Ladder-like grating, and method for producing a ladder-like grating

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ladder-like grating (10) comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending support portions (12) and a plurality of transversely extending portions (14). The transversely extending portions extend between the longitudinally extending support portions, wherein each transversely extending portion comprises a flat sub-portion (18) and two connection sub-portions (20), one at each end of the flat sub-portion. Each connection sub-portion is a twisted rectangular strip which extends in the transverse direction from one of the longitudinally extending support portions to the flat sub-portion of the transversely extending portion. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a ladder-like grating.

Description

[0001] Ladder grate and method for producing a ladder grate

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Drainage channels are commonly used to ensure adequate drainage of surface liquids in a wide variety of environments, such as industrial facilities, transport infrastructure, and business and residential drainage. These drainage channels are designed to direct surface liquids along the channel to one or more individual drainage points, thereby ensuring drainage along an extended section of a surface without requiring a large number of drainage points.

[0005] Drainage channels consist of a channel, usually made of metal, such as stainless steel, and shaped to direct wastewater to one or more outlets. Each drainage channel generally also includes a grate mounted on top of the channel to prevent the ingress of large, solid objects and to support various loads such as vehicles, pedestrians, and large objects.

[0006] A common design of these gratings is a ladder grating, in which several flat bars form rungs arranged between two additional flat support bars. These ladder gratings are generally manufactured by welding the rungs to the two support bars so that the rungs extend vertically from the support bars.

[0007] However, welded ladder gratings have several significant disadvantages. Welded joints tend to be more brittle, resulting in lower fatigue strength than other joining methods. Welds create corners between the support bars and the rungs that are difficult to clean, making it difficult to maintain high hygiene standards. Hygiene standards are particularly important when the ladder gratings are used in a food production facility or kitchen.

[0008] It is therefore desirable to develop a ladder grate that has a stronger connection between the rung and the support bar and a structure that is easier to clean.

[0009] Furthermore, the manufacturing process for welded ladder gratings also has a number of disadvantages. For example, each individual rung must be welded individually to the two support rods, resulting in a very lengthy manufacturing process that reduces production efficiency and increases production costs. If modifications to the grating are necessary, additional processing steps are required, further reducing the efficiency of the process.

[0010] Furthermore, the welding process involves material costs, which further increase the cost of manufacturing a welded ladder grating. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a ladder grating manufacturing process that improves production efficiency and reduces costs.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention relates to a ladder grate comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending support sections and a plurality of transversely extending sections. The transversely extending sections extend between the longitudinally extending support sections, each transversely extending section comprising a flat section and two connecting sections, one at each end of the flat section. Each connecting section is a twisted, rectangular strip extending transversely from one of the longitudinally extending support sections to the flat section of the transversely extending section. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a ladder grate comprising a material removal step in which sections of a solid sheet of material,extending across a flat plane are removed to form a plurality of elongated holes extending transversely between longitudinally extending support portions of the solid sheet, and transversely extending portions of the solid sheet extending between the longitudinally extending support portions; a first bending step in which the longitudinally extending support portions are bent such that they extend substantially perpendicularly from the transversely extending portions; a second bending step in which the transversely extending portions are bent such that a portion of each of the transversely extending portions is rotated about the axis in which they extend transversely until it is substantially perpendicular to the flat plane over which the solid sheet originally extends.

[0013] Technical advantages

[0014] The present invention provides a ladder grate formed from a single piece, thus offering improved strength in the area where the rungs and support sections meet junctions. The present invention also allows for easier cleaning in this junction area, providing a more hygienic product that can more easily meet required hygiene standards.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention provides an efficient manufacturing process that requires fewer steps than known methods and is not dependent on the number of rungs. The manufacturing process of the present invention therefore has lower material and production costs than known methods. The manufacturing process of the present invention also allows for simple modifications, such as adding anti-slip features to the ladder grating during production.

[0016] Short description of the characters

[0017] Figure 1 refers to a top view of a ladder grate according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 refers to a bottom view of a ladder grate according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3a refers to a first end view of a ladder grate according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3b refers to a second end view of a ladder grate according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 refers to a perspective top view of a ladder grate according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 refers to a perspective rear view of a part of a ladder grate according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 refers to a top view of a ladder grate according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 refers to a bottom view of a ladder grate according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8a refers to a first end view of a ladder grate according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8b refers to a second end view of a ladder grate according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 refers to a perspective top view of a ladder grate according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 refers to a perspective rear view of a part of a ladder grate according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 refers to an illustration of steps of a method for manufacturing a ladder grate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Figures

[0029] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a ladder grate for a drainage channel. A ladder grate according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1-5 and is described below.

