Device for lifting reinforcement mesh

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the present invention includes a device (114) for lifting a reinforcing mesh (202), the reinforcing mesh comprising a grid consisting of parallel rods along a first direction (200) and parallel rods along a second direction (201) placed and permanently fixed to the parallel rods along the first direction, each parallel rod being arranged according to a predetermined mesh width (204, 205); the device (114) includes a lifting frame adapted to be fixed to a hoist; the lifting frame includes support elements (110-113) located on opposite sides, the support elements being positioned such that when the lifting frame rests on the steel... When the uppermost reinforcing mesh (202) of the reinforcing mesh stack (401) is on the reinforcing mesh, each support element (110-113) is located in the corresponding mesh opening (203); and wherein the support element (110-113) is also configured to slide (602) along a first direction (200) such that during lifting, each support element (110-113) supports only the rod of the uppermost reinforcing mesh (202) along a second direction (201) with its respective support surface (702), and wherein the support elements (110-113) on opposite sides slide apart (602) in opposite directions to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for lifting reinforcing mesh from a stack of reinforcing mesh. Background Technology

[0002] Concrete is a material that can withstand high compressive stress but not tensile stress of the same order of magnitude. In other words, the compressive strength of concrete is much higher than its tensile strength, which makes the material unsuitable for structures where the forces are proportionally distributed in tensile and compressive stresses.

[0003] However, to make concrete suitable for such structures, it is combined with metal rods (also known as reinforcing rods) whose coefficient of expansion is almost the same as that of the concrete. This composite material, called reinforced concrete, can withstand both high compressive and high tensile stresses.

[0004] Concrete reinforcement can be done on-site, such as at a construction site, where the reinforcement bars are temporarily measured using concrete rebar locators by cutting and bending them. However, this is a time-consuming task, so reinforcements are usually prefabricated in a workshop and then transported to the construction site.

[0005] An example of a prefabricated reinforcement is a steel mesh. A steel mesh is a grid of metal rods in which a first set of parallel rods forms a plane, and a second set of parallel rods is permanently fastened to the top of the first set, wherein the orientation of the first set is different from that of the second set. The permanent fastening is, for example, formed by welded joints.

[0006] Depending on the manufacturing method of the reinforcing mesh, we thus have mesh components with square, rectangular, or diamond-shaped mesh openings. For example, a typical reinforcing mesh includes rods that have the same diameter in each direction, are evenly spaced in a plane, and are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, we will have mesh components with square mesh openings, but other combinations are also possible.

[0007] Because the reinforcing mesh is manufactured in a location different from the construction site where it will be used as reinforcement, its maximum size is limited for transportability reasons. To transport the reinforcing mesh efficiently, they are stacked and the entire stack is transported to the construction site. At the construction site, each reinforcing mesh is then removed individually from the stack and placed where it will be used to reinforce the concrete.

[0008] However, even with limitations due to transportability, steel-reinforced mesh can spread over a large area, resulting in a very heavy weight. Therefore, in most cases, it is often impossible to move even a single steel-reinforced mesh by manpower alone, necessitating the use of lifting equipment for movement.

[0009] An example of such a lifting device is disclosed in WO2011142659A1, which discusses a lifting device constructed for lifting a single reinforcing mesh from a stack. More specifically, the disclosed lifting device includes two parallel flexible elements movably suspended on a lifting frame and a connecting element for engaging with the reinforcing mesh. Engagement with the reinforcing mesh is achieved by bending the flexible elements in such a manner that the connecting element is attached to the reinforcing mesh. The engagement is then disengaged by bending the flexible elements again after the reinforcing mesh has been placed in the desired position on the construction site. According to one embodiment, the lifting device also includes a locking hook, which can be operated by a handle mounted on an operating lever. This handle and operating lever allow for easy manipulation and operation of the device by two people.

[0010] However, one drawback is that the device requires two people to operate, as these individuals must be present both when lifting the reinforcing mesh from the stack and when placing the mesh down and disconnecting it. This necessitates constant movement of personnel or hiring additional workers in different locations.

[0011] Another drawback is that releasing the connection is achieved by bending the flexible element again, which means that the end of the connecting element rotates toward the surface where the reinforcing mesh is placed. This could potentially damage the substrate of that surface or the material applied to it.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for a device for safely and efficiently lifting individual steel reinforcement meshes from a stack, which eliminates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for safely and efficiently lifting a single reinforcing mesh from a stack, wherein the reinforcing mesh can also be moved and then placed on a surface without damaging its base.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by providing an apparatus for lifting a reinforcing mesh comprising a grid consisting of parallel bars (referred to as longitudinal bars) along a first direction and parallel bars (referred to as transverse bars) placed thereon and permanently fixed thereon along a second direction, the bars being arranged according to a predetermined mesh width; the apparatus comprising a lifting frame adapted to be fixed to a hoist; the lifting frame comprising support elements on opposite sides, the support elements being positioned such that when the lifting frame rests on the uppermost reinforcing mesh of the stack of reinforcing meshes, each support element is located in a corresponding mesh opening; and wherein the support elements are further configured to slide along the first direction such that, during lifting, each support element supports only the bars of the uppermost reinforcing mesh along the second direction with its respective support surface. The support elements may, for example, be formed in an L-shape or hook shape, the dimensions and spacing of which are configured such that the support elements can simultaneously protrude through the corresponding mesh openings of the reinforcing mesh, and the horizontal sliding movement of the support elements along the longitudinal direction is sufficient to push the generally horizontal portion of the L-shape or hook shape below the corresponding transverse bar. Then, the support elements support the reinforcing mesh during lifting and can simultaneously clamp the reinforcing mesh in the longitudinal direction. The clamping or loosening of the reinforcing mesh in the longitudinal direction is controlled by the operator, who controls the horizontal movement of the support elements, thereby pushing these support elements further apart (clamping the reinforcing mesh) or pushing them closer together (loosening the reinforcing mesh).

