NZ722175B2 - Load carrying platform shuttle - Google Patents
Load carrying platform shuttle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ722175B2 NZ722175B2 NZ722175A NZ72217515A NZ722175B2 NZ 722175 B2 NZ722175 B2 NZ 722175B2 NZ 722175 A NZ722175 A NZ 722175A NZ 72217515 A NZ72217515 A NZ 72217515A NZ 722175 B2 NZ722175 B2 NZ 722175B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- carriage
- ramp
- cam
- load carrying
- carrying platform
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000011068 load Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 69
- 230000003068 static Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 230000037250 Clearance Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000035512 clearance Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000011079 streamline operation Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000003014 reinforcing Effects 0.000 description 13
- 210000001331 Nose Anatomy 0.000 description 10
- 238000009408 flooring Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 5
- 210000003128 Head Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000000887 Face Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 101700015817 LAT2 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004642 transportation engineering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G69/00—Auxiliary measures taken, or devices used, in connection with loading or unloading
- B65G69/22—Horizontal loading or unloading platforms
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G3/00—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height
- E04G3/28—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms
- E04G2003/283—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms mobile horizontally
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G21/00—Preparing, conveying, or working-up building materials or building elements in situ; Other devices or measures for constructional work
- E04G21/14—Conveying or assembling building elements
- E04G21/16—Tools or apparatus
- E04G21/166—Landings, receiving platforms
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G3/00—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height
- E04G3/28—Mobile scaffolds; Scaffolds with mobile platforms
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G5/00—Component parts or accessories for scaffolds
- E04G5/001—Safety or protective measures against falling down relating to scaffoldings
Abstract
The load carrying platform shuttle (10) has a static frame (12) that defines a cam surface (92). A carriage (14) is arranged to telescope into the static frame. A ramp (4) has an outboard edge rotatably connected to the carriage (14). A cam follower (54) is disposed on the ramp (54) so as to engage with the cam surface (92). The cam surface (92) and the cam follower (104) cooperate such that an inboard edge of the ramp (54) is automatically maintained at an elevated height whilst the carriage (14) is disposed intermediate of an extended position and a retracted position and such that the inboard edge of the ramp (54) is automatically maintained at a lowered (10) height whilst the carriage (14) is at the retracted position. The static frame is constructed from I-beams (16) that are reinforced to increase their resistance to the bending moment applied by the carriage (14) whilst it is in the extended position. It would be advantageous to develop features to mobile work platforms that streamline operations and improve safety or load carrying capacity. To this end, the invention creates a more efficient load carrying platform shuttle on rails with a ramp that is engaged with the wheels or cam followers to raise and lower that ramp easily. with the cam surface (92). The cam surface (92) and the cam follower (104) cooperate such that an inboard edge of the ramp (54) is automatically maintained at an elevated height whilst the carriage (14) is disposed intermediate of an extended position and a retracted position and such that the inboard edge of the ramp (54) is automatically maintained at a lowered (10) height whilst the carriage (14) is at the retracted position. The static frame is constructed from I-beams (16) that are reinforced to increase their resistance to the bending moment applied by the carriage (14) whilst it is in the extended position. It would be advantageous to develop features to mobile work platforms that streamline operations and improve safety or load carrying capacity. To this end, the invention creates a more efficient load carrying platform shuttle on rails with a ramp that is engaged with the wheels or cam followers to raise and lower that ramp easily.
Description
Load Carrying rm Shuttle
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a platform shuttle for use in a variety of
commercial load carrying applications, such as in the construction of multi-storey
buildings, in the warehousing ry and in the transport ry, where
temporary or permanent use is required. The present invention also relates to a
load ng platform shuttle that embodies certain improvements over movable
work platforms of the prior art.
Background
Movable work platforms (also known as loading platforms, transportation
platforms or construction platforms) are commonly used in multi-storey
construction sites for the loading and unloading of building and other materials to
and from a given working level of the building under uction. Such work
platforms are secured within the building and can move between a retracted
configuration and an extended uration. In the extended configuration, the
platform protrudes from the ng and acts as a loading deck for crane loads to
be loaded onto, and unloaded from, the platform.
