Electric actuator assembly for crane boom pin connection

Abstract

A pin actuator assembly for a telescopic boom includes a locking head having: a base; an operating plate operatively coupled to the base; one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more locking arms operatively movable in response to movement of the operating plate relative to the base. The pin actuator assembly also includes an actuator operatively coupled to the operating plate and configured to move the operating plate relative to the base. The actuator includes an electric motor and a drive arm. The electric motor is configured to drive the drive arm between an extended drive arm position and a retracted drive arm position. The pin actuator assembly also includes a motion decelerator having: a housing; a rod movable relative to the housing and operatively coupled to the actuator; a first biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing; and a second biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following description generally relates to a telescopic boom of a crane having a pin actuator assembly for actuating at least one pin of a locking head. Background Technology

[0002] A crane with a telescopic boom includes a mechanical locking head having a cylinder pin and a sling pin configured to selectively engage and disengage from portions of the boom's telescopic segments. The mechanical locking head is mounted on a linear boom actuator configured to extend and retract individual boom segments. For this purpose, the cylinder pin is configured to engage the segment, actuating it to extend or retract with movement of the linear boom actuator. Conversely, the cylinder pin can disengage the segment to allow movement of the linear boom actuator and the mechanical locking head relative to the boom segments. Thus, the mechanical locking head can be repositioned to engage different segments, thereby extending or retracting them.

[0003] The spool pin of the mechanical locking head is configured to engage a spool lock on the telescopic section of the boom. The spool pin is operable to move the spool lock between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, telescopic movement of the telescopic boom section relative to the adjacent boom section is restricted; in the unlocked position, telescopic movement of the telescopic boom section relative to the adjacent boom section is permitted. Therefore, with the spool pin engaged in the telescopic section and the spool lock moved to the unlocked position, the linear boom actuator can drive the telescopic section to extend or retract. Upon reaching the desired position, the spool pin of the mechanical locking head can be operated to actuate the spool lock and substantially prevent telescopic movement of the telescopic section relative to the adjacent boom section, and the spool pin can disengage from the telescopic section. The mechanical locking head can then be repositioned.

[0004] Known linear boom actuators are configured as telescopic rod-cylinder assemblies. The cylinder pin and throttle pin of the mechanical locking head are hydraulically actuated by a hydraulic trombone cylinder within the rod of the telescopic rod-cylinder linear boom actuator. However, the operation of the hydraulically actuated pin can be adversely affected by entrained air and / or low temperatures. Furthermore, pressure within the trombone cylinder during pin release operations can deflect the rod or cylinder of the linear boom actuator, potentially causing the pin to jam. This results in a delay or extension of the boom pin engagement operation to release the jammed pin.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0128735 discloses an actuator for a sliding connection member of a locking system in a telescopic system. The telescopic system has an outer telescopic joint and an inner telescopic joint, each with a locking hole through which a locking bolt can enter and exit. The locking bolt is linearly movable via a connecting member extending in a sliding path, and the boom sections can be connected to each other by inserting the locking bolt into the bolt hole. The sliding connection member can be driven by a linear electric actuator.

[0006] However, even in known systems incorporating electric actuators, the cylinder pin and / or throttle pin can be positioned to impede the free movement of the pin. The control system can operate the linear boom actuator and / or electric actuator so that the pin can move as needed when a position where it can move freely is reached. However, this approach can be unreliable and introduces uncertainty into the operation of the pin. For example, repeated attempts by the control system to operate the electric actuator when the pin's movement is impeded can lead to damage or premature wear of the electric actuator.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a pin actuator assembly for a telescopic boom, which incorporates a motion damper to absorb the movement of the electric actuator when the movement of the cylinder pin and / or throttle pin of the locking head is impeded. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect, a pin actuator assembly for a telescopic boom includes a locking head having: a base; an operating plate operatively coupled to the base; and one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more locking arms operatively movable in response to movement of the operating plate relative to the base. The pin actuator assembly also includes an actuator operatively coupled to the operating plate and configured to move the operating plate relative to the base, the actuator having an electric motor and a drive arm. The electric motor is configured to drive the drive arm between an extended drive arm position and a retracted drive arm position. The pin actuator assembly also includes a motion decelerator having: a housing; a rod movable relative to the housing and operatively coupled to the actuator; a first biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing; and a second biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing.

