EP2571793A1 - System and method for stacking elongate elements - Google Patents

System and method for stacking elongate elements

Info

Publication number
EP2571793A1
EP2571793A1 EP11783799A EP11783799A EP2571793A1 EP 2571793 A1 EP2571793 A1 EP 2571793A1 EP 11783799 A EP11783799 A EP 11783799A EP 11783799 A EP11783799 A EP 11783799A EP 2571793 A1 EP2571793 A1 EP 2571793A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stacking
frame
elongate elements
receiving frame
raisable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11783799A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Anders Erik Aker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2571793A1 publication Critical patent/EP2571793A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/0442—Storage devices mechanical for elongated articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G57/00—Stacking of articles
    • B65G57/02—Stacking of articles by adding to the top of the stack
    • B65G57/16—Stacking of articles of particular shape
    • B65G57/18—Stacking of articles of particular shape elongated, e.g. sticks, rods, bars
    • B65G57/186—Cylindrical articles, e.g. tubes, rods, etc.

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for laying or stacking elongate elements. More specifically, the present application relates to a system for laying or stacking ready manufactured elongate elements in a storage device, for example a so-called rack, so as to be able to store and/or transport the elongate elements.
  • a storage device for example a so-called rack
  • the present invention relates also to a method for laying or stacking elongate elements in a storage device.
  • Manufacturers of elongate elements for example, pipes or the like are faced with a number of problems when the ready manufactured elongate elements are laid or stacked for storage and/or transport.
  • the elongate elements because of their length and/or weight, are difficult to handle, the space available to an operator for handling the elongate elements will often be limited, and an operator may injure himself dur- ing the laying or stacking of the elongate elements or may also sustain strain injuries.
  • Another object of the present invention will be to provide a system for laying or stacking elongate elements, where the manufacture of the elongate elements takes place continuously.
  • Yet another object of the present invention will be to provide a system for laying or stacking elongate elements which takes up little space.
  • the present invention relates to a system for laying or stacking elongate elements in a storage device, which system comprises a raisable and lowerable stacking frame and a raisable and lowerable receiving frame which are arranged adjacent to one another, such that the stacking frame and the receiving frame can cooperate with each other during the laying or stacking of the elongate elements.
  • the stacking frame and the receiving frame are constituted of two separate units, such that they can be operated independently of each other.
  • the stacking frame and the receiving frame are suitably connected to their respective lifting stands, which lifting stand may be hydraulic or chain-operated.
  • the stacking frame and the receiving frame are controllable in a vertical direction (raisable and lowerable), but it will be understood that the stacking frame and /or the receiving frame may also be configured so as to be capable of be- ing controlled in a horizontal direction.
  • the receiving frame can be better positioned in relation to the stacking frame so as to improve the transfer of the elongate elements from the receiving frame to the stacking frame, or so that the stacking frame can be positioned in relation to the storage device.
  • the stacking frame and the receiving frame are arranged adjacent to a machine for the manufacture of elongate elements or a conveyor belt, from which machine or conveyor belt the elongate elements are transferred to the receiving frame. Ready manufactured elongate elements will then, with the aid of a device, be pushed over onto the receiving frame, in order thus temporarily to store the elongate elements on the receiving frame.
  • the receiving frame When the receiving frame has been filled up with a number of elongate elements, the receiving frame will transfer the number of elongate elements to the stacking frame.
  • the receiving frame is inclined in relation to the machine for manufacture of the elongate elements or the conveyor belt, i.e., that the receiving frame forms an angle with a floor plane, a long side of the receiving frame which is located furthest from the floor plane being arranged adjacent to the machine or con- veyor belt.
  • the opposite side of the receiving frame i.e., the long side that is closest to the floor plane, will then be arranged adjacent to the stacking frame. This will mean that the elongate elements can easily be transferred from the machine or conveyor belt to the receiving frame.
  • the receiving frame is at one or both of its short sides configured with a holding and positioning means for the elongate elements, such that the elongate elements, when being transferred from the machine or conveyor belt, are centred and aligned correctly so as to be transferable to the stacking frame.
  • the holding and positioning means may be constituted of an angled plate (bent at an angle of 90 degrees).
  • this frame comprises one or more stop devices.
  • the stop device or devices may be constituted of two beams or tubes that are arranged at the long side of the receiving frame that faces the stacking frame, such that the elongate elements which are transferred to the receiving frame will rest against the beams or tubes. The beams or tubes are then connected to the floor.
  • the receiving frame When the elongate elements are to be transferred from the receiving frame to the stacking frame, the receiving frame will be raised above the beams or tubes. The elongate elements can then roll from the receiving frame over into the stacking frame.
  • the stop device or devices may also be constituted of a "drop gate" which will then be connected to the holding and positioning means in the receiving frame. When the elongate elements are to be transferred to the stacking frame, the "drop gate" will in a suitable manner be released, thereby allowing the elongate elements then to roll over into the stacking frame.
  • the receiving frame will also be capable of being configured telescopically, such that it can be adjusted to the length of the elongate elements.
  • the stacking frame may similarly also be con- figured telescopically.
  • the stacking frame is in one embodiment constituted of three beams that are connected to each other so as to form a frame with an open side.
  • the beams that form the short sides of the stacking frame are at their lower end connected to a hinged or pivotal plate, which plate will function as a "drop gate" in the stacking frame.
  • the beams and the plates In a "closed” position, the beams and the plates will thus form a holding and positioning means for the elongate elements that are transferred to the stacking frame.