It has been appreciated by the inventor of the current application that it would be
ageous to develop features that may be incorporated within mobile work
platforms that serve to streamline operations, improve the safety of operation
and/or that improve arrying capacity.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least substantially
ameliorate, shortcomings of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a load
carrying platform shuttle comprising: a static frame securable to a mounting
location, the static frame defining a cam surface; a carriage ed to telescope
into the static frame between an extended position wherein at least a majority of
the carriage is outboard of the mounting location and a retracted position wherein
at least a ty of the carriage is inboard of the mounting location; a ramp
having an outboard edge rotatably connected to the carriage; and a cam follower
disposed on the ramp so as to engage with the cam surface; wherein the cam
surface and the cam follower cooperate such that an inboard edge of the ramp is
automatically maintained at an elevated height whilst the carriage is disposed
intermediate of the extended position and the ted position; and wherein the
cam e and the cam follower cooperate such that the inboard edge of the
ramp is automatically maintained at a lowered height whilst the carriage is at the
retracted position.
Preferably the cam surface and cam follower cooperate such that the inboard edge
of the ramp is automatically maintained at the lowered height whilst the carriage
is at the extended position.
In one ment the cam surface extends n an outboard end that is
ate the cam er when the carriage is disposed in the extended position
and an inboard end that is proximate the cam follower when the carriage is
disposed in the retracted position. In this embodiment the cam e defines a
first ramped portion at the outboard end and a second ramped n at the
inboard end and the first and second ramped portions are connected by an
intermediate elongate straight portion.
Preferably the mounting location is a planar surface and the lowered height is
such that the d edge of the ramp abuts the planar e. Preferably the
elevated height is such that a clearance gap is maintained between the inboard
edge of the ramp and the planar surface.
In one ment the cam follower es a roller positioned so as to rollingly
engage the cam surface.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method
of using a load carrying platform shuttle as described above, the method including
the steps of: loading a load onto the carriage whilst the carriage is positioned in
the extended position; displacing the carriage towards the retracted position such
that the cam and cam follower cooperate to automatically maintain the distal end
of the ramp at the elevated ; and unloading the load from the ge whilst
the ge is oned in the retracted position such that the cam and cam
follower cooperate to automatically maintain the distal end of the ramp at the
lowered .
In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a load carrying
platform shuttle comprising: a static frame securable to a mounting location, the
static frame defining a beam; and a carriage having a roller arranged to roll along
said beam during displacement of the carriage between an extended position
wherein at least a majority of the carriage is outboard of the mounting location
and a retracted position wherein at least a majority of the carriage is inboard of the
ng location; wherein reinforcing is disposed on the beam so as to increase
the resistance of the beam to a g moment applied by the carriage to the
beam whilst the carriage is in the extended position.
In this embodiment the reinforcing includes a plate disposed on an upper surface
of the beam. Preferably the plate is welded to the upper surface.
In one embodiment the beam is an I-beam having upper and lower flanges and a
web portion extending intermediate the upper and lower flanges. In this
embodiment the I-beam includes a plurality of gussets spaced along the I-beam
such that each gusset is perpendicular to, and extends along, the web portion
between the upper and lower flanges and n the reinforcing includes at least
one plate ed generally parallel to, and spaced apart from, the web portion so
as to extend between two adjacent gussets. In this embodiment the plate, flange
and web portion together define a U-shaped channel.
In one embodiment the reinforcing is disposed on between 10% and 60% of the
length of the beam. In another embodiment the reinforcing is disposed on a
length of the beam that is between 500 mm and 3500 mm.
For the embodiment in which the beam is I-shaped, the roller may be disposed
proximate to an inboard end of the carriage and the roller may bear against the
upper flange of the I-beam and the reinforcing is disposed on the I-beam in the
region in which the roller engages the upper flange of the I-beam when the
carriage is in the extended position.
Preferably the rcing plate has a thickness of between 5 mm and 15 mm.
In a red embodiment a thening ion g a lower surface is
disposed along a bottom of the carriage and an outboard end of the beam includes
a roller positioned to rollingly support substantially the full width of the underside
of the strengthening formation.
