DEVICE FOR THE SPATIALLY FLEXIBLE DEPLOYMENT OF A LIFTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE SAME

Description

[0001] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for the spatially flexible provision of a lifting system, in particular for lifting, lowering, and distributing objects, in particular tools, e.g., shovels, grapples, chisels, and / or a bucket wheel. For example, the lifting system can be used on a construction site or in an industrial facility. A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for adapting a device according to the invention.

[0002] In practice, cranes or tower cranes are typically used to lift objects such as building materials, semi-finished parts, or formwork and transport them to a site. For this purpose, a jib is attached to the tower crane's tower structure, which can be rotated around the tower structure and used to lift and distribute the objects on a construction site, for example. Once erected, the jib of the tower crane is limited to a fixed working height and cannot be adjusted to accommodate increasing construction heights, such as those of a wind turbine being erected.

[0003] A self-climbing crane is known from DE 10 2015 002 237 A1. This remedy overcomes the aforementioned disadvantage by allowing additional tower construction elements to be inserted into the tower structure of the slewing tower crane or by allowing tower construction elements to be removed from the slewing tower crane.

[0004] However, using a tower crane is inefficient. Tower cranes have a counterweight to prevent them from tipping over when lifting an object via the boom. The counterweight must be several times the weight of the object being lifted to ensure sufficient safety. Furthermore, the counterweight limits the tower crane's maximum load capacity.

[0005] Tower cranes pose a high risk of accidents if handled incorrectly, for example, by lifting objects that are too heavy or by incorrectly positioning them. Erecting tower cranes is laborious and requires a high degree of preparation and planning. The ground must be sufficiently compacted and, if necessary, deeply foundationed to ensure it can support the load of the tower crane and prevent the tower crane from tipping over and, in the worst case, collapsing.

[0006] Precise positioning of the tower crane is necessary when it cannot cover the entire construction site, as is the case with a large construction site. Relocating the crane is complex and time-consuming.

[0007] When using multiple tower cranes, precise positioning is essential to avoid accidents. The tower crane booms must not cross each other during operation. Therefore, certain areas of the construction site lie outside the working areas covered by the booms, making complete coverage of the construction site impossible.

[0008] WO 2020 / 201400 A1 discloses a construction and / or material handling machine and a method for guiding and moving a work head. This document discloses a work cell structure that defines a work space, wherein the work cell structure comprises at least three vertical supports and at least three horizontal supports, wherein horizontal supports each connect two vertical supports to each other. The device is arranged to be movable on a positioning device of variable length and elongated between two ends, wherein the ends of the positioning device are movable by means of traversing units on the horizontal supports.

[0009] US 3 302 801 A concerns a vertically adjustable portal crane in gantry design.

[0010] JP S53 156271 U describes a gantry crane with two lifting units that can be moved along the same traverse.

[0011] Based on this, the present invention is based on the object of remedying the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and of providing a device for the spatially flexible provision of a lifting system, as well as a method with which the device is adapted.

[0012] This object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned at the outset in that the device comprises at least one work cell structure. The work cell structure defines a work space. The work cell structure comprises at least three vertical beams and at least three horizontal beams. The horizontal beams each connect two vertical beams to one another. The device has a lifting device which is arranged such that it can be moved on a positioning device which is of variable length and extends elongately between two ends. The ends of the positioning device can be moved on the vertical beams and horizontal beams by means of travel units. The travel units can be moved at connection points of the beams, for example connection points of vertical beams, horizontal beams or further beams, via switch units optionally along the horizontal beams as well as the vertical beams.

[0013] In other words, the work cell structure forms a structure whose interior is the workspace. The workspace can encompass part or all of a construction site, or, for example, an area of ​​an industrial facility. The work cell structure serves as a support and guidance structure for the lifting system.

[0014] By cleverly positioning the work cell structure, the device can seamlessly supply a construction site with building materials, tools, or other objects without the overlaps that occur with tower cranes. The use of a work cell structure enables greater stability, more flexible use, and simpler assembly compared to conventional tower cranes. Another advantage is that the seamless coverage of the construction site reduces site traffic, for example, for the delivery of required building materials. In particular, it is possible to create a central delivery point and reduce or completely avoid disruptions to the construction process.

[0015] The three vertical beams and the horizontal beams form a prismatic work cell structure with a triangular base. Alternatively, the fixture can also have more than three vertical and horizontal beams. For example, if the fixture comprises four vertical and horizontal beams, these form a cuboid or cube-shaped work cell structure.

