Attachment device, crane trolley and crane

Abstract

The utility model relates to an attachment device (44), which is used for installing a lifting component (14) of a crane system (2) and comprises a bracket (52), the bracket (52) comprises a fixing point (56) used for fixing the lifting component (14) on the bracket (52) when the bracket (52) is used, and the bracket (52) comprises a channel (54) used for containing a part of a crane trolley (8) when the bracket (52) is used. The fixing member (62) is configured to be attached to the trolley (8) in use, and wherein the bracket (52) comprises a recess (64) therein for receiving the fixing member (62) to limit a position of the bracket (52) on the trolley. The utility model further relates to a crane trolley and a crane, the crane trolley comprises the attachment device, and the crane comprises the crane trolley.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to an attachment device, a crane trolley and a crane. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a typical bridge crane configuration, a trolley is mounted on an overhead beam or gantry. The trolley includes wheels to allow the trolley to move along the beam to provide for its horizontal movement. A pulley system can be mounted to the trolley to support a hook or the like to lift a load when in use.

[0003] “Low headroom” crane systems can be used where the vertical working space is limited. In such arrangements, it is desirable for the various components of the trolley to be arranged as high as possible relative to the gantry to provide an increased clearance between the trolley and the ground when in use. Examples of such arrangements are provided in WO2015 / 110705, US5461985 and US2005 / 0092201. The prior art systems have a number of disadvantages.

[0004] The present utility model aims to overcome or ameliorate one or more problems with prior art solutions. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present utility model, there is provided an attachment device for mounting a lifting member of a crane system, comprising: a cradle comprising a fixing point for securing the lifting member thereto when in use, the cradle comprising a passage for receiving a portion of a crane trolley when in use; and a fixing member configured to attach to the trolley when in use, and wherein the cradle comprises a recess therein for receiving the fixing member to limit the position of the cradle on the trolley.

[0006] The attachment device can comprise a sliding member. The sliding member is configured to be disposed between the cradle and the trolley when in use. The sliding member can facilitate relative