US20190383015A1

US20190383015A1 - Grid structure and method for producing a grid structure

Info

Publication number: US20190383015A1
Application number: US16/464,741
Authority: US
Inventors: Corinna WENDELER-GOEGGELMANN
Original assignee: Geobrugg AG
Current assignee: Geobrugg AG
Priority date: 2016-12-19
Filing date: 2017-12-19
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Also published as: CL2019001472A1; CA3046707A1; MX2019006261A; KR20190099025A; PE20191220A1; TW201825826A; AU2017384434A1; EP3554737A1; WO2018114967A1; BR112019011480A2; AR110553A1; CN110114165A; CO2019002635A2; DE102016124850A1; PH12019501283A1

Abstract

A lattice structure, in particular a steel lattice structure, includes at least one longitudinal element and includes at least one edge element which runs perpendicularly or obliquely with respect to the longitudinal element, is embodied as a single wire, rod, wire strand, tube or profile and forms in particular at least a portion of a lattice edge, wherein the longitudinal element is wound multiple times around the edge element for its fastening to the edge element in a fastening region of the edge element.

Description

PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a lattice structure as claimed in claim 1 as well as a method for producing a lattice structure as claimed in claim 14.
Lattices are known which are used as structural elements in the form of flat or corrugated carrying or protective lattices. Intersections of these lattices are welded, secured with clamps and/or provided with additional wire material in order to give these intersections tensile and/or shear strength so that corresponding lattices are only deformed to a small degree under load. Particularly in the case of additional connection elements such as clamps or wires, this involves a high manufacturing outlay. Moreover, in particular welding processes often entail structural changes which can generate punctiform weak points of the corresponding lattice.
For example, AT 409 506 B discloses a lattice structure which is composed of rod-shaped top and bottom assemblies between which connection rods are welded in. Corresponding intersections embodied by weld points cause a high manufacturing outlay and furthermore involve structural changes.
The object of the invention lies in particular in providing a generic lattice structure with advantageous properties in terms of producibility and/or load-bearing capacity. The object on which the invention is based is furthermore to generate durable connection points of a lattice structure with a low degree of outlay. The object on which the invention is based is furthermore in particular to enable low-cost production of durable connections between an inner lattice and a lattice edge. In particular, these objects are achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 14, while advantageous implementations and further developments of the invention can be inferred from the subordinate claims.

