EP3254984A1 - Device for modifying the clearance between two plate-shaped bearing elements for supporting containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for adjusting the distance between two plate-shaped bearing elements for supporting containers and comprises a number of support rods (4) for insertion between the two bearing elements and means for individually adjusting the length of the support rods (4) in dependence on the height of Container for local variation of the distance between the two bearing elements.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a device for adjusting the distance between a first plate-shaped bearing element and an arranged above the second plate-shaped bearing element, wherein both bearing elements for storage of containers, such as barrels serve.

State of the art

For the storage of larger containers, such as barrels, various methods are used in the prior art. A first method is to arrange the containers in a shelf construction standing or lying, the storage elements are in this case shelves or plates, which are arranged at fixed predetermined distances from each other. The distances are usually given to the supporting elements, for example on columnar supports at the corners of the control plates or on side walls, in other cases, a distance variation is not provided, so as not to affect the stability of the shelf or bearing.

In other cases, for example, in the storage of standing barrels, a first layer of barrels is mounted on a first bearing element, on these barrels then the second bearing element is placed or arranged with a second layer of barrels. This method is particularly used in long-term storage, for example in maturing in wooden barrels distillates.

Both storage methods are not free from disadvantages. A storage of the containers in shelves with fixed preset distances between the shelves or storage elements allows no or a very cumbersome adaptation to different container sizes. Often, this leads to the fact that space is given away in the camp for smaller containers, since it can not be optimally utilized, for example, if the distance between the bearing elements is substantially greater than the height of the container, or if the containers are too high, so they can not be accommodated at all.

In the case of a stacking of the bearing elements directly on the containers on the other hand, the containers below are heavily loaded by the weight of the above container. The number of layers which can be stacked on top of each other is therefore limited - often only two or three layers can be stacked on top of each other - and largely depends on the stability of the construction of the containers. If the containers are, for example, wooden barrels, such as those used for the storage of whiskey, then the load from above also causes the staves of the barrels, which are usually held together by barrels, to curve further outward than intended, so that between the individual staves intermediate spaces arise that are sufficiently large that it can leak liquid or gas. Since the tolerances in the production of wooden barrels larger and these are often individually made, the wooden barrels often have slightly different heights, which results in standing storage that higher barrels are more heavily loaded than lower barrels. The amount of liquid released is a few percent per year, so it is economically significant. As storage elements wood pallets are used in this case usually.

As container all possible closable hollow body in question, which can be stored for a standing or lying and others are suitable to receive liquid, solid or powdery materials. The containers are designed so that they can be stored standing or lying, for example, they can be configured cuboid. Frequently, however, the containers are designed as barrels. Under a barrel is usually understood a made of wood, metal or plastic, cylindrical or cylindrical container understood, which can also be used shaped, such as classic wine barrels. Barrels without bulging are also referred to as tons. Such a barrel is usually used to store liquids and is usually filled through a bunghole, but it can also serve the storage of solid or powdery substances and is then usually provided with a lid.

Finally, in the state of the art, there are also shelving systems which are clamped between the floor and ceiling of a room. In such shelving systems, the supporting pillars are usually designed as telescopic columns or telescopic poles that allow a tension with the ceiling or the floor and a stepless adjustment at different heights in the rule. However, the distances between the shelves are also specified here and adjustable only within a limited range. For the storage of larger containers such as barrels such systems are usually not suitable because the supporting structures are not designed for this purpose.

In the systems known in the prior art, the containers are therefore either not subject to load, in which case the storage space is not optimally utilized, or they are loaded, which leads to the above-mentioned disadvantages in terms of stackability and stability of the container.

Description of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to develop a device which allows the best possible use of the available space and at the same time keeps the burden of stored on storage elements container as low as possible. This object is achieved in the device described above for adjusting the distance between two plate-shaped bearing elements, characterized in that this device comprises a number of support rods for insertion between the first bearing element and the second bearing element and means for individually adjusting the length of the support rods in dependence on the height the container, for local variation of the distance hiss the first and second bearing element comprises.

