Engine lifting appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to an engine lifting appliance, which is used for lifting an engine, and the engine lifting appliance (1) comprises a lifting beam (2) which is provided with a first end part and a second end part which are opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the length of the lifting beam; the first hook unit is used for hooking an engine to be hoisted and is arranged at the first end part; the second hook unit is used for hooking the engine to be hoisted and is arranged at the second end part; the engine lifting appliance is characterized in that the engine lifting appliance comprises a bearing seat arranged at the first end part, the first hook unit is connected with the bearing seat, the bearing seat is provided with a channel, and the channel is configured to define a plurality of different connecting positions, at least in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction, of the first hook unit and the bearing seat; the first hook unit can be adjusted along the channel to a selected connection position among a plurality of different connection positions in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction and can be locked in the selected connection position in a re-releasable manner. The lifting appliance is simple in design and simple and convenient to operate, so that the production efficiency can be improved, and the maintenance cost is reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of hoisting devices, in particular to a motor vehicle equipment, especially an engine hoist for a motor vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In production, engines, especially motor vehicle engines, need to be carried to different workstations in a workshop for work such as assembly. The weight of an engine can be as high as more than 300 kg. Obviously, manual carrying is not very realistic, which can significantly reduce production efficiency and highlight safety issues. Therefore, the engine is generally hoisted and carried. However, the existing hoist has a single purpose, and there may be safety problems such as engine falling off. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present application aims to provide an engine hoist which is simple in design, easy to operate, especially simple and fast in position adjustment. Thus, the production efficiency is improved.

[0004] To this end, the present application proposes an engine hoist for hoisting an engine, the engine hoist comprising: a hoist beam having opposite first and second end portions in a longitudinal direction along its length; a first hook unit provided at the first end portion for hooking an engine to be hoisted; and a second hook unit provided at the second end portion for hooking the engine to be hoisted; characterized in that the engine hoist comprises a seat provided at the first end portion, the first hook unit is connected to the seat, the seat has a channel, the channel is configured to define a plurality of different connection positions of the first hook unit to the seat in at least the longitudinal and vertical directions, the first hook unit can be adjusted to a selected connection position among the plurality of different connection positions in the longitudinal and vertical directions along the channel, and can be locked in the selected connection position in a releasable manner. In this way, the hoist hooking position can be adjusted in at least two directions for different engine types.

[0005] Advantageously, the first hook unit is pivotably connected to the seat by a pin shaft passing through the channel in the transverse direction, can be moved to the selected connection position along the channel in at least the longitudinal and vertical directions; and the first hook unit is further locked in the selected connection position in a releasable manner by a locking member cooperating with the pin shaft.

[0006] Advantageously, the seat can include two vertical plates each having a T-shaped slot, the two vertical plates are symmetrically fixed to the lower part of the first end portion in a transversely spaced manner, so that the upper channel of each T-shaped slot extends in the longitudinal direction and the lower channel extends in the vertical direction, and the space between the two vertical plates allows the first hook unit to be received with a gap.

[0007] Advantageously, at least two longitudinal slot ends of the upper channel and at least a vertical bottom slot end of the lower channel are formed as arc-shaped slot pockets suitable for receiving the pin shaft.

[0008] Advantageously, the locking member comprises a fastener, such as a locking pin, a locking nut or a circlip, for reversibly locking the pin shaft in the selected connection position of the first hook unit.

[0009] Advantageously, the locking member further comprises a locking plate, which is interposed between the fastener and the opposite upright plate.

[0010] Advantageously, the fastener is a locking pin in the form of a split pin, and the pin shaft is a perforated pin shaft which cooperates with the split pin. This allows quick locking and releasing of the locking pin.

[0011] Advantageously, the first hook unit comprises: a hook in the form of a long handle hook, having an elongated hook rod for hooking onto an engine lifting lug hole; a connecting plate for being pivotably received in the space by the pin shaft passing through the channel in the selected connection position, which is at least selected from positions at two longitudinal groove ends of the upper channel of the T-shaped channel and a vertical bottom groove end of the lower channel; and a first universal connecting member between the hook and the connecting plate, which are respectively rotatably connected to the hook and the connecting plate.

[0012] Advantageously, the hook has a bent hook portion and a connecting block, which are integrally formed at opposite ends of the elongated hook rod, and the hook is hooked onto the engine lifting lug hole by the bent hook portion and rotatably connected to the first universal connecting member by the connecting block.

