WO2010132961A2

WO2010132961A2 - Supporting structure

Info

Publication number: WO2010132961A2
Application number: PCT/BE2010/000038
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Cuipers
Original assignee: Hermans, Pascal
Priority date: 2009-05-06
Filing date: 2010-05-05
Publication date: 2010-11-25
Also published as: BE1018547A3; WO2010132961A3

Abstract

Supporting structure (1) which is formed at least of a plate (2) provided on a support (3) and of a distance piece (7, 8) provided between the plate (2) and the support (3) and which keeps both plates (2, 3) separated, whereby the plate (2) has been provided in a tilting manner round the distance piece (7, 8), and the supporting structure (1) has means which make it possible to determine the angle of inclination of the plate (2) and means to automatically adjust the angle of inclination of the plate (2) in relation to the support (3) so as to make sure that the plate (2) assumes and maintains a position whereby the angle of inclination of the plate (2) in relation to the level position and/or in relation to the support (3) is equal to a preset angle of inclination.

Description

Supporting structure.

The present invention concerns a supporting structure.

By supporting structure is understood in this context any device which mainly consists of a plate provided on a support and which is used as a support or as a base structure.

In particular, the invention concerns a supporting structure, for example in the shape of a floor, bottom, base plate, frame or the like, which can be used or provided in an environment which is in motion or in an environment which is not level.

Supporting structures which are usually placed temporarily under an object so as to move it and which are based on the use of air cushions are already known.

This is disadvantageous in that the top of the air cushions is not necessarily level, which may be dangerous in several ways, whereby the danger is related in particular to the shifting of the cargo or an uneven load.

Moreover, such air cushions tend to be large and expensive.

They are moreover very fragile and very heavy, and they require a special inflating system which is usually very wasteful of energy, harmful to the environment and causes noise nuisance. Within the context of inert navigation in shipping traffic and aviation are also known devices which can constantly maintain an object in the same position in relation to the horizon, irrespective of the movements of the environment.

In general, use is made hereby of what is called a triple cardan suspension, which implies that the object must be suspended in the centre on three concentric rings, which are each suspended in turn on two hinges, situated in one line running through the middle of each circle, and whereby the second and third ring each time surround the previous and are hinge-mounted in a line which is perpendicular to the first one (second one respectively) .

Such a suspension is already used to suspend a compass, stove, drinking glass, lamp and the like in a motionless manner in relation to the horizon in an environment which is in motion such as for example a ship or an airplane.

A disadvantage thereof is that the cardan suspension must be provided round the object, which must be necessarily situated in the centre of the concentric rings.

As a result, the suspended object may have only limited dimensions, and it is no longer freely accessible from all sides.

A further disadvantage is that the centre of gravity of the suspended object must be situated considerably lower than the centre of the rings, at least if one wishes to use the gravity to automatically adjust and maintain the required level position of the suspended object.

Another disadvantage is that such a device stops working as soon as two out of the three cardan rings end up in one and the same plane with their axes of rotation due to the movements of the environment.

It is also known that, in order to horizontally erect a cooker, table, bed or the like in a caravan, truck or camper van, one must often use wedges or similar auxiliary means and put them under the wheels of the stationary vehicle so as to put it somewhat more level.

This is disadvantageous in that this does not occur automatically and the wedges or similar auxiliary means can only be provided when the vehicle has come to a standstill and is entirely immobilized, and with the help of another person.

It is also known that, for example when putting up a ladder on a sloping ground, one must take care to first provide a horizontal support under the ladder's foot, which must moreover be made such that it cannot move.

In practice, all sorts of temporary solutions are invented on the spot which are far from safe and which may cause accidents.

The present invention aims to remedy the above-mentioned and other disadvantages by providing a supporting structure which is at least formed of a plate provided on a support and of a distance piece provided between the plate and the support and which keeps both plates separated, whereby the plate is provided in a tilting manner round the distance piece and the supporting structure comprises means which make it possible to determine the angle of inclination of the plate in relation to the level position and/or in relation to the support, and means to automatically adjust the angle of inclination of the plate in relation to the support so as to make sure that the plate assumes and maintains a position whereby the angle of inclination of the plate in relation to the level position and/or in relation to the support is equal to a preset angle of inclination.

