DE19713595C1 - Membrane fitted with movement drive mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The membrane element has outer support edges (10) between which the fibre pattern is secured. The fibres (6) are arranged in a herringbone pattern at about 45 degrees and with the apex of the pattern have an overlapping strip for reinforcing. The fibre reinforcing patterns enclose pneumatic spaces which are inflated to stiffen the membrane. The outer surface of the membrane element has a textured pattern for grip etc. Several membrane elements are fitted to the drive system, or to the surface eg. of de-icing panels.

Description

The invention relates to a membrane rubber-elastic material and tensile reinforcement threads, the between two, preferably parallel longitudinal edges is arranged, and thus equipped Movement mechanisms, preferably for use in a walking machine or a step conveyor.

Membranes made from a reinforcement rubber-elastic material, firmly clamped along a closed edge curve, are known, for. B. as valve or pump membrane. Most of these stand out Membranes in that the mostly lattice-like reinforcing textile inserts serve to stretch and / or distortion of the membrane in its flat Prevent training and, if necessary, walking, To allow punching or rolling.

A membrane, the reinforcement of which is in the form of a cylindrical diamond-shaped grid when folding the Membrane from one stable position to another stable situation is changed so that the Aspect ratio of the diamond diagonals essentially reversed, is described in EP 0 728 968 A1. This Membrane element is at a curved starting position  bound and only allows the membrane to move (concave) inside in the sense of a reversal of curvature.

Appropriate mechanical elements make a lifting movement a corresponding feed movement, e.g. b. through an almost flat articulated rocker, overlaid. It supports itself the one pivot point of the articulated arm on the Ground and the other point of articulation describes the driven erection almost a quarter-circle arc. At the highest point of this movement can be the same, but oppositely arranged device powerless to Vertical load takeover and relieve the former and be returned. When lowering the load is now arcuate again Moving down and horizontally in the same direction like lifting. For this are very complex constructions known.

Inflatable tubular elements are known from the field of belt conveyors, which are surrounded by inclined rings arranged in parallel. When the tubular elements are inflated, the previously inclined parallel rings straighten up, as a result of which a pivoting movement is generated (see DE-OS 24 52 648, FIGS. 1a-c).

The pivotal movement of the parallel rings becomes conveying used by individual loads.

Because the parallel rings on the tubular elements are freely movable, can falling objects between the rings and the wedge tubular elements and so the Hinder swiveling. The panning operations are also the exposed rings for the operating personnel not quite harmless. The high technical manufacturing effort and  the wear due to the large number of relative moving parts are further reasons a commercial application of such ringed stand in the way of tubular elements.

DD patent specification 77 453 describes one as a drive serving movement mechanism, which essentially consists of at least one between a load and the ground arranged, inflatable and deflatable chamber. The top and bottom of the chamber are inextensible Limbs, e.g. B. cables, articulated together. Here the joints of the stretchy limbs are distributed in such a way that these the parallel opposite sides of a Form joint parallelogram.

For deformation of the bellows - and thus for propulsion a load - additional components are required that partly inside (such as the inextensible limbs) partly outside the deformable chamber (such as between Chamber and foot springs) are arranged.

The object of the invention, which according to Claim 1 is solved, is to create a Active element for mechanisms that can be actuated by pressure medium, especially in a step conveyor that without additional mechanical components that are inexpensive producible and space-saving, and moreover simple controllable and applicable under extreme environmental conditions is.

Subclaims 2-7 contain preferred ones Embodiments of the membrane according to the invention.

The statements mentioned in subclaims 8-11 concern aggregates of pillow-shaped bellows, their essential feature in the membrane according to the invention  is seen through a pneumatic circuit for Step sequence as well as direction and step sizes controllable is.

The solutions are based on a u. a. of step conveyors known principle of action, but using a principally novel membrane element as the only one moving part. The flat membrane element consists of one, due to reinforcing flexible, little in the direction of pull elastic inserts reinforced, rubber-elastic material, firmly clamped along a closed edge curve, with a defined by means of fluidic forces Movement behavior, as well as one using this Membrane element producible movement mechanism.

The rubber-elastic membrane is between two preferably parallel longitudinal edges, which are on both  Close ends in a single contour, arranged and with a reinforcing insert made of V-shaped parallel, thread-like, flexible reinforcement elements less Provide elasticity. With more uniform on one side fluidic pressurization of the membrane forces the thread-like, flexible reinforcement elements elastic material has a deformation behavior. The former warp from their original V- shaped arrangement while maintaining the Equilibrium state and go to an approximately even curved and stretched end position over, being externally an arcuate lifting and feeding movement execute and within the membrane one of the Counteracting distortion and stretching of the rubber-elastic material.

Regarding the different movement mechanisms, the task also solved in that for Walking machines or step conveyors under simultaneous Utilization of the maximum lifting and feed movement of the Membrane apex and aggregation of several Membrane elements arranged in the same and opposite directions step-like drive movements are generated.