[0013] Advantageously, the hook is provided with a limiting block, which is arranged opposite to the free end of the bent hook portion, so as to abut against the corresponding hole wall when the bent hook portion is hooked onto the engine lifting lug hole.

[0014] Advantageously, the engine lifting device is further provided with a safety device for ensuring that the hook is always connected to the lifting beam when the hook is disconnected from the first universal connecting member. This effectively prevents the lifted engine from falling off.

[0015] Advantageously, the safety device can comprise an eyelet on the connecting block between the portions connected to the hook and the first universal connecting member, and a steel wire passing through the eyelet and the lower channels of the two upright plates in the form of a closed loop.

[0016] Advantageously, the lifting beam comprises a sleeve for connecting the second hook unit, which is tightly fitted around the second end portion of the lifting beam.

[0017] Advantageously, the lifting beam further comprises a counterweight for balancing the engine lifting device, which serves as a plug of the lifting beam and is fitted around the lifting beam close to the sleeve.

[0018] Advantageously, the second hook unit is in the form of a chain hook, comprising: a lifting hook for hooking onto another engine lifting lug hole; and a lifting chain connected to the lifting hook and the sleeve at two ends, respectively.

[0019] Advantageously, the second hook unit is provided with an elastic anti-falling lock piece which is pivotably arranged at the side of the hook opening to block the hook opening.

[0020] Advantageously, the second hook unit further comprises a second universal connecting piece, and the lifting chain and the sleeve are respectively rotatably connected to the second universal connecting piece.

[0021] Advantageously, the engine lifting tool further comprises a return spring for the second hook unit, one end of the return spring being connected to the lifting beam or the counterweight and the other end being connected to the hook or near the hook, so as to suspend the hook when idle and enhance the hooking force when hooking work is performed.

[0022] Advantageously, the lifting beam is further provided with a hook hanging ring near the sleeve, for hanging the hook when idle.

[0023] Finally, advantageously, the second hook unit is a main hook unit for cooperating with the front lifting lug hole of the engine, and the first hook unit is a secondary hook unit for assisting in cooperating with the rear lifting lug hole of the engine.

[0024] The above description is only a summary of the technical solutions of the present application. In order to enable the technical means of the present application to be more clearly understood, and to be implemented according to the content of the description, and in order to enable the above and other purposes, characteristics and advantages of the present application to be more apparent and easy to understand, the following specific embodiments of the present application are discussed in detail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a better understanding of the preferred embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrating embodiments of the application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components throughout the several views. Moreover, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Sizes of various features and elements in the drawings can be expanded or reduced for the sake of clarity. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 Fig. 1 shows an overall perspective view of an engine lifting tool according to an embodiment of the present application, as seen from one angle.

[0027] Figure 2 Fig. 2 shows an overall perspective view of an engine lifting tool according to an embodiment of the present application, as seen from another angle.

[0028] Figure 3 Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the engine lifting tool shown, as seen from a lateral side. Figure 1

[0029] Fig. 4 shows a view of the engine lifting tool shown, as seen from a longitudinal side to which a secondary hook is located. Figure 4 Figure 1 Fig. 5 shows a view of the engine lifting tool shown, as seen from a longitudinal side to which a main hook is located.​

[0030] Figure 5 shown Figure 2 Plan view of the engine sling from the transverse side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In this specification, where embodiments, examples, or aspects of the application are described with the phrase "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples," what is meant is that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with these embodiments or examples is included in at least one embodiment or example of the application. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0032] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise indicated or unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, shall not be construed as limiting it to the precise terms demanded by the jurisprudence of dictionaries. The description herein is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Not all of the contemplated embodiments are described, but those which are described are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the disclosed embodiments. The use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to indicate that such terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to include only such features or aspects of the disclosure. The terminology or phrase used is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0033] Unless the content requires, otherwise, throughout the description herein, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0034] Throughout the description herein, reference will be made to the terminology "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" and the like. Such terminology means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic being referred to is included in at least one embodiment or example of the application. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0035] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless otherwise stated and / or unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense of "and / or" unless otherwise stated and / or unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For the purposes of this specification, the phrase "A or B" means "(A), (B), or (A and B)". For the purposes of this specification, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C)". Additionally, the character " / " is generally used in its sense of "or" unless otherwise stated and / or unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the technical features indicated.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "a plurality of" refers to two or more (including two).

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application.

