DE102021001429B4 - Device for protecting at least one edge of an object to be lifted - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for protecting at least one edge (20) of an object (2) to be lifted, preferably a T-beam, comprising at least three chain-like arranged support elements (3) for support against an object (2) to be lifted, wherein adjacent support elements (3) of the chain of support elements (3) are each connected to each other via a connecting arc (4), wherein the connection between support element (3) and connecting arc (4) is each rotatably designed.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a device for protecting at least one edge of an object to be lifted, for example a T-beam.

State of the art

It is well known, for example in the areas of transport and handling of goods, as well as in assembly, that objects are moved using lifting devices. Lifting the object essentially involves increasing its height or level as a result of external force, for example lifting a load with a crane or a lifting platform.

To lift an object, it is also known to use a lifting element that encloses the object at least from below, for example in the form of a sling, and which is connected above the object to a lifting device, for example via a hook, shackle, or swivel. Common lifting elements include lifting straps, belts, webbing, ropes, especially wire ropes, and chains, such as lifting chains, sling chains, and endless chains.

To prevent damage to the object being lifted by the lifting element on the one hand, and to avoid damage to the lifting element or rigging device by the object being lifted on the other, an edge protector is regularly provided between the object and the lifting element.

To protect the lifting element, in particular, prior art methods involve providing edges on the object with a suitable edge protector to prevent the edge from compromising the structural integrity of the lifting element. The type of edge protector to be used depends on the specific application. Criteria for selecting a suitable edge protector include the weight of the object, its material, and the surface of the object to be lifted, which can range from soft to hard rust. Furthermore, the type and shape of the edges on the object play a role, such as the angle of the edge, which is usually 90° but can be sharper or more obtuse, or the condition of the edge, i.e., whether it is deburred, rounded, or sharp-edged.

Basically, a distinction can be made between two types of edge protection. For low- and medium-stress applications, it may be sufficient to provide or encase the edge to be covered with a flexible edge protection element. Such edge protection elements are, for example, usually plastic-based keder strips, films, flexible U-profiles, hoses, or textile slings.

When lifting heavy objects, such as large metal pipes or beams, the protective effect of flexible edge protectors is often insufficient because the high force exerted between the object being lifted and the lifting device would cause deformation or even destruction of the edge protector. To ensure reliable edge protection even under heavy loads, rigid edge protectors are available, for example, in the form of angled molded parts made of solid material, such as aluminum, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride, or, for even higher loads, solid metals such as steel alloys. Such angles are only suitable for a fixed edge angle and are limited to protecting a single edge where two surfaces meet, for example, at a 90° angle.

Especially when lifting very heavy loads, it is known to use a multi-part edge protection device instead of a single component. Such edge protection devices consist of two molded parts connected by a connecting element, which act as support elements to brace the edge protection device against the object being lifted. On their side facing away from the object, these molded parts typically have a contact area where the lifting element comes into contact with the edge protection device. However, such edge protection devices are limited to protecting a single edge of two converging surfaces, for example at a 90° angle, and are unsuitable for lifting structures with multiple edges or secondary edges in close proximity to each other, such as T-beams or I-beams. An example of such an edge protection device can be used for... CN 2 06 298 263 U can be taken.

The DE 873 898 B The diagram shows a rope guard for loading ropes, consisting of individual curved supports, each with two segmented, arched Gall chain links and one rope claw. The individual links are connected one after the other by loose rivets in a hinge-like fashion.

Description of the invention

Starting from the known state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for protecting at least one edge of an object to be lifted, preferably a T-beam.

The problem is solved by a device for protecting at least one edge of an object to be lifted, preferably a T-beam, with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

Accordingly, a device for protecting at least one edge of an object to be lifted, preferably a T-beam, is proposed, comprising at least three chain-like support elements for bracing against the object to be lifted, wherein adjacent support elements of the chain are each connected to one another via a connecting arc. The connection between the support element and the connecting arc is rotatably designed.

