EP2220312B1 - Foldable pneumatic support - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic support (1) which can be folded together as a result of joints (10) in the pressure member (3) and has a flexible web (12) that is connected to the tractive member (4) over the entire length of the latter and is connected to the pressure member (3) only in the region of the joints of said member (10). This allows the joints (10) to be fixed in such a way that the pressure member (3) does not buckle at the site of the joints and thus remains stable.

Description

The present invention relates to a carrier for receiving a load according to the preamble of claim 1.

An elongated carrier which is longitudinal in length, i. is subjected to bending, is subject to deformation, wherein the neutral fiber divides the carrier into a pressure zone and into a tensile zone.

Pneumatic carrier of the type mentioned have an inflatable, elongated body, which is assigned on one side a pressure member, and on the other side a tension member, said members are held by the inflated body at a distance. In the case of bending load, the pressure member functionally assumes the compressive load and the tension member functionally takes over the tensile load, which on the one hand requires that the pressure member be subjected to pressure. kink resistant and the tension member is zugbeanspruchbar, and on the other hand allows the pressure member to interpret only pressure and the tension member to train only. This includes that the carrier is designed such that at the intended load, the neutral fiber between the pressure member and tension member, i. passes through the inflatable body through. Advantageously, pressure member and tension member are connected at the ends of the carrier in a node, wherein the nodes can simultaneously form the support points for the carrier.

An advantage of such carriers is that they have low mass compared to their stiffness (load capacity). In addition, they are due to the low mass basically easy to transport, even more so because the inflatable body folded together occupies little volume.

The disadvantage is that in the described construction of a pneumatic carrier load can basically be taken only in a predetermined direction; In addition, depending on the design of the inflatable Basic body restrictions in the leadership of the tension member or in the combination of the carrier to a composite such as a roof, a wall, a bridge, etc.

Accordingly, various embodiments of pneumatic carriers have become known, which have different properties.

So shows WO 2007/071101 an embodiment in which pressure and tension member are received by a flexible web, which passes through the cylindrical or spindle-shaped body longitudinally and this at the same time something constricting, which improves the buckling behavior of the pressure member.

WO 2006/099764 shows, inter alia, a pneumatic support which is improved transportable and for this purpose has a pressure member which can be folded, that is less bulky in transport. Disadvantages arise, inter alia, by the complicated structure of the foldable pressure member, which must be locked for operation in its folding joints, larger loads with good reliability can be absorbed by the wearer.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a pneumatic support which is foldable improved, so allows easier installation.

To achieve this object, the carrier according to the invention has the features of claim 1.

By using a web which fixes the joints of the pressure member in an operable position, eliminating the need for larger loads a lock for the joints in the manner of WO 2006/099764 provided. As a result, the assembly is facilitated, up to a version in which the assembly made without manipulation of the joints can be.

In addition, hinges can be provided with not only one-sided Verschwenkmöglichkeit that optimally folding the pressure member, i. to a package of small dimensions, allow.

In addition to the stated object, such a pneumatic support is well suited not only for receiving uniformly distributed symmetrical but also asymmetrical loads.

The invention is explained below with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1a

eine Ansicht eines pneumatischen Trägers gemäss der Erfindung

Fig. 1b

einen Längsschnitt durch den Träger von Fig. 1a

Fig. 1c

den Träger von Fig. 1a und b, halb zusammengefaltet

Fig. 2

einen Längsschnitt durch eine weitere Ausführungsform des er- findungsgemässen Trägers

Fig. 3a

eine Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform des erfindungsge- mässen Trägers von oben

Fig. 3b

einen Querschnitt durch den Träger von Fig. 3a, und

Fig. 3c

einen Längsschnitt durch den Träger von Fig. 3a.

