CH703049A2 - Device for raising and lowering e.g. traffic-signs at sign-post in road, has mobile service unit carrying motor, and movable between operating- and service positions along guide way, and coupling unit coupling service unit on support - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a guide way (13) extending in a curved line from a service position to an operating position. A coupling station (63) is fixedly arranged at the operating position. An equipment support (35) is placed on the guide way and moved along the guide way between the operating- and service positions. A coupling unit couples the support to the coupling station. A mobile service unit (15) carries a motor, and is movable between the operating- and service positions along the guide way. Another coupling unit couples the service unit on the support. An independent claim is also included for a method for raising and lowering loads.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device for lifting and lowering of loads, in particular of signage or devices such as video cameras or lighting on streets, paths and squares.

State of the art

The maintenance of lighting systems and other devices on highways is often difficult, especially if the devices placed in hard to reach positions on the masts or masts are particularly high and therefore the use of sufficiently mobile maintenance vehicles is not possible.

[0003] Devices are known from the prior art (EP 1 193 442 A2, EP 0 757 204 B1, US 5 556 195, US 3,353,017, US 4,237,530) which allow lighting to be lowered and raised for the purpose of maintenance , Such systems use winches operated by a stationary engine. Since each mast must have a cable and most of the devices of this type, the motor is permanently installed, the systems are expensive and error-prone. Moreover, the use of cables only allows the maintenance of equipment mounted on straight masts.

Presentation of the invention

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for raising and lowering of loads, in particular of traffic signs or other devices installed on roads, paths or squares devices, which is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain and it allows, too To service equipment in hard-to-reach locations. In addition, an appropriate procedure should be provided.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention.

These objects are achieved according to the invention by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 13.

In particular, it is a device for raising and lowering loads with at least a guideway extending from a service position to an operational position, a coupling station, which is stationarily arranged at the operating position, a device carrier which is arranged on or on the guide track and is movable over the guide track between the operating position and the service position, a first coupling means for coupling the equipment carrier to the coupling station, - A mobile service unit, which has one or more drive means (preferably one or more motors) and is movable over the guideway between the operating position and service position, wherein the service unit preferably attached to or on the guideway and of this is removable, as well - A second coupling means for the coupling of the mobile service unit to the device carrier.

An inventive method for raising and lowering of loads, preferably characterized at least by the following steps: Mounting a mobile service unit having a drive means (preferably a motor) on a guideway, Movement of the mobile service unit via the guideway to an equipment carrier in an operating position, - coupling the service unit to the equipment carrier, Decoupling the device carrier from a coupling station, which is arranged stationary at the operating position, Movement of the device carrier by means of the mobile service unit via the guideway from the operating position to a service position, Decoupling the device carrier from the service unit, Movement of the device carrier by means of the mobile service unit via the guideway from the service position to the operating position, Coupling the device carrier to the coupling station, Movement of the service unit via the guideway to the service position, - Remove the service unit from the guideway.

Embodiment of the invention

In the following preferred features of the present invention are listed, which can be used individually or in combination with each other.

The guideway is preferably attached to a support, for example, a mast or a columnar stand and / or it is formed as part of the carrier. The carrier is advantageously a straight or curved carrier, in particular a carrier whose axis runs in different leases, and / or a carrier with one or more arms. Particularly preferred is a carrier that is part of the transport infrastructure (roads, paths, squares, etc.). This can e.g. be a mast on a road (straight / sloping masts with / without cantilevers, gantries on highways, etc.). In addition, the guideway may be located inside or outside of buildings and / or on parts of buildings which may be e.g. can act around hangars or sports stadiums.

When mounted on the equipment rack devices are preferably lights and / or cameras and / or scoreboards and / or traffic signs and / or speakers and / or antennas. The equipment carrier and the devices mounted thereon can together have a weight of at least 20 kg, in particular at least 40 kg and particularly preferably at least 60 kg.

A portion of the guideway is preferably removably formed from the carrier and the service unit may be attached to the carrier attachable and removably formed together with the removable part of the guideway. This facilitates the attachment or removal of the service unit to or from the guideway. The service unit can be made simpler, since no means for coupling to the rail must be provided. In addition, it is possible in this way to make the connection of the service unit with the guideway safer. Alternatively, of course, it can also be provided that the service unit has means for releasably connecting to the guideway.

