Strut device

Abstract

A retractable strut device (1) comprises a tool housing (21) and a retractable tool member (2) having a first portion (3) and a second portion (4) axially displaceable relative to each other between a first compact state and a second elongated state of the tool member (2). Between the first part (3) and the second part (4), a pressure chamber (5) is operably coupled with an inlet (6) for a pressurized gas that can and is configured to drive the first part and the second part apart within the pressure chamber (5). An internal reservoir (7) having an inlet and / or outlet (71) and configured to contain a supply of pressurized compressed gas is provided therein. The internal reservoir (7) is coupled to the pressure chamber (5) by valve means (8) comprising one or more valve members, and control means (82) are provided to enable a user to operate the valve means (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a retractable support device comprising a tool housing and a retractable tool member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being axially displaced relative to each other between a compact first state and an extended second state of the tool member, wherein a pressure chamber is operatively coupled between the first portion and the second portion to an inlet for pressurized gas, the pressurized gas being capable of and configured to drive the first portion and the second portion apart within the pressure chamber. Background Technology

[0002] This type of retractable support device is frequently used in emergency situations to stabilize relatively heavy loads, such as vehicles or pit walls. This allows safe workers to operate within the load area without the risk of injury from load collapse. To stabilize the load, the support device is placed between the load and the support, with one side of the support device pushing against the support and the opposite side against the load. To accommodate changes in the distance between the support and the load, the support device has a first section and a second section, both of which can extend relative to each other to lengthen or retract the support.

[0003] These components can extend or retract by supplying or releasing compressed air to or from the support assembly. For this purpose, the support assembly is connected to the compressed air cylinder via multiple hoses. The hoses are equipped with operating devices. These operating devices include control mechanisms that allow the user to control the supply of compressed air to and from the support assembly.

[0004] Requiring compressed air cylinders to be connected to the support structure via hoses presents several disadvantages. Specifically, compressed air cylinders and hoses occupy valuable space in emergency vehicles and scenarios. Furthermore, deploying hoses and compressed air cylinders in emergency situations requires significant time. Additionally, the presence of these connections may hinder the operations of relevant emergency personnel.

[0005] Therefore, in addition to the above, the present invention seeks to provide a support device that mitigates these aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to the present invention, a retractable support device of the type described in the opening paragraph is characterized in that: an internal reservoir is provided having an inlet and / or an outlet and is configured to contain supplied pressurized compressed gas, the internal reservoir being coupled to a pressure chamber via a valve device including one or more valve members, and a control device is provided to enable a user to operate the valve device to supply the pressurized gas to the pressure chamber, drive the first and second portions to separate, or release the pressurized gas from the pressure chamber to cause the first and second portions to retract relative to each other.

[0007] The support assembly, including an internal storage tank for gas supply, allows the support assembly to store the compressed gas supply within itself, thereby reducing the need for a remote compressor cylinder. Utilizing the compressed gas supply stored in the internal storage tank, the support assembly can obtain the energy source required for its operation from within itself. This allows the support assembly to become a self-sustaining device.

[0008] The internal reservoir is connected to the pressure chamber via a valve device, allowing the connection between the internal reservoir and the pressure chamber to be operated as needed. This allows the user to fill the internal reservoir with a compressed gas supply and close the valve device to retain gas in the internal reservoir for later use. When gas is needed to operate the tool component, the valve device can be operated to allow gas to flow from the internal reservoir to the pressure chamber for tool component operation. Therefore, the user can release only the required amount of gas from the internal reservoir to operate the tool component in a specific manner, while retaining a remaining gas supply in the internal reservoir for later use.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention is characterized in that the first portion and the second portion are coaxially engaged and telescoping relative to each other, and the internal reservoir extends coaxially with the first and second portions within the tool. Utilizing the internal reservoir within the tool, available space within the tool can be used for the internal reservoir. The tool that closes the internal reservoir allows protection against impacts, etc. Furthermore, the tool maintains a smooth exterior.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention is characterized in that an elongated shaft extends within at least one of the first and second portions, and the internal storage is disposed within the shaft. In this embodiment, a hollow shaft is used to house the internal storage. Therefore, the internal storage requires little or no additional space.