In contrast to the prior art, the plate-shaped bearing elements are not attached to the support rods here, but it is introduced the support rods between the bearing elements. Thus, in a plan view of the bearing elements, the support rods are entirely or predominantly part, i. to more than 50%, in terms of their cross section between the plate-shaped bearing elements. The bearing elements may be simple, plate-shaped body with two parallel large surfaces and four narrow sides, but it can also be more complex structure elements such as Euro pallets made of wood, or to pallets or bearing elements made of other materials, such as for example, metal or plastic. With appropriate dimensioning of the support rods and bearing elements made of concrete or stone can be used. Of course, it is also possible to use bearing elements of combinations of the above enumerated materials.

The device is characterized in that it has means for individually adjusting the length of the support rods for local variation of the distance between the first and second bearing element. The length of the support rods can be adjusted individually, ie the length of a support rod can be adjusted independently of the lengths of the other support rods. In this way, a local variation of the distance is possible wherein, of course, boundary conditions are to be considered in such a way that the large surfaces of the bearing elements, in particular the surfaces on which the containers are stored, are not tilted in such a large angle to the horizontal that the containers threaten to slide from the bearing element, thus jeopardizing their stable storage is. The distance between two bearing elements, for example, can be changed only slightly in the area in which a change in distance to avoid excessive stress on a arranged in the vicinity of the support rod in question container is recommended.

The adjustment of the length of the support bars is dependent on the height of the containers, i. the dimension that the containers have along the distance between the first and second bearing elements. Different container heights can be compensated in this way. This is particularly advantageous if a plurality of similar containers is mounted on the first bearing element, which should basically have the same height, but actually slightly different heights due to manufacturing tolerances or signs of aging, as is often the case, for example, in standing stored wooden barrels , Here, the lengths of the support rods can be individually adapted to the height of the highest barrel, either together, so that the second bearing element with the first bearing element in planes is parallel to a horizontal plane, or individually, which may require a minimum, but still acceptable obliquity Episode has. This is particularly advantageous for irregularly shaped storage facilities such as basements. Then - if the warehouse is intended to store more storage elements directly on the containers of the underlying storage element - the space provided in the warehouse made available for an optimal use and on the other to ensure that the load on the containers on the lower bearing elements either reduced or completely eliminated when the support bars are dimensioned to fully support or direct the load down. In wooden barrels can be avoided in this way that occurs, for example, in the Whiskylagerung from gaps between the staves liquid. The economic losses are reduced.

In principle, it is possible and sufficient to provide a change in length in discrete steps. However, this is only practical if the support bars are dimensioned so that they take over the load completely. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for adjusting the length of the support rods are therefore designed for the stepless adjustment. This allows for an optimal space utilization and on the other hand, it is also possible to divide the load between the containers on the one hand and the support rods on the other hand, so that the support rods can be made smaller in thickness, since they do not have to take over the full load; the containers themselves are relieved.

There are several ways to realize the means for individual adjustment of the length of each support rod, for example, a support rod consist of two sub-rods, which are connected to one another via a thread. The one end of a part of the bar then has, for example, an internal thread, one end of the other part of a rod matching external thread. Both sub-rods can be the same length, then the thread is, for example, in the middle. In another embodiment, which can of course be combined with the aforementioned, the device comprises a height adjustment element, which is connected for example via a thread to one end of a support rod. Such a thread then allows a stepless adjustment of the height, an undesirable adjustment is usually prevented in loaded bearing elements and support rods by the static friction in the thread. The height adjustment element can be designed so that it facilitates attachment to different types of bearing elements. For this purpose, it may also be constructed in several parts and be provided with appropriate adapters or fixing means that give the support rods on the bearing elements a better - also lateral - Halt. In the case with the use of a wooden pallet can be provided on the adapter, for example, staples for driving into the wood. To improve the connection, it is also possible to provide a screw connection, even simple plug connections are possible and then serve in particular to prevent slippage. The fixing means or adapter may also be formed on the support rods themselves, if they do not have a height adjustment element. A combination is also possible, for example, at one end of the rod, a height adjustment element may be provided with fixing means, on the other hand, only fixing means.

In a preferred embodiment, the support rods are designed as hydraulically or pneumatically adjustable in length telescopic rods. This is particularly advantageous if particularly heavy loads are to be supported. With a suitable drive, these support rods are also particularly well for automation and facilitate height adjustment.

