MODULAR MACHINE SUPPORT FRAME

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machine support frame for supporting a machine, in particular a vibration sensitive machine; and methods of installation.

[0002] As background, DE 33 26 360 A1 discloses a collapsible worktable with four legs, which has a frame with two frame member/leg elements arranged mutually parallel and at a distance from one another. The legs each have two plate-like leg elements which are at a distance from one another and between which, at the upper end, longitudinal frame members engage with their ends. At the lower end, plate-parts of vertically adjustable foot elements engage. At least one transverse frame member connecting the longitudinal frame members is provided, which, with its end faces, butts against the inner side of the longitudinal frame members or of the leg elements and is screwed thereto. In addition, clamping elements are provided, which are connected to the frame member/leg elements via screw connections, and via which a table top, resting on the frame members, is secured.

[0003] Vibration sensitive machines, e.g. lithography machines, electron microscopes, and semiconductor production equipment, may benefit from a machine support frame (MSF) having as little resonances as possible. To suppress resonances, at least for typical environmental vibration, the frame preferably has a high stiffness. Furthermore, the MSF typically includes a massive support plate which should resist deformation. Preferably, the frame should typically be able to withstand forces of a few hundred kilo Newton (e.g. including the machine, possible with seismic shock) while avoiding resonances below hundred Hertz.

[0004] These and other requirements make it difficult to provide any adjustability to the frame. Accordingly, an MSF design is typically prefabricated according to specific dimensions depending on a specific application. For example, the height of the MSF may depend on the height of the building floor or height of other surrounding equipment. For example, the width and length may depend on the size of the support plate or machine to be supported. Since the design may considerably vary for each case, it is difficult to keep the parts in supply. This may lead to long waiting times or high expenses in storage of many different parts.

[0005] Therefore, there remains a need for an improved MSF and method of installation. In particular, there is a need for a MSF having the necessary stiffness and the capacity to carry heavy loads, while being easy to install from stock components with adjustable height, e.g. between 250-1300mm, preferably allowing to customize for different sizes of the support block.

SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a modular machine support frame for supporting a vibration sensitive machine, and method of assembling such frame. The frame can be conceptually divided in a top part, a bottom part, and an intermediate there between. The top part of the frame comprises a horizontally extending support plate. Typically, the support plate comprises mounting structures for mounting the vibration sensitive machine.

[0007] As described herein, the top part also comprises a set of horizontally elongate top bars connected to a bottom of the support plate. The bottom part similarly comprises a set of horizontally elongate bottom bars configured to support the frame on a floor. The intermediate part comprises a set of vertically extending side plates connected between the top and bottom parts. The side plates are fixed by bolting to respective vertical sections formed by downward and upward extending parts of the horizontally elongate top and bottom bars, respectively. The top part of the frame is carried by the side plates at an adjustable height from the floor. The vertical sections in at least one of the top and bottom bars comprise vertically extending elongate slots for the bolting of the side plates at a specific position along a length of the slots to determine the adjustable height.

[0008] Advantageously, the respective vertical sections of the top and bottom bars are sandwiched between respective sets of at least two of the side plates on either sides of the vertical slots held together by the bolting. By the bolting through the side plates sandwiching the vertical sections, respective friction connections are formed with at least two frictional surfaces on either side of the vertical sections between each side of the respective vertical section and side plate for the carrying of the top part of the frame while maintaining the specific position of the bolting along the slots. As will be appreciated each frictional surface of a respective plate contacting the vertical sections may contribute in withstanding shear forces to carry a part of the load at an adjustable height provided by the slots, while the set of multiple side plates can form a sort of box construction to increase stiffness. The inventors find that both a sufficient stiffness and friction for the purposes of the MSF can be obtained using a plurality of bolts distributed along the side plates with a density that is on the one hand high enough to develop desired friction and on the other hand not so high as to compromise the structural integrity (due the corresponding holes/slots). In combination, the MSF can provide relatively high stiffness and capacity to carry heavy loads, while being easy to install from stock components with adjustable height.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG 1A illustrates a perspective translucent view of a modular machine support frame supporting a vibration sensitive machine;

FIG 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a part of the frame;

FIG 1C illustrates a zoomed in view of the part;

FIGs 2A-2D illustrate variations of bottom bars connected to respective side plates;

FIGs 3A-3D illustrate one method of assembling the frame;

FIGs 4A-4D illustrate another method of assembling the frame;

FIG 5 illustrate various heights obtainable by a limited set of different side plate heights connected at a variable height between respective top and bottom bars;

FIGs 6A and 6B illustrate a load applied to a corner of the frame, and calculated shearing forces for different bolting positions along the frame.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it will be understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be established directly or through intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise.

[0011] The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or cross-section illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.

[0012] FIG 1A illustrates a perspective translucent view of a modular machine support frame 100 e.g. suitable for supporting a vibration sensitive machine 200. FIG 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a part of the frame. FIG 1C illustrates a zoomed in view of the part.

[0013] The frame 100 comprises a top part 10 comprising a horizontally extending support plate 12, e.g. in the XY plane as shown. The support plate 12 is provided with mounting structures 12m on top of the support plate 12 for mounting the vibration sensitive machine 200. The top part 10 comprises a set of horizontally elongate top bars 11 connected to a bottom of the support plate 12.

[0014] The frame 100 comprises a bottom part 30 with a set of horizontally elongate bottom bars 31 configured to support the frame 100 on a floor 300. Preferably, the bottom bars 31 are similar or the same as the top bars 11. By using the same bars for both the top and bottom, the number of stock parts can be reduced. In one embodiment, the set of top bars and/or the set of bottom bars is welded together to form a respective structure.

[0015] The frame 100 comprises an intermediate part 20 with a set of vertically extending side plates 22, e.g. in the XZ plane, YZ plane or any other vertical plane transverse to the horizontal plane XY.

[0016] The side plates 22 are connected between the top and bottom parts 10,30. For example, the side plates 22 are fixed by bolting 25 to respective vertical sections 11v,31v formed by downward and upward extending parts of the horizontally elongate top and bottom bars 11,31, respectively. For example, the vertical sections 11v,31v extend in the-Z, or +Z direction as shown. Optionally, some of the side plates can be welded together to form a respective structure.

[0017] The top part 10 of the frame 100 is carried C by the side plates 22 at an adjustable height H from the floor 300.

[0018] The vertical sections 11v,31v in at least one of the top and bottom bars 11,31 comprise vertically extending elongate slots 11s, 31s.

