Device for carrying a load

Abstract

Device for carrying a load, comprising a number of structural parts, each structural part comprising a number of rollers, characterized in that each structural part also comprises a first profile part, a second profile part, a plate, a first tube and a second tube, wherein: - the rollers are carried rotatably by the second profile part; - the plate rests on the first profile part and forms a first carrying surface on which load is held in place by friction; - the first tube is situated at least for the most part between the first profile part and the second profile part, and can be inflated by means of air supplied by the second tube; and - the second profile part with the rollers is vertically moveable relative to the first profile part between a first position, in which the rollers are located wholly below the first carrying surface, and a second position in which the rollers protrude above the first carrying surface through recesses arranged in the plate for this purpose and form a second carrying surface along which the load can be displaced in substantially frictionless manner. After deflation of the first tube such a device forms a first carrying surface on which the load is held in place by friction and after inflation of the first tube it forms a second carrying surface over which the load can be displaced in substantially frictionless manner.

Description

[0001] Device for carrying a lead

[0002] Field and background of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a device for carrying a load, comprising a number of structural parts, each structural part comprising a number of rollers. This then relates particularly to carrying a heavier load. Known is a roller conveyor for carrying and displacing a load, comprising rotatable rollers which form a carrying surface over which the load can be displaced in substantially frictionless manner. Also known is a loading finer for carrying and storing or transporting a load, this forming a carrying surface on which the load is held in place by friction. The invention now has for its object to provide a device for carrying a load which forms as desired a first carrying surface on which the load is held in place by friction or a second carrying surface over which the load can be displaced in substantially frictionless manner.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The invention provides a device according to claim 1. After deflation of the fest tube such a device forms a first carrying surface on which the load is held in place by friction and after inflation of the first tube it forms a second carrying surface over which the load can be displaced in substantially frictionless manner.

[0006] Brief description of the drawings

[0007] The invention is farther elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of non- limitative exemplary embodiments. In the drawings: figure 1 shows a perspective vie w of a first embodiment of a structural part forming part of a device according to the invention; - figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first outer end thereof. - figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second outer end thereof, - figure 4 shows an exploded view of the first outer end thereof, - figure 5 shows an exploded view of the second outer end thereof, - figures 6 and 7 show perspective views of two embodiments of a roller forming part thereof, and - figure 8 shows cross-sections thereof in two positions; - figure 9 shows cross-sections of a second embodiment of a structural part forming part of a device accordi ng to the invention In two positions: - figure 10 shows cross-sections of a third embodiment of a structural part forming part of a device according to the invention in two positions; - figure 11 shows cross-sections of a fourth embodiment of a structural part forming part of a device according to the invention in two positions; and - figures 12-14 show the mutual assembly of profile parts forming part thereof.

[0008] Further elucidation and exemplary embodiments

[0009] In the context of the invention terms such as ‘horizontal(ly)’, ‘vertically)’, ‘upward’, ‘under’ and ‘on’ are in each case understood to mean ‘at least substantially horizontally) in a position of use’, ‘at least substantially vertically) in a position of use’ and so on.

[0010] The embodiments shown in the figures of a structural part (1) forming part of a device according to the invention each comprise a number of rollers (2). According to the invention, each structural part (1) now also comprises a first profile part (3), a second profile part (4). a plate (5), a first tube (6) and a second tube (7), The rollers (2) are here carried rotatably by the second profile part (4) arid the plate (5) rests on the first profile part (3) and forms a first carrying surface (8) on which load is held in place by friction. The first tube (6) is inflatable and is situated between the first profile part (3) and the second profile part (4). and can Ibe inflated by means of' air supplied by the second tube (7), wherein the second profile part (4) with the rollers (2) moves vertically relative to the first profile part (3) from a first position, in which the rollers (2) are located wholly below the first carrying surface (8), to a second position in which the rollers (2) protrude above the first carrying surface (8) through recesses (9) arranged in the plate (5) for this purpose and form a second carrying surface (10). With a number of such structural parts (1) a device can be constructed on which load is held in place by friction or along which load can be displaced in substantially frictionless manner.