[0016] The vertical supports can be arranged perpendicularly or vertically on a support surface so that they form an angle of 90° with the support surface. In other words, the vertical supports can be aligned perpendicular to an ideally flat support surface when the work cell is erected. However, the vertical supports can also be arranged at an angle or only essentially perpendicularly or essentially vertically on the support surface so that the vertical supports and the support surface form an angle other than 90°. If, for example, the support surface slopes or has bumps in the ground, or if it is necessary to align the vertical supports at an angle to the support surface for a special lifting task, an angle other than 90° is included between the support surface and the vertical supports. Furthermore, the vertical supports can all be the same length or different lengths. This allows, for example,that a sloping or rising installation surface can be compensated and the ends of the vertical supports facing away from the installation surface are at the same height or that vertical supports of different lengths can be used to create a work cell structure with a cover surface running at an angle to the installation surface.

[0017] The horizontal beams are arranged on the vertical beams and can run horizontally or only essentially horizontally, thus at an angle to a support surface. In particular, the horizontal beams run in a working plane.

[0018] Overall, the vertical beams and the horizontal beams must be arranged on a support surface and connected to each other in such a way that they form a stable work cell structure capable of absorbing the forces during operation of the lifting system. If necessary, reinforcement elements can be arranged on the vertical and horizontal frames of a work cell structure formed by the vertical beams and horizontal beams. The reinforcement elements can, for example, compensate for the shear stresses on the work cell structure resulting from lateral forces during operation.

[0019] The reinforcing elements can be designed, in particular, as diagonal braces. Two diagonal braces can be arranged diagonally in a corresponding vertical or horizontal frame and can cross each other. The diagonal braces can be any element capable of tensile and / or compressive loads and can be designed, in particular, as cables, wire ropes, metal strips, or metal rods.

[0020] The lifting device is arranged on the work cell structure by means of the positioning device. The lifting device is, in particular, a crane. The lifting device can comprise a variable-length rope with a holding section for lifting and lowering objects. The holding section can, in particular, be designed as a gripper or rope loop.

[0021] The lifting device is arranged on the positioning device in a movable manner. The lifting device can comprise drivable movement means. The lifting device can be moved along the positioning device by means of the drivable movement means.

[0022] The positioning device is variable in length and can in particular comprise a rope or be formed by this or be designed as a cross member on which the lifting device is arranged.

[0023] If the positioning device comprises a rope or is a rope, it can be wound up and unwound via at least one rope length-changing unit, in particular a self-tensioning or drivable rope length-changing unit. The rope length-changing unit can be designed, in particular, as a roller. By selectively winding up and unwinding the rope, the lifting device can be moved between the supports, or by selectively sagging the lifting device, it can be lowered towards the ground.

[0024] The ends of the positioning device are each arranged on a travel unit. The travel units can be designed, in particular, as drivable carriages or carriages, which can be driven, for example, by an electric motor. The positioning unit can be moved along the vertical and horizontal beams by means of the travel unit. Furthermore, the at least one cable length-changing unit can be arranged on the travel unit.

[0025] When the positioning device and the arranged lifting device are moved by means of the travel units, the load is absorbed by the work cell structure approximately evenly, regardless of the position the travel units move to. Consequently, the load that can be absorbed by the inventive device also remains approximately constant. In contrast to the inventive device, the load on a conventional tower crane increases and the absorbable load decreases as a trolley moves away from the tower structure along the boom.

[0026] When designing the inventive device, for example, only the maximum loads on the vertical and horizontal beams can be considered in a simplified form. The maximum load on a vertical beam acts when the lifting device is moved in a corner of the work cell structure, and thus the entire load acts primarily on one vertical beam. The maximum load on a horizontal beam acts in the form of a bending moment when the lifting device is positioned centrally on a horizontal beam. This simplifies the design, construction, and operation of the inventive device compared to conventional tower cranes. The risk of tipping of the device is also reduced or eliminated. Counterweights, as with conventional tower cranes or other cranes, are not necessary.

[0027] Two travel units supporting the positioning device can both be mounted on the horizontal beams. The travel units can be moved along the horizontal beams and can move the lifting device mounted on the positioning device at the height of the horizontal beams.

[0028] The traversing units can be arranged on the vertical beams. The traversing units can be arranged on vertical beams connected by a horizontal beam or on vertical beams that are not directly connected to each other. The traversing units can be moved along the horizontal beams and can move a lifting device arranged on the positioning unit along the vertical beams.