An advantage is that the plate, irrespective of the relative position or movement of the support, can always be maintained level, such that the invention can be applied stationary as well as dynamically in an environment which is continuously in motion.

Another advantage is that this can be done automatically, without any direct intervention of anyone.

Yet another advantage is that the dimensions of the supporting structure can be restricted while still remaining within the scope of what can be usefully supported.

The distance piece is preferably provided centrally between the top and the support. As a result, a maximal load distribution will be concentrated in the centre of rotation or centre, such that the angle of inclination can be adjusted with a minimal effort and, when applicable, mechanical leverage is used.

According to a preferred embodiment, the distance piece is fixed to the support and engages the plate by means of a hinge-mounted joint, preferably a ball joint.

This is advantageous in that the plate can be adjusted with a minimal friction to any angle of inclination.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the hinge- mounted joint is formed of at least two hinges mounted crosswise on top of one another.

This is advantageous in that such an arrangement allows for a heavier load of the supporting structure than in the case of a ball joint, as the load is no longer concentrated in a single point.

In a further preferred embodiment, the plate and the support have identical shapes, for example rectangular, whereby the support may also be a plate.

In a further preferred embodiment, the means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the plate in relation to the support consist at least of a measuring device which can measure the deviation of the plate in relation to the level position and which can transmit a signal to a signal processing unit, a signal processing unit which is capable of transforming this signal in output instructions, and output elements which can transform these instructions into a movement which determines the angle of inclination of the plate in relation to the support as well as in relation to the level position.

In a preferred embodiment, the measuring device is formed among others of at least two digital levels.

In a further preferred embodiment, the measuring device is formed among others of at least two electric mercury contacts.

In a further preferred embodiment, the output elements are formed at least of an electropneumatic control working in conjunction with a pressure system and one or several air cushions provided between the top and the support and which determine the angle of inclination of the plate in relation to the support and to the level position by their relative filling degrees.

A major advantage thereof is that a certain volume of air must be introduced only once into the system, after which, by constantly redistributing this volume over the different air cushions, the plate can be maintained level.

Thus, no continuous supply of fresh compressed air is required, nor any continuous energy consumption to produce the latter. In a further preferred embodiment, the output elements are formed of electromagnets.

This offers the advantage that heavy loads in an industrial environment can be supported on a frame, bottom or floor by the supporting structure according to the invention and can be maintained level. Nor is it excluded for the supporting structure to be erected vertically, for example against a wall or the like, instead of horizontally or according to a specific inclination.

In a further preferred embodiment, the air for the air cushions is supplied by means of a hand pump.

This is advantageous in that one must not rely on other energy sources such as electric energy, compressed air, etcetera, and in that the infrastructure which is required to realise this is very simple and cheap.

In a further preferred embodiment, the air of the pressure system is supplied by means of a compressor.

In a further preferred embodiment, said air comes from a container with compressed gas.

In a further preferred embodiment, instead of air or compressed gas, an appropriate liquid such as water or hydraulic liquid is used.

In a further preferred embodiment, the output elements are formed at least of an hydraulic control working in conjunction with a hydraulic pressure system and one or several hydraulic cylinders provided between the top and the support and which determine the angle of inclination of the plate in relation to the support and/or to the level position by their relative filling degrees.

A major advantage thereof is that the supporting structure according to the invention can be used to support heavy loads and keep them level, as is often necessary in industrial environments.

In a further preferred embodiment, the supporting structure is provided with conical tension springs which are loaded only a little in their rest position or initial position, but which are put under higher tension while the air cushions or hydraulic cylinders are being filled, and which make it possible to bring the plate back in its initial position in relation to the support when the output elements are switched off or fail.

