A device and method for changing the wheels of a casting crane

Abstract

This invention relates to a device and method for replacing wheels on a casting crane, belonging to the field of crane maintenance technology. It includes an inclined bridge, a rotating platform, a transition plate, and jacks. The inclined bridge is located outside the track, the rotating platform spans the track, and the transition plate is placed on the track below the wheel to be replaced when the jacks temporarily lift the trolley frame. When the jacks lower the trolley frame, the wheel to be replaced lands on the transition plate. The inclined bridge has a downward slope perpendicular to the track direction. The downward slope, the rotating platform, and the transition plate connect to form a replacement channel for the continuous rolling of the wheel to be replaced. By directly constructing the replacement channel relative to the wheel's track, the rolling of old and new wheels onto and off the track is achieved. This eliminates the need for hoisting equipment to transport the wheel to the installation position, and avoids the need for oblique pulling or tilting to lift the wheel into the wheel installation position at the bottom of the trolley frame. This effectively controls job risks and hazards, improving replacement efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device and method for changing wheels on an overhead crane, and belongs to the field of overhead crane maintenance. Background Technology

[0002] In steelmaking workshops, casting cranes are frequently used, primarily for lifting molten steel. However, trolley malfunctions are common, especially during wheel replacement. This involves not only lifting operations but also angled lifting. The casting crane trolley has a balance beam assembly, and wheel replacement on the inner side of the end beam cannot be done vertically; it must be angled and pulled into the installation position. This makes it difficult to effectively control job risks and hazards, posing safety hazards. Furthermore, wheel replacement is time-consuming, currently requiring approximately 5 hours, which impacts casting crane downtime and production rhythm. Prior to this application, there was no effective wheel replacement device or installation method. Traditional wheel replacement equipment is outdated: using a crane and hand-operated hoists to angle and pull the wheel from both sides of the casting crane's end beam to the installation position. During this process, the hand-operated hoist must be slowly released while the crane slowly tightens. If the crane tightens too quickly, the wire rope may be overloaded, potentially breaking, or the hand-operated hoist chain may break, posing safety hazards and delaying maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device and method for replacing caster crane wheels, which is an improvement on the above-mentioned prior art. By utilizing the upper and lower channels of the wheels, the wheels can be directly rolled to the wheel installation position without the need for lifting equipment or other hoisting equipment, and without the need to lift the wheels into the wheel installation position on the trolley frame at an angle. The risks to the work site and the risks of hazards are effectively reduced. The replacement of wheels is more convenient, the replacement time is significantly saved, and the work efficiency of replacing caster crane wheels in the area is improved.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above problems is as follows: a device for changing wheels on a casting crane, wherein the wheels are installed at the bottom of a trolley frame and run along a track, characterized in that: it includes an inclined bridge, a rotating platform, a transition plate, and a jack; the inclined bridge is located outside the track; the rotating platform spans the track; the transition plate is placed on the track below the wheel to be replaced when the jack temporarily lifts the trolley frame; and the wheel to be replaced falls onto the transition plate when the jack lowers the trolley frame; the inclined bridge has a downward slope and the downward slope direction is perpendicular to the track direction; the downward slope, the rotating platform, and the transition plate are connected to form a replacement channel for the wheel to be replaced to roll continuously.

[0005] As a preferred embodiment, the transition plate and the rotating platform can be assembled into a horizontal plane, the inclined bridge rests against the outside of the rotating platform, and the top of the lower slope is flush with the rotating platform.

[0006] As one of the preferred methods, the slope angle of the lower slope of the inclined bridge is 5° to 30°.

[0007] As a preferred method, a guardrail is installed on one side of the replacement channel. The guardrail is temporarily erected on the side of the replacement channel to prevent the wheels from shifting and falling off in case of operational errors.

[0008] As one preferred embodiment, the rotating platform includes a base plate, a bearing housing, and a planar bearing. The bearing housing is fixedly connected to the base plate, and the planar bearing is mounted on the bearing housing. A pad is provided on the surface of the planar bearing, and the outer diameter of the pad is consistent with the outer diameter of the edge of the planar bearing. When the wheel rolls onto the pad, the planar bearing rotates 90°, causing the rolling direction of the wheel to rotate 90°, thereby realizing the switching of the rolling direction from the inclined bridge to the transition plate.