[0029] One travel unit can be arranged on a horizontal beam and another travel unit can be arranged on a vertical beam. Thus, a lifting device arranged on the positioning unit can be moved simultaneously along the vertical beam and the horizontal beam by means of the travel unit. In particular, the travel units can be arranged on a vertical beam and a horizontal beam that connects the vertical beam to another vertical beam. In other words, the travel units can move the lifting device in a lateral, horizontal frame. On the floor side, another horizontal beam can be arranged between the vertical beams. So that a horizontal frame is formed from two vertical beams and two horizontal beams connecting them. Travel units can accordingly be moved along the entire horizontal frame.

[0030] According to the invention, the travel units are arranged at connection points of the beams, for example connection points of vertical beams, horizontal beams or other beams, and can be moved via switch units either along the horizontal beams or the vertical beams.

[0031] The switch units allow the travel units to move circumferentially along the horizontal beams. Furthermore, the switch unit can be adjusted so that the travel units can move between the horizontal beams and the vertical beams. For example, the switch units can be adjusted so that the travel units can move along the vertical and horizontal beams on one side. Using the switch units, the lifting device can be moved flexibly within the workspace and can be moved with very high precision to the objects to be gripped, which include gripping, lifting, and positioning.

[0032] The traversing units can be movable along rails arranged on the supports. In particular, the device can have at least one closed rail circuit. In particular, rails can be arranged on the horizontal supports, vertical supports, and / or other supports. Rails allow precise and safe guidance of the traversing units. The rails can, in particular, be single-track, double-track, or multi-track.

[0033] The device can have at least two lifting devices, each with a positioning device that can be moved by means of moving units.

[0034] The lifting devices can be used independently of each other and can be moved independently of each other by arranging the corresponding positioning devices on the respective travel units. This advantageously increases the productivity of the device by allowing objects to be moved within the workspace simultaneously or at different times.

[0035] For example, if two different objects are gripped by the two independent holding devices, the objects can be moved simultaneously and even past each other by moving the lifting devices. Furthermore, it is also possible for the at least two lifting devices to grip heavy objects simultaneously and thus move them within the work area. Furthermore, an object held by two lifting devices can be positioned and set down at an angle by the holding sections holding the object at different heights to the horizontal beams. For example, a gable beam for a building structure can be lifted at its front end for assembly and held at an angle to the building structure for easy installation.

[0036] The device may include a lifting device. The lifting device is designed to lift the work cell structure and elevate it from the ground level. Additional segments of vertical supports can be attached to the vertical supports. Alternatively, another work cell structure can also be inserted beneath the work cell structure.

[0037] By attaching additional segments to the vertical beams, the horizontal beams can be raised with the vertical beams. Thus, the working height of the at least one lifting device can be adapted, in particular, to the increasing height of a building or structure, such as a wind turbine.

[0038] This increases productivity because the work cell structure can be adjusted to new working heights without major remodeling after a single setup. In other words, it's a self-climbing lifting device.

[0039] Another advantage is that, for example, expensive mobile cranes with limited working height are no longer required for the construction of wind turbines. Furthermore, at construction sites such as wind turbines, unnecessary forest clearings are no longer required, which are necessary for erecting the boom of a mobile crane or tower crane.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, further entire work cell structures can be incorporated beneath the first work cell structure. This not only increases the working height but also allows two or more work levels, each formed by the horizontal beams of the corresponding work cell structure, to be arranged one above the other if required. The at least one lifting device can thus be moved between the work levels by means of corresponding travel units, in particular via switch units. Alternatively or additionally, at least one further lifting device can be arranged on a positioning device in the new work cell structure incorporated beneath the first work cell structure. This enables further flexible adaptation of the device to existing working conditions or a possibility of increasing productivity.

[0041] The lifting device can comprise several units, in particular units designed as hydraulic presses, each of which is attached to a vertical support. Each unit of the lifting device is designed to lift a vertical support from a floor side, in particular from the side of the installation surface.

[0042] The device can comprise a plurality of work cell structures. Individual supports of the work cell structures, in particular, form part of a plurality of work cell structures. The travel units or, in particular, the lifting device can be movable between the work cell structures. In particular, the device can comprise at least two work cell structures arranged side by side and two arranged one above the other.