Advantages of the Invention

The invention relates to a lattice structure, which is in particular at least substantially weld-free and/or solder joint-free, in particular a steel lattice structure, with at least one longitudinal element and with at least one edge element which runs perpendicularly or obliquely, in particular at an angle, with respect to the longitudinal element, is embodied as a single wire, rod, wire strand, tube or profile and forms in particular at least a portion of a lattice edge, wherein the longitudinal element is wound multiple times around the edge element for its fastening to the edge element in a fastening region of the edge element.
As a result of the implementation according to the invention of the lattice structure, advantageous properties can be achieved in terms of particularly simple and/or low-cost producibility. Longitudinal and/or transverse elements of a lattice structure can in particular be fastened easily and/or reliably and/or at low-cost to a lattice frame. A weld-free connection, in particular a winding, of wires, strands, rods, profiles or the like, which is protected against unwinding and/or rotation can advantageously be provided. A durable lattice structure can furthermore be provided. In particular, durable connection points with good shear or tensile strength of a lattice structure can be realized at low cost. Moreover, an action of high temperatures, which could potentially bring about a structural change, on a lattice structure, for example, in the case of welding and/or soldering, can be avoided. Coatings and/or surface structures of wires, strands, tubes and the like used advantageously remain largely or entirely undamaged and/or uninfluenced so that high corrosion resistance can be achieved in particular in connection regions.
In particular the lattice structure is suitable and/or configured for use in the reinforcement, protection and/or security sector. For example, the lattice structure for reinforcements can be inserted into concrete and/or asphalt and/or be used in mining as reinforcement. It is, however, also conceivable that the lattice structure can be used as slope stabilization, cover, protective lining, in particular as avalanche protection, as a stone guard, as at least partially building cladding, protective element, separating element, fence, vandalism protection or the like, in particular installed parallel, perpendicular or obliquely with respect to the ground.
In particular, the lattice structure is implemented, preferably apart from any coating, at least partially, advantageously at least in the majority or entirely from metal, in particular from steel and/or from stainless steel. The lattice structure advantageously has a coating which is in particular corrosion-resistant and/or provides protection from corrosion. For example, the lattice structure can be galvanized, in particular hot-dip galvanized and/or have an aluminum-zinc coating and/or a metal oxide coating and/or a ceramic coating and/or a plastic coating. The term “at least in the majority” should be understood in particular as at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageously at least 95%, in particular, however, also entirely. The term “configured” is to mean in particular specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is configured for a specific function should be understood in particular in that the object satisfies and/or performs this specific function in at least one application and/or operational state.
The lattice structure advantageously has at least one transverse element which is implemented as a single wire, rod, wire strand, tube or profile and crosses the longitudinal element in at least one crossing region in particular perpendicularly, as a result of which a high load-bearing capacity can advantageously be achieved. In particular, the longitudinal element and the transverse element cross in the crossing region at an angle of at least substantially 90° or at an angle of at least substantially 60°. However, any other desired angle such as, for example, approximately 10°, approximately 20°, approximately 30°, approximately 45° or approximately 70° or values therebetween are conceivable. The longitudinal element and/or the transverse element preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a main plane of extent of the lattice structure. The longitudinal element and the transverse element in the crossing region are advantageously connected to one another in particular in a weld-free manner. The longitudinal element and the transverse element in the crossing region are preferably connected non-positively and/or positively. The term “at least substantially” should be understood in this context in particular in that a deviation from a predefined value corresponds in particular to less than 15%, preferably less than 10% and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predefined value. The term a “main direction of extent” of an object should be understood in particular as a plane which is parallel to a largest lateral surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which still fully encloses the object and runs in particular through the center point of the cuboid. The term “at least substantially parallel” should be understood here in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction with respect to the reference direction has a deviation in particular smaller than 8°, advantageously smaller than 5° and particularly advantageously smaller than 2°.
In particular, the lattice element has a plurality of longitudinal elements which are realized in particular at least substantially identical to one another and a plurality of transverse elements which are realized in particular at least substantially identical to one another and/or to the longitudinal element. It is of course conceivable that longitudinal elements and/or transverse elements are implemented to be different from one another and/or that the lattice structure has several different types of longitudinal elements and/or several different types of transverse elements. The longitudinal elements preferably run at least substantially parallel to one another. The transverse elements particularly preferably run at least substantially parallel to one another. The longitudinal elements and the transverse elements advantageously form several in particular rectangular, advantageously square meshes. However, other geometries are also conceivable, such as, for example, triangular or pentagonal or hexagonal or polygonal, in particular regular or irregular mesh geometries. The term “at least substantially identical” objects should be understood in this context in particular as objects which are constructed in such a manner that they can satisfy in each case a joint function and be different in terms of their construction, apart from production tolerances, at most by individual elements which are insignificant for the joint function, and advantageously objects which are implemented to be identical apart from production tolerances and/or in the framework of production engineering possibilities, wherein the term identical objects should in particular also be understood as objects which are symmetrical to one another.
The longitudinal element and/or the transverse element and/or the edge element is at least partially, in particular at least in a majority implemented from a metal, in particular from steel and/or stainless steel, in particular from a high-strength steel. For example, the high-strength steel can be spring steel and/or wire steel and/or a steel which is suitable for wire cables. The longitudinal element and/or the transverse element and/or the edge element advantageously comprises at least one wire which advantageously extends over a corresponding length of the longitudinal element and/or of the transverse element and/or of the edge element and/or is implemented in one piece. In particular, the longitudinal element and/or the transverse element and/or the edge element and/or the wire has a tensile strength of at least 800 N mm⁻², advantageously of at least 1000 N mm⁻², particularly advantageously of at least 1200 N mm⁻², preferably of at least 1400 N mm⁻²and particularly preferably of at least 1600 N mm⁻², in particular a tensile strength of approximately 1770 N mm⁻²or of approximately 1960 N mm⁻². It is also conceivable that the longitudinal element and/or the transverse element and/or the edge element and/or the wire has an even higher tensile strength, for example, a tensile strength of at least 2000 N mm⁻², or of at least 2200 N mm⁻², or also of at least 2400 N mm⁻².
The term “wire” should be understood in this context in particular as an elongated and/or thin and/or at least machine-bendable and/or flexible body. The wire strand preferably has at least two, in particular also several, such as, for example, three or four or five or ten or even more, in particular identical, wires advantageously wound around one another. The wire advantageously has, along its longitudinal direction, an at least substantially constant, in particular circular or elliptical cross-section. The wire is particularly advantageously implemented as a round wire. It is, however, also conceivable that the wire is realized at least section-wise or entirely as a flat wire, a square wire, a polygonal wire and/or a profile wire. For example, the wire can be implemented at least partially or also entirely from metal, in particular a metal alloy, and/or organic and/or inorganic plastic and/or a composite material and/or an inorganic non-metallic material and/or a ceramic material. It is, for example, conceivable that the wire is implemented as a polymer wire or a plastic wire. In particular, the wire can be implemented as a composite wire, for example, as a metal-organic composite wire and/or a metal-inorganic composite wire and/or a metal-polymer composite wire and/or a metal-metal composite wire or the like. It is in particular conceivable that the wire comprises at least two different materials which are arranged relative to one another and/or are at least partially mixed with one another in particular according to a composite geometry. The wire is advantageously implemented as a metal wire, in particular as a steel wire, in particular as a stainless steel wire. If the longitudinal element and/or the transverse element and/or the edge element has several wires, these are preferably identical. It is, however, also conceivable that the longitudinal element and/or the transverse element and/or the edge element has several wires which are different in particular in terms of their material and/or their diameter and/or their cross-section. It is conceivable that the wire is produced from a composite material. In particular, it is conceivable that the wire comprises at least two different materials. The wire preferably has an in particular corrosion-resistant coating and/or sheathing such as, for example, a zinc coating and/or an aluminum-zinc coating and/or a plastic coating and/or a PET coating and/or a metal oxide coating and/or a ceramic coating or the like.
The edge element is preferably embodied as a single wire or a rod. The edge element advantageously has an at least substantially constant and/or a circular or elliptical cross-section. It is, however, also conceivable that the edge element is implemented as a tube or a profile, in particular with a constant or a changeable cross-section. The edge element preferably has a higher bending stiffness than the longitudinal element and/or than the transverse element. It is also conceivable that the edge element is implemented at least substantially identical to the transverse element and/or to the longitudinal element. The term that an object has an “at least substantially constant cross-section” should in particular be understood such that, for any desired first cross-section of the object along at least one direction and any desired second cross-section of the object along the direction, a minimal surface area of a difference surface, which is formed if the cross-sections are placed on top of one another, is at most 20%, advantageously at most 10% and particularly advantageously at most 5% of the surface area of the larger of the two cross-sections. It is imaginable that the edge element and the longitudinal and/or transverse element are implemented at least partially in one piece. The term in one piece should advantageously also mean in one part. The term “in one part” should in particular mean formed in one piece. This one piece is preferably produced from a single blank, a mass and/or a cast, particularly preferably in an injection molding process, in particular a single- and/or multi-component injection molding process.
The longitudinal element is advantageously wound around the edge element at least twice, preferably at least three times, preferably at least four times and particularly preferably at least five times. If the longitudinal element has several wires or the like, it is in particular conceivable that these wires are wound around the edge element and/or interlaced and/or twisted in the fastening region individually or jointly. The longitudinal element is preferably wound tightly in the fastening region. It is in principle conceivable for the windings described herein that these are left-handed or right-handed. A flat lattice structure can advantageously be provided by means of the selection of a suitable winding. It is furthermore conceivable that windings are embodied to be multiple and/or multi-layered, comprising, for example, at least one inner winding with a first direction of lay and/or a first winding angle and at least one second winding with a second direction of lay and/or a second winding angle. It is conceivable that, in particular if the edge element and the longitudinal element and/or transverse element are implemented at least partially in one piece, these are connected by a loop, form a transition into one another via a loop and/or form a loop, wherein preferably at one end of the loop, the longitudinal element and/or the transverse element forms a winding which can be wound in particular around the edge element. As a result of this, a type of knot loop can advantageously be implemented in particular at one end of a longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element.
Windings of adjacent longitudinal elements preferably run in opposite directions along the corresponding edge element to which the longitudinal elements are fastened. Windings of adjacent transverse elements particularly preferably run in opposite directions along the corresponding further edge element to which the transverse elements are fastened. As a result of this, tensions in the lattice can be advantageously avoided. As a result of this, a flat lattice can particularly advantageously be provided. It is also conceivable that windings run in the same direction and/or a direction point-symmetrical and/or mirror-symmetrical in relation to a lattice center point and/or an axis of symmetry of a lattice is selected. Windings can furthermore differ in terms of their direction of lay.
In particular the lattice structure has a length and/or a width of at least 0.5 m, advantageously of at least 1 m, particularly advantageously of at least 2 m, and preferably of approximately 3 m and/or of at most 10 m, advantageously of at most 5 m, particularly advantageously of at most 4 m. However, any other desired dimensions are conceivable which deviate, for example, by a factor of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 or even more or any other desired factor from the values indicated here.
In an advantageous implementation of the invention, it is proposed that the edge element has at least one, in particular one-sided or two-sided, flattening in the fastening region. The edge element is in the fastening region preferably pressed flat and/or compressed. The flattening advantageously has a cross-section which is different from a circle or an ellipse. In particular, the longitudinal element is wound around the flattening in particular with a high density. The longitudinal element advantageously abuts on the flattening in the fastening region. The flattening preferably has, in particular in a view parallel to a lattice plane and perpendicular to the edge element, a curved, in particular circular-arc-shaped, advantageously concave, surface. The flattening is particularly preferably implemented as an indentation that is concavely curved from opposite sides. In particular, the surface of the flattening has a radius of curvature of at least 1 cm, advantageously of at least 2 cm and particularly advantageously of at least 2 cm and/or of at most 20 cm, advantageously of at most 10 cm and particularly advantageously of at most 8 cm. As a result of this, a slipping and/or an unwinding in a connection region can advantageously be avoided. Moreover, this allows providing a connection with a high load-bearing capacity, which is producible by winding.
In particular, the flattening, in particular a center of the flattening, is arranged offset relative to the winding, in particular to a center of the winding, in a longitudinal direction of extent of the element having the flattening, for example, of the edge element, of the longitudinal element and/or of the transverse element, and/or of the winding. The term a “longitudinal direction of extent” of an object should be understood in particular as a direction which is parallel to a largest side edge of a smallest geometrical cuboid which still fully encloses the object. The term a “center of the flattening” should be understood in particular as a point of the flattening which forms a center point of an extent of the flattening in the longitudinal direction of extent of the element which has the flattening, for example, of the edge element, of the longitudinal element and/or of the transverse element. The term a “center of the winding” should be understood in particular as a point of the winding which forms a center point of an extent of the winding in the longitudinal direction of extent of the winding. In particular, an offset of the center of the winding and of the center of the flattening in the longitudinal direction of extent is at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, advantageously at least 25%, preferably at least 30% and particularly preferably at least 40% of a total longitudinal extent of the flattening and/or the winding. In particular, the offset, as seen from the center of the flattening, is realized in a direction in which the element which forms the winding, in particular the winding-around element, for example, the longitudinal element, the transverse element and/or the edge element, adjoins the winding. In particular, the offset, as seen from the center of the flattening, is realized in a direction in which a longitudinal component, oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction, of a tensile force is directed, which, in the case of traction and the element which forms the winding, in particular the winding-around element, for example, the longitudinal element, the transverse element and/or the edge element, acts on the element which forms the winding, in particular the winding-around element, for example, the longitudinal element, the transverse element and/or the edge element. As a result of this, a lattice structure with high stability, in particular against breaking, displacement of joints and/or twisting can advantageously be achieved.
In a particularly advantageous implementation of the invention, it is proposed that the longitudinal element is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the edge element, in particular to the flattening, in particular in the connection region. In particular, the longitudinal element in the fastening region is wound around the flattening in a positive-locking manner. As a result of this, a rotation of a connection, in particular in a case under load, can advantageously be prevented.