  • the plates with the aid of a suitable means, will be released so as to allow the elongate elements to "fall" out of the stacking frame.
  • the plates can be arranged so as to be capable of being pulled out to the sides of the stacking frame, whereby the elongate elements are allowed to "fall" out of the stacking frame.
  • the stacking frame and the receiving frame are arranged in and external a protective structure.
  • This protective structure consists of a plurality of beams which are suitably connected to form a frame.
  • the stacking frame and the receiving frame will then each be connected to a weight or counterweight via one or more chains.
  • the chain or chains for the stacking frame or the receiving frame will then run over a drive shaft that is connected to a drive device, such that the drive device is used to control the position of the stacking frame or the receiving frame.
  • the stacking frame and the receiving frame will be controllable and operable independently of each other.
  • the stacking frame and the receiving frame in this embodiment are configured in the same way as described above, and so a further description is not given here.
  • the system for laying or stacking elongate elements will further comprise a control unit for controlling and monitoring the various operations, where an operator can specify dimension, length etc. of the elongate ele- ments, which storage device is to be used (high or low) etc., so that the laying and stacking of the elongate elements is done in relation to the given parameters.
  • the system for laying or stacking elongate elements will comprise a plurality of sensors or detectors, these being arranged to be able to detect position of the stacking frame, receiving frame, layers of pipes in the storage device etc. How this is to be done will be known to those of skill in the art and is therefore not described in more detail here.
  • the stacking frame and the receiving frame are, according to the present invention, configured to be able to store one layer of the elongate elements, before the elon- gate elements must be transferred on. It will however be understood that the stacking frame and the receiving frame may also be configured so as to be able to receive several layers of the elongate elements before they must be transferred.
  • the control unit When the system for laying or stacking elongate elements according to the present invention is to be used, an operator will, with the aid of the control unit, set dimension and length of the elongate elements, number etc. of the elements that are to be laid or stacked in a storage device.
  • the control unit will then set the receiving frame at a height that allows transfer of manufactured elongate elements from a machine for manufacture of the elongate elements or a conveyor belt, after which the elon- gate elements are transferred to the receiving frame.
  • the receiving frame When the receiving frame is full, the receiving frame will be set at a height that allows transfer of the elongate elements from the receiving frame to the stacking frame.
  • the stacking frame containing a number of elongate elements will be lowered towards the storage device, after which the elongate elements are transferred from the stacking frame to the storage device. This process is repeated until the storage device is full, after which the storage device is driven away and a new storage device is arranged between the stacking frame and the receiving frame.
  • Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system for laying or stacking elongate elements according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a stacking frame according to the system shown in Fig. 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows the driving away of a storage device that has been stacked full of elongate elements
  • Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a system for laying or stacking elongate elements according to the present invention.
  • Figure 5 shows the embodiment in Figure 4 from another side.
  • Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 according to the present invention, where the elongate elements in this case are pipes.
  • the elongate elements 5 will hereafter be referred to as pipes.
  • the system 1 for laying or stacking pipes 5 comprises a stacking frame 2 and a receiving frame 3.
  • a storage device 4 for the pipes 5 and a machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 are also shown in Figure 1 , but these are not regarded as constituting a part of the system 1 for laying or stacking the pipes 5.
  • a strip 7, which is used to manufacture the pipes 5, is inserted into the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5, where the strip 7 is spun into a partly finished pipe 51.
  • the receiving frame 3, which is suitably connected to a hydraulic or chain- driven lifting stand 8, is then placed in relation to the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 such that the pipes 5, by means of a device (not shown), can easily be pushed over onto the receiving frame 3.
  • the lifting stand 8 will then be used to raise or lower the lifting frame 3 in relation to the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 and the stacking frame 2.
  • the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 will, after a pipe 5 has been ready spun, cut the pipe 5 to the correct length.
  • the receiving frame 3 is at one or both of its short sides configured with holding and positioning means 9 for the pipes 5, such that the pipes 5, when moved from the machine for manufacture of the pipes 5 to the receiving frame 3, are centred and aligned correctly so as to be transferable to the stacking frame 2.
  • the holding and positioning means 9 can in its simplest form be an angled plate (bent at an angle of 90 degrees).
  • the receiving frame 3 is inclined (i.e., the receiving frame 3 forms an angle with a floor plane G) in relation to the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5, so that a long side of the receiving frame 3 that is furthest from the floor plane G will be arranged adjacent to the machine 6 for manufacture of pipes 5.
  • the opposite long side of the receiving frame 3, which will then be closest to the floor plane G, will be arranged adjacent to the stacking frame 2. This will mean that the ready manufactured pipes 5 from the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 will then "roll” down towards the long side of the receiving frame 3 located closest to the stacking frame 2 when the pipes 5, with the aid of a device (not shown) are pushed towards the receiving frame 3.
  • one or more stop devices 10 for the pipes 5 are provided at the long side of the receiving frame 3 located closest to the stacking frame 2.
  • the stop devices 10 are in this case constituted of two beams or tubes which are suitably connected to the floor plane G.
  • stop device 10 may also be constituted of a "drop gate” which is connected to the holding and positioning means 9, where this "drop gate” will be released when the pipes 5 are to be transferred from the receiving frame 3 to the stacking frame 2.
  • the receiving frame 3 may be extendible (tele- scopic) in its longitudinal direction, to enable the receiving frame 3 to be adjusted to different pipe lengths.