The number of support rods is suitably at least three, which already allows some flexibility in terms of setting the load over the height. With four support rods, the flexibility in terms of adjusting the height depending on the container height is even more flexible, the number of support rods can also be based on the number of containers for their storage, the bearing elements are designed. If, for example, six whiskey barrels are stored on a bearing element, the use of four, six or eight support bars is expedient.

In general, the support rods along the normal of the large surfaces of the plate-shaped bearing elements are aligned, but there are also conceivable configurations in which the support bars are trapezoidal, for example, aligned in the manner of a hexapod, provided that the loading of the bearing elements is not affected. In particular, in connection with a hydraulic adjustment so the height adjustment is even more flexible.

The support rods in turn can also be attached to a frame structure, for example to a rotating stainless steel frame to which the support rods are attached. The upper, second bearing element is then, for example, on the frame structure, as well as a frame structure may alternatively or additionally be provided at the lower ends of the support rods, which then rests on the lower, first bearing element. Such frame structures are particularly advantageous for thinner bearing elements, since then the load that is selectively exerted by the support rods on the bearing elements is distributed through the frame structure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device comprises motor-driven actuators for length adjustment of the support rods. This is particularly advantageous for heavy loads, as well as for automation. The motor-driven actuators can be coupled both with hydraulically or pneumatically adjustable in length telescopic rods, as well as with support rods, in which the height adjustment via a thread. In the latter case, for example, the support rod may be provided at each of its ends with a to the respective bearing element to be fixed or fixed height adjustment element which is provided with a thread, wherein the two threads, however, are formed in opposite directions, so that rotation of the support rod between the two height adjustment elements either the length on both sides extended or shortened, ie a rotation of the support rod in one direction either on both sides of the thread turns out, that causes an extension on both sides, or it rotates in on both sides, so causes a shortening on both sides. The use of two threads also relieves the previous one thread and thus prevents material fatigue.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the device also comprises force sensors for measuring the contact force of the second bearing element on one or more containers and an evaluation unit for reading and displaying and / or processing the values measured by the force sensors. For example, the evaluation unit can then be used to compare whether the load is still below a maximum permissible limit load. If it lies above one or more of the containers, a length adjustment of the relevant support rods can be made in a targeted manner to reduce the burden again. This can be done automatically or manually. In the case of manual adjustment, auxiliary means may be provided which indicate to the person performing the adjustment whether the load is below the permissible limit load or above. This can be done, for example, optically by means of signal lamps.

In particular, it is also possible, the force sensors permanently, i. For example, to read at certain equidistant times, so as to monitor the load permanently over a given period. In this way, for example, material fatigue or settlements can be detected, which can also lead to the collapse of the stack of containers loaded with storage elements, if no countermeasures are taken. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, the device also comprises a control for regulating the individual adjustment of the length of the support rods as a function of the values measured by the force sensors and in dependence on predetermined tolerances. The load is, as already described, permanently monitored and read, for example, once or twice a day, which can also be signaled via a corresponding feedback when the load changes too fast, ie. For example, material fracture threatens, so that then immediate action can be initiated.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1

eine erste Ausgestaltung der Erfindung mit drei Stützstangen,

Figur 2

eine zweite Ausgestaltung der Erfindung,

Figur 3a, b

eine Verdeutlichung der Höhenverstellung,

Figur 4

eine Ausgestaltung der Erfindung mit vier Stützstangen,

Figur 5a, b

eine weitere Ansicht der Vorrichtung mit einem Detail der Höhenverstellung,

Figur 6a, b

eine Ausgestaltung, bei der Kraftsensoren verwendet werden, und

Figur 7a, b

ein Beispiel für eine mit einer Regelung gekoppelte Vorrichtung.

The invention will be explained in more detail for example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose characteristics essential to the invention. Show it

FIG. 1

a first embodiment of the invention with three support rods,

FIG. 2

a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3a, b

an explanation of the height adjustment,

FIG. 4

an embodiment of the invention with four support rods,

FIG. 5a, b

another view of the device with a detail of the height adjustment,

FIG. 6a, b

an embodiment in which force sensors are used, and

FIG. 7a, b

an example of a coupled with a control device.