[0019] The vertical slots are arranged side by side along a respective length of the top and/or bottom bars 11,31. As will be appreciated, the plurality of slots can be used in combination with a plurality of bolts for the bolting 25 of the side plates 22 at a specific position ΔH along a length of the slots ) ) s .) s. In this way the adjustable height H can be determined. The respective vertical sections 11v,31v of the top and bottom bars 11,31 are sandwiched between respective sets of at least two of the side plates 22 on either sides of the vertical slots 11s, 31s held together by the bolting 25. As will be appreciated, by the bolting 25 through the side plates 22 sandwiching the vertical sections 11v,31v, respective friction connections are formed with at least two frictional surfaces F on either side of the vertical sections 11v,31v. That is the frictional surfaces are formed between each side of the respective vertical section 11v,31v and side plate 22 for the carrying C of the top part 10 of the frame ) (( while maintaining the specific position ΔH of the bolting , 1 along the slots 11s, 31s. Alternatively, or additionally, it can also be envisaged to sandwich one or more side plates between respective sets of bottom bars and/or top bars.

[0020] As described herein, the vibration sensitive machine may generally refer to a machine that is sensitive to vibrations, e.g. negatively affecting operation of the machine when it experiences a vibrational amplitude of more than hundred micrometer, more than ten micrometer, or even more than one micrometer, e.g. in a frequency range above one hertz, ten hertz, hundred hertz, or one kilohertz, or more. For example, such vibrations which may occur in a building due to environmental circumstances, e.g. caused by vibration sources in the building itself or adjacent to the building such as traffic. For example, the vibration sensitive machine 200 is an optical device, e.g. lithographic machine or an electron microscope wherein high precision can be achieved only if undesired vibrations are sufficiently dampened and/or at least not resonated by the frame. Typically, the vibration sensitive machine 200 can be relatively heavy, e.g. having a mass of more than hundred kilogram, more than five hundred kilogram, or even more than thousand kilograms.

[0021] In some embodiments, e.g. as shown, the vibration sensitive machine 200 is connected to the top part 10 of the frame 100, which is carried by the intermediate part 20 of the frame and supported by the bottom part 30 of the frame. Typically, the machine support frame 100 is configured to provide a relatively stiff connection between the vibration sensitive machine 200 and the building floor 300. For example, the frame as described herein preferably has a horizontal and/or vertical stiffness of more than 10⁷ Newton per meter, more preferably above 10⁸ Newton per meter, e.g. between 10⁸ - 10¹⁰ Newton per meter, or more. In a preferred embodiment, the top bars, bottom bars, optional corner bars, and side plates are essentially made from steel, or other metal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the frame is sufficiently high that any mechanical resonances of the combined system (frame+machine) are above a dominant frequencies of environmental vibrations. Without being bound by theory a resonance frequency ω( of a mass-spring system can be calculated e g as ω( = √(k/M), where k is the stiffness, and M is the mass. For example, the mass can be dominated by the mass of the top part 10 (including concrete plate 12) and/or machine 200. In a preferred embodiment, the frame has a sufficiently high stiffness (e.g. for a total mass of 1000 kg) that it can provide a (lowest) resonance frequency (in any direction) above hundred hertz, preferably above one kilohertz, most preferably above two kilohertz. In this way it may be prevented that typically environmental vibrations cause resonant behavior in the system.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the top part 10 of the frame 100 comprises support plate 12 onto which the vibration sensitive machine 200 can be placed, preferably fixed. Typically, the support plate 12 is formed as slab or a plate. For example, the plate has a thickness (here in Z direction) of more than ten centimeter (cm), preferably more than fifteen centimeter, e.g. between twenty and fifty centimeter. For example, the support plate 12 has a length and/or width (here in X, Y direction) of more than one meter, or more than two meter, e.g. five by ten meters.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, a length of the side plates 20 substantially corresponds to the length and/or width of the support plate 12. For example, each side plate has a length (transverse to the height and thickness of the side plate, e.g. along X and/or Y) of at least half a meter, at least one meter, at least two meter, or more. In some embodiments, e.g. as shown in FIGs 1 and 3, each side plate is large enough to cover a respective side of the frame 100. For example, the side plates extend along the whole length and/or width of the frame. The side faces of the frame can also be subdivided to be covered by two, three, four, or more side plates. For example, this is shown in FIG 4.

[0025] In some embodiments, the side plates 22 are arranged to substantially cover each side of the frame (e.g. between the corner bars 21). For example, at least fifty percent of the total side face surface of the frame 100 is covered by a set of side plates, preferably at least eighty percent, at least ninety percent, e.g. up to hundred percent. The more surface can be covered by plate material, the better the structural integrity and/or stiffness of the frame. On the other hand, it can also be envisaged to provide one or more passages through one or more sides of the frame, e.g. one or more manholes 22h through a respective side plate 22.

[0026] Preferably, the support plate 12 is relative rigid, i.e. having high stiffness. For example, the support plate 12 is made of a concrete material, preferably reinforced concrete. In some embodiments, the support plate 12 has a modulus of elasticity of more than 10 Giga-Pascal (10^10 Newton per square meter), preferably more than 20 Giga-Pascal, e.g. between thirty and fifty Giga-Pascal. In other or further embodiments, the support plate 12 has a mass of more than thousand kilograms, e.g. up to 3500 kg, or more. The stiffer the support plate the better it may withstand deformation, e.g. against a load of the machine 200.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, vibration sensitive machine 200 is provided with mounting elements 201, e.g. legs or pillars for connection to the support plate 12. In other or further embodiments, the support plate 12 comprises (corresponding) mounting structures 12m, e.g. comprising plates of metal such as steel. For example, the mounting structures 12m, e.g. footplates comprise connection elements for connecting the mounting elements 201 to the support plate 12. In some embodiments (not shown), the mounting structures 12m extend through the support plate 12, e.g. directly connecting the machine 200 via the mounting structures to the top bars 11 and/or intermediate part 20 of the frame. For example, the mounting structures comprise a different material such as steel providing a relatively high stiffness compared to the surrounding plate material such as concrete, e.g. more than a factor two higher.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the support plate 12 is connected to a set of top bars 11. For example, the support plate 12 is fixedly connected to the top bars 11 at a distance H above a building floor 300. In some embodiments, the support plate 12 is glued and/or screwed to the top bars 11. In other embodiments, the support plate 12 is at least partially kept in place by its sheer weight.

[0029] In some embodiments, the top bars 11 and/or bottom bars 31 comprise horizontal sections 11h,31h transverse to the vertical sections 11v,31v. For example, the horizontal sections 11h,31h and/or vertical sections 11v,31v comprise interconnected elongate plate shapes. In a preferred embodiment, the top bars 11 and/or bottom bars 31 comprise a Tor L-profile wherein one leg of the profile forms the vertical section 11v, 31v for connecting the side plates 22, and another transvers leg of the profile forms a horizontal section 11h, 31h for connecting to the floor 300 and/or support plate 12.