  • the lifting stand 8 When the receiving frame 3 has been filled up with a number of pipes 5, the lifting stand 8 will raise the receiving frame 3 above the stop devices 10, such that the pipes 5, because of the angle of the receiving frame 3, will roll over from the receiving frame 3 to the stacking frame 2.
  • the stacking frame 2 must then be positioned beneath the lowest long side of the receiving frame 3.
  • the stacking frame 2 will, like the receiving frame 3, be connected to a hydraulic or chain-driven lifting stand 1 1 , so that the stacking frame 2 can be raised or lowered vertically, in order thus to be placed at the correct position in relation to the receiving frame 3, the storage device 4 etc.
  • the stacking frame 2 is constituted of three beams that are connected to one another so as to form a frame with an open side.
  • the beams that form the short sides of the stacking frame 2 are at their lower edge connected to a pivotal plate 12, which plate 12 will function as a "drop gate" in the stacking frame 2.
  • the beams and the plates 12 will form a holding and positioning means for the pipes 5 in the stacking frame 2.
  • the pivotal plates 12 will be actuated by means of a suitable device, so as to release the plates 12, thereby allowing the pipes to "fall" out of the stacking frame 2.
  • the stacking frame 2 may be extendible (telescopic) in its longitudinal direction, so as to enable the stacking frame 2 to be adapted to different pipe lengths.
  • the stacking frame 2 When a number of pipes 5 have been transferred from the receiving frame 3 to the stacking frame 2, so that the stacking frame 2 has been filled up, the stacking frame 2 will, with the aid of the lifting stand 1 1 , be lowered towards the storage device 4. At a given position above the storage device 4, depending on whether one or more layers of pipes 5 are already arranged in the storage device 4, the plates 12 will be released so that they are turned at least 90 degrees, thereby allowing the pipes 5 to be transferred from the stacking frame 2 to the storage device 4.
  • the stacking frame 2 is moreover movable in a horizontal direction from the lifting stand 1 1. This will mean that the stacking frame 2 will be positionable in relation to a layer of pipes 5 which already are arranged in the storage device 4, so that the next layer of pipes 5 that is laid in the storage device 4 is offset in relation to the previous layer of pipes 5 that is already arranged in the storage device 4. This will mean that, with the exception of the outermost pipe 5 in a layer of pipes 5, a pipe 5 will rest against two pipes 5 in the underlying layer of pipes 5. One of the outermost pipes 5 in a layer of pipes 5 will then rest against a pipe 5 in the underlying layer of pipes and a wall of the storage device.
  • the storage device 4 can in its simplest form be a so-called rack, where the rack is a U-shaped frame. The U-shaped frame will then form the bottom and side walls of the rack, between which the pipes are to be laid or stacked.
  • the storage device 4 is arranged between the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3, where the centring means 13 in the floor plane G will arrange the storage device 4 correctly in relation to the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3 when a truck T drives in an empty storage device 4.
  • the centring means 13 comprises two plates or beams spaced apart from one another, where an outermost part of one end of the beam or plate, from the side on which the storage device 4 will be driven in and out, is bent outwards, so that the storage device 4 will be aligned and inserted correctly between the two plates or beams of the centring means 13.
  • transverse beam 131 which transverse beam 131 forms a stop for how far the storage device 4 can been passed into the centring means 13. This arrangement of the centring means 13 will then mean that the storage device 4 is arranged correctly in relation to both the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3.
  • the stacking frame 2 which has been filled with a number of pipes 5, is lowered with the aid of the lifting stand 1 1 towards the storage device 4 in order to transfer the pipes 5 to the storage device 4.
  • the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 will, independent of the stacking frame's 2 operation, continue to manufac- ture pipes 5, so that a number of pipes 5 will be arranged on the receiving frame 3 when the stacking frame 2 has transferred the pipes 5 to the storage device 4 and then returned to an "inoperative" position.
  • the system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 will be capable of continuous operation, thereby allowing a larger number of pipes 5 to be manufactured per unit of time.
  • a truck T is in the process of driving away a full storage device 4 in Figure 3, where an empty storage device 4 has already been driven forward and made ready for the next transfer of a number of pipes 5 from the stacking frame 2.
  • a driver of the truck T after the full storage device 4 has been driven away and stored at a de- sired location, will drive the empty storage device 4 in between the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3, where the centring means 13 will position the storage device 4 correctly.
  • the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 will have made a number of pipes 5 and transferred these pipes 5 to the receiving frame 3, so that they can immediately be transferred to or already have been transferred to the stacking frame 2. This results in a continuous manufacture and laying or stacking of pipes 5, each of the units in the system 1 for laying or stacking pipes 5 being operated independently of the other units.
  • FIG. 4 Another embodiment of the system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 is shown in Figures 4 and 5, where the machine 6 for manufacture of the elongate elements 5 has not been included for the sake of simplicity.
  • a protective structure 14, consisting of a plurality of beams 15 which are suitably connected to form a frame is secured to the floor plane G.
  • the stacking frame 2 is arranged internally in the protective structure 14, and will via guide means (not shown) in the beams be rais- able and lowerable in a vertical direction.
  • the stacking frame 2 is further connected to two chains 16, arranged at respective ends of the stacking frame 2, where the chains 16 are connected to a drive device 22, for example, an electric motor, so that the raising and lowering of the stacking frame 2 is handled and controlled by the chains 16 and the drive device 22.