[0009] According to another aspect, a telescopic boom for a crane includes: a base section; a plurality of telescopic sections movable relative to the base section to adjust the length of the boom; a boom actuator disposed within the base section and operable to move one of the telescopic sections, thereby adjusting the length of the boom; and a pin actuator assembly operatively coupled to the boom actuator. The pin actuator assembly includes a locking head comprising: a base; an operating plate operatively coupled to the base; and one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more section locking arms movable in response to movement of the operating plate relative to the base. The pin actuator assembly further includes a pin actuator operatively coupled to the operating plate and configured to move the operating plate relative to the base, the pin actuator having an electric motor and a drive arm. The electric motor is configured to drive the drive arm between an extended drive arm position and a retracted drive arm position. The pin actuator assembly also includes a motion decelerator having: a housing; a rod movable relative to the housing and operatively coupled to the actuator; a first biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing; and a second biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing.

[0010] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the pin actuator assembly in a first state according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the pin actuator assembly in the second state according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the pin actuator assembly in a third state according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a side view of the motion slower according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a motion slower;

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 End view of the motion slower;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view of the motion slower in a neutral state according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view of the motion decelerator in the first loading state according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 9 This is a side cross-sectional view of the motion decelerator in the second loading state according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the pin actuator assembly in the fourth state according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the pin actuator assembly in the fifth state according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the pin actuator assembly in the sixth state according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the pin actuator assembly in its seventh state according to an embodiment; and

[0024] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a crane with a telescopic boom according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] While various embodiments of this device are permissible, the currently preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described below, and it should be understood that this disclosure should be considered as exemplary of the device and is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments shown.

[0026] This disclosure generally relates to a pin actuator assembly for a boom actuator in a telescopic boom of the type found, for example, on a crane. The pin actuator assembly generally includes a locking head, an electric actuator, and a motion decelerator.

[0027] The locking head includes a base and an operating plate movable relative to the base along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom actuator and / or telescopic boom. The operating plate is operatively connected to one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more locking arms, such that movement of the operating plate causes movement of one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more locking arms. For example, the operating plate may include: a first guide wall abutting a cylinder pin linkage interconnected between the first guide wall and the cylinder pin; and / or a second guide wall abutting a locking arm linkage interconnected between the second guide wall and the locking arm.

[0028] In one example, the first guide wall includes: a first section that does not cause the cylinder pin to move in response to relative movement of the control plate; and a second section that causes the cylinder pin to move in response to relative movement of the control plate. Similarly, the second guide wall includes: a first section that does not cause the joint locking arm to move in response to relative movement of the control plate; and a second section that causes the joint locking arm to move in response to relative movement of the control plate. In one embodiment, the first section of each guide wall may extend generally in the direction of movement of the control plate (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis). The second section may extend in a direction having longitudinal and lateral components such that, for each guide wall, the second section is angled relative to the first section. In one embodiment, the cylinder pin linkage engages with the first section of the first guide wall, while the joint locking arm linkage engages with the second section of the second guide wall. Conversely, in one embodiment, the cylinder pin linkage engages with the second section of the first guide wall, while the joint locking arm linkage engages with the first section of the second guide wall. Thus, in one embodiment, movement of the control plate may provide movement of either the cylinder pin or the joint locking arm, while the other of the cylinder pin and the joint locking arm remains in place.

[0029] An electric actuator is operatively connected to an operating plate. The drive arm of the electric actuator can extend or retract to drive a corresponding movement of the operating plate relative to the base during normal operation of the pin actuator assembly. However, in some cases, movement of one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more locking arms may be blocked or impeded, which thus prevents or hinders the intended movement of the operating plate in response to movement of the drive arm.

[0030] The motion decelerator is operatively connected to the electric actuator and the control panel. The motion decelerator is configured to operate in a substantially rigid state when one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more locking arms move freely in a desired manner. However, in cases where movement of one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more locking arms is impeded, thereby preventing the desired movement of the control panel, the motion decelerator is configured to be placed in one or more loaded states by absorbing or slowing the movement of the drive arm. For example, when movement of the control panel is impeded, the drive arm can still extend or retract as intended. However, the movement of the drive arm is absorbed by the motion decelerator, rather than causing movement of the control panel.