[0015] The device includes a lifting frame suitable for attachment to, for example, a construction crane, machinery with a boom, a crane mounted on a truck, a trailer, or any other lifting device. Furthermore, the lifting frame is suitable for placement or resting on a steel reinforcement mesh.

[0016] The reinforcing mesh is a grid consisting of parallel bars along a first direction and parallel bars along a second direction, wherein the parallel bars along the second direction are placed and permanently fastened to the parallel bars along the first direction. The first direction is, for example, perpendicular to the second direction, and the permanent fastening between the two bars is achieved, for example, by welding. Therefore, the reinforcing mesh is a grid with openings and can be lifted as a whole. The size of the openings depends on the width of the openings in both directions. When the reinforcing mesh is placed on a surface, the bars along the first direction rest on that surface, while the bars along the second direction rest on the bars along the first direction without contacting the surface. Furthermore, the distance between the plane formed by the bottom sides of the bars along the second direction and the surface on which the reinforcing mesh is placed is equal to the thickness or diameter of the bars placed along the first direction.

[0017] Different reinforcing meshes can also be stacked on top of each other, with the rods of the uppermost reinforcing mesh along the first direction placed on the rods of the lowermost reinforcing mesh along the second direction, and the rods of the different reinforcing meshes along the first direction being parallel to each other. Therefore, the rods of the different reinforcing meshes along the second direction will also be parallel to each other. According to this stacking method, the distance between the planes is determined on the one hand by the upper side of the rods along the first direction and on the other hand by the bottom side of the first upper reinforcing mesh along the same direction, equal to the thickness or diameter of the rods placed in the second direction, and vice versa.

[0018] The lifting frame also includes support elements on opposite sides of the lifting frame. These support elements have, for example, an L-shape or a hook shape, and each includes a respective support surface for supporting the reinforcing mesh during lifting. Thus, the support surface is, for example, the upper surface of the horizontal portion in the case of an L-shape, or the upper surface of a hook. These support elements are movable in a first direction, the longitudinal direction, and are sized such that when the lifting frame is placed on the reinforcing mesh, with the reinforcing mesh itself on the surface or stack, the support elements pass through the mesh openings of the reinforcing mesh on which the lifting frame rests. Furthermore, the distance between the support elements is such that different support elements pass through their respective mesh openings without contacting the rod. The distance between the support elements on opposite sides is, for example, an integer multiple of the mesh width in the direction defined by this distance, and is also approximately the same for support elements on the same side. The support elements on opposite sides are generally movable in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction, allowing the reinforcing mesh to be clamped along the longitudinal direction.

[0019] Therefore, when the lifting frame is placed on the uppermost reinforcing mesh and then rests on the bars positioned in the second direction, the support elements in the first direction push beneath the bars in the second direction, allowing these bars to be supported or held in place by the support surface. Furthermore, in a feasible embodiment, the thickness of the support element—i.e., the distance between the bottom of the support element and the support surface—is less than the thickness or diameter of the bars (longitudinal bars) positioned in the first direction, such that when the support element slides beneath the individual bars (transverse bars) in the second direction, it contacts the individual bars (transverse bars) of the uppermost reinforcing mesh in the second direction. In other words, the support element therefore, in principle, does not contact any of the transverse bars of the lower reinforcing mesh.

[0020] The lifting frame can be simply placed on the reinforcing mesh, where it is only necessary to ensure that the support elements pass through each other in the corresponding mesh openings. Because the distance between the support elements is adjusted to the mesh width on both the same and opposite sides, the lifting frame simply needs to remain parallel to and above the reinforcing mesh, where initially, each individual support element must be above a mesh opening. The frame can then be rotated in the plane defined by the bottom sides of the support elements so that each support element is above a mesh opening. The lifting frame can then be lowered until it rests on the reinforcing mesh. This operation can be easily performed by one person. This is advantageous because the operation can then be carried out, for example, by a hoist connected to the lifting frame and operated from the compartment.

[0021] Another advantage is that the lifting frame can rest on the reinforcing mesh without contacting the bottom reinforcing mesh or the surface on which the reinforcing mesh might rest. Therefore, the operator will not, in principle, cause any damage. It should be noted that when clamping the last reinforcing mesh in the stack, and assuming that the mesh is oriented such that the transverse bars are at the bottom and the longitudinal bars are at the top, the support element will rub well against the bottom during horizontal movement.