[0043] For example, a second separate work cell structure can be arranged next to the first work cell structure. If structurally necessary, the work cell structures can be connected to one another via horizontal beams. Furthermore, the second work cell structure can be formed by one or more further vertical beams, wherein the at least one further vertical beam is connected to the first work cell structure by means of two further horizontal beams. If a second work cell structure is formed in particular by several further vertical beams, these are connected to one another by means of several further horizontal beams and are connected to a horizontal beam of the first work cell structure via two further horizontal beams. In this case, the corresponding horizontal beam of the first work cell structure and the two vertical beams on which it is arranged are part of the second work cell structure.

[0044] Consequently, the inventive device can be easily expanded in a modular manner. This allows the device to be adapted to, for example, any desired construction site shape. When transporting very heavy objects, it is also possible to achieve increased stability and rigidity for a higher load-bearing capacity by using multiple work cell structures. Due to the modularity, the rigidity and load-bearing capacity can be further increased, in particular by arranging several vertical beams adjacent to one another to achieve a reinforcing effect. Alternatively or additionally, the horizontal beams can be supported by additional beams, similar to a truss construction, wherein in particular the additional beams can enclose an angle of 45° or an angle less than 45° with the horizontal beams. The additional beams can each connect a vertical and a horizontal beam to one another.

[0045] Furthermore, the modular design of the device, which consists of identical parts (vertical and horizontal beams, lifting device, positioning device, travel units), makes it possible to achieve economic advantages by keeping production and logistics lean.

[0046] The travel units can be movable between the multiple work cell structures. This allows the positioning device and the arranged lifting device to be moved between the work cell structures. Alternatively, only one travel unit can be moved into another work cell structure, with a lifting device being movable along the positioning device toward the other work cell structure. Advantageously, a lifting device can cover a large distance across multiple work cell structures. For example, objects can be distributed from a delivery point or warehouse throughout the entire work area.

[0047] Second switch units can be arranged at the connecting points between the supports of multiple work cell structures, via which the travel units can be transferred between the work cell structures. The second switch units can be designed to be movable, for example, so that they can be moved along the vertical supports when the travel units are not to be transferred from one work cell structure to another.

[0048] If the device comprises several work cell structures, one or more lifting devices with positioning devices and corresponding travel units can be arranged in each work cell structure.

[0049] The vertical and horizontal beams of a work cell structure can form vertical and horizontal frames. Protective elements can be arranged on these vertical and horizontal frames. The protective elements can, in particular, be protective panels, such as walls, formwork, and / or foils. The protective elements can serve to protect and / or seal an internal work space, particularly against the ingress of particles or germs, or to reduce noise emissions.

[0050] Only individual work cell structures can be provided with protective elements; in the case of several work cell structures connected to one another, only the external vertical and horizontal frames forming a common work area can be provided with protective elements, or protective elements can be arranged on external and internal vertical and horizontal frames as required.

[0051] The installation of protective elements is advantageous when the device is used on construction sites in residential areas, for example, to reduce work noise. For example, when the device is used in an industrial plant, the work cell structures can create a beneficial particle- and germ-free workspace, which is necessary for sensitive applications such as aerospace engineering.

[0052] The supports of the device can be designed as truss elements, or alternatively, any other supporting element such as beams, masts, or girders. Depending on the requirements, the truss elements can be designed as 1-point trusses, 2-point trusses, 3-point trusses, or 4-point trusses, which are reinforced by appropriate truss structures.

[0053] The inventive device can comprise a control unit for manual or automatic, in particular software-controlled, control of the device. In particular, the device has corresponding sensors and control elements for controlling the device. By means of the control unit, it is possible, for example, to control multiple travel units, positioning units, and lifting devices, in particular multiple lifting devices in one work cell structure and / or multiple lifting devices in multiple work cell structures, without them interfering with one another.

[0054] The second inventive aspect relates to a method for adapting a device according to the invention. To increase the work cell structure, the method comprises the following steps: Lifting the work cell structure from the ground side using a lifting device, inserting and attaching additional segments of vertical beams to the vertical beams or inserting another work cell structure under the work cell structure from the ground side.

[0055] The method according to the invention thus enables a device to be easily raised and adapted to an increasing installation height. Furthermore, the horizontal supports, the travel units, and the positioning and lifting device can be easily mounted on the installation surface and raised to the installation height using the method according to the invention.