Such a device makes it possible to protect edges with multiple secondary edges, since the shape of the device can be adapted to the shape of the object in the area of the edge(s) to be protected. Thus, according to the invention, it becomes possible to protect even complex edge structures with varying load-bearing capacities. In particular, this makes it possible to protect the edges of an object with a polygonal profile comprising more than four edges, for example, a T-beam or I-beam to be lifted, by adapting the device to the shape or polygonal profile of the T-beam before the lifting element is attached to the device.

Consequently, the device makes it possible to handle high loads due to very heavy objects being lifted, while simultaneously providing adequate protection for the edges of the object and the lifting element, even when the object has a profile with a large number of corners or edges.

The terms "chain-like" or "chain-shaped" here refer to the fact that the support elements are essentially arranged in a row with a first end and a second end, or with a beginning and an end. Connecting arches positioned between each pair of adjacent support elements link these two elements together, resulting in a linear, open chain along its length. Unlike a ring-shaped arrangement, the ends of the chain are therefore not connected to each other.

As their name suggests, connecting arches have a basic arc shape, meaning an elongated form curved arbitrarily in one direction. In other words, the arch extends from one end to the other with respect to a geometric straight line formed between the two ends, at least with a middle section on one side of the line, or the arch is curved in a predetermined direction with respect to the line.

Preferably, each connecting arc has a connection area at its first end for connecting to a first of the two support elements to be connected, and has a connection area at its second end opposite the first end for connecting to the second of the two support elements to be connected.

The support elements are preferably made of a metal or a metal alloy, preferably a steel alloy. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting arches can also be made of a metal or a metal alloy, preferably a steel alloy.

Due to the chain-like or chain-shaped arrangement of the support elements in longitudinal extension, the length of the device can be easily individually specified or adjusted by providing a suitable number of support elements.

In corresponding investigations underlying the invention, it has been found that it is advantageous to provide at least four chain-like arranged support elements, with an embodiment in which exactly four support elements are provided proving to be particularly advantageous. It was shown that with such a device, a multitude of attachment options to an object with a polygonal profile become possible, and thus the object can be lifted in several different arrangements or orientations.

According to another preferred embodiment, adjacent support elements are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another by means of the connecting arc placed between them. The distance between the adjacent support elements can be adapted to a specific application by selecting the appropriate connecting arc.

It has proven advantageous if all connecting arches are curved in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal extension of the chain of support elements. This allows for particularly variable adaptability to the shape of the object being lifted.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the support elements are essentially cylindrical, with their longitudinal direction oriented transversely to the longitudinal extent of the chain of support elements. A device constructed in this way exhibits a particularly high adaptability to the shape of the object to be lifted. Furthermore, the width of the device transversely to its longitudinal extent in the chain direction can be easily adjusted by predefining the length of the cylindrical support elements accordingly.

According to a further preferred embodiment, each connecting arc comprises at least two arc elements, wherein preferably one of the arc elements is arranged on a first side with respect to the longitudinal extent of the chain of support elements, and the other arc element is arranged opposite the first side with respect to the longitudinal extent of the chain of support elements. This allows for a particularly simple and at the same time stable construction of the device.

Preferably, an arc element is arranged at a first end of the respective support element and an arc element is arranged at the other end of the respective support element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, each support element comprises a support area for bracing against the object to be lifted, preferably a substantially flat or planar support area.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one connecting arch can include a support section for bracing against the object to be lifted, the support section preferably being arranged on a concave side surface of the connecting arch.

A concave curvature, when viewed from above, refers to a curve inward extending into the connecting arch, perpendicular to an axis of curvature. In the case of uniform curvature, the radius of curvature between the center of curvature and the side surface does not extend through the connecting arch. In other words, a concave curvature, as viewed from above, corresponds to an inwardly curved surface.