  • a drive device 22 for example, an electric motor
  • One of the ends of the two chains 16 will be connected to a weight or counterweight 18 at each end of the weight or the counterweight 18, whilst the other end of the chains 16 is connected to the stacking frame 2.
  • the chains 16 will run vertically up from the weight or the counterweight 18, over their respective sprocket (not shown) which is mounted on a common drive shaft 20 for the chains 16, and then down to the stacking frame 2.
  • the drive shaft 20 is further connected to a drive device 22, which can be driven both clockwise and counter-clockwise. When the drive device 22 pulls the weight or counterweight 18 up, the stacking frame 2 will move downwards. The weight or counterweight 18 will then "stabilise" the movement of the stacking frame 2.
  • the receiving frame 3 is arranged lying outside the protective structure 14. Like the stacking frame 2, the receiving frame 3 is also connected to two chains 17, where the chains 17 will be independent of the operation of the chains 16.
  • stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3 in this embodiment are designed in the same way as described above, and this design will therefore not be described in more detail here.
  • One of the ends of the two chains 17 is connected to a weight or counterweight 28, at each end of the weight or counterweight 28, whilst the other end of the chains 17 will be connected to the receiving frame 3.
  • the chains 17 will run vertically up from the weight or counterweight 28, over their respective sprocket (not shown) which is mounted on a common drive shaft 19 for the chains 17, on over their re- spective sprocket (not shown) which is mounted on a shaft 21 and then down to the receiving frame 3.
  • the drive shaft 19 is further connected to a drive device 23, which can be driven both clockwise and counter-clockwise.
  • the shaft 21 is freely supported at both ends.
  • the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3 are preferably configured to be able to receive just one layer of pipes 5, this one layer of pipes 5 being transferred from the receiving frame 3 to the stacking frame 2 when the receiving frame 3 is full, or from the stacking frame 2 to the storage device 4 when the stacking frame 2 is full. It should however be understood that the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3 can be configured so as to be capable of receiving several layers of pipes 5.
  • the system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 will further comprise a unit (not shown) for controlling and monitoring the various operations, where an operator can specify dimension, length etc. of the elongate elements 5, which storage device 4 should be used (high or low) etc., so that the laying or stacking of the elongate elements 5 is carried out in relation to given parameters.
  • the system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 will comprise a number of sensors, which sensors are arranged to be able to detect position of the stacking frame 2, the receiving frame 3, layers of pipes 5 in the storage device 4 etc. How this is done will be known to those of skill in the art and will not be described in more detail here.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Stacking Of Articles And Auxiliary Devices (AREA)
  • Storage Of Web-Like Or Filamentary Materials (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for laying or stacking elongate elements (5), which system (1) comprises a raisable and lowerable stacking frame (2) and an inclined raisable and lowerable receiving frame (3) arranged adjacent to each other, so as to cooperate with each other during laying or stacking of the elongate elements (5), where the stacking frame (2) and the receiving frame (3) are constituted of separate units that can be operated independently of one another. The present application also relates to a method for laying or stacking elongate elements (5) in a storage device (4).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STACKING ELONGATE ELEMENTS
The present invention relates to a system for laying or stacking elongate elements. More specifically, the present application relates to a system for laying or stacking ready manufactured elongate elements in a storage device, for example a so-called rack, so as to be able to store and/or transport the elongate elements.
The present invention relates also to a method for laying or stacking elongate elements in a storage device. Manufacturers of elongate elements, for example, pipes or the like are faced with a number of problems when the ready manufactured elongate elements are laid or stacked for storage and/or transport. The elongate elements, because of their length and/or weight, are difficult to handle, the space available to an operator for handling the elongate elements will often be limited, and an operator may injure himself dur- ing the laying or stacking of the elongate elements or may also sustain strain injuries.
If the laying or stacking of the elongate elements takes place partly automatically or also wholly automatically, the danger of the operator being injured or sustaining strain injuries is reduced, but at the same time this will mean that greater space will have to be provided for handling the elongate elements, in view of the fact that such a system will require a handling device for the elongate elements, which handling device will have to be moved between the various units or "stations" in the system so as to be able to transfer the elongate elements to a storage device. These systems will however be of such a kind that the different units or "stations" will not be capable of being operated independently of one another, which will not give continuous manufacture of the elongate elements.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for laying or stacking elongate elements which, as far as possible, reduces the disadvantages of the prior art.
Another object of the present invention will be to provide a system for laying or stacking elongate elements, where the manufacture of the elongate elements takes place continuously.
Yet another object of the present invention will be to provide a system for laying or stacking elongate elements which takes up little space.
These objects are achieved by means of an apparatus and a method in accordance with the following independent claims. The present invention relates to a system for laying or stacking elongate elements in a storage device, which system comprises a raisable and lowerable stacking frame and a raisable and lowerable receiving frame which are arranged adjacent to one another, such that the stacking frame and the receiving frame can cooperate with each other during the laying or stacking of the elongate elements. The stacking frame and the receiving frame are constituted of two separate units, such that they can be operated independently of each other. The stacking frame and the receiving frame are suitably connected to their respective lifting stands, which lifting stand may be hydraulic or chain-operated. This will mean that the stacking frame and the receiving frame are controllable in a vertical direction (raisable and lowerable), but it will be understood that the stacking frame and /or the receiving frame may also be configured so as to be capable of be- ing controlled in a horizontal direction. This will mean, for example, that the receiving frame can be better positioned in relation to the stacking frame so as to improve the transfer of the elongate elements from the receiving frame to the stacking frame, or so that the stacking frame can be positioned in relation to the storage device.