This makes it possible among others to bring the supporting structure back to its lowest height without any particular external load or power being required,

In a further preferred embodiment, the supporting structure is used as a frame for a sleep or rest bed, either or not moving, for example in airplanes, vehicles, ships, trucks, ambulances, helicopters, yachts and the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, the supporting structure is used for example as a frame for recreation decks on cruise ships, in restaurants, theatres, casinos, shopping malls, sleep decks and the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, the supporting structure is applied to keep loading floors level, especially when transporting people, living animals or goods by land, by sea or in the air.

An advantage thereof is that, when transporting cattle, pigs or horses, this can be done under less stressing circumstances than previously when the animals constantly had to try to keep their balance.

Other applications are the transport of goods in sea containers, bulk containers, tilting containers, tank containers, platform containers by truck, railway, ship and the like.

Thus, for example, when conveying rolls of steel or Big Bags, the risk of the load tilting to one side as the vehicle turns can be reduced more easily, which improves the control of the vehicle and its safety in general.

The same goes for the application of a supporting structure according to the invention to individual pallets, for example for internal transport via forklifts or forklift trucks, whereby the stacking and/or load is usually not symmetrically distributed over the bearing surface.

In a further preferred embodiment, the supporting structure is used as a base plate for sensitive measuring equipment. If this measuring equipment is installed in a vehicle, as is the case with mobile laboratories or measuring systems, the vehicle often has to be immobilized first and the measuring equipment additionally has to be levelled before any measuring can take place. Applications are found for example in seismology or in volcanology.

Now, if need be, the measuring can be done while the vehicle is still in motion or is not level yet, and without any precious time and energy being wasted to bring this in order.

In order to better explain the characteristics of the invention, the following preferred embodiment of the supporting structure according to the invention is described by way of example only without being limitative in any way, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 schematically represents a supporting structure according to the invention seen in perspective; figure 2 represents a front view of figure 1, seen in the direction indicated by arrow G; figure 3 shows a front view as in figure 2, whereby the supporting structure is tilted at an angler- figure 4 shows a front view as in figure 2, whereby the supporting structure is tilted at an opposite angle; figure 5 shows a side view of figure 1, seen in the direction indicated by arrow F; figure 6 shows a side view according to figure 5, but tilted at an angle; figure 7 shows the same view as in figure 6, but tilted at an opposite angle; and, figure 8 schematically shows a view from above of the bottom panel 3.

Figure 1 schematically shows a supporting structure 1 according to the invention seen in perspective, formed of a plate 2, in this case a flat plate, and a support 3 underneath it, in this case formed of a second plate which is identical in shape, whereby in the given example the plate 2 is more or less parallel to the support 3, and the plate 2 and the support 3 are turned towards one another with one side and are situated at a distance 4 from one another and are kept together in conjunction by a distance piece (not represented in figure 1) which is provided with two opposite far ends, situated in each other's prolongation, one of which engages the plate 2 and the other one the support 3.

Figure 2 shows a side view in the direction indicated by arrow G in figure 1.

Here, we find the same constructive elements as in figure 1, namely the plate 2 and the support 3, which are maintained parallel to one another and vertically on top of one another over a distance 4 by the distance piece 7,8. On its top end 13, said distance piece is provided with a ball joint 8 which engages the bottom side of the plate 2 centrally, and by means of which the plate 2 can be moved in any direction at a variable angle in relation to the support 3, and which is fixed to the support 3 with the lower far end 14, such that the plate 2 can tilt in relation to the support 3, but is further prevented from moving laterally in relation to the support 3.

Two air cushions 9 (or if applicable hydraulic cylinders) are provided symmetrically, left and right, in relation to the distance piece 7,8 between the plate 2 and the support 3, which engages the latter with their respective top or bottom.

Also symmetrically in relation to the distance piece 7-8, closer to the edge of the plate 2 and the support 3, are provided two conical tension springs 10 which engage with one far end the plate 2 and the support 3 with their other far end, and which are solidly fixed to both plates 2,3.

Figure 3 and figure 4 show the same side view as in figure 2, with this difference that the plate 2 is now tilted at a certain angle 15 of for example 14° in relation to the support 3, all around the ball joint 8, without thereby being able to move laterally in relation to one another.