It shows:

Fig. 1a

a view of a pneumatic carrier according to the invention

Fig. 1b

a longitudinal section through the carrier of Fig. 1a

Fig. 1c

the carrier of Fig. 1a and b , half folded

Fig. 2

a longitudinal section through a further embodiment of the inventive carrier

Fig. 3a

a view of a second embodiment of the inventive carrier from above

Fig. 3b

a cross section through the carrier of Fig. 3a , and

Fig. 3c

a longitudinal section through the carrier of Fig. 3a ,

In Fig. 1a a pneumatic support 1 is shown, with an elongated, inflated base body 2, whose contours are indicated by dashed lines. The basic body 2 are on one side a pressure member 3 in the form of a slender beam and on the other side a tension member 4 (FIG. Fig. 1b assigned); the pressure member 3 rests on the upper side 5 of the main body 2, extends longitudinally to it and is supported by it, while the tension member 4 extends along its underside 6 along (and can be performed multiple times). The tension member 4 is preferably formed as a rope. Pressure member 3 and tension member 4 are held in other words by the main body 2 at a distance.

Compression member 3 and tension member 4 are connected to each other in nodes 7, 7 ', which are arranged at the ends of the carrier 1.

If the carrier 1 is acted upon by a symbolized by the arrow 8 load, the pressure member 3 is subjected to pressure and the tension member 4 to train, wherein the pressure member 3 is held by the base body 4 in position and supported against buckling, and wherein the tension member is also held by the body 2 in position.

The pressure member 3 further has hinges 10 which allow it to be folded. Thus, the carrier 1 can be packaged for storage or for transport in a small space by the air discharged from the base body 2 and this is then together with the tension member 4, or separated from it, rolled up. The pressure member 3 is also folded, and for this purpose (or depending on the masses of the carrier 1) one or preferably a larger, any number of joints 10 included.

Thus, on the one hand, the support 1 can be completely folded up without having to be disassembled, and on the other hand, it can also be packaged after disassembly, e.g. by the base body is rolled up around the folded pressure member around.

The nature of the thing joints are 10 in itself undesirable in the loaded carrier 1, since the pressure member 3 when loaded by the load 8 in place the joints 10 may buckle, insofar as it is not stable.

Fig. 1b shows the wearer of Fig. 1a seen from the side, wherein this is a cut line 11 along partially cut. In the cut-open area is a longitudinal section through the support along the line AA of Fig. 1a visible, noticeable. There, a flexible web 12, which passes through the main body 2 from node 7 to node 7 ', is shown (and indicated by the dashed line 14 in the uncut area). The web 12 may consist of a textile fabric, for example, as it is used for the formation of the base body 2, or of another suitable material; it is preferably continuous, but may also be provided according to the stress with reinforcements or recesses. The web 12 connects the pressure member 3 with the tension member 4; according to the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, it is connected to the pressure member 3 at the location of its joints 10 and the tension member 4 substantially completely over its entire length.

The web 12 is also operatively connected to the base body 2, here on the one hand via the pressure member 3 and on the other hand via the tension member 4, which both rest on the base body. If there is operating pressure in the main body 2, the pressure member 3 and the tension member 4 are pressed by this at a distance, and thus the web 12 is clamped, with the result that the web 12 then subjected to tension determines the maximum distance between pressure member 3 and tension member 4.

WO 2007/071101 , the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, shows various embodiments for the design of such connections, which those skilled in the art can suitably implement in the practice of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, a fastening member is provided which, fixed on the web 12, connects it to the pressure member 3. In the figure, the attachment member is flexible, as a rope 17, formed, which is sewn at the edge of the web 12 over its length, for example (or runs in a tab, s. FIG. 3b ) and which is then connected to the joints 10 (ie, to the pressure member 3). The rope 17 thus acts as a reinforcement for the web 12, so that the forces acting through the joints 10 selectively on the web 12 forces can be suitably introduced into this.

Characterized in that the web 12 is connected to the tension member 4 substantially over its entire length, the train caused by the internal pressure in the web 12 is uniformly introduced into the tension member 4 (or the main body 2); a deformation of the tension member 4, which does not destroy the load bearing behavior of the carrier 1, but which does not destroy it, is prevented by local introduction of the train. The person skilled in the art can optimize the contour of the web 12 in this regard and adapt it to the contour of the main body 2, which is under operating pressure and loaded as intended.

By contrast, the train caused by the internal pressure in the web 12 focuses on the side of the pressure member 3 in the joints 10, since the web 12 is connected only to these and thus initiates the corresponding forces only in this. The joints 10 are thus fixed by the web in its operative position on the base body, so that a collapse of the carrier 1 is prevented by buckling of the pressure member 3 at the location of the joints 10.