[0011] To effectively utilize the space within the tool, another embodiment of the support device according to the invention is characterized in that an elongated shaft extends within at least one of the first and second portions, and the internal storage is disposed around the shaft. The shaft forms a central core of the internal storage, which can be shaped to meet a desired volume by extending the outer diameter of the central core.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the support assembly according to the invention is characterized by a deactivatable blocking device provided between the first and second portions to prevent retraction of both portions from at least a partially extended state, a pneumatically operable de-blocking device that disables the blocking device when energized, and an internal reservoir coupled to the de-blocking device via a valve device. The internal reservoir is coupled to the de-blocking device to allow the de-blocking device to also be operated from within the support assembly itself. This reduces the need for a separate gas supply source coupled to the support assembly (for operating the de-blocking device). The valve device allows the user to control the de-blocking device.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention provides a support device comprising a cylindrical extension body, the body cavity extending longitudinally within the cylindrical extension body, the extension body being functionally connectable to the end of another support device to provide extension thereto, characterized in that the body cavity includes an internal reservoir having an inlet and / or an outlet, a compressed gas supply being contained in the internal reservoir at high pressure, wherein a valve device is connected to the inlet and / or outlet of the internal reservoir, and a control device is provided to enable a user to operate the valve device.

[0014] One or more of these extension bodies can be used to bridge the total length between the supported load and the fixed, stable foundation. The extension body has a body cavity including an internal reservoir, allowing use of the available space within the extension body. The internal reservoir allows a supply of compressed gas to be stored within the extension body. This compressed gas can be used to operate pneumatic equipment, such as pneumatic pads or other lifting systems. This reduces the need for dedicated compressed air cylinders for supplying necessary pneumatic equipment in emergency situations.

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the support assembly according to the invention is characterized by providing one or more pneumatic connections outside the housing, including pneumatic connections to the inlet and / or outlet of the internal reservoir. The pneumatic connections allow gas to be supplied to and / or discharged from the support assembly. In particular, the pneumatic connection coupling a gas source to the inlet of the internal reservoir allows the internal reservoir to be filled with gas.

[0016] Another preferred embodiment of the support structure according to the invention is characterized in that the pneumatic connection includes a coaxial pneumatic connection. The coaxial pneumatic connection allows for a single pneumatic connection leading to or from different destinations. Therefore, gas can be exchanged with said different destinations within the support structure through a single pneumatic connection.

[0017] A preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention is characterized in that the valve device is at least partially located upstream of one or more pneumatic connections. This allows for control of gas flow via one or more pneumatic connections upstream of the connections. In particular, a preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention is characterized in that the valve device is at least partially housed in a separate module coupled to one or more pneumatic connections. This allows for flow control of gas outside the tool housing. By coupling only this module to one or more pneumatic connections present on the tool housing, the support device can be pneumatically operated. Therefore, the tool itself requires only minor modifications to accommodate the internal storage.

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the support according to the invention is characterized in that the valve device is at least partially housed in a separate module, and this module is detachably attached. With the module removably coupled, it can be disassembled to ensure that there is no possible flow connection between the pressure chamber and the internal reservoir. This prevents the possibility of accidental pressurization of the pressure chamber, and therefore prevents accidental extension of the support device. Thus, by removing the module, the support device can be safely stored with the internal reservoir filled without the risk of accidental extension. Furthermore, removing the module allows the device to be manually operated. This is particularly advantageous in emergency situations where pneumatically operable support devices are not permitted or where personnel are not sufficiently skilled in operating the valve device. However, if it is later necessary to make the support device pneumatically operable again, the module can be recoupled.

[0019] In particular, another preferred embodiment of the support according to the invention is characterized in that the module is detachably coupled to one or more pneumatic connectors disposed on the housing. In this way, the external module can be removably connected to one or more pneumatic connectors disposed outside the housing and communicate with the internal reservoir and / or pressure chamber. By removing the module from the pneumatic connector, the connection between the internal reservoir and the pressure chamber can be disconnected, ensuring that the device is not accidentally aroused. With the pneumatic connector in place, the device can still be conveniently used in a conventional manner with an external pressurized gas supply.

[0020] To enable the support device to be fully self-sustaining, another preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention is characterized in that the valve device is electronically controllable and includes an electronic power source (particularly a rechargeable battery) and a control device. The support device, including its own power source and control unit, enables full operation of the valve device that drives the support device.

[0021] Another preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention is characterized in that the valve device includes a receiver for wireless control. Wireless control enables a user to control the valve device and thus to operate the support device completely remotely from a distance. Therefore, the user can operate the support device from a safe distance from the load to be stabilized.