[0030] FIGs 2A-2D illustrate variations of bottom bars 31 connected to respective side plates 22. While these figures illustrate only the bottom bars 31, the features as shown and described preferably apply mutatis mutandis to the top bars, e.g. as was previously shown in FIG 1C.

[0031] In one embodiment, e.g. as shown in FIG 2A, the bottom bars 31 comprise L-bars. In another or further embodiment, e.g. as shown in FIG 2B, the bottom bars 31 comprise T-bars. In another or further embodiment, e.g. as shown in FIG 2C, a T-bar is formed by combining two L-bars. In a preferred embodiment, a set of at least two side plates 22 is disposed on either side of the vertical section 31v of the L-bar or T-bar. It can also be envisaged to provide more than two side plates, e.g. including a third side plate 22 between two vertical sections 31v or one or more bottom bars 31, e.g. two L-bars as shown in FIG 2D, or an integrated bottom bar (not shown). As will be appreciated this configuration may double the frictional surface to carry the construction (quadruple compared to a single plate). Also more than three side plates can be used, e.g. with the top and bottom bars comprising a comb profile.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least part of the vertical section 31v may help to carry the load similar as the side plates 22. Accordingly, it is preferable that the total thickness of the vertical section 31v is similar or the same as a total thickness of the combined set of side plates 22. In one embodiment, a (total) thickness Tv of the vertical section 31v is higher than an individual thickness of the side plates 22. The thickness Tv of the vertical section 31v can also be higher than a thickness Th of the horizontal section 31h. For example, the side plates 22 have an individual thickness between 5 - 20 mm, e.g. 10 mm. For example, the thickness Tv of the vertical section 31v is between 10 - 40 mm, e.g. 20 mm. For example, the thickness Th of the horizontal section 31h is between 5 - 20 mm, e.g. 10 mm.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the vertical sections 31v comprise elongate slots 31s there through, e.g. having a length greater than a width by at least a factor two, three, five, ten, twenty, thirty, fifty, or more. The longer the slot, the more the adjustable range. For example, each slot has a width between 5 - 40 mm, preferably between 10 - 30 mm, Preferably, the slots are arranged side-by-side with a center-to-center distance between two and four times the slot width, or a side-to-side distance (of plate material between the slots) between one and three times the slot width. For example, center-to-center between slots is between 25 - 100 mm. For example, a side-to-side distance of plate material between the slots is between 10 - 80 mm, preferably between 20 - 60 mm.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the side plates 22 comprise round through holes 22h, at respective positions corresponding to the slots. For example, the round holes can have a diameter which is the same or similar as the respective width of the slots. In another or further preferred embodiment, the side plates 22 are held together sandwiching the vertical section 31v by bolting 25. Most preferably, the bolt extends through the elongate vertical slot 31s as well as the through holes 22h of the side plates on either side. In other words each bolting 25 goes through the entire sandwich of the set of side plates and respective vertical section. In one embodiment, the bolt 25 comprises a nut and screw connections. Preferably, the nut is disposed on an outside of the frame so in can be tightened from the outside where it is easy to access. Also other types of connections can be envisaged.

[0035] FIGs 3A-3D illustrate one method of a manufacturing or assembling a modular machine support frame (here still without the top support plate). Various zoomed in sections illustrate further details as described herein.

[0036] In one embodiment, the frame is assembled to support a vibration sensitive machine at a specific height H above a floor. In some embodiments, the assembly comprises connecting a set of horizontally elongate bottom bars 31 to the floor 300 to form a bottom part 30 of the frame 100, e.g. as shown in FIG 3A. In other or further embodiments, assembly comprises connecting a set of vertically extending side plates 22 to the bottom parts 10,30 to form an intermediate part 20 of the frame 100, e.g. as shown in FIG 3C. In other or further embodiments, the assembly comprises connecting a set of horizontally elongate top bars 11 to the side plates 22, e.g. as shown in FIG 3D. In one embodiment, the elongate top bars 11 are connected to a bottom of a horizontally extending support plate (not shown here). For example, the top bars 11 and support plate together form a top part 10 of the frame 100.

[0037] In some embodiments, e.g. as illustrated in FIG 3B, the machine support frame additionally comprises a set of vertically extending corner bars 21. Preferably, each corner bar comprises a corner profile (e.g. L-shaped , preferably T-shaped) interconnecting a set of transversely oriented bottom bars 31 at the bottom part 30 of the frame and/or interconnecting a set of transversely oriented top bars 11 at the top part 10 of the frame 100. For example, the corner bars 21 can interconnect the vertical sections of respective bottom bars, or top bars by being bolted to respective slots 11s, 31s.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the corner bars 21 also form an interconnection between the top and bottom parts 10,30. In this way, the corner bars 21 can also carry part of the load together with the side plates. Most preferably, the corner bars 21 are disposed in the same plane as one of the side plates, i.e. bolted side by side. In other words, the corner bars 21 are preferably not between the side plates 22 and the vertical section 31v. Instead the corner bars 21 may be considered as a corner extension of the side plates 22. The term corner may include an inner corner, e.g. in the middle of the frame as shown in the figures.

[0039] In some embodiments, the top bars 11 and/or bottom bars 31 are cut to size for providing the frame with a specific length and/or width. Advantageously, the bars can be cut during assembly, i.e. at the assembly site as opposed to during fabrication. For example, the top bars 11 and/or bottom bars 31 are cut to length to match with the support plate 12. Also the corner bars 21 may be cut to length. It can also be envisaged to use identical parts for constructing the top bars, the bottom bars and side bars, e.g. cut to different lengths. In some embodiments, an inside of the frame ) ( ( may be divided by a set on inner side plates , , ' having similar function and connection as the outer side plates 22. For example, a set of inner side plates , , ' may sandwich a respective inner bottom bar The one or more inner side plates 22 may provide additional support, especially when the frame 100 has a length X greater than its width Y.

[0040] FIGs 4A-4D illustrate another or further method of assembling the frame. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the top bars 11 are integrated into the support plate 12. For example, the support plate 12 comprises a concrete block wherein parts of the top bars 11 are cast into the concrete. Also, other integrated constructions can be envisaged, e.g. top bars welded to a metal top plate. In another or further embodiment, e.g. as shown, the frame is assembled by lifting the support plate 12 at a specific height above the floor, and assembling the other parts in reverse order. For example, a set of vertical bars 21 and/or side plates 22 is connected to the top bars 11, and a set of side bottom bars 31 is connected to the side plates 22. Also other sequences can be envisaged.

