EP3733996B1 - Gangway - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a walkway for attachment to a machine, in particular for attachment to a machine for producing, processing or working a fibrous web, comprising a walkway floor which is connected at least on one boundary side to a walkway cheek, preferably designed as a hollow profile, and at least two railing posts connected to the walkway cheek, to which a handrail is attached.

Catwalks of this type are known. The document DE 20 2012 104986 U1 discloses a walkway for a fiber web machine with a running plane and two support beam parts which are arranged laterally on the running plane and spaced apart from each other so that a gap is formed to accommodate the running plane. The upper support beam part is designed in two parts and consists of two halves between which railing panels are clamped to form a railing. From the document EP0493325 A1 (J. Rothmund), 01.07.1992 , a fastening arrangement for railing posts on walkways for machine systems is known. This fastening arrangement allows the railing sections to be positioned anywhere on the walkways and can be flexibly removed and reassembled. It is characterized by the fastening of the railing post enclosing the walkway stringer above and below and the upper fastening hook protruding inwards above the walkway floor and the railing post protruding outwards. The disadvantage of this design from a safety point of view is the risk of tripping, which is caused by the inward-facing fastening hook and the tendency to become dirty and difficult to keep clean due to the attachments protruding on both sides of the walkway stringer.

document GB 2 480 549 A discloses a catwalk according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such known designs are complex, not very flexible and have to be dimensioned and designed for each location in the fiber web machine. This means a large variety of parts for large machines with many catwalks.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a cost-effective and safe walkway which is essentially modular in design and whose components can be used and arranged at least partially flexibly.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. A walkway for attachment to a machine, in particular for attachment to a machine for producing, processing or working on a fibrous web, is proposed, comprising a walkway floor which is connected at least on one boundary side to a walkway cheek, preferably designed as a hollow profile, and at least one railing post to which a handrail is attached. The invention is characterized in that the walkway comprises at least one clamping element for fastening at least one railing post on its upward-facing side and the upward-facing side of the walkway cheek has a cross-sectional profile which preferably runs over the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the walkway cheek, wherein the clamping element has a profile complementary to the cross-sectional profile and the connection is made by the interlocking of the profile shapes of the cross-sectional profile and the complementary profile, and wherein the clamping element is mounted so as to be displaceable along the walkway cheek and is positively connected to the cross-sectional profile when displaced.

The walkway cheek with the clamping element is preferably arranged on the side of the walkway floor facing away from the machine, i.e. on the outside. For certain applications, however, at least the walkway cheek can also be arranged on the inner side of the walkway floor.

The connection between the walkway stringer and the at least one clamping element is made by using interlocking, complementary profile shapes. It is designed in such a way that the clamping element is mounted so that it can move along the walkway stringer and remains positively connected. This means that the components, for example the at least one clamping element, can be used flexibly at different locations on the machine or reused during conversions without having to design and manufacture new components or without mechanical processing, such as drilling or thread cutting, being necessary on the components. The railing can be adjusted, for example the distance between railing posts, without changing the walkway stringer and while maintaining the safety function of the railing.

Another advantage is the arrangement of the clamping elements above the walkway stringer. The area assigned to the walkway floor and the opposite outer surface of the walkway stringer therefore have no protruding brackets for the railing posts. This increases safety for the staff on the one hand and promotes the cleanliness and maintenance of the machine on the other.

In an advantageous practical design, the connection between the at least one clamping element and the walkway stringer can be locked by clamping. This is useful after adjusting the railing for the purpose of fixing.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one clamping element is designed in two parts. The first clamping element part and the second clamping element part are held in position relative to one another by clamping elements, such as screws. The clamping elements can thus be used to create a movable or locked connection between the at least one clamping element and the walkway cheek.

The first clamping element part and the second clamping element part of the at least one clamping element can have positioning elements, preferably tongue and groove. This simplifies the assembly of the at least one clamping element on the catwalk cheek, also with regard to the interlocking, complementary profile shapes.

In a preferred practical embodiment, the at least one clamping element has a receiving opening for a, preferably round, railing post on the side opposite the complementary profile.

The railing post can be fixed in the receiving opening by clamping and/or by a positive locking mechanism.

The at least one clamping element can have a threaded bore for a screw provided with a tip, in particular for a threaded pin, for producing the positive connection.

In a further possible embodiment, the railing post can have a groove in the area of the screw to create a positive connection.

The walkway stringer is preferably designed to bear the load of the walkway floor. The load of the walkway floor is made up of the weight of the walkway floor and the additional load when the walkway floor is in use.