In an embodiment of the system for laying or stacking elongate elements according to the present invention, the stacking frame and the receiving frame are arranged adjacent to a machine for the manufacture of elongate elements or a conveyor belt, from which machine or conveyor belt the elongate elements are transferred to the receiving frame. Ready manufactured elongate elements will then, with the aid of a device, be pushed over onto the receiving frame, in order thus temporarily to store the elongate elements on the receiving frame. When the receiving frame has been filled up with a number of elongate elements, the receiving frame will transfer the number of elongate elements to the stacking frame.
To accomplish this, the receiving frame is inclined in relation to the machine for manufacture of the elongate elements or the conveyor belt, i.e., that the receiving frame forms an angle with a floor plane, a long side of the receiving frame which is located furthest from the floor plane being arranged adjacent to the machine or con- veyor belt. The opposite side of the receiving frame, i.e., the long side that is closest to the floor plane, will then be arranged adjacent to the stacking frame. This will mean that the elongate elements can easily be transferred from the machine or conveyor belt to the receiving frame. The receiving frame is at one or both of its short sides configured with a holding and positioning means for the elongate elements, such that the elongate elements, when being transferred from the machine or conveyor belt, are centred and aligned correctly so as to be transferable to the stacking frame. In its simplest form, the holding and positioning means may be constituted of an angled plate (bent at an angle of 90 degrees). To prevent the elongate elements from rolling out of the receiving frame, this frame comprises one or more stop devices. The stop device or devices may be constituted of two beams or tubes that are arranged at the long side of the receiving frame that faces the stacking frame, such that the elongate elements which are transferred to the receiving frame will rest against the beams or tubes. The beams or tubes are then connected to the floor. When the elongate elements are to be transferred from the receiving frame to the stacking frame, the receiving frame will be raised above the beams or tubes. The elongate elements can then roll from the receiving frame over into the stacking frame. The stop device or devices may also be constituted of a "drop gate" which will then be connected to the holding and positioning means in the receiving frame. When the elongate elements are to be transferred to the stacking frame, the "drop gate" will in a suitable manner be released, thereby allowing the elongate elements then to roll over into the stacking frame.
As the system for laying or stacking elongate elements according to the present invention is to be able to handle elements of different length, the receiving frame will also be capable of being configured telescopically, such that it can be adjusted to the length of the elongate elements. The stacking frame may similarly also be con- figured telescopically.
The stacking frame is in one embodiment constituted of three beams that are connected to each other so as to form a frame with an open side. The beams that form the short sides of the stacking frame are at their lower end connected to a hinged or pivotal plate, which plate will function as a "drop gate" in the stacking frame. In a "closed" position, the beams and the plates will thus form a holding and positioning means for the elongate elements that are transferred to the stacking frame. When the elongate elements are to be transferred from the stacking frame to the storage device, the plates, with the aid of a suitable means, will be released so as to allow the elongate elements to "fall" out of the stacking frame.
It is also conceivable that the plates can be arranged so as to be capable of being pulled out to the sides of the stacking frame, whereby the elongate elements are allowed to "fall" out of the stacking frame.
In another embodiment of the system for laying or stacking elongate elements, the stacking frame and the receiving frame are arranged in and external a protective structure. This protective structure consists of a plurality of beams which are suitably connected to form a frame. The stacking frame and the receiving frame will then each be connected to a weight or counterweight via one or more chains. The chain or chains for the stacking frame or the receiving frame will then run over a drive shaft that is connected to a drive device, such that the drive device is used to control the position of the stacking frame or the receiving frame. With the aid of this arrangement, the stacking frame and the receiving frame will be controllable and operable independently of each other. The stacking frame and the receiving frame in this embodiment are configured in the same way as described above, and so a further description is not given here.
The system for laying or stacking elongate elements according to the present invention will further comprise a control unit for controlling and monitoring the various operations, where an operator can specify dimension, length etc. of the elongate ele- ments, which storage device is to be used (high or low) etc., so that the laying and stacking of the elongate elements is done in relation to the given parameters. Furthermore, the system for laying or stacking elongate elements will comprise a plurality of sensors or detectors, these being arranged to be able to detect position of the stacking frame, receiving frame, layers of pipes in the storage device etc. How this is to be done will be known to those of skill in the art and is therefore not described in more detail here.
The stacking frame and the receiving frame are, according to the present invention, configured to be able to store one layer of the elongate elements, before the elon- gate elements must be transferred on. It will however be understood that the stacking frame and the receiving frame may also be configured so as to be able to receive several layers of the elongate elements before they must be transferred.
When the system for laying or stacking elongate elements according to the present invention is to be used, an operator will, with the aid of the control unit, set dimension and length of the elongate elements, number etc. of the elements that are to be laid or stacked in a storage device. The control unit will then set the receiving frame at a height that allows transfer of manufactured elongate elements from a machine for manufacture of the elongate elements or a conveyor belt, after which the elon- gate elements are transferred to the receiving frame. When the receiving frame is full, the receiving frame will be set at a height that allows transfer of the elongate elements from the receiving frame to the stacking frame. After the elongate elements have been transferred to the stacking frame, the stacking frame containing a number of elongate elements will be lowered towards the storage device, after which the elongate elements are transferred from the stacking frame to the storage device. This process is repeated until the storage device is full, after which the storage device is driven away and a new storage device is arranged between the stacking frame and the receiving frame.
