Patent Description:
At present is has been known to use lifting tables having a lifting mechanism for different lifting tasks within the food industries or the pharmaceutical manufacturing industries. Examples of such lifting tables can be found in <CIT> or <CIT>.

However, during the manufacturing process, there is a need for cleaning and/or disinfecting the equipment. By cleaning the equipment, it is possible to avoid contamination during subsequent production of another product or the same product. The product can be bulk food, goods, and pharmaceutical products to be consumed or used by human. Typically, the manufacturing equipment has to be cleaned on a daily basis, preferably at the end of the work day. A cleaning process can be achieved by using a low-pressure water-jetting unit for spooling off the leftovers in the form of raw materials followed by a chemical cleaning process using a cleaning foam, which makes it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas such as corners.

Even after the equipment has be cleaned with water possibly in combination with a standard cleaning product, there might be a need to disinfect the equipment in a subsequent step e.g. applying the chemical product onto the lifting table.

One problem associated with the tasks of cleaning and disinfecting a lifting table is that at least the cleaning process but also the disinfecting process is quite time consuming as the table top includes a lot of corners and hard-to reach areas and the cleaning fluid or the cleaning foam has a limited capability to penetrate into those corners (blind area).

The objective problem of the present invention is to provide an improvement in relation to a lifting table, where hard-to-reach area(s) have been removed.

A further object is to improve cleaning or disinfecting of a lifting table.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lifting table, where a least two side members are arranged along two adjoining sides of the table top, wherein the ends of said two side members are arranged with a distance in between each other, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

The lifting table according to the present invention has the advantage, that by arranging two adjoining side members along two adjoining sides of the table top, it is possible in combination with at least one switch element to achieve an anti-squeezing mechanism, which does not include a blind area where the material or dust can be accumulated. By arranging two side members with a distance in between each other, it is furthermore possible for the cleaning foam to penetrate into the gap created by two adjoining side members.

The anti-squeezing mechanism will consist of at least two side members being arranged along the sides of the lifting table and one switch element being connected to a lower face of the table top. The elongated elements are movable individually relative to the table top.

The lifting table can be used together with other manufacturing equipment as one or more lifting tables can be integrated into a production line, such as a process line or pallet transport line, where a lifting mechanism can be used for elevating a pallet to a higher level, such as from a first level to a second level.

In the context of this application, the term "elongated element" is used to describe a element being part of the lifting mechanism of said lifting table, where each of the elongated elements includes a front end and a back end can be fixated relative to the table top or the base. The elongated element could also be referred to as a leg.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the number of side members corresponds to the number of sides of the table top, preferably a table top having a rectangular geometry with four side members positioned along the side of the table top. By using a number of side members corresponding to the number of sides of the table top, it is possible to cover all of the sides of said lifting table, hereby providing an anti-squeezing mechanism that ensures that an operator is not able to get squeezed during a lowering operation of said lifting table. By using four elongated elements connected to the table top, it is possible to cover all sides of the table top.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the side members are connected to each other by a number of brackets. The bracket is used for fixating the side members relative each other, hereby achieving an improvement when the lifting table has to be assembled. The bracket provides a further advantage as it is possible to maintain the distance, also referred to as the gap, between two adjoining elongated elements of the anti-squeezing mechanism.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the table top includes a number of side walls arranged along the sides of the table top, wherein the side walls extend perpendicularly from the upper face of the table top, wherein at least one side wall includes a number of slots arranged at a first distance from the side end(s) of the side wall. The table top can include a number of side walls arranged along the sides of the table top to avoid any blunt and/or shape edges. To enhance the possibility for achieving a proper cleaning of the anti-squeezing mechanism, the side wall includes a number of apertures or slots, which will enable a cleaning foam to penetrate into the space between a side wall of the table top and a elongated element of the anti-squeezing mechanism.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, wherein each side member is provided with an aperture for allowing the side members to be moved relative to the table top. By arranging one or more apertures in the side members, it is possible to displace the side members relative to the side walls of the table top for allowing the side members to be moved between a first position, wherein the side members are disengaged from the switch element and a second position where the side members activate the switch element, hereby preventing displacement of the table top relative to the base.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the side members are provided for covering the slots of the side walls and/or the side members are provided with a side member end extending towards the center of the table top, preferably at an angle of <NUM>-<NUM> degree. Preferably, the side members are arranged perpendicularly to the table top and therefor the ends of the side members should not include any sharpe edges and/or ends. The above can be achieve, if the ends of the elongated elements extend towards the center of the table top, when the elongated elements are mounted relative to the table top.