Accordingly, a convex curvature is a curve that extends outwards from the connecting arc, or a convex surface is curved outwards with respect to the connecting arc.

In order to enable a lifting element intended for lifting the object to be supported or resting against the device in the intended manner, the support elements may include a contact area for contacting a lifting element for lifting the object.

If the rotation of at least one support element relative to at least one connecting arc connected to the support element can be locked, it can be ensured that the shape of the device is maintained after the device or the chain of spacers has been adapted to the shape of the object to be lifted. Preferably, the support element and the connecting arc can be locked relative to each other in predetermined steps or continuously. To allow switching between locking and free rotation, a locking device can be provided to lock the support element and the connecting arc relative to each other.

Brief description of the characters

• 1 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer Vorrichtung zum Schützen zumindest einer Kante eines zu hebenden Gegenstands gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 2 schematisch eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung aus 1;
• 3 schematisch eine Draufsicht eines Abstützelements der Vorrichtung aus den 1 und 2;
• 4 schematisch eine Draufsicht eines Verbindungsbogens der Vorrichtung aus den 1 und 2;
• 5 schematisch eine Draufsicht eines Verbindungsbogens gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 6 schematisch eine Draufsicht eines Verbindungsbogens gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 7 schematisch eine perspektivische Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Abstützen zumindest einer Kante eines zu hebenden Gegenstands gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 8 schematisch eine Draufsicht der Vorrichtung aus 7;
• 9 schematisch eine Draufsicht der Vorrichtung gemäß 7 in einer in Bezug auf 7 geänderten Anordnung an dem zu hebenden Gegenstand; und
• 10 schematisch eine perspektivische Draufsicht der Vorrichtung gemäß 7 in einer in Bezug auf 7 geänderten Anordnung an dem zu hebenden Gegenstand.

Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. These show:

• 1 schematically a top view of a device for protecting at least one edge of an object to be lifted according to a first embodiment;
• 2 schematically a side view of the device 1 ;
• 3 schematically a top view of a support element of the device from the 1 and 2 ;
• 4 schematically a top view of a connecting arc of the device from the 1 and 2 ;
• 5 schematically a top view of a connecting arc according to a further embodiment;
• 6 schematically a top view of a connecting arc according to a further embodiment;
• 7 schematically a perspective side view of a device for supporting at least dest of an edge of an object to be lifted according to a further embodiment;
• 8 schematically a top view of the device 7 ;
• 9 schematically a top view of the device according to 7 in a way that relates to 7 amended arrangement on the object to be lifted; and
• 10 schematically a perspective top view of the device according to 7 in a way that relates to 7 amended arrangement on the object to be lifted.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are designated with identical reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted where necessary to avoid redundancy.

In 1 The figure shows a schematic top view of a device 1 for protecting at least one edge of an object to be lifted according to a first embodiment. The device 1 comprises three chain-like or chain-shaped support elements 3 for supporting the object to be lifted. Two adjacent support elements 3 are connected to each other via a common connecting arc 4, the connection between the support element 3 and the connecting arc 4 being rotatable about an axis of rotation 11.

The connecting arches 4 arrange adjacent support elements 3 at predetermined distances from one another. The connecting arches 4 are essentially arc-shaped. In this case, all connecting arches 4 are curved to the same side with respect to a longitudinal extent 10 of the device 1, which in 1 corresponds to the left side.

The aforementioned arrangement of support elements 3 and connecting arches 4 results in a chain-like configuration of the support elements 3. In other words, the support elements 3 are essentially arranged in a series with a first end and a second end, or with a beginning and an end. The support elements 3 are therefore in the form of an open chain.

Each connecting arc 4 has a connection area 41 at its first end 45 for connecting to one of the two support elements 3 to be connected, and has a connection area 41 at its second end 46, opposite the first end 45, for connecting to the second of the two support elements 3 to be connected. For a permanent connection between the support elements 3 and the connecting arc 4, appropriate fastening elements 5, in this case in the form of threaded bolts or screws, are provided.