A number of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention are de- scribed below with reference to the attached figures, wherein:
Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system for laying or stacking elongate elements according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a stacking frame according to the system shown in Fig. 1 ;
Figure 3 shows the driving away of a storage device that has been stacked full of elongate elements; Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a system for laying or stacking elongate elements according to the present invention; and
Figure 5 shows the embodiment in Figure 4 from another side. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 according to the present invention, where the elongate elements in this case are pipes. The elongate elements 5 will hereafter be referred to as pipes. From Figure 1 it can be seen that the system 1 for laying or stacking pipes 5 comprises a stacking frame 2 and a receiving frame 3. For the sake of completeness and the de- scription, a storage device 4 for the pipes 5 and a machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 are also shown in Figure 1 , but these are not regarded as constituting a part of the system 1 for laying or stacking the pipes 5.
A strip 7, which is used to manufacture the pipes 5, is inserted into the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5, where the strip 7 is spun into a partly finished pipe 51. The receiving frame 3, which is suitably connected to a hydraulic or chain- driven lifting stand 8, is then placed in relation to the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 such that the pipes 5, by means of a device (not shown), can easily be pushed over onto the receiving frame 3. The lifting stand 8 will then be used to raise or lower the lifting frame 3 in relation to the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 and the stacking frame 2.
The machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 will, after a pipe 5 has been ready spun, cut the pipe 5 to the correct length.
The receiving frame 3 is at one or both of its short sides configured with holding and positioning means 9 for the pipes 5, such that the pipes 5, when moved from the machine for manufacture of the pipes 5 to the receiving frame 3, are centred and aligned correctly so as to be transferable to the stacking frame 2. The holding and positioning means 9 can in its simplest form be an angled plate (bent at an angle of 90 degrees). Furthermore, the receiving frame 3 is inclined (i.e., the receiving frame 3 forms an angle with a floor plane G) in relation to the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5, so that a long side of the receiving frame 3 that is furthest from the floor plane G will be arranged adjacent to the machine 6 for manufacture of pipes 5. The opposite long side of the receiving frame 3, which will then be closest to the floor plane G, will be arranged adjacent to the stacking frame 2. This will mean that the ready manufactured pipes 5 from the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 will then "roll" down towards the long side of the receiving frame 3 located closest to the stacking frame 2 when the pipes 5, with the aid of a device (not shown) are pushed towards the receiving frame 3. To prevent the pipes 5 from "rolling" out of the receiving frame, one or more stop devices 10 for the pipes 5 are provided at the long side of the receiving frame 3 located closest to the stacking frame 2. The stop devices 10 are in this case constituted of two beams or tubes which are suitably connected to the floor plane G. This will mean that a pipe 5 which is ready manufactured will then, when being transferred from the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5, roll down the receiving frame 3 until it abuts against the stop devices 10. The subsequent pipe 5 will then in a similar manner roll down the receiving frame until it stops against a pipe 5 that is already in the receiving frame 3.
It should be understood that the stop device 10 may also be constituted of a "drop gate" which is connected to the holding and positioning means 9, where this "drop gate" will be released when the pipes 5 are to be transferred from the receiving frame 3 to the stacking frame 2.
It should also be understood that the receiving frame 3 may be extendible (tele- scopic) in its longitudinal direction, to enable the receiving frame 3 to be adjusted to different pipe lengths.
When the receiving frame 3 has been filled up with a number of pipes 5, the lifting stand 8 will raise the receiving frame 3 above the stop devices 10, such that the pipes 5, because of the angle of the receiving frame 3, will roll over from the receiving frame 3 to the stacking frame 2. The stacking frame 2 must then be positioned beneath the lowest long side of the receiving frame 3.
When the receiving frame 3 has been emptied of pipes 5, the lifting stand 8 will again lower the receiving frame 3 to a position at the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 so as to allow the receiving frame 3 to be "filled" up again. The stacking frame 2 will, like the receiving frame 3, be connected to a hydraulic or chain-driven lifting stand 1 1 , so that the stacking frame 2 can be raised or lowered vertically, in order thus to be placed at the correct position in relation to the receiving frame 3, the storage device 4 etc. The stacking frame 2 is constituted of three beams that are connected to one another so as to form a frame with an open side. The beams that form the short sides of the stacking frame 2 are at their lower edge connected to a pivotal plate 12, which plate 12 will function as a "drop gate" in the stacking frame 2. In a closed position, the beams and the plates 12 will form a holding and positioning means for the pipes 5 in the stacking frame 2. When the pipes 5 are to be transferred from the stacking frame 2 to the storage device 4, where the storage device 4 is in the form of a rack, the pivotal plates 12 will be actuated by means of a suitable device, so as to release the plates 12, thereby allowing the pipes to "fall" out of the stacking frame 2. Furthermore, it should be understood that the stacking frame 2 may be extendible (telescopic) in its longitudinal direction, so as to enable the stacking frame 2 to be adapted to different pipe lengths.
When a number of pipes 5 have been transferred from the receiving frame 3 to the stacking frame 2, so that the stacking frame 2 has been filled up, the stacking frame 2 will, with the aid of the lifting stand 1 1 , be lowered towards the storage device 4. At a given position above the storage device 4, depending on whether one or more layers of pipes 5 are already arranged in the storage device 4, the plates 12 will be released so that they are turned at least 90 degrees, thereby allowing the pipes 5 to be transferred from the stacking frame 2 to the storage device 4.