[0031] In some embodiments, the motion decelerator includes a rod disposed within a housing and one or more springs interconnected between the rod and the housing. In a rigid configuration, i.e., during normal operation of the pin actuator assembly, the rod remains substantially fixed relative to the housing. However, if movement of the operating plate is prevented, movement of the drive arm causes the rod to move relative to the housing (or vice versa), placing the rod in a retracted or extended position relative to the housing, thereby compressing the springs and placing the motion decelerator in a loaded state.

[0032] In the loaded state, the motion decelerator applies a preload to the operating plate. When movement of the operating plate is no longer impeded, the preload applied from the motion decelerator causes the operating plate to move, thereby completing the expected movement in response to the operation of the electric actuator. Therefore, the expected movement of one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more locking arms can be completed without further movement of the drive arm or operation of the electric actuator.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 According to the embodiments described herein, the pin actuator assembly 10 for a telescopic boom of a crane generally includes a locking head 12, an actuator 14, and a motion decelerator 16. In one embodiment, the locking head 12 includes a base 18, an operating plate 20 operatively coupled to the base 18, one or more cylinder pins 22 and / or one or more locking arms 28 operatively movable in response to movement of the operating plate 20 relative to the base 18.

[0034] The cylinder pin 22 is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Although the accompanying drawings depict a single cylinder pin 22, those skilled in the art will understand that a second cylinder pin (not shown) may be positioned on the opposite side of the locking head 12 and may operate in a substantially mirror image of the cylinder pin 22. Therefore, it will be understood that references to a single cylinder pin in the following description are equally applicable to a pair of cylinder pins 22.

[0035] In one embodiment, the cylinder pin 22 can be operatively connected to the operating plate 20 via a cylinder pin link 24 that engages with a first guide wall 26 of the operating plate 20. The first guide wall 26 may be shaped such that movement of the operating plate 20 causes the first link 24 to move substantially transversely to the direction of movement of the operating plate 20 between an extended pin position and a retracted pin position. The first guide wall 26 may be, for example, a wall formed in a slot or recess or a wall projecting from the surface of the operating plate 20. Movement of the operating plate 20 may cause the first guide wall to exert a force on the cylinder pin link 24, which is transmitted to the cylinder pin 22, thereby causing movement of the cylinder pin. The cylinder pin link 24 may include, for example, a lug extending to engage the first guide wall 26.

[0036] One or more locking arms 28 are configured in the locked position ( Figure 1 ) and unlock location ( Figure 3 In one embodiment, the locking arm 28 can move between the second guide wall 32 of the operating plate 20. Figure 2 The engaged locking arm link 30 is operatively coupled to the operating plate 20. The second guide wall 32 may be shaped such that movement of the operating plate 20 causes the locking arm link 30 to move in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the operating plate 20. This transverse movement of the locking arm link 30 can cause the locking arm 28 to move, for example, between a locked position and an unlocked position by rotation or pivoting, as further described below.

[0037] The second locking arm 28 can move between a locked position and an unlocked position using a separate locking arm link 30 and a second guide wall 32, similar to those described above. In one embodiment, one or more locking arms 28 are operatively coupled to corresponding locking pins (not shown) disposed on the telescopic boom section, such that movement of one or more locking arms 28 is configured to move (one or more) the locking pins to lock the telescopic boom section to or unlock it from an adjacent telescopic boom section. For example, in one embodiment, movement of the locking arm 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position is configured to retract the corresponding locking pin to unlock the telescopic boom section from an adjacent telescopic boom section.

[0038] Still referencing Figure 1 The actuator 14 includes a motor 34 and a drive arm 36. In one embodiment, the motor 34 is an electric motor and is operable to extend and retract the drive arm 36. In one embodiment, the actuator 14 is coupled to an operating plate 20 such that movement of the drive arm 36 drives movement of the operating plate 20 relative to the base 18.

[0039] Motion damper 16 is operatively coupled to actuator 14. In one embodiment, motion damper 16 is coupled to drive arm 36 such that actuator 14 is positioned between operating plate 20 and motion damper 16. As further described below, when movement of operating plate 20 is impeded when actuator 14 is actuated, motion damper 16 is configured to absorb or slow movement of drive arm 36 and can be placed in one or more loaded states to apply bias force or preload to operating plate 20 via actuator 14. However, referring to... Figures 1 to 3 In the example, when the movement of the control panel 20 is substantially unimpeded and the control panel 20 moves freely in response to the operation of the actuator 14, the motion decelerator 16 remains substantially rigid or neutral.