According to the present invention, the lifting table further comprises a leg element being pivotably connected to the table top at a first leg element end, preferably to a lower face, wherein a fixation element is provided on the base for engaging a connecting element positioned on the leg element, preferably on the opposite end of the first leg element end. The leg element can be retracted from an inactive position to an active position allowing the operator of the lifting table to position the table top into an inclined angle, when the lifting table has to be cleaned or disinfected.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, lifting table further comprises a arm connected to the base (<NUM>) at a first end, wherein a fixation element is arranged to the lower face of the table top for engaging a connecting element being positioned on the arm, wherein the arm is pivotably connected to the base.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, lifting table further comprises a separate arm being configured for engaging the base and the lifting mechanism.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the lifting mechanism is connected to the table top through a number of fixating mounting brackets for allowing the elongated elements of the lifting mechanism to rotate relative to the table top at a first end, wherein each elongated element furthermore includes a roller positioned at the opposite end of the first end. By using a lifting mechanism including a number of rollers, it is possible to obtain a guide movement of the table top as the lifting mechanism is only partially fixated to the base and the table top via a number of fixating mounting brackets.

According to the present invention, the lifting mechanism includes four elongated elements being connected to the table top and said elongated elements are arranged to form a scissor mechanism, preferably wherein the structural part such as the elongated elements are made from a galvanized metal. By using stainless metal, such as AlS3 <NUM> or higher alloy for the structural parts of the lifting table, it is possible to obtain a lifting table, which is suitable for operating in a food and/or pharmaceutical production facility. Stainless steel has an increased corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and other industrial solvents. Due to its non-reactive qualities, stainless steel is also used in the manufacture of medical surgical instruments. Alternative <NUM>-series grades can contain up to <NUM> percent molybdenum. They provide even better chloride resistance, but such heavy-duty resistance is only necessary in industrial or high concentration exposure conditions. It is also possible to use a galvanized metal or stainless steel, in particular hot galvanized steel and/or plastic or plastic-coated steel, for the structural parts of the lifting table.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the lifting table further includes a controller being connected to the actuator and the switch element, wherein said switch element is configured for deactivating the actuator. The controller can generally be configured for allow the lifting mechanism to be displaced and the controller is furthermore configured for receiving input from one or more switch elements. The switch element could be a sensor e.g. switch, pressure sensor, light sensor or wire sensor. The switch element is preferably positioned on the lower face of the table top, to disable operation of the lifting mechanism, such as lowering of said table top, by deactivating the actuator connected to the lifting mechanism.

In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator connected to a power source for supplying hydraulic fluid to the actuator and/or motor driven spindle connected to a power source for supplying hydraulic fluid to the actuator. Hydraulic actuators or motor driven spindles have the capability to be used for different lifting tasks, such as lifting a number of bucks or barrels containing the product used in a manufacturing line. Pneumatic belt driven actuator or other drives can be used.

In another embodiment of the invention, the table top can have a variety of shapes, configurations and sizes. A table top generally has a square or rectangular shape; however, it can be appreciated that the table top can have other configurations (e.g., circular, oval, polygonal, etc.). Generally, the table top has a surface area and shape that can accommodate the dimensions of commonly sized pallets; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting configuration, the upper face of the table top has a generally rectangular or square shape and a width of about <NUM>-<NUM> and a length of about <NUM>-<NUM>.

References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure, and which illustrates the embodiments in which the lifting table and methods described in the specification can be practiced.

