EP0040292B1 - Freely supported rail for suspended monorail vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

To permit attachment of a suspended track without drilling of holes lfor installation and connection to support elements (25), the track has an upper hollow structural section (2), for example in essentially semi-circular shape with depending vertical sections (10), a similar lower hollow structural section (2) joined by a connecting web (3), the sections in the web are unitary, the web being of generally horizontal C-shape in cross section, with a generally vertical back portion (11), mutually converging or approaching forward portions (5) which are bent over themselves to form diverging wing portions (6) leaving a groove-like gap (4) therebetween, the ends (7) of the portions (5) and the diverging wing portions (6). Hanger elements (25) can be longitudinally positioned by clamping the hanger elements against internally positioned clamping bars or plates (27), permitting longitudinal alignment by relative sliding of the clamping bars within the C-shaped chamber. Electrical connection bus ways and the like can be applied at the side opposite the gap by snap clips (22) snapped over the web (3) where it is rounded to form the C-shape.

Description

The invention relates to a self-supporting running rail for monorail monorails, consisting of an upper and a parallel lower hollow profile part, the two hollow profile parts being connected to one another by an integrally formed web, in the area of which fastening elements for the suspension and optionally electrically insulated power supply rails are arranged laterally .

Such tracks are used in overhead conveyor systems for the overhead transport of products by means of electrically or otherwise driven monorail trolleys. In a running rail of this type known from DE-C-1806381, the upper and the lower profile part each consist of a circular tube; the two pipes are connected to each other by a welded-on web. In addition to the fact that the production of these rails is relatively expensive and complex, the power supply and control rails are fastened via insulating brackets in bores or slots arranged in the web of the rails, which also serve to attach holding elements. Fastening these elements by means of screws often requires a great deal of planning, production and assembly work for the often long monorail systems. This is because all suspension points must be precisely defined, and the distances between the holes to be drilled prior to assembly and the local conditions of the hall or the like in which the monorail is arranged must match exactly. Measuring errors or tolerances that occur can only be compensated for with difficulty. The time required to assemble the overhead monorail tracks with associated power supply rails and the switching and stop elements required for the operation of the monorail overhead monorail is therefore relatively high, because many mounting holes can only be drilled during assembly.

Basically the same applies to a running rail known from DE-A-2 343 502, which is designed in such a way that the open upper and lower hollow profile part have a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape and are integrally formed on the web. The track is an extruded part.

The object of the invention is therefore to create a self-supporting running rail for monorail overhead conveyors, which is characterized by a more economical and simple production and assembly option.

To achieve this object, the guide rail mentioned at the outset is characterized in accordance with the invention in that the web has an essentially omega-shaped cross-sectional shape, forming a lateral, groove-like opening which extends over the length of the guide rail.

As a result, high stability and bending strength of the running rail are achieved with little use of material.

The omega-shaped cross-section of the web of the running rail makes it possible for the fastening of the power supply devices, the fastening elements for the suspension, any stop or switching elements and the like, for drilling or punching holes or slots in the web of the running rail to do without and to ensure an exact, precise laying of the running rail with simple means with little installation effort. In a preferred embodiment, the running rail is designed as a cold-rolled profile, which is made from a preferably Sendzimir-galvanized broadband, and without additional welding processes being necessary.

Molded edge strips of the closed hollow profile parts are expediently inserted between two adjacent, U-shaped, folded, parallel legs of the web and held there in a force-locking manner. The closed hollow profile parts result in a high load-bearing capacity of the running rail, while on the other hand the advantage is retained that the running rail can also be bent with small curve radii, if necessary, in accordance with the respective web guide.

The edge strips of the hollow profile parts are advantageously supported transversely to their longitudinal extent by the U-shaped legs of the web, so that a form-fitting support of the edge strips is achieved, which leads to a further increase in the stability of the running rail.

The web can be set back laterally in relation to the lateral edges of the hollow profile parts in order to provide space for a flush reception of power supply rails and the like. to accomplish. for this purpose, the arrangement is expediently such that a molded body carrying the power supply rails is placed on the web on the side opposite the groove-like opening and is fastened to the web by means of clamps encompassing the web.

The mounting of the running rail is advantageously carried out in such a way that laterally supported clamping claws are arranged in the web against the limbs delimiting the groove-like opening and can be clamped with the fastening elements of the suspension.

Inaccuracies in the position of the fastening elements that are difficult to avoid on the construction site are therefore meaningless because the running rail can be held at any desired location without having to take existing holes or slots into account.