[0056] The method by which a device according to the invention is adapted can comprise steps for adding a further work cell structure. To add to the further work cell structure, the method can comprise erecting further vertical supports and horizontal supports connecting these to form a further adjacent work cell structure. If particularly structurally necessary, the vertical supports can be connected to the existing work cell structure via further horizontal supports. Thus, a further work cell structure linked to the at least one work cell structure is formed. Further work cell structures can be formed according to the method.

[0057] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawing of a preferred embodiment: The claimed embodiment is shown in Figures 2a - 2c and is referred to as the second embodiment Fig. 1a: an isometric view of the device with a work cell structure. Fig. 1b: an isometric view of the device with a work cell structure with raised vertical supports. Fig. 1c: an isometric view of the device with a work cell structure with additional segments attached to vertical supports. Fig. 1d: an isometric view of the device with a first work cell structure and a second work cell structure inserted below. Fig. 2a: an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device with a work cell structure with first switch units. Fig. 2b-c: a section I of the device according to Fig. 2a showing a first and second state of the first switch units; Fig. 3: a side view of the device with a work cell structure with an angled working plane; Fig. 4a: an isometric view of the device with two adjacent work cell structures with second switch units; Fig. 4b-e: a section II of the device according to Fig. 4a showing a first and second state of the second switch units Fig. 5: a plan view of the device with three work cell structures and several lifting devices Fig. 6: an isometric view of the device with two work cell structures and protective elements

[0058] In Fig. 1a A first embodiment 12a of the device is shown, designated overall by reference numeral 10. The first embodiment 12a of the device 10 has a work cell structure 14 that defines a work space 16. The work space 16 defines a space in which objects 18 can be raised, lowered, and distributed using the device 10. In particular, two or more separate work cell structures 14 can also be arranged side by side.

[0059] The work cell structure 14 is formed from four vertical beams 20 and four horizontal beams 22. Beams 20, 22 are designed as single-point trusses. The vertical beams 20 are positioned orthogonally on a flat support surface 24 and form a cube-shaped base. The horizontal beams 22 are arranged at the first ends 26 of the vertical beams 20 opposite the support surface 24 and always connect two vertical beams 20 to each other.

[0060] In the Fig. 1a In the first embodiment 12a of the device 10 shown, a lifting device 30 is arranged on the second ends 28 of the vertical supports 20 arranged on the support surface 24, or in the present case, the lifting device 30 comprises hydraulic presses 32 arranged on each vertical support. By means of the lifting device 30, the vertical supports 20 are moved in a vertical direction 34 pointing away from the support surface 24 (see Fig. 1b ). Thus, the entire work cell structure 14 can be raised relative to the installation surface 24. This is described in detail in the Fig. 1b-1d shown.

[0061] The horizontal beams 22 form a first working plane 36. A lifting device 38 is arranged on a positioning device 40 in the working plane 36 between the horizontal beams 22. The lifting device 38 is a crane. The lifting device 38 has a variable-length cable 42 for lifting and lowering objects 18. The cable loop 44 serves as a holding section at the end opposite the positioning device 40. In this case, an object 18 is held by the cable loop 44.

[0062] The positioning device 40 is embodied here as an elongated cable 46. Ends 48a, 48b of the positioning device 40 are movable on the vertical supports 20 by means of displacement units 50. The displacement units 50 are embodied here as drivable carriages. The displacement units 50 each comprise a cable length-changing unit 52 with a drivable roller (not shown) for winding and unwinding the cable 46 of the positioning unit 40. The lifting device 38 can be moved between the displacement units 50 by lengthening one end 48a of the cable 46 and shortening the other, opposite end 48b of the cable 46.

[0063] On a side 54 of the horizontal beams 22 facing the work area 16, single-track first rails 56a are arranged circumferentially, forming a first closed rail circuit 58a. The first rails 56a could alternatively be arranged on the side of the horizontal beams 22 facing the installation surface 24 or on a side opposite thereto. The travel units 50 are arranged for movement on the first rails 56a. For example, the travel units 50 can be driven by an electric motor.

[0064] As in Fig. 1a As shown, the device 10 has a control unit 60 for controlling the lifting device 38, the travel units 50, and the lifting device 30. Computer-based control can be implemented using the control unit 60. For example, if there are several movable lifting devices 38, a collision between them can be avoided. Furthermore, a uniform lifting of the vertical supports 20 can be achieved via the lifting device 30.