The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Attention is first directed to <FIG>, of the drawings. In <FIG>, the lifting table <NUM> comprises a table top <NUM> with a polygonal contour and the lifting table includes an upper <NUM> and a lower face <NUM>, a lifting mechanism <NUM> and a base <NUM>. The lifting mechanism <NUM> is connected to the table top <NUM> and an actuator <NUM> is used for raising and lowering the table top <NUM>. The base <NUM> is configured for supporting and possibly guiding the lifting mechanism <NUM>. The base <NUM> shown in the FIGS includes four base elements; it is however possible to have a base <NUM> having two rails being interconnected for allowing the lifting mechanism <NUM> to be guided on said rails and the base <NUM> can furthermore include a number of levelling feets to avoid the base from being in direct contact with the floor in the production facility. The table top could include a turn table or roller conveyer (not shown) for positioning of items arranged on top of the table top <NUM>. In the situation that the lifting table <NUM> is used for lifting personal, the lifting table will also include one or more hand rails (not shown).

<FIG> shows a front view of the table top shown in <FIG> whereas <FIG> shows a side view of the table top shown in <FIG>. In both figures, the lifting table is extended to a maximum position for the lifting table as the actuator is extended to an outer position.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the number of side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> corresponds to the number of sides of the table top <NUM>. The table top <NUM> has a rectangular geometry with four side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> being positioned along the side of the table top <NUM>.

The lifting mechanism <NUM> includes four elongated elements <NUM>,<NUM>, which are connected to the table top <NUM> and said elongated elements <NUM>,<NUM> are arranged to form a scissor mechanism. The elongated elements are made from a galvanized metal.

A controller <NUM> can be used by an operator to control the lowering and lifting operation of the lifting table <NUM> and the controller may be connected to the actuator <NUM> and the switch element(s) <NUM> can be positioned under the table top <NUM>, preferably connected to the side wall of the table top, directly to the table top or directly to the side member <NUM> table top. When one or more of side members <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> are moved, the switch element is engaged and a signal is send to the controller. The actuator can be a hydraulic actuator with a piston rod <NUM> being connected to the lifting mechanism. It is possible to have just one switch element or to have several switch elements positioned on the lower surface of the table top. Independently of the number of switch element used, each switch element is configured to send a signal to the controller in order to deactivating the actuator <NUM> and hereby prevent further movement of the lifting mechanism.

The lifting table <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM> such as a hydraulic actuator connected to a power source for supplying hydraulic fluid to the actuator. Instead, another possible option could be a motor driven spindle, a belt driven actuator or a pneumatic actuator connected to a power source for supplying power to the actuator <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, four side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned along the sides of said table top <NUM> and a corresponding number of switch elements <NUM> are positioned below said lower face <NUM>. The side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to the table top <NUM> below said lower face <NUM> allowing the side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to be moved between a first position (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>), where the side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged from the switch element <NUM> and a second position (not shown) where the side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> activate the switch element <NUM>, hereby preventing displacement of the table top <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the side members <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to each other by brackets <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> is used to maintain the distance d<NUM>, also referred to as the gap, between two adjoining elongated elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the anti-squeezing mechanism and the bracket <NUM> furthermore enables that four elongated elements can be retained relative to one another. In one embodiment, four side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned along the table top, the gap formed between two adjoining side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be the same or it is also possible to vary the distance d1 and hereby achieving different gaps at the corners of the lifting table.

Referring now to <FIG>, the two side members <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged along two adjoining sides of the table top <NUM>, where the ends of said two side members <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged with a distance d1 in between each other, such as <NUM>-<NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

Referring now to <FIG>, the table top <NUM> includes a number of side walls <NUM> arranged along the sides of the table top <NUM> and the side walls <NUM> extend perpendicularly to the upper face <NUM> of the table top <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, it is possible to have a number of slots <NUM> in only one of the side walls <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the slot <NUM> can be arranged at a second distance d<NUM> from the side end of the side wall <NUM>. The height h of a wall part <NUM> of a side member <NUM> is larger than the second distance d<NUM> and as the second distance d<NUM> defined by the distance from the side end of the side wall <NUM> to the slot <NUM> is smaller than the height h of a wall part <NUM> of a side member <NUM>, it is possible to cover the slots <NUM>, hereby preventing the operator from blocking the slots e.g. by hanging different obstacles, such as hooks onto the table top <NUM>. The angle β between the wall part <NUM> of a side member <NUM> and the first inclined part <NUM> in between <NUM>-<NUM> degree. It should be appreciated that the gap Gs shown in <FIG> is only optional, as the invention could also work on a lifting table having a table top <NUM> without any corners being provided with a slit or aperture.