Depending on what direction the plate 2 is hereby being tilted in in relation to the support 3, either the left (figure 3) or the right (figure 4) one of both air cushions which are provided symmetrically in relation to the distance piece 7 will be inflated more than the other one.

In a similar way, one of the conical tension springs 10, also provided symmetrically in relation to the distance piece 7, but closer to the edge of the plate 2 and the support 3, and provided thereon in an engaging manner, is compressed to a larger or smaller degree, stretched respectively. In the case of figure 3, the left tension spring is stretched more than the right one, which is compressed rather, whereby figure 4 represents the opposite situation.

Figure 5 shows an identical view of the supporting structure according to the invention as seen in figure 2, but this time seen as a front view in the direction indicated by arrow F in figure 1.

Additionally, we see an access 11 and an exit 12 here, for the supply, discharge respectively of air (or if applicable of hydraulic liquid) with which air cushions 9 (hydraulic cylinders respectively) are filled or emptied.

Figures 6 and 7 show a condition which is similar to that in figures 3 and 4, this time seen as a front view in the direction of the arrow indicated by F in figure 1.

Figure 8 shows a top view of the support 3, with the above- mentioned constructive elements on top of it, i.e. the central distance piece 7,8 with the ball joint 8, the air cushions (or hydraulic cylinders) 9 which are provided symmetrically in relation to the latter, the tension springs 10, and the inlet, outlet 11 or 12 respectively for the air (or hydraulic liquid) to fill the air cushions 9 (or the hydraulic cylinders) with or to empty them.

Apart from that, there is a measuring device, schematically represented by 17, and consisting for example of a digital level, which measuring device 17 is capable of measuring the deviation of the plate 2 in relation to the level position and of transmitting a signal to a signal processing unit, schematically represented by 18, consisting of a PC for example, and which is capable of transmitting this signal into output instructions.

Further, output elements are provided on the support 3 (the air cushions 9 or the hydraulic cylinders if applicable) which are capable of translating the instructions into a movement which determines the angle of inclination, represented in a simplified way by 15 in figures 3 and 4, and by 16 in figures 6 and 7 respectively, of the plate 2 in relation to the support 3 and to the level position.

The working of the supporting structure 1 according to the invention is simple and as follows:

In a state of rest, under the influence of the conical tension springs 10, a condition is reached whereby the plate 2 is parallel to the support 3 and which schematically corresponds to the condition as represented in figures 2 and 5, front view and side view respectively. In this condition, the air cushions 9 (or if applicable the hydraulic cylinders) are not filled with air (with hydraulic liquid respectively) , and the supporting structure 1 according to the invention has a small height, such that it can be easily built in, for example in the bottom of a bed in a truck, caravan or boat.

If one wishes to level the plate of the supporting structure 1 and keep it that way, a certain amount of air (or hydraulic liquid) will be introduced into the system, either manually or from a compressed air system or container, such that, against the tensile force of the conical tension springs 10, the plate 2 will be tilted correspondingly round the ball joint 8 around which said plate has been hinge-mounted.

Hereby is obtained a dynamic condition as represented in figures 3,4,6 and 7.

The position of the plate 2 in relation to the level line is thereby continuously and dynamically determined by the measuring unit 17 which transmits the right signals to the processing unit 18, and by redistributing the air (or hydraulic liquid) in the output elements, which is already present in the air cushions 9, (in the hydraulic cylinders respectively) , puts said plate 2 in the required level position and maintains it there.

However, if one no longer wishes to use the supporting structure 1 according to the invention, one simply drains off the air pressure or the hydraulic liquid again, after which, through the action of the conical tension springs 10, the plate 2 is put back into its initial position as represented in figures 2 and 3 without any additional external power being required.

It is clear that several supporting structures as described above can cooperate, for example to support an object having a bottom with different levels, whereby parts having different levels can be supported by a separate supporting structure and whereby the supporting structures can be controlled either separately or by a common control.

It is also clear that the control or controls can be equipped with a memory which memorizes the last position of the plate 3 when the system was switched off, such that when the system is switched on again, the plate 3 can automatically assume the above-mentioned last position again.