[0041] FIG 5 illustrate various heights obtainable by a limited set of different side plate heights connected at a variable height between respective top and bottom bars;
As described herein, typical plate heights of the side plates are between 200 - 1200 mm, preferably between 300 - 1000 mm. For example, each side plate has a minimum length and height (width) of at least 300 mm, preferably at least 400 mm, and a thickness of at least 5 mm. The specific length of the side plates can depend on the desired length and/or width of the frame. The specific height (width) of the side plates can depend on the desired height of the frame. In one embodiment, heights between 250 - 400 mm are obtained by directly connecting the top bars 11 to at a variable height to the bottom bars 31, e.g. without any side plates. In another or further embodiment, heights between 440 - 700 mm are obtained by inserting a first set of side plates with plate height 360 mm. In another or further embodiment, heights between 670 - 970 mm are obtained by inserting a second set of side plates with plate height 630 mm. In another or further embodiment, heights between 940 - 1240 mm are obtained by inserting a third set of side plates with plate height 900mm. So it will be appreciated that a continuous range of heights can be achieved using a limited set of stock plates.

[0042] In some embodiments, where the slots may not extend all the way to the end of the vertical sections, there can be a gap in obtainable height between 400 - 440 mm To resolve this the inset "V" illustrates an embodiment, wherein the slots 11s, 31s extend from an undulating or saw tooth profile at a bottom or top end of the respective vertical sections 11v,31v on the top and bottom bars 11,31, wherein the undulating profile of the top bars 11 fits into the undulating profile of the bottom bars 31 to allow a bottom end of respective slots 11s on the top bars 11 to be set at a same height or below a top end of respective slots 31s on bottom bars when the vertical sections 11v,31v are disposed in the same plane.

[0043] In one aspect, the present methods and systems may be embodied as a corresponding kit of parts for assembling the modular machine support frame as described herein. For example, the kit of part comprises a limited set of top bars and bottom bars, which may be all the same length and cut to size, as needed. For example, the kit of parts may also comprise corner bars which can also be the same, or different. For example, the kit of parts may comprise a limited set of side plates with (discrete) different heights, e.g. wherein the height interval is the same or a bit less than the total length of the slots in both the bottom and top bars, e.g. wherein the height difference of the plates is between 0.8 and 1.0 times the total slot length (or half length of the individual slots).

[0044] FIGs 6A and 6B illustrate a load L applied to a corner of the frame 100, and calculated shearing forces for different bolting positions X,Y along the frame. In the calculation shown, a load L with a force of 1000 Newton was applied to the corner, resulting in the shown distribution of forces. The graph shows the forces between the plates 22 and inside and outside the top bars ) ) with markers "x" and "o" respectively In this case a max total shear force of 61 N + 59 N = 120 N, was observed. In another calculation with a much higher load of 150 kilo Newton, a max shear force of 17.95 kN was observed.

[0045] By increased tightening of the bolting 25, friction between the touching surfaces of the side plates and vertical section of the top/bottom bars can be increased. Preferably, the bolt is tightened to prevent slipping of the surfaces. For example, each bolt is able to provide the at least two sets of touching surfaces with sufficient friction there between to withstand a respective downward load or shear force without slipping of at least hundred Newton, preferably at least thousand Newton, or even more than ten thousand Newton.

[0046] In some embodiments, sufficient friction is be achieved by tightened the bolts e.g. until a fastening tool measures a predetermined torque. For example, High Resistance Calibrated (HRC) and/or Tension Controlled Bolts (TCB) can be used. In other or further embodiments, the surfaces of one or both of the vertical sections and/or side plates are treated to increase friction. In one embodiment, the surfaces are roughened by a treatment such as (sand)blasting and/or spraying. For example, a zinc spray can be used. In another or further embodiment, it can also be envisaged to provide the surfaces with a corrugated profile which can lock the surfaces together at a specific height.

[0047] In some embodiments, the slots orientation of slots is diagonal, i.e. having not only a vertical component for the height adjustment but also a horizontal component whereby the bolt can partly rest on the slanted surface of the slot. For example, the slots are at an angle of at least five degrees with respect to a normal of the floor surface, e.g. between ten and forty five degrees. The higher the angle of the slots, the more the slanted slot surface may carry part of the load in addition to the frictional surfaces, although at the cost of height range.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, as shown throughout the figures, each set of side plates 22 is held together by a plurality of bolts through a corresponding plurality of slots 11s, 31s. To distribute the forces, it is preferable on the one hand to provide a relative high density of bolts connecting the plates to the top and bottom bars. On the other hand, increasing the number of bolts may correspond to a similarly increased number of slots in each of the top bars 11 and bottom bars 31, which may weaken their structure. Based on the calculations, the inventors find it preferable that the side plates 22 are respectively bolted to the top bars 11 and/or bottom bars 31 with a density between a minimum and maximum number of bolts per meter (per top or bottom bar). Specifically, according to the invention, between five and fifty bolts/slots per meter, preferably between ten and forty bolts/slots per meter (i.e. a row of adjacent bolts with a center-to-center distance between 25 - 100 mm), preferably between twenty and thirty(i.e. center-to-center distance between 33 - 50 mm) are used.

[0049] For example, each plate is bolted by a set of at least three, four, five, ten, or more, adjacent bolts through a corresponding set of adjacent holes and slots in the respective side plate and respective vertical section of the top or bottom bar. For example, the illustrated embodiment has a bolting density about twenty-five bolts and slots per meter per bar, i.e. a row of adjacent bolts with a center-to-center distance of about four centimeters.

[0050] The various elements of the embodiments as discussed and shown offer certain advantages, such as adjustability of various dimensions.

[0051] It is appreciated that this disclosure offers particular advantages to machine support frames, and in general can be applied for any application wherein a stiff and adjustable support structure is desired.

[0052] In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. Where one claim refers to another claim, this may indicate synergetic advantage achieved by the combination of their respective features. But the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot also be used to advantage. The present embodiments may thus include all working combinations of the claims wherein each claim can in principle refer to any preceding claim unless clearly excluded by context.