When referring to «attachable» and «removable», this is preferably to be understood as a detachable connection, i. the use of fasteners designed to be repeatedly loosened and refastened.

Preferably, a device according to the invention is characterized in that the guideway extends in a straight line or in a curved line between the service position and operating position. It is particularly preferred if the guideway has at least one curvature. Two straight sections connected by a curved part of the guide track are preferably at an angle of 10 to 90 ° to each other, more preferably 30 to 90 °. Advantageously, the guideway thus extends not only in one direction. It may be preferred if the guideway has vertical and / or horizontal and / or obliquely upwards or downwards running parts and / or curves.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the guide track is a rail, in particular a toothed rail. Particularly preferred is a toothed rail on one side. This allows the use of normal guide rollers on the untoothed side of the rail and facilitates the adaptation of the service unit and the equipment carrier to the shape of the guideway.

The service unit advantageously has engagement means for engaging in the guideway, which are drivable by the motor. The engagement means are preferably one or more gears. Of course, it is possible in the movement of the service unit over the rail, e.g. to use the rolling friction. The service unit must, however, be able to transport large loads (over 100 kg or more than 200 kg, depending on the application area) and therefore require a secure hold on the guideway. This can be advantageously ensured by the use of intervention.

All or part of the guideway contacting components of the service unit and / or the device carrier are designed to be movable relative to each other with advantage. The mobility is preferably ensured by the use of springs and allows the passage of curves. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the service unit and / or the equipment carrier to adapt to the shape of the guideway spring-loaded guide means. These are preferably guide rollers, which are preferably arranged on a sprung plate.

Advantageously, the first coupling means when merging or separating device carrier and coupling station automatically engage or lock and / or the first coupling means can automatically disengage or dissolve. Such coupling mechanisms are known, for example, from CH 697591 B1. The relevant parts of the cited document (in particular paragraphs [0012] and [0019]) are to be regarded as part of this application. However, other mechanisms are known to those skilled in the art, which allow an automatic latching and / or notching. Such mechanical coupling means are less susceptible to interference since no additional sensors or actuators are required to couple together the implement carrier and docking station. The fact that no additional triggers and the like are used, the cost of the device can be kept low.

The first coupling means advantageously has a in the direction of movement of the device carrier and / or extending in the direction of the guideway part with a pawl, which together form a latch means. The latch device is preferably arranged on the equipment carrier. The coupling station advantageously has a collar, which is fastened to the carrier or to the guide track, for example. This collar may then have an opening cooperating with the latch means. When passing through the operating position in the direction of the coupling station pushes the latch device with one end through the opening and the pawl is when returning from the end position to the operating position on the collar from. The edge of the opening expediently interacts directly with the pawl passing by it. When driving through the opening with the latch device, the pawl passes through this interaction under spring tension in the direction of a supporting position and is pressed by the spring after passing through in this supporting position. When moving back the device carrier from the end position to the operating position, the pawl is placed on the collar. Upon a renewed movement of the device carrier in the direction of the end position, the pawl is under a spring tension in the direction of a deactivated position, so that after the movement of the latch device in the direction of the end position in the deactivated position fast and the pawl device can be extended out of the opening. Conveniently, therefore, the first coupling means automatically latches in the direction of the coupling station during the movement of the device carrier from the operating position. The triggering of the spring force in the deactivated position can be achieved in the latch device by placing the pawl on the collar or by the release of the pawl or by an actuated in the movement in the direction of the end position lever.