For some applications there is a kinematic reversal advantageous (membranes above instead of below).

If the membranes are provided both below and above is an independent creep under a load and crawling out is also possible.

The active element (membrane motor) according to the invention provides a economically justifiable realization of a horizontal Container handling on the platform ("change" the container). It is a simple heavy load transport on a relatively uneven or unclean surface  Overcoming gaps and steps possible. Furthermore represents the membrane element according to the invention a simple Solution for the implementation of conveyor systems and tracks, e.g. B. in Opencast mining using compressed air or pressurized water, the Function of the load modules even when heavily soiled remains guaranteed.

Also is an inexpensive equipment of loading areas with pneumatic step conveyors for easy loading and unloading Unloading and moving heavy loads without lifting equipment possible. Finally, there is an easy way for moving self-loading "piggyback" pallets.

For a side airbag, the membrane can be used as a side pillow-shaped bellows (inactive: very flat, directly on side impact beams; active: very quickly in defined position).

In this case, on the one hand, in the membrane according to the invention flat, preferably flat starting position as space-saving inactive rest position used, on the other hand can the active, elastic cushioning (inflated) end position very much can be reached quickly since the entire area is within the edge contour can be used for the propellant gas supply and after the short active phase of the membrane element automatically returns to its starting position when LPG is discharged goes back. This is both a reuse of the Airbags as well as a repeated functional test possible.

For the use of the membrane according to the invention as Area de-icer (e.g. for aircraft or ship components) is done by the simple fluidic pressurization the one on a level at risk of icing or steady convex curved surface of the inside of a rigid closed contour spanned membrane element (from  inside) with only insignificant, always stable shape change the surface (without affecting the other Functions) a distortion and bending of the membrane surface, what to blow off the possibly adhering ice leads.

In the following, the membrane according to the invention equipped movement mechanisms and how they work explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It shows:

Fig. 1, the inventive membrane ( "track membrane") together with active principle in three positions in the same (dimetric) view;

Fig. 2 working phases of the crawler membrane of powered module;

Fig. 3 clock sequence of a complete step with four modules in the longitudinal direction;

Fig. 4 is an aggregation of eight with membranes according to the invention equipped bellows forming a walking mechanism;

Fig. 5 shows a special embodiment of a membrane element ("caterpillar membrane").

A flat membrane made of rubber-elastic material 4 is shown in FIG. 1 by means of reinforcing threads 6 arranged in a V-shape with little surface coverage at an angle 8 of z. B. 45 ° to the two clamped longitudinal edges 10 reinforced on both sides. In another embodiment according to FIG. 2, unidirectional thread layers are placed in a V-shape one above the other. The non-positive connection of the reinforcements on both sides takes place by a sufficient overlap 12 along the central longitudinal axis 14 over the rubber covering the threads 6 .

The edge of the membrane is attached pressure-tight and tensile under a rigid plate 16 .

When the membrane is pressurized with fluid on one side from above, a combined lifting and advancing movement of the membrane takes place (membrane element in starting position 1 , in intermediate position 2 , in theoretical end position 3 ).

In development tests carried out, it was found that the overlap 12 absorbs the stretch well and acts as an additional resetting tension band when lowering, ie as an additional propulsion device during the lowering stroke.

An advantageous embodiment of the longitudinal edge clamp is also a bead 18 with a wire core analogous to the bead of a car tire or rubber-metal connection.

The membrane surface can have a profile 22 ( FIG. 5).

The model shown in FIG. 2 shows the geometry of a single membrane for four successive phases of a stroke cycle. A membrane together with a rigid plate 16 and a fluid connection constitute a membrane module (walking module) 20. By coupling at least four walking modules 20 and an associated fluid control, a walking mechanism for one direction with forward and return flow according to FIG. 3 is obtained, which also includes the individual phases of a complete step shows. By selecting the arrangement of the pneumatic connections and lines, the module arrangement can be varied lengthways and crossways, whereby only two compressed air supplies are required (fluid inlet, section A, 30 ; fluid inlet, section B, 31 ; fluid outlet, section A (fast) 32 ; Fluid drain section B (slow) 33 ; fluid drain section B (fast) 34 ; lifting movement with feed 35 ; lowering movement with feed 36 ).

In order to implement rotations and changes in direction, the walking modules for the advance of containers are to be combined into groups and controlled in such a way that opposite walking devices of modules 20 sufficiently distant from one another are possible. Slippage movements to be feared on the ground are absorbed or greatly reduced by elastic deformation of the membrane cushion.

To protect the membrane inner fabric against damage from foreign bodies, heels or platform gaps, the central covering 12 of the membranes can be provided with reinforcements, which on the one hand promotes the restoring and propulsive force when lowering and on the other hand offers the possibility of profiling this reinforcement analogously to improving the grip Vehicle tires.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment which consists of a total of four rigidly coupled double membrane modules 24 a, 24 b, 26 a, 26 b. The double membrane modules are arranged in pairs in the longitudinal and transverse directions. With a pneumatic system, not shown, the step sequence is realized on the one hand and the step size and the walking direction selected on the other hand.

