GB2139771A - Weighbridge support - Google Patents

Abstract

A weighbridge installation comprises a weighbridge 1 having a load platform 2 supported on a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart load cells 4, each having an upper end on which the load platform 2 is supported and a lower end 5 supported on a base support element 6 spaced apart from said load platform 2. Each base support element 6 is nestingly received in a respective recess 10 in a weighbridge foundation 12, and is formed and dimensioned relative to said recess 10 so that with said recess, there is defined a securing zone 13 between the base 9 and sides 14 of said base support element 6 and the recess 10, in which is disposed grouting material 15. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Weighbridge support This invention relates to a weighbridge suitable for use in checking the weight of a vehicle.

In order to achieve the necessary high standard of accuracy required in aweighbridge it is important to ensure that the load platform be able to move completely freely in a vertical direction without the interference of any laterally acting e.g. frictional interference forces. In practice the load platform is usually supported on a plurality of spaced apart load cells supported in turn on base plates securely anchored to a suitable foundation. The installation of such systems involves careful positioning and formation of anchor-receiving means which may involve precision drilling in heavy concrete founda tionsfollowed by insertion and securing of the anchor means.

It is an object of the present invention to avoid one or more of the above disadvantages.

The present invention provides a weighbridge installation comprising a weigh bridge having a load platform structure supported on a plurality of horizontally spaced apart load cells, each said load cell having an upper end on which the load platform structure is supported and a lower end supported on a base support element spaced apart from said load platform structure, said base support element being nestingly received in a respective recess in a weighbridge foundation support, said base support element having a plurality of horizontally spaced apart downwardly extending projections constituting spacer means and being formed and dimensioned relative to said recess so that with said recess, there is defined a securing zone between the base and sides of said base support element and the recess, in which securing zone is disposed grouting material inserted thereinto.

With a weighbridge installation of the present invention the preparation of the foundation required prior to installation of the weigh bridge platform is considerably simplified thereby saving on time and labour and hence cost, it being only necessary to provide a simple form of recess in the foundation the dimemsionsand position of which do not require to be precisely determined, and then inserting the base support element and grouting it in. We have found that since in practice the base support element is subjected substantially only to a vertically downwards loading, especially when using displacement resistance means such as provided in our copending application titled " Weighbridge Stop" of even filing date, securing thereof in accordance with the present invention is quite satisfactory.

Further preferred features and advantages of the present invention will appearfrom the following detailed description given by way of example of a preferred embodiment illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is a detailed sectional side elevation showing one load cell and support of a weighbridge of the present inventIon Figure 1 shows a welghbrldge 1 having a platform structure 2 with a plurality of downwardly disposed seating members 3 (only one shown) through which the platform is disposed on respective horizontally spaced apart load cells 4. The lower end 5 of each load cell rests on base support element 6 through which extend vertically downards a plurality of horizontally spaced apart bolts 7.The bolts 7 engage nuts 8 welded to and projecting downwardly from the base 9 of the base support element 6 so that with the nuts 8 resting on the bottom 11 of a flatbottomed recess 10 in a concrete foundation 12, the base 9 is always supported clear of the recess bottom 11. Also the width of the recess 10 is greater than that of the base support element 6 so that a securing zone 13 extends substantially around the base 9 and sides 14 of the base support element 6.

The securing zone 13 is filled with grouting material 15 to secure the base support element 6 in position As already indicated the base support element is subjected substantially only to downward loading so that the retaining strength of the grouting against lateral or upward displacement of the base support element need be only quite minimal. Thus more or less any readily available grouting may be used.

The recess 10 may be readily formed by being 'cast-in' when the foundation 12 is laid or may be more or less easily post-formed by drilling or other suitable machining, without the need though for precise positioning and dimensioning.

When the foundation 12 and recesses 10 are ready for receiving the platform 2, dummy load cells are secured to the base of the platform in place of the normally used ones and the base support elements 6 secured thereto in turn. The platform is then manoeuvred into position with the base support elements disposed in respective recesses 10 and the platform then accurately levelled with the aid of suitable packing between the platform and other parts of the foundation. In some cases it will be appreciated there may be a gap between the projections and the bottom of the recess but this is not of any consequence since any such gap will be filled with grouting which is now inserted. Once the grouting has firmly set the dummy load cells are removed and the proper load cells introduced in their place.