Summary of the Drawings
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
is an upper perspective view of a load ng platform shuttle
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the movable carriage
of the shuttle being in the extended position;
is a lower perspective view of the e;
is another lower perspective view of the shuttle;
is a lower ctive view of a portion of the shuttle;
is an upper perspective view of portions of the side I-beams that constitute
part of the static frame of the shuttle;
is an upper perspective view of a portion of a side I-beam that constitutes
part of the static frame of the shuttle, with a portion of the moveable carriage
being depicted in the extended position; and
is another upper perspective view of the portion of the side I-beam and a
portion of the moveable carriage.
Detailed Description
In the ments described below, like nce numerals refer to like features
or components. Also, in some instances where there is a plurality of similar
features or components positioned symmetrically, only some of the features or
components may be labelled in the drawing figures. The embodiments are
bed in the t of the construction of multi-storey buildings, but the
present invention is equally applicable to the transport industry or to the
warehousing industry where heavy loads need to be moved into and out of a
building.
Embodiments of the present invention are for use with a load ng platform
shuttle as disclosed in the Applicant’s co-pending PCT International Application
No. , the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their
entirety by way of reference.
With reference to the illustrated embodiment, the load carrying platform shuttle
is shown in an extended configuration in which at least a majority of the
carriage is rd of the mounting location. The load shuttle 10 has two main
components: a static frame 12 and a movable carriage 14. The carriage 14 is
nested within the frame 12 and can telescope to allow the shuttle 10 to move
between the extended configuration and a retracted configuration in which at least
a majority of the carriage is d of the mounting location.
In use of the load carrying platform shuttle 10 to carry loads in a multi-storey
building, when the carriage 14 is in its extended on it protrudes out of the
building in an outboard position such that a load can be placed on the carriage 14
by a crane. Moving the carriage 14 to its ted position inboard of the
building allows other crane movements to occur without interference from the
protruding carriage 14. The embodiment shown is designed to carry a six tonne
load n the extended and retracted positions. This substantial load carrying
capacity is largely due to the strength of the bulk head 34 of the frame which
houses the major load carrying ents, and particularly the pair of “fully
” rollers 44 (or load bearing tyres). It is also due to the reinforcing that is
applied to the frame, which is described in r detail below.
The load shuttle frame 12 is constructed from a pair of steel side I-beams 16 fixed
together in parallel arrangement and mounted on a concrete slab or other
mounting location. Each I-beam 16 has an upper flange 18 and a lower flange 20
interconnected by a vertical web portion 22, and this deflnes (for each I-beam 16
of the frame 12) a pair of vertically spaced apart, outer facing flange portions and
a pair of ally spaced apart, inner facing flange portions.
The load shuttle carriage 14 is also constructed from a pair of steel side I-beams
24 fixed together in parallel arrangement. Each I-beam 24 has an upper flange 26
and a lower flange 28 interconnected by a vertical web portion 30, and this
defines (for each I-beam 24 of the carriage 14) a pair of vertically spaced apart,
outer facing flange portions and a pair of vertically spaced apart, inner facing
flange ns.
When the shuttle 10 is assembled, the outer facing flange portions of the side I-
beams 24 of the carriage l4 nest within the inner facing flange portions of the side
s 16 of the frame 12. This limits the e ge 14 from tilting out of
the e frame 12.
In an alternative form, the I-beams 16, 24 may be replaced by parallel flange
channels (“PFC’s”), with the frame having a pair of steel side PFC’s in which the
channel faces inwardly, and with the carriage having a pair of steel side PFC’s in
which the channel faces outwardly and is nested within the inwardly facing
channel of the frame. Other forms of beams may also be used, such as square
channels and C-beams.
The side s 16 of the load shuttle frame 12 are fixed with respect to each
other by a set of frame cross braces 32. The frame cross braces 32 are set back
from an outboard end of the frame 12 and limit the I-beams 16 of the frame 12
from moving apart.