A further simplification of the assembly can be achieved in that the clamping claws are designed to be insertable through the groove-like opening, in which case the Clamping claws are loosely displaceable in the web when the tensioning elements are released. The required spacing of the suspension can thus be set precisely during assembly, with dimensional tolerances of the suspension construction being easily compensated for.

The web is expediently supported at least with a rim of its groove-like opening on the fastening elements of the suspension protruding into it, with the result that the vertical forces resulting from the dead weight of the running rail and from the traffic load are positively transmitted from the running rail to the suspension.

The arrangement can also be made in such a way that the clamping claws are clamped to the fastening elements by connecting elements that are only subjected to tension. This prevents the occurrence of shear stresses.

In addition, actuating or stop elements for a running gear movably mounted on the running rail can be held in the web, which protrude outwards through the groove-like opening or can be controlled via this. These actuating elements can be held in place by releasable clamping elements which are clamped against parts of the web. This means that the position of these actuating or stop elements can be changed or readjusted at any time with little effort, while on the other hand there is no need to drill holes in the web of the rail.

In order to finally ensure good lateral guidance of the undercarriage, the groove-like opening of the web of the running rail on the outside can be delimited on both sides by flat surface parts lying in a common plane.

Another advantage of the running track is that no holes have to be drilled or punched into the web of the track for the connection to the track joints. The arrangement can be such that in the area of the rail joints there is in each case one connecting element, optionally designed as a fastening element of the suspension, bridging the butt joint, which is clamped by means of claws to the two abutting rail parts.

Since the fasteners directly absorb the vertical load at the joints, there is no kinking at the rail joint. As an additional safeguard against misalignment of the running rail ends, the respective abutment bridging connecting pins can be inserted into the hollow profile parts.

• Fig. 1 eine Laufschiene gemäss der Erfindung, im Querschnitt in einer Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 2 die Laufschiene nach Fig. 1, in einer Ansicht in der Richtung A der Fig. 1 und im Ausschnitt,
• Fig. 3 die Laufschiene nach Fig. 1, in einer Ansicht in der Richtung B der Fig. 1 und im Ausschnitt,
• Fig. 4 die Laufschiene nach Fig. 1, mit einem zugeordneten Befestigungselement der Aufhängung, in einer Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 1,
• Fig. 5 die Laufschiene nach Fig. 4, in einer Ansicht in der Richtung C der Fig. 4 und im Ausschnitt,
• Fig. 6 die Laufschiene nach Fig. 1 unter Veranschaulichung eines eingesetzten Betätigungselementes, in einer Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 1,
• Fig. 7 einen Befestigungsbügel für die Stromzuführungsschienen der Laufschiene nach Fig. 6, in einer Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 8 den Befestigungsbügel nach Fig. 7, in einer Draufsicht,
• Fig. 9 eine Spannpratze der Laufschiene nach Fig. 3, in einer Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 10 die Spannpratze nach Fig. 9, geschnitten längs der Linie X-X der Fig. 9, in einer Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 11 einen Befestigungsbügel für das Betätigungselement der Laufschiene nach Fig. 6, in einer Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 12 den Befestigungsbügel nach Fig. 11, in einer anderen Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 13 die Laufschiene nach Fig. 1 unter Veranschaulichung eines als Verbindungselement ausgebildeten Befestigungselementes der Aufhängung, in einer Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 1 und
• Fig. 14 die Laufschiene nach Fig. 13, in einer Ansicht in der Richtung D der Fig. 13 und im Ausschnitt.

In the drawing, an embodiment of the object of the invention is shown. Show it

• 1 is a running rail according to the invention, in cross section in a side view,
• 2 shows the running rail according to FIG. 1, in a view in the direction A of FIG. 1 and in a detail,
• 3 shows the running rail according to FIG. 1, in a view in the direction B of FIG. 1 and in a detail,
• 4 shows the running rail according to FIG. 1, with an associated fastening element of the suspension, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 1,
• 5 shows the running rail according to FIG. 4, in a view in the direction C of FIG. 4 and in a detail,
• 6 shows the running rail according to FIG. 1, illustrating an actuating element used, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 1,
• 7 is a side view of a mounting bracket for the power supply rails of the running rail according to FIG. 6,
• 8 is a top view of the mounting bracket according to FIG. 7,
• 9 is a side view of a clamping claw of the running rail according to FIG. 3,
• 10, the clamping claw according to FIG. 9, cut along the line XX of FIG. 9, in a side view,
• 11 is a side view of a mounting bracket for the actuating element of the running rail according to FIG. 6,
• 12 shows the mounting bracket according to FIG. 11, in a different side view,
• 13 shows the running rail according to FIG. 1, illustrating a fastening element of the suspension designed as a connecting element, in a representation corresponding to FIG. 1 and
• FIG. 14 shows the running rail according to FIG. 13, in a view in the direction D of FIG. 13 and in a detail.