[0039] In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly stated and limited, the terms "mounting", "connecting", "coupling", "connecting", "fixing" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, can be fixedly connected, can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; can be mechanically connected; can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; can be internal communication of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] The specific embodiments of the present application will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] For the sake of clarity, a coordinate system "x, y, z" is shown in the relevant figures. In the following, by means of this coordinate system, x will be used to denote the longitudinal direction corresponding to the length direction of the engine hoist, in particular of its beam, in a non-limiting manner, y will be used to denote the transverse direction perpendicular to x, i.e. corresponding to the width direction, and z will be used to denote the vertical direction perpendicular to x and y, i.e. the height direction.

[0042] With respect to the y direction, the side of the hoist that engages the front eyelet hole of the engine during operation of the hoist is defined as the front (part, side, etc.), and the other side opposite to this is defined as the rear (part, side, etc.). The front (part, side, etc.) and the rear (part, side, etc.) of the constituent members of the hoist are also defined on this basis. The direction in the transverse direction is explained with respect to the beam as left and right.

[0043] Furthermore, "vertical", "vertical", "vertical" and the like are used in a purely geometric orientation that is independent of the earth's gravity. The upper and lower (part, side, etc.) of the constituent members of the hoist are also defined on this basis.

[0044] Reference is first made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 in which an engine hoist 1 is shown, which engine hoist 1 comprises a beam 2 as shown in the figures. The beam 2 is advantageously cylindrical here and is a solid metal beam. However, it is not excluded that the beam can take other shapes. It can also be seen from these figures that a secondary hook unit 3, which will be referred to hereinafter as a first hook unit, and a primary hook unit 4, which will be referred to hereinafter as a second hook unit, are arranged along the longitudinal direction x of the beam 2 at opposite ends of the beam 2 for mutual cooperation for hoisting an engine (not shown in the figures). The two ends of the beam 2 are hereinafter referred to as a first end, i.e. a rear end, associated with the secondary hook unit 3, and a second end, i.e. a front end, associated with the primary hook unit 4.

[0045] The secondary hook unit 3 and the primary hook unit 4 are arranged to hang below the beam 2 in the vertical direction z in order to cooperate with the engine. More precisely, the engine hoist 1 according to the application is intended to cooperate with two eyelet holes on the engine along its longitudinal direction, in front and behind. The primary hook unit is intended to hook in the front eyelet hole of the engine in a non-detachable manner, advantageously, and to carry the main weight of the engine, and is the most important constituent part of the engine hoist. The secondary hook unit is intended to assist in hooking the engine and simply to pass through the rear eyelet hole of the engine. The secondary hook mainly serves to assist in hoisting.

[0046] The present solution is mainly directed at the secondary hook unit 3, which will hereinafter be referred to as the first hook unit, and the primary hook unit 4 will correspondingly be referred to as the second hook unit. The expressions first and second do not imply any significance here.

[0047] Furthermore, as Figures 1-5As shown in the figures, the beam is normally arranged with a lifting eye 5 in the upper vertical z direction and in the middle, which is used for connection with a power providing device, such as a crane, to allow lifting of the engine spreader. Here, as shown in the figures, the lifting eye 5 is not arranged directly on the beam 2, but is connected to the beam 2 in a triangular shape by means of uprights 6 and 7.

[0048] From Figures 1-2 It can be seen that the upright 6, which forms one side of the triangle, is single, while the upright 7, which forms the other side of the triangle, is double. The uprights 6 and 7 are fixed in each case by means of, for example, welding, to two connecting blocks 8 and one connecting block 9, which are fixed to the beam 2 by means of fasteners. Advantageously, the fasteners shown in the figures here are in the form of a pin and a split pin cooperating with the pin. However, other fasteners, such as bolts and nuts, etc., can also be used.

[0049] This arrangement of the lifting eye 5 makes the spreader more stable and more balanced when being lifted. Of course, other arrangements of the lifting eye can also be used.

[0050] Reference will now be made, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in particular Figures 1-3 and 5, to the main hook unit 4, which is located on the front side with respect to the longitudinal direction x.

[0051] In the present application, the main hook unit 4 is not connected directly to the front end portion of the beam 2. As shown in the figures, the beam 2 comprises a sleeve 10 of metal for connection of the main hook unit 4, which is fixed, advantageously detachably, around the front end portion of the beam 2. As Figures 1-2 shown, the sleeve 10 is preferably also fixed to the front end portion of the beam 2 by means of a pin and a split pin. In addition, the sleeve 10 is not arranged immediately against the front end of the beam, i.e. it does not cover the front end of the beam 2.

[0052] Advantageously, a plug 11, which is preferably hollow and of metal, is detachably arranged on the front end of the beam, which is not covered by the sleeve 10. The plug 11 is used here as a counterweight for balancing the engine spreader. By balancing, it is meant here that the beam of the spreader is always kept horizontal before and after use.