It goes without saying that the web 12 does not necessarily have to act on the joint 10 itself for this purpose, but can also engage in the area of a joint 10, for example at the ends of the sections of the pressure element 3 connected to a joint 10 It is also conceivable that the web 12 may indeed be continuously connected to the pressure member 3, as long as it is designed such that in the load case, the force exerted by the web 12 on the pressure member 3 forces are concentrated in the region of the joint 10 and not uniform over the entire length attack the pressure member 3.

In summary, it follows that according to the invention, the forces exerted by the web 12 on the tension member 4 should be introduced as uniformly as possible in this (so that its "natural" contour is not changed in the load case), while the forces exerted on the pressure member punctually, in the field need to attack the joints 10.

As a result of this design of the web 12, the carrier 1 can, on the one hand, be readily folded without it having to be disassembled, since the flexible web 12, and also the flexible tension member 4, can adapt to the folded pressure member 3. When inflating, this configuration is self-operational, which keeps the assembly effort small.

On the other hand, this arrangement is particularly advantageous in asymmetric loading.

Symmetrical load distribution, that is, a load uniformly distributed from node 7 to node 7 ', results in a symmetrical bendline curved only in one direction. A locking of the joints 10 in accordance with only one pivoting direction (see the description of Fig. 1c and eg the WO 2006/099764 ) could be sufficient in itself to maintain the stable position of the pressure member 3, ie to reduce the bending line corresponding buckling of the pressure member 3 at the location of the joints 10.

This is achieved much easier and improved by the arrangement and design of the web 12 according to the invention.

In an asymmetric load distribution, the locking of the joints in only one pivoting direction is no longer sufficient, since the bending line then also runs asymmetrically and can be curved in both directions, resulting in locking in only one direction to the collapse of the wearer leads. Accordingly, it is then necessary to lock the joints in both pivoting directions, which further increases the design effort and the assembly costs.

As a result of the fixing according to the invention of the hinges 10 which can be swiveled on both sides via the web 12, asymmetrical loading of the carrier 1 is also possible without the need for a constructive additional effort.

Fig. 1c shows a longitudinal section through the carrier 1 along the line AA of FIG. 1a , wherein only the web 12 with the pressure member 3 and the tension member 4 (without body 2) are visible. Shown is a moment in which the carrier 1 is folded (or inflated). The two outer joints 10 are pivoted according to the arrow 15 in a pivoting direction and the central joint 10 in accordance with the arrow 16 in the other pivoting direction. As a result, the sections of the pressure member 3 connected by the joints 10 can be created in an optimal manner parallel to each other during folding.

Fig. 2 shows a further inventive embodiment of a pneumatic carrier 20, in which both the pressure member and the tension member can absorb both compressive and tensile load. Provided are a tension / compression member 22 and a tension / compression member 23 instead of the pressure member 3 and the tension member 4 according to the FIGS. 1a to 1c , In other words, the pressure member and the tension member are formed opposite. This allows load to be picked up both from above (load according to arrow 8) and from below (load according to arrow 9), thus on both sides. Pneumatic carriers of this type are known in principle, but not in collapsible training.

According to the invention, the web 12 is now arranged and designed such that it fixes all hinges 10 of both members 22, 23 in an operable position in the inflated state of the main body. In the case of stress by a load according to arrow 8 once the pull / pressure member 22 takes on the pressure, as in connection with the FIGS. 1a and b describe is. The tension / compression member 23 only absorbs tension. But since also pressure-resistant, it has connected by the joints 10 compression rod sections, which are stiff; Thus, it is sufficient here if the web 12 initiates the forces transmitted through it only in the region of the joints 10; the carrying capacity of the carrier 1 is not reduced, as would be the case if, instead of the tension / compression member 23, a flexible tension member 4 (FIG. FIG. 1b ) would occur. Conversely, this also applies to a load acting according to arrow 9 from below.

In the present case, the web 12 without edge arranged reinforcing ropes (rope 17 of FIG. 1b ) educated. The person skilled in the art may or may not provide such reinforcements in a suitable form, depending on the configuration of the carrier.