[0065] In Fig. 1b The vertical supports 20 are raised by means of the lifting device 30 perpendicular to the support surface 24 in a direction 34 pointing away from the support surface 24 and perpendicular to the support surface 24. Segments 62 on the vertical supports are inserted between the support surface 24 and the raised vertical supports 20 and are arranged and / or releasably locked at the second ends 28 of the vertical supports 20.

[0066] In Fig. 1c the first embodiment 12a of the device 10 is shown raised by the segments 62 on vertical supports.

[0067] In Fig. 1d Alternatively, it is shown that instead of the segments 62 on vertical supports, a second work cell structure 14b is arranged below the first work cell structure 14a raised by means of the lifting device 30. Furthermore, the second work cell structure 14b has a further lifting device 38 arranged on a further positioning device 40, which can be moved via further travel units 50 along a further first rail circuit 58a according to the first work cell structure 14a from Fig. 1 . These can also be controlled via the control unit 60. For example, second rails 56b could be arranged along the vertical supports 20, forming a second rail circuit 58b (for example, corresponding to Fig. 2a ). This could enable the travel units 50 to be movable in a horizontal frame 64 of the corresponding work cell structures 14a,b formed by the vertical supports 20 and the connecting horizontal supports 22, or to be movable between the first and second work cell structures 14a,b arranged one above the other.

[0068] The following embodiments, which are described in the Fig. 2a-6 are shown, in the present case do not include a control unit 60. It is possible that the embodiments are controlled manually or, in accordance with the above embodiments, have at least one control unit 60.

[0069] In Fig. 2a A second embodiment 12b of the device 10 is shown. The structure of the second embodiment 12b corresponds to the first embodiment 12a of the device 10. In addition to the first rails 56a on the horizontal beams 22, the vertical beams 20 have second rails 56b.

[0070] First switch units 68a are arranged at the connection points 66 of the beams 20, 22. The first switch units 68a are adjustable such that the travel units 50 can be moved at the connection points 66 from the first rails 56a of the horizontal beams 22 to the second rails 56b of the vertical beams 20. The travel units 50 can thus be moved selectively along the horizontal beams 22 and / or the vertical beams 20.

[0071] In Fig. 2b und 2c the first switch units 68a are shown in a first and a second state. In a first state ( Fig. 2b ) the first switch units 68a connect the first rails 56a on the horizontal beams 22 to form a first rail circuit 58a.

[0072] Are the first switch units 68a according to Fig. 2c set to the second state (represented by a setting direction 70 in Fig. 2c ) the travel units 50 can be moved along the first switch unit 68a from the first rails 56a on the horizontal beams 22 to the second rails 56b of the vertical beams 20 or vice versa.

[0073] The first switch units 68a can all be set to the same state or can be set to different states. The first switch units 68a can be set, in particular, manually or by means of the control unit 60.

[0074] In Fig. 3 A third embodiment 12c of the device 10 is shown. The third embodiment 12c of the device 10 comprises a work cell structure 14 with two pairs of vertical supports 20 of different elongated extensions along a corresponding first extension axis 72 of the vertical supports 20. A first pair of adjacent vertical supports 20 has a shorter extension along the corresponding first extension axis 72 than a second pair of adjacent vertical supports 20. According to the first embodiment 12a, the horizontal supports 22 are arranged at first ends of the vertical supports 26. Due to the different extensions of the vertical supports 20, the working plane 36 formed by the horizontal supports 22 runs at an angle to the installation surface 24. The remaining structure of the third embodiment 12c of the device 10 corresponds to the first embodiment 12a of the device 10.

[0075] In Fig. 4a A fourth embodiment 12d of the device 10 is shown. The fourth embodiment 12d of the device 10 comprises two work cell structures 14a, 14b. A basic structure of the first work cell structure 14a corresponds to the first embodiment 12a of the device 10 according to Fig. 1 .

[0076] Along second extension axes 74 of two horizontal beams 22 of the first work cell structure 14a arranged parallel to one another, a further vertical beam 20 is arranged at a distance from the first work cell structure 14a on the installation surface 24. The two further vertical beams 20 are connected to a further horizontal beam 22 and are connected to the first work cell structure 14a via two further horizontal beams 22 along the second extension axis 74 and form the second work cell structure 14b. Fig. 4a the two work cell structures 14a, 14b form a cuboid.