[0053] In addition, for connection of the main hook unit 4, the sleeve 10 is fixed, as shown in Figure 1 and 5 , with a hole-connected ear 101 below, for example by welding. This will be described further below.

[0054] As shown in particular in Figure 2 and 5 , the main hook unit 4 is in the form of a chain hook, i.e. it comprises a hook 41 as a main hook for hooking to the front eye of the engine, and a chain 42, the ends of which are connected to the hook 41 and the sleeve 10, respectively.

[0055] Preferably, for connecting the hook 41 and the sleeve 10, the main hook unit 4 further includes a universal joint 43. The chain and the sleeve are rotatably connected to the universal joint 43, thereby allowing the chain hook to rotate 360 ​​degrees. For this purpose, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the universal joint 43 is in the form of two parts, including an upper half 431, structurally similar to the upper half 431 for rotatably connecting the sleeve 10, and a lower half 432 for rotatably connecting the chain 42. Furthermore, the upper half 431 of the universal joint 43 is connected via... Figure 2 , 3 The hanging ring 12 shown in Figure 5 is connected to the hole in the connecting lug 101 of the sleeve 10, thereby connecting to the lower part of the lifting beam 2.

[0056] As described above, the main hook unit 4 is connected by a sleeve 10 fitted on the lifting beam 2, which helps to enhance safety and prevent the chain hook from falling off the lifting beam due to the engine's weight of more than 300 kilograms.

[0057] Another point to note is that Figure 1 and 3 For simplicity, only a part of the chain 42 of the main hook unit 4 is shown, omitting part of the chain and the hook 43 connected to it.

[0058] There are also favorable conditions, see [reference]. Figure 2 and 5 The main hook unit 4 also includes an elastic anti-detachment locking plate 13. The anti-detachment locking plate 13 is pivotally arranged on the open side of the hook 43 to block the opening of the hook 43 to prevent the hook 43, which passes through the engine front lifting lug hole (not shown), from detaching from the hole, especially during lifting operations.

[0059] Therefore, advantageously, it is provided that... Figure 2 The clamping plate 14 is shown. The clamping plate 14 can be used to engage with the neck of the hook 43, which serves as the main hook, to clamp its neck. The chain 42 is connected to the main hook head above the neck of the main hook.

[0060] The elastic anti-derailment plate 13 is pivotally mounted on the clamping plate 391 so that the lower end of the elastic anti-derailment plate contacts the end of the main hook to block the opening of the main hook, thereby preventing the main hook from coming out of the hole after the engine is hoisted.

[0061] Of course, other methods can also be considered to set this anti-loosening plate 13, such as placing it directly at the neck of the main hook.

[0062] Favorably, see still Figure 2 and 5 The engine hoist also includes a return spring 15 for the main hook unit 4. One end of the return spring 15 is connected to the lifting beam 2 and is located on the longitudinal inner side of the sleeve 10.

[0063] The inner side in the longitudinal direction is the side facing towards the middle of the longitudinal direction x of the beam, while the opposite side facing towards the end of the beam is the outer side in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] The plug 11 is thus arranged on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 10, next to the sleeve.

[0065] Although not shown in the figures, such a return spring can also be connected to the plug 11.

[0066] The other end of the return spring 15 is in any case connected to the hook 43 or in the vicinity of the hook. Here, as shown in Figure 2 , more specifically, it is connected to the hook by means of a fastener, such as a bolt, which connects the hook chain 43 to the hook head.

[0067] In the illustrated state of static equilibrium, the return spring 15, the hook chain 42 and the beam 2 form a right-angled triangle, in which the return spring 15 forms the hypotenuse of the right-angled triangle.

[0068] When the main hook unit 4 is not in operation, i.e. not under load, the return spring 15 enables the entire main hook unit to be suspended in a slack state; when it is necessary to hoist an engine, the operator overcomes the spring resistance to lower the main hook unit 4, so that the hook 41, which is the main hook, hooks into and passes through the front eyelet hole of the engine, where it is tightened by means of the return spring 15, so that the hooking of the main hook in the front eyelet hole is more secure and less likely to come out. When the engine, which is hoisted by means of the engine hoist, is suspended for transport, for example, by means of a crane, the return spring 15 enables the main hook to be hooked more tightly in the engine hole, thus increasing the hooking force.

[0069] In addition Figure 1 and 3 , the return spring described above is not shown.