The self-supporting running rail for monorail overhead conveyors shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 consists of a hollow profile part 1 forming the upper chord and a second hollow profile part 2 parallel to it, forming the lower chord, both of which are connected to one another by a molded-on web 3, one of which is in the has an essential omega-shaped cross-sectional shape. Through the web 3 a continuous groove-like opening 4 is formed over the length of the running rail and is delimited on both sides by two parallel legs 5, 6 folded in a U-shape. The two hollow profile parts 1, 2 are each provided with an integrally formed edge strip 7, the arrangement being such that the edge strips 7 are inserted between the associated U-shaped legs 5, 6 of the web 3 in the manner shown in FIG. 1 and are held there non-positively. The edge strips 7 are supported on the bottom of the connecting part 8 of the two legs 5, 6, whereby an effective support is achieved transverse to their longitudinal extension.

The entire running track is made as a cold rolled profile from a correspondingly wide sheet metal strip and is designed without welding points. The two hollow profile parts 1, 2 have the shape ge closed chambers, which on the outside have at 9 substantially cylindrical boundary surfaces and at 10, ie on both sides of the groove-like opening 4, are each delimited by flat surface parts lying in a common plane. The entire track is expediently sendzimir galvanized.

The web 3 lies with its straight central leg 11 in the longitudinal median plane of the cross-sectional profile indicated at 12; it is therefore set back laterally with respect to the lateral edge 10 of the hollow profile parts 1, 2.

1 and 2, wherein a roller, indicated at 13, of an undercarriage, not shown, for example an elevator, rolls on the upper hollow section part 1, which forms the upper chord, while the undercarriage rolls over two Vertical axes rotatably supported rollers 14 supported laterally against the flat surfaces 10 of the other lower hollow profile part 2 forming the lower flange.

On the side of the web 3 opposite the groove-like opening 4, a current supply rail 15 for the chassis, which is made of insulating material and is made of molded body 16, is placed on its flat central leg 11. The molded body 16 is held at a distance by fastening brackets 17 of essentially U-shaped cross-sectional shape, which are designed such that the molded body 16 is inserted into a recess 18 of the lower leg 19 which is open at the edge and is then locked by means of a locking lug 20 on the upper leg 21 (Fig. 7). Each mounting bracket 17 carries on its back a spring steel, essentially likewise U-shaped bracket 22, which is connected to the mounting bracket 17 by means of rivets 23 and which is simply clamped onto the web 3 in the manner shown in FIG. 1 that it partially encompasses its curve from the outside. Because the web 3 with its straight central leg 11 is set back from the outer edge of the hollow profile parts 1, 2, the molded body 16 with the power supply rails 15 and the fastening clips 17 is received in the running rail, so that the outer surface of the power supply rails 15 with the adjacent surface parts 10 of the hollow profile parts 1, 2 lies in a common plane. The bracket 22 is properly held by the curves 24 of the web 3; the mounting brackets 17 can obviously be placed at any point on the web 3 in the manner mentioned, without holes or slots or other fastening elements having to be provided in or on the web 3 itself.

The running rail is suspended in the manner shown in FIGS. 3, 4, for example, at intervals from the suspension-forming, substantially L-shaped suspension bracket 25, which in turn or the like on structural parts of a hall, not shown. are anchored. Each of the suspension brackets 25 carries two block-like claws 26 which are arranged on both sides of the suspension bracket 25 and which serve as fastening elements for the suspension. The claws 26 have a height corresponding to the width of the groove-like opening 4, so that the web 3 and thus the running rail with the edge of the groove-like opening 4 are supported in a form-fitting manner on the claws 26, the claws 26 projecting into the interior of the web 3 . In the omega-shaped web 3, two clamping claws 27 are arranged, which are supported against the limbs 5 delimiting the groove-like opening 4 and braced by means of screws 28 with the claws 26, the claws 26 engaging the limbs 6 with parts 29 from the outside .

The shape of the clamping claws 27 can be seen in particular from FIGS. 9 and 10. Each clamping claw 27 is provided with corrugated support surfaces 30 at the end and is provided with two through screw holes 31. The dimensions of the clamping claws 27 are selected such that they are first inserted into the groove-like opening 4 of the web 3 in the horizontal position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3 and then pivoted through 90 ° into the vertical clamping position in which they are not more can be pulled out of the groove-like opening 4. After placing the running rail on the claws 26 in the manner already described, the screws 28 are tightened, with which the clamping claws 27 are braced against the web 3. When the screws 28 are loosened, the running rail can be displaced relative to the suspension, as a result of which the assembly is considerably simplified. Accordingly, before the screws 28 are tightened, the suspension distance can be set precisely or the track can be precisely aligned. The two claws 26 hold the running rail exactly at the intended height even when the screws 28 are loose. Because the running rail is positively supported on the claws 26, the forces resulting from the dead weight and from the traffic load are positively transmitted to the suspension bracket 25. The screws 28 are therefore only subjected to tension and are not exposed to shear stresses.