[0040] Figures 1 to 3 Examples of the pin actuator assembly 10 in a first, second, and third state, respectively, are shown during operation of the actuator 14 when the movement of the operating plate 20 is substantially unimpeded. The movement of the operating plate 20 is unimpeded when the cylinder pin 22 and / or the locking arm 28 move freely in response to operation of the actuator 14. (Reference) Figure 1 In the first state, actuator 14 and control panel 20 are each in a neutral position, and motion decelerator 16 is in a neutral state. Figure 1 As shown, in the first state, the cylinder pin connecting rod 24 is positioned adjacent to the first guide wall 26, such that the cylinder pin 22 is in its extended pin position, and the locking arm connecting rod 30 is adjacent to the second guide wall 32. Figure 2Positioning ensures that the locking arm 28 is in the locked position.

[0041] Now for reference Figure 2 In the second state, by retracting the drive arm 36 using the motor 34, the actuator 14 is operated to move from its neutral position to the retracted position. In response to the movement of the actuator 14 to the retracted position, the operating plate 20 moves from its neutral position to the retracted position. The motion decelerator 16 remains in its rigid neutral state. The movement of the operating plate 20 from its neutral position to its retracted position causes the first guide wall 26 to move relative to the cylinder pin link 24 and displace the cylinder pin link 24 in the lateral direction, thereby retracting the cylinder pin 22 back to its retracted pin position. Conversely, the movement of the operating plate 20 from the retracted position to the neutral position causes the cylinder pin 22 to move from its retracted pin position (…). Figure 2 ) Move to its extended pin position ( Figure 1 In one embodiment, the cylinder pin 22 is configured to move between an extended pin position and a retracted pin position in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the operating plate 20. The joint locking arm 28 remains in the locked position because the movement of the second guide wall 32 together with the operating plate 20 from the neutral position to the retracted position does not cause the joint locking arm link 30 to move in the lateral direction. For example, the cylinder pin link 24 may engage with a section of the first guide wall 26 extending in a direction having a lateral component relative to the direction of movement of the operating plate 20, and the joint locking arm link 30 may engage with a section of the second guide wall 32 extending in a direction substantially the same as the direction of movement of the operating plate 20.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 3 In the third state, by extending the drive arm 36 with the motor 34, the actuator 14 is operated to move from its neutral position to its extended position. In response to the movement of the actuator 14 to the extended position, the operating plate 20 moves from its neutral position to the extended position. The motion decelerator 16 remains in a rigid neutral state. The movement of the operating plate 20 from its neutral position to its extended position causes the first guide wall 26 to move relative to the cylinder pin link 24, but does not displace the cylinder pin link 24 in the lateral direction. Therefore, the cylinder pin 22 remains in its extended pin position. However, the movement of the operating plate 20 from its neutral position to its extended position causes the second guide wall 32 to move relative to the joint locking arm link 30 to displace the joint locking arm link 30 in the lateral direction, thereby moving the joint locking arm 28 from the locked position (…). Figure 1 Move to the unlock position. Figure 3Conversely, movement of the control plate 20 from the extended position to the neutral position causes the joint locking arm 28 to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. For example, the cylinder pin link 24 may engage a section of the first guide wall 26 extending in a direction substantially the same as the direction of movement of the control plate 20, and the joint locking arm link 30 may engage a section of the second guide wall 32 extending in a direction having a lateral component relative to the direction of movement of the control plate 20.

[0043] Therefore, actuator 14 is configured to move between its retracted position and its extended position, with a neutral position between the two. Operating plate 20 is also configured to move between its retracted position and its extended position, with a neutral position between the two. With the movement of operating plate 20 substantially unimpeded, the movements of actuator 14 and operating plate 20 substantially correspond to each other, and motion decelerator 16 remains in a rigid neutral state. In one embodiment, the movement of actuator 14 and operating plate 20 can be in a first direction D1 (… Figure 3 ) and the second direction D2 (opposite to the first direction D1) Figure 2 They are largely consistent with each other.