It is furthermore proposed that the longitudinal element is embodied as a wire strand. In particular, the wire strand has several, in particular two wires which extend in an interruption-free manner over a length of the longitudinal element. The longitudinal element as a whole is wound around the edge element. In particular, wires of the longitudinal element that is embodied as a wire strand are wound around the edge element in accordance with their twisting while maintaining a strand geometry. As a result of this, a high load-bearing capacity of a lattice surface and/or of an edge connection can be achieved.
It is furthermore proposed that the lattice structure has a further edge element which runs perpendicularly or obliquely, in particular at an angle, to the edge element. The edge element and the further edge element are furthermore advantageously implemented to be at least substantially identical. The further edge element is preferably embodied as a single wire or as a rod, but it can also be embodied as a wire strand, a tube, a profile or the like. The lattice structure preferably has a plurality of edge elements which are in particular connected to one another and which jointly form the lattice edge in particular fully. The lattice structure advantageously has four edge elements. It is, however, also conceivable that the lattice structure has three or five or six or even more edge elements which are arranged in particular regularly and/or with identical angles to one another. The lattice structure is preferably rectangular, in particular square. The lattice structure can, however, also be triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal or implemented in a different manner, for example, implemented to be elliptical or circular or irregular. The longitudinal element preferably runs parallel to at least one edge element of the lattice structure, in particular to two edge elements of the lattice structure running in parallel and/or arranged oppositely. The transverse element particularly preferably runs parallel to at least one edge element of the lattice structure running in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal element, in particular to two edge elements of the lattice structure running in parallel and/or arranged oppositely. As a result of this, a stable and/or resilient frame for a lattice can advantageously be provided in a low-cost manner.
An edge of a lattice structure which can advantageously be produced at low cost and in particular has a high load-bearing capacity can be provided if the edge element in an edge connection region of the further edge element is wound in particular tightly multiple times, in particular at least twice, advantageously at least three times, particularly advantageously at least four times and preferably at least five times around the further edge element. The edge element is preferably connected to the further edge element in a non-positive and/or positive manner, in particular a weld-free manner.
A lattice edge which can be produced at low cost and/or easily with rotationally fixedly connected edge elements can be provided if the further edge element in the edge connection region has at least one flattening. The further edge element in the edge connection region is preferably pushed and/or pressed flat. The edge element is particularly preferably wound around the flattening and in particular bears against it, as a result of which unwinding and/or rotation can advantageously be prevented.
A dimensionally stable and/or twisting-resistant lattice edge can be provided if the edge element and the further edge element are connected to one another by means of a mutual winding around. A winding of the edge element around the further edge element advantageously has a different direction of lay than a winding of the further edge element around the edge element. The edge element advantageously has, in particular in an analogous manner to the further edge element, an edge connection region and/or a flattening.
Pressure-resistant and/or shear-resistant and/or tensile-strengthened intersections can be realized in particularly low-cost manner if the transverse element in the crossing region passes through the longitudinal element. The wires of the longitudinal element in the crossing region preferably run at least partially spaced apart from one another and/or form a passage for the transverse element. In particular, the transverse element in the crossing region is pushed into the longitudinal element and/or through it. It is also conceivable that the longitudinal element in the crossing region is at least partially wound around the transverse element and/or at least partially engages around it. The wires of the longitudinal element in the crossing region preferably clamp the transverse element at least section-wise. In particular the transverse element in the crossing region is connected in a non-positive and/or positive manner to the longitudinal element.
It is furthermore proposed that the transverse element, for its fastening to the further edge element in a fastening region of the further edge element, is wound multiple times, in particular at least twice, advantageously at least three times, particularly advantageously at least four times and preferably at least five times around the further edge element. In particular, the further edge element in a further fastening region has a flattening around which the transverse element is wound. It is also conceivable that the longitudinal element and the transverse element are fastened to the same edge element, in particular in the case that these enclose in each case an angle which is different from a right angle with the edge element. For example, the lattice structure can have diamond-shaped meshes which are generated in that longitudinal elements and/or transverse elements are fastened obliquely in particular to the same edge elements.
In a preferred implementation of the invention, it is proposed that the lattice structure has a plurality of longitudinal elements embodied as wire strands and a plurality of transverse elements which are embodied as a single wire, rod, wire strand, tube or profile and which form a lattice together with the longitudinal elements, and has a plurality of edge elements which run around the lattice and are embodied as a single wire, rod, wire strand, tube or profile, wherein the longitudinal elements, the transverse elements and the edge elements are connected to one another by twisting, guiding in one another and/or winding around, in particular in a weld-free manner and/or solder point-free manner and/or free from materially engaged connection points. The lattice structure or at least a sub-structure which comprises several meshes and at least a part of an edge element is advantageously free from weld points and/or solder points and/or adhesive points and/or other materially engaged connection points. As a result of this, a lattice structure can be provided which can be produced at low manufacturing outlay and has resilient and rotationally fixed intersection and edge connection points.
It is further proposed that a longitudinal and/or a transverse element in at least one fastening region and/or an edge element in at least one edge connection region at least partially forms a winding-around element, which winds multiple times around itself and/or around a longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element, wherein at least the winding-around element is at least partially pressed flat. As a result of this, a load-bearing capacity and/or a rotationally secured fixation of the weld-free connection can advantageously be further increased, and in particular a securing against unwinding can be further improved. A “winding-around element” is in particular to be understood as an element, preferably a longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element, which forms a winding while being preferably wound around the longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element and/or around a further longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element which is different from the longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element. A “winding-around element” is in particular to be understood as an element which winds around a further element at least twice, preferably at least more than twice, in particular to its full extent. The fact that a winding-around element is “at least partially pressed flat” should in particular mean that the winding-around element has at least one at least partially pressed-flat winding. A “pressed-flat” winding is implemented in particular as a winding which, after manufacture, has been acted upon with a force that presses the winding flat. Herein in particular a winding cross-section of the winding changes. In particular, a cross-section of the longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element which forms the winding may additionally change in this case. It is alternatively conceivable that, in the event of flat-pressing, only the winding cross-section changes and the cross-section of the longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element which forms the winding remains at least substantially the same. In particular, the pressed-flat winding-around element is pressed flat in a direction that is perpendicular to a winding axis which the winding-around element is wound around. In particular, a winding and/or a winding-around element has, after a flat-pressing, in at least one spatial direction which preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a force direction of a flat-pressing force, a smaller extent than before the flat-pressing. The extent of the winding and/or of the winding-around element in the spatial direction is, after flat-pressing, in particular smaller by at least 10%, preferably smaller by at least 30%, preferably smaller by at least 50% or particularly preferably by 100% smaller than before flat-pressing.
It is furthermore proposed that a longitudinal and/or a transverse element in at least one fastening region and/or an edge element in at least one edge connection region at least partially forms a winding-around element which is wound multiple times around itself and/or a longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element, wherein the winding-around element forms a braking element which is configured in particular to delay, by means of an unwinding at least of a part of a winding of the winding-around element, an acceleration acting on the winding-around element and/or on the lattice structure, for example, as a result of an impact of a load on the lattice structure. As a result of this, in particular an advantageous braking action of the lattice structure can be achieved, as a result of which in particular an advantageous force diversion and/or absorption of force of a force, which acts, for example, as a result of an impact of a load on the lattice structure, can be achieved. In particular the braking element is configured at least for an absorption of a force acting on the lattice structure by means of an irreversible deformation of the braking element. The irreversible deformation comprises an at least partial unwinding at least of one winding-around element and/or at least of a winding in at least one fastening region and/or edge connection region. In particular the element wound around by the braking element is free from a flattening. In particular the braking element is free from pressed-flat partial regions.
It is furthermore proposed that at least one longitudinal element forms at least partially a closed loop. As a result of this, a fastening region of the lattice structure can advantageously be created which advantageously can be configured for an external fastening and/or a connection of individual longitudinal, transverse and/or edge elements to one another. The term a “closed loop” should be understood in particular, in particular in the context of nodes, as a form which forms an eye. In particular, a loop is realized as a type of node which does not tighten in particular in the case of a tensile load.
It is furthermore proposed that the closed loop, for the formation and/or fastening of the lattice structure, engages in a further closed loop, which is at least partially implemented by a further longitudinal element, and/or in an external fastening element. As a result, in particular an advantageous connection of individual longitudinal, transverse and/or edge elements to one another, in particular for the formation of the lattice structure, and/or an advantageous connection of the lattice structure to an external structure which is different from the lattice structure can be created.
The invention further relates to a method for producing a lattice structure, in particular a steel lattice structure, with at least one longitudinal element and with at least one edge element which runs perpendicularly or obliquely to the longitudinal element, is implemented as a single wire, rod, wire strand, tube or profile and forms in particular at least a portion of a lattice edge, wherein the longitudinal element is wound multiple times, in particular at least twice, advantageously at least three times, particularly advantageously at least four times and preferably at least five times around the edge element for its fastening to the edge element in a fastening region of the edge element.
As a result of the method according to the invention, advantageous properties can be achieved in terms of particularly simple and low-cost producibility. In particular, longitudinal and/or transverse elements of a lattice structure can be fastened easily and/or reliably and/or at low cost to a lattice frame. A weld-free connection, in particular a winding, of wires, strands, rods, profiles or the like which is secured against unwinding and/or rotation can advantageously be provided. A lattice structure having a high load-bearing capacity can furthermore be provided. In particular, it is possible to realize points of a lattice structure having a high load-bearing capacity and/or shear resistance and/or tensile lattice structure at low cost. Moreover, an action of high temperatures, which could potentially bring about a structural change, on a lattice structure, for example in the event of welding and/or soldering, can be omitted.
It is furthermore proposed that the edge element is pressed flat at least section-wise prior to winding around with the longitudinal element in the fastening region in particular in order to produce the flattening. The edge elements of the lattice structure in their fastening regions and/or edge connection region are pressed-flat and/or provided with at least one flattening before corresponding elements, for their fastening, are wound and/or bent around the corresponding region.
It is furthermore proposed that, at least in the fastening region, at least one longitudinal element which forms at least one winding and/or at least one transverse element of the lattice structure which forms at least one winding and/or in at least one edge connection region of the edge element at least one edge element which forms at least one winding is pressed flat at least section-wise. As a result of this, a lattice structure with further improved stability, load-bearing capacity and/or securing against unwinding can advantageously be created. In particular, the longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element which forms the winding is pressed flat in a plane which runs at least substantially parallel to a main plane of extent of the lattice structure. It is alternatively conceivable that the longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element which forms the winding is pressed flat in a plane which runs at an angle, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the main plane of extent of the lattice structure. The term a “main plane of extent” of a structural unit should be understood in particular as a plane which is parallel to a largest lateral surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which still fully encloses the structural unit and runs in particular through the center point of the cuboid.
It is furthermore proposed that, in particular in at least one method step, at least two longitudinal elements are twisted to form a wire strand, wherein at least one lay of the wire strand, in particular during stranding, is widened. As a result of this, a wire strand can advantageously be produced which provides intermediate spaces for underlaying of transverse elements during production of the lattice structure. As a result of a widening during stranding, subsequent widening of lays of the wire strand, for example, as a result of pulling apart, can advantageously be avoided. As a result, a particularly uniform wire strand, in particular a wire strand with particularly uniform widenings, can advantageously be produced, as a result of which in particular a more rigid wire strand can be generated. A generally more rigid system of longitudinal and transverse elements and thus in particular a more rigid lattice structure can advantageously be enabled. In particular, improved clamping of transverse elements in the widened lays of the wire strand at crossing regions can be achieved. In particular, a regular sequence of lays of the wire strand is widened. In particular, for widening immediately before a twisting of the region to be widened, a widening element is pushed between the longitudinal elements to be twisted so that the widening element is clamped between the longitudinal elements after a twisting of the region to be widened. After completion of the entire wire strand, all of the widening elements are removed so that a wire strand with a number of widened lays that corresponds to the number of widening elements is created.
It is furthermore proposed that the wire strand with the at least one widened lay is stiffened by pressing, hammering, compacting and/or processing by means of a drawing die. As a result of this, a particularly rigid lattice structure can advantageously be enabled. In particular, the widened lay of the wire strand can be stiffened prior to and/or after underlaying of the transverse elements by pressing, hammering and/or compacting. A particularly uniform form of the widened lays of the wire strand can be achieved by processing, in particular drawing through, of the wire strands with the widened lays by a drawing die.
A high level of cost efficiency in terms of a production of a lattice structure and/or advantageous properties in terms of a production of a lattice structure having a high load-bearing capacity can be achieved with a production device which is configured for a production of the lattice structure and/or for carrying out the method for producing a lattice structure.
In general, connections described herein between components of the lattice structure as well as resultant geometries should be regarded as being able to be transferred as desired to other components of the lattice structure. Thus, for example, transverse elements and/or edge elements can be connected and/or arranged and/or implemented in an analogous manner to longitudinal elements and/or vice versa.
The lattice structure according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention should here not be restricted to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the lattice structure according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention, in order to satisfy a functionality described here, may have a number of individual elements and/or components and/or units and/or method steps which deviates from a number stated here. In particular, the method according to the invention may contain specific method steps in which at least one of the features described above of the lattice structure according to the invention is generated and/or added and/or implemented, in particular by a suitable manufacturing method or a suitable manufacturing step.

