ES2197471T3 - PLATFORM. - Google Patents

Abstract

A platform comprising at least one upper load cover (2) and spacers (3) attached to the load cover (2), the load cover (2) and each of the spacers (3) being connected by means of a joining device, comprising a female part (12) having an inner hole (14) and a flanged portion (13) at its end, as well as a male part (8) having a pin (10) and a portion with flange (9) at its one end, and which by means of its pin (10) can be inserted and applied to the hole (14) of the female part (12) by the application of a force that presses the male part (8) and the female part (12) towards each other and is disconnectable by application of a force in the opposite direction, the female part (12) being inserted into a through hole of the platform and the flanged portions being supported (9, 13) against the opposite side faces of the platform, characterized in that the female part (12), on its outside, is provided with at least one longitudinal crest (16).

Description

Platform.

The present invention relates to a platform, according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Currently, the platforms, which are available with many different designs, they are almost assembled exclusively through spiked joints, which They provide a strong bond. On certain types of platforms, for example, the so-called Europlatform, standards have been established with respect to materials, dimensions and strength. How Consequently, it is important that the union be strong and can withstand loads, so that the platform meets the standard applicable to the respective platform type. This is one of the reasons why spiked joints are common.

Currently, damaged platforms are repaired to some extent, but it is difficult and not economical separate spiked joints without causing additional damage to Different parts of the platform. Also, if the platform is composed of several materials, for example, separators or blocks which are sometimes made of plastic, it is desirable to be able to separate the different materials before reusing them and / or recycle them Rejected platforms can wake up, with the so that they are subsequently used as fuel or as raw material, for example, in the manufacture of boards particles or blocks of particles. One of the disadvantages of the spiked joints is that the nails move when it moves the wood due to humidity variations. As far as this is refers, nails can, for example, stand out from the loading surface of the platform and damaging the load of the platform. Another drawback of spiked joints is that, in as regards the exploded view of the platform, the nails considerably increase the wear of the mechanical equipment, which which produces an increase in costs. In addition, they can occur problems in handling ashes in relation to incineration. However, due to the increasing demands of producer responsibility, platforms must solve this somehow.

US 4,128,253 shows a platform which has an upper and lower cover, being joined between yes the covers by the intermediation of several devices of union located between them. Each joining device comprises a separator that is attached to the cover by means of a device rivet, which comprises a male rivet part and a part of female rivet The purpose of these rivet parts is be introduced from above the upper deck and from below the bottom cover, respectively, through holes opposites aligned on the platform, inside a through hole in the separator and apply to each other. The joining device it can also comprise a hollow cylindrical part, a roller, which is freely rotatable with respect to the separator and whose purpose is to `` guide '' the forks of a truck, turning when It produces the contact of the forks. In addition, the roller protects the other parts of the joining device, absorbing the blows or other forces to which the device is subjected Union.

US 4,267,781 shows a variant of the platform according to US 4,128,253. In this platform, roller and outer frame of the separator have the frustoconical body shape.

Both platforms mentioned above have among others, the limitations and disadvantages of one of the covers must be a sheet to allow the platform absorb diagonal forces, which, for example, can be produce when the platform is being placed in spaces narrow. As a result, none of these platforms could absorb diagonal forces if, for example, the platform were one of the so-called Europlatforms, that is, if the covers were composed of several boards instead of a sheet integral. In addition, these platforms have the disadvantage that The joining device can have many different components, making the mounting of the platform more complicated and raising the cost of production and storage of the components. In addition, the joining device depends on the separator having A special design This imposes demands, for example, on the spare parts inventory. In addition, the platforms of according to the memories of the patents mentioned above above, they don't seem to meet the special requirements regarding resistance, which are imposed on certain types of platforms, by example, in a Europlatform.

There are also platforms that are mounted by gluing, for example, the platform according to document FR 7.112.656. However, bonding takes time and is expensive, and can be difficult to break the bonding efficiently. In addition, the glue can be dangerous from a health point of view labor as well as from the environmental point of view.

Reference is also made to the memories of US 4,604,014, US 4,019,634 and DE 19 519 969 for information as regards the background of the invention.

Description of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the drawbacks mentioned above, providing a platform that, without separating from the established standards for the respective platform model, it can be mounted and disassemble quickly and easily, and therefore allow efficient reuse of individual parts or recycling of platform material waking it up without high costs and using it as fuel or as raw material for new products. In addition, an object of the present invention is provide a platform that can absorb forces diagonals acting on it. It is also an object of the invention provide a platform that allows the reconditioning of damaged platforms by replacing Quick and easy of damaged parts. In addition, it is an object of the invention provide a complete integrated joint, which is easy and cheap to make, easy to apply to the platform, and that is made of a material that, if necessary, can be wake up together with the wood material without causing problems of, for example, significant wear and tear of machinery and of the team. It should also be possible to incinerate the bonding material together with the disassembled wood material, without originating products of waste that are dangerous for the environment. An object Additional of the invention is that, after removal, the joint It can be reusable or recyclable. At least, these objects are achieved by a platform according to claim one.