The two longitudinally arranged double membrane modules 24 a, 24 b, work exclusively in the same direction, that is, they serve the movement "forward" and "back" in the longitudinal direction. The two modules 26 a, 26 b, which are arranged transversely at a greater distance from one another, result in a rotational movement “forwards” and “backwards” around the center of the complete device when working in the same direction.

For a transverse movement in the same direction, the two modules (I) are first filled and a lifting and feed movement is effected with increasing pressure. When the adjustable upper switching pressure p _o is reached, a switching pulse on the cycle stage control known in its mode of operation switches over to a second cycle, the modules (I) remaining blocked and the modules (II) being filled until partial load transfer. When the upper switching pressure p _{o is reached again} , now in the modules ( 2 ), the switchover to a third cycle takes place, ie rapid release of air from the modules (I) and adjustable throttled release of air from the now load-bearing modules (II) . When the adjustable lower switching pressure p _u for the modules (I) is reached, the switchover to a fourth cycle takes place, which consists only in that a valve now queries the pressure of the modules (II). When the lower switching pressure p _{u is} reached again later by throttling, now in the modules (II), the switchover to the first cycle follows, ie the cycle sequence begins again.

This sequence can be triggered by actuating another valve interrupted or in their sequence for the modules (I) and (II) and thus the direction of movement can be reversed.

There can be a switch between longitudinal and transverse modules take place and the reversal of the connections A and B one of the Cross modules are carried out, whereby an equal or opposite direction of movement of both transverse modules and so that there is either a shift or rotation. Of the a larger distance between the transverse modules results in a smaller one Slip in the contact surface with the ground when rotating.  

Changing p _o and p _u results in a simple increment setting: By reducing p _{o there} is a reduction in the maximum lifting height. B. suitable for "infiltrating" a load to be moved with only a small free height. However, a large reduction in the step size must be accepted. Increasing p _u results in a reduction in the lowering height without a significant reduction in the step size, and thus means a significant reduction in the stroke movement which is inefficient for the actually desired horizontal movement.

Reference list

1

Membrane element in the starting position

2nd

Membrane element in the intermediate position

3rd

Membrane element in theoretical end position

4th

rubber-elastic material

6

Reinforcement threads

8th

Angle between the direction of the reinforcing threads and the longitudinal edge

10th

Longitudinal edge

12th

Coverage (due to manufacturing)

14

Central longitudinal axis

16

rigid plate

18th

bead

20th

Membrane module

22

Profiling

24th

a, b Double membrane module (A, B), lengthways

26

a, b Double membrane module (A, B), across

30th

Fluid inlet, section A

31

Fluid inlet, section B

32

Fluid drain, section A (fast)

33

Fluid drain, section B (slow)

34

Fluid drain, section B (fast)

35

Stroke with feed

36

Lowering movement with feed

Claims (13)

1. membrane of rubber-elastic material ( 4 ) and tensile reinforcing threads ( 6 ), which is arranged between two, preferably parallel longitudinal edges ( 10 ), characterized in that the reinforcing threads ( 6 ) between the clamped longitudinal edges ( 10 ) of the membrane in herringbone ( V-shaped) arrangement are incorporated. 2. Membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing threads ( 6 ) - based on the central longitudinal axis ( 14 ) of the membrane - are arranged at an angle ( 8 ) of 45 °. 3. Membrane according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a central covering ( 12 ) of the V-shaped reinforcing threads ( 6 ). 4. Membrane according to claim 3, characterized in that the central longitudinal axis ( 14 ) of the membrane overlapping strips (cover, 12 ) is reinforced. 5. Membrane according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that it is elongated and has a tip on its narrow side, the respective angle between the outside and the longitudinal axis ( 14 ) less than / equal to the angles ( 8 ) between each parallel reinforcing threads ( 6 ) and the longitudinal axis ( 14 ) of the membrane. 6. Membrane according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that its surface has a profile ( 22 ). 7. Membrane according to one of claims 1-6, characterized, that they have at least one of the two surfaces of a pillow-shaped inflatable bellows forms. 8. aggregation of bellows according to claim 7, characterized, that four each crosswise and antiparallel to each other arranged bellows form a walking device. 9. aggregation according to claim 7, marked by Walking devices arranged at right angles to one another. 10. aggregation according to claim 8 or 9, characterized, that the bellows are cyclically compressed with pneumatic are acted upon. 11. Aggregation according to one of claims 8-10, characterized, that the inflatability takes place in such a way that the same-minded at the same time and in regular change with the anti-parallel arranged Bellows can be pressurized with compressed air.   12. Using a pillow-shaped inflatable bladder according to claim 7 as a side airbag. 13. Use of a membrane according to any one of claims 1-6 as a wing deicer.