[0022] Another advantage is that the support element can move in the direction defined by the plane of the support surface and does not rotate within that plane. Therefore, the surface beneath the reinforcing mesh will not be damaged when using the lifting frame. It should also be noted that during the clamping of the last reinforcing mesh in the stack, assuming that the reinforcing mesh is oriented such that the transverse bars are at the bottom and the longitudinal bars are at the top, the support element will graze well over the bottom during horizontal movement, even without rotation.

[0023] Furthermore, the reinforcing mesh can then be easily lifted from the stack and moved to another location, while other reinforcing meshes remain in the stack. Again, this can be done by one person, such as someone in the compartment, and the reinforcing mesh can be placed down without contact with the surface on which it is placed. Finally, when the reinforcing mesh is placed down, it rests on a bar positioned along the first direction, allowing the support element to be removed by a reverse sliding motion beneath the bar along the second direction. Therefore, one advantage is that the reinforcing mesh does not need to be removed from a certain height; it can be placed down as a whole before removing the lifting frame. Thus, the reinforcing mesh can be placed in the correct position without any risk of it still moving after the support element has slid away. Here, it is also assumed that the reinforcing mesh is oriented such that the transverse bars are at the top and the longitudinal bars are at the bottom. If the reinforcing mesh has opposite orientations—with the transverse bars at the bottom and the longitudinal bars at the top—then when the reinforcing mesh is placed on the floor and the support elements are pushed horizontally toward each other, the bottoms of the support elements will rub against the floor, and the top surfaces of the support elements will remain in contact with the transverse bars, allowing the reinforcing mesh to still move in a restricted manner.

[0024] According to one advantage, the support elements slide apart from each other in opposite directions on opposite sides.

[0025] The sliding element slides along a first direction, wherein the opposing support elements are oriented in opposite directions on different sides and slide apart from each other as their respective support surfaces slide beneath the rod. This causes the supported reinforcing mesh to be clamped outwards. One advantage of this is that the outward force exerted by the support elements reduces sagging of the reinforcing mesh during lifting and transport.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the device also includes a coupling configured to connect the lifting frame to the hoist.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, a movable coupling in the form of a rotating element at the end of the crane boom is rigidly connected to a component of the lifting mechanism—namely, a bushing disposed on the lifting mechanism. Preferably, this bushing can then allow a second bushing, forming part of the lifting mechanism, to move in and out longitudinally. In other words, the lifting frame is connected via a bushing to the rotating element of the hoist used to lift the reinforcing mesh. This connection avoids swaying motion, or limits it, for example, to situations where the transverse bar may break or loosen while the reinforcing mesh remains suspended, allowing for safe movement of the reinforcing mesh and thus improving overall safety on the construction site. Furthermore, another advantage is that the operator has more precise control over the reinforcing mesh compared to a loose connection, such as by a chain, making it easier to place the reinforcing mesh in the desired position. The lifting mechanism is, for example, a construction crane. The rotating element then forms part of the construction crane. The rotating element allows the lifting mechanism or grab bucket to rotate. Upward or downward movement is achieved by further pressing the crane boom down (inward pushing movement) when the lifting mechanism is on the steel reinforcement mesh stack or on the ground, or by moving the crane boom upward: only in this way will the bushing slide outward, after which the construction crane will raise the lifting mechanism.

[0028] The rotating component at the end of the crane boom offers the following advantages: when the reinforcing mesh is raised, the component can rotate in a direction perpendicular or perpendicular to the plane defined by the reinforcing mesh. This provides the operator with greater flexibility in placing the reinforcing mesh in the desired position. The rotation also ensures that the lifting frame is correctly positioned above the reinforcing mesh, i.e., each support element is above one mesh opening, allowing the support element to be lowered onto the mesh.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the distance between the support elements is adjustable.

[0030] Support elements or hooks can be pre-selected and placed according to the wire specifications and the mesh width of the reinforcing mesh. In an advantageous embodiment of the lifting device according to the invention, the distance between the support elements is adjustable in the first and / or second directions. Thus, the lifting frame is universal for reinforcing meshes with different mesh widths between rods placed along the first and / or second directions. Consequently, the same lifting frame can be used to lift different types of reinforcing meshes.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the support element includes a frame perpendicular to one side of its corresponding support surface.

[0032] The support element slides beneath the pole to support it with a support surface during lifting. A frame, perpendicular to this support surface on one side, ensures the support surface remains beneath the pole during sliding, as the frame presses against the pole as the support element slides beneath it, preventing it from being pushed further away. This provides the operator with a reference point to estimate how far the corresponding support element has been pushed beneath the pole. Furthermore, the frame ensures the raised reinforcing mesh does not slip in the direction toward the frame. The frame also helps to clamp the reinforcing mesh longitudinally during lifting.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the support element further includes an interlocking device configured to lock the supported rod.

[0034] Therefore, after the support element has been pushed under the rod, the rod can be locked by an interlocking device. This interlocking device is, for example, a pin operated by a hydraulic cylinder, which closes the opening of the hook or support element once the rod is positioned therein. Thus, the reinforcing mesh is securely fixed to the lifting frame, preventing it from falling during movement.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the interlocking device is a locking pin that is movable perpendicular to the support surface and configured to close an opening in the support element, in which the supported rod is located. The end of the pin engages in a hole or recess in the support surface of the support element, providing additional support to the pin at that location—for example, if required by the force exerted by the supported rod.