[0070] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1-3 and 5, the beam 2 is also provided, next to the sleeve 10, with a hook hanger for the hook 41 when it is not in use. Figures 1-3 One such hook hanger 16, which is arranged longitudinally, can be seen in Figure 5 In addition to the hanger 16, another hook hanger 21, which is arranged vertically, can be seen in Figure 2 and 5 In

[0071] The sub-hook unit 3 according to the application will now be described in detail with reference to the relevant figures.

[0072] The sub-hook unit 3 according to the application is arranged on the first end portion, i.e. the rear end portion, of the beam 2, which is adjustable and lockable in position in at least two longitudinal positions and at least one vertical position relative to the beam 2. Thus, the engine hoist according to the application can be adapted to at least three types of engines, such as four-cylinder engines, six-cylinder engines and diesel engines.

[0073] To this end, the engine hoist 1 according to the application comprises a seat 17 arranged at the first end portion, to which the sub-hook unit 3 is connected, the seat having a channel which is configured to define at least longitudinal and vertical different connection positions of the sub-hook unit to the seat, the sub-hook unit 3 being adjustable along the channel to a selected connection position among the longitudinal and vertical different connection positions and lockable in the selected connection position in a releasable manner.

[0074] In particular, the sub-hook unit 3 is pivotably connected to the seat 17 by means of a pin shaft which passes through the channel of the seat in the transverse direction y, movable along the channel to the selected connection position at least in the longitudinal and vertical directions x and z. The sub-hook unit 3 is locked in the selected connection position in a releasable manner by means of a locking member cooperating with the pin shaft.

[0075] Thus, it can also be said that the engine hoist 1 according to the application is provided with a position adjustment and locking mechanism for adjusting and locking the position of the sub-hook unit, which is configured to adjust and lock the sub-hook unit 3 relative to the beam 2 in the aforementioned longitudinal and vertical different connection positions, in particular at least two longitudinal positions and at least one vertical position. In other words, such a position adjustment and locking mechanism allows adjusting the position of the sub-hook unit 3 at least in the longitudinal direction x and the vertical direction z, so that the sub-hook unit 3 is selectively positioned in a selected connection position among the at least two longitudinal positions and the at least one vertical position and locked in the selected connection position.

[0076] The seat 17 with the channel thus forms the adjustment member of the mechanism. The seat is fixed to the rear end portion of the beam 2, in particular to the lower part thereof, for example by welding, the pin shaft 18 passing through the channel of the seat in the transverse direction y and pivotably connecting the sub-hook unit 3, i.e. it can be swung about the pin shaft 18, thus allowing adjusting the position of the sub-hook unit 3 along the channel in the seat at least in the longitudinal direction x and the vertical direction z, so that the sub-hook unit 3 is selectively positioned in the selected connection position. The locking member locks the sub-hook unit 3 in the selected connection position in a releasable manner by cooperating with the pin shaft.

[0077] More specifically, the seat 17 with the channel can comprise two uprights 17a and 17b each having a T-shaped slot. The two uprights are symmetrically fixed to the lower part of the rear end portion at a distance in the transverse direction y, so that the upper channel of each T-shaped slot extends in the longitudinal direction x and the lower channel extends in the vertical direction z, and a space is formed between the two uprights which allows receiving the sub-hook unit 3 with clearance.

[0078] From Figure 2 and 4 two uprights 17a and 17b can be seen, while in the other figures only one of them is visible.

[0079] The shape of the uprights shown in the figures is only schematic and not limiting. The shape of the uprights is not critical as long as the T-shaped slots are present in the thickness of the uprights and as long as the shape of the uprights does not interfere with the assembly of the subhook unit and the locking means.

[0080] The T-shaped slots in the thickness of the uprights are preferred. However, other slot forms are also conceivable, such as inverted L-shaped slots, π-shaped slots, etc.

[0081] Here, only the T-shaped slots will be described by way of example.

[0082] Preferably, at least the two longitudinal slot ends of the upper slot of the T-shaped slot of each upright 17a, 17b and at least the vertical bottom slot end of the lower slot of the T-shaped slot are formed as arcuate slot recesses, which are adapted to receive the pin 18 therein.

[0083] The locking means can comprise a fastening element, such as a locking pin, a locking nut or a circlip, for reversibly locking the pin 18 in a selected connection position of the subhook unit 3.

[0084] By "reversibly locking", it is meant that, depending on the situation, if the subhook unit is already adjusted and is in the target selected connection position, the fastening element can lock the pin 18, for example, in the arcuate slot recess, while, if the subhook unit position needs to be changed, the fastening element can be loosened to release the pin 18, thus allowing the pin to move freely along the slot in the upright, in order to move the subhook unit 3 to a new target position.