[0077] At the connection points 76 of the first and second work cell structures 14a, 14b, two vertical beams 20 and one horizontal beam 22 of the first work cell structure 14a form a common part 78 of both work cell structures 14a, 14b. This allows the device 10 to be adapted to the shape of a construction site, in particular, and to load-bearing requirements using as few additional components as possible. The first work cell structure 14a can be expanded as desired with additional work cell structures 14 using one or two vertical beams 20, which can be connected to at least one assembled work cell structure 14 via additional horizontal beams 22.

[0078] The first work cell structure 14a of the fourth embodiment 12d comprises first rails 56a arranged in accordance with the first embodiment 12a, which form a first rail circuit 58a, two travel units 50, a lifting device 38 and a positioning device 40.

[0079] The second work cell structure 14b of the fourth embodiment 12d also includes first rails 56a arranged along the horizontal beams 22. The first rails 56a form another first rail circuit 58a in the second work cell structure 14b.

[0080] In the present case, the travel units 50 are movable between the adjacently arranged work cell structures 14a, 14b. Second switch units 68b are arranged at the connection points 76 of the supports 20, 22 of the first and second work cell structures 14a, 14b. In a first state, the second switch units 68b connect the first rails 56a on the horizontal supports 22 of a work cell structure 14a, 14b, each forming a first rail circuit 58a. In a second state of the second switch unit 68b, at least one travel unit 50 is movable between the work cell structures 14a, 14b. The second switch units 68b at the connection points 76 can be adjusted individually or jointly.

[0081] Fig. 4b bis 4d 12d show an enlarged section II of a second switch unit 68b, as an example of the fourth embodiment 12d. Other second switch units 68b are also conceivable for transferring the travel units 50 from a first to a second work cell structure 14a, 14b. Alternatively or additionally, fixed rails 56 could also be used to transfer the travel units 50 between the work cell structures 14. The present second switch units 68b comprises two switch elements 80a, 80b.

[0082] In the Fig. 4b In section II shown, two first switch elements 80a are designed as a curved, movable rail 56. The first switch elements 80a are arranged between the horizontal beams 22 of the common part 78 of the work cell structures 14a, 14b and the horizontal beams 22 of the corresponding work cell structure 14a, 14b that are adjacent to these common horizontal beams 22. According to Fig. 4b The first switch elements 80a are curved such that, in a first state, they connect the first rails 56a arranged on the horizontal beams 22 to form a first rail circuit 58a. The first switch elements 80a are movable in a direction 82 pointing away from the support surface 24.

[0083] The Fig. 4b bis 4d The second switch elements 80b shown are arranged so as to be movable on a side 84 of the vertical supports 20 facing the working space 16. In the Fig. 4b In the first state shown, the second switch elements 80b are positioned below the first switch elements 80a on the vertical support 20.

[0084] If the travel units 50 are to be transferred from the first work cell structure 14a to the second work cell structure 14b, then the second switch unit 68b can be moved into a second state.

[0085] In a second state, the first switch element 80a is correspondingly Fig. 4c in the travel direction 82. The first rail circuit 58a is interrupted at the positions of the first switch elements 80a. Released rail ends 86 are present. In the second state, the second switch elements 80b connect the released rail ends 86 of the first rails 56a of adjacent work cell structures 14a, 14b, which run parallel to the extension axis 74. The travel unit 50 can be moved along the second switch element 80b from the first work cell structure 14a below the horizontal beam 22 of the common part 78 into the second work cell structure 14b. In Fig. 4e the second state of the second switch unit 68b is shown without the horizontal support 22 of the common part 78.

[0086] In Fig. 5 A fifth embodiment 12e of the device 10 is shown in a plan view. The fifth embodiment 12e comprises three work cell structures 14a, 14b, 14c. A first work cell structure 14a is connected to a second work cell structure 14b along a first horizontal beam 22 and to a third work cell structure 14c along a second horizontal beam 22 extending orthogonally to the first.

[0087] Each work cell structure 14a-c has a first rail circuit 58a. Second switch units 68b (not shown) according to the fourth embodiment 12d are arranged at connection points 76 of the supports 20, 22 for transferring travel units 50 from one to the other work cell structures 14a-c.

[0088] In the second work cell structure 14b, according to the first embodiment 12a, a first lifting device 38 is arranged on the travel units 50 via the positioning device 40. Furthermore, it is shown by way of example how a further lifting device 38 can be moved between the first and second work cell structures 14a, 14b. One travel unit 50 is located in the first work cell structure 14a and a second travel unit 50 is located in the second work cell structure 14b. The lifting device 38 can thus be moved between the work cell structures 14a, 14b with the positioning device 40. Theoretically, it is conceivable that several work cell structures 14 can be bridged in this way. Alternatively, the travel units 50 of a lifting device 38 can be moved in another work cell structure 14.