[0036] The pin for opening or closing the hook can be hydraulically operated. An internal hydraulic circuit can be provided to open and close the pin. This internal hydraulic circuit includes, for example, two pump cylinders and four spindle cylinders (two spindle cylinders per pump cylinder). The pump cylinders are pressed in by the pressing of a rotating element against the fastening point, causing the pump cylinders to release hydraulic fluid and thus build pressure in the circuit, thereby raising the spindle cylinders and, consequently, the safety pin. Conversely, when the lifting mechanism raises, the pump cylinders will slide out again, causing the pressure in the circuit to decrease, and the spindle cylinders (and, consequently, the safety pin) will close before the lifting mechanism lifts the reinforcing mesh from the ground or from the stack. Other techniques for moving the pin or pressure element up and down can, of course, be used in variant embodiments of the lifting device according to the invention. Therefore, spring pressure, electromagnetic, pneumatic, or mechanical actuation can be considered to enable upward and / or downward movement of the pin or pressure element.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the sliding of the support element is performed hydraulically.

[0038] Therefore, the hydraulic circuit of the device can be connected to the hydraulic circuit of the hoist used to operate the device. Thus, the device can be easily operated from a distance—for example, in a compartment—allowing the operator to easily and safely lift the reinforcing mesh from the stack to move it. Alternatives to the hydraulic circuit include, for example, a pneumatic circuit (connected to the hoist's pneumatic circuit), an electromagnet, a mechanical transmission, etc. In some particular embodiments, the support element can also be moved "in flight"—that is, during the lifting of the reinforcing mesh. When the reinforcing mesh is placed on the stack or surface by the grab and by compressing the central shaft, the locking pin opens individually in each structure. Thus, there is a mechano-hydraulic conversion of motion, where the relative motion of the central shaft relative to the grab is converted into hydraulic energy, which is then converted into mechanical motion of the locking pin via a cylinder. However, it is conceivable that alternative embodiments could be, for example, implementations where the opening and closing of the locking pin is performed electromechanically. For example, a combination of safety sensors can detect whether the grab is on the ground or on the stack of reinforcing mesh, and a redundant arrangement of electromagnets can be monitored by a safety PLC. More generally, it can be noted that the movement of the locking pin, the support element, and / or the central shaft of the lifting device can be achieved by other mechanisms and / or by using energy sources other than those described above. It should also be noted that the sliding movements of the support element, locking pin, and / or central shaft—which are linear movements in the above embodiments—can be performed as pivoting or rotation in variant embodiments, while still conforming to the principles of the invention.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the device further includes a base configured such that the lifting frame is secured to the lifting frame by means of the base resting on a reinforcing mesh.

[0040] Therefore, the lifting frame can be equipped with one or more bases at the bottom, since only these bases will contact the reinforcing mesh during the downward movement of the lifting device, so these bases are blocks made of a harder material—such as hard steel. The shape and size of each base are configured such that the base cannot pass through the mesh openings of the reinforcing mesh. The hooks, or so-called support elements, will also preferably be made of a harder material. The one or more bases can preferably be centrally positioned between the support elements. In such an embodiment, the bases are located relatively far from where the support elements will clamp the transverse bars, where a possible consequence is that the transverse bars may not be clamped due to misalignment or angular setting. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment, the bases can be placed outside the support elements, where the disadvantage is that the alternatingly stacked reinforcing meshes can no longer rotate (this problem only occurs with reinforcing meshes with a bar diameter of 8 mm or less, because only these are typically delivered in an alternating orientation, i.e., the transverse bars of one mesh in the stack are on top, and the transverse bars of the next mesh in the stack are at the bottom). In yet another embodiment, the bases can be integrated into the support elements.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the height of the base is adjustable such that the distance between the bottom side of the base and the upper side of the support surface is at least equal to the thickness of the rod along the second direction.

[0042] This height determines the distance between the plane defined by the supporting surface and the bottom side of the base resting on the mesh. Therefore, this distance determines the thickness of the bars that can be supported without contacting other bars. Because the height is adjustable, the device can be used to support bars with different diameters or thicknesses. If the base is placed higher, reinforcing meshes with thicker bars can be lifted. If the base is placed lower, reinforcing meshes with thinner bars can also be lifted without the risk of removing two or more reinforcing meshes from the stack simultaneously.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the device further includes one or more magnets configured to attract the corners of the reinforcing mesh.

[0044] In fact, magnets can optionally be placed at, for example, the four ends of the lifting frame. Optional magnets will then attract the corners of the reinforcing mesh, making it easier for the support element to slide beneath the reinforcing mesh rods, for example, when the middle of the reinforcing mesh stack is higher than the corners of the stack.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the magnet is an electromagnet or a mechanically controlled lifting magnet.