[0085] In particular, after the pin 18 has been passed successively through the corresponding slots of the two uprights in the transverse direction from one side to the other side and has been extended to the other side, it is locked with a fastening element of the aforementioned type, in order to prevent the subhook unit 3 from moving away from its selected connection position. However, this locking does not prevent the subhook unit 3 from pivoting, i.e. swinging, about the pin 18, which connects it to the upright. The selected connection position is here, as shown in the other figures, a position at the longitudinal slot end on the so-called inner side of the T-shaped slot, which faces the middle of the suspension beam 2. The fastening element is here preferably a locking pin in the form of an open pin 19, as shown in Figure 4 Figure 1 and Figures 3-4 .

[0086] In addition, it can be seen from Figure 2 and 4 that the pin 18 advantageously can be formed integrally with a disc portion 18a, which abuts against the wall around the longitudinal slot end on the inner side of one upright, such as the upright 17b. Of course, this is not necessary, for example, the pin 18 can also be designed with one part having a larger diameter and another part having a smaller diameter.

[0087] ​The pin shaft 18 is provided with a hole in the part which passes through a vertical plate, such as the vertical plate 17a, for cooperation with the cotter pin 19 to lock the pin shaft.

[0088] This way has the advantage that the position of the secondary hook unit 3 can be quickly adjusted since the pin shaft is locked and unlocked simply by inserting and removing the cotter pin from the pin shaft hole.

[0089] Advantageously, the locking member can also comprise a locking plate 20 in the form of a washer which is interposed, for example, between the cotter pin 19 and the opposite vertical plate 17a, as can be seen in Figure 1 and 3 -4. The locking action can be further enhanced by means of the locking plate.

[0090] As can be seen in the figures, the secondary hook unit 3 comprises a hook 31 as a secondary hook which is intended to cooperate with the engine rear lifting lug hole. The hook 31 is of the long handle type and has an elongated hook rod 312. Unlike this, the primary hook unit 4 is, as mentioned previously, of the chain hook type comprising a lifting hook and a lifting chain.

[0091] In particular, see Figures 1-3 and 5, the hook 31 has a crook 311 and a connecting block 313. The crook 311 and the connecting block 313 are integrally formed at the two ends of the elongated hook rod 312, respectively, and opposite, i.e. they are arranged on the same side of the hook rod 312. The hook 31 cooperates with the engine rear lifting lug hole by means of its crook 311, i.e. it hooks onto the lifting lug hole, and is rotatably connected to the universal joint 32, which will be mentioned later, by means of the aforementioned connecting block 313. Figures 2-5

[0092] Further preferably, the hook 31 is also provided with a stop block 314, see Figure 2 and 5 which, for example, can be in the form of a circle with a diameter which is larger in relation to the crook diameter. The stop block 314 is arranged approximately opposite the crook free end, close to the crook 311, and can abut against the corresponding hole wall when the crook 411 hooks onto the engine rear lifting lug hole.

[0093] Further as can be seen in the figures, the hook rod 312 of the hook 31 can be shaped flat. Further, to increase the strength, metal reinforcing ribs can be welded on the flat hook rod, for example, on the edges. The flat hook rod can also be used as a handrail if necessary. For example, when the lifting appliance with the engine suspended is lifted and if it is only to be transported a short distance to another work station, the operator can hold on to the lifting appliance by means of the handrail.

[0094] Of course, the aforementioned shape of the long handle type secondary hook is not limiting and other shapes can be considered which maintain the above mentioned functions.

[0095] ​To achieve that the hanger 31 is adjustably connected to the beam 2 in longitudinal and vertical direction by means of an adjusting member, such as the aforementioned uprights 17a, 17b, the sub-hanger unit 3 further comprises a connecting plate 33 as shown in Figures 1-5 Fig. 3, which is designed to be pivotably received in the space between the uprights 17a, 17b in a selected connection position by means of a pin 18 passing through a slot. For this purpose, the connecting plate is provided with a through hole for the pin. Moreover, the spacing between the two uprights 17a, 17b in transverse direction y is slightly greater than the thickness of the connecting plate 33. The selected connection position can be chosen from at least the two longitudinal slot ends of the upper slot and the vertical bottom slot end of the lower slot of the T-slot, depending on the engine type. As mentioned before, the selected connection position shown in the figures is the position at the longitudinal slot end on the so-called inner side of the T-slot, which is for example suitable for a four-cylinder engine.