[0011] Each structural part (1) comprises here two third profile parts (11), see figures 8, 9 and 11, or one third profile part (11). see figure 10. Each third profile part. (11) is here situated between the first profile part (3) and the second profile part (4) and guides the vertical movement of the second profile part (4) with the rollers (2) relative to the first profile part (3) by limiting the horizontal freedom of movement thereof. Smaller recesses (9) in the plate (5) can thus suffice, and the chances of dirt inadvertently fal ling in are reduced. Each third profile part (11 ), or at least the portion thereof lying adjacently of the second profile part (3), is here preferably made of a hard and wear-resistant plastic. The friction between the third profile part (11) and the second profile part (3) during the vertical movement of the second profile part (4) can thus be kept low.

[0012] In a position of use the first tube (6) is here in each case wholly enclosed by the first profi le part (3) and the second profile part (4) This prevents jamming and prevents dirt from being able to reach the first tube (6), whereby the chances of damage to and leaking of the first tube (6) are minimal.

[0013] The first embodiment shown in figures 1-8 of a structural part (1) forming part of a device according to the invention comprises a first block (14) fastened to a first outer end (12) of the first profile part (3), wherein a first outer end (16) of the plate (5), the first outer end (12) of the first profile part (3 ) and the first block (14) fit tightly into each other and are here locked relative to each other. The structural part (1) here also comprises a second block (15) fastened to a second outer end (13) of the first profile part (3), wherein a second outer end (17) of the plate (5), the second outer end (13) of the first profile pari (3) and the second block (15) once again fit tightly into each other. The rollers (2) and the recesses (9) are thus precisely aligned with each other and the chances of the rollers (2) running up against the edges of the recesses (9) are minimal. The first block (14) is here also provided with a channel (1.8), and a first connection (21) for connecting a first outer end (19) of the first tube (6) to tire channel (18), and here three second connections (23,24,25), these being a vertical second connection (23) and two horizontal second connections (24,25), for connecting an outer end (22) of the second tube (7) to the channel (18). The outer end (22) of the second tube (7) is here connected to the channel (18) by means of the vertical second connection (23), wherein the other second connections (24,25) are closed off, here by means of plugs. The first block (14) comprises here a releasable upper part and a lower part connected fixedly to the first profile (3), wherein after the upper part has been released all second connections (23,24,25) are readily accessible, for instance from inside a semi-trailer, and for which purpose a passage is made in the lower part for feeding through the second tube (7). The second block (15) is here also provided with a third connection (26) for connecting a second outer end (20) of the first tube (6) airtightly to the second block (15). The rollers (2) are here mounted on shafts (27) and the second profile part (4) is provided with slotted holes (29) which are open on their upper sides and in which the outer ends (28) of the shafts (27) are slidably and removably received. Rollers (2) with shafts (27) can thus be arranged and removed without tools. The freedom of movement of the rollers (2) and shafts (27) is limited such that the outer ends (28) of the shafts (27) always slide / fall back into the slotted holes (29). The recesses (9) are arranged in the plate (5) in mutually offset rows. This greatly improves support for the load relative to non-offset rows with the same number of rollers.

[0014] In the embodiment shown in figures 11-14 of a structural part (1) forming part of a device according to the invention the first profile part (3) comprises two rows of first protrusions (30) and the second profile part (4) comprises two rows of second protrusions (31), which second protrusions (31) lie against the first protrusions (30) in the second position of the second profile part (4), such that an upward movement of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3) is prevented. In the second position the second profile part (4) thus exerts no great vertical upward forces on the plate (5), since these forces are thus absorbed by the first profile part (3), with the advantages that there is no longer any need for heavy and labour-intensive (bolt) connections between the plate (5) and the first profile part (3), and it is 'for instance possible to suffice with simple (rubber) profile parts (32) between the second profile part (4) and the first profile part (3), see figure 11. A less strong, lighter, cheaper and more durable material, for instance aluminium, can thus also be used for the plate (5), with associated advantages in terms of production engineering and logistics, la a third position of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3), shifted horizontally relative to the second position, the second protrusions (31) can move freely along the first protrusions (30) vertically such that the second profile part (4) can move freely relative to the first profile part (3) vertically. The profile parts (3, 4) can thus be assembled and disassembled relative to each other.