It is therefore also advantageous for static reasons if the cross-section across the length of the catwalk stringer is higher than it is wide.

For safety reasons, it is also advantageous if the upper side of the catwalk stringer is above the catwalk floor.

Preferably, the walkway cheek has a cavity for accommodating supply lines and/or data lines. This can be achieved cost-effectively by using cavity profiles.

In a possible further development, the walkway sidewall has an opening and/or window on the side facing away from the walkway floor for emitting light signals. This can be colored LED light. The colors can be assigned meanings. This can be used to inform the machine personnel about the operating status of the machine, about due service or about the safety situation, for example.

Accordingly, an information element for displaying text and/or images can be integrated into the catwalk side. The information element can be an LCD/LED display. This design can also be used to inform machine personnel about the operating status of the machine, about due service or about the safety situation, for example.

Furthermore, the walkway stringer can be constructed in one piece. This simplifies the structure of the walkway stringer and increases stability.

In one possible design variant, the shape of the cross-sectional profile is T-shaped and the shape of the complementary profile is C-shaped. The C-shaped profile of at least one clamping element thus encompasses the T-shaped cross-sectional profile of the walkway cheek. If the clamping element is locked onto the walkway cheek, the clamping elements are tightened, i.e. pulled together, until a clamping is created by the C-shaped profile with the T-shaped cross-sectional profile.

In an alternative embodiment, the shape of the cross-sectional profile is designed as a C-profile and the shape of the complementary profile is designed as a T-profile. The C-profile-like cross-sectional profile of the walkway cheek thus encompasses the T-profile-like profile of the at least one clamping element. If the clamping element is locked onto the walkway cheek, the tensioning elements of the at least one clamping element are tightened, i.e. the at least one clamping element is spread until a clamping is created by the T-profile-like profile with the C-profile-like cross-sectional profile.

The walkway stringer can be made of aluminum or stainless steel.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Figur 1

einen Ausschnitt einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Laufsteges in vereinfachter schematischer dreidimensionaler Darstellung;

Figur 2

eine beispielhafte Querschnittsform einer ersten Ausführungsvariante einer Laufstegwange in vereinfachter dreidimensionaler Darstellung;

Figur 3

einen Abschnitt einer beispielhaften zweiten Ausführungsvariante einer Laufstegwange in vereinfachter dreidimensionaler Darstellung;

Figur 4

einen Abschnitt einer beispielhaften dritten Ausführungsvariante einer Laufstegwange in vereinfachter dreidimensionaler Darstellung;

Figur 5

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines zweiteiligen Klemmelements in vereinfachter dreidimensionaler Darstellung;

Figur 6

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines zweiteiligen Klemmelements in vereinfachter dreidimensionaler Darstellung;

Show it

Figure 1

a section of an embodiment of a catwalk according to the invention in a simplified schematic three-dimensional representation;

Figure 2

an exemplary cross-sectional shape of a first embodiment of a catwalk cheek in a simplified three-dimensional representation;

Figure 3

a section of an exemplary second embodiment of a catwalk cheek in a simplified three-dimensional representation;

Figure 4

a section of an exemplary third embodiment of a catwalk cheek in a simplified three-dimensional representation;

Figure 5

a first embodiment of a two-part clamping element in a simplified three-dimensional representation;

Figure 6

a second embodiment of a two-part clamping element in a simplified three-dimensional representation;

The Figure 1 shows a section of an embodiment of a walkway 1 according to the invention in a simplified schematic three-dimensional representation. The walkway 1 is suitable and intended for attachment to a machine for producing, processing or working on a fibrous web. It comprises a walkway floor 2 lying in a horizontal plane, which is connected at least on one boundary side to a walkway cheek 3 designed as a hollow profile. The walkway cheek 3 extends with its long side in the longitudinal direction 5. The hollow profile has a hollow space 6. However, several hollow spaces 6 are also possible in accordance with the design in the Figure 2 conceivable. The cavities 6 extend in the longitudinal direction 5. The walkway 1 also comprises at least one railing post 9, to which a handrail (not shown) is attached. The walkway cheek 3 has on its upward-facing side a cross-sectional profile 4, preferably running over the entire length of the walkway cheek 3, for displaceable, positive connection to at least one clamping element 7 having a complementary profile 8. The walkway cheek 3 with the clamping element 7 is preferably arranged on the boundary side of the walkway floor 2 facing away from the machine, i.e. on the outside. For certain applications, however, at least the walkway cheek 3 can also be arranged on the inner side of the walkway floor 2, i.e. on the side facing the machine. In the example shown, only one sheet metal strip is arranged on the inside. In practice, the walkway 1 can have several clamping elements 7, each with a railing post 9.