[0030] The ladder grate 10 shown in Figures 1-5 is formed from a single piece 16. The single piece 16 is preferably a piece of sheet metal that has been machined and deformed to produce the ladder grate 10 as seen in the first embodiment. The ladder grate 10 of Figure 1 is preferably manufactured using a ladder grate manufacturing method according to the claimed invention, an example of which is also described in the present specification.

[0031] The ladder rack 10 of Figures 1-5 comprises a number of sections and elements as described herein. It will be appreciated that these sections and elements form a continuous piece and are not connected by additional features or materials. The ladder rack 10 preferably includes rounded edges and corners for each of the components, which are arranged perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the components to which they are connected.

[0032] The ladder grate 10 comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending support sections 12. The longitudinally extending support sections 12 extend in a longitudinal direction, i.e., in a direction along which the fluid flows in the drainage channel over which the ladder grate 10 is to be positioned. The ladder grate 10 preferably comprises two longitudinally extending support sections 12, each longitudinally extending support section 12 being arranged on a respective side of the drainage channel.

[0033] The ladder grate 10 of the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 also comprises a plurality of transversely extending sections 14. Each of the transversely extending sections 14 extends between the two longitudinally extending support sections 12, and while they are preferably arranged equidistantly from one another, they may also be arranged non-equidistantly depending on the environment in which the ladder grate 10 is to be used. The transversely extending sections 14 comprise flat sections 18, which are preferably flat strips or bars running parallel to one another, with the flat surfaces of the flat strips preferably facing one another.

[0034] In the ladder grate 10 according to the first embodiment of Figures 1-5, each of the transversely extending sections 14 comprises a connecting section 20 at each end of the flat section 18. This connecting section 20 is preferably narrower than the flat section 18 and therefore only adjoins a part 32 of the end of the flat section 18.

[0035] The connecting section 20 is a twisted rectangular strip that extends transversely from one of the longitudinally extending support sections to the flat section 18 of the transversely extending section. The connecting section 20 has a helical shape, with one end of the connecting section 20 rotated by approximately 90 degrees, preferably exactly 90 degrees, relative to the other end of the connecting section 20. In other words, the helical shape is twisted by 90 degrees about a transversely extending axis. Preferably, the rectangular strip is narrower than the flat section 18 of the transversely extending section 14 to which it adjoins.

[0036] The connecting section 20 is twisted to connect the end of the flat section 18 of the transversely extending section 14 to the side of the longitudinally extending support section 12, which are arranged in vertical, flat planes.

[0037] This twisted connection allows the ladder grate 10 to be formed from a single piece of material 14, eliminating the need for welding or other joining techniques to connect the transversely extending portion 14 and the longitudinally extending support portion 12.

[0038] These transversely extending sections 14 can be considered "rungs" or "steps" of the ladder grating 10 and, in use, assist in directing liquids from the top of the ladder grating 10 to the bottom of the ladder grating 10, while also being capable of supporting a load when objects, vehicles, or people are located on top of the ladder grating 10. The transversely extending sections 14 are preferably spaced apart to allow liquids to flow in the gaps between them. They are also preferably spaced apart to prevent objects of a certain size and larger from passing through the grating.

[0039] Since ladder gratings are typically used in environments where people move on foot, the ladder grating 10 may be provided with anti-slip features to ensure better grip between the ladder grating 10 and the underside of a shoe or wheel. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, not shown in the figures, the ladder grating 10 may be provided with anti-slip features. These anti-slip features may be in the form of indentations or projections along the upper edge of the transversely extending portions 14. The indentations or projections may be arranged equidistantly along the transversely extending portions 14 and preferably have a semicircular shape, although other shapes may be used.

[0040] Preferably, the longitudinally extending support sections 12 are arranged parallel to one another, but may be positioned in a different arrangement depending on the shape of the drainage channel with which the ladder grate 10 is used.

[0041] Each longitudinally extending support section 12 includes a flat element 30, which is a flat strip or bar extending both perpendicular to the transverse direction in which the transversely extending sections extend and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, each longitudinally extending support section 12 includes a curved element 28 connecting the flat element 30 to the transversely extending connecting portion 20 of the transversely extending section 14. The curved element 28 forms a curved corner extending along a longitudinal edge of the flat element 30. Second Embodiment

[0042] A second embodiment is also shown in Figures 6-10. The second embodiment includes the same features as the first embodiment, unless otherwise stated. Like features of the first and second embodiments are represented by identical reference numerals in the figures.