[0022] Another preferred embodiment of the support device according to the invention is characterized in that the valve device includes a pressure reducing valve downstream of the internal reservoir, from which gas is supplied at a reduced operating pressure. Therefore, gas can be stored in the internal reservoir at a pressure higher than the operating pressure required on site. The pressure reducing valve allows gas to be released at the desired reduced pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be further described based on exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1A A front perspective view of the strut device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A cross-sectional side view of the support structure; Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3 It shows in Figure 1A and Figure 1B The independent modules shown in the figure; Figure 4 Independent modules and Figures 1A-3 An exploded view of the support structure shown in the figure; Figure 5 A front perspective view of the extended body according to the invention is shown; Figure 6 It shows including Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of the extension body of the support device according to the invention; and Figures 7A to 7D A schematic diagram of a valve device according to the present invention is shown.

[0024] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. For clarity, some dimensions may be exaggerated to some extent. Corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The telescopic support device is generally indicated by reference numeral 1 in the attached drawing. The support 1 includes an elongated tool member 2 having a first portion 3 and a second portion 4. Both the first portion 3 and the second portion 4 are elongated tubes made of a high-load-bearing material (e.g., steel). The outer diameter of the second portion 4 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner portion 3, thereby allowing the second portion 4 to be coaxially accommodated within the first portion 3. The first portion 3 and the second portion 4 can extend and retract axially relative to each other between a compact first position and an extended second position.

[0026] An internal space is provided between the top region of the second part 4 and the top region of the first part 3, defining a pressure chamber 5 between the first part 3 and the second part 4. The pressure chamber 5 is operatively coupled to an inlet 6 for gas. Gas entering the pressure chamber 5 drives the second part 4 away from the first part 3, thereby adjusting the first part 3 and the second part 4 to an extended position.

[0027] Tool component 2 has an internal reservoir 7 in which a compressed gas supply is maintained. Specifically, the gas can be stored in the internal reservoir 7 at a pressure much higher than required for operating the strut 1. For example, the gas can be maintained at pressures exceeding tens or hundreds of bar. In this example, the gas is typically loaded into the reservoir 7 at pressures in the range of 300 bar to provide multiple operating cycles. The internal reservoir 7 extends coaxially within tool component 2 with the first part 3 and the second part 4. The internal reservoir 7 includes an airtight housing. Figure 1B and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, shaft 10 extends in the second portion 4. The first embodiment of the internal storage 7 is as follows... Figure 1B As shown, an open space surrounds axis 10. The internal storage 7 extends within this open space around axis 10. Figure 2 In the second embodiment of the internal storage shown, the diameter of the shaft 10 is... Figure 1B The diameter shown is wider to allow the internal reservoir 7 to be located within the shaft 10. A tube (not shown) may be positioned above the shaft 10 to hermetically seal the internal reservoir 7. The internal reservoir 7 has an inlet and / or outlet 71 for gas.

[0028] A blocking device 9 is disposed between the first part 3 and the second part 4. The blocking device 9 includes a plurality of balls 91 located in six parallel annular grooves 92 at the top of the end region of the second part 4. The depth of each groove 92 gradually increases. The maximum depth of the groove corresponds to the diameter of the ball 91. When the ball 91 is positioned in the deepest region of the groove 92, the ball 91 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the first part 3. This allows the first tube 3 and the second tube 4 to freely extend and retract axially relative to each other. When the ball 91 is located in the shallower portion of the groove 92, the ball 91 is clamped between the first part 3 and the second part 4 to block the first part 3 and the second part 4 in the extended position. To release the blocking device 9, the ball 91 is moved to the maximum depth region of the groove. To achieve this, a biasing member 12, including a spring, is connected between the end of the shaft 10 and the end of the blocking device 9. By pushing the shaft 10 toward the blocking device 9, the biasing member 12 forces the ball 91 to the maximum depth region of the groove 91, thereby unlocking the blocking device 9. The actuation of shaft 10 is controlled by a pneumatically controllable deblocking actuator 13. Gas inlet 6 is also operatively coupled to deblocking actuator 13.

[0029] The internal storage 7 is connected to the pressure chamber 5 and the actuator 13 via electronically controllable valve devices 8. Each valve device 8 includes a valve 81, particularly a solenoid valve, which is connected to a power source 83 and a control device 82. The power source 83 is a rechargeable battery. The control device 82 has a wireless receiver that allows for wireless control of the control device 82. The operation of the valve devices 8 will be further described below.