The connection between the catwalk cheek 3 and the at least one clamping element 7 is created by using or designing the cross-sectional profile 4 and the complementary profile 8 as interlocking, complementary profile shapes. It is designed in such a way that the clamping element 7 is mounted so that it can move along the catwalk cheek 3 and remains positively connected. This means that the components, for example the at least one clamping element 7, can be used flexibly at different locations on the machine or reused during conversions without having to design and manufacture new components. The connection between the at least one clamping element 7 and the catwalk cheek 3 can be locked by clamping. For this purpose, the at least one clamping element 7 is designed in two parts. Both clamping element parts 7.1, 7.2 are held in position relative to one another by clamping elements 13, such as screws as in this example. The clamping elements 13 can thus be used to create a movable or locked connection between the at least one clamping element 7 and the walkway stringer 3. A locking mechanism is useful for fixing after an adjustment of the railing. An adjustment of the railing, for example a change in the distance between the railing posts 9, can be carried out without changing the walkway stringer 3 and while maintaining the safety function of the railing, since after the clamping on the clamping element 7 is released by the clamping elements, the clamping element 7 can be moved and the positive connection between the cross-sectional profile 4 and the complementary profile 8 is maintained. The Clamping element 7 is arranged above the walkway cheek 3, i.e. on the upper side. The surface assigned to the walkway floor 2 and the opposite outer surface of the walkway cheek 3 therefore have no protruding holders for the railing posts 9, which could be a tripping hazard. This design increases safety for the personnel on the one hand and also promotes cleanliness and keeping the machine clean on the other. The two clamping element parts 7.1, 7.2 of the at least one clamping element 7 have positioning elements 11, 12, preferably tongue and groove. This also simplifies the assembly of the at least one clamping element 7 on the walkway cheek 3 with regard to the interlocking, complementary profile shapes. The at least one clamping element 7 has a receiving opening 10 for a round railing post 9 on the side opposite the complementary profile 8. The railing post 9 is secured in the receiving opening 10 by clamping and by a positive connection. For this purpose, the clamping element 7 has a through-threaded hole 14 for a screw with a tip. When the screw is tightened, the tip is pressed onto the railing post 9, thus creating a clamp on the one hand and a positive connection on the other. If a screw with a blunt beginning is used, only a clamp is created. It is also possible to adjust the dimensions of the receiving opening 10 to the railing post 9 so that it is clamped by the clamping elements 13 when the two clamping element parts 7.1, 7.2 are tightened. The walkway cheek 3 is dimensioned so that it can bear the load of the walkway floor. For static reasons, the cross-section transverse to the length of the walkway cheek 3 is therefore higher than it is wide. This increases the bending resistance. For safety reasons, the upper side of the walkway cheek 3 is above the walkway floor. This prevents parts lying on the walkway floor from falling down. The walkway side member 3 is made of one piece. The walkway side member 3 is made of aluminum.

In the Figure 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional shape transverse to the longitudinal direction 5 of a first embodiment of a one-piece walkway cheek 3 in a simplified three-dimensional representation. The walkway cheek 3 has several cavities 6 that extend in the longitudinal direction 5. The cavities are separated from each other by webs. The webs increase the stability of the extruded profile. On the upper side of the walkway cheek 3, the cross-sectional profile for receiving the The shape of the cross-sectional profile is T-shaped and the matching shape of the complementary profile of the clamping element 7 is C-shaped, as shown in the Figures 4 and 5 shown.

The Figure 3 shows a section of an exemplary second embodiment of a catwalk cheek in a simplified three-dimensional representation. It differs from the embodiments according to Figure 1 to 3 in that an information element 17 for displaying text and/or images is integrated into the catwalk cheek 3. The information element 17 can be LCD/LED displays. This embodiment can also be used to inform the machine personnel, for example, about the operating status of the machine, about due service or about the safety situation.

In the Figure 4 a section of an exemplary third embodiment of a walkway cheek 3 is shown in a simplified three-dimensional representation. In this embodiment, supply lines 15 and/or data lines 15 are guided through the cavity 6. In addition, the walkway cheek 3 has three openings 16 and/or windows 16 on the side facing away from the walkway floor 2 for emitting light signals. This can be colored LED light. The colors can be assigned meanings. This can be used to inform the machine personnel, for example, about the operating status of the machine, about due service or about the safety situation.

The Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of a two-part clamping element 7 in a simplified three-dimensional representation. A complementary profile 8 is attached to the underside of the clamping element 7, which is designed like a C-profile. It has positioning elements 11, 12, which enable the two clamping element parts 7.1, 7.2 to be positioned in the vertical direction. This is made possible by complementary projections and recesses on the joining surfaces of the two clamping element parts 7.1, 7.2.

The Figure 6 The second embodiment of a two-part clamping element shown in simplified three-dimensional representation differs from the first embodiment in Figure 5 on the one hand in the design of the positioning elements 11, 12 and on the other hand in the threaded hole 14 for receiving a screw for clamping the railing post 9 located in the receiving opening 10. The first clamping element part 7.1 has a spring as a positioning element 11, while the second clamping element part 7.2 has a groove. In addition, the clamping elements 13 designed as screws are shown in the sectional view.

Corresponding elements of the embodiments in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals. The functions of such elements in the individual figures correspond to one another unless otherwise described and unless contradictions arise. A repeated description is therefore omitted.

List of reference symbols

1

catwalk

2

Catwalk floor

3

Catwalk cheek

4

Cross-sectional profile

5

Longitudinal direction

6

cavity

7

Clamping element

7.1

first clamping element part

7.2

second clamping element part

8th

Complementary profile

9

Railing posts

10

Receiving opening

11

Positioning element

12

Positioning element

13

Clamping elements

14

Threaded hole

15

Supply lines, data lines

16

opening

17

Information element

Claims (15)

1. Walkway (1) for attachment to a machine, in particular for attachment to a machine for producing, processing or machining a web of fibrous material, comprising a walkway floor (2) which is connected at least at one delimiting side to a walkway side (3), preferably embodied as a hollow profile, as well as at least one guard rail post (9) to which a hand rail is fastened,

   wherein the walkway (1) comprises at least one clamping element (7) for fastening the at least one guard rail post (9) to the walkway side (3) and

   wherein the walkway side (3) has, on its side which points upwards, a cross-sectional profile (4) which preferably runs over the entire length in the longitudinal direction (5) of the walkway side (3) and,

   wherein the clamping element (7) has a profile (8) which is complementary to the cross-sectional profile (4), formed in such a manner that a connection is produced by the profile shapes of cross-sectional profile (4) and complementary profile (8) engaging in one another and

   wherein the clamping element (7) is connected in a form-fitting manner to the cross-sectional profile (4) during displacement,

   characterized in that

   the at least one clamping element (7) serves to fasten the at least one guard rail post (9) above the walkway side (3), wherein the clamping element (7) is mounted displaceably solely on and along the side, pointing upwards, of the walkway side (3) and

   wherein the connection at the top is the sole connection of the guard rail post (9) to the walkway side (3).
2. Walkway according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the connection between the at least one clamping element (7) and the walkway side (3) can be locked by clamping.
3. Walkway according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the at least one clamping element (7) is embodied in two parts.
4. Walkway according to Claim 3,
   characterized in that
   the first clamping element part (7.1) and the second clamping element part (7.2) of the at least one clamping element (7) have positioning elements (11, 12), preferably groove (11) and tongue (12).
5. Walkway according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the at least one clamping element (7) has, on the side opposite to the complementary profile (8), a receiving opening (10) for a, preferably round, guard rail post (9).
6. Walkway according to Claim 5,
   characterized in that
   the guard rail post (9) is fastened in the receiving opening (10) by clamping or by a form fit.
7. Walkway according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the at least one clamping element (7) has a threaded bore (14) for a screw, in particular for a grub screw, for producing the form fit.
8. Walkway according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the walkway side (3) is embodied to bear the load of the walkway floor (2).
9. Walkway according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the walkway side (3) has a cavity (6) for accommodating supply lines (15) and/or data lines (15).
10. Walkway according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the walkway side (3) has, on the side facing away from the walkway floor (2), an opening (16) and/or window (16) in order to emit light signals.
11. Walkway according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    an information element (17) for reproducing text and/or images is integrated into the walkway side (3).
12. Walkway according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the walkway (3) is embodied in one part.
13. Walkway according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the shape of the cross-sectional profile (4) is T-profile-like and the shape of the complementary profile (8) is C-profile-like.
14. Walkway according to any one of preceding Claims 1 to 12,
    characterized in that
    the shape of the cross-sectional profile (4) is C-profile-like and the shape of the complementary profile (8) is T-profile-like.
15. Walkway according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the walkway side (3) is composed of aluminium or stainless steel.

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