[0044] Figures 4 to 6 Side view, perspective view and end view of motion slower 16 according to the embodiments described herein are shown respectively. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the motion decelerator 16 in a rigid, neutral state according to the embodiment described herein, and Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are cross-sectional views showing the motion decelerator 16 in a first loading state and a second loading state according to the embodiments described herein. Reference Figures 4 to 9 The motion decelerator 16 generally includes a rod 38, a first biasing member (such as spring 40) for applying a first biasing force or spring force, a sleeve 42, a second biasing member (such as spring 44) for applying a second biasing force or spring force, and a housing 46. In one embodiment, the rod 38 is coupled to a drive arm 36. A slide plate 48 may be movably disposed on the rod 38 and serve as a seat for the first ends of the first spring 40 and the second spring 44. A retainer plate 50 may be disposed at or near the free end of the rod 38 and serve as a seat for the second end of the first spring 40. The second end of the second spring 44 may be seated on a portion of the housing 46.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first spring 40 and the second spring 44 are each capable of being in an initial neutral position ( Figure 7 ) and extended loading location ( Figure 9 The first spring 40 in the middle, Figure 8The first spring 40 is disposed within at least a portion of the second spring 44. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the sleeve 42 is movable within the housing 46, and the rod 38 is configured for movement in a neutral position (…). Figure 7 ) and extended position ( Figure 8 Between ) and in the neutral position and the retracted position ( Figure 9 Move between ).

[0046] In one embodiment, the first spring 40 and the second spring 44 may be tension springs, capable of extending when the force applied to them exceeds the initial tension of the spring. The initial tension of the first spring 40 may differ from the initial tension of the second spring 44. For example, as further described below, in some cases, movement of the operating plate 20 may be impeded. This can occur, for example, when the cylinder pin 22, the section locking pin, and / or the section locking arm 28 are not properly positioned relative to the boom section and movement of the pin 22, the locking pin, and / or the locking arm 28 is impeded. Another such situation may occur when the movement of the cylinder pin 22 or the section locking pin engages with the boom section but is not aligned, resulting in forces on the cylinder pin 22, the locking pin, and / or the section locking arm 28 impeding movement. In the embodiments described below, due to the operable connection between the section locking pin and the section locking arm 28, impeded movement of the section locking pin can impede movement of the section locking arm 28, and movement of the section locking arm 28 can cause movement of the section locking pin. Similarly, incorrect positioning of the locking pin can lead to incorrect positioning of the locking arm 28, and vice versa.

[0047] In this configuration, according to the embodiments described herein, actuator 14 can be operated to move from its current position to any other position, including its retracted, neutral, or extended positions. However, during the movement of actuator 14, the motion-resisted operating plate 20 may remain fixed in place. That is, operating plate 20 may not move in response to the movement of actuator 14. When operating plate 20 is held to resist movement, the movement of actuator 14 generates a reaction force, which is applied to motion decelerator 16 via actuator 14. The reaction force may be applied to rod 38, for example, as a force in either a first direction D1 or a second direction D2, exceeding the initial tension in the first spring 40 or the second spring 44. Consequently, the first spring 40 or the second spring 44 may extend, and rod 38 may move from its neutral position to its extended or retracted position.

[0048] Further reference Figure 7According to an embodiment, motion decelerator 16 is shown in a neutral state. In the neutral state, lever 38 may be in its neutral position, and the first spring 40 and the second spring 44 may each be in their initial neutral position. In one embodiment, the first spring 40 and the second spring 44 may be substantially deloaded in their initial neutral positions. When the movement of the operating plate 20 is substantially unimpeded, as described above in the examples of the first, second, and third states, the reaction force generally does not exceed or substantially does not exceed the initial tension of springs 40, 44, and therefore, motion decelerator 16 remains in the neutral state.

[0049] refer to Figure 8 When, for example, movement of actuator 14 and obstructed operating plate 20 causes a first force F1 to be applied to lever 38 in a first direction D1, motion decelerator 16 can be placed in a first loaded state. The first force F1 can exceed the initial tension of second spring 44, causing lever 38 to move from its neutral position to its extended position, and second spring 44 to move from its initial neutral position to its extended loaded position. Thus, lever 38 can move from its neutral position to its extended position against the spring force of second spring 44. In the first loaded state, the spring force of second spring 44 is transmitted through lever 38 and actuator 14 and applied to operating plate 20 to push operating plate 20 to a position corresponding to the position of actuator 14 when movement of operating plate 20 is no longer obstructed.