The platform according to the invention is assembled at the joints by means of a joining device or fixing, preferably made of plastic, comprising a female part with an inner hole and at its one end, a pin-shaped flange portion. The joining device it also comprises a male part that has a spike and a pin-shaped tab portion at one end. Through from its spike, the male part can be inserted and applied to the hole  of the female part, pressing the parts to reunite them with a force that is applied to the joining device. The parts are removable by application of a force in the opposite direction. The female part is inserted into a through hole in the separator respective and on the cargo deck. The tab parts of the female part and male part, respectively, lean against the opposite side faces of the platform. In this way, the tabbed portions have the task of applying force required to hold together the different parts of the platform, on opposite sides of the platform. Compared with a platform mounted by means of spiked joints, in where the nails are placed from opposite sides of the platform, the platform according to the invention presents the advantage that it is mounted by means of a complete integrated joint. On the platform according to the invention, the female part is provided with one or more longitudinal ridges on its outer part, whose function is to prevent the rotation of the separator and allow diagonal force absorption, for example, if a truck hits the platform. US 4,128,353 and US 4,267,781 have as a purpose to be used in conjunction with a separator specially designed that defines a hole, and any crest in the outer part of the female part will not have an effect of turn prevention

In a preferred embodiment, the portion with tab is designed so that it extends around the full circumference of the male part and the female part, respectively. However, in alternative embodiments, the portion with tab can be extended around only certain parts of the circumference of the male part and the part female, respectively, for example, in the form of two catches located diametrically with hooks on the cargo deck and on the lower deck, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the spike of the male part is designed with a knurled portion, in where each knurled nerve extends around the spike circumference and has a truncated conical shape. From corresponding way, in the preferred embodiment, the female part It is designed with a knurled portion, in which each nerve of the knurled extends around the circumference of the hole and it is shaped like the enveloping surfaces of the trunk of cone. The knurled nerves shaped like the trunk of a cone of the male and female part, respectively, are adapted to mate with each other and provide a resistance joint solid. In a preferred embodiment, the sectional dimension transverse in the area of the knurling of the male part is, of some  way, greater than the dimension of the hole in the area of the knurling of the female part, since the material preferably it is somewhat elastic and, in terms of resistance, a superior union of the male parts and female if the wall of the female part is subjected to a some tension

However, it is not necessary for both parties male and female have a knurled portion with ribs Truncated conically. One of the parts can be essentially flat and applied to the other side by means of friction. Both parts can also be essentially flat and of conical shape and come into application by friction, it is that is, the spike of the male part can be conical with its diameter greater adjacent to the flanged portion, and the hole of the part female can be tapered with the smallest hole diameter adjacent to the flanged portion, so that the two parts are adjust each other. However, they are the requirements that refer to the characteristics of the platform which determine which of the combinations of the male and female parts is appropriate.

In a preferred embodiment, the portion with tab of the male and female parts, respectively, is found located in recesses on the top and bottom face, respectively, of the platform, to facilitate the stacking of it, to ensure that the union device does not interfere with the load of the platform, and to avoid damage to the portion with tab on it which refers to the handling of the platform or its loading. However, these recesses can be omitted.

In a preferred embodiment, the hole inside of the female part is intern. This facilitates, for example, the dismantling of the platform. As far as this is concerned, the male part can be easily pushed out of the female part from the bottom face of the platform. However, a hole Through interior of the female part is not essential. For example, it would be possible to grab the male part by the flanged portion and pull it out of the female part.

In a preferred embodiment, the platform It also comprises a bottom bottom cover. In this embodiment, the female part is inserted into a through hole in the bottom cover, the bottom cover being connected to the separator and to the cargo deck by means of a male part that it is inserted into the female part from the direction opposite.

The male and female parts can be manufactured with different lengths, depending on the parts of the platform that are included in the union in question. For example, in corner joints of the platform, different parts can consist of the cargo cover, the separator, a cover of bottom bottom, and a crosspiece or crossbar while in other joints, maybe only the cargo cover is included and the cross piece. Some types of platform can be joined only in the corners, and in this case, no models are needed shorter of the male and female parts. The length of the parts male and female, respectively, can be varied in this way, depending on the type of platform to be mounted.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings

The following applies to the drawings, in the which figures 1, 3, and 5 have been drawn on a larger scale in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the platform, mounted in accordance with the invention, wherein the hidden parts of the joining device they are indicated by dashed lines in six of the unions;

Figure 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the male part;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view. of a preferred embodiment of the female part;

Figure 4 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the female part;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a platform joint, according with the invention; Y

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a alternative embodiment of the union.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

First, reference is made to the figure 1, which shows a platform generally designated by 1, with a cargo deck 2 comprising cargo deck boards, separators 3, a bottom cover 4 comprising boards of bottom cover, and 5 cross pieces found located between cargo deck boards and spacers, and that extend parallel to the short side of the platform. In This embodiment, the platform has fifteen unions. In the unions 6, the load cover 2, the cross piece 5, the separator 3 and bottom cover 4 are joined together. In the joints 7, the load cover 2 and the cross piece 5 They are united together.

Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the male part 8, which has a flanged portion 9 in the form of pin and pin 10. In one portion, pin 10 is formed with striator means in the form of stretch marks 11, shaped Trunk conically

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the female part 12, which has a shaped flange portion 13 of pin and a through hole 14, into which the pin 8 of the male part 10 of figure 2. The female part has a portion with groove means in the form of stretch marks 15 on the wall of hole 14, which have the shape of the enveloping surface from the trunk of a cone. Stretch marks 15 point in the opposite direction to that of stretch marks 11 of figure 2, to ensure that the part male 8 and female part 11 can be applied to each other. How consequently, stretch marks are shaped so that the section transverse of the pin 10 of the male part 8 and the hole 14 of the female part are progressively narrowed. In the part female 12, the cross section narrows progressively in the address of portion 13 with tab. The cross section of the male part 8 (figure 2) narrows progressively in the address that separates from portion 9 with tab. In the areas in which stretch marks 11, 15 are joined in the male part 8 as well as in the female part 12, stretch marks 11, 15 are formed with horizontal steps, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male part 8 and the female part 12, intended for engage in the corresponding protruding steps of the corresponding part 8, 12. In its outer part, the female part 12 has a number of crests 16, whose purpose is to prevent rotation of the separator and the connecting device, for example when the  platform is subject to lateral forces diagonals

In order to provide one more illustration clear of the position of the ridges 16, Figure 4 shows a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the female part 12, the hole 14 being in the middle, the portion being located 13 with flange and ridges equidistant around the circumference of the female part 12.

Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a joining a platform according to the invention. In the union shown, cargo cover 2, cross piece 5, the separator 3, and bottom cover 5 are joined together by middle of the male part 8 and the female part 12. The portion knurled 11 of the male part 8 is applied to the portion knurled 15 of the female part 12. The ridges 16 are arranged around the circumference of the female part 12, to prevent the rotation of the component parts of the platform. Portion 9 with tab of the male part 8 and portion 13 with tab of the female part 12 are located in recesses 17, on opposite sides of platform 1, see also figure 1.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the connecting device, in which, the pin 10 of the part male 8 is conical and has 11 stretch marks conically shaped 11, while the female part has a conical hole 14, smooth. The conical shape of the parts ensures that the male part 8 and the female part 12 are pressed together and a secure bond is obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stretch marks 11 formed Trunk conically in the spike 10 of the male part 8, they contribute to the application of the parts to each other and to keep together the parts of the platform, since stretch marks 11 of the part male 8, conformed trunk-shaped, have a larger dimension that the female part 12 and `` stretch '' the female part elastically 12.

When the platform according to the invention it will be mounted first of all the different parts of the platform are pre-drilled in the position of the joints. Subsequently, the parts are moved to their position and the male part 8 and female part 12 from opposite sides of the platform in pre-drilled holes. Preferably, the male part 8 and female part 12 are pressed together with the help of a pressure tool, instead of being pushed jointly. When the platform is going to be dismantled, it is it is preferable that an external force be applied from below to the male part 8 to push the male part out of the female part 12, and for this reason, the hole of the female part preferably It is intern, as in the examples shown. Later, the parts of the platforms can be classified, after which, undamaged parts can be reused as parts of platform. Damaged parts are replaced and rejected and they can, for example, wake up and be used on dashboards particles or as fuel.

Claims (6)

1. A platform comprising at least one upper load cover (2) and spacers (3) attached to the load cover (2), the load cover (2) and each of the spacers (3) being connected by means of a joining device, comprising a female part (12) having an inner hole (14) and a flanged portion (13) at its end, as well as a male part (8) having a pin (10 ) and a flanged portion (9) at its one end, and which by means of its pin (10) can be inserted and applied to the hole (14) of the female part (12) by the application of a force that presses the male part (8) and the female part (12) towards each other and is disconnectable by application of a force in the opposite direction, the female part (12) being inserted into a through hole of the platform and the flanged portions (9, 13) against the opposite side faces of the platform, which is characterized in that the female part (12), outside, is provided with at least one longitudinal crest (16). 2. A platform according to claim 1, characterized in that the pin (10) of the male part (8) has at least one knurled portion, in which each groove (11) has a truncated conical shape 3. A platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the orifice of the female part (12) has a knurled portion, in which each groove (15) has the shape of the envelope surface of the trunk of a cone. 4. A platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner hole (14) of the female part (12) is through. A platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin (10) of the male part (8) is conical in shape, with an increasing diameter towards the flanged portion (9), because the hole (14) of the female part (12) is inversely conical, with a diameter that decreases towards the flanged portion (13). A platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition, it comprises a bottom bottom cover (4), and because the female part (12) is inserted into a through hole in the bottom cover (4).