[0043] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the presence of end tabs 26. The ladder grating according to the second embodiment also comprises end tabs 26 at each end of each longitudinally extending support section 12, the end tabs 26 extending transversely and forming a suitable barrier that enables installation in a drainage channel.

[0044] Proceedings

[0045] A second aspect of the present invention also relates to a method for producing a ladder grate for a drainage channel, preferably a ladder grate according to the first aspect of the present invention. An embodiment of the method according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 6 and is described here.

[0046] The process first begins with a workpiece that is a solid sheet of material extending across a flat surface. The solid sheet of material is preferably metal. The solid sheet of material is preferably steel, more preferably stainless steel or galvanized steel. Step 1, as shown in Figure 6, is a material removal step in which portions of the solid sheet of material are removed to form a plurality of oblong holes 24. These holes extend transversely across the width of the solid sheet. The resulting holes leave strips of material in the solid sheet between the ends of the oblong holes 24 and the edge of the solid sheet. These strips of material are considered to be longitudinally extending support portions 12 of the solid sheet.

[0047] The holes also leave strips of material extending transversely across the width of the solid sheet, which are considered transversely extending sections 14. The transversely extending sections 14 are thus located between the individual holes and extend between the longitudinally extending support sections 12.

[0048] The material removal step may be any process in which material is removed from the solid sheet to form the slots 24. This process is preferably a laser cutting process.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material removal step also includes forming the elongated holes 24 with anti-slip features. The anti-slip features are preferably recesses arranged along at least one of the transversely extending edges of each of the elongated holes 24. Alternatively, the material removal step may remove material such that projections remain on the transversely extending edges, forming the anti-slip features.

[0050] It is also preferred that the elongated holes 24 have a portion 46 at each end of the elongated holes 24 that is larger in the longitudinal direction. This larger portion of the elongated holes 24 ensures that the transversely extending portions are narrower at the ends, making these narrower portions easier to twist. The narrower portion of the flat section 18 can be considered a transversely extending, connected section 32, while the unconnected portion of the flat section 18 can be considered a transversely extending, unconnected section 34.

[0051] Step 2, as shown in Figure 6, is a first bending step. In the first bending step, the longitudinally extending support sections 12 are bent so that they are perpendicular to the transversely extending sections 14. The longitudinally extending support sections 12 are bent about a longitudinally extending axis to thereby form a bent element 28 and a corresponding strip of material forming a flat element 30, both elements extending longitudinally. Preferably, the longitudinally extending support sections 12 are bent simultaneously. This reduces the time required for the first bending step and thus improves the efficiency of the process.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in Figure 6, the method includes step 3, which is a pressing step. In the pressing step, the workpiece is placed between an upper clamping portion 40 and a lower clamping portion 42. A pressing machine 36, having two rows of a plurality of triangular teeth 38 arranged along the longitudinal direction, presses on the transversely extending portions 14. The pressing machine 36 preferably has the same number of teeth 38 as the number of transversely extending portions, and these are arranged at corresponding positions.

[0053] The teeth 38 press against the flat portion 18 of the transversely extending portion 14. The area of ​​the flat portion 18 that is pressed by the teeth 38 is preferably the rear side of the flat portion 18 in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece.

[0054] The rows of teeth 38 are preferably not located at the end of each transversely extending portion 14. When the teeth 38 are pressed, they rotate the transversely extending portions 14 about a transverse axis passing through the transversely extending portion 14.

[0055] This pressing process deforms the transversely extending portion 14 and causes the portion of the transversely extending portion 14 between the teeth 38 and the longitudinally extending support portions 12 to twist. The twisted portion thus forms a connection between a flat portion 18 of the transversely extending portion 14 and the longitudinally extending support portion 12 and is thus considered a connecting portion 20.

[0056] The method of the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 further comprises a second bending step. In the second bending step, illustrated in Figure 6 as step 4, the transversely extending portions 14 are bent such that they extend perpendicular to the flat plane over which the solid sheet material originally extends. The workpiece is preferably still held between the upper clamping portion 40 and the lower clamping portion 42.

[0057] The rotation of the transversely extending sections 14 in the second bending step is effected by contacting each transversely extending section 14 on opposite sides by a clamping device 44. The clamping device 44 preferably comprises two rows of two-pronged forks. The two prongs are preferably arranged corresponding to the transversely extending sections 14. They are preferably arranged at approximately the same location as the teeth 38 of the pressing step.

