GB2609084A

GB2609084A - A press

Info

Publication number: GB2609084A
Application number: GB2208106.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Sankey Philip
Original assignee: Engineered Timber Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Engineered Timber Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-01
Filing date: 2022-06-01
Publication date: 2023-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2042-06-01
Also published as: GB202208106D0; GB2609084B

Abstract

A press table for pressing connection plated into a timber roof truss comprises a substantially planar and elongate support surface for support a timber roof truss, a plurality of spaced apart and substantially parallel elongate openings each extending at least partially across the support surface, a plurality of elongate cover members 118 each selectively moveable between a closed position wherein each member is coplanar with the surface and an open position, and a plurality of elongate roller members 121 moveable between a retracted position wherein each roller is located below a respective cover members in the closed position, and a deployed position wherein each roller is located above its respective cover member in the open position. A method of manufacturing a timber roof truss using the press table is further provided. The working area of the truss is increased and the likelihood of flex during the pressing operation is reduced.

Description

A PRESS

The present invention relates to a press for fixing connection plates across joints of a timber roof truss and in particular, but not exclusively, to a press table for a roof truss press.

Conventional timber roof trusses are made from straight lengths of timber joined together in triangular shapes to support the weight of a roof and transfer the load evenly to the outer load-bearing walls of the building. A convention roof truss typically includes a horizontal lower chord member, a pair of opposed and angled upper chord members, and one or more web members extending between the lower chord and a respective one of the upper chords to add strength. The timber members are arranged and abutted together in their respective positions and orientations. Metal connection plates are then pressed into the timber across each joint and on each side of the truss to securely connect the timber members together.

To press the connection plates into the timber on each side of each joint, the truss is laid flat on a press table and fixed in a desired position and orientation thereon by retaining members called 'pucks' which are selectively moveable along respective tracks in the press table to engage the outer surface of the lower and upper chord members and prevent the assembled truss moving on the press table during pressing. Manual clamps may also be used to secure the truss in position on the press table. The connection plates are located across the respective joints and pressed into the timber by a hydraulically-operated press head which applies a load to each plate of around 25 to 50 tonnes to drive it securely into the timber. Each connection plate is typically made from at least -I mm thick galvanised steel which is punched from one side to create a plurality of teeth extending from the other side of the plate which are driven into the timber.

After pressing connection plates across all joints, it is known for spaced apart rollers to automatically extend upwardly from the press table to raise the roof truss from the table and to allow the truss to be then transported off the press table by the rollers. The above steps are then repeated for the next roof truss. However, if the press head was to press a connection plate into the timber located directly above a roller opening, the timber would not be supported and could flex during the pressing operation resulting in poor or incomplete fixing of the connection plate into the timber. Furthermore, the relatively wide openings extending laterally across the press table from which each roller extends to lift the truss from the press table limit the effective working area of the press head which undesirably increases setup time and compromises efficiency and output.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a roof truss press table configured to reduce setup time and increase efficiency and output when pressing connection plates into timber roof trusses.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a roof truss press table that efficiently supports a roof truss during the pressing operation and maximises the working area on which the truss can be placed and against which a 15 press head can work.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a press table for pressing connection plates into a timber roof truss, comprising: a substantially planar and elongate support surface for supporting a timber roof truss; a plurality of spaced apart and substantially parallel elongate openings each extending at least partially across the support surface; a plurality of elongate cover members each selectively moveable between a closed position wherein each cover member is coplanar with the support surface and an open position; and a plurality of elongate roller members each selectively moveable between a retracted position wherein each roller member is located below a respective one of the cover members when in the closed position, and a deployed position wherein each roller member is located above its respective cover member when in the open position.

Optionally, each roller member is configured to urge its respective cover member from the closed position towards the open position when moving from the retracted position towards the deployed position.

Optionally, each cover member is configured to move upwardly and forwardly towards an output end of the press table when moved towards the open position.

Optionally, each cover member substantially follows an arc of a circle when moving between the closed and open positions.

Optionally, each elongate cover member is pivotally coupled to a support structure below the support surface by at least one first linkage member pivotally coupled proximal to a first end region of the cover member and at least one second linkage member pivotally coupled proximal to a second end region of the cover member opposed to the first end region.

Optionally, each cover member is pivotally coupled to the support structure by at least one third linkage member located between the first and second linkage members.