The support elements 3 preferably comprise a metal or a metal alloy, in this case a steel alloy. Furthermore, the connecting arches 4 preferably also comprise a steel alloy.

2 schematically shows a side view of device 1. 1 . in conjunction with 1 It can be seen that the support elements 3 are essentially cylindrical in shape, with the support elements 3 being oriented in their longitudinal direction 32 transversely to the longitudinal extent 10 of the device 1 or the chain of support elements 3.

The connecting arches 4 each comprise two arch elements 40, one of which is arranged on a first side with respect to the longitudinal extent 10, and the other arch element 40 is arranged on the side opposite the first side with respect to the longitudinal extent 10. In other words, one of the arch elements 40 is arranged at a first end of the cylindrical support element 3, and the other arch element 40 is arranged at the other end of the support element 3.

To prevent rotation of the middle support element 3 both relative to the in 2 To enable the lower connecting arch 4 as well as the upper connecting arch 4, the arch elements 40 of the upper connecting arch 4 and the lower connecting arch 4 are arranged offset from each other when viewed transversely to the longitudinal extent 10, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal direction 32 or the axis of rotation 11.

As from 2 Furthermore, it can be seen that the support elements 3 are all of the same length. Accordingly, in the 2 The support element 3 shown above has an optional spacer 7 on each side. Alternatively, the upper support element 3 can also be longer than at least the middle support element 3.

The fastening elements 5 are optionally also designed as a locking device. By tightening the fastening elements 5, preferably with a predetermined tightening torque, the respective support element 3 and the respective connecting arc 4 can be locked relative to each other. The longitudinal direction 32 is clamped so that further rotation is restricted or even completely prevented due to friction.

Out of 3 is schematically a top view of a support element 3 of the device 1 from the 1 and 2 As mentioned above, the support element 3 has a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional profile. However, the outer surface of the support element 3 is not perfectly cylindrical, but includes a flat section which provides a support area 30 for bracing against the object to be lifted.

The arc-shaped section of the lateral surface represents a contact area 31 for contacting a lever element intended for lifting the object.

4 schematically shows a top view of a connecting arc 4 of the device 1 from the 1 and 2 As can be seen, the connecting arch 4 has an arc-shaped basic form, thus a shape curved to one side. In other words, the connecting arch 4 is curved from one end 45 to the other end 46 with respect to a geometric line 47 formed between the two ends 45, 46, on one side of the line 47. Accordingly, the connecting arch 4 comprises an inwardly curved, and thus concave, side surface 42 as well as an outwardly curved, and thus convex, side surface 43. The concave side surface 42 can be designed to function as a support section 44 for bracing against the object to be lifted.

The reference numeral 41 indicates the connecting sections for connecting to the respective support element 3.

5 Figure 1 schematically shows a top view of a connecting arc 4 according to a further embodiment. The connecting arc 4 essentially corresponds to the one shown in Figure 2. 4 , where the connecting arc 4, compared to the one made of 4 is more strongly curved or bent.

6 Figure 1 schematically shows a top view of a connecting arc 4 according to a further embodiment. The connecting arc 4 essentially corresponds to the one shown in Figure 2. 4 , wherein the connecting arc 4 is essentially formed from two arc arms 48 arranged at an angle 49 to each other, wherein the meeting point of the two arc arms 48 is optionally rounded on the concave side surface 42 and the convex side surface 43 respectively.

7 Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective side view of a device 1 for supporting at least one edge 20 of an object 2 to be lifted, according to a further embodiment. In this case, the device 1 is arranged on an object 2 in the form of a double-T beam. The device 1 essentially corresponds to that shown in Figure 1. 1 , wherein the device 1 is made of 7 comprising four chain-like arranged support elements 3, each of which has a support area 30.