Detailed description of the drawings

FIG. 1 shows first the basic structure of a device for adjusting the distance between a first plate-shaped bearing element, here a plastic pallet 1, which can also be configured as a composite pallet, ie with support inserts beispielseisweise concrete, stone or wood for better distribution of the burden, as well as a arranged above , Both second bearing elements are suitable for storage of containers, especially large containers and provided. On the plastic pallet 1 recesses 3 can be seen, these mark Abstellbereiche for the container, such as barrels. The device also comprises a number of support rods 4 for insertion between the first and second bearing elements, in the present case they are inserted between the plastic pallet 1 and the wooden pallet 2. In the example shown, three support rods 4 are used, this being the minimum number of support rods 4 necessary to allow stable support unless the containers are included on the first support member for support. The device also comprises means for individually adjusting the length of the support rods 4 in dependence on the height of the containers for local variation of the distance between the two bearing elements. These means are preferably provided for stepless adjustment of the length, the adjustability is symbolized by the double arrows on the support rods 4.

The means for adjusting the length of each support bar 4 can be configured in various ways. For example, the support rod 4 may be formed as hydraulically or pneumatically adjustable in length telescopic rod, the support rod 4 may also be composed of two connected by a threaded part rods, which can then be rotated against each other to adjust the length. In the illustrated case, the means for adjusting the length of each support bar 4 per support bar 4 comprise at least one height adjustment element 5, which is connected via a thread to one end of the support rod 4. In the present case, height adjustment elements 5 are respectively connected to the support rods 4 at the lower ends of the support rods 4. For example, the support rods 4, an internal thread and the height adjustment elements 5 have a matching external thread, so that the support rods are screwed onto the height adjustment elements. A corresponding height adjustment element 5 can also be attached to the upper ends of the support rods, which each have two ends.

The device in the example shown also comprises means for fixing the support rods 4 on the bearing elements. In the present case, the means for fixing include fixing brackets 6, which are connected to the height adjustment elements 5 and engage in corresponding recesses of the plastic pallet 1 or on edges of such Aussparen or embrace them. The fixing brackets 6 need not be frictional Make connection with the plastic pallet 1 and the first bearing element, a positive connection that suppresses slipping in the lateral direction is sufficient. However, in particular in the case of wooden pallets 2, it is also possible to use fixatives which form a connection with the wood in the manner of a nail or a staple, that is, they are hammered into the wood.

The number of support rods 4 is here three, but depending on the size of the bearing element and the container to be stored thereon, more than three support rods 4 can be used. About the individual adjustment of the length of the support rods 4, the distance of the second bearing element, here the wooden pallet 2 to the first bearing element locally and individually set, here symbolized by the double arrows left and right of the wooden pallet. 2

If a height adjustment element 5 is used only on one side of the support rod 4, a mechanism is expediently provided at the other end of the rod which allows a rotation of the rod with a second bearing element lying on the support rods without the height being adjusted. It may, for example, be a rotary element, which is constructed externally similar to the height adjustment element 5, but does not have a thread, so that the support rod 4 is simply plugged there and can rotate around its axis sufficiently frictionless.

The support rods 4 may at their upper ends and / or at their lower ends respectively via a frame structure not shown here in a plane perpendicular to the normal direction of a large area of the plastic pallet 1 or the wooden pallet 2, i. be connected to the two plate-shaped bearing elements, which reduces the punctual loading of the bearing elements. The device may also include motor-driven actuators for length adjustment of the support rod.