Optionally, the first and second linkage members are substantially elongate.

Optionally, a first end region of the first and second elongate linkage members is pivotally coupled to the support structure and a second end region of the first and second elongate linkage members is pivotally coupled to a rear underside region of the cover member.

Optionally, a first end region of the at least one third linkage member is pivotally coupled to the support structure and a second end region of the at least one third linkage member is pivotally coupled to a forward underside region of the cover member.

Optionally, the at least one third linkage member comprises a plurality of spaced apart third linkage members located between the first and second linkage members.

Optionally, the at least one third linkage member comprises a main portion and opposed arm portions extending therefrom to define a C-shaped linkage member.

Optionally, the roller member engages the C-shaped linkage member as the roller member is moved towards the deployed position to urge the cover member towards the open position.

Optionally, the roller member engages a plate attached to the main portion of the C-shaped linkage member as it is moved towards the deployed position.

Optionally, the plate comprises an angled tab portion configured to engage the roller 10 member when it is moved from the deployed position towards the retracted position to thereby urge the cover member towards the closed position.

Optionally, each roller member is selectively moved between the retracted position and the deployed position by a linear actuator.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a truss press comprising a press table according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a timber roof truss, comprising: locating an assembled timber roof truss on a substantially planar and elongate support surface of a press table; pressing a connection plate into the roof truss and across a joint of the roof truss with a press head located above the press table; moving a plurality of elongate cover members from a closed position wherein each cover member is coplanar with the support surface to an open position to thereby lift the roof truss off the support surface; and moving a plurality of elongate roller members from a retracted position wherein each roller member is located below a respective one of the cover members when in the closed position to a deployed position wherein each roller member is located above its respective cover member when in the open position to thereby lift the roof truss off each cover member and further away from the support surface.

Optionally, the method comprises urging each cover member from the closed position to the open position by a respective one of the roller members when moving from the retracted position to the deployed position.

Optionally, the method comprises moving each cover member upwardly and forwardly towards an output end of the press table when moved towards the open position.

Optionally, the method comprises engaging each roller member with at least one 10 linkage member pivotally coupling the cover member to a support structure below the support surface when the roller member is moving towards the deployed position to thereby urge the cover member towards the open position.

Optionally, the method comprises engaging each roller member with a plate attached 15 to the at least one linkage member to move the cover member towards the open position as the roller member is moved towards the deployed position.

Optionally, the method comprises engaging the at least one linkage member with the roller member when the same is moved towards the retracted position to thereby simultaneously urge the cover member towards the closed position.

Optionally, the method comprises engaging each roller member with a tab portion extending from the at least one linkage member to thereby urge the cover member towards the closed position when the roller member is returned from the deployed position towards the retracted position.

Optionally, the method comprises moving each roller member between the retracted position and the deployed position by a linear actuator.

Optionally, the method comprises rotating the roller members to transport the roof truss towards an output end of the press table.

Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a press table according to certain embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the press table of Figure 1; Figure 3a illustrates a side view of a linkage arrangement coupling a cover member of the press table of Figures 1 and 2 to a support structure thereof, wherein the cover member is in a closed position and a roller assembly of the press table is in a retracted position; Figure 3b illustrates a side view showing the cover member being moved towards an open position by the roller assembly as it is moved towards a deployed position; Figure Sc illustrates a side view showing the cover member in the open position and the roller assembly in the deployed position; Figure 3d illustrates a side view showing the cover member being moved back towards the closed position by the roller assembly as it is returned towards the retracted position; Figure 4 illustrates a C-shaped linkage member of the linkage arrangement of Figures 3a to 3d; and Figure 5 illustrates the press table of Figure 1 when the cover member is being moved back towards the closed position by the roller assembly.

Detailed Description

As illustrated in Figure 1, a section 100 of a roof truss press table according to certain embodiments of the present invention includes a substantially horizontal upper portion 102 providing a flat support surface 104 for supporting an assembled roof truss (not shown). The upper portion 102 includes a frame of elongate members 106, such as steel beams, and a plurality of elongate sheets 108 mounted thereon to provide the flat support surface 104. The upper portion 102 is supported and secured to the floor by legs 110. Three spaced apart and parallel tracks 112 are provided across the section 100 (which is in the lateral direction when a number of the sections 100 are connected together to form an elongate table having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the tracks 112), i.e. between adjacent ones of the elongate sheets 108. Each track 112 slidably supports a retaining member 114 proximal to each end of the track, wherein each retaining member 114 is configured to be selectively moved along the track to engage a roof truss to be pressed and then secured in position to thereby prevent the truss moving, at least longitudinally and laterally with respect to the support surface 104, during the pressing operation. Each retaining member 114 comprises a cylindrical boss which is controllably driven along its respective track by a leadscrew operably coupled to a controller.