[0096] As mentioned before, it is very advantageous that the two longitudinal slot ends of the upper slot and the vertical bottom slot end of the lower slot are formed as arc-shaped recesses, in which the pin 18 can sit and which, in combination with the aforementioned locking member, prevent the pin from falling out of the slot.

[0097] Of course, on the basis of the aforementioned principle, more adjusting positions for the sub-hanger unit 3 can be provided in the respective slots, for example between the three slot ends mentioned above. Moreover, the T-slot is not limiting.

[0098] Furthermore, the sub-hanger unit 3 is provided with the aforementioned universal joint 32 between the hanger 31 and the connecting plate 33 for the rotatable connection to the hanger 31 below and to the connecting plate 33 above, respectively. The universal joint 32, which is similar to the universal joint 43 for the main-hanger unit 4, is also divided into a lower half and an upper half. The lower half is connected to the hanger 31, in particular to the connecting block 313 thereof, for example at the upper side of the connecting block at the edge opposite to the hook rod 312, and the upper half is designed for the connection to the lower part of the connecting plate 33. As mentioned before, the upper part of the connecting plate 33 is pivotably received in the space between the two uprights 17a, 17b by means of the pin 18 passing through the upright slot, and the cotter pin 19 and the locking plate 20 lock the pin. By this construction, the sub-hanger unit 3 in the selected connection position can be swung around the pin 18 on the one hand and can be rotated 360 degrees by means of the universal joint 43 on the other hand, so that it has a high degree of flexibility when it is engaged with the engine.

[0099] Furthermore, considering the safety risk that the sub-hanger can fall off the universal joint 32, in particular when the sub-hanger is engaged with the engine (not shown), the engine hoist 1 is provided with a safety device to ensure that the sub-hanger will always be connected to the hoist beam and will not fall down due to such a fall-off.

[0100] Advantageously, such a safety device can for example comprise an eyelet 3131 (shown in Fig. 13) provided on the connecting block 313 and a steel wire not shown. The eyelet is located between the parts of the connecting block 313 connected to the hook rod 312 and to the universal joint 32, advantageously close to the upper part of the connecting block. The steel wire passes through said eyelet and the lower channel of the T-shaped slot in the two uprights in the form of a closed loop. This ensures that the steel wire is connected to the secondary hook in any case. Figure 5

[0101] According to the engine sling of the application, for the engine type, when another type of engine needs to be hoisted, it is only necessary to remove the split pin 19 of the locking pin shaft 18, move the shaft along the upper channel or the lower channel of the T-shaped slot to the desired selected connection position, preferably into the corresponding position slot, and finally lock it with the split pin.

[0102] It is thus clear that the engine sling according to the application is adjustable in vertical and longitudinal position for a plurality of different types of engines, and is simple in design and easy to operate. It is also stable, which improves production efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.

[0103] In addition, the application can include any feature or combination of features or generalizations thereof implicitly or explicitly disclosed herein, without being limited to any of the ranges defined above. Any element, feature and / or structural arrangement described herein can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0104] The specific embodiments disclosed above are only exemplary, as it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein that modifications and implementations other than those explicitly described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the application. For example, the method steps described above can be performed in a different order. Furthermore, the details of the construction or design illustrated herein are not limited to the details shown except as described in the following claims. It is therefore clear that changes and modifications can be made to the specific embodiments disclosed above, and all such variations are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the application. The protection sought herein is therefore set out in the claims appended hereto.​

Claims

1. An engine sling for hoisting an engine, the engine sling (1) comprising: A spreader beam (2) having opposite first and second end portions in a longitudinal direction along a length thereof; A first hook unit provided at the first end portion for hooking an engine to be hoisted; And a second hook unit provided at the second end portion for hooking the engine to be hoisted; characterized in that the engine spreader comprises a seat (17) provided at the first end portion, the first hook unit being connected to the seat, the seat (17) having a channel configured to define a plurality of different connection positions of the first hook unit to the seat in at least the longitudinal and vertical directions, the first hook unit being adjustable along the channel to a selected connection position among the plurality of different connection positions in the longitudinal and vertical directions and being lockable in the selected connection position in a releasable manner.

2. The engine hoist of claim 1, wherein, The first hook unit is pivotably connected to the seat (17) by a pin (18) passing through the channel in the transverse direction, being movable to the selected connection position along the channel in at least the longitudinal and vertical directions; and the first hook unit is further lockable in the selected connection position in a releasable manner by a locking member cooperating with the pin (18).