[0046] Therefore, when necessary, such as during lifting, the magnet can be controlled to attract the reinforcing mesh, and the magnet can be turned off once the reinforcing mesh has been placed in the correct position. However, the electromagnet requires a power source. The magnet can be constructed as an electromagnet, subject to the adjustment of the crane (lifting machine) and a sufficient energy flow. Another method is to use workshop magnets or lifting magnets that are turned on and off hydraulically or mechanically.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the lifting frame includes two parallel beams connected by a connecting frame including a coupling, wherein each parallel beam includes a support element at each end.

[0048] In one embodiment, the device thus consists of two parallel beams, each with a support element at one end for lifting the reinforcing mesh. The beams are then connected together by a connecting frame, which also includes a connector for attaching the device to a hoist. During lifting, the operator can then strive to achieve symmetrical positioning of the support elements so that, as the reinforcing mesh is lifted, the force is evenly distributed across the different support elements and also evenly distributed across the beams.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the invention, a hoist is provided that includes the apparatus according to the first aspect.

[0050] The hoist is, for example, a construction crane, a telescopic transporter, a lifting mechanism, or any other hoist suitable for moving materials on a construction site. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1A An apparatus for lifting a reinforcing steel mesh according to a first embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown; and

[0053] Figure 1B An apparatus for lifting a reinforcing steel mesh according to a second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown; and

[0054] Figure 2A The diagram schematically illustrates a device placed on a reinforcing mesh according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A The device; and

[0055] Figure 2B The diagram schematically illustrates a method according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where a steel reinforcement mesh is placed on top of the steel reinforcement mesh. Figure 1B The device; and

[0056] Figure 3A It is based on the steel reinforcement mesh. Figure 1A A schematic top view of the device; and

[0057] Figure 3B It is based on the steel reinforcement mesh. Figure 1B A schematic top view of the device; and

[0058] Figure 4 An apparatus for lifting reinforcing mesh from a stack of reinforcing mesh according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown; and

[0059] Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates an apparatus for placing a reinforcing steel mesh on a surface during a process according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0060] Figure 6 The illustration schematically shows details of a device including a base according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0061] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Details of a support element of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention are schematically shown; and

[0062] Figures 8A-8C The illustration schematically shows details of one embodiment of the invention having a closing pin for interlocking the hook-shaped support element; and

[0063] Figures 9A-9B Details of one embodiment of the invention, which schematically illustrates the use of an internal hydraulic circuit for safely closing / opening a support element, are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1A A first embodiment of the device for lifting a reinforcing steel mesh according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. The device 114 includes two parallel beams 100 and 101 and a connecting frame 102, which connects the parallel beams 100 and 101 to each other via, for example, plate joints—such as plate joints 104. Other connection structures, such as welded joints, are also feasible. The parallel beams 100 and 101, together with the connecting frame 102, form a lifting frame, which further includes connectors 107 suitable for securing the lifting frame to a lifting device, such as a construction crane. In the first embodiment, beams 100 and 101 are movable relative to the connecting frame 102.

[0065] Figure 1B A second embodiment of the device for lifting steel reinforcement mesh according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Corresponding elements in the figure are indicated by the same reference numerals. Figure 1BIn the embodiment of device 114 shown, parallel beams 100 and 101 form a rigid integral with connecting frame 102. In this second embodiment, freedom in the Z direction is achieved horizontally in connector 107, whose central axis 108 is designed to be extendable. During the placement of the reinforcing mesh, the central axis 108 is pressed in by the weight of the hoist and pushed out during the lifting of the reinforcing mesh. Figure 1B The second embodiment shown allows for alternating stacks of reinforcing mesh—that is, alternating stacks with transverse bars downward and upward—to steer one reinforcing mesh so that it is oriented in the same direction as the reinforcing mesh below it, for example, with the transverse bars upward. This requires two operations: first, the reinforcing mesh to be rotated is lifted on one side with the protruding bar by two support elements, such as 112 and 113, so that the reinforcing mesh is suspended; then, the correctly oriented reinforcing mesh is lowered to the ground. Then, the lifting mechanism is rotated 90° and the reinforcing mesh is lifted, for example, by a rotator on a hoist, this time using four support elements 110-113.

[0066] Device 114 is suitable for placement on a steel reinforcement mesh. Figure 2A A first embodiment of the device 114 placed on the steel reinforcement mesh 202 is shown, namely Figure 1A The implementation method in the text. Figure 2B A second embodiment of the device 114 placed on the reinforcing mesh 202 is shown, namely... Figure 1B The implementation method is as follows. The reinforcing mesh 202 includes a mesh element composed of parallel bars 200 and 201. The first set of parallel bars is placed along a first direction, referred to as the longitudinal direction, as shown by bar 200. The second set of parallel bars is placed along another direction, such as a direction perpendicular to the first set, referred to as the transverse direction, as shown by bar 201.

[0067] For example, the reinforcing mesh 202 can be located on a surface, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The reinforcing mesh 202 will then be used, for example, as a reinforcement for a concrete floor. Surface 502 is, for example, the foundation of a construction site, on which a layer of concrete will be poured after the reinforcing mesh 202 is placed.