Fig. 3a shows a further embodiment of the invention, namely a according to WO 2007/071101 formed carrier 30 in a view from above. On the entire revelation of WO 2007/071101 is hereby incorporated by reference. The knots 7, 7 'and the pressure member 3 with its joints 10 are visible.

The main body 31 is formed as a spindle, which is constricted longitudinally under operating pressure through the web. It is also possible to form the main body 31 as a cylinder, which is constricted longitudinally through the web. The constriction forms half chambers 32, 33 in the main body 31.

Fig. 3b show the carrier 30 of Fig. 3a in cross section along the line BB of Fig. 3a , with the pressure member 3, the tension member 4 and the web 12. The half chambers 32, 33 are penetrated longitudinally from the web 12.

The pressure member 3 is located on the base body 2 at the location of the web 12 caused constriction. Likewise, the tension member 4, which is here protected by a sewn bag, for example 35 against lateral slipping or against external influences (weather, dirt, etc). Such a bag, although not shown in the figure, of course, be provided for the pressure member 3.

Also shown is the rope 17, which here runs in a pocket 36, which is sewn on the edge of the web 12 or attached in any other suitable manner.

Fig. 3c shows the carrier 30 in a view from the side, wherein the main body 31 along the section line 11 is partially cut. Again, the web 12 is arranged and formed such that it initiates the forces transmitted through it on the side of the pressure member 3 in the region of the joints 10, and distributed as uniformly as possible on the side of the tension member 4. The hidden part of the web 12 is indicated by the dashed line 14.

Here, the pressure member 3 is bent upward, but may also be straight ( Fig. 1 ) or bent downwardly as long as it is opposite the neutral fiber of the loaded beam 30 in the pressure zone and the tension member correspondingly in the tension zone.

Without further ado, the carrier 30 can be analogous to that of FIG FIG. 2 be formed, ie contain two connected by the web 12 train / pressure members, so that it can be loaded from above as well as from below.

Preferably, the joints 10 are formed as simple pivot joints, the hinge axis perpendicular to the pressure member 3 and, in the inflated state of the base body 2, extend to the web 12.

The described pneumatic support 1, 20 and 30 can be to a Composite, such as a roof, a wall or a bridge.

The symbolized by the arrows 8, 9 load on the pressure member 3 (or tension / compression member 22,23) attack directly, or be introduced via suitable links in this. It is also possible to initiate the load directly or via links in the web 12, as shown in the WO 2007/071101 describe is.

Claims (12)

1. A pneumatic support for receiving a load, comprising an inflatable, elongate base body, a pressure member having at least one joint and comprising at least one tractive member, wherein the pressure member and the at least one tractive member run longitudinally along the base body, and are connected to one another at the ends of the support in respectively one node, characterised in that a flexible web is provided which in the inflated state passes longitudinally through the base body and is stretched thereby, which at the same time connects the pressure member and the at least one tractive member operatively to one another, and is further configured and arranged in such a manner that said flexible web fixes the at least one joint of the pressure member in the operational state when the base body is inflated.
2. The pneumatic support according to claim 1, wherein the flexible web is connected to the pressure member in the region of its joints, preferably to the joints themselves.
3. The pneumatic support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible web is connected to the tractive member substantially uninterruptedly over its entire length.
4. The pneumatic support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible web is connected to the pressure member by means of a fastening member fixed thereon, preferably configured as a flexible tractive member.
5. The pneumatic support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base body is configured as a cylinder which is longitudinally constricted by the web under operating pressure.
6. The pneumatic support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base body is configured as a spindle which is longitudinally constricted by the web under operating pressure.
7. The pneumatic support according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the joint axis of the at least one joint of the pressure member is arranged perpendicular to this and perpendicular to the web running in the inflated base body.
8. The pneumatic support according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the joints are configured in such a manner that the segments of the pressure member can abut parallel onto one another during folding.
9. The pneumatic support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pressure member and the tractive member are configured to be mirror images and each have joints in such a manner that the support can also receive load which stresses the tractive member under pressure and the pressure member under tension and wherein in the inflated state of the base body the joints of the tractive member are fixed in the operational position by the web.
10. The pneumatic support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tractive member is configured as a cable.
11. A pneumatic structure characterised by a combination of pneumatic supports according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. An inflatable bridge, characterised by two pneumatic supports according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images