A crane automatic parallel operation device and method

Abstract

The crane automatic parallel device and method mainly comprise a connecting rod rotatably installed on a first vehicle, the connecting rod is driven to rotate by a speed reduction motor, and a positioning rod is fixed to the end of the connecting rod; two hydraulic cylinders are installed on a second vehicle, and the two hydraulic cylinders clamp the positioning rod after the connecting rod is rotated into position. The crane automatic parallel device and method provided by the application realize automatic operation and improve the production efficiency of the crane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a paralleling device, and more particularly to an automatic paralleling device and method for cranes. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, there is a requirement for parallel operation between the two trolleys on a crane, or between two bridge cranes. This parallel operation can also be referred to as interlocking. For example, the parallel operation device of a hydropower station bridge crane is used for parallel operation between two hydropower station bridge cranes. The parallel operation device mainly consists of three parts: a connecting seat 1.1, a connecting rod 1.2, and a nut 1.3. When two hydropower station bridge cranes switch from independent operation to parallel operation, the operator needs to board the crane. Figure 6 The hydroelectric power station bridge crane on the left will Figure 6 Connecting rod 1.2 on the right side of the hydropower station bridge crane and Figure 6 Connector 1.1 of the left-side hydropower station bridge crane is connected, and then nut 1.3 is tightened to complete the mechanical connection between the two hydropower station bridge cranes. At this time, the two hydropower station bridge cranes can operate synchronously. When the two hydropower station bridge cranes need to switch from synchronous operation to independent operation, operators need to climb onto the hydropower station bridge cranes to perform the reverse operation. Therefore, the existing parallel operation device requires operators to frequently climb up and down the hydropower station bridge cranes manually. Manual operation is inconvenient, and when the connecting rod is relatively heavy (about 120kg for large ones, and the weight may vary depending on the bridge crane), multiple workers are needed to work at height, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. This also increases the production cost of the hydropower station bridge cranes and reduces production efficiency.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to develop a crane paralleling device that can improve the paralleling efficiency of cranes, thereby improving the production efficiency of cranes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic crane paralleling device and method, which solves the technical problem that the existing paralleling devices require operators to frequently go up and down the bridge crane of the hydropower station for manual operation, which is inefficient, time-consuming and labor-intensive, thus increasing the production cost of the bridge crane of the hydropower station and reducing the production efficiency.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] An automatic crane paralleling device, comprising

[0007] A connecting rod is rotatably mounted on the first vehicle. The connecting rod is driven to rotate by a geared motor, and a positioning rod is fixed to the end of the connecting rod.

[0008] The two hydraulic cylinders installed on the second vehicle clamp the positioning rod after the connecting rod rotates into place.

[0009] The first vehicle is equipped with a first limit switch. When the crane switches from parallel operation to independent operation, the first limit switch resets the connecting rod.

[0010] The second vehicle is equipped with a second limit switch. When the crane switches from independent operation to parallel operation, the second limit switch controls the rotation and positioning of the connecting rod.

[0011] The piston rod heads of the two hydraulic cylinders are equipped with buffer pads, which clamp the positioning rods and buffer and limit their movement.

[0012] An automatic crane paralleling method includes the following steps:

[0013] Step 1) When the two vehicles switch from independent operation to parallel operation, measure the distance between the two vehicles using a laser rangefinder and a reflector to see if it meets the requirements for parallel operation.

[0014] Step 2) When the parallel distance requirement is met, the connecting rod is rotated by the reduction motor on the first vehicle and stops when it hits the second limit switch on the second vehicle. At this time, the positioning rod at the head of the connecting rod is located between the two hydraulic cylinders on the second vehicle.

[0015] Step 3) Control the piston rods of the two hydraulic cylinders to extend simultaneously through the hydraulic station, clamp the positioning rod, and maintain pressure in the hydraulic cylinders. At this time, the two vehicles are in a rigid interlocking state.

[0016] Step 4) Conversely, when the two vehicles switch from parallel operation to independent operation, the piston rods of the two hydraulic cylinders are retracted simultaneously by the hydraulic station to release the positioning rod. The connecting rod is rotated in the opposite direction by the reduction motor on the first vehicle and stops when it hits the first limit switch of the first vehicle. At this time, the two vehicles are in an independent operation state, thus automatically completing the conversion between the two operation states of the two vehicles.

[0017] Step 5) If there is a deviation in the relative position between the two vehicles before parallel operation, the two hydraulic cylinders can stop at any position within their stroke. After the buffer pad at the piston rod head is deformed by the force, it can clamp the positioning rod, which can also achieve rigid interlocking between the two vehicles.

[0018] The present invention provides an automatic crane paralleling device and method, which has the following technical advantages:

[0019] 1) The connecting rod is rotated by a geared motor and clamped by a hydraulic cylinder, thus achieving rigid interlocking between the two vehicles and keeping their relative positions consistent, enabling automatic parallel operation. When independent operation is required, the hydraulic cylinder retracts and releases, and the geared motor drives the connecting rod to reverse and reset. This allows for automatic switching between the two vehicle operating states, saving time and labor and improving the crane's production efficiency.