Alternatively, each retaining member may be coupled to a clamp plate by a bolt wherein the clamp plate slides along the track when the bolt is manually loosened and is secured in a desired position to the track by manually tightening the bolt. Further alternatively, or additionally, other arrangements for retaining the truss in a desired position on the press table during pressing may be used, such as one or more right-angled brackets for engaging one side of a timber member, e.g. the lower chord member, and a cam member for engaging the other side of the timber member and clamping the timber member between the cam member when in a locked position and the bracket.

An elongate roller opening 116 is provided between and substantially parallel with adjacent ones of the tracks 112 and extends substantially across the table section 100. Each section 100 has two roller openings 116 but may have more or less than two roller openings as desired or required.

As illustrated in Figure 1, an elongate cover member 118 closes each respective roller opening 116 to thereby provide a substantially continuous and planar support surface 104 for supporting a roof truss during a pressing operation and maximising the supporting area of the press table.

As illustrated in Figure 2, each elongate cover member 118 is automatically moveable from a closed position to an open position wherein the cover member 118 is vertically offset from the opening, i.e. not directly above the opening. When in the open position, each cover member 118 is forward of its respective opening with respect to a direction of travel between input and output of a roof truss in relation to the press table. Therefore, when each cover member 118 is automatically moved from the closed position towards the open position after the pressing operation is complete, the roof truss is lifted upwardly and forwardly by the cover members 118 and away from the support surface 104.

A roller assembly 120 including an elongate roller member 121 and a linear actuator 122 is mounted to the support structure of the press table, i.e. the frame of elongate members 106, below each respective elongate opening 116. Each roller member 121 is selectively moveable by its respective linear actuator 122 between a retracted position wherein the roller member is located below the corresponding opening 116 and the support surface 104 and a deployed position wherein the roller member is located above the corresponding opening 116 and the support surface 104. When in the deployed position, each roller member 121 extends upwardly beyond its respective cover member 118 to thereby further lift the roof truss upwardly and off the cover members 118. The pressed roof truss can now be controllably transported in the output direction and away from the press table by driving the roller members 121 via independent motors for example. Alternatively, the roller members may not be motorised and may freewheel to allow the roof truss to be manually rolled away from the press table in the output direction.

A new unpressed roof truss can then be input onto the roller members 121 before the roller assemblies 120 are automatically lowered. The roller assemblies 120 can then be lowered and the roof truss is transferred to the cover members as the roller members move below the cover members and into their respective openings 116.

Simultaneously, the cover members 118 move downwardly and backwardly towards the closed position. The cover members continue moving towards the closed position to locate the unpressed truss on the planar support surface 104 for pressing connection plates into the new truss. Alternatively, and preferably, the roller members and the cover members may move to their respective retracted and closed positions before a new unpressed truss is input on to the press table.

In view of the cover members 118 providing a substantially continuous and planar support surface 104, the position and orientation of each unpressed roof truss when input on to the press table is no longer limited as it is with conventional truss presses and the press can be used substantially anywhere on the table which reduces setup time and maximises efficiency and output.

As illustrated in Figure 3a, each cover member 118 is pivotally coupled to the table support structure below the support surface 104 by a linkage arrangement. The linkage arrangement includes a pair of substantially elongate linkage members 126 located proximal to each end of the cover member 118 and a plurality of substantially C-shaped linkage members 128 spaced apart along the length of the cover member 118 and located between the pair of elongate linkage members 126. A first end of each elongate linkage member 126 is pivotally coupled by pin A to the table support structure and the second end of each elongate linkage member 126 is pivotally coupled by pin B to a rear underside region of the cover member 118. A first end of each C-shaped linkage member 128 is pivotally coupled by pin C to the table support structure and the second end of each C-shaped linkage member 128 is pivotally coupled by pin D to a forward underside region of the cover member 118. The pivot pins A-D are axially retained in their respective holes by R-clips or the like. This linkage arrangement allows the cover member 118 to remain substantially horizontal when moving between the closed and open positions, and also forwardly when moving upwardly towards the open position. Each C-shaped linkage member 128 is configured to accommodate the adjacent support sheet 108 of the table when the cover member 118 is in the open position, as illustrated in Figure 3d.