[0030] Figure 5 An extension body 15 is shown, which is functionally connected to one end of the support assembly 1, such as... Figure 6 As shown. The extension body 15 has a cylindrical body 151, within which a body cavity 152 extends longitudinally. The body cavity 152 has an internal reservoir 7' with an internal reservoir inlet 7'. A valve device 8 of the type described above can be connected to the internal reservoir 7' to control the flow of gas into and out of the internal reservoir 7'. The internal reservoir 7' is operatively coupled to another pneumatic device, such as a lifting pad.

[0031] Both the internal storage inlet 71 and inlet 6 are pneumatic connectors. Pneumatic connector 6 is a coaxial connector operably coupled to the pressure chamber 5 and the actuator 13. Pneumatic connectors 6 and 71 extend parallel to the outside of the housing 21 of the tool component 2.

[0032] The independent module 14 is detachably connected to the pneumatic connectors 6, 71. The module 14 has a generally box-shaped housing with two pneumatic connectors 141, 142 extending from its connection side. The pneumatic connectors 141, 142 correspond to the pneumatic connectors 6, 71 and are reliably clamped onto the pneumatic connectors 6, 71 in a detachable manner.

[0033] Release buttons 143 are located on opposite sides of module 14. Pressing these buttons 143 allows pneumatic connections 141, 142 to be disconnected from pneumatic connections 6, 71, thereby allowing the module to be removed from tool component 2. Module 14 has an opening 145 through which the internal reservoir 7 can be filled or through which gas can be released from module 14.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, when module 14 is connected to extension body 15, module 14 may only require one pneumatic connector 142, which can be connected to the pneumatic connector 71 of the internal storage 7'. To connect another pneumatically operable device to module 14, in this case, module 14 has two pneumatic connectors 144 accessible from outside the housing of module 14.

[0035] Figures 7A to 7D A schematic diagram of gas flow in the support assembly is shown. Each figure shows the internal reservoir pneumatic connection 71 and the coaxial pneumatic connection 6, which are operatively coupled to the chamber 5 and the actuator 13. A first flow path A operatively couples a gas supply source to the internal reservoir pneumatic connection 71. Flow path A includes a shut-off valve 81 and a three-way valve 81 located between the shut-off valve 81 and the internal reservoir pneumatic connection 71. A second flow path B extends from the three-way valve 81 toward the coaxial pneumatic connection 6. Flow path B splits into two flow paths B' and B'', each connected to the pneumatic connection 6. Flow path B' has a two-way valve 81, and flow path B'' has a three-way valve 81. A third flow path C extends from flow path B and merges with flow path A between the shut-off valve 81 and the three-way valve 81.

[0036] Figure 7A The filling of the internal reservoir 7 is shown, with both the shut-off valve 81 and the three-way valve 81 open to allow flow in flow path A. Gas flows through pneumatic connection 71 in flow path A and into the internal reservoir 7.

[0037] To extend tool component 2, such as Figure 7BAs shown, the three-way valve 81 in flow path A is open toward flow path B. The two-way valve 81 to flow path B' is closed, and the three-way valve in flow path B is open toward flow path B'. Gas flows from the internal reservoir 7 into flow path B and flow path B'' through the three-way valve 81. The gas in flow path B'' flows through the pneumatic connector 6 and into chamber 5.

[0038] To unlock tool component 2, such as Figure 7C As shown, the three-way valve 81 in flow path A is open toward flow path B, and the three-way valve toward flow path B'' is closed. The two-way valve in flow path B'' is open. Gas flows from the internal reservoir 7 into flow paths B and B' through the three-way valve 81. The gas in flow path B' flows through the pneumatic connector 6 and to the actuator 13.

[0039] In order to release gas from chamber 5, such as Figure 7D As shown, the three-way valve 81 in flow path B'' is open towards flow path C. The shut-off valve 81 in flow path A is also open. Gas flows from chamber 5 along flow path C, through pneumatic connector 6, and out through shut-off valve 81.

[0040] A pressure reducing valve 84 is located downstream of the internal reservoir 7. The pressure reducing valve 84 allows the pressure of the gas from the internal reservoir 7 to be reduced to a working pressure. Therefore, the gas in the internal reservoir 7 can be maintained at a pressure higher than required for the operating strut 1, while the gas is released through the pressure reducing valve 84 at a working pressure. For example, the internal reservoir can be filled to 300 bar, while the operating strut assembly 1 requires a maximum of 12 bar.

[0041] In use, the independent module 14 is connected to the tool component 2 by clamping pneumatic connectors 141 and 142 onto pneumatic connectors 6 and 71. A gas supply source is operatively connected to the opening 145 of the module 14 through which the internal reservoir 7 is filled. Once filled, the gas supply source is disconnected from the module 14. The other internal reservoir 7' of the extension 15 can be filled in a similar manner. The support 1 and the extension 15, now filled with the internal reservoirs 7 and 7', can be stored for later use.