[0015] In other embodiments each structural part can comprise at least one third block, which at least one third block lies against the second profile part (4) and the first profile part (3) in the second position of the second profile pari (4), such that an upward movement of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3) is prevented. In a third position of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3), shifted horizontally relative to the second position, the at least one third block can lie clear of at least one of the profile parts (3, 4) such that the second profile part (4) can move freely relative to the first profile part (3) vertically, or the at least one third block can be removable such that, after being removed, the second profile part (4) can move freely relative to the first profile part (3) vertically.

[0016] Each structural part (1) here also comprises two fourth blocks (33) which lie against the second profile part (4) and the first profile part (3) in the second position of the second profile part (4), such that a horizontal movement of the second profile part (4) to the third position is prevented, and is so locked relative to the first profile part (3) in the second position, wherein the fourth blocks (33) are here removable such that, after being removed, the second profile part (4) can move horizontally to the third position, after which the profile parts (3, 4) can be assembled and disassembled relative to each other,

[0017] In another embodiment the maximum cross-sectional height of the first tube in inflated state can be limited, such that an upward movement of the second profile part (4) from the first position relative to the first profile part (3), achieved by inflation of the first tube, is limited to, at most, the second position of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3). In the second position the second profile part (4) thus once again does not exert any great vertical upward forces on the plate (5), with the associated advantages, since these forces are now absorbed in the first tube itself This can for instance be done by incorporating strong fibres or threads in the first tube and mutually connecting them such that the maximum cross- section of the first tube in inflated state is limited.

[0018] Reference symbols used

[0019] 1. structural part

[0020] 2. roller 3. first profile part

[0021] 4. second profile part

[0022] 5. plate

[0023] 6. first tube (inflatable)

[0024] 7. second tube (for supplying air) 8. first carrying surface (formed by plate)

[0025] 9. recesses (in plate)

[0026] 10. second carrying surface (formed by rollers)

[0027] 11. third profile part (plastic)

[0028] 12. first outer end of 3 13. second outer end of 3

[0029] 14. first block

[0030] 15. second block

[0031] 16. first outer end of 5

[0032] 17. second outer end of 5 18, channel (in 14) 19. first outer end of 6

[0033] 20. second outer end of 6

[0034] 21. first connection (for 19 to 18)

[0035] 22. outer end of 7 23. (vertical) second connection (for 22 to 18)

[0036] 24. (horizontal) second connection (for 22 to 18)

[0037] 25. (horizontal) second connection (for 22 to 18)

[0038] 26. third (closed) connection (for 20 to 15)

[0039] 27. shaft 28. outer end of 27

[0040] 29. slotted hole (in 4 for 28)

[0041] 30. first, part of 3, row of first protrusions 31. second part of 4, row of second protrusions

[0042] 32. (rubber) profile part

[0043] 33. fourth block

Claims

Claims1. Device for carrying a load, comprising a number of structural parts (1), each structural part (1) comprising a number of rollers (2), characterized in that each structural part (1) also comprises a first profile part (3), a second profile part (4), a plate (5), a first tube(6) and a second tube (7), wherein;- the rollers (2) are carried rotatably by the second profile part (4);- the plate (5) rests on the first profile part (3) and forms a first carrying surface (8) on which load is held in place by friction;~ the first tube (6) is situated at least for the most part between the first profile part (3) and the second profile part (4), and can be inflated by means of air supplied by the second tube (7); and- the second profile part (4) with the rollers (2) is vertically moveable relative to the first profile part (3) between a first position, in which the rollers (2) arc located wholly below the first carrying surface (8), and a second position in which the rollers (2) protrude above the first carrying surface (8) through recesses (9) arranged in the plate (5) for this purpose and form a second carrying surface (10) along which the load can be displaced in substantially frictionless manner.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each structural part (1) also comprises at least one third profile part (11) which is situated at least for the most part between the first profile part (3) and the second profile part (4) in a position of use and guides the movement of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3) between the first position and the second position.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one third profile part(11) is made at. least partially of a hard and wear-resistant plastic.