As illustrated in Figure 4, each C-shaped linkage member 128 includes a plate 130 attached, such as by welding, to the outer edge of the upright portion 132 of the C-shape profile which extends between the upper arm 134 and the lower arm 136 of the C-shape profile. The plate is substantially rectangular but may be square or the like, and is centrally located on the C-shaped linkage. The plate 130 includes a main portion 131 which is substantially parallel with the upright portion 132 of the linkage member 128 and an angled tab portion 133. Aptly, the tab portion 133 is angled by around 120 degrees with respect to the main portion 131. Aptly, the tab portion 133 is supported by an angled portion 135 of the linkage member 128.

As illustrated in Figure 3a, the roller member 121 of the roller assembly 120 engages with the main portion 131 of the plate 130 near its upper edge when the roller assembly is retracted and the cover member 118 is closed.

As illustrated in Figure 3b, as each roller member 121 is simultaneously translated upwardly towards the deployed position by its respective linear actuator, it pushes against the underside of the main portion 131 of the plate 130 of each C-shaped linkage member 128 to thereby start lifting the cover member 118 from the closed position towards the open position. In view of the configuration of the linkage arrangement, the C-shaped linkage member 128 is rotated upwardly (and counterclockwise as illustrated in Figure 3b) such that the main portion 131 of the plate 130 rolls over the roller member 121 which in turn effectively rolls down the underside of the main portion 131 of the plate 130 towards the tab portion 133 of the plate 130 as the roller member 121 continues to move vertically upwardly towards its deployed position. In turn, the cover member 118 is urged upwardly and forwardly towards its open position.

As illustrated in Figure 3c, when the cover member 118 is in the open position, the roller member 121 continues to move upwardly until it reaches the deployed position which is above the cover member 118 in its open position. As the closure member 118 approaches the open position, a centre of gravity of the cover member 118 is forward of a combined pivot point of the linkage arrangement and therefore the cover member remains in the open position under its own weight and without any external forces or engagement. Alternatively, the roller assembly 120 may engage the cover member 118 to keep it in the open position.

As the roller members move upwardly beyond their respective cover members, the pressed roof truss is lifted from the cover members and is supported on the roller members which can then be operated to transport the pressed truss in the output direction and off the press. Alternatively, the roller members may not be motorised and the pressed roof truss may be manually rolled along the roller members and off the press.

As illustrated in Figure 3c, when the cover member 118 is in the open position, the main portion 131 of the plate 130 of each C-shaped linkage member 128 is close to, if not substantially, vertically oriented to allow some clearance for the roller member 121 to move from the deployed position towards the retracted position.

As illustrated in Figures 3d and 5, the roller member 121 engages the angled tab portion 133 of the plate 130 of each C-shaped linkage member 128 as the roller assembly 120 is moved downwardly towards its retracted position which in turn urges the cover member 118 towards the closed position. The main portion 131 of the plate 130 of each C-shaped linkage member 128 rests on the roller member 121 and the cover member 118 follows the descending roller assembly 120 under the influence of gravity alone towards the closed position.

Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a press table for reducing setup time and increasing efficiency and output when pressing connection plates into timber roof trusses. The press table efficiently supports a roof truss during the pressing operation and maximises the working area against which the press head operates. The press table allows an unpressed roof truss input onto the press table to be positioned substantially anywhere thereon whilst allowing the press head to work above substantially all of the support surface. The press table according to certain embodiments of the present invention at least reduces, if not eliminates, the risk of a timber roof truss flexing during a pressing operation and in turn ensures each connection plate is securely and positively pressed into the timber each and every time. The pressing operation is consistent and efficient resulting in less energy being consumed and wastage being created.