DRAWINGS

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Three exemplary embodiments of the invention are represented in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them to form expedient further combinations.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a lattice structure in a schematic top view,

FIG. 2 shows a part of the lattice structure in a schematic sectional representation,

FIG. 3 shows the lattice structure in a schematic side view,

FIG. 4 shows a fastening region of an edge element as well as a longitudinal element, which is connected to the edge element, in a schematic sectional representation,

FIG. 5 shows a fastening region of a further edge element as well as a transverse element, which is connected to the further edge element, in a schematic sectional representation,

FIG. 6 shows an alternative edge fastening region in a schematic sectional representation,

FIG. 7 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for producing the lattice structure,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for producing a longitudinal element,

FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a method step of the method for producing the longitudinal element,

FIG. 10 shows a production device for producing the lattice structure in a schematic top view,

FIG. 11 shows a winding unit of the production device in a perspective representation,

FIG. 12 shows an alternative production device for the production of the lattice structure in a schematic top view,

FIG. 13 shows a first alternative lattice structure in a schematic top view,

FIG. 14 shows a second alternative lattice structure in a schematic top view,

FIG. 15 shows a third alternative lattice structure in a schematic top view,

FIG. 16 shows a fastening region of an edge element as well as an alternative longitudinal element connected to the edge element in a schematic sectional representation,

FIG. 17 shows a fastening region of a further edge element as well as an alternative transverse element connected to the further edge element in a schematic sectional representation,

FIG. 18 shows a further alternative edge fastening region in a schematic sectional representation,

FIG. 19 shows a fastening region of an alternative edge element as well as a further alternative longitudinal element which is connected to the alternative edge element and which forms a braking element in a schematic sectional representation,

FIG. 20 shows a fastening region of an alternative further edge element as well as a further alternative transverse element which is connected to the alternative further edge element and which forms a further braking element in a schematic sectional representation,

FIG. 21 shows additional further alternative longitudinal elements as well as edge elements connected to the additional further alternative longitudinal elements in a schematic side view, and