The height h of the wall part <NUM> of the side members <NUM> is provided for covering the slots <NUM> of the side walls <NUM> and each side members <NUM> can furthermore be provided with a inclined part <NUM> extending towards the center of the table top <NUM>, preferably at an angle of <NUM>-<NUM> degree relative to the side wall <NUM>, such as an angle of <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. By using a curved, C-shaped or V-shaped geometry on the end of the side member <NUM>, it is also possible to prolong the time and enhance the tacky effect of a cleaning foam, which unlike ordinary cleaning fluids allows the cleaning foam to work on the surfaces of the table top. This means that foam cleaning can be effectively used for cleaning both the anti-squeezing mechanism and the side walls of the table top with a minimal effort. It should be noted that above description of the side member <NUM> with reference number <NUM> also applies to the other side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the side member <NUM> is provided with a curved end, such a v-shaped end (shown in <FIG>) or C-shaped end (not shown). The v-shaped end includes a first inclined part <NUM> extending in a first direction and a second inclined part <NUM> in a second direction. The second inclined part <NUM> can be arranged at an angle α of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees relative to the first inclined part <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, each side member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided with a number of apertures <NUM> for allowing the side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to be moved relative to the table top <NUM>. Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows that the curved end referred to in <FIG> could include a blunt end part <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the lifting mechanism <NUM> includes two sets of elongated elements <NUM>. Each set of legs includes two elongated elements <NUM>,<NUM>. The two elongated elements <NUM>,<NUM> in each set are connected together. The connection can be any type of connection that enables the two elongated elements to move relative to one another about the connection.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> the connection is generally positioned at or near the mid-longitudinal region of the elongated elements; however, this is not required.

Referring now to <FIG>, a roller or a wheel <NUM>,<NUM> is connected to the front end <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated elements <NUM>,<NUM>. The wheels or rollers, when used, enable the front end <NUM>,<NUM> of elongated elements <NUM>,<NUM> move along the base of the lifting table <NUM>, hereby allowing the lifting mechanism <NUM> to move between an elevated or raised position and non-elevated position. As can be appreciated, as the lifting mechanism <NUM> moves from a non-elevated position to a raised position, the front end <NUM>,<NUM> of legs move toward the back end of the elongated elements legs <NUM>, <NUM>. Likewise, as the lifting mechanism <NUM> moves from an elevated or raised position to a non-elevated or lower position, the front end <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongated elements <NUM>,<NUM> move away from the back end <NUM>,<NUM> of the elongated elements <NUM>,<NUM>. The wheels or roller facilitate in such movement of the elongated elements <NUM>,24over the base <NUM>. The table top could also include a number reinforcement bars <NUM> arranged on the lower face of the table top <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a number of side walls <NUM> for guiding the lifting mechanism <NUM> during movement of the table top <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the lifting table <NUM> further comprises a leg element <NUM> being pivotably connected to the table top <NUM> at a first leg element end, preferably to a lower face <NUM>, wherein a fixation element <NUM> is provided on the base <NUM> for engaging a connecting element <NUM> positioned on the leg element <NUM>, preferably on the opposite end of the first leg element end.

As mentioned with reference to the previous figures, the lifting mechanism <NUM> is connected to the table top <NUM> through a number of fixating mounting brackets <NUM>,<NUM> for allowing the elongated elements <NUM>,<NUM> to rotate relative to the table top <NUM> at a first end and each elongated element <NUM>,<NUM> furthermore includes a roller <NUM>,<NUM> being positioned at the opposite end of the first end. The first end would also be referred to as the back end, whereas the front end of the elongated element <NUM>,<NUM> would be referred to as the second end of the elongated element <NUM>,<NUM>.

Operation of the lifting table <NUM> can be performed by an operator either directly or remotely by using a wireless communication unit connected to the controller of the lifting table. According to a second aspect to the present invention, it is possible to activate a safety mode when at least one side member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is moved from a first position, where all side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged from the switch element <NUM> to a second position, where the side member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> engages the switch element <NUM>, hereby preventing further displacement of the table top <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

In the event that all four side members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to each other by using four brackets <NUM>, there will be no individual displacement of the side member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the table top <NUM>.