Claims

1. A modular machine support frame (100) for supporting a machine (200), the frame (100) comprising

- a top part (10) comprising a horizontally (XY) extending support plate (12) with mounting structures (12m) on top of the support plate (12) for mounting the vibration sensitive machine (200), and a set of horizontally elongate top bars (11) connected to a bottom of the support plate (12);

- a bottom part (30) comprising a set of horizontally elongate bottom bars (31) configured to support the frame (100) on a floor (300); and

- an intermediate part (20) comprising a set of vertically (XZ,YZ) extending side plates (22) connected between the top and bottom parts (10,30);

wherein the side plates (22) are fixed by bolting (25) to respective vertical sections (11v,31v) formed by downward and upward (±Z) extending parts of the horizontally elongate top and bottom bars (11,31), respectively;

wherein the top part (10) of the frame (100) is carried (C) by the side plates (22) at an adjustable height (H) from the floor (300);

wherein the vertical sections (11v,31v) in at least one of the top and bottom bars (11,31) comprise a respective plurality of vertically extending elongate slots (11s, 31s) arranged side-by-side horizontally along a respective length of the at least one of the horizontally elongate top and bottom bars (11,31) for the bolting (25) of the side plates (22) at a specific position (ΔH) along a length of the slots (11s, 31s) to determine the adjustable height (H),

wherein the respective vertical sections (11v,31v) of the top and bottom bars (11,31) are sandwiched between respective sets of at least two of the side plates (22) on either sides of the vertical slots (11s, 31s), wherein each set of side plates (22) is held together by a plurality of adjacent bolts through adjacent slots (11s,31s) of the respective plurality of vertically extending elongate slots (11s, 31s), wherein the side plates (22) are respectively bolted to the top bars (11) and/or bottom bars (31) by the adjacent bolts arranged with a bolting density of between five and fifty bolts per meter per bar;

wherein, by the bolting (25) through the side plates (22) sandwiching the vertical sections (11v,31v), respective friction connections are formed with at least two frictional surfaces (F) on either side of the vertical sections (11v,31v) between each side of the respective vertical section (11v,31v) and side plate (22) for the carrying (C) of the top part (10) of the frame (100) while maintaining the specific position (ΔH) of the bolting (25) along the slots (11s, 31s).

2. The machine support frame (100) according to claim 1, wherein the top bars (11) and/or bottom bars (31) comprise a respective T- or L-profile wherein one leg of the profile forms the vertical section (11v, 31v) for connecting the side plates (22), and another transvers leg of the profile forms a horizontal section (11h, 31h) for connecting to the floor (300) and/or support plate (12).

3. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the machine support frame (100) comprises a set of vertically extending corner bars (21), each comprising a corner profile interconnecting a set of transversely oriented bottom bars (31) at the bottom part (30) of the frame and/or interconnecting a set of transversely oriented top bars (11) at the top part (10) of the frame (100), wherein the corner bars (21) additionally form an interconnection between the top and bottom parts (10,30); wherein the corner bars (21) are disposed in a same plane as one of the side plates (22).

4. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the set of plates (22) include at least a third side plate (22) between two vertical sections (31v) of one or more bottom bars (31).

5. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical sections (11v,31v) comprise elongate slots (31s) there through having a length greater than a width by at least a factor ten.

6. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the slots (11s, 31s) extend from an undulating profile at a bottom or top end of the respective vertical sections (11v,31v) on the top and bottom bars (11,31), wherein the undulating profile of the top bars (11) fits into the undulating profile of the bottom bars (31) to allow a bottom end of respective slots (11s) on the top bars (11) to be set at a same height or below a top end of respective slots (31s) on bottom bars when the vertical sections (11v,31v) are disposed in the same plane.

7. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side plates (22) are respectively bolted to the top bars (11) and/or bottom bars (31) by between twenty and thirty bolts per meter per bar.

8. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the machine support frame (100) has a stiffness of more than 10⁷ Newton per meter.

9. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support plate (12) has a modulus of elasticity of more than 10 Giga-Pascal.

10. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (100) without the vibration sensitive machine (200) is constructed without resonances below one kilohertz.

11. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting structures (12m) extend through the support plate (12), for directly connecting the machine (200) via the mounting structures to the top bars (11) and/or intermediate part (20) of the frame, wherein the mounting structures comprise a different material providing a relatively high stiffness compared to the surrounding material of the support plate (12).

12. The machine support frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the top bars (11) are integrated into the support plate (12).

13. A method of assembling a machine support frame (100) for supporting a machine (200) at a specific height (H) above a floor (300), the method comprising

- connecting a set of horizontally elongate bottom bars (31) to the floor (300) to form a bottom part (30) of the frame (100);

- connecting a set of vertically (XZ,YZ) extending side plates (22) to the bottom parts (10,30) to form an intermediate part (20) of the frame (100);

- connecting a set of horizontally elongate top bars (11) to the side plates (22), wherein the elongate top bars (11) are connected to a bottom of a horizontally (XY) extending support plate (12) with mounting structures (12m) on top of the support plate (12) for mounting the vibration sensitive machine (200, wherein the top bars (11) and support plate (12) together form a top part (10) of the frame (100);

- wherein the top part (10) of the frame (100) is carried (C) by the side plates (22) at the specific height (H) from the floor (300);

- wherein the vertical sections (11v,31v) in at least one of the top and bottom bars (11,31) comprise a respective plurality of vertically extending elongate slots (11s, 31s) arranged side-by-side horizontally along a respective length of the at least one of the horizontally elongate top and bottom bars (11,31) for the bolting (25) of the side plates (22) at a specific position (ΔH) along a length of the slots (11s, 31s) to determine the specific height (H),

- wherein the respective vertical sections (11v,31v) of the top and bottom bars (11,31) are sandwiched between respective sets of at least two of the side plates (22) on either sides of the vertical slots (11s, 31s), wherein each set of side plates (22) is held together by a plurality of adjacent bolts through adjacent slots (11s,31s) of the respective plurality of vertically extending elongate slots (11s, 31s), wherein the side plates (22) are respectively bolted to the top bars (11) and/or bottom bars (31) by the adjacent bolts arranged with a bolting density of between five and fifty bolts per meter per bar;

- wherein, by the bolting (25) through the side plates (22) sandwiching the vertical sections (11v,31v), respective friction connections are formed with at least two frictional surfaces (F) on either side of the vertical sections (11v,31v) between each side of the respective vertical section (11v,31v) and side plate (22) to carry (C) of the top part (10) of the frame (100) while maintaining the specific position (ΔH) of the bolting (25) along the slots (11s, 31s).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the top bars (11) and/or bottom bars (31) are cut to size at an assembly site of the frame (100) with a specific length and/or width.

15. A kit of parts for assembling the machine support frame (100) according to any of claims 1-12 in accordance with the method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the parts include at least a top part (10) comprising a horizontally (XY) extending support plate (12) with mounting structures (12m) on top of the support plate (12) for mounting a vibration sensitive machine (200), and a set of horizontally elongate top bars (11); a bottom part (30) comprising a set of horizontally elongate bottom bars (31) configured to support the frame (100) on a floor (300); and an intermediate part (20) comprising a set of vertically (XZ,YZ) extending side plates (22).