[0089] In the third work cell structure 14c, two lifting devices 38, corresponding positioning devices 40 and travel units 50 are arranged, for example, which can be operated in parallel or sequentially.

[0090] In Fig. 6 A sixth embodiment 12f of the device 10 is shown. The basic structure of the sixth embodiment 12f corresponds to the fourth embodiment 12d in Fig. 4a Protective elements 90 are arranged on the vertical and horizontal frames 64, 88 of the two adjacent work cell structures 14a, 14b, formed by the vertical beams 20 and horizontal beams 22. An internal work space 16 is sealed by the protective elements 90. In this case, it is conceivable that noise emissions are reduced. The protective elements 90 are corresponding sound-reducing wall elements.

[0091] The horizontal frame 64 between the work cell structures 14a, 14b does not have a protective element 90 so that the travel units 50 can be moved between the work cell structures 14a, 14b via the second switch elements 80b.

[0092] As can be seen from the above explanation of embodiments 12a-f, all possible combinations of features can be implemented due to the modular design of the device 10. The scope of protection is not limited to the feature combinations presented in embodiments 12a-f.

[0093] For example, a work cell 14 with only three vertical supports 20 would be just as feasible as expanding a work cell structure with four vertical supports 20 with only one vertical support 20 instead of two. The first and second switch units 68a,b shown in the second and fourth embodiments 12b, 12d can also be present together. Other combinations of features are also conceivable.

Claims

1. Apparatus (10) for spatially flexible provision of a lifting system, in particular for lifting, lowering and distributing objects (18), wherein the apparatus (10) comprises at least one work cell structure (14) which circumscribes a work space (16), wherein the work cell structure (14) comprises at least three vertical members (20) and at least three horizontal members (22), wherein each horizontal member (22) connects two vertical members (20) to each other, characterized in that the apparatus (10) has a lifting device (38) which is movably arranged on a positioning device (40) which is variable in length and extends longitudinally between two ends (48a, 48b), wherein the ends (48a, 48b) of the positioning device (40) are movable by means of movement units (50) on the vertical members (20) and the horizontal members (22), wherein the movement units (50), at connection points (66) of the members, can optionally be moved along the horizontal members (22) as well as the vertical members (20) via switch units (68).

2. Apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement units (50) are movable along rails (56a, 56b) arranged on the members (20, 22), in particular wherein the apparatus (10) has at least one closed rail circuit (58a, 58b).

3. Apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus (10) comprises at least two lifting devices (38) which each have a positioning device (40) which can be moved by means of movement units (50).

4. Apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus (10) comprises a lifting apparatus (30) which is designed to lift the work cell structure (14) and to raise it from the bottom, in that additional segments (62) of vertical members can be attached to the vertical members (20), or a further work cell structure (14) can be inserted under the work cell structure (14).

5. Apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of work cell structures (14), in particular wherein individual members (20, 22) form a part (78) of a plurality of work cell structures (14), and the movement units (50) or in particular the lifting device (38) can be moved between the work cell structures (14), in particular wherein the apparatus (10) comprises at least two work cell structures (14) arranged next to one another and two arranged one above the other.

6. Apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that protective elements (90), in particular protective panels, such as walls, formwork, or films, are arranged on vertical and horizontal frames (64, 88) of a work cell structure (14) formed by the vertical members (20) and the horizontal members (22), in order to protect and / or seal an internal work space, in particular against emissions, in particular particle or germ ingress, or in order to reduce noise emissions.

7. Apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the members (20, 22) are designed as truss elements.

8. Method by which an adaptation of an apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims is carried out, characterized in that raising the work cell structure (14) comprises the following steps: - lifting the work cell structure (14) from the bottom by means of a lifting apparatus (30), - inserting and attaching additional segments (62) of vertical members to the vertical members (20) or inserting a further work cell structure (14) under the work cell structure (14) from the bottom.

9. Method by which the adaptation of an apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims is carried out, characterized in that adding a further work cell structure (14) comprises setting up further vertical members (20) and horizontal members (22) connecting them, and / or additionally connecting the vertical members (20) via further horizontal members (22) to the existing work cell structure (14) in order to form the further work cell structure (14) linked to the at least one work cell structure (14).