1. Aweighbridge installation comprising a weighbridge having a load platform structure supported on a plurality of horizontally spaced apart load cells, each said load cell having an upper end on which the load platform structure is supported and a lower end supported on a base support element spaced apart from said load platform structure, said base support element being nestingly received in a respective recess in a weighbridge foundation support, said base support element having horizontally extending projection means constituting spacer means and being formed and dimensIoned relative to said recess so that with said recess, there is deflned a securing zone between the base and sides of said base support element and the recess, in which securing zone is disposed grouting

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (4)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Weighbridge support This invention relates to a weighbridge suitable for use in checking the weight of a vehicle. In order to achieve the necessary high standard of accuracy required in aweighbridge it is important to ensure that the load platform be able to move completely freely in a vertical direction without the interference of any laterally acting e.g. frictional interference forces. In practice the load platform is usually supported on a plurality of spaced apart load cells supported in turn on base plates securely anchored to a suitable foundation. The installation of such systems involves careful positioning and formation of anchor-receiving means which may involve precision drilling in heavy concrete founda tionsfollowed by insertion and securing of the anchor means. It is an object of the present invention to avoid one or more of the above disadvantages. The present invention provides a weighbridge installation comprising a weigh bridge having a load platform structure supported on a plurality of horizontally spaced apart load cells, each said load cell having an upper end on which the load platform structure is supported and a lower end supported on a base support element spaced apart from said load platform structure, said base support element being nestingly received in a respective recess in a weighbridge foundation support, said base support element having a plurality of horizontally spaced apart downwardly extending projections constituting spacer means and being formed and dimensioned relative to said recess so that with said recess, there is defined a securing zone between the base and sides of said base support element and the recess, in which securing zone is disposed grouting material inserted thereinto. With a weighbridge installation of the present invention the preparation of the foundation required prior to installation of the weigh bridge platform is considerably simplified thereby saving on time and labour and hence cost, it being only necessary to provide a simple form of recess in the foundation the dimemsionsand position of which do not require to be precisely determined, and then inserting the base support element and grouting it in. We have found that since in practice the base support element is subjected substantially only to a vertically downwards loading, especially when using displacement resistance means such as provided in our copending application titled " Weighbridge Stop" of even filing date, securing thereof in accordance with the present invention is quite satisfactory. Further preferred features and advantages of the present invention will appearfrom the following detailed description given by way of example of a preferred embodiment illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is a detailed sectional side elevation showing one load cell and support of a weighbridge of the present inventIon Figure 1 shows a welghbrldge 1 having a platform structure 2 with a plurality of downwardly disposed seating members 3 (only one shown) through which the platform is disposed on respective horizontally spaced apart load cells 4. The lower end 5 of each load cell rests on base support element 6 through which extend vertically downards a plurality of horizontally spaced apart bolts 7.The bolts 7 engage nuts 8 welded to and projecting downwardly from the base 9 of the base support element 6 so that with the nuts 8 resting on the bottom 11 of a flatbottomed recess 10 in a concrete foundation 12, the base 9 is always supported clear of the recess bottom 11. Also the width of the recess 10 is greater than that of the base support element 6 so that a securing zone 13 extends substantially around the base 9 and sides 14 of the base support element 6. The securing zone 13 is filled with grouting material 15 to secure the base support element 6 in position As already indicated the base support element is subjected substantially only to downward loading so that the retaining strength of the grouting against lateral or upward displacement of the base support element need be only quite minimal. Thus more or less any readily available grouting may be used. The recess 10 may be readily formed by being 'cast-in' when the foundation 12 is laid or may be more or less easily post-formed by drilling or other suitable machining, without the need though for precise positioning and dimensioning. When the foundation 12 and recesses 10 are ready for receiving the platform 2, dummy load cells are secured to the base of the platform in place of the normally used ones and the base support elements 6 secured thereto in turn. The platform is then manoeuvred into position with the base support elements disposed in respective recesses 10 and the platform then accurately levelled with the aid of suitable packing between the platform and other parts of the foundation. In some cases it will be appreciated there may be a gap between the projections and the bottom of the recess but this is not of any consequence since any such gap will be filled with grouting which is now inserted. Once the grouting has firmly set the dummy load cells are removed and the proper load cells introduced in their place. CLAIMS

1. Aweighbridge installation comprising a weighbridge having a load platform structure supported on a plurality of horizontally spaced apart load cells, each said load cell having an upper end on which the load platform structure is supported and a lower end supported on a base support element spaced apart from said load platform structure, said base support element being nestingly received in a respective recess in a weighbridge foundation support, said base support element having horizontally extending projection means constituting spacer means and being formed and dimensIoned relative to said recess so that with said recess, there is deflned a securing zone between the base and sides of said base support element and the recess, in which securing zone is disposed grouting material inserted thereinto.

2. Aweighbridge installation according to claim 1 wherein the base support element has a recess in its upper surface for receiving the lower end of a respective load cell.

3. Aweighbridge installation according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the projection means are in the form of nuts secured to the underside of the base support element and engaged by bolt means extending downwardly through said base support element.

4. Aweighbridge substantially as described hereinbefore with particular reference to the accompanying drawing.