At the outboard end of the frame 12 is a bulk head 34 (or frame nose n)
which includes a pair of opposed outer nose plates 36, an inner nose bracket plate
37 adjacent each outer nose plate 36, a motor and gearing assembly (not
illustrated), a strengthening square section cross-beam 40 (or nose cross brace), a
strengthening L-section cross-beam 41 (forming an “inverted L” when assembled),
and an arrangement of support and guide rollers. The bulk head 34 houses these
major load carrying components.
Attached to each nose plate 36 is an upper, frame mounted, carriage t roller
42 and a lower, frame d, carriage support roller 44 (or load bearing tyre),
both support rollers 42, 44 being able to rotate about their ntal axes. The
lower support roller 44 is also ed, Via its wide diameter rotating axle 45 and
bearings, to the inner nose bracket plate 37. The upper support roller 42 and the
lower support roller 44, in use, act as pinch rollers holding there between the outer
facing flange portion of the lower flange 28 of the carriage side I-beams 24. The
lower support roller 44 is wider than the upper support roller 42 and supports
substantially the full width of the underside of the lower flange of each of the
carriage side I-beams 24 (i.e. the roller 44 is “fully flanged”), thereby allowing the
load to be distributed across a wider surface area such that the pair of “fully
flanged” rollers 44 are able to carry or bear most of the load in the carriage 14.
This load is significantly increased when the carriage 14 is in the extended
position, and particularly when a substantial crane load has been received thereon.
The use of such a lower, frame mounted, carriage t roller 44 in the
telescoping movement of the carriage 14 into and out of the frame contributes
significantly to allowing the shuttle 10 to carry a substantial crane load between
the outboard and inboard positions at a given working level of a multi-storey
ng. The square section cross-beam 40 and the L-section cross-beam 41 brace
the lower t roller 44 to further increase its load carrying capacity. Also, the
upper and lower, frame d, carriage support rollers 42 and 44 contribute to
limiting the vertical movement of the carriage 14 at the outboard end of the frame
12 by Virtue of their pinching action on the lower flange 28 of the ge side I-
beam 24. This limits the outboard end of the carriage 14, when in its extended
position, from deflecting or tilting dangerously before, and especially after, it has
received a substantial crane load.
Also attached to each nose plate 36 is a frame d, carriage guide roller (not
shown in the illustrations) able to rotate about its vertical axis. The pair of
opposing guide rollers on the respective opposing nose plates 36 press firmly
against and hold the outer facing sides of vertical web portions 30 of the carriage
side s 24. The opposing frame mounted, carriage guide rollers contribute to
limiting the horizontal movement of the carriage 14 at the outboard end of the
frame 12.
The bending moment that is d by the carriage 14 to the I-beams 16 of the
frame 12 is typically greatest when the carriage 14 is at the extended position
because in this position a majority of the weight of the carriage 14 is outboard of
the mounting on. This bending moment is primarily due to the downward
force exerted by the ge 14 on the lower frame mounted carriage support
rollers 44 d with the upward force that is exerted by the upper ge
mounted carriage support rollers 58 on the inner facing portions of the upper
flanges 18 of the frame’s I-beams 16.
As best shown in figures 3, 4A and 4B, the frames’ I-beams 16 are reinforced to
increase their resistance to the bending moment applied by the carriage 14 whilst
it is in the extended position. The reinforcing is preferably disposed on between
% and 60% of the length of each of the I-beams 16 and in the preferred
ment it is disposed on approximately 30% of the length of each of the I-
beams 16. In the preferred embodiment, each of the I-beams has a total length of
5870 mm. The reinforcing includes a pair of metal plates 114, each having a
length of 1100 mm, which are respectively welded onto each of the upper flanges
18 of each I-beam 16. Each of the plates 114 preferably has a thickness of
between 5 mm and 15 mm and in the preferred embodiment each plate 114 has a
thickness of 10 mm.