FIG. 22 shows the additional further alternative longitudinal element from FIG. 19 together with an external fastening element in a schematic side view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a lattice structure 10 a in a schematic top view. FIG. 2 shows a part of lattice structure 10 a in a schematic section representation. FIG. 3 shows lattice structure 10 a in a schematic side view. Lattice structure 10 a has at least one longitudinal element 12 a. In the present case, lattice structure 10 a has several parallel-running longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a which, on the grounds of clarity, are not all provided with reference numbers. Longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a are arranged at uniform distances, wherein, however, other arrangements are also conceivable. Lattice structure 10 a furthermore has at least one, in the present case two, edge elements 16 a, 18 a running perpendicularly to longitudinal element 12 a, 14 a. Longitudinal element 12 a is wound, for its fastening to edge element 16 a in a fastening region 26 a of edge element 16 a, multiple times around edge element 16 a. Longitudinal element 12 a forms, in fastening region 26 a of edge element 16 a, a tight winding 54 a. In the present case, edge elements 16 a, 18 a running in particular transversely have fastening regions 26 a for all longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a, wherein each longitudinal element 12 a, 14 a is connected in each case to edge elements 16 a, 18 a which are opposite one another and run in particular parallel to one another.
In the present case, lattice structure 10 a is a steel lattice structure. Lattice structure 10 a can be used to a greater extent, for example, as reinforcement, protective lattice, cover, slope stabilization, building cladding, fence element or the like. Lattice structure 10 a is implemented to be weld-free in the present case. Lattice structure 10 a is implemented from a high-strength steel. Lattice structure 10 a is furthermore hot-dip galvanized. Lattice structure 10 a has wound and plugged, in particular non-positive and/or positive connections between their individual elements.
Lattice structure 10 a has at least one further edge element 20 a running perpendicularly to edge element 16 a. In the present case, lattice structure 10 a has two further edge elements 20 a, 22 a running parallel to longitudinal element 12 a. Edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a form in each case a portion of a lattice edge 24 a. Edge elements 16 a, 18 a form an upper and lower edge of lattice structure 10 a, while further edge elements 20 a, 22 a form lateral edges of lattice structure 10 a. Edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a jointly form lattice edge 24 a.
Lattice structure 10 a furthermore has at least one transverse element 38 a, 44 a which crosses longitudinal element 12 a in at least one crossing region 40 a. In the present case, longitudinal element 12 a and transverse element 38 a cross at least substantially perpendicularly. Lattice structure 10 a has a plurality of transverse elements 38 a, 44 a running in particular parallel which, on the grounds of clarity, are not all provided with reference numbers. Transverse elements 38 a, 44 a are arranged at uniform distances. Transverse elements 38 a of lattice structure 10 a are, in the present case, implemented to be at least substantially identical. It is, however, as mentioned above, also conceivable that a lattice structure comprises different transverse elements.
Transverse element 38 a is wound, for its fastening to further edge element 20 a in a fastening region 42 a of further edge element 20 a, multiple times around further edge element 20 a. Transverse element 38 a forms, in fastening region 42 a of further edge element 20 a, a tight winding 52 a. Transverse element 38 a is connected to opposing, in particular lateral edge elements 20 a, 22 a of lattice structure 10 a.
Longitudinal element 12 a is, in the present case, embodied as a wire strand 198 a. Longitudinal element 12 a comprises two wires 48 a, 50 a twisted with one another. Wires 48 a, 50 a are implemented as high-strength steel wires. Wires 48 a, 50 a have, in the present case, a tensile strength of approximately 1770 N mm⁻², wherein this value should, however, be understood to be purely exemplary. Wires 48 a, 50 a are furthermore implemented as round wires. Wires 48 a, 50 a have, in the present case, a diameter of in each case approximately 2 mm, wherein other, in particular significantly larger or smaller diameters are of course also conceivable. Longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a of lattice structure 10 a are implemented in the present case to be at least substantially identical to one another. Wires 48 a, 50 a are wound running next to one another in winding 54 a. It is, however, also conceivable that single wires of a wire strand are wound independently of one another around an edge element, for example, in opposite directions. As described above, it is also conceivable that a longitudinal element is embodied as a rod, single wire, profile, tube or the like and/or comprises several different wires, in particular also composite wires, flat wires, oval wires or the like.
Transverse element 38 a is embodied as a single wire. Transverse element 38 a is embodied as a high-strength steel wire. Transverse element 38 a has, in the present case, a diameter of approximately 3 mm. As mentioned above, it is, however, also conceivable that a transverse element 38 a is embodied as a rod, tube, a wire strand, a profile or the like.
Edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a are, in the present case, embodied as single wires. Edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a are embodied as round wires. Edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a have a diameter of in each case approximately 4 mm, wherein other diameters are of course conceivable. Edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a are implemented from high-strength steel wire. As mentioned above, it is nevertheless also conceivable that single or all edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a are implemented as wire strand, tube, profile, rod or the like. In the present case, edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a are implemented to be at least substantially identical. Depending on the geometry and/or application, it is, however, for example conceivable that transversely and longitudinally running edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a are different, for example, in terms of a length and/or a diameter and/or material properties and/or structure.
Transverse element 38 a passes in crossing region 40 a through longitudinal element 12 a. Wires 48 a, 50 a of the longitudinal element 12 a clamp the transverse element 38 a fixedly in a crossing region 40 a. Longitudinal element 12 a and transverse element 38 a are connected in crossing region 40 a in a non-positive manner. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that a longitudinal element and a transverse element in a crossing region are twisted with one another and/or wound around one another and/or interlaced with one another.
Longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a and transverse elements 38 a, 44 a jointly form a lattice 46 a of lattice structure 10 a. Edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a run around the lattice 46 a. Longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a, transverse elements 38 a, 44 a and edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a are connected to one another by twisting, guiding in one another and/or winding around in particular in a weld-free manner. Lattice 46 a is delimited by lattice edge 24 a. Lattice structure 10 a is free from adhesively bonded connection points and/or crossing points and/or edge connection points.
Lattice structure 10 a has, in the present case, meshes in particular of 60×60 cm²size, in particular square. Lattice structure 10 a furthermore has a length of approximately 3 m. Lattice structure 10 a furthermore has a width of approximately 3 m. Lattice structure 10 a is furthermore implemented to be at least substantially flat. In particular, longitudinal elements 12 a, 14, transverse elements 38 a, 44 a and edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a of lattice structure 10 a run in a joint plane and/or parallel to a joint plane. It is, however, also conceivable to provide edge elements with corresponding curvatures in order to generate arched lattice structures. Entirely different dimensions of a lattice structure are furthermore conceivable. A lattice structure can be shaped to be longitudinal, round, elliptical or otherwise. Moreover, a lattice structure can have any other surface, for example, a surface which is smaller or larger than the surface shown by way of example here by a factor of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100.
Edge element 16 a is wound multiple times around further edge element 20 a in an edge connection region 30 a of further edge element 20 a. Edge element 16 a and further edge element 20 a are connected to one another by means of mutual winding around. A winding 34 a of edge element 16 a around further edge element 20 a has a different direction of lay than a winding 36 a of further edge element 20 a around edge element 16 a. The mutual winding around of edge element 16 a and of further edge element 20 a prevents a relative rotation of edge elements 16 a, 20 a to one another. In the present case, edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a are connected to one another in each case in pairs by means of mutual winding around. A dimensionally stable lattice edge 24 a can thus be provided. In the present case, edge elements 16 a, 20 a in edge connection region 30 a have a constant cross-section.
FIG. 4 shows the fastening region 26 a of the edge element 16 a as well as the longitudinal element 12 a connected to the edge element 16 a in a schematic sectional representation. Edge element 16 a has in fastening region 26 a at least one flattening 28 a. Edge element 16 a is pressed flat in a region of flattening 28 a. In the present case, edge element 16 is pressed flat from opposite sides. Flattening 28 a is realized as a two-sided flattening. A one-sided flattening is, however, also conceivable. In the present case, flattening 28 a has a radius, in particular a radius of curvature of a surface of flattening 28 a of between 2 cm and 8 cm, but larger or smaller radii are also conceivable. In particular as a result of the two-sided implementation of flattening 28 a, a connection of high load-bearing capacity is achievable in the fastening region 26 a and/or high friction is achievable between the edge element 16 a and the longitudinal element 12 a. Longitudinal element 12 a is wound tightly around flattening 28 a. Longitudinal element 12 a is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to edge element 16 a. Winding 54 a around flattening 28 a prevents a rotation of longitudinal element 12 a around edge element 16 a. Winding 54 a further advantageously prevents unwinding of winding 54 a. Longitudinal element 12 a is wound in a positive manner around flattening 28 a. Winding 54 a follows a profile of flattening 28 a. Edge element 16 a has a longitudinal direction of extent 182 a. Flattening 28 a has in longitudinal direction of extent 182 a a longitudinal extent 172 a. Flattening 28 a has a center 176 a. Center 176 a of flattening 28 a is arranged centrally in flattening 28 a relative to longitudinal extent 172 a of flattening 28 a. Winding 54 a has in longitudinal direction of extent 182 a a longitudinal extent 174 a. Winding 54 a has a center 178 a. Center 178 a of winding 54 a is arranged centrally in winding 54 a relative to longitudinal extent 174 a of winding 54 a. Center 176 a of flattening 28 a and center 178 a of winding 54 a have an offset 180 a. Offset 180 a is more than 25% of longitudinal extent 172 a of flattening 28 a.
FIG. 5 shows fastening region 42 a of further edge element 20 a as well as transverse element 38 a connected to further edge element 20 a in a schematic sectional representation. Further edge element 20 a has a flattening 60 a. Transverse element 38 a is wound in fastening region 42 a tightly around flattening 60 a. Transverse element 38 a is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to further edge element 20 a. Transverse element 38 a is connected to flattening 60 a of further edge element 20 a in an analogous manner to the connection of longitudinal element 12 a to flattening 28 a of edge element 16 a. Further edge element 20 a has a longitudinal direction of extent 182 a. Flattening 60 a has in longitudinal direction of extent 182 a a longitudinal extent 184 a. Flattening 60 a has a center 186 a. Center 186 a of flattening 60 a is arranged centrally in flattening 60 a relative to longitudinal extent 184 a of flattening 60 a. Winding 52 a has in longitudinal direction of extent 182 a a longitudinal extent 188 a. Winding 52 a has a center 190 a. Center 190 a of winding 52 a is arranged centrally in winding 52 a relative to longitudinal extent 188 a of winding 52 a. Center 186 a of flattening 60 a and center 190 a of winding 52 a have an offset 192 a. Offset 192 a is more than 20% of longitudinal extent 184 a of flattening 60 a.
FIG. 6 shows an alternative edge connection region 30 a′ for lattice structure 10 a in a schematic sectional representation. The design of alternative edge connection region 30 a′ can be transferred directly to lattice structure 10 a, which is why the corresponding reference numbers are selected and analogously to those of FIGS. 1 to 5 and are given a prime. Further edge element 20 a′ has in alternative edge connection region 30 a′ a flattening 32 a′. Further edge element 20 a′ is, for example, pressed flat and forms flattening 32 a′. Edge element 16 a′ is wound multiple times around flattening 32 a′ of further edge element 20 a′. A winding 34 a′ of edge element 16 a′ is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to flattening 32 a′ of further edge element 20 a′. Edge element 16 a′ in edge connection region 30 a′ can additionally have a flattening 62 a′ which is implemented in particular in an analogous manner to flattening 32 a′ and to which a winding 36 a′ of further edge element 20 a′ is connected. In particular all the edge elements of a lattice structure can be connected in this manner to one another.