[0009] Based on the above-mentioned device, the method for changing the wheels of a casting crane includes the following steps: 1. The new wheels are hoisted onto the walkway and rolled to the side of the casting crane that needs to be replaced; 2. Place the rotating platform and inclined bridge relative to the track, adjust the inclined bridge to make the downslope surface and the rotating plane of the rotating platform intersect and transition, and install the jacks to the bottom support part of the casting crane frame. 3. Use a jack to lift the trolley frame to suspend the wheels in the air. Install a transition plate on the track below the old wheels. Adjust the transition plate to connect with the rotating plane of the rotating platform. Remove the old wheels from the trolley frame and let them fall onto the transition plate. Operate the old wheels to roll in a straight line along the transition plate until they roll onto the rotating plane of the rotating platform. 4. The old wheels are rotated 90° on the rotating platform and continue to roll along the inclined bridge to the platform, thus completing the dismantling and removal of the old wheels; 5. The new wheel rolls up the inclined bridge to the rotating platform. The maintenance personnel support the wheel and rotate it 90° with the rotating platform so that the rolling direction is towards the transition plate. Then, the new wheel is rolled to the transition plate. 6. Use the jack to lower the trolley frame. At this time, adjust the new wheels so that the wheel positioning slots correspond to the positioning plates on the trolley frame. If they do not match, they must be adjusted to the correct position. Then install the new wheels and the trolley frame into place. 7. Use the jacks to lift the trolley frame again, so that the wheels are in the air, and remove the transition plate under the wheels. Use the jacks to lower the trolley frame again, so that the new wheels are placed on the track. Remove the jacks, rotating platform, and inclined bridge, and clean the site.

[0010] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: A replacement channel is directly constructed relative to the wheel track, enabling the rolling loading and unloading of new and old wheels. This eliminates the need for hoisting equipment to transport the wheels to the installation position, and avoids the need for oblique pulling or lifting to place the wheels into the wheel installation position at the bottom of the trolley frame, effectively controlling job risks and hazard sources. Furthermore, the replacement speed is fast, reducing the time from 5 hours to 3 hours, optimizing the maintenance and replacement methods and procedures, and is worthy of promotion in the field of casting crane maintenance and wheel replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wheel replacement state of the casting crane wheel trolley frame in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a state diagram of the wheels along the rotating platform and the lower line of the inclined bridge in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the casting crane wheel replacement method in an embodiment of the present invention; The diagram shows 1 frame, 2 jacks, 3 rails, 4 inclined bridge, 5 rotating platform, 6 transition plate, 7 wheels, and 8 flat bearings. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The textual descriptions in this embodiment correspond to the accompanying drawings, and the descriptions involving orientation are also based on the descriptions in the accompanying drawings, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0013] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the casting crane wheel replacement device in this embodiment includes a sloping bridge 4, a rotating platform 5, a transition plate 6, and a jack 2. The sloping bridge 4 is located outside the track 3, the rotating platform 5 spans the track 3, and the transition plate 6 is placed on the track below the wheel to be replaced when the jack 2 temporarily lifts the trolley frame 1. When the jack 2 lowers the trolley frame 1, the wheel to be replaced falls on the transition plate 6. The sloping bridge 4 has a downslope surface and the downslope direction is perpendicular to the track direction. The downslope surface, the rotating plane, and the transition plate surface are connected and transitioned to form a replacement channel for the wheel to be replaced to roll continuously. Both the old wheel rolling onto the line and the new wheel rolling onto the line pass through the replacement channel.

[0014] In this embodiment, the transition plate has dimensions of 600mm*30mm*110mm and is a horizontal plane flush with the rotation plane. The inclined bridge is located on the outside of the rotation platform, the top of the lower slope is flush with the rotation platform, and the bottom is connected to the walkway. The walkway is used to temporarily receive new or old wheels.

[0015] In this embodiment, the slope angle of the underside of the skew bridge is 5°.

[0016] In this embodiment, the rotating platform includes a bearing housing and a planar bearing 8. The bearing housing is supported by a structural plate, and the planar bearing 8 is mounted on the bearing housing and located above the track 3. A pad is fixedly installed on the surface of the planar bearing 8, and the outer diameter of the pad is consistent with the outer diameter of the edge of the planar bearing. When the wheel rolls onto the pad, the planar bearing rotates 90°, causing the rolling direction of the wheel to rotate 90°, thereby achieving the switching of the rolling direction between the inclined bridge and the transition plate.

[0017] The procedure for changing the wheels of the device is as follows: a. The new wheels are hoisted onto the platform using an electric hoist or lifting machine and rolled to the side of the casting crane that needs to be replaced.

[0018] b. Arrange a rotating platform and inclined bridge on the track, and place a 200T jack at the middle support part at the bottom of the trolley frame.

[0019] c. Use a 200T jack to lift the trolley frame, so that the wheels are in the air. Place a transition plate (iron plate) on the track below the wheels, remove the old wheels bearing seat bolts, completely remove the wheels, and let the wheels fall onto the transition plate. Maintenance personnel support the wheels on both sides and roll them to the rotating platform.