Ansprüche

1. Modulares Maschinenstützgestell (100) zum Abstützen einer Maschine (200), wobei das Gestell (100) Folgendes umfasst:

- einen oberen Teil (10), umfassend eine sich horizontal (XY) erstreckende Stützplatte (12) mit Befestigungsstrukturen (12m) auf der Oberseite der Stützplatte (12) zum Befestigen der vibrationsempfindlichen Maschine (200), und einen Satz horizontal länglicher oberer Stangen (11), die mit einer Unterseite der Stützplatte (12) verbunden sind;

- einen unteren Teil (30), umfassend einen Satz von horizontal länglichen unteren Stangen (31), die konfiguriert sind, um das Gestell (100) auf einem Boden (300) zu stützen; und

- einen Zwischenteil (20), umfassend einen Satz sich vertikal (XZ, YZ) erstreckender Seitenplatten (22), die zwischen dem oberen und unteren Teil (10, 30) verbunden sind;

wobei die Seitenplatten (22) durch Verschraubung (25) an jeweiligen vertikalen Abschnitten (11v, 31v) befestigt sind, die durch sich nach unten und nach oben (±Z) erstreckende Teile der horizontal länglichen oberen und unteren Stangen (11, 31) gebildet werden;

wobei der obere Teil (10) des Gestells (100) von den Seitenplatten (22) in einer einstellbaren Höhe (H) vom Boden (300) getragen wird (C);

wobei die vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) in mindestens einer der oberen und unteren Stangen (11, 31) jeweils mehrere vertikal sich erstreckende längliche Schlitze (11s, 31s) umfassen, die horizontal nebeneinander entlang einer jeweiligen Länge der mindestens einen der horizontal länglichen oberen und unteren Stangen (11, 31) für die Verschraubung (25) der Seitenplatten (22) an einer bestimmten Position (ΔH) entlang einer Länge der Schlitze (11s, 31s) angeordnet sind, um die einstellbare Höhe (H) zu bestimmen,

wobei die jeweiligen vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) der oberen und unteren Stangen (11, 31) zwischen jeweiligen Sätzen von mindestens zwei der Seitenplatten (22) auf beiden Seiten der vertikalen Schlitze (11s, 31s) eingebettet sind, wobei jeder Satz von Seitenplatten (22) durch eine Vielzahl von benachbarten Schrauben durch benachbarte Schlitze (11s, 31s) der jeweiligen Vielzahl von sich vertikal erstreckenden länglichen Schlitzen (11s, 31s) zusammengehalten wird, wobei die Seitenplatten (22) jeweils mit den oberen Stangen (11) und/oder den unteren Stangen (31) durch die benachbarten Schrauben verschraubt sind, die mit einer Schraubendichte zwischen fünf und fünfzig Schrauben pro Meter und Stange angeordnet sind;

wobei, durch die Verschraubung (25) durch die Seitenplatten (22), welche die vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) einbetten, jeweilige Reibungsverbindungen mit mindestens zwei Reibungsflächen (F) auf jeder Seite der vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) zwischen jeder Seite des jeweiligen vertikalen Abschnitts (11v, 31v) und der Seitenplatte (22) gebildet werden, und zwar für das Tragen (C) des oberen Teils (10) des Gestells (100), während die spezifische Position (ΔH) der Verschraubung (25) entlang der Schlitze (11s, 31s) erhalten bleibt.

2. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die oberen Stangen (11) und/oder unteren Stangen (31) jeweils ein T- oder L-Profil umfassen, wobei ein Schenkel des Profils den vertikalen Abschnitt (11v, 31v) zum Verbinden der Seitenplatten (22) bildet und ein anderer Querschenkel des Profils einen horizontalen Abschnitt (11h, 31h) zum Verbinden mit dem Boden (300) und/oder der Stützplatte (12) bildet.

3. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Maschinenstützgestell (100) einen Satz von sich vertikal erstreckenden Eckstangen (21) umfasst, die jeweils ein Eckprofil umfassen, das einen Satz von quer ausgerichteten unteren Stangen (31) am Unterteil (30) des Gestells und/oder einen Satz von quer ausgerichteten oberen Stangen (11) am oberen Teil (10) des Gestells (100) miteinander verbindet, wobei die Eckstangen (21) zusätzlich eine Zwischenverbindung zwischen den oberen und unteren Teilen (10, 30) bilden; wobei die Eckstangen (21) auf einer gleichen Ebene wie eine der Seitenplatten (22) angeordnet sind.

4. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Satz von Platten (22) mindestens eine dritte Seitenplatte (22) zwischen zwei vertikalen Abschnitten (31v) von einer oder mehreren unteren Stangen (31) beinhaltet.

5. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) durchgehende längliche Schlitze (31s) umfassen, deren Länge mindestens um den Faktor zehn größer ist als die Breite.

6. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich die Schlitze (11s, 31s) von einem wellenförmigen Profil an einem unteren oder oberen Ende der jeweiligen vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) an den oberen und unteren Stangen (11, 31) erstrecken, wobei das wellenförmige Profil der oberen Stangen (11) in das wellenförmige Profil der unteren Stangen (31) passt, damit ein unteres Ende der jeweiligen Schlitze (11s) an den oberen Stangen (11) auf gleicher Höhe oder unterhalb eines oberen Endes der jeweiligen Schlitze (31s) an den unteren Stangen liegen kann, wenn die vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) auf derselben Ebene angeordnet sind.

7. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Seitenplatten (22) jeweils mit zwanzig bis dreißig Schrauben pro Meter und Stange an den oberen Stangen (11) und/oder unteren Stangen (31) verschraubt sind.

8. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Maschinenstützgestell (100) eine Steifigkeit von mehr als 10⁷ Newton pro Meter aufweist.

9. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Stützplatte (12) einen Elastizitätsmodul von mehr als 10 Gigapascal aufweist.

10. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Gestell (100) ohne die vibrationsempfindliche Maschine (200) ohne Resonanzen unter einem Kilohertz konstruiert ist.

11. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich die Befestigungsstrukturen (12m) durch die Stützplatte (12) erstrecken, und zwar zum direkten Verbinden der Maschine (200) über die Montagestrukturen mit den oberen Stangen (11) und/oder dem Zwischenteil (20) des Gestells, wobei die Befestigungsstrukturen ein anderes Material umfassen, das im Vergleich zum umgebenden Material der Stützplatte (12) eine relativ hohe Steifigkeit aufweist.

12. Maschinenstützgestell (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die oberen Stangen (11) in die Stützplatte (12) integriert sind.