Normal street signs meet their intended function often without power. However, electrically operated display panels or devices such as cameras require power and it may also need to be able to start an exchange of data with the device. Therefore, the first coupling means advantageously comprises means for transmitting data and / or power line. This is preferably one or more connectors, which is preferably sprung in the direction of movement and / or in the direction of the guideway. The connector advantageously has a first and a second connector part, in particular a male and a female connector part, wherein the male connector part is preferably arranged on the side of the device carrier. The first and / or second plug part is therefore preferably spring-loaded, so that the device carrier can be moved beyond the operating position to an end position in which the first coupling means can engage or disengage. As described elsewhere, the gear tray is pushed back to the operating position by springs or by gravity. By the suspension of the connector this way is taken and ensures good contact between the parts of the connector. It is preferred if the arranged on the equipment rack part of the connector is sprung designed. The male part of the plug connection advantageously has a plurality of contact pins, to which the devices can be connected to the device carrier. The female part of the connector has corresponding to a plurality of contact sockets for receiving the contact pins. Advantageously, the connector parts are arranged on mutually adjustable support parts. As a result, the connector parts can be precisely aligned with each other, so that they are exactly introduced into each other when approaching.

The device carrier is thus preferably supplied by the coupling station via the first coupling means with power and / or data. Preferably, the coupling station is connected to power and / or data lines that run in or on the carrier. However, the coupling station, the equipment carrier, the devices themselves or the carrier may alternatively or additionally also have means for wireless data transmission.

According to a preferred embodiment, the service unit and / or the equipment carrier and / or the docking station housing.

An inventive device is preferably also characterized in that the first coupling means comprises one or more springs, which counteract the merging of equipment carrier and coupling station. If the coupling means is engaged, a backlash-free positioning of the device carrier is ensured by the back pressure, which is particularly necessary when working in the horizontal and the weight of the device carrier can not generate the necessary back pressure. The device carrier is thus preferably pretensioned in the operating position (coupled to the coupling station).

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first coupling means on guide means (in particular centering), which extend with advantage in the direction of movement of the device carrier and / or in the direction of the guideway. These are preferably one or more pins or bolts which cooperate with one or more holes for receiving the pins or bolts. It is not decisive whether the device carrier or the coupling station carries the guide pins or the holes. The hole is preferably with a sliding bearing, e.g. made of plastic such as polyethylene. Advantageously, two pins and two holes are provided. The said guide means serve the (play-free) positioning of the device carrier in the operating position. Advantageously, the guide means protrude further than the remaining parts of the first coupling means. This results in the advantage that the device carrier is first aligned relative to the coupling station before other parts of the first coupling means come into contact with each other. This prevents, for example, damage to the coupling means pins for data transmission or power supply when docking.

The inventive device preferably has a cable reel and in particular a cable reel with self-closing for supplying the service unit with power, wherein the device preferably has cable guide bracket, which are arranged with advantage on the guideway. As an alternative, the guideway may be provided with a bus bar and the service unit has current collectors (in particular grinding shoes).

The motor of the service unit is thus preferably an electric motor. He has advantageously a self-locking gear, which benefits the safety of the device. The equipment carrier does not have to have its own drive means, since it is moved by means of the service unit.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second coupling means can engage automatically when merging service unit and equipment carrier, wherein the coupling means on the side of the service unit preferably a sprung clinker, in particular a spring-loaded hook has.

In the inventive method, it is advantageous if the decoupling of the device carrier from the service unit either in the service position (preferred) or in the operating position. Preferably, the second coupling means comprises a buffer. With the aid of this buffer, the device carrier can be pushed by the service unit into the operating position. Thus, the first coupling means need not be able to automatically disengage. This can be done thanks to the buffer in the service position.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the inventive device has at least one limit switch. This is preferably arranged at the coupling station and controls the power supply of the service unit. This will allow the power supply to the service unit to be interrupted as soon as the equipment rack is moved past the operating position towards the docking station, i.e., the service station. is driven to the final position. This prevents damage to the device. If the abovementioned springs are provided, which counteract the merging of equipment carrier and coupling station, then the device driver can be pushed back by these and the power supply of the service unit can be restored.