[0020] d. The old wheels are rotated 90° on the rotating platform, and maintenance personnel help the wheels roll down the slope of the inclined bridge to the platform, where the old wheels are removed.

[0021] e. With the assistance of maintenance personnel, the new wheel is rolled uphill along the inclined bridge to the rotating platform. Special tools such as crowbars and hand chain hoists can be used during the rolling process.

[0022] f. After the new wheel rolls onto the rotating platform, maintenance personnel support the wheel and rotate it 90° with the platform. The rotated wheel then rolls horizontally onto the transition plate on the track and directly to the wheel installation position.

[0023] G. Use a 200T jack to lower the trolley frame, adjust the position of the wheels so that the wheel positioning grooves correspond to and match the positioning plates on the trolley frame. If they do not match, they must be adjusted to the correct position. Then install the bearing seat bolts, install the new wheels, and tighten them with a torque wrench.

[0024] h. Use the jacks to lift the trolley frame again to suspend the new wheels in the air, remove the transition plate, lower the jacks again, and place the new wheels onto the track. Remove the wheel replacement equipment, including the jacks, rotating platform, and inclined bridge, and clean up the site. Test run and put the vehicle into production.

[0025] In addition to the above embodiments, the present invention also includes other embodiments. All technical solutions formed by equivalent transformation or equivalent substitution should fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for changing the wheels of a casting crane, wherein the wheels are installed at the bottom of a trolley frame and run along a track, characterized in that: The system includes an inclined bridge, a rotating platform, a transition plate, and jacks. The inclined bridge is located outside the track, the rotating platform spans the track, and the transition plate is placed on the track below the wheel to be replaced when the jacks temporarily lift the trolley frame. When the jacks lower the trolley frame, the wheel to be replaced falls onto the transition plate. The inclined bridge has a downslope surface with the downslope direction perpendicular to the track direction. The downslope surface, the rotating platform, and the transition plate are connected to form a replacement channel for the wheel to be replaced to roll continuously.

2. The device for changing the wheels of a casting crane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transition plate and the rotating platform can be assembled into a horizontal plane, the inclined bridge rests against the outside of the rotating platform, and the top of the lower slope is flush with the rotating platform.

3. The device for changing the wheels of a casting crane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slope angle of the downslope of the skew bridge is 5° to 30°.

4. The device for changing the wheels of a casting crane according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guardrail is installed on one side of the replacement channel.

5. The device for changing the wheels of a casting crane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating platform includes a base plate, a bearing seat, and a flat bearing. The bearing seat is fixedly connected to the base plate, and the flat bearing is mounted on the bearing seat. A pad is provided on the surface of the flat bearing, and the outer diameter of the pad is consistent with the outer diameter of the edge of the flat bearing. When the wheel rolls onto the pad, the flat bearing rotates 90°, causing the rolling direction of the wheel to rotate 90°, thereby realizing the switching of the rolling direction from the inclined bridge to the transition plate.

6. A method for changing the wheels of a casting crane, characterized in that: The method is implemented based on the apparatus of claim 1 and includes the following steps:

1. The new wheels are hoisted onto the walkway and rolled to the side of the casting crane that needs to be replaced; 2. Place the rotating platform and inclined bridge relative to the track, adjust the inclined bridge to make the downslope surface and the rotating plane of the rotating platform intersect and transition, and install the jacks to the bottom support part of the casting crane frame.

3. Use a jack to lift the trolley frame to suspend the wheels in the air. Install a transition plate on the track below the old wheels. Adjust the transition plate to connect with the rotating plane of the rotating platform. Remove the old wheels from the trolley frame and let them fall onto the transition plate. Operate the old wheels to roll in a straight line along the transition plate until they roll onto the rotating plane of the rotating platform.

4. The old wheels are rotated 90° on the rotating platform and continue to roll along the inclined bridge to the platform, thus completing the dismantling and removal of the old wheels; 5. The new wheel rolls up the inclined bridge to the rotating platform. The maintenance personnel support the wheel and rotate it 90° with the rotating platform so that the rolling direction is towards the transition plate. Then, the new wheel is rolled to the transition plate.

6. Use the jack to lower the trolley frame. At this time, adjust the new wheels so that the wheel positioning slots correspond to the positioning plates on the trolley frame. If they do not match, they must be adjusted to the correct position. Then install the new wheels and the trolley frame into place.

7. Use the jacks to lift the trolley frame again, so that the wheels are in the air, and remove the transition plate under the wheels. Use the jacks to lower the trolley frame again, so that the new wheels are placed on the track. Remove the jacks, rotating platform, and inclined bridge, and clean the site.

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