[0020] 2) Even if there is a deviation in the relative position between the two vehicles, by adjusting the extension and retraction of the two hydraulic cylinders and the buffering effect of the buffer pad, the rigid interlock between the two vehicles can still be achieved, ensuring that the relative position of the two vehicles can be kept completely consistent.

[0021] 3) The prior art patent "An Electric Parallel Operation Device" with authorization announcement number "CN204714352U" uses an electric push rod III to extend and push a connecting rod. The push rod passes through a guide wheel and then through a support II on crane II. When electric push rod III extends to its maximum lead, the connecting rod touches a limit switch. Electric push rods I and II, which are interlocked with the limit switch, push out the pins connected to them, locking the connecting rod and reaching the predetermined parallel operation position. The two cranes then operate side-by-side for joint lifting. Both the prior art's electric push rod telescopic structure and the structure of this application can be applied to the parallel operation of various cranes and bridge cranes, but the application scope of this application is wider. Because the distance between the two cranes after the installation of the paralleling device in the aforementioned documents varies within a fixed range (fixed value, such as ±50mm; this value cannot be adjusted after the design is completed), a rigid connection (i.e., zero error) cannot be achieved; however, the paralleling method in this application uses hydraulic cylinders that can stop at any position, so the distance between the two cranes can vary within a dynamic range (variable value, such as ±100mm, ±50mm, ±20mm, ±0mm, i.e., a rigid connection). That is, when it is necessary for the distance between the two cranes to vary within a certain range (i.e., rigid interlocking is not required), this application can adjust the range of distance variation between the two cranes by remotely adjusting the stopping position of the hydraulic cylinders.

[0022] 4) The prior art patent "Crane and its Parallel Operation Device" with application number "201510971270.1" controls the opening and closing of the clamping space of the parallel operation device by controlling the change of electromagnet polarity (attraction and repulsion) and lever transmission, thereby realizing the connection and unlocking of the connecting rod and the connecting seat (similar to the two ends of scissors). 1. In the prior art, the connecting rod protrudes from the crane body, while in this application, the connecting rod can be retracted into the crane's boundary area when the crane is running independently. Advantages: The connecting rod can be retracted, the crane's boundary area is small, it will not exceed the crane body, and it will not affect the use of another crane. For example, when a crane using the connecting rod in the above-mentioned document is running alone near another crane, personnel cannot stand near the parallel operation connecting rod of the other crane, and cannot inspect nearby connecting seats and other components. However, with the retractable connecting rod of this application, this problem does not exist, because the crane running alone will not intrude into the space of another crane. 2. When there is a deviation in the relative position between the two vehicles, such as when the crane tilts and the distance between the two sides is different, if there is no gap between the connecting rod and the connecting seat in the prior art, the connecting rod cannot enter the connecting seat and the automatic paralleling function cannot be realized; conversely, if there is a gap between the connecting seat and the connecting rod, then the prior art has the same disadvantage as "CN204714352U": that is, if it is required that the two cranes be rigidly connected when paralleling (i.e. the distance between the two cranes does not change), this application can achieve this, but the prior art cannot.

[0023] Advantages of the mechanical locking method of this application: The hydraulic cylinder used in the parallel operation method of this application can stop at any position, so the distance between the two cranes can vary within a dynamic range (variable value, such as ±100mm, ±50mm, ±20mm, ±0mm, i.e., rigid connection); when there is a deviation between the two cranes, this application can still achieve rigid interlocking, while the above two prior art may not be able to achieve rigid interlocking. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0025] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (top view) of the first state of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram (top view) of the second state of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the third state of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the fourth state of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of existing technology.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. First vehicle 2. Second vehicle 3. Bearing seat 4. Shaft 5. Gear motor 6. Connecting rod 6. Positioning rod 61. First limit switch 7. Laser rangefinder 8. Second limit switch 9. Reflector 10. Hydraulic cylinder 11. Hydraulic station 12. Buffer pad 13. Detailed Implementation

[0032] like Figure 1-2 As shown, an automatic crane paralleling device includes a bearing housing 3 mounted on a first carriage 1. One end of a shaft 4 is located within the bearing housing 3, and the other end is connected to a three-in-one geared motor 5, which drives the shaft 4 to rotate. A connecting rod 6 is connected to the shaft 4, and a positioning rod 61 is provided at the head of the connecting rod 6. A second carriage 2 is equipped with two identical hydraulic cylinders 11, which are controlled to extend and retract by a hydraulic station 12. The two identical hydraulic cylinders 11 are spaced apart, and after the connecting rod 6 is rotated into position, the ends of the two hydraulic cylinders 11 clamp onto the positioning rod 61.

[0033] Preferably, the first vehicle 1 is provided with a first limit switch 7 for stopping the rotation of the connecting rod 6.