Claims

Claims 1. A press table for pressing connection plates into a timber roof truss, comprising: a substantially planar and elongate support surface for supporting a timber roof truss; a plurality of spaced apart and substantially parallel elongate openings each extending at least partially across the support surface; a plurality of elongate cover members each selectively moveable between a closed position wherein each cover member is coplanar with the support surface and an open position; and a plurality of elongate roller members each selectively moveable between a retracted position wherein each roller member is located below a respective one of the cover members when in the closed position, and a deployed position wherein each roller member is located above its respective cover member when in the open position. 2. 3. 4. 5.
The press table according to claim 1, wherein each roller member is configured to urge its respective cover member from the closed position towards the open position when moving from the retracted position towards the deployed position.
The press table according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each cover member is configured to move upwardly and forwardly towards an output end of the press table when moved towards the open position.
The press table according to claim 3, wherein each cover member substantially follows an arc of a circle when moving between the closed and open positions.
The press table according to any preceding claim, wherein each elongate cover member is pivotally coupled to a support structure below the support surface by at least one first linkage member pivotally coupled proximal to a first end region of the cover member and at least one second linkage member pivotally coupled 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.proximal to a second end region of the cover member opposed to the first end region.
The press table according to claim 5, wherein each cover member is pivotally coupled to the support structure by at least one third linkage member located between the first and second linkage members.
The press table according to claim 6, wherein the first and second linkage members are substantially elongate.
The press table according to claim 7, wherein a first end region of the first and second elongate linkage members is pivotally coupled to the support structure and a second end region of the first and second elongate linkage members is pivotally coupled to a rear underside region of the cover member.
The press table according to claim 8, wherein a first end region of the at least one third linkage member is pivotally coupled to the support structure and a second end region of the at least one third linkage member is pivotally coupled to a forward underside region of the cover member.
The press table according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the at least one third linkage member comprises a plurality of spaced apart third linkage members located between the first and second linkage members.
The press table according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the at least one third linkage member comprises a main portion and opposed arm portions extending therefrom to define a C-shaped linkage member.
The press table according to claim 11, wherein the roller member engages the C-shaped linkage member as the roller member is moved towards the deployed position to urge the cover member towards the open position.
The press table according to claim 12, wherein the roller member engages a plate attached to the main portion of the C-shaped linkage member as it is moved towards the deployed position.
14. The press table according to claim 13, wherein the plate comprises an angled tab portion configured to engage the roller member when it is moved from the deployed position towards the retracted position to thereby urge the cover member towards the closed position.
15. The press table according to any preceding claim, wherein each roller member is selectively moved between the retracted position and the deployed position by a linear actuator.
16. A truss press comprising a press table according to any preceding claim.
17. A method of manufacturing a timber roof truss, comprising: locating an assembled timber roof truss on a substantially planar and elongate support surface of a press table; pressing a connection plate into the roof truss and across a joint of the roof truss with a press head located above the press table; moving a plurality of elongate cover members from a closed position wherein each cover member is coplanar with the support surface to an open position to thereby lift the roof truss off the support surface; and moving a plurality of elongate roller members from a retracted position wherein each roller member is located below a respective one of the cover members when in the closed position to a deployed position wherein each roller member is located above its respective cover member when in the open position to thereby lift the roof truss off each cover member and further away from the support surface.
18. The method according to claim 17, comprising urging each cover member from the closed position to the open position by a respective one of the roller members when moving from the retracted position to the deployed position.
19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, comprising moving each cover member upwardly and forwardly towards an output end of the press table when moved towards the open position.
20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, comprising engaging each roller member with at least one linkage member pivotally coupling the cover member to a support structure below the support surface when the roller member is moving towards the deployed position to thereby urge the cover member towards the open position.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.The method according to claim 20, comprising engaging each roller member with a plate attached to the at least one linkage member to move the cover member towards the open position as the roller member is moved towards the deployed position.The method according to claim 20 or 21, comprising engaging the at least one linkage member with the roller member when the same is moved towards the retracted position to thereby simultaneously urge the cover member towards the closed position.The method according to claim 20, comprising engaging each roller member with a tab portion extending from the at least one linkage member to thereby urge the cover member towards the closed position when the roller member is returned from the deployed position towards the retracted position.The method according to any of claims 17 to 23, comprising moving each roller member between the retracted position and the deployed position by a linear actuator.The method according to any of claims 17 to 24, comprising rotating the roller members to transport the roof truss towards an output end of the press table.