of the frame member 24 in the position shown in Figure 9a even when a timber member is supported thereon.
  • the apparatus shown in Figures 10a - lOd, comprises a press head having a movable platen 100 and a fixed pressing member 102.
  • the platen 100 is movable in a vertical direction towards and away from the pressing member 102 as shown by the arrow 104.
  • the apparatus also comprises a store 106 wherein pairs of gang-nail plates or other suitable connectors 108 are stacked ready for supply to the press head.
  • the store 106 terminates at its lower end in a feed tunnel 110 along which a pair of connectors 108 can be pushed by means of a rod 112.
  • Each of the platen 100 and the pressing member 102 contain electromagnets (not shown) which enable the connectors 108 to be held against the platen and pressing head 100, 102 when the electromagnets are operated.
  • the platen 100 is moved upwardly towards the pressing member 102 to a connector-receiving position as shown in Figure 10a.
  • the distance between the platen 100 and the pressing member 102 is approximately the width of a pair of connectors 108 or a little larger.
  • the rod 112 then pushes the lowermost pair of connectors along the feed tunnel 110 in the direction of arrow 114 until the connectors 108 are located between the platen 100 and the pressing member 102.
  • the rod 112 is then retracted to its original position in the direction of arrow 116 to allow a further pair of connectors 108 to fall under the influence of gravity to the position previously held by the pair of connectors now positioned between the platen 100 and the pressing member 102 (see Figure 10c).
  • the electromagnets are now activated so that the connectors 108 positioned between the platen 100 and the pressing member 102 are attracted thereto.
  • the connectors which are in the form of gang-nail plates initially positioned with their respective nails interengaging, are thus held firmly in the position shown in Figures 10c.
  • the platen 100 can then be moved away from the pressing member 102 which results in the separation of the connectors 108 which are then held firmly against the upper surface of the platen 100 and the lower surface of the pressing member 102 as shown in Figure lOd.
  • the apparatus can now be used to join timber members together by introducing the respective timber members between the platen 100 and the pressing member 102 in the required orientation and pressing the connectors 108 into the timber members by upward movement of the platen 100 towards the pressing member 102.
  • the electromagnets are then deactivated to release the connectors from the platen 100 and the pressing member 102 and the platen 100 can then be moved away from the pressing member 102 to allow the timber members to be removed from the apparatus.
  • the platen and pressing member of the apparatus described above can be made permanently magnetic if desired.
  • the connectors can be of any suitable variety and need not be gang-nail plates. It is preferred that a warning mechanism be incorporated into the apparatus to indicate when the supply of connector pairs is becoming low. Safety apparatus such as guards and warning signals operable during the pressing operation will reduce the number of accidents and injuries caused by pressing the connectors into the timber members.
  • the platen is preferably moved by means of a hydraulic press, but could alternatively be moved by any other suitable means.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Golf Clubs (AREA)
  • Devices For Post-Treatments, Processing, Supply, Discharge, And Other Processes (AREA)
  • Casting Or Compression Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil pour la construction de charpentes, comprenant une pluralité de têtes d'appui (8) disposées selon un plan unique autour d'un point de référence fixe (12) et mobiles à l'intérieur du plan autour dudit point de référence (12). Les têtes d'appui (8) sont reliées chacune à un moyen de commande destiné à positionner automatiquement chaque tête (8) par rapport au point de référence (12). L'invention se rapporte également à une tête d'appui (8) destinée à être utilisée dans un tel appareil, comprenant un plateau (24) ainsi qu'un chariot rétractable (34). Le chariot (34) comporte une tête (36) et est mobile entre une position retractée dans laquelle la surface supérieure de ladite tête (36) se trouve au niveau de la surface supérieure du plateau (24) ou en-dessous de celle-ci, et une position de travail dans laquelle la surface inférieure de la tête d'appui (36) est située au-dessus de la surface supérieure du plateau (24), de telle sorte que lorsque le chariot (34) se trouve dans la position de travail, le plateau (24) puisse être soulevé vers la tête (36) du chariot de façon à appuyer sur n'importe lequel des organes (28) de la charpente et des éléments de liaison (30, 32) placés entre eux. De plus, l'invention concerne un appareil permettant de relier une pluralité d'éléments de charpente en bois comprenant un organe d'appui fixe (102), un plateau (100) mobile par rapport à l'organe d'appui (102) ainsi qu'un moyen (106, 110, 112) permettant d'introduire au moins un élément de liaison (108) entre l'organe d'appui (102) et le plateau (100). Le plateau (100) et/ou l'organe d'appui (102) comprennent un moyen de fixation destiné à maintenir les éléments de liaison ou chacun d'entre eux en place lors du mouvement du plateau (100).
EP92917255A 1992-08-10 1992-08-10 Appareil pour la construction de charpentes Expired - Lifetime EP0653977B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT92917255T ATE145577T1 (de) 1992-08-10 1992-08-10 Vorrichtung zur herstellung einem gitterträger

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB1992/001480 WO1994003312A1 (fr) 1992-08-10 1992-08-10 Appareil pour la construction de charpentes
CA002142115A CA2142115C (fr) 1992-08-10 1992-08-10 Installation pour la fabrication de fermes de toit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0653977A1 true EP0653977A1 (fr) 1995-05-24
EP0653977B1 EP0653977B1 (fr) 1996-11-27

Family

ID=4155202

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92917255A Expired - Lifetime EP0653977B1 (fr) 1992-08-10 1992-08-10 Appareil pour la construction de charpentes

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0653977B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU674287B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2142115C (fr)
DE (1) DE69215541T2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3599562A (en) * 1969-10-22 1971-08-17 Ralph W Hutchens Sr Apparatus for fabricating multiple type truss members
US4669184A (en) * 1984-10-29 1987-06-02 Gang-Nail Systems Building truss fabrication apparatus
US4998336A (en) * 1989-02-10 1991-03-12 John Papsdorf Truss fabrication apparatus and method of making a truss

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9403312A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2413292A (en) 1994-03-03
CA2142115A1 (fr) 1994-02-17
DE69215541D1 (de) 1997-01-09
EP0653977B1 (fr) 1996-11-27
DE69215541T2 (de) 1997-06-12
AU674287B2 (en) 1996-12-19
CA2142115C (fr) 2001-07-10

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