Each of the ’ I-beams 16 has a plurality of gussets 116 spaced regularly
along it. Each gusset 116 is perpendicular to, and extends along, the web portion
22 between the upper flange 18 and the lower flange 20. The reinforcing includes
a pair of 8 mm thick plates 118 disposed generally parallel to, and spaced apart
from, the web portion 22. Each of the plates 118 extends between two adjacent
gussets 116. Each of the plates 118 is recessed by approximately 10 mm from the
outer facing edge of the gussets 116, which assists with the welding of the plates
118 to the gussets 116. er a plate 118, the upper flange 18 to which it is
welded and the web portion 22 define a U-shaped channel, which further
strengthens the I-beam 16 against bending.
Preferably the reinforcing is disposed on a length of each I-beam 16 that is
between 500 mm and 3500 mm. In the red embodiment the two plates 118
together span a length of approximately 1650 mm.
The plates 114 and 118 are disposed in the region of the I-beam 18 at which the
upward force is exerted by the upper carriage mounted ge support roller 58
on the inner facing portion of the upper flange 18 of the I-beam 16 when the
carriage 14 is in the ed position.
The carriage 14 has a carriage floor plate 48 (or carriage floor area) haVing a
horizontal load ing area 50 which transitions to a g ramp area 52 at an
inboard end of the ge 14. A ramp 54 is rotatably connected by hinges to an
edge of the sloping ramp area 52. The sloping ramp area 52 and ramp 54 make it
easier to roll or slide loads on and off the horizontal load receiVing area 50 of the
carriage floor plate 48. There is a load distributing and reinforcing frame structure
57 on the underside of the carriage floor plate 48.
As best shown in figs 4A and 4B, a cam 90 is disposed on the static frame 12. An
upper surface 92 of the cam 90 defines a profile that extends between an outboard
end 94 and an inboard end 96. A first ramped n 98 is at the outboard end 94,
which tapers downwardly in the outboard direction. A second ramped portion
100 is at the inboard end 96, which tapers downwardly in the inboard direction.
The first and second ramped portions 98 and 100 are connected by an
intermediate elongate straight portion 102.
A cam follower 104 is disposed on the ramp 54 so as to engage with the cam
surface 92. The cam follower has a mounting block 106 that is bolted to the side
of the ramp 54 adjacent the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54. An arm 110 is
rigidly attached at its outboard end to the mounting block 106 and a roller 112 is
rotatably attached to the inboard end of the arm 110. This arrangement allows the
roller 112 to be easily removed in the event that the roller 112 requires servicing
or replacing.
As best shown in figures 4A and 4B, the outboard end 94 of the cam e 92 is
ate the cam follower 104 when the carriage 14 is disposed in the extended
position. The inboard end 96 of the cam surface 92 is proximate the cam follower
104 when the carriage 14 is disposed in the retracted on. More particularly,
the cam surface 92 conforms to the path taken by the roller 112 when the carriage
is displaced between the extended and retracted positions. This allows the roller
112 to rollingly engage the cam surface 92 during movement of the carriage 14.
When the carriage 14 is disposed intermediate of the extended position and the
retracted position the roller 112 of the cam follower 104 is positioned on the
intermediate elongate straight portion 102. This ins the cam follower 104
at an ed height and, because the cam follower is rigidly mounted to the ramp
54, it also automatically maintains the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 at an
elevated .
In a typical implementation of the red embodiment, the mounting location
of the frame 12 would be on a planar surface, such as cement slab flooring, for
example. When the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 is being maintained at the
elevated height, a clearance gap is maintained between the inboard edge 108 of
the ramp 54 and the flooring. This allows the ge 14 to be ced between
the inboard position and the outboard on without scraping the d edge
108 of the ramp 54 along the flooring.
When the carriage 14 is at the retracted position the cam surface 92 and the cam
er 104 ate such that the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 is
automatically maintained at a lowered height. More ularly, when the
carriage 14 is at the ted position, the roller 112 of the cam follower 104 has
descended the second ramped portion 100 that is at the inboard end 96 of the cam
surface 92. This maintains the roller 112 at the lowered height. This, in turn,
maintains the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 at a lowered height, which is
selected such that the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 abuts the planar flooring
surface. Hence, when the carriage is at the retracted position, the inboard edge
108 of the ramp 54 is automatically lowered to ease in the unloading of materials
from the load receiVing area 50 of the carriage 14.