FIG. 7 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for producing lattice structure 10 a. In a first method step 64 a, edge element 16 a is pressed flat prior to being wound around with longitudinal element 12 a in fastening region 26 a. In the present case, edge element 16 a is pressed and thereby provided with flattening 28 a. In a second method step 66 a, longitudinal element 12 a, for its fastening to edge element 16 a in fastening region 26 a of edge element 16 a, is wound multiple times around edge element 16 a. In an analogous manner, in the present case, all of longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a are connected to upper and lower edge element 16 a, 18 a. Moreover, transverse elements 38 a, 44 a are connected to lateral edge elements 20 a, 22 a in an analogous manner. The method for producing lattice structure 10 a furthermore includes corresponding method steps which are configured for manufacture of crossing regions 40 a of longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a and transverse elements 38 a, 44 a, and for a connection of edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a to one another. In a further method step 212 a, in fastening region 26 a, 42 a, longitudinal element 12 a, 14 a which forms winding 54 a pushes transverse element 38 a, 44 a which forms winding 52 a flat. In an additional method step 214 a, in edge connection region 30 a of edge element 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a, an edge element 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a which forms a winding 34 a, 36 a is pressed flat.
FIG. 8 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for production of the longitudinal element 12 a, 14 a. In a method step 216 a, two at least substantially identical wires 48 a, 50 a are selected. In at least one further method step 218 a, wires 48 a, 50 a are twisted with one another in a specific lay length 226 a. As a result of the twisting, wires 48 a, 50 a form a wire strand 198 a. In at least one further method step 220 a, a widening element 202 a (cf. FIG. 9) is positioned in an as yet untwisted region between the two wires 48 a, 50 a prior to further twisting. In at least one further method step 222 a, wires 48 a, 50 a are further twisted with one another. Widening element 202 a is clamped in wire strand 198 a. Widening element 202 a as a result widens a lay 200 a of wire strand 198 a. In at least one superordinate method step 228 a, lays 200 a of wire strand 198 a are thus widened at specific distances. Widened lays 200 a preferably have regular distances to one another. In at least one further method step 224 a, widening elements 202 a are removed from wire strand 198 a. After removal of widening elements 202 a, passages remain in wire strand 198 a which are configured to receive transverse elements 38 a, 44 a. In at least one further method step 230 a, wire strand 198 a with widened lay 200 a is stiffened by pressing, hammering, compacting and/or processing by means of a drawing die. During production of the lattice structure 10 a, in at least one further method step, transverse elements 38 a, 44 a are inserted into the passages formed by the widened lays 200 a.
FIG. 9 shows a method step of the method for the production of the longitudinal element 12 a, 14 a. In the represented method step, two wires 48, 50 are twisted with one another. At regular intervals, widening element 202 a is clamped between wires 48 a, 50 a during twisting, wherein widened lays 200 a are generated. Widening element 202 a is embodied as a short tubular metal piece. Widening element 202 a has a diameter which is comparable to a diameter of a transverse element 38 a, 44 a, in particular at most 10%, preferably at most 25% and preferably at most 40% larger.
FIG. 10 shows a production device 68 a for the production of lattice structure 10 a in a schematic top view. Production device 68 a is configured to carry out the method for the production of lattice structure 10 a. Production device 68 a operates in a manufacturing facility 110 a. Elements, assemblies, functional groups and the like of production device 68 a which are present multiple times are not all provided with reference numbers below on the grounds of clarity.
Production device 68 a has a plurality of reels 70 a with raw material for longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a auf. Production device 68 a furthermore has at least one reel 72 a with raw material for transverse elements 38 a, 44 a. Production device 68 a furthermore has corresponding reels with raw material for edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a, for example, a reel 74 a with raw material for upper and lower edge elements 16 a, 18 a. The raw material is, according to the implementation of lattice structure 10 a, wire strand and single wires. Depending on the properties of a lattice structure, profiles, rods, tubes or the like can, however, be used in an analogous or correspondingly adapted manner as raw material.
Blanks 78 a of longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a are guided in a parallel manner. In a first processing region 76 a, in each case a blank 80 a for a transverse element 38 a, 44 a is laterally underlaid. In a second processing region 82 a, in each case a blank 84 a for an upper or lower edge element 16 a, 18 a is laterally underlaid.
In a third processing region 86 a, further, in particular lateral edge elements 20 a, 22 a are pressed flat in order to generate corresponding flattenings to which transverse elements 38 a, 44 a can be connected.
In a fourth and fifth processing region 88 a, 94 a, in each case an edge element 16 a, 18 a is wound around a corresponding further edge element 20 a, 22 a in order to generate a part of the mutual winding around.
In a sixth and seventh processing region 90 a, 92 a, in each case transverse elements 38 a, 44 a are wound around corresponding further edge elements 20 a, 22 a, wherein, as mentioned above, adjacent windings are generated running in opposite directions.
FIG. 11 shows a winding unit 128 a of production device 68 a in a perspective representation. Winding unit 128 a is arranged in sixth processing region 90 a. In particular, production device 68 a comprises four analogously formed winding units 128 a which are arranged on opposing sides in sixth processing region 90 a and in seventh processing region 92 a. Production device 68 a furthermore comprises manufacturing further winding units around all windings 34 a, 36 a, 52 a, 54 a, 56 a, 58 a of lattice structure 10 a. A mode of operation of winding unit 128 a is described below. Further windings around of lattice structure 10 a are generated in a partially analogous and/or partially adapted manner. In principle, the examples shown of winding unit 128 a can be transferred to other winding units, in particular corresponding processing regions 88 a, 90 a, 92 a, 94 a, 102 a, 104 a, 106 a, 108 a in which windings are generated.
Winding unit 128 a is configured for a winding around of edge element 22 a with a transverse element 130 a for its fastening to edge element 22 a. After fastening of transverse element 130 a to edge element 22 a, a forward feed in manufacturing direction 110 is performed and a next transverse element 132 a is fastened to edge element 22 a. Edge element 22 a is initially realized as a continuous blank and is subsequently cut to size, in particular in an eighth processing region 96 a, according to a size of lattice structure 10 a.
Winding unit 128 a has a guide element 134 a which guides longitudinal element 22 a in the longitudinal direction. Winding unit 128 a furthermore has a movably mounted fixing element 136 a which fixes transverse element 130 a during winding. In the present case, fixing element 136 a pushes transverse element 130 a into a fixing guide 138 a. For the purpose of fixing, fixing element 136 a and fixing guide 138 a can be moved towards one another. For the purpose of a forward feed, fixing element 136 a and fixing guide 138 a can be moved away from one another.
Winding unit 128 a has a bending element 140 a which is configured for a bending of a protrusion 142 a of transverse element 130 a around edge element 22 a. Further transverse element 132 a has an as yet unbent protrusion 144 a. Bending element 140 a is mounted circumferentially partially around edge element 22 a. Prior to a next forward feed, bending element 140 a is pivoted into a starting position and bends, during subsequent pivoting around edge element 22 a, next protrusion 144 a around edge element 22 a. Winding unit 128 a has a further fixing element 146 a which is configured for a lateral fixing of transverse element 130 a. Further fixing element 146 a is mounted movably. Further fixing element 146 a can be pivoted about a pivot axis perpendicular to a lattice plane in particular to release transverse element 130 a for a forward feed.
Winding unit 128 a has a further bending element 148 a which is configured for a lateral bending of protrusion 142 a after its first bending around edge element 22 a. Further bending element 148 a bends protrusion 142 a in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of edge element 22 a. Protrusion 142 a is fixed in a fastening region 150 a by further fixing element 146 a. Protrusion 142 a and/or transverse element 130 a are initially fixed by fixing element 136 a and further fixing element 146 a. Protrusion 142 a is subsequently bent by means of bending element 140 a around edge element 22 a. Thereafter, protrusion 142 a is laterally bent out by means of further bending element 148 a.
Winding unit 128 a has a winder 152 a which is configured for multiple winding of protrusion 142 a around edge element 22 a. Winder 152 a generates windings 52 a, 58 a of transverse elements 38 a, 44 a, 130 a, 132 a of lattice structure 10 a around edge elements 20 a, 22 a of lattice structure 10 a. Winder 152 a is mounted pivotably laterally via edge element 22 a and bent-over protrusion 142 a. A pivot axis of winder 152 a runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of edge element 22 a. Winder 152 a has a rotatably mounted winding element 154 a. Winding element 154 a has a receiving region 156 a for edge element 22 a and protrusion 142 a. Receiving region 156 a is implemented to be U-shaped. For the purpose of winding, further bending element 148 a is initially pivoted back into a starting position. Further fixing element 146 a is furthermore pivoted back into a starting position. As a result of this, protrusion 142 a is accessible for winder 152 a. Receiving region 156 a is furthermore pivoted via edge element 22 a and protrusion 142 a. Winding element 154 a is subsequently rotated in order to wind protrusion 142 a multiple times around edge element 22 a. After multiple winding of protrusion 142 a around edge element 22 a, winder 152 a is pivoted back into a starting position for the purpose of a forward feed.
In the eighth processing region 96 a, there is performed a cutting to size in accordance with a size of lattice structure 10 a as well as a forward feed of a cut-to-size preliminary structure 98 a of lattice structure 10 a.
In a ninth processing region 99 a, preliminary structure 98 a is rotated by 90°. In the present case, preliminary structure 98 a is raised, rotated and lowered onto a transport track.
In a tenth processing region 100 a, upper and lower edge elements 16 a, 18 a are pressed to generate corresponding flattenings 28 a.
In an eleventh and twelfth processing region 102 a, 108 a, lateral edge elements 20 a, 22 a are wound around upper and lower edge elements 16 a, 18 a in order to generate a second part of the mutual winding around.
In a 13th and 14th processing region 104 a, 106 a, longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a are wound around corresponding edge elements 16 a, 18 a. All of the connection points of lattice structure 10 a are completed after having passed through 14th processing region 106 a. Completed lattice structures 10 a are subsequently stacked and where applicable subsequently coated. The blanks used of longitudinal elements 12 a, 14 a, transverse elements 38 a, 44 a and edge elements 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a are, however, already advantageously correspondingly coated and/or surface-treated. As a result of an omission of welded and/or soldered connections, corresponding coatings and surfaces are not damaged during production of the lattice structure, as a result of which in particular a high degree of corrosion resistance, in particular connection points, can be achieved.
Where necessary, a further processing region is configured at a suitable point, in which processing region edge elements are provided with flattenings for edge connection regions, for example, by means of pressing.
FIG. 12 shows an alternative production device 68 a′ for producing the lattice structure 10 a, in a schematic top view. The alternative production device 68 a′ is implemented in a largely analogous manner to the production device 68 a, which is why corresponding reference numbers have been selected analogously and have been given a prime. Instead of a rotation of a preliminary structure 98 a′, in the alternative production device 68 a′ a further processing of the preliminary structure 98 a′ is performed in a further production direction 112 a′, which is rotated by 90° in relation to an initial production direction 110 a′, after completion of the lateral connections of the preliminary structure 98 a′.
Six further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 13 to 22. The following descriptions and the drawings are restricted substantially to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein regarding identically designated components, in particular in relation to components with the same reference numerals, reference may in principle also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 12. In order to distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a has been added to the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 12. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 22, the letter a has been replaced by the letters b to g.