To obtain a maximally compact laying or stacking of the pipes 5 in the storage device 4, the stacking frame 2 is moreover movable in a horizontal direction from the lifting stand 1 1. This will mean that the stacking frame 2 will be positionable in relation to a layer of pipes 5 which already are arranged in the storage device 4, so that the next layer of pipes 5 that is laid in the storage device 4 is offset in relation to the previous layer of pipes 5 that is already arranged in the storage device 4. This will mean that, with the exception of the outermost pipe 5 in a layer of pipes 5, a pipe 5 will rest against two pipes 5 in the underlying layer of pipes 5. One of the outermost pipes 5 in a layer of pipes 5 will then rest against a pipe 5 in the underlying layer of pipes and a wall of the storage device. See also Figure 4 where two layers of pipes 5 are arranged in the storage device 4, and where it can be seen that the top layer of pipes 5 is offset sideways in relation to the bottom layer of pipes 5. When the stacking frame 2 has transferred the pipes 5 to the storage device 4, the lifting stand 1 1 will raise the stacking frame 2 to a position in which the stacking frame 2 is not in the way. The storage device 4 can in its simplest form be a so-called rack, where the rack is a U-shaped frame. The U-shaped frame will then form the bottom and side walls of the rack, between which the pipes are to be laid or stacked. The storage device 4 is arranged between the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3, where the centring means 13 in the floor plane G will arrange the storage device 4 correctly in relation to the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3 when a truck T drives in an empty storage device 4. The centring means 13 comprises two plates or beams spaced apart from one another, where an outermost part of one end of the beam or plate, from the side on which the storage device 4 will be driven in and out, is bent outwards, so that the storage device 4 will be aligned and inserted correctly between the two plates or beams of the centring means 13. Between the two beams or plates, along the length thereof, there is also provided a transverse beam 131 , which transverse beam 131 forms a stop for how far the storage device 4 can been passed into the centring means 13. This arrangement of the centring means 13 will then mean that the storage device 4 is arranged correctly in relation to both the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3.
In Figure 2, the stacking frame 2, which has been filled with a number of pipes 5, is lowered with the aid of the lifting stand 1 1 towards the storage device 4 in order to transfer the pipes 5 to the storage device 4. The machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 will, independent of the stacking frame's 2 operation, continue to manufac- ture pipes 5, so that a number of pipes 5 will be arranged on the receiving frame 3 when the stacking frame 2 has transferred the pipes 5 to the storage device 4 and then returned to an "inoperative" position. In this way, the system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 will be capable of continuous operation, thereby allowing a larger number of pipes 5 to be manufactured per unit of time.
A truck T is in the process of driving away a full storage device 4 in Figure 3, where an empty storage device 4 has already been driven forward and made ready for the next transfer of a number of pipes 5 from the stacking frame 2. A driver of the truck T, after the full storage device 4 has been driven away and stored at a de- sired location, will drive the empty storage device 4 in between the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3, where the centring means 13 will position the storage device 4 correctly. During the process of driving away the full storage device 4 and driving in an empty storage device 4, the machine 6 for manufacture of the pipes 5 will have made a number of pipes 5 and transferred these pipes 5 to the receiving frame 3, so that they can immediately be transferred to or already have been transferred to the stacking frame 2. This results in a continuous manufacture and laying or stacking of pipes 5, each of the units in the system 1 for laying or stacking pipes 5 being operated independently of the other units.
Another embodiment of the system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 is shown in Figures 4 and 5, where the machine 6 for manufacture of the elongate elements 5 has not been included for the sake of simplicity. A protective structure 14, consisting of a plurality of beams 15 which are suitably connected to form a frame is secured to the floor plane G. The stacking frame 2 is arranged internally in the protective structure 14, and will via guide means (not shown) in the beams be rais- able and lowerable in a vertical direction.
The stacking frame 2 is further connected to two chains 16, arranged at respective ends of the stacking frame 2, where the chains 16 are connected to a drive device 22, for example, an electric motor, so that the raising and lowering of the stacking frame 2 is handled and controlled by the chains 16 and the drive device 22.
One of the ends of the two chains 16 will be connected to a weight or counterweight 18 at each end of the weight or the counterweight 18, whilst the other end of the chains 16 is connected to the stacking frame 2. The chains 16 will run vertically up from the weight or the counterweight 18, over their respective sprocket (not shown) which is mounted on a common drive shaft 20 for the chains 16, and then down to the stacking frame 2. The drive shaft 20 is further connected to a drive device 22, which can be driven both clockwise and counter-clockwise. When the drive device 22 pulls the weight or counterweight 18 up, the stacking frame 2 will move downwards. The weight or counterweight 18 will then "stabilise" the movement of the stacking frame 2.
In this embodiment of the system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5, the receiving frame 3 is arranged lying outside the protective structure 14. Like the stacking frame 2, the receiving frame 3 is also connected to two chains 17, where the chains 17 will be independent of the operation of the chains 16.
It should be understood that the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3 in this embodiment are designed in the same way as described above, and this design will therefore not be described in more detail here.
One of the ends of the two chains 17 is connected to a weight or counterweight 28, at each end of the weight or counterweight 28, whilst the other end of the chains 17 will be connected to the receiving frame 3. The chains 17 will run vertically up from the weight or counterweight 28, over their respective sprocket (not shown) which is mounted on a common drive shaft 19 for the chains 17, on over their re- spective sprocket (not shown) which is mounted on a shaft 21 and then down to the receiving frame 3. The drive shaft 19 is further connected to a drive device 23, which can be driven both clockwise and counter-clockwise. The shaft 21 is freely supported at both ends.