[0050] refer to Figure 9 When, for example, the movement of actuator 14 and the obstructed operating plate 20 causes a second force F2 to be applied to lever 38 in the second direction D2, motion decelerator 16 can be placed in a second loaded state. The second force F2 can exceed the initial tension of the first spring 40, causing lever 38 to move from its neutral position to its retracted position, and the first spring 40 to move from its initial neutral position to its extended loaded position. That is, lever 38 can move from its neutral position to its retracted position against the spring force of the first spring 40. In the second loaded state, the spring force of the first spring 40 is transmitted through lever 38 and actuator 14 and applied to operating plate 20 to push operating plate 20 to a position corresponding to the position of actuator 14 when the movement of operating plate 20 is no longer obstructed.

[0051] Figures 10 to 13 Examples of the pin actuator assembly 10 in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh states are shown respectively, in which the movement of the operating plate 20 is hindered, for example, due to the incorrect positioning of the cylinder pin 22 or the locking arm 28.

[0052] refer to Figure 10In the fourth state, by retracting the drive arm 36, the actuator 14 is operated to move from its neutral position to its retracted position. However, if the movement of the control plate 20 is impeded, the control plate 20 can remain in its neutral position. In this example, a reaction force generated by the control plate 20 applies a first force F1 to the motion decelerator 16 to place the motion decelerator 16, for example... Figure 8 The first loading state is shown. In the first loading state of the motion decelerator 16, the second spring 44 applies a spring force to the lever 38, pushing the lever 38 to its neutral position, and applies a spring force to the operating plate 20, pushing the operating plate 20 to its retracted position, which corresponds to the position of the actuator 14. Therefore, the spring force is applied to the lever 38 and the operating plate 20 in the second direction D2.

[0053] Therefore, when the locking head 12 is positioned or repositioned, the movement of the pin 22 and / or the locking arm 28 and the operating plate 20 is no longer obstructed. The operating plate 20 can move to its retracted position under the spring force of the second spring 44, the lever 38 can move to its neutral position, and the second spring 44 can return to its initial neutral position. That is, when the movement of the operating plate 20 is no longer obstructed, the motion decelerator 16 can be placed in its neutral state. Figure 7 As a result, the pin actuator assembly 10 can be from... Figure 10 The fourth state shown moves to Figure 2 The second state is shown.

[0054] refer to Figure 11 In the fifth state, the actuator 14 can move from its neutral position to its extended position by extending the drive arm 36. However, if the movement of the control plate 20 is obstructed, the control plate 20 can remain in its neutral position. In this example, a reaction force generated by the control plate 20 applies a second force F2 to the motion decelerator 16 to position the motion decelerator 16, for example... Figure 9 The second loading state is shown. Therefore, the first spring 40 moves to its extended loading position and applies a spring force in the first direction D1, pushing the lever 38 to its neutral position and the operating plate 20 to its extended position. Thus, when the locking head 12 is positioned such that the movement of the pin 22 and / or locking arm 28 and the operating plate 20 is no longer obstructed, the operating plate 20 can move to its extended position under the spring force of the first spring 40, and the motion decelerator 16 can be placed in its neutral state. Figure 7 In other words, the pin actuator assembly 10 can be activated via the motion decelerator 16. Figure 11 The fifth state shown moves to Figure 3 The third state is shown.

[0055] In response to the operation of actuator 14, movement of operating plate 20 from either its retracted or extended position to its neutral position can also be impeded by cylinder pin 22 and / or locking arm 28. For example, refer to Figure 12 In the sixth state, actuator 14 can move from its retracted position to its neutral position. However, if the movement of operating plate 20 is impeded, operating plate 20 can remain in its retracted position. In this example, a reaction force is generated, which applies a second force F2 to motion decelerator 16 to place motion decelerator 16 in the second loading state. Figure 9 Therefore, the first spring 40 applies a spring force in the first direction D1, pushing the lever 38 and the operating plate 20 to their respective neutral positions. Thus, when the movement of the operating plate 20 is no longer obstructed, the operating plate 20 can move to its neutral position under the action of the spring force of the first spring 40, and the motion decelerator 16 can return to its neutral state. Figure 7 In other words, the pin actuator assembly 10 can be activated via the motion decelerator 16. Figure 12 The sixth state shown moves to Figure 1 The first state is shown.