FIG. 13 shows a first alternative lattice structure 10 b in a schematic top view. The first alternative lattice structure 10 b has at least one longitudinal element 12 b and at least one edge element 16 b which runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal element 12 b and which forms a portion of a lattice edge 24 b. The longitudinal element 12 b is, for its fastening to the edge element 16 b in a fastening region 26 b of edge element 16 b, wound multiple times around the edge element 16 b. The longitudinal element 12 b is embodied as a wire strand. In the present case, the first alternative lattice structure 10 b has a plurality of longitudinal elements 12 b, 14 b arranged in parallel and at equal distances.
The first alternative lattice structure 10 b has a plurality of transverse elements 38 b, 44 b, which are not all provided with reference numerals on the grounds of clarity. The transverse elements 38 b, 44 b are embodied as wire strands. The longitudinal elements 12 b, 14 b and the transverse elements 38 b, 44 b are implemented to be at least substantially identical to one another. The transverse elements 38 b, 44 b pass. in crossing regions 40 b, 114 b, through longitudinal elements 12 b, 14 b.
The edge element 16 b is embodied as a single wire. In the present case, all edge elements 16 b of the first alternative lattice structure 10 b are embodied as single wires. The edge elements 16 b respectively have, in fastening regions 26 b, 42 b for longitudinal elements 12 b, 14 b and transverse elements 38 b, 44 b, flattenings 28 b, 60 b, around which longitudinal elements 12 b, 14 b and transverse elements 38 b, 44 b are wound with a high density, as a result of which in particular a rotationally fix connection can be provided.
FIG. 14 shows a second alternative lattice structure 10 c in a schematic top view. Second alternative lattice structure 10 c has edge elements 16 c, 18 c, 20 c, 22 c as well as longitudinal elements 12 c, 14 c and transverse elements 38 c, 44 c which are wound around these for their fastening to edge elements 16 c, 18 c, 20 c, 22 c. Second alternative lattice structure 10 c is free from adhesively bonded connection points.
Edge elements 16 c, 18 c, 20 c, 22 c form a rectangular, in particular square lattice edge 24 c. Longitudinal elements 12 c, 14 c run perpendicular in relation to an upper and lower edge element 16 c, 18 c, 20 c, 22 c of lattice structure 10 c. Longitudinal elements 12 c, 14 c are connected to upper and lower edge element 16 c, 18 c. Longitudinal elements 12 c, 14 c run parallel to one another. Transverse elements 38 c, 44 c run obliquely in relation to lateral edge elements 20 c, 22 c of second alternative lattice structure 10 c. Transverse elements 38 c, 44 c are connected to lateral edge elements 20 c, 22 c. Longitudinal elements 12 c, 14 c and transverse elements 38 c, 44 c form parallelogram-shaped, in particular diamond-shaped meshes. It is also conceivable that longitudinal elements are arranged obliquely in relation to upper and lower edge elements. It is furthermore conceivable that both longitudinal elements and transverse elements are arranged obliquely in relation to edge elements to which these are fastened. For example, diamond-shaped meshes can be generated in this manner, the tips of which point in each case towards an edge element.
FIG. 15 shows a third alternative lattice structure 10 d in a schematic top view. Third alternative lattice structure 10 d has edge elements 16 d, 18 d, 20 d, 22 d, 120 d, 122 d. In the present case, edge elements 16 d, 18 d, 20 d, 22 d, 120 d, 122 d form a hexagonal lattice edge 24 d. Lattice structure 10 d has longitudinal elements 12 d, 14 d, transverse elements 38 d, 44 d, and further transverse elements 124 d, 126 d which run in each case perpendicular to two opposing edge elements 16 d, 18 d, 20 d, 22 d, 120 d, 122 d running in parallel and are wound multiple times around these for the purpose of fastening. Longitudinal elements 12 d, 14 d, transverse elements 38 d, 44 d and further transverse elements 124 d, 126 d run in each case through joint crossing regions 40 d in which in each case a longitudinal element 12 d, a transverse element 38 d and a further transverse element 124 d cross. Third alternative lattice structure 10 d has a plurality of triangular meshes. In particular, the meshes are in the present case realized as equilateral triangles.
FIG. 16 shows a fastening region 26 e of an edge element 16 e of a lattice structure 10 e, as well as a longitudinal element 12 e connected to edge element 16 e in a schematic sectional representation. Edge element 16 e has in fastening region 26 e at least one flattening 28 e. Edge element 16 e is pressed flat in one region of flattening 28 e. Longitudinal element 12 e is wound tight around flattening 28 e. Longitudinal element 12 e forms, in fastening region 26 e of edge element 16 e, a tight winding 54 a. Longitudinal element 12 e is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to edge element 16 e. Winding 54 e around flattening 28 e prevents a rotation of longitudinal element 12 e around edge element 16 e. Longitudinal element 12 e forms, in fastening region 26 e, a winding-around element 158 e. Longitudinal element 12 e winds multiple times around edge element 16 e. Winding-around element 158 e is pressed flat. Winding-around element 158 e has, in fastening region 26 e, a cross-section which is significantly different from a cross-section of longitudinal element 12 e which forms winding-around element 158 e. The cross-section of winding-around element 158 e, in particular of a single wire of longitudinal element 12 e, is at least substantially oval. Outside fastening region 26 e, the cross-section of longitudinal element 12 e which forms winding-around element 158 e, in particular of a single wire of longitudinal element 12 e, is at least substantially round. An additional pushing flat of longitudinal element 12 e which forms winding-around element 158 e advantageously prevents an unwinding of winding 54 e.
FIG. 17 shows a fastening region 42 e of a further edge element 20 e of lattice structure 10 e, as well as a transverse element 38 e connected to further edge element 20 e in a schematic sectional representation. Further edge element 20 e has a flattening 60 e. Transverse element 38 e is wound, in fastening region 42 e, tightly around flattening 60 e. Transverse element 38 e forms, in fastening region 42 e of further edge element 20 e, a tight winding 52 e. Transverse element 38 e is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to further edge element 20 e. In fastening region 42 e, transverse element 38 e forms a winding-around element 204 e. Winding-around element 204 e of transverse element 38 e winds multiple times around further edge element 20 e. Winding-around element 204 e is pressed flat. Winding-around element 204 e has in fastening region 42 e a cross-section which is significantly different from a cross-section of transverse element 38 e which forms winding-around element 204 e. The cross-section of winding-around element 204 e is at least substantially oval. Outside fastening region 42 e, the cross-section of transverse element 38 e which forms winding-around element 204 e is at least substantially round. An additional pushing flat of transverse element 38 e which forms winding-around element 204 e advantageously prevents an unwinding of winding 52 e.
FIG. 18 shows a further alternative edge connection region 30 e′ for the lattice structure 10 e in a schematic sectional representation. The implementation of the alternative edge connection region 30 e′ is directly transferable to the lattice structure 10 e. The edge element 16 e′ is wound multiple times around the further edge element 20 e′. The further edge element 20 e′ is wound multiple times around the edge element 16 e′. The edge element 16 e′ and further elements 206 e′, 208 e′, which wind around the edge element 20 e,′ are realized in the edge connection region 30 e′. Winding-around element 206 e′ of edge element 16 e′ winds multiple times around further edge element 20 e′. Winding-around element 206 e′ of edge element 16 e′ is pressed flat. Winding-around elements 206 e′, 208 e′ have, in edge connection region 30 e′, a cross-section which is significantly different from a cross-section of edge elements 16 e′, 20 e′ which form winding-around elements 206 e′, 208 e′. The cross-section of winding-around elements 206 e′, 208 e′ is at least substantially oval. Outside edge connection region 30 e′, the cross-section of edge elements 16 e′, 20 e′ which form winding-around elements 206 e′, 208 e′ is at least substantially round. Winding-around element 208 e′ of further edge element 20 e′ winds multiple times around edge element 16 e′. Winding-around element 208 e′ of further edge element 20 e′ is pressed flat.
FIG. 19 shows a fastening region 26 f of an alternative edge element 16 f of a lattice structure 10 f, as well as a further alternative longitudinal element 12 f connected to alternative edge element 16 f in a schematic sectional representation. Longitudinal element 12 f forms, in fastening region 26 f of edge element 16 f, a tight winding 54 f. Longitudinal element 12 f is realized in fastening region 26 f as a winding-around element 158 f. Winding-around element 158 f of longitudinal element 12 f winds multiple times around edge element 16 f. Winding-around element 158 f of longitudinal element 12 f forms a braking element 162 f. Braking element 162 f is configured to delay an acceleration acting on winding-around element 158 f and/or on lattice structure 10 f by means of an unwinding at least of a part of a winding 54 f of winding-around element 158 f of longitudinal element 12 f. An unwinding of braking element 162 f of longitudinal element 12 f leads to an irreversible deformation of winding-around element 158 f of longitudinal element 12 f. The element wound around by braking element 162 f of longitudinal element 12 f is free from a flattening. The element wound around by braking element 162 f of longitudinal element 12 f is not pressed flat. As a result of the omission of a flattening and of pressing flat, a delaying unwinding of the braking element of longitudinal element 12 f is advantageously enabled.
FIG. 20 shows a fastening region 42 f of an alternative further edge element 20 f as well as a further alternative transverse element 38 f connected to alternative further edge element 20 f in a schematic sectional representation. Transverse element 38 f forms a tight winding 52 f in fastening region 42 f of further edge element 20 f. Transverse element 38 f is realized in fastening region 42 f as a winding-around element 204 f. Winding-around element 204 f of transverse element 38 f winds multiple times around further edge element 20 f. Winding-around element 204 f of transverse element 38 f forms a further braking element 210 f. Further braking element 210 f is configured to delay, by means of an unwinding at least of a part of a winding 52 f of winding-around element 204 f of transverse element 38 f, an acceleration acting on winding-around element 204 f and/or on lattice structure 10 f. An unwinding of braking element 210 f of transverse element 38 f leads to an irreversible deformation of winding-around element 204 f of transverse element 38 f. The element wound around by braking element 210 f of transverse element 38 f is free from a flattening. The element wound around by braking element 210 f of transverse element 38 f is not pressed flat. A delaying unwinding of braking element 210 f of transverse element 38 f is advantageously enabled by omitting a flattening and a pushing flat.
FIG. 21 shows additional further alternative longitudinal elements 12 g, 168 g and edge elements 16 g, 194 g of lattice structure 10 g in a schematic side view. Longitudinal element 12 g partially forms a closed loop 164 g. Edge element 16 g partially forms a closed loop 164 g. Longitudinal element 12 g is partially implemented in one piece with edge element 16 g. Longitudinal element 12 g forms a winding 54 g at one end. Longitudinal element 12 g is wound in the region of winding 54 g multiple times around edge element 16 g. Winding 54 g adjoins closed loop 164 g of longitudinal element 12 g at one side. A further longitudinal element 168 g partially forms a further closed loop 166 g. Further edge element 194 g partially forms a further closed loop 166 g. Further longitudinal element 168 g is implemented partially in one piece with further edge element 194 g. Further longitudinal element 168 g forms a winding 160 g at one end. Further longitudinal element 168 g is wound multiple times around further edge element 194 g in the region of winding 160 g. Winding 160 g concludes closed loop 166 g of further longitudinal element 168 g at one side. Closed loop 164 g of longitudinal element 12 g engages in further closed loop 166 g of further longitudinal element 168 g. By means of mutual engagement of closed loops 164 g, 166 g of longitudinal elements 12 g, 168 g, longitudinal elements 12 g, 168 g can form a lattice structure 10 g, in particular together with further longitudinal elements. Edge elements 16 g, 194 g have in the region of windings 54 g, 160 g a flattening 28 g (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 21). Winding 54 g of longitudinal element 12 g is pressed flat (cf. also FIG. 14). Winding 160 g of further longitudinal element 168 g could also at least partially be pressed flat. As a result of this, particularly high stability of closed loops 164 g, 166 g can advantageously be achieved.
FIG. 22 shows additional further alternative longitudinal element 12 g with an external fastening element 170 g. External fastening element 170 g is embodied as a wall hook. External fastening element 170 g is fastened to a wall 196 g. Closed loop 164 g of longitudinal element 12 g and external fastening element 170 g engage in one another. As a result of the engaging in one another, longitudinal element 12 g is fastened to wall 196 g so that it cannot be lost.