FIG. 2 shows a similar embodiment of the device as in FIG. 1 However, here with two wooden pallets 2 as the first and second bearing element, wherein in each corner of the wooden pallets 2 support rods 4 with height adjustment elements 5 and fixing brackets 6 are arranged. The height adjustment is again indicated by double arrows, to symbolize a container is on the lower wooden pallet 2 as the first bearing element a barrel. 7

Figure 3a and 3b illustrate the height adjustment. While at the in FIG. 3a In the situation shown, the upper wooden pallet 2, ie the second bearing element, on which the barrel 7 is located, it was in the in FIG. 3b shown situation raised by an amount X, so that between the top of the barrel 7 and the underside of the upper wooden pallet 2 is now an air space X, the adjustment is made here via a thread. 8

FIG. 4 shows a similar situation like FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , but with two plastic pallets 1 and six support rods. 4

FIG. 5a shows a situation in which the first and the second bearing element are each formed as a plastic pallet 1. On each of the plastic pallets six barrels 7 are exemplarily supported, six support rods 4 can be adjusted individually in their length, so that locally the distance between the two plastic pallets 1 can be varied. The one with a circle in FIG. 5a marked section is in FIG. 5b shown in detail. Clearly, the thread 8 can be seen on the height adjustment element 5, as well as the fixing clip. 6

In FIG. 6a is the in FIG. 5a shown arrangement of two bearing elements with barrels 7 arranged thereon from the longer side in a side view. The section marked with a circle in FIG. 6a is in FIG. 6b shown enlarged, the length of the support rods 4 is set here so that the second bearing element, the upper plastic pallet 2, rests at any point on one of the barrels 7, but is supported exclusively by the support rods 4.

FIG. 7 Finally, a schematic representation of a development of a device, as described above, which includes, inter alia, motor-driven actuators 9 for length adjustment of the support rods 4. FIG. 7b shows the circled in Figure 7a section in magnification. Between the underside of the second bearing element, for example a wooden pallet 2 or a plastic pallet 1, and the top of the container, for example the drum 7, force sensors 10 are arranged here, which serve to measure the bearing force of the second bearing element on the container. The force sensors may be loosely placed, but also be adhesively attached, for example, either on the upper side of the drum 7 or on the underside of the second bearing element. The force sensors 10 are connected to an evaluation unit 11 which reads out, displays and / or processes the values measured by the force sensors 10. The evaluation unit 11 is in turn connected to a control 12, which sets the individual adjustment of the length of the support rods 4 as a function of the values measured by the force sensors 10 and of predetermined tolerance values, for example a maximum and minimum load. The control 12 is connected to the motor-driven actuators 9. In this way, a nearly fully automated monitoring of the stored barrels can be ensured, if necessary, the control can independently change the length of the support rods 4, both to longer and to shorter values. The support rods are then preferably hydraulically or pneumatically adjustable in length.

The above-described device for adjusting the distance between two bearing elements, which are constructed substantially plate-shaped, allows storage under best possible utilization of the available space in height, which can be addressed simultaneously to individual deviations from container heights and excessive stress can be avoided by bearing elements mounted on the bearing elements by overlying bearing elements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Plastic pallet

2

wooden pallet

3

deepening

4

Stabilizer

5

Height adjustment element

6

fixing clasp

7

barrel

8th

thread

9

actuator

10

force sensor

11

evaluation

12

control

Claims (9)

Device for adjusting the distance between a first plate-shaped bearing element for the storage of containers, such as barrels (7), and a second plate-shaped bearing element arranged above it for the storage of containers, comprising - A number of support rods (4) for insertion between the first bearing element and the second bearing element, and - means for individually adjusting the length of the support rods (4) in dependence on the height of the container for the local variation of the distance between the first and second bearing element. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the support rods is infinitely adjustable. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for adjusting the length of each support bar (4) two threaded rods connected by a thread, - A height adjustment element (5), which is connected via a thread (8) with one end of the support rod (4) include, or - The support rod (4) is designed as a hydraulically or pneumatically adjustable in length telescopic rod. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising means for fixing the support rods (4) on the bearing elements. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the number of support rods (4) is at least three. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support rods (4) connected at their upper ends and / or at their lower ends in each case via a frame structure in a plane perpendicular to a normal direction of a large surface of the first and second plate-shaped bearing element are. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising motor-driven actuators (9) for length adjustment of the support rods (4). Apparatus according to claim 6, comprising force sensors (10) for measuring the contact force of the second bearing element on one or more containers, and an evaluation unit (11) for reading and displaying and / or processing the values measured by the force sensors (10). Apparatus according to claim 7, comprising a control (12) for controlling the individual adjustment of the length of the support rods (4) as a function of the values measured by the force sensors (10) and of predetermined tolerance values.

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