[0068] When the reinforcing mesh 202 is located on surface 502, the bars along one direction (e.g., first direction 200) will contact surface 502, while the bars along the other direction (second direction 201) will be located on top of the bars along the first direction 200 and will not contact surface 502. In other words, there will be a height difference between the bars 201 placed along the second direction and surface 502. This is due to... Figure 5 Details 501 are shown in the text.

[0069] Reinforcing mesh 202 can also be stacked with other reinforcing meshes to form a stack 401, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Thus, the steel reinforcement mesh stack 401 will contain the steel reinforcement mesh 202 located on top of the stack 401. The stack is then placed on the surface 400.

[0070] Rods placed along a first direction 200 are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a predetermined distance (also referred to as mesh width 205). Rods placed along a second direction 201 are also parallel to each other and spaced apart by a predetermined mesh width 204. The mesh width 205 can be the same as the mesh width 204, such that the reinforcing mesh includes square mesh openings, such as mesh opening 203. The mesh widths 204 and 205 can also be different from each other, thus forming rectangular mesh openings.

[0071] The device 114 also includes support elements 110-113 on opposite sides. Figure 1A The first embodiment shown and Figure 1B In the second embodiment shown, device 114 includes four support elements, namely 110, 111, 112, and 113. Support elements 110 and 111 are considered to be located on the same side, as are support elements 112 and 113. Support elements 110 and 113 are considered to be located on opposite sides, as are support elements 111 and 112. Support elements 110-113 are configured to slide in the same direction, more specifically, along the longitudinal direction of parallel beams 100 and 101.

[0072] The device 114 is placed on the reinforcing mesh 202 such that the longitudinal directions of the parallel beams 100 and 101 correspond to one of the two directions of the placement rod. According to... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The schematic diagram shows that the device 114 is placed on the reinforcing mesh 202 such that the longitudinal directions of the beams 110 and 111 are in the same direction as the longitudinally oriented rods 200. This is in the first embodiment of the device 114. Figure 3A and the second embodiment for device 114 Figure 3B The text further illustrates that... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The device 114 on the steel reinforcement mesh 202 is shown from the top view.

[0073] Support elements 110-113 include a support surface and, according to one embodiment, include an interlocking device, such as... Figure 7A As shown. Here, details of the support element 113 are shown, including the support surface 702, the bottom side 700, the interlocking device 106, and the frame 704. Figure 7B Further details of the interlocking device 106 are shown. In one embodiment, the interlocking device 106 includes a spindle 711, a spindle cylinder 712, and a spring 713.

[0074] Furthermore, the support elements 110-113 are positioned such that the mutual distance between them allows the device 114 to be placed on the reinforcing mesh 202 such that each support element 110-113 is located in one mesh opening of the reinforcing mesh 202. Moreover, when the support elements 110-113 are located in their respective mesh openings, in the initial position, they do not contact the rods along the first direction 200, nor the rods along the second direction, nor the surface below them. Therefore, the lifting frame of the device 114 rests on the reinforcing mesh 202. According to one embodiment, the device 114 further includes, as... Figure 6 The base 601 shown can be used to allow the device 114 to rest on the reinforcing mesh 202.

[0075] The base 601 is configured to be positioned such that when fixed to the device 114, it is at a distance 603 between the bottom of the base 601 and the bottom of the support elements 110-113. This distance 603 should be at least equal to the distance perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the beams 100 and 101 (therefore, in...). Figure 2A-2B and Figures 3A-3B The schematic diagram shows the thickness of the rods placed along direction 201, such that the rods can be supported when the support elements 110-113 slide below these rods 201.

[0076] To stably position the device 114 and allow it to rest on the reinforcing mesh 202, according to one embodiment, four bases are provided at positions 120-123, more specifically, two bases for each beam 100-101. Each base, such as base 601, can be secured to the device 114 by placing connectors, such as connectors 604 and 605, into specially provided openings in the respective beam 100-101, wherein the openings are located within the base (e.g., base 601) itself. More specifically, base 601 is secured to the device 114 by two crossbars 604 and 605.

[0077] To set the height of the base 602, i.e., distance 603, a plurality of openings are provided in beams 100-101 at different distances relative to the bottom side of device 114. These openings are shown by 606 and 607, each positioned at a different distance relative to the bottom side of device 114. Therefore, for crossbar 605, the base 601 can be secured to the device via opening 606 or 607. Then, another crossbar 604 is inserted into another opening, such that the base 601 is connected to device 114 via two crossbars 604-605. The openings for securing the base 601 are provided by… Figure 1A The opening at position 120 is further shown.

[0078] Device 114 is therefore placed on the reinforcing mesh 202 such that the ends of beams 100-101, more specifically support elements 110-113, are positioned above the mesh openings, as... Figure 3A This is shown at positions 300-303. The device 114 is then lowered onto the reinforcing mesh 202, so that the base rests on it and each support element 110-113 is located within the mesh openings. This is in Figure 4 Further illustrated by reference numerals 402 and 403 in the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Support elements 110-113 are located in their respective meshes, and due to the distance 603, the bottom side of the support element (e.g., the bottom side 700 of support element 113) is located at a position not lower than the plane defined by the upper side of the rod placed in the direction 200 in the first lower layer of reinforcing mesh under the stacked reinforcing mesh 202 of 401.