4. Device according to any one of the claims 1 ~3, characterized in that the first tube (6) is in a position of use in each ease wholly enclosed by the first profile part (3) and the second profile pan (4) along at least the greater part of its length.

5. Device according to any one of the claims 1-4, characterized in that each structural part (1) also comprises a first block (14) fastened to a first outer end (12) of the firstprofile part (3), wherein a first outer end (16) of the plate (5), the first outer end (12) of the first profile part (3) and the first block (14) fit tightly into each other.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first block (14) is provided with a channel (18), a first connection (21) for connecting a first outer end (19) of the first tube (6) to the channel (18), and at least one second connection (23,24,25) for connecting an outer end (22) of the second tube (7) to the channel (18),7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first block (14) is provided with a plurality of second connections (23,24,25), wherein the outer end (22) of the second tube (7) is connected to the channel (18) by means of one of the second connections (23) and the other second connections (24,25) are closed off, for instance by means of plugs or caps.

8. Device according to any one of the claims 5-7, characterized in that each structural part (1) also comprises a second block (15) fastened to a second order end (13) of the first profile part (3), wherein a second outer end (17) of the plate (5), the second outer end (13) of the first profile part (3) and the second block (15) fit tightly into each other.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the second block (15) is provided with a third connection (26) for connecting a second outer end (20) of the first tube (6) airtightly to the second block (15),10. Device according to any one of the claims 1-9, characterized m that the rollers (2) are mounted on shafts (27) and the second profile part (4) is provided with slotted holes (29) which are open on their upper sides and in which the outer ends (28) of the shafts (27) are slidably and removably received,11. Device according to any one of the claims 1-10 , characterized in that the recesses (9) are arranged in the plate (5) in mutually offset rows,12. Device according to any one of the claims 1-11, characterized in that the first profile part (3) comprises at least one first part (30) and the second profile part (4) comprises at least one second part (31), which at least one second part (31) lies against the at least one first part (30) in the second position of the second profile part (4), such that an upward movement of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3) Is prevented.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that in a third position of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3), shifted horizontally relative to thesecond position, the at least one second part (31) can move freely along the at least one first part (30) vertically such that the second profile part (4) can move freely relative to the first profile part (3) vertically.

14. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one first part (30) comprises a row of first protrusions and the at least one second part (31) comprises a row of second protrusions, which second protrusions lie against the first protrusions in the second position of the second profile part (4), such that an upward movement of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3) is prevented.

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that in a third position of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3), shifted horizontally relative to the second position, the row of first protrusions can move freely along the row of second protrusions vertically such that the second profile part (4) can move freely relative to the first profile part (3) vertically,16. Device according to any one of the claims 1-11, characterized in that each structural part (1) also comprises at least one third block, which at least one third block lies against the second profile part (4) and the first profile part (3) in the second position of the second profile part (4), such that an upward movement of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3) is prevented.

17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that in a third position of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3), shifted horizontally relative to the second position, the at least one third block lies clear of at least one of the profi le parts (3,4) such that the second profile part (4) can move freely relative to the first profile part(3) vertically.

18. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one third block is removable such that, after being removed, the second profile part (4) can move freely .relative to the first profile part (3) vertically.

19. Device according to claim 13 or 15 or 17, characterized in that each structural part (1) also comprises at least one fourth block (33), which at least one fourth block (33) lies against the second profile part (4) and the first profile part (3) in the second position of the second profile part (4), such that a horizontal movement of the second profile part(4) to the third position is prevented.

20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the at least one fourth block (33) is removable such that, after being removed, the second profile part (4) can move horizontally to the third position , 21. Device according to any one of the claims 1-11, characterized in that the maximum cross-sectional height of the first tube in inflated state is limited, such that an upward movement of the second profile part (4) from the first position relative to the first profile part (3), achieved by inflation of the first tube, is limited to, at most, the second position of the second profile part (4) relative to the first profile part (3).

Images