Similarly, when the carriage 14 is at the extended position, as shown in the figures,
the roller 112 of the cam follower 104 has descended the first ramped portion 98
that is at the outboard end 94 of the cam surface 92. This maintains the roller 112
at the lowered height, which, in turn, maintains the inboard edge 108 of the ramp
54 at a lowered . This allows the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 to abut
the planar flooring surface. Hence, when the carriage is at the extended position,
the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 is automatically d to ease in the
loading of materials onto the load receiVing area 50 of the carriage 14.
A method of using a load carrying platform shuttle 10 commences with the use of
a crane to place a load onto the load receiVing area 50 of the carriage 14. This is
done whilst the carriage 14 is positioned in the extended position. Once ,
the carriage 14 is displaced towards the retracted position. As will be apparent
from the above description, whilst the carriage 14 is in an intermediate position
between the extended and retracted positions the cam 90 and cam follower 104
WO 06307
cooperate to tically maintain the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 at the
elevated height to avoid scraping of the ramp 54 on the flooring surface whilst the
carriage 14 is moving. Once the carriage 14 reaches the retracted position the cam
90 and cam follower 104 cooperate to automatically maintain the inboard edge
108 of the ramp 54 at the lowered height. This abuts the inboard edge 108 of the
ramp 54 against the flooring surface to ease unloading of the load from the load
receiving area 50 of the carriage 14.
Alternative embodiments of the invention make use of differing cam profiles. For
example, if it is necessary to ensure that the inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 is
higher at any point in the travel of the ge 14 to e additional nce,
then a curved cam surface may take the place of the elongate straight portion 102,
with the curved surface being higher at the points in the carriage travel when
additional clearance is required. In yet other embodiments the slope of the
ramped portions 98 and 100 may be steeper, or shallower, in order to raise the
inboard edge 108 of the ramp 54 either faster or slower, as required, relative to the
speed of carriage travel. In some implementations a faster rate of rising of the
inboard edge 108 at the commencement of the carriage travel from either the
extended or the retracted positions may assist to avoid mechanical damage of the
various components.
The carriage 14 has an upper, carriage mounted, carriage support roller 58 and a
lower, carriage mounted, carriage support roller 60 attached at the inboard end of
each of the carriage side I-beams 24, both t s 58, 60 being able to
rotate about their horizontal axes. The upper support roller 58 engages with the
lower side of the inner facing n of the upper flange 18 of the frame side I-
beam 16 and the lower support roller 60 engages with the upper side of the inner
facing portion of the lower flange 20 of the frame I-side beam 16. The opposing
pairs of upper and lower, carriage mounted, carriage support rollers 58, 60
WO 06307 2015/000013
contribute to limiting the al movement of the carriage 14 at the d end
of the frame 12.
Also attached at the inboard end of each of the carriage side I-beams 24 is a
carriage mounted, carriage guide roller (not shown in the figures), the guide roller
being able to rotate about its vertical axis. Each guide roller is attached to the
outer facing surface of vertical web portion 30 of the carriage side I-beam 24. The
opposing carriage guide rollers on the carriage side I-beams 24 engage with a
respective inner facing side of vertical web portion 22 of the frame side I-beam 16,
and this contributes to limiting the horizontal movement of the inboard end of the
carriage.
The extent of movement between the extended configuration and the retracted
configuration of the load ng platform shuttle 10 is governed by travel stops.
The frame 12 has a pair of frame mounted, carriage ion travel stops (not
shown in the figures) and a frame mounted, carriage retraction travel stop 68 on
each frame side I-beam 16. The ge extension travel stops are attached to the
upper and lower sides of the inner facing portions of the upper and lower flanges
18, 20 of each frame side I-beam 16. The travel stops are proximate to the
outboard end of the frame 12 and adjacent to where the frame cross braces 32
interconnect the I-beams 16.
The carriage 14 has a pair of ge mounted, carriage extension travel stops
(not shown in the figures) on each carriage side I-beam 24. The carriage extension
travel stops are attached to the lower and upper sides of the outer facing portions
of the lower and upper flanges 28, 26 of each carriage side I-beam 24. The
ge extension travel stops are proximate to the inboard end of the carriage 14.