[0080] Then, the support elements 110-113 slide outward, that is, in the direction shown at 602 for support element 113 and in the direction shown at 608 for support element 110. Thus, the sliding occurs in the same direction, but in opposite directions for the support elements located on opposite sides.

[0081] according to Figure 7A In the illustrated embodiment, the support element has a tapered support surface, such as support surface 702 for support element 113, such that when the support element slides outward, each support element slides under the transverse bar, and the support surface (such as 702) slides toward the bar under which the corresponding support element slides, thereby lifting the reinforcing mesh. Figure 7A In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 113 further includes a frame 704 such that when the support surface 702 is not sliding toward the rod, the frame 704 will slide toward it, causing the support element 113 to clamp and slightly lift the reinforcing mesh. The horizontal sliding of the support element below the transverse rod of the reinforcing mesh can be pneumatically or hydraulically, or can be achieved in other ways. Figure 7A Hydraulic cylinder 705, for example, is shown, which moves support element 113 horizontally. This type of hydraulic cylinder is operated by the operator of the hoist to which the hoisting device is attached. Hoisting devices, such as construction cranes, are typically equipped with hydraulic couplings that can be operated by the crane operator. Figure 7BThis is a detailed view of a support element 113 and the housing above it in one possible embodiment of the interlocking device 106, wherein the support element 113 has a bottom side 700, a tapered support surface 702, and a frame 704, and the housing has a spindle 711, a spindle cylinder 712, and a spring 713. The spindle cylinder 712 forms part of the support element 113 and is therefore actuated by a hydraulic cylinder 705 to move horizontally—back and forth—with the support element 113. For safety reasons, the spindle cylinder 712, spindle 711, and spring 713 are configured such that they together form the interlocking device 106, which locks the rod carried by the support element 113 once the rod is borne, so that the reinforcing mesh will not fall during lifting. Even if the rod breaks at the point where it is borne by the support element, the reinforcing mesh can remain suspended and will not fall, thus ensuring safety even in this situation. The opening and closing of the spindle 111 must be automatic, i.e., without operator intervention, to eliminate the possibility of dangerous human error. Therefore, pump cylinder 902 is provided, such as Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown. When the lifting device is placed on a stack of reinforcing mesh or on the ground, the boom will press the central axis 108 of the connector 107 in. Figure 9A The lifting device in which the central shaft 108 is pulled out is shown, while Figure 9B A lifting device is shown in which the central shaft 108 is pushed in. When the central shaft 108 is pressed in, it in turn operates the pump cylinder 902, for example, via a skid device. A rigid connection is shown in Figure 9, but the embodiment with cam rollers and a skid device provides tolerance regarding the end position of the central shaft because the central shaft does not need to be fully lowered before the spindle cylinder opens. The pump cylinder 902 is connected via an internal hydraulic circuit to a corresponding support element (such as...). Figures 7A-7BThe mandrel cylinder 712 is located in the support element 113. The pump cylinder 902 thus pumps oil or some other hydraulic fluid to the mandrel cylinder 113, causing the mandrel cylinder 113 to be pushed open, thereby opening the closing pin of the mandrel 711 or interlocking device 106. Once the pump cylinder 902 is no longer pressed in (due to the lifting of the lifting device, the retraction of the central shaft 108, and the upward movement of, for example, the sliding plate device) or when the connection between the pump cylinder 712 and the mandrel cylinder 902 is broken, the spring 713 will push the mandrel cylinder 712 to close, causing the mandrel 711 or closing pin to close the opening of the closing element 713, thus creating a safe situation. As an alternative to the hydraulic drive of the mandrel cylinder, the lifting device may be equipped with: a battery; one or more electromagnets for using the battery's electrical energy to pull the mandrel cylinder upward; and a detection mechanism for detecting whether the lifting device is located on the ground or on a stack of reinforced mesh to actuate the electromagnets. Other forms of energy transfer, such as mechanical or pneumatic energy transfer, can also be considered to convert the downward movement of the lifting device upon contact with the ground or reinforcing mesh into the upward movement of the mandrel cylinder, which moves the support element. Conversely, the upward movement of the lifting device from the ground or stack can be automatically converted into the downward movement of the mandrel cylinder to close the support element, thereby creating a safe situation when lifting the reinforcing mesh.

[0082] The four support elements in positions 110-113 thus slide outward, and then, according to one embodiment, the rod is locked as described above.

[0083] The device can then be lifted, for example by a hoist connected to the device 114 via coupling 107. According to one embodiment, the coupling also allows the device 114 to rotate via a rotating element on the hoist when lifted. This is indicated by the direction of rotation 206.

[0084] According to one embodiment, when the reinforcing mesh 202 is lifted, it can be attracted at its ends by magnets, such as an electromagnet 600 actuated when lifting the reinforcing mesh 202 from the stack 401. These optional magnets allow the corners of the reinforcing mesh to be slightly raised so that hooks or support elements can slide more easily under the transverse bar. In other words, the magnets help to better grip the reinforcing mesh, especially when the corners of the reinforcing mesh are about to droop.