Brief description of the drawings In a schematic representation: <Tb> FIG. 1 <sep> an overall view; <Tb> FIG. 2 <sep> is a front view of the device; and <Tb> FIG. 3 <sep> is a rear view of the device.

example

The invention will be described below by way of example with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

Fig. 1 shows an overall view of the device as e.g. can be used on highways. Shown are a mast (11, including cantilever) to which a rail (13) toothed on one side is fixed as a guideway, and a coupling station (63) at one end of the rail (13), a device carrier (35) coupled thereto the operating position, as well as a service unit (15). The rail (13) is mounted on the vertical and horizontal part of the mast (11) and consists of several straight parts and a radius rail to overcome the right angle to the mast. The device carrier (35) is equipped with devices (37), which in this example is a camera and a display panel. The guideway in the form of said rail (13) extends in a curved line between the accessible service position at the foot of the mast (11) and the inaccessible, at the coupling station (63) arranged operating position. The service unit (15) is capable of transporting the rail mounted equipment rack (35) from the operative position where it is powered by the docking station (63) and connected to a data line to the service position , On the lowest straight rail part, which is removable and can be easily attached to the mast (11) (length: about 1 m), located at the beginning and at the end of the service process, the service unit (15). The removable rail part can be removed together with the service unit (15) and transported from pole to pole. With the exception of the removable bottom section, the rail (13) is bolted to the mast (11) along the entire length of the track.

As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3, the service unit (15) with an electric motor (17) and a self-locking gear (here: 1: 100) equipped. The motor is connected by means of a gear (21, here: Module 5) with the toothed guide rail made of stainless steel. The service unit (15) is guided with guide rollers (23) and adapted with a sprung plate (27) of the rail shape (in the radii). For transporting (pushing) the device carrier (35) into the operating position, a buffer (31) is attached to the service unit (15). For picking up the device carrier (35) from the operating position, a sprung clinker (26, 29, 30, part of the second coupling means) is provided. This has a first, rotatably mounted hook (29) which is locked by means of a second rotatably mounted hook (30) in an upper position and is under tension via a spring (26). Upon contact of the second hook (30) with a device carrier (35) arranged on the actuator (33) this (30) is rotated and releases the first hook (29), which then folds down and in a counterpart (not shown) on Device carrier (35) engages and is held there by the force of the spring (26). Attached to the service unit (15) is a self-retracting cable reel (not shown) which powers the motor (17). The power cable is held under train when driving the rail (13) and stored in cable guide brackets (not shown) or raised. With a control unit (not shown), which is also mobile, the service unit (15) can be easily operated. At the end of the route to be traveled is the coupling station (63, here in the form of an end head) attached. Through a cavity in the mast, the contact plug (54, female part) is supplied with power and / or signals by means of a supply cable (not shown). In the docking station (63) is the dome support of a coupling device (part of the first coupling means) and an electrical terminal box (not shown), which connects the supply cable and the female part of the contact plug (54). The first coupling means has a latch means (49). This allows the coupling means to engage automatically when the device carrier (35) and coupling station (63) are brought together and, in the event of a further movement against the spring force, the springs (44) attached to the guide pins (47) can automatically disengage in the direction of the coupling station. The coupling station (63) is protected by a housing (64) or a cover from the weather. On the equipment carrier (35) are the male parts (53) of the contact plug, which supply the devices (37) with power. They are mounted sprung in guides (51). By the spring force of the male part (53) is pressed against the female part (54) of the contact plug when the springs (44) of the centering pin (47) the device carrier (35) from the coupling station (63) push away and him (63) so lock the locked coupling means (49) counteracting play. In addition, the suspension of the male part of the contact plug (53) prevents the contact plug from being damaged during movement of the device carrier (35) in leasing the coupling station (63) to an end position for disengaging the first coupling means. By remote control, the device can be controlled. Limit switches (55) ensure safe operation of the operation. In the uppermost position (operating position), the device carrier (35) by means of two centering pins (47) is positioned safely and backlash. By Ankuppelvorrichtung (first coupling means) of the equipment carrier (35) is coupled to the coupling station (63) and secured against displacement.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0034] <Tb> 11 <sep> Mast <tb> 13 <sep> toothed rail <Tb> 15 <sep> Service Unit <Tb> 16 <sep> Housing <Tb> 17 <sep> Engine <Tb> 21 <sep> Gear <Tb> 23 <sep> leadership <Tb> 25 <sep> Spring <Tb> 26 <sep> Spring <Tb> 27 <sep> Plate <Tb> 29 <sep> Hook <Tb> 30 <sep> Hook <Tb> 31 <sep> buffer <Tb> 33 <sep> Actuators <Tb> 35 <sep> Tool carriers <Tb> 36 <sep> Housing <Tb> 37 <sep> Device <Tb> 39 <sep> Gear <Tb> 41 <sep> leadership <Tb> 43 <sep> Spring <Tb> 44 <sep> Spring <Tb> 45 <sep> Plate <Tb> 47 <sep> centering <Tb> 49 <sep> pawl <Tb> 51 <sep> Leadership <tb> 53 <sep> contact plug (male part, spring loaded in 51) <tb> 54 <sep> contact plug (female part) <Tb> 63 <sep> docking station / terminal head <Tb> 64 <sep> Housing <Tb> 65 <sep> plate / collar