The extent of the carriage 14 moving telescopically to its extended position from
the frame 12 is limited by the carriage mounted, carriage extension travel stops 70
abutting their corresponding frame mounted, carriage extension travel stops.
The extent of the carriage 14 moving opically to its retracted position to the
frame 12 is limited by the inboard end of each carriage side I-beam 24 abutting a
respective ge retraction travel stop 68 (or rear bump stop) on each frame side
I-beam 16.
The movement between the extended configuration and the retracted
configuration of the e 10 can be driven by means of a motor or a hand
operated mechanism.
In the illustrated embodiment the movement is generated by a rack and pinion
drive mechanism powered by an electrical motor and gearing assembly. Secured
alongside the lower flange 28 of one of the carriage side I-beams 24 is a rack 72
which extends along the length of the underside of the horizontal load receiving
area 50 of the floor plate 48. The rack 72 is engaged by meshing of teeth on a
pinion 74 (or spur gear). The pinion 74 is rotated, thereby moving the rack 72 and
the carriage 14, in either of two possible directions by operation of a motor (not
illustrated) and its gear box (not illustrated). Connected to the cross-beam 40 is a
motor ment block 79. The motor may be a DC or AC motor with, for
example, a power rating of 600 Watts and gearing ratio of 100: 1. In other
embodiments, a gearing ratio of 120:1 is used. The drive mechanism may have
different gearing depending on the means of operation. A hand operated drive
mechanism, for example, would have a significantly different gearing to that of an
electrical motor drive mechanism.
In use, and in the context of the construction of a multi-storey building, the load
carrying platform e 10 is positioned in a ted configuration on the upper
surface of a floor or te floor slab at a given working level of the building,
with the bulk head 34 (or nose portion) of the frame 12 ding away from the
outboard edge of the slab and projecting below the upper surface of the slab.
The frame 12 is secured to the concrete floor slab in the building using
conventional props which extend between the slab of a floor level above and
frame stay mounts to brace the frame 12. Alternatively, the frame 12 is secured to
the floor slab using te ties or other suitable anchors for the frame 12.
The shuttle 10 including the frame 12 and the carriage 14 can, when required, be
lifted as a unit by a crane using four crane mounts on the frame 12.
The carriage 14 has eight guard rail brackets (not shown in the figures) attached to
the ge side I-beams 24 for supporting guard rails 84 that project
perpendicularly in erect positions from the carriage floor plate 48. The guard rails
84 extend down the length of each carriage side I-beam 24 from the outboard
facing end thereof to the inboard end of the horizontal load receiVing area 50, and
can be pivoted downwardly and inwardly to sed positions flat on the
carriage floor plate 48.
The guard rails 84 down each side of the carriage 14 are a pair of steel panels that
are interconnected on their top edge with a bracket which also functions as a
s attachment point. This harness ment point provides a point to attach
a safety s that allows safe movement of a worker around the Hill area of the
carriage floor plate 48. There is also a pair of harness attachment points on
opposite sides of the carriage floor plate 48.
The outermost guard rails 84 support guard gates 88 that project perpendicularly
in erect positions from the carriage floor plate 48 and extend across the outboard
edge of the carriage floor plate 48, thus providing a closed position. The guard
gates 88 can be d between the closed position and an open position where
they connect to the guard rails 84. The guard gates 88 guard against loads or
workers accidentally falling from the carriage 14.
The shuttle 10 also includes a collision tion sensor apparatus across the
inboard end of the frame 12. The sensor apparatus utilizes a laser beam emitter
and receiver to detect any uption of the beam that is indicative of a person or
other object entering a ous risk of ion zone at the inboard end of the
frame 12 while the carriage 14 is being retracted to its inboard position.
Interruption of the beam causes the motor 76 to ately stop and the carriage
14 to become stationary, until the danger is removed, whereupon the operation of
the shuttle can be resumed.