3. The engine hoist of claim 2, wherein, The seat (17) comprises two uprights (17a, 17b) each having a T-shaped slot, the two uprights being symmetrically fixed to a lower portion of the first end portion in a transversely spaced manner such that the upper channel of each T-shaped slot extends in the longitudinal direction and the lower channel extends in the vertical direction, and a space is formed between the two uprights for allowing the first hook unit to be received with clearance.

4. The engine hoist of claim 3, wherein, At least two longitudinal slot ends of the upper channel and at least a vertical bottom slot end of the lower channel are configured as arc-shaped slot pockets adapted to receive the pin (18).

5. The engine hoist of claim 4, wherein, The locking member comprises a fastener for reversibly locking the pin (18) in the selected connection position of the first hook unit.

6. The engine hoist of claim 5, wherein, The locking member further comprises a locking plate (20) interposed between the fastener and the opposite upright.

7. The engine hoist of claim 6, wherein, The fastener is a lock pin, a lock nut or a snap ring.

8. The engine hoist of claim 7, wherein, The fastener is a lock pin in the form of a split pin (19), and the pin (18) is a hole pin cooperating with the split pin.

9. The engine hoist of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein, The first hook unit comprises a hook (31) of the long shank hook type having an elongated hook rod (312) for hooking an engine ear hole, a connection plate (33) for being pivotably received in the space at the selected connection position by the pin (18) passing through the channel, the selected connection position being selected from at least the two longitudinal slot ends of the upper channel and the vertical bottom slot end of the lower channel of the T-shaped slot, and a first universal joint (32) between the hook (31) and the connection plate (33) rotatably connected to the hook and the connection plate, respectively.

10. The engine hoist of claim 9, wherein, The hook has a hooking portion (311) and a connecting block (313) integrally formed at opposite ends of the elongated hook rod (312), the hook (31) being hooked to the engine ear hole by the hooking portion (311) and rotatably connected to the first universal joint (32) by the connecting block (313).

11. The engine hoist of claim 10, wherein, The hook is provided with a stop block (314) disposed opposite the free end of the hooking portion (311) to abut against the corresponding hole wall when the hooking portion is hooked to the engine ear hole.

12. The engine hoist of claim 10, wherein, The engine lifting tool (1) is further provided with a safety device for ensuring that the hook is always connected to the lifting beam (2) when the hook (31) is disconnected from the first universal connecting member (32).

13. The engine hoist of claim 12, wherein, The safety device comprises a hole (3131) provided on the connecting block (313) and a steel wire, the hole (3131) being located between the connecting block (313) and the hook (31) and the first universal connecting member (32), and the steel wire being in the form of a closed loop passing through the hole (3131) and the lower grooves of the two vertical plates (17a, 17b).

14. The engine hoist of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The lifting beam (2) comprises a sleeve (10) for connecting the second hook unit, which is tightly mounted around the second end portion of the lifting beam.

15. The engine hoist of claim 14, wherein, The lifting beam (2) further comprises a counterweight for balancing the engine lifting tool, which is used as a lifting beam plug (11) and is sleeved on the lifting beam (2) near the sleeve (10).

16. The engine hoist of claim 15, wherein, The second hook unit is in the form of a chain hook, comprising a lifting hook (41) for hooking another engine lifting lug hole and a lifting chain (42) connected to the lifting hook (41) and the sleeve (10) at both ends.

17. The engine hoist of claim 16, wherein, The second hook unit is provided with an elastic anti-falling lock piece (13) which is pivotally arranged on the side of the lifting hook opening to block the lifting hook opening.

18. The engine hoist of claim 16, wherein, The second hook unit further comprises a second universal connecting member (43), and the lifting chain (42) and the sleeve (10) are respectively rotatably connected to the second universal connecting member (43).

19. The engine hoist of claim 16, wherein, The engine lifting tool (1) further comprises a return spring (15) for the second hook unit, one end of which is connected to the lifting beam (2) or the counterweight and the other end is connected to the lifting hook (41) or near the lifting hook (41), so as to suspend the lifting hook when idle and enhance the hooking force when hooking.

20. The engine hoist of claim 16, wherein, The lifting beam (2) is further provided with a lifting hook hanger (16) near the sleeve (10) for hanging the idle lifting hook (41).

21. The engine hoist of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The second hook unit is a main hook unit (4) for cooperating with the front engine lifting lug hole, and the first hook unit is a secondary hook unit (3) for assisting in cooperating with the rear engine lifting lug hole.

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