Claims

1. A lattice structure, in particular steel lattice structure, with at least one longitudinal element and with at least one edge element which runs perpendicularly or obliquely with respect to the longitudinal element, is embodied as a single wire, rod, wire strand, tube or profile and forms in particular at least a portion of a lattice edge, wherein the longitudinal element is wound around the edge element multiple times for its fastening to the edge element in a fastening region of the edge element.

2. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edge element has at least one flattening in its fastening region.

3. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal element is connected to the edge element in a rotatably fixed manner.

4. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal element is embodied as a wire strand.

5. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 1, comprising a further edge element, which runs perpendicularly or obliquely with respect to the edge element.

6. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the edge element is wound around the further edge element multiple times in an edge connection region of the further edge element.

7. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the further edge element has at least one flattening in its edge connection region.

8. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the edge element and the further edge element are connected to one another by means of a mutual winding with one another, wherein a winding of the edge element around the further edge element has a different direction of lay than a winding of the further edge element around the edge element.

9. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one transverse element which crosses the longitudinal element in at least one crossing region, in particular perpendicularly.

10. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the transverse element in the crossing region passes through the longitudinal element.

11. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the transverse element is embodied as a single wire, a rod, a tube or a profile.

12. The lattice structure at least as claimed in claim 9, comprising a further edge element, which runs perpendicularly or obliquely with respect to the edge element, wherein the transverse element is wound, for its fastening to the further edge element, multiple times around the further edge element in a fastening region of the further edge element.

13. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of longitudinal elements embodied as wire strands and a plurality of transverse elements embodied as a single wire, rod, wire strand, tube or profile which, together with the longitudinal elements, form a lattice, and by a plurality of edge elements which run around the lattice and are embodied as a single wire, rod, tube or profile, wherein the longitudinal elements, the transverse elements and the edge elements are connected to one another by twisting, guiding into one another and/or winding around.

14. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a longitudinal element and/or a transverse element in at least one fastening region and/or an edge element in at least one edge connection region forms at least partially a winding-around element, which winds multiple times around itself and/or around a longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element, wherein at least the winding-around element is at least partially pressed flat.

15. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a longitudinal element and/or a transverse element in at least one fastening region and/or an edge element in at least one edge connection region forms at least partially a winding-around element, which winds multiple times around itself and/or around a longitudinal, transverse and/or edge element, wherein the winding-around element forms a brake element.

16. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one longitudinal element forms at least partially a closed loop.

17. The lattice structure as claimed in claim 16, wherein the closed loop, for the formation and/or fastening of the lattice structure, engages in a further closed loop, which is implemented at least partially by a further longitudinal element, and/or in an external fastening element.

18. A method for producing a lattice structure, in particular a steel lattice structure, in particular as claimed in claim 1, with at least one longitudinal element and with at least one edge element which runs perpendicularly or obliquely to the longitudinal element, is embodied as a single wire, rod, wire strand, tube or profile, and which in particular forms at least a portion of a lattice edge, wherein, for its fastening to the edge element, the longitudinal element is wound multiple times around the edge element in a fastening region of the edge element.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the edge element is pressed flat at least section-wise in the fastening region prior to being wound around with the longitudinal element.

20. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least in the fastening region at least one longitudinal element, which forms at least one winding, and/or at least one transverse element, which forms at least one winding, of the lattice structure, and/or in at least one edge connection region of the edge element at least one edge element, which forms at least one winding, is pressed flat at least section-wise.

21. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least two longitudinal elements are twisted to form a wire strand, wherein at least one lay of the wire strand is widened, in particular during stranding.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the wire strand with the at least one widened lay is stiffened by pressing, hammering, compacting and/or processing by means of a drawing die.

23. A production device which is configured for production of a lattice structure as claimed in claim 1.

24. The production device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the production device is configured for carrying out a method.