[0056] refer to Figure 13 In the seventh state, actuator 14 can move from its extended position to its neutral position. However, if the movement of operating plate 20 is impeded, operating plate 20 can remain in its extended position. In this example, a reaction force is generated, which applies a first force F1 to motion decelerator 16 to place motion decelerator 16 in a first loaded state. Figure 8 Therefore, the second spring 44 applies a spring force in the second direction D2, pushing the lever 38 and the operating plate 20 to their respective neutral positions. Thus, when the movement of the operating plate 20 is no longer obstructed, the operating plate 200 can move to its neutral position under the action of the spring force of the second spring 44, and the motion decelerator 16 can be placed in its neutral state. Figure 7 In other words, the pin actuator assembly 10 can be activated via the motion decelerator 16. Figure 13 The seventh state shown moves to Figure 1 The first state is shown.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the motion damper 16 is configured to slow the movement of the actuator 14 when the corresponding movement of the operating plate is obstructed, for example, when the cylinder pin 22 or the section locking arm 28 is not properly positioned relative to the telescopic joint of the boom. The motion damper 16 is also configured to apply a spring force to the operating plate 20 via the first spring 40 or the second spring 44, pushing the operating plate 20 to a position corresponding to the position of the actuator 14. This movement of the operating plate 20 also results in the desired movement of the cylinder pin 22 and / or the section locking arm 28. Therefore, the operating plate 20 and the cylinder pin 22 and / or the section locking arm 28 can be moved to their correct or desired positions without further operation of the actuator 14. Accordingly, the operation of the actuator 14, including the electric motor 34, can be reduced because the actuator 14 can be operated only once for each desired pin engagement, regardless of whether the cylinder pin 22 and / or the section locking arm 28 are obstructing the movement of the operating plate 20. Therefore, by means of the motion decelerator 16, even if the movement of the control panel 20 is obstructed, the movement of the actuator 14, including the drive arm 36, can be performed. This reduces the resistance on the actuator 14, increases its service life, and reduces maintenance and replacement time and costs.

[0058] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a crane 100 having a telescopic boom 110, which includes a base section 112 and a plurality of telescopic sections 114 movable to extend and retract relative to the base section 112. The telescopic boom 110 may include a boom actuator 120, such as a linear boom actuator including a telescopic rod 122 and a cylinder 124. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 14 In one embodiment, the pin actuator assembly 10 may be mounted on the boom actuator 120. For example, in one embodiment, a locking head 12 may be located at or near the end of the cylinder 124, and a motion decelerator 16 may be mounted along the length of the cylinder 124. The crane 100 may also include a control system 210 operatively connected to the boom actuator 120 and configured to control movement of the boom actuator 120 to extend and retract the telescopic joint 114. The control system 210 may also be operatively connected to the pin actuator assembly 10, for example, to control operation of the actuator 14. In one embodiment, the control system 210 may control the boom actuator 120 to position or reposition the locking head 12 such that, or until, movement of the cylinder pin 22 and / or the joint locking arm 28 is unimpeded. The control system 210 may include a computer configured to control the operation of the boom actuator 120 and / or the pin actuator assembly 10.

[0059] It is understood that various features from any of the above embodiments may be used in conjunction with other embodiments described herein.

[0060] All patents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference, whether or not explicitly stated in the text of this disclosure.

[0061] In this disclosure, the word “a” or “a kind” will be considered to include both the singular and plural forms. Conversely, where appropriate, any reference to a plural item should include the singular. Furthermore, it is understood that terms such as “upper” or “lower” that refer to the orientation of various parts are used for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the subject matter of this disclosure to a particular orientation.