[0034] Preferably, the first vehicle 1 is equipped with a laser rangefinder 8, and the corresponding second vehicle 2 is equipped with a reflector 10, and the two together are used to measure the distance between the two vehicles.

[0035] Preferably, the second vehicle 2 is equipped with a second limit switch 9 for stopping the rotation of the connecting rod 6.

[0036] Preferably, the piston rod heads of the two hydraulic cylinders 11 are provided with buffer pads 13 for clamping the positioning rod 61 and buffering and limiting its movement.

[0037] An automatic crane paralleling method includes the following steps:

[0038] Step 1) When the two vehicles switch from independent operation to parallel operation, the distance between the two vehicles is measured by the laser rangefinder 8 and the reflector 10 to see if it meets the requirements for parallel operation.

[0039] Step 2) When the parallel distance requirement is met, the connecting rod 6 is rotated by the three-in-one reduction motor 5 on the first vehicle 1. It stops when it hits the second limit switch 9 on the second vehicle 2. At this time, the positioning rod 61 at the head of the connecting rod is located between the two hydraulic cylinders 11 on the second vehicle 2. Figure 4 As shown.

[0040] Step 3) The piston rods of the two hydraulic cylinders 11 are simultaneously extended by the hydraulic station 12 to clamp the positioning rod 61. The hydraulic cylinders 11 maintain pressure, and at this time the two vehicles are in a rigid interlocked state. Figure 5 As shown.

[0041] Step 4) Conversely, when the two vehicles switch from parallel operation to independent operation, the piston rods of the two hydraulic cylinders 11 are retracted simultaneously by the hydraulic station 12, releasing the positioning rod 61. The connecting rod 6 is rotated in the opposite direction by the three-in-one reduction motor 5 on the first vehicle 1. It stops when it hits the first limit switch 7 of the first vehicle 1. At this time, the two vehicles are in an independent operation state, thus automatically completing the switch between the two operation states of the two vehicles.

[0042] Step 5), as Figure 6 As shown, if there is a deviation in the relative position between the two vehicles before they are put into parallel operation, the two hydraulic cylinders 11 can stop at any position within their stroke. After the buffer pad 13 at the piston rod head is deformed by the force, it can clamp the positioning rod 61, thus achieving rigid interlocking between the two vehicles.

Claims

1. An automatic crane paralleling device, characterized in that: include A connecting rod (6) is rotatably mounted on the first vehicle (1). The connecting rod (6) is driven to rotate by a reduction motor (5). A positioning rod (61) is fixed at the end of the connecting rod (6). The positioning rod (61) is set at a 90-degree angle to the connecting rod (6). The two hydraulic cylinders (11) installed on the second vehicle (2) are positioned between the two opposing hydraulic cylinders (11) after the connecting rod (6) is rotated into place. The two hydraulic cylinders (11) clamp the positioning rod (61). The first vehicle (1) is equipped with a first limit switch (7). When the crane changes from parallel operation to independent operation, the first limit switch (7) resets the connecting rod (6). The second vehicle (2) is equipped with a second limit switch (9). When the crane switches from independent operation to parallel operation, the second limit switch (9) controls the rotation and positioning of the connecting rod (6). The piston rod heads of the two hydraulic cylinders (11) are provided with buffer pads (13), which clamp the positioning rod (61) and buffer and limit the movement.

2. The method for paralleling cranes using an automatic paralleling device according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: Step 1) When the two vehicles switch from independent operation to parallel operation, the distance between the two vehicles is measured by laser rangefinder (8) and reflector (10) to see if it meets the requirements for parallel operation; Step 2) When the parallel distance requirement is met, the connecting rod (6) is driven to rotate by the reduction motor (5) on the first vehicle (1). It stops when it hits the second limit switch (9) on the second vehicle (2). At this time, the positioning rod (61) at the head of the connecting rod is located between the two hydraulic cylinders (11) on the second vehicle (2). Step 3) Control the piston rods of the two hydraulic cylinders (11) to extend simultaneously through the hydraulic station (12) to clamp the positioning rod (61). The hydraulic cylinders (11) maintain pressure, and the two vehicles are in a rigid interlocking state at this time. Step 4) Conversely, when the two vehicles switch from parallel operation to independent operation, the piston rods of the two hydraulic cylinders (11) are retracted simultaneously by the hydraulic station (12) to release the positioning rod (61). The connecting rod (6) is rotated in the opposite direction by the reduction motor (5) on the first vehicle (1). It stops when it hits the first limit switch (7) of the first vehicle (1). At this time, the two vehicles are in an independent operation state, thus automatically completing the conversion between the two vehicle operation states. Step 5) If there is a deviation in the relative position between the two vehicles before parallel operation, the two hydraulic cylinders (11) can stop at any position within the stroke. After the buffer pad (13) at the piston rod head is deformed by the force, it can clamp the positioning rod (61), which can also achieve rigid interlocking between the two vehicles.

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