[0042] To stabilize the load in an emergency situation, one side of the support 1 is placed on a support (e.g., a steel plate). The tool component is then manually extended to allow the opposite end to be positioned under the load. To force the opposite end against the load and thus stabilize it, the user can remotely control the valve device 8 to open the desired valve 81. This allows the chamber 5 to be filled. The tool component 2 is then pneumatically extended to the desired length, enabling the support 1 to stabilize the load. A blocking device 9 prevents the tool 2 from retracting from this extended state.

[0043] Once the support column 1 is no longer needed to stabilize the load, the user can remotely control the valve device 8 to allow the gas to pneumatically unlock the blocking device. Afterward, the gas in chamber 5 is released. Therefore, the user can adjust the support column 1 to a compact position.

[0044] If the support column 1 is not long enough to support the load, the extension body 15 can be attached to the end of the support column 1 to increase its length. The internal storage unit 7' can be operatively connected to a pneumatic device (e.g., a lifting pad) via a pneumatic connector 144 to supply such device with compressed gas stored in the extension body. This allows the device to operate. It is also conceivable that two or more extension bodies can be connected to each other.

[0045] It is conceivable that the invention described herein is intended for use because it eliminates the need for a separate cylinder and supply line for operating the support device. This frees up space in emergency vehicles and at emergency sites. Furthermore, the elimination of the need to connect the cylinder to the support saves setup time. The module is removable from the support, allowing for easy switching between manual and pneumatic operation. This enables the use of a single support in both situations.

[0046] While the invention has been described in conjunction with what is currently considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, multiple pneumatic connections may be provided in parallel, rather than coaxial, to guide gas to different areas of the support. The module may also be disposed internally within the housing rather than externally. In particular, the following embodiments are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A retractable support device comprising a tool housing and a retractable tool member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being axially displaceable relative to each other between a compact first state and an extended second state of the tool member, wherein a pressure chamber is operatively coupled to an inlet for pressurized gas between the first portion and the second portion, the pressurized gas being capable of and configured to drive the first portion and the second portion apart within the pressure chamber, characterized in that, An internal reservoir is provided therein, having an inlet and / or an outlet and configured to receive a pressurized supply of compressed gas. The internal reservoir is coupled to the pressure chamber via a valve device including one or more valve components and is provided with a control device that allows a user to operate the valve device to supply the pressurized gas to the pressure chamber, drive the first and second portions to separate, or release the pressurized gas from the pressure chamber to retract the first and second portions relative to each other.

2. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second portions are coaxially engaged and retractable relative to each other, and the internal storage extends coaxially with the first and second portions within the tool member.

3. The support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, An elongated shaft extends within at least one of the first and second portions, and the internal storage is disposed within the shaft.

4. The support device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, An elongated shaft extends within at least one of the first and second portions, and the internal storage is disposed around the shaft.

5. The support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A deactivated blocking device is provided between the first and second parts, which prevents the first and second parts from retracting from a state that is at least partially extended. A pneumatically operable deblocking device is provided, which disables the blocking device when energized, and the internal storage is coupled to the deblocking device via a valve device.

6. A support device comprising a cylindrical extension body having a body cavity extending longitudinally therein, the extension body being functionally connectable to an end of another support device to provide extension thereto, characterized in that, The main chamber includes an internal reservoir with an inlet and / or an outlet, the internal reservoir being configured to contain a pressurized supply of compressed gas, a valve device being connected to the inlet and / or outlet of the internal reservoir, and a control device being provided to enable a user to operate the valve device.

7. The support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, One or more pneumatic connections are provided on the exterior of the housing, including pneumatic connections to the inlet and / or outlet of the internal storage.

8. The support structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pneumatic connector includes a coaxial pneumatic connector.

9. The support structure according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The valve device is located at least partially upstream of one or more pneumatic connections.

10. The support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The valve device is at least partially housed in a separate module, and the module is detachably attached.

11. The support structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The module is detachably coupled to one or more pneumatic connectors located outside the housing.

12. The support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The valve device is electronically controllable and includes an electronic power source and a control device, the electronic power source being, in particular, a rechargeable battery.

13. The support structure according to claim 12, characterized in that, The valve device includes a receiver for wireless control.

14. The support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The valve assembly includes a pressure reducing valve downstream of the internal reservoir, from which gas is supplied at a reduced operating pressure.

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