The connection of two running rails takes place by means of the claws 26 then acting as connecting elements in the manner shown in FIGS. 13, 14. The claws 26 overlap the impact point indicated at 32; they are clamped on both sides with a clamping claw 27 in the manner described with the two running rails.

Since the running rails rest on the edges of the groove-like opening 4 in the manner explained in each case on the claws 26, no bending or kinking of the raceway can occur at the abutment points 32. To compensate for tolerances and for additional stiffening, as well as to avoid misalignments, 33 are formed in the form of pipe sections 33 connecting pins in the hollow profile parts 1, 2 inserted adjacent rails so that the rails are assembled in the area of these hollow profile parts 1, 2. The pipe sections 33 are held in the hollow profile parts 1, 2 in a press fit; if necessary, they can be additionally secured. Actuating or stop elements, one of which is shown at 34 in FIG. 6, are arranged on the web 3 in the region of the groove-like opening 4 at the required points. The actuating element 34 protrudes laterally from the groove-like opening 4; As can be seen from FIGS. 11 and 12, it sits on a tensioning element in the form of a clip 35 which is made of spring steel and is adapted to the profile shape of the inner wall of the web 3 and which is releasably elastically clamped in the groove-like opening 4. The fastening element 34 can obviously be arranged at any point in the track system. Of course, its shape is operational; that is, designs are also conceivable which are located in the interior of the omega-shaped web 3 and can therefore be controlled from the outside through the groove-like opening 4.

Claims (16)

1. A cantilever track rail for overhead monorail railways, comprising a parallel pair of one upper (1) and one lower (2) hollow profile members, the two hollow profile members (1, 2) being interconnected by a web (3) formed as an integral part thereof and defining an area in which laterally arranged mounting elements (27) for the rails are provided and electrically insulated power supply rails (15) may be arranged, characterized in that the web (3) exhibits a substantially omega- shaped cross-section forming a groove-like opening (4) extending over the full length of the track rail.

2. A track rail in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that it is formed by cold-rolled section.

3. A track rail in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that edge portions (7) formed as integral parts of the closed hollow profile members (1, 2) are positioned and tensioned between neighbouring parallel portions (5, 6) of the web (3) which are folded over so as to form sort of a U.

4. A track rail in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the edge portions (7) of the hollow profile members (1, 2) are supported in a direction vertical to their longitudinal extension by the said portions (5,6) folded in the form of a U.

5. A track rail in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the web (3) is set off laterally from the lateral wall (10) of the hollow profile members (1, 2).

6. A track rail in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the web (3) has fastened to its face opposite the groove-like opening (4), by means of clamps (22) engaging the web (3), the shaped body carrying the power-supply rails (15).

7. A track rail in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that clamping shoes (27) adapted for being clamped against the mounting members of the suspension means are arranged with the area of the web (3) and bear laterally against the portions (5) defining the groove-like opening (4).

8. A track rail in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the clamping shoes (27) are designed to permit their introduction into the groove-like opening (4).

9. A track rail in accordance with claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the clamping shoes (27) can be displaced in the longitudinal direction in the web (3) when the clamping connection with the mounting members (26) is released.

10. A track rail in accordance with any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the web (3) has at least one edge portion of its groove-like opening (4) resting against the mounting members (26) projecting into the said opening.

11. A track rail in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that the clamping shoes (27) are clamped with the mounting members (26) by connection members (28) which are subjected only to tensile stress.

12. A track rail in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that there are seated in the web (3) operating or stop means (34) for a running gear arranged to move along the track rail and that the said operating or stop means project outwardly from or can be controlled via the opening (4).

13. A track rail in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the operating means (34) are fixed in position by releasable clamping members (35) clamped against portions (5, 11) of the web.

14. A track rail in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that its groove-like opening (5) is delimited towards the outside by flat portions (10) extending on both sides thereof in a common plane.

15. A track rail in accordance with any of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that there is provided in the area of each rail joint a connection element spanning the joint (32) which may take the form of a mounting member (26) and which is clamped with the two abutting track rail portions by means of clamping shoes (27).

16. A track rail in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that connecting pins (33) for bridging the associated joint are fitted into the hollow profile members (1, 2).

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