Operation of the shuttle 10 can involve a custom built, electrical control system
d in a readily accessible housing connected to the shuttle. The power supply
can be either DC or AC. The power supply can be provided by batteries or by AC
of any voltage, but preferably low voltage.
The electrical control system may include: a fused circuit for over current, g
devices to allow for slow zones, sensing devices to prevent override, ncy
shutdown systems, ndent circuit with ncy cut out and start up
buttons, sensor to alert an increase in current if the carriage is inadvertently
obstructed, button hold-down to permit movement and shutdown if button
released, remote controller to move carriage, shuttle specific programmable
remote controller, and LCD displays on the control and indicator panel. Among
the information that can be provided on the control and indicator panel for any
such electrical control system are: low battery alert, charging light, charged light,
ready to start light, error lights which indicate over current, and PE trip light.
In the event of power failure or equipment failure, mechanical override systems
can be provided to move the carriage.
It will be appreciated that an age of the load carrying platform shuttle of the
present invention, when used in the construction of a multi-storey building, for
example, is that the ramp 54 is automatically lifted and lowered as required.
Additionally, the reinforcing plates 114 and 118 advantageously increase the load
carrying capacity of the shuttle 10.
gh the present invention has been described with reference to ular
embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention
may be embodied in many other forms. For example, the drive mechanism could
be a hydraulic piston arrangement.
Claims (9)
1. A load carrying platform shuttle comprising: a static frame securable to a mounting on, the static frame defining a cam surface; a carriage arranged to telescope into the static frame between an extended position wherein at least a majority of the ge is outboard of the mounting location and a retracted position wherein at least a ty of the carriage is inboard of the mounting on; a ramp haVing an rd edge rotatably connected to the carriage; and 10 a cam follower disposed on the ramp so as to engage with the cam surface; wherein the cam surface and the cam follower cooperate such that an inboard edge of the ramp is automatically maintained at an elevated height whilst the carriage is disposed intermediate of the extended on and the retracted position; and 15 n the cam surface and the cam er cooperate such that the inboard edge of the ramp is automatically maintained at a lowered height whilst the carriage is at the retracted position.
2. A load carrying platform shuttle ing to claim 1 wherein the cam surface 20 and cam follower cooperate such that the inboard edge of the ramp is automatically maintained at the lowered height whilst the carriage is at the extended on.
3. A load carrying platform shuttle according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the cam 25 surface extends between an outboard end that is proximate the cam follower when the carriage is disposed in the extended position and an inboard end that is proximate the cam follower when the carriage is disposed in the retracted position.
4. A load carrying platform shuttle according to claim 3 n the cam surface defines a first ramped portion at the outboard end and a second ramped portion at the inboard end.
5. A load ng platform shuttle according to claim 4 wherein the first and second ramped portions are connected by an intermediate elongate straight portion.
6. A load carrying platform shuttle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting location is a planar surface and wherein the lowered height 10 is such that the inboard edge of the ramp abuts the planar surface.
7. A load carrying platform shuttle according to claim 6 wherein the elevated height is such that a clearance gap is maintained between the inboard edge of the ramp and the planar surface.
8. A load ng rm e according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cam follower includes a roller positioned so as to rollingly engage the cam surface. 20
9. A method of using a load carrying platform shuttle as defined in claim 1, the method including the steps of: loading a load onto the carriage whilst the carriage is positioned in the ed position; displacing the carriage towards the retracted position such that the cam 25 and cam follower cooperate to automatically maintain the inboard edge of the ramp at the elevated ; and unloading the load from the carriage whilst the carriage is positioned in the ted position such that the cam and cam follower cooperate to automatically maintain the inboard edge of the ramp at the lowered height.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2014900137 | 2014-01-16 | ||
AU2014900137A AU2014900137A0 (en) | 2014-01-16 | Load Carrying Platform Shuttle | |
PCT/AU2015/000013 WO2015106307A1 (en) | 2014-01-16 | 2015-01-09 | Load carrying platform shuttle |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ722175A NZ722175A (en) | 2021-04-30 |
NZ722175B2 true NZ722175B2 (en) | 2021-08-03 |
Family
ID=
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