Claims (15)

1. Device for lifting and lowering of loads (37), in particular traffic signs or other devices installed on roads, paths or squares, with a guideway (13) extending from a service position to an operating position, a coupling station (63), which is arranged stationary at the operating position, a device carrier (35) which is arranged on the guide track (13) and is movable over the guide track (13) between the operating position and the service position, a first coupling means for coupling the device carrier (35) to the coupling station (63), characterized in that the device additionally comprises at least the following components: - A mobile service unit (15) having a motor (17) and on the guideway (13) between the operating position and service position is movable, and - A second coupling means for the coupling of the mobile service unit (15) to the equipment carrier (35). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide track (13) extends in a curved line between the service position and operating position. 3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the service unit (15) and / or the equipment carrier (35) for adaptation to the shape of the guideway sprung guide means comprises, wherein it is preferably to guide rollers (23, 41), which are preferably arranged on a sprung plate (27, 45). 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide track (13) on a support (11) is mounted, wherein a part of the guide track is preferably removable from the carrier (11) and wherein the service unit (15) together with the removable part of the guideway on the carrier (11) attachable and removably formed. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is at the guide track (13) to a rail (13), in particular a toothed rail (13). 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling means comprises one or more springs (44) which counteract the merging of equipment carrier (35) and coupling station (63). 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling means comprises means (53, 54) for transmitting data and / or power line, which is preferably one or more connectors (53, 54), wherein the device carrier (35) arranged on the part (53) of the connector is preferably sprung. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling means guiding means (47), in particular centering pin (47), for play-free positioning of the device carrier in the operating position. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the service unit (15) engaging means (21) for engaging in the guide track (13) which are driven by the motor (17), wherein it is in the engaging means (21) is preferably one or more gears (21). 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a cable reel with self-closing to supply the service unit (15) with power, wherein the device preferably additionally comprises cable guide bracket. 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling means when merging device carrier (35) and coupling station (63) can engage automatically and / or that the first coupling means can automatically disengage. 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second coupling means when merging service unit (15) and device carrier (35) can engage automatically, wherein the coupling means on the side of the service unit (15) preferably one sprung clinker (26, 29,30). 13. Method for lifting and lowering loads (37), in particular traffic signs or other devices installed on roads, paths or squares, comprising at least the following steps: Attaching a mobile service unit (15) having a motor (17) to a guide track (13), Movement of the mobile service unit (15) via the guide track (13) to an implement carrier (35) located in an operating position, Coupling the service unit (15) to the equipment carrier (35), Decoupling the device carrier (35) from a coupling station (63), which is arranged stationary at the operating position, Movement of the device carrier (35) by means of the mobile service unit (15) via the guide track (13) from the operating position to a service position, Decoupling the device carrier (35) from the service unit (15), Movement of the device carrier (35) by means of the mobile service unit (15) via the guideway (13) from the service position to the operating position, Coupling the device carrier (35) to the coupling station (63), Movement of the service unit (15) via the guideway (13) to the service position, - Remove the service unit (15) from the guideway (13). 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the decoupling of the device carrier (35) from the service unit (15) takes place either in the service position or in the operating position. 15. Use of the device according to one of claims 1 to 12, for raising and lowering of loads (37), in particular when the guide track (13) on a support (11) of the transport infrastructure is mounted.