13. Verfahren zum Montieren eines Maschinenstützgestells (100) zum Abstützen einer Maschine (200) in einer bestimmten Höhe (H) über einem Boden (300), wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

- Verbinden eines Satzes von horizontal länglichen unteren Stangen (31) mit dem Boden (300), um einen unteren Teil (30) des Gestells (100) zu bilden;

- Verbinden eines Satzes von sich vertikal (XZ, YZ) erstreckenden Seitenplatten (22) mit den unteren Teilen (10, 30), um einen Zwischenteil (20) des Gestells (100) zu bilden;

- Verbinden eines Satzes von horizontal länglichen oberen Stangen (11) mit den Seitenplatten (22), wobei die länglichen oberen Stangen (11) mit einer Unterseite einer sich horizontal (XY) erstreckenden Stützplatte (12) mit Befestigungsstrukturen (12m) auf der Oberseite der Stützplatte (12) verbunden sind, um die vibrationsempfindliche Maschine (200) zu befestigen, wobei die oberen Stangen (11) und die Stützplatte (12) zusammen einen oberen Teil (10) des Gestells (100) bilden;

- wobei der obere Teil (10) des Gestells (100) von den Seitenplatten (22) in einer bestimmten Höhe (H) vom Boden (300) getragen wird;

- wobei die vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) in mindestens einer der oberen und unteren Stangen (11, 31) jeweils mehrere vertikal sich erstreckende längliche Schlitze (11s, 31s) umfassen, die horizontal nebeneinander entlang einer jeweiligen Länge der mindestens einen der horizontal länglichen oberen und unteren Stangen (11, 31) für die Verschraubung (25) der Seitenplatten (22) an einer bestimmten Position (ΔH) entlang einer Länge der Schlitze (11s, 31s) angeordnet sind, um die spezifische Höhe (H) zu bestimmen,

- wobei die jeweiligen vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) der oberen und unteren Stangen (11, 31) zwischen jeweiligen Sätzen von mindestens zwei der Seitenplatten (22) auf beiden Seiten der vertikalen Schlitze (11s, 31s) eingebettet sind, wobei jeder Satz von Seitenplatten (22) durch eine Vielzahl von benachbarten Schrauben durch benachbarte Schlitze (11s, 31s) der jeweiligen Vielzahl von sich vertikal erstreckenden länglichen Schlitzen (11s, 31s) zusammengehalten wird, wobei die Seitenplatten (22) jeweils mit den oberen Stangen (11) und/oder den unteren Stangen (31) durch die benachbarten Schrauben verschraubt sind, die mit einer Schraubendichte zwischen fünf und fünfzig Schrauben pro Meter und Stange angeordnet sind;

- wobei, durch die Verschraubung (25) durch die Seitenplatten (22), welche die vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) einbetten, jeweilige Reibungsverbindungen mit mindestens zwei Reibungsflächen (F) auf jeder Seite der vertikalen Abschnitte (11v, 31v) zwischen jeder Seite des jeweiligen vertikalen Abschnitts (11v, 31v) und der Seitenplatte (22) gebildet werden, um den oberen Teil (10) des Gestells (100) zu tragen (C), während die spezifische Position (ΔH) der Verschraubung (25) entlang der Schlitze (11s, 31s) erhalten bleibt.

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, wobei die oberen Stangen (11) und/oder unteren Stangen (31) an einer Montagestelle des Gestells (100) mit einer bestimmten Länge und/oder Breite zugeschnitten werden.

15. Teilekit zum Montieren des Maschinenstützgestells (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12 gemäß dem Verfahren nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, wobei die Teile mindestens einen oberen Teil (10) beinhalten, umfassend eine sich horizontal (XY) erstreckende Stützplatte (12) mit Montagestrukturen (12m) auf der Oberseite der Stützplatte (12) zum Montieren einer vibrationsempfindlichen Maschine (200), und einen Satz horizontal länglicher oberer Stangen (11); einen unteren Teil (30), umfassend einen Satz horizontal länglicher unterer Stangen (31), die konfiguriert sind, um das Gestell (100) auf einem Boden (300) zu stützen; und einen Zwischenteil (20), umfassend einen Satz vertikal (XZ, YZ) sich erstreckender Seitenplatten (22).

Revendications

1. Cadre de support modulaire de machine (100) pour supporter une machine (200), le cadre (100) comprenant :

- une partie supérieure (10) comprenant une plaque de support (12) s'étendant horizontalement (XY) avec des structures de montage (12m) sur le dessus de la plaque de support (12) pour monter la machine sensible aux vibrations (200), et un ensemble de barres supérieures horizontalement allongées (11) raccordé à un fond de la plaque de support (12) ;

- une partie inférieure (30) comprenant un ensemble de barres inférieures horizontalement allongées (31) configuré pour supporter le cadre (100) sur un sol (300) ; et

- une partie intermédiaire (20) comprenant un ensemble de plaques latérales (22) s'étendant verticalement (XZ, YZ) raccordé entre les parties supérieure et inférieure (10, 30) ;

dans lequel les plaques latérales (22) sont fixées par boulonnage (25) aux sections verticales (11v, 31v) respectives formées par des parties s'étendant vers le bas et vers le haut (±Z) des barres supérieures et inférieures horizontalement allongées (11, 31) respectivement ;

dans lequel la partie supérieure (10) du cadre (100) est portée (C) par les plaques latérales (22) à une hauteur (H) réglable par rapport au sol (300) ;

dans lequel les sections verticales (11v, 31v) dans au moins l'une des barres supérieures et inférieures (11, 31) comprennent une pluralité respective de fentes allongées s'étendant verticalement (11s, 31s) agencées côte à côte horizontalement le long d'une longueur respective de la au moins une des barres supérieures et inférieures horizontalement allongées (11, 31) pour le boulonnage (25) des plaques latérales (22) dans une position spécifique (ΔH) le long d'une longueur des fentes (11s, 31s) afin de déterminer la hauteur (H) réglable,

dans lequel les sections verticales (11v, 31v) respectives des barres supérieures et inférieures (11, 31) sont prises en sandwich entre des ensembles respectifs d'au moins deux des plaques latérales (22) sur chacun des côtés des fentes verticales (11s, 31s), dans lequel chaque ensemble de plaques latérales (22) est maintenu ensemble par une pluralité de boulons adjacents à travers des fentes (11s, 31s) adjacentes de la pluralité respective de fentes allongées s'étendant verticalement (11s, 31s), dans lequel les plaques latérales (22) sont respectivement boulonnées aux barres supérieures (11) et/ou aux barres inférieures (31) par les boulons adjacents agencés avec une densité de boulonnage comprise entre cinq et cinquante boulons par mètre par barre ;

dans lequel, grâce au boulonnage (25) à travers les plaques latérales (22) prenant en sandwich les sections verticales (11v, 31v), des raccordements de friction respectifs sont formés avec au moins deux surfaces de friction (F) de chaque côté des sections verticales (11v, 31v) entre chaque côté de la section verticale (11v, 31v) respective et la plaque latérale (22) pour le support (C) de la partie supérieure (10) du cadre (100) tout en maintenant la position (ΔH) spécifique du boulonnage (25) le long des fentes (11s, 31s).

2. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les barres supérieures (11) et/ou les barres inférieures (31) comprennent un profilé en forme de T ou de L respectif, dans lequel une jambe du profilé forme la section verticale (11v, 31v) pour raccorder les plaques latérales (22) et une autre jambe transversale du profilé forme une section horizontale (11h, 31h) pour se raccorder au sol (300) et/ou à la plaque de support (12).

3. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le cadre de support de machine (100) comprend un ensemble de barres de coin s'étendant verticalement (21), comprenant chacune un profilé de coin interconnectant un ensemble de barres inférieures orientées transversalement (31) au niveau de la partie inférieure (30) du cadre et/ou interconnectant un ensemble de barres supérieures orientées transversalement (11) au niveau de la partie supérieure (10) du cadre (100), dans lequel les barres de coin (21) forment, de plus, une interconnexion entre les parties supérieure et inférieure (10, 30) ; dans lequel les barres de coin (21) sont disposées dans un même plan que celui des plaques latérales (22).

4. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'ensemble de plaques (22) comprend au moins une troisième plaque latérale (22) entre deux sections verticales (31v) d'une ou de plusieurs barres inférieures (31).

5. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les sections verticales (11v, 31v) comprennent des fentes allongées (31s) à travers ces dernières, ayant une longueur supérieure à une largeur d'au moins un facteur de dix.

6. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les fentes (11s, 31s) s'étendent à partir d'un profilé ondulé au niveau d'une extrémité inférieure ou supérieure des sections verticales (11v, 31v) respectives sur les barres supérieures et inférieures (11, 31), dans lequel le profil ondulé des barres supérieures (11) s'adapte dans le profil ondulé des barres inférieures (31) pour permettre à une extrémité inférieure des fentes (11s) respectives sur les barres supérieures (11) d'être placée à une même hauteur ou au-dessous d'une extrémité supérieure des fentes (31s) respectives sur les barres inférieures lorsque les sections verticales (11v, 31v) sont disposées dans le même plan.

7. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les plaques latérales (22) sont respectivement boulonnées sur les barres supérieures (11) et/ou les barres inférieures (31) par un nombre compris entre vingt et trente boulons par mètre par barre.

8. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le cadre de support de machine (100) a une rigidité supérieure à 10⁷ Newton/mètre.

9. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la plaque de support (12) a un module d'élasticité supérieur à 10 Giga Pascal.

10. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le cadre (100), sans la machine sensible aux vibrations (200), est construit sans résonances inférieures à un kilohertz.

11. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les structures de montage (12m) s'étendent à travers la plaque de support (12), pour raccorder directement la machine (200), via les structures de montage, aux barres supérieures (11) et/ou à la partie intermédiaire (20) du cadre, dans lequel les structures de montage comprennent un matériau différent fournissant une rigidité relativement élevée par rapport au matériau environnant de la plaque de support (12).

12. Cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les barres supérieures (11) sont intégrées dans la plaque de support (12).

13. Procédé pour assembler un cadre de support de machine (100) pour supporter une machine (200) à une hauteur (H) spécifique au-dessus d'un sol (300), le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :

- raccorder un ensemble de barres inférieures horizontalement allongées (31) au sol (300) afin de former une partie inférieure (30) du cadre (100) ;

- raccorder un ensemble de plaques latérales (22) s'étendant verticalement (XZ, YZ) aux parties inférieures (10, 30) afin de former une partie intermédiaire (20) du cadre (100) ;

- raccorder un ensemble de barres supérieures horizontalement allongées (11) aux plaques latérales (22), dans lequel les barres supérieures allongées (11) sont raccordées à un fond d'une plaque de support (12) s'étendant horizontalement (XY) avec des structures de montage (12m) sur le dessus de la plaque de support (12) pour monter la machine sensible aux vibrations (200), dans lequel les barres supérieures (11) et la plaque de support (12) forment ensemble une partie supérieure (10) du cadre (100) ;

- dans lequel la partie supérieure (10) du cadre (100) est portée (C) par les plaques latérales (22) à la hauteur (H) spécifique par rapport au sol (300) ;

- dans lequel les sections verticales (11v, 31v) dans au moins l'une des barres supérieures et inférieures (11,31) comprennent une pluralité respective de fentes allongées s'étendant verticalement (11s, 31s) agencées côte à côte horizontalement le long d'une longueur respective de la au moins une des barres supérieures et inférieures horizontalement allongées (11, 31) pour le boulonnage (25) des plaques latérales (22) dans une position (ΔH) spécifique le long d'une longueur des fentes (11s, 31s) afin de déterminer la hauteur (H) spécifique,

- dans lequel les sections verticales (11v, 31v) respectives des barres supérieures et inférieures (11, 31) sont prises en sandwich entre des ensembles respectifs d'au moins deux des plaques latérales (22) de chaque côté des fentes verticales (11s, 31s), dans lequel chaque ensemble de plaques latérales (22) est maintenu ensemble par une pluralité de boulons adjacents à travers des fentes (11s, 31s) adjacentes de la pluralité respective de fentes allongées s'étendant verticalement (11s, 31s), dans lequel les plaques latérales (22) sont respectivement boulonnées aux barres supérieures (11) et/ou aux barres inférieures (31) par les boulons adjacents agencés avec une densité de boulonnage comprise entre cinq et cinquante boulons par mètre par barre ;

- dans lequel, grâce au boulonnage (25) à travers les plaques latérales (22) prenant en sandwich les sections verticales (11v, 31v), des raccordements de friction respectifs sont formés avec au moins deux surfaces de friction (F) de chaque côté des sections verticales (11v, 1v) entre chaque côté de la section verticale (11v, 31v) respective et de la plaque latérale (22) pour porter (C) la partie supérieure (10) du cadre (100) tout en maintenant la position (ΔH) spécifique du boulonnage (25) le long des fentes (11s, 31s).

14. Procédé selon la revendication 13, dans lequel les barres supérieures (11) et/ou les barres inférieures (31) sont coupées à la taille sur un site d'assemblage du cadre (100) avec une longueur et/ou largeur spécifique(s).

15. Kit de pièces pour assembler le cadre de support de machine (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12, selon le procédé selon la revendication 13 ou 14, dans lequel les pièces comprennent au moins une partie supérieure (10) comprenant une plaque de support (12) s'étendant horizontalement (XY) avec des structures de montage (12m) sur le dessus de la plaque de support (12) pour monter une machine sensible aux vibrations (200), et un ensemble de barres supérieures horizontalement allongées (11) ; une partie inférieure (30) comprenant un ensemble de barres inférieures horizontalement allongées (31) configuré pour supporter le cadre (100) sur un sol (300) ; et une partie intermédiaire (20) comprenant un ensemble de plaques latérales (22) s'étendant verticalement (XZ, YZ).

Drawing