The support elements 3 are oriented such that their support area 30 rests against or is supported by the object 2. This arrangement of the device 1 on the object 2 makes it possible to lift the object 2 at an angle, as indicated by the lifting function 6. In other words, the device 1 makes it possible to lift the object 2 in a direction that does not coincide with the principal axes of inertia (not shown) of the I-beam.

8 schematically shows a top view of device 1. 7 . This shows that the in 8 The connecting arc 4 shown below is also in contact with the object 2. Accordingly, the concave side surface 42 of this connecting arc 4 forms a support section 44.

9 schematically shows a top view of device 1 according to 7 in a way that relates to 7 The device 1 is arranged in a modified configuration on the object 2 to be lifted. In this arrangement, the device 1 is positioned on the object 2 and essentially encloses an entire side of the object 2, allowing it to be lifted in the lifting direction indicated by reference numeral 6. In this arrangement, the two central support elements 3 do not serve to support the object 2. Accordingly, the support sections 44 of the two outer connecting arches 4 are in contact with the object 2.

10 schematically shows a perspective top view of device 1 according to 7 in a way that relates to 7 and 9 amended arrangement on the object 2 to be lifted. In this arrangement of the device 1 on the object 2, the entire underside of the object 2 is essentially enclosed, so that it can be lifted in the lifting direction indicated by reference numeral 6.

Here, all support areas 30 of all support elements 3 function again to support the object 2. In addition, the support section is also 44 of the two outer connecting arcs 4 are in contact with the object 2.

As from the 7 , 8 , 9 until 10 As can be seen, by various arrangements of the device 1 shown therein on the object 2, it is possible to position the object 2 in different orientations with respect to the lifting direction 6. In addition, reliable edge protection is always provided.

Where applicable, all individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and/or exchanged without leaving the scope of the invention.

Reference symbol list

1

device

10

Longitudinal extent

11

axis of rotation

2

Object

20

edge

3

Support element

30

support area

31

Contact area

32

Longitudinal direction

4

connecting arch

40

arch element

41

Connection area

42

Concave side surface

43

Convex side surface

44

support section

45

First End

46

Second ending

47

Straight

48

Bow arms

49

angle

5

Fasteners

6

Hearing correction

7

Spacer

Claims (9)

Device (1) for protecting at least one edge (20) of an object (2) to be lifted, preferably a T-beam, comprising at least three chain-like arranged support elements (3) for support against an object (2) to be lifted, wherein adjacent support elements (3) of the chain of support elements (3) are each connected to each other via a connecting arc (4), wherein the connection between support element (3) and connecting arc (4) is each rotatably designed. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that at least four chain-like arranged support elements (3) are provided, preferably exactly four support elements (3). Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that adjacent support elements (3) are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other by means of the connecting arch (4) arranged between them. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all connecting arcs (4) are curved towards the same side with respect to a longitudinal extension (10) of the chain of support elements (3). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support elements (3) are essentially cylindrical, wherein the support elements (3) are oriented with their longitudinal direction (32) transversely to a longitudinal extension (10) of the chain of support elements (3). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connecting arc (4) comprises at least two arc elements (40), wherein preferably one of the arc elements (40) is arranged on a first side with respect to the longitudinal extent (10) of the chain of support elements (3) and the other arc element (40) is arranged opposite the first side with respect to the longitudinal extent (10) of the chain of support elements (3). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each support element (3) comprises a support area (30) for supporting the object (2) to be lifted, preferably a substantially planar support area (30), and/or that at least one connecting arc (4) comprises a support section (44) for supporting the object (2) to be lifted, wherein the support section is preferably arranged on a concave side surface (42) of the connecting arc (4). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support elements (3) have a contact area (31) to contact a lifting element for lifting the object (2) include. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation of at least one support element (3) relative to at least one connecting arc (4) connected to the support element (3) can be locked, preferably lockable in predetermined steps or continuously lockable, wherein preferably a locking device is provided for locking the support element (3) and the connecting arc (4) relative to each other.