[0058] One of the two prongs is mounted on one side of the transversely extending portion 14 and the other prong on the opposite side to provide a clamping function. Once clamped, the clamping device 44 is rotated about the transversely extending portion 14 so that the transversely extending portion is brought into a position of approximately 90 degrees, preferably 90 degrees, relative to the original plane in which the solid sheet of material originally extended.

[0059] Preferably, the transversely extending sections 14 are rotated simultaneously, each with a corresponding two-pronged fork. In this way, the preparation of the transversely extending sections 14 can be carried out more efficiently, since individual fastening steps are not required for each transversely extending section 14.

[0060] Optionally, the material removal step may ensure that the longitudinally extending portions have an additional longitudinally extending piece at each end of each longitudinally extending portion, the method optionally comprising a final bending step in which the extending pieces of each longitudinally extending portion are bent inwardly so that they extend transversely in the form of end tabs 26. Reference

[0061] 10 Ladder grate

[0062] 12 longitudinally extending support section

[0063] 14 transversely extending section

[0064] 16 single piece of material / solid sheet material

[0065] 18 flat section of the transversely extending section

[0066] 20 Connecting section of the transversely extending section

[0067] 24 elongated holes

[0068] 26 End flap of the longitudinally extending support section

[0069] 28 curved element of the longitudinally extending

[0070] Support section

[0071] 30 flat element of the longitudinally extending support section

[0072] 32 transversely extending, connected section

[0073] 34 transversely extending, unconnected section

[0074] 36 Press machine

[0075] 38 teeth of the press machine

[0076] 40 Upper clamping section

[0077] 42 Lower clamping section

[0078] 44 clamping device

[0079] 46 Wider part of the slot

Claims

REQUIREMENTS for ladder grates: • a multitude of longitudinally extending support sections; • a multitude of sections extending in a transverse direction; • wherein the transversely extending sections extend between the longitudinally extending support sections; • wherein each transversely extending section comprises a flat subsection and two connecting subsections, one at each end of the flat subsection; • wherein each connecting section is a twisted, rectangular strip extending transversely from one of the longitudinally extending support sections to the flat portion of the transversely extending section. Ladder grating according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinally extending support sections and the transversely extending sections are formed from a single piece of material. Ladder grating according to claim 2, wherein the single piece of material is a piece of sheet metal. Ladder grating according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting section has a helical shape twisted by approximately 90 degrees about a transversely extending axis. Ladder grating according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rectangular strip is narrower than the flat portion of the transversely extending section to which it is connected.Ladder grate according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the grate has anti-slip features. Ladder grating according to claim 6, wherein the anti-slip features are a plurality of indentations or projections along the transversely extending edges of the transversely extending sections. Ladder grating according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each connecting section is connected to a portion of the end of the flat section. Method for manufacturing a ladder grating comprising: • a material removal step in which sections of a solid sheet of material extending over a flat plane are removed to form a plurality of elongated holes extending transversely between longitudinally extending support sections of the solid sheet, and transversely extending sections of the solid sheet extending between the longitudinally extending support sections; • a first bending step in which the longitudinally extending support sections are bent in such a way that they extend substantially perpendicularly to the transversely extending sections; • a second bending step in which the transversely extending sections are bent such that a portion of each of the transversely extending sections is rotated about the axis in which they extend transversely until it is substantially perpendicular to the flat plane over which the solid sheet originally extends. A method for producing a ladder grid according to claim 9, wherein the method is performed after the first bending step and before the second bending step. • comprising a pressing step in which each of the transversely extending sections is pressed downwards along one of its transversely extending edges in order to rotate it about the axis in which it extends transversely. Method for manufacturing a conductor grid according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the material removal step is a laser cutting process. A method for manufacturing a ladder grate according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the material removal step provides the transversely extending sections with anti-slip features. A method for manufacturing a ladder grate according to claim 12, wherein the anti-slip features are a plurality of indentations and projections along the transversely extending edges of the transversely extending sections. A method for manufacturing a ladder grate according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the rotation of the transversely extending sections in the second bending step is effected by contacting each transversely extending section on opposite sides with a clamping device, and rotating the clamping device about the transversely extending section, wherein each transversely extending section is associated with a clamping device.Method for manufacturing a ladder grid according to one of claims 9 to 14, wherein in the second step the sections extending in the transverse direction are bent simultaneously.

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