[0062] As will be observed from the foregoing, many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of this disclosure. It is understood that no limitation is intended or should be inferred with respect to the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pin actuator assembly for a telescopic boom, the pin actuator assembly comprising: A locking head includes a base, an operating plate operably coupled to the base, one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more locking arms movable in response to movement of the operating plate relative to the base; An actuator operatively coupled to the operating plate and configured to move the operating plate relative to the base, the actuator including an electric motor and a drive arm, wherein the electric motor is configured to drive the drive arm between an extended drive arm position and a retracted drive arm position; and A motion decelerator includes a housing, a rod movable relative to the housing and operatively coupled to the actuator, a first biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing, and a second biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing; When the movement of the control panel is obstructed, the motion damper is configured to absorb the movement of the drive arm and apply a biasing force to the control panel.

2. The pin actuator assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In response to movement of the control plate relative to the base, the one or more cylinder pins are movable between a retracted pin position and an extended pin position; and In response to movement of the control panel relative to the base, the one or more locking arms are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

3. The pin actuator assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movement of the drive arm from the neutral drive arm position to the retracted drive arm position causes a first force to be applied to the motion damper, and the movement of the drive arm from the neutral drive arm position to the extended drive arm position causes a second force to be applied to the motion damper.

4. The pin actuator assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first biasing member is a first spring, and the second biasing member is a second spring.

5. The pin actuator assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the first force exceeds the initial tension of the second spring, the motion decelerator moves from a neutral state to a first loaded state. In the first loaded state, the second spring applies a spring force to the operating plate in one direction. and When the second force exceeds the initial tension of the first spring, the motion decelerator moves from the neutral state to the second loaded state. In the second loaded state, the first spring applies a spring force to the operating plate in a direction opposite to the first direction.

6. The pin actuator assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the motion decelerator moves from the neutral state to the first loaded state, the first force overcomes the spring force of the second spring to move the rod, and wherein, when the motion decelerator moves from the neutral state to the second loaded state, the second force overcomes the spring force of the first spring to move the rod.

7. A telescopic boom for a crane, the telescopic boom comprising: basal section; Multiple telescopic joints, which are movable relative to the base section, to adjust the length of the boom; A boom actuator, which is disposed within the base section and operable to move one of the plurality of telescopic sections, thereby adjusting the length of the boom; and A pin actuator assembly operatively connected to the boom actuator, the pin actuator assembly comprising: A locking head includes a base, an operating plate operatively coupled to the base, one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more section locking arms, the one or more cylinder pins and / or one or more section locking arms being movable in response to movement of the operating plate relative to the base to selectively engage one of the plurality of telescopic sections; A pin actuator, operatively coupled to the operating plate and configured to move the operating plate relative to the base, the pin actuator including an electric motor and a drive arm, wherein the electric motor is configured to drive the drive arm between an extended drive arm position and a retracted drive arm position; and A motion decelerator includes a housing, a rod movable relative to the housing and operably coupled to the actuator, a first spring coupled between the rod and the housing, and a second spring coupled between the rod and the housing; When the movement of the control panel is obstructed, the motion damper is configured to absorb the movement of the drive arm and apply a biasing force to the control panel.

8. The telescopic boom according to claim 7, characterized in that, The one or more cylinder pins are movable between a retracted pin position that is disengaged from a telescopic joint among the plurality of telescopic joints and an extended pin position that is engaged with a telescopic joint among the plurality of telescopic joints. and The one or more section locking arms are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position is used to lock the section locking pin on one of the plurality of telescopic sections, and the unlocked position is used to unlock the section locking pin on one of the plurality of telescopic sections.

9. The telescopic boom according to claim 7, characterized in that, The movement of the drive arm from the neutral drive arm position to the retracted drive arm position causes a first force to be applied to the motion damper, and the movement of the drive arm from the neutral drive arm position to the extended drive arm position causes a second force to be applied to the motion damper.

10. The telescopic boom according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the first force exceeds the initial tension of the second spring, the motion decelerator moves from a neutral state to a first loaded state. In the first loaded state, the second spring applies a spring force to the operating plate in one direction. and When the second force exceeds the initial tension of the first spring, the motion decelerator moves from the neutral state to the second loaded state. In the second loaded state, the first spring applies a spring force to the operating plate in a direction opposite to the first direction.

11. The telescopic boom according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the motion decelerator moves from the neutral state to the first loaded state, the first force overcomes the spring force of the second spring to move the rod, and wherein, when the motion decelerator moves from the neutral state to the second loaded state, the second force overcomes the spring force of the first spring to move the rod.

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