When the drive device 23 pulls the weight or counterweight 28 up, the receiving frame 3 will move downwards. The weight or counterweight 28 will then "stabilise" the movement of the receiving frame 3. The stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3 are preferably configured to be able to receive just one layer of pipes 5, this one layer of pipes 5 being transferred from the receiving frame 3 to the stacking frame 2 when the receiving frame 3 is full, or from the stacking frame 2 to the storage device 4 when the stacking frame 2 is full. It should however be understood that the stacking frame 2 and the receiving frame 3 can be configured so as to be capable of receiving several layers of pipes 5.
The system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 according to the present invention will further comprise a unit (not shown) for controlling and monitoring the various operations, where an operator can specify dimension, length etc. of the elongate elements 5, which storage device 4 should be used (high or low) etc., so that the laying or stacking of the elongate elements 5 is carried out in relation to given parameters. Furthermore, the system 1 for laying or stacking elongate elements 5 will comprise a number of sensors, which sensors are arranged to be able to detect position of the stacking frame 2, the receiving frame 3, layers of pipes 5 in the storage device 4 etc. How this is done will be known to those of skill in the art and will not be described in more detail here.
The invention has now been explained in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Only elements that are associated with the present invention have been described, and a person of skill in the art will understand that the invention can be altered and modified within the scope of the invention as described in the attached claims.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS
I . A system (1 ) for laying or stacking elongate elements (5), characterised in that the system (1 ) comprises an adjustable raisable and lowerable stacking frame (2) equipped with a holding and positioning means (12) and an in- clined raisable and lowerable receiving frame (3) arranged adjacent to each other, the inclined raisable and lowerable receiving frame (3) transferring the elongate elements (5) to the adjustable raisable and lowerable stacking frame (2), where the stacking frame (2) and the receiving frame (3) are separate units that can be operated independently of one another.
2. A system (1) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the stacking frame
(2) and the receiving frame (3) respectively are connected to a lifting stand (1 1 , 8).
3. A system (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the holding and positioning means (12) is constituted of two plates connected to each of the short sides of the stacking frame (2).
4. A system (1 ) according to claim 3, characterised in that the plates (12) are adapted to be able to be folded out or pulled to the side so that the elongate elements (5) can be released from the stacking frame (2).
5. A system (1) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the stacking frame (2) is arranged in a protective structure (14).
6. A system ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterised in that the receiving frame
(3) is connected external to the protective structure (14).
7. A system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the system (1) for laying or stacking the elongate elements (5) further comprises a monitoring and control unit for the various operations that are carried out, setting of dimensions and lengths of the elongate elements (5) etc.
8. A system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one detector device is arranged in the stacking frame (2).
9. A system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the receiving frame
(3) forms an angle with a floor plane G.
10. A system (1) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the system (1) for laying or stacking elongate elements (5) comprises a centring device (13).
I I . A system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the stacking frame (2) is extendible in its longitudinal direction.
12. A system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the receiving frame (3) comprises a stop device (10).
13. A method for laying or stacking elongate elements in a storage device, characterised in that the method comprises the following steps:
- setting the pipe dimension and pipe length for the elongate elements (5) that are to be manufactured;
- setting an inclined raisable and lowerable receiving frame (3) at a height that permits transfer of manufactured elongate elements (5) from a machine (6) for manufacture of the elongate elements (5);
- setting an adjustable raisable and lowerable stacking frame (2) at a height which permits transfer of a number of elongate elements (5) from the receiving frame (3);
- transferring a number of manufactured elongate elements (5) from the machine (6) for manufacture of the elongate elements (5) to the inclined raisable and lowerable receiving frame (3);
- setting the inclined raisable and lowerable receiving frame (3) at a height that permits transfer of the elongate elements (5) from the receiving frame (3) to the adjustable raisable and lowerable stacking frame (2);
- transferring a number of manufactured elongate elements (5) from the inclined raisable and lowerable receiving frame (3) to the adjustable raisable and lowerable stacking frame (2);
- lowering the adjustable raisable and lowerable stacking frame (2) containing a number of elongate elements (5) towards a storage device (4); and
- repeating the steps given above until the storage device (4) is "full".
EP11783799A 2010-05-20 2011-05-18 System and method for stacking elongate elements Withdrawn EP2571793A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20100739A NO332508B1 (en) 2010-05-20 2010-05-20 System for stacking elongated elements
PCT/NO2011/000155 WO2011145948A1 (en) 2010-05-20 2011-05-18 System and method for stacking elongate elements

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2571793A1 true EP2571793A1 (en) 2013-03-27

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11783799A Withdrawn EP2571793A1 (en) 2010-05-20 2011-05-18 System and method for stacking elongate elements

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2571793A1 (en)
NO (1) NO332508B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2011145948A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06135555A (en) * 1991-05-29 1994-05-17 Nec Home Electron Ltd Stacker for straight pipe-form work
JP2844410B2 (en) * 1993-06-30 1999-01-06 花王株式会社 Method and apparatus for storing articles in container
DE19815883A1 (en) * 1998-04-08 1999-10-14 Knapp Logistik Automation Order picking system
ITTO20011189A1 (en) * 2001-12-18 2003-06-18 Oma Srl PALLETIZER MACHINE.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2011145948A1 *

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WO2011145948A1 (en) 2011-11-24
NO332508B1 (en) 2012-10-08
NO20100739A1 (en) 2011-11-21

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