The present invention is by no means restricted to the embodiments described by way of example and represented in the accompanying drawings; on the contrary, such a supporting structure according to the invention can be made in all sorts of shapes and dimensions while still remaining within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims .

1.- Supporting structure (1), characterised in that it at least consists of a plate (2) provided on a support (3) and of a distance piece (7,8) provided between the plate (2) and the support (3) and which keeps both plates (2,3) separated, whereby the plate (2) has been provided in a tilting manner round the distance piece (7,8), and the supporting structure (1) has means which make it possible to determine the angle of inclination of the plate (2) in relation to the level position and/or in relation to the support (3), and means to automatically adjust the angle of inclination of the plate (2) in relation to the support (3) so as to make sure that the plate (2) assumes and maintains a position whereby the angle of inclination of the plate (2) in relation to the level position and/or in relation to the support (3) is equal to a preset angle of inclination.

2,- Supporting structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the distance piece (7,8) is provided centrally between the plate (2) and the support (3) .

3,- Supporting structure according to claim 1-2, characterised in that the distance piece (7,8) is connected to the support (3) and to a hinge-mounted joint (8) which engages the plate (2) .

4.- Supporting structure according to claim 3, characterised in that the joint (8) is formed of a ball joint.

5.- Supporting structure according to claim 3, characterised in that the joint (8) is formed of two hinges mounted crosswise in relation to one another.

6.- Supporting structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plate (2) and the support (3) are identical in shape.

7.- Supporting structure according to claim 6, characterised in that the support (3) is also a plate and in that both plates (2, 3) are made rectangular.

8.- Supporting structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the plate (2) in relation to the support (3) at least consist of a measuring device (17) which is capable of measuring the deviation of the plate (2) in relation to the level position and of transmitting a signal to a signal processing unit (18) which is capable of translating this signal into output instructions, and of output elements which can translate these instructions into a movement which determines the angle of inclination of the plate (2) in relation to the support (3) and/or to the level position.

9.~ Supporting structure according to claim 8, characterised in that the measuring device (17) is formed among others of at least two digital levels.

10.- Supporting structure according to claim 8, characterised in that the measuring device {17) is formed among others of at least two electric mercury contacts.

11.- Supporting structure according to claim 8, characterised in that the output elements consist at least of an electropneumatic control which works in conjunction with a pressure system and one or several air cushions (9) provided between the plate (2) and the support (3) and which engages the latter, and which determine the angle of inclination of the plate (2) in relation to the support (3) and/or to the level position with their relative filling degrees in relation to one another.

12. - Supporting structure according to claim 8, characterised in that the output elements are formed among others of electromagnets.

13,- Supporting structure according to claim 11, characterised in that the air of the pressure system is supplied by means of a hand pump.

14.- Supporting structure according to claim 11, characterised in that the air of the pressure system is supplied by means of a compressor.

15.- Supporting structure according to claim 11, characterised in that the air of the pressure system is supplied by means of a compressed gas container.

16.- Supporting structure according to claim 8, characterised in that the output elements consist at least of a hydraulic control working in conjunction with a hydraulic pressure system and one or several hydraulic cylinders provided between the top (2) and the support (3) and which engages the latter, and which determine the angle of inclination of the plate (2) in relation to the support (3) and/or to the level position with their relative filling degrees in relation to one another.

17.- Supporting structure according to claim 8, characterised in that the output elements consist among others of at least one electromagnet.

18.- Supporting structure according to claim 8, characterised in that it is provided with at least one conical tension spring (10) which makes it possible to put the plate (2) back in its initial position in relation to the support (3) when the output elements are switched off or fail.

19.- Supporting structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support (3) consists of a fixed structure.

20.- Use of the supporting structure according to any one of claims 1-18 as a frame for a bed.

21.- Use of the supporting structure according to any one of claims 1-18 as a base plate for measuring equipment.

22.- Use of the supporting structure according to any one of claims 1-18 as a floor plate or bottom.

23.- Use of the supporting structure according to any one of claims 1-18 as part of seating or reclining devices.