[0085] Next, place the reinforcing mesh 202 in the location provided for this purpose, such as... Figure 5As shown. The reinforcing mesh 202 can then be fully placed on surface 502, with support elements 110-113 typically in contact with surface 502, as shown in 500. After the interlocking device 106 is unlocked, the support elements 110-113 slide horizontally inward in the opposite direction to 602 and 608, so that the support elements 110-113 are located in the mesh and are no longer below the supported rods.

[0086] After this, the device 114 can be lifted again, so that the reinforcing mesh 202 is still on the surface 502 and the device 114 can then lift the next reinforcing mesh from the stack 401 so that all the reinforcing meshes in the stack 401 are placed in the desired positions.

[0087] Figures 8A-8C An embodiment of a lifting device with a closing pin 806 is shown in detail, the closing pin 806 being used to lock the hook-shaped support element 803 at the ends of the parallel beams 800 and 801. Figure 8A and Figure 8B A steel reinforcement mesh with longitudinal bars 200 and transverse bars 201 is also shown. After the hook-shaped support element 803 has been pushed outward and supports the transverse bar 201, the closing pin 806 is lowered vertically until the closing pin 806 reaches the support surface (or the recess therein). This is preferably performed fully automatically by the internal circuit described above, see [link to documentation]. Figures 7A-7B and Figures 9A-9B In this way, the opening of the hook-shaped support element 803 is closed or locked so that the supported transverse bar 201 cannot be dislodged during the lifting of the reinforcing mesh. In a variant embodiment, the mandrel / closing pin may rotate or pivot instead of move vertically to close the support element and lock the transverse bar.

[0088] Although the invention has been described based on specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the invention can be practiced in various modifications and adjustments while remaining within the scope of the invention. Therefore, these embodiments must be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, wherein the scope of the invention is described by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications falling within the meaning and scope of the claims are therefore incorporated herein. In other words, it should be considered that this includes all modifications, variations, or equivalents falling within the scope of the fundamental principles and whose essential attributes are claimed in this patent application. Furthermore, the reader of this patent application will understand that the words “comprising” or “comprise” do not exclude other elements or steps, the word “a(a)” does not exclude a plurality, and a single element can perform the functions of multiple means described in the claims. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims under discussion. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “a,” “b,” “c,” etc., when used in the specification or claims, are used to distinguish similar elements or steps and do not necessarily describe a sequential or sequential order. Similarly, the terms "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc., are used for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily refer to relative positions. It should be understood that these terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate, and embodiments of the invention can function in a different order or orientation than those described or illustrated above.

Claims

1. A device (114) for lifting a reinforcing steel mesh (202), comprising a mesh consisting of parallel rods along a first direction (200) and parallel rods along a second direction (201) placed and permanently fixed on the parallel rods along the first direction, each parallel rod being arranged according to a predetermined mesh width (204, 205); the device (114) comprising a lifting frame adapted to be fixed to a hoist; the lifting frame comprising support elements (110-113) located on opposite sides, the support elements (110-113) being positioned such that when When the lifting frame rests on the uppermost reinforcing mesh (202) of the stack of reinforcing mesh (401), each support element (110-113) is located in a corresponding mesh opening (203); and wherein the support element (110-113) is also configured to slide (602) along the first direction (200) such that during lifting, each support element (110-113) supports only the parallel bar of the uppermost reinforcing mesh (202) along the second direction (201) with its respective support surface (702), and wherein, The support elements (110-113) on opposite sides slide apart (602) in opposite directions, wherein the thickness of the support elements (110-113) is less than the thickness or diameter of the parallel rod placed along the first direction (200).

2. The apparatus (114) according to claim 1 further includes a coupling (107) configured to rigidly connect the lifting frame to the hoist.

3. The apparatus (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The distance between the support elements (110-113) is adjustable.

4. The apparatus (114) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support element (110-113) includes a frame (704) perpendicular to one side of its corresponding support surface (702).

5. The apparatus (114) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support elements (110-113) also include interlocking devices (106; 806) configured to lock the supported parallel rod.

6. The apparatus (114) according to claim 5, wherein, The interlocking device (806) is a closing pin positioned at right angles on the support surface (702) and configured to close the opening of the support element (813), wherein the supported parallel rod is located in the opening.

7. The apparatus (114) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sliding of the support elements (110-113) is performed hydraulically.

8. The device (114) according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a base (601) configured such that the lifting frame is fixed to the lifting frame only by means of the base (601) resting on the reinforcing mesh (202).

9. The apparatus (114) according to claim 8, wherein, The height of the base (601) can be adjusted (120-123) such that the distance (603) between the bottom side of the base (601) and the upper side of the support surface (702) is at least equal to the thickness of the parallel rod along the second direction.

10. The device (114) according to claim 1 or 2 further includes one or more magnets (600) configured to attract the corners of the steel reinforcement mesh (202).

11. The apparatus (114) according to claim 10, wherein, The magnet (600) is an electromagnet or a mechanically controlled lifting magnet.

12. The apparatus (114) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lifting frame includes two parallel beams (100-101) connected by a connecting frame (102) including a connector (107), and each of the two parallel beams (100-101) includes a support element (110-113) at each end.

13. A hoist, comprising the device (114) as described in any of the preceding claims.

Images