The cleaning of said table may include a physical cleaning step and optional a chemical cleaning step. The physical cleaning step may be performed by an operator, who spools the lifting table with a water jet, preferably a low-pressure water jet for preventing the contamination or dirt attached to the lifting table from being spread further. The operator would spool the lifting table at an angle between <NUM>-<NUM> degree relative to the surface to be cleaned. In a subsequent chemical cleaning step, the operator would apply a chemical cleaning product onto the surface of said lifting table. The cleaning and disinfecting process can be performed in combination with each other, as it is also possible only to perform the cleaning or disinfecting step.

When it is time to clean the lower face <NUM> of the lifting table, the table top of the lifting table can be adjusted to an inclined angle relative to the ground floor. By adjusting the table top to an inclined portion, the operator may perform a visual inspection prior to the actual of performing the cleaning and/or disinfecting process. The inclined position of said table would also allow the operator to have a better work position, when he has to clean the underside of the lifting table. The cleaning and/or disinfecting process of said lifting table <NUM> can involve the following steps:.

As would be evidently from <FIG>, the leg element <NUM> is retained relative to the base <NUM> by the fixation element <NUM> positioned on the base <NUM> and the roller arranged on the front end of the elongated element <NUM>,<NUM>.

In a subsequent step, the method can include; raising the table top <NUM> into a substantially vertical position by operating the actuator according to a third operational mode, wherein the actuator exerts a force onto the lifting mechanism <NUM> being connected to the lower face of the table top <NUM>.

The cleaning product used could be a cleaning foam, where a dosing unit having a nozzle is used for applying the cleaning foam on the contaminated surface. The chemical product can be mixed with water from a pressure cleaner. The foam must be allowed some time (typically <NUM>-<NUM>) to fight dirt etc. on a lifting table according to the present invention.

Depending on the type of contamination, the waiting time varies. For example, if there is a fight against dried dairy product dirt, the waiting time will often be longer for an effective result. In case of highly resistant contamination, it may be necessary to help with scouring fungus or the like.

The structural parts of the lifting table would in one embodiment have a surface, which have be treated using an electropolishing method. By using an electropolishing process on the surface of the structural parts of said lifting table, it is possible to achieve a surface finish with very low surface roughness values, hereby reducing the tendency for dirt or dust from adhering to the surface of the table top. The most common electrolytes for the electropolishing of stainless steel are varying concentrations of phosphoric and sulphuric acid, and occasionally additives such as chromic acid.

During the step of cleaning said table, the lifting table could be positioned in at least two positions during the cleaning process. The first position would be a top position, where the leg element is retracted from a retracted position or a separate arm is inserted in between the lifting mechanism and the table top.

Claim 1:
A lifting table (<NUM>) comprising a table top (<NUM>) having a polygonal contour and including an upper and a lower face (<NUM>,<NUM>), a lifting mechanism (<NUM>) and a base (<NUM>);
- the lifting mechanism (<NUM>) being connected to the table top (<NUM>) and including an actuator (<NUM>) for raising and lowering the table top (<NUM>);
- the base (<NUM>) being configured for supporting the lifting mechanism (<NUM>);
- at least two side members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being positioned along the sides of said table top (<NUM>) and at least one switch element (<NUM>) being positioned below said upper face (<NUM>), wherein the side members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are connected to the table top (<NUM>) below said upper face (<NUM>) allowing the side members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to be moved between a first position, wherein the side members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are disengaged from the switch element (<NUM>) and a second position where the side members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) activate the switch element (<NUM>), hereby preventing displacement of the table top (<NUM>) relative to the base (<NUM>),
- at least two of said side members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being arranged along two adjoining sides of the table top (<NUM>), wherein the ends of said two side members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are arranged with a distance d<NUM> in between each other, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, characterized in that
- the lifting table (<NUM>) comprising a leg element (<NUM>) being pivotably connected to the table top (<NUM>) at a first leg element end, preferably to a lower face (<NUM>), wherein a fixation element (<NUM>) is provided on the base (<NUM>) for engaging a connecting element (<NUM>) positioned on the leg element (<NUM>), preferably on the opposite end of the first leg element end; and
- wherein the lifting mechanism (<NUM>) including four elongated elements (<NUM>,<NUM>) being connected to the table top (<NUM>) and said elongated elements (<NUM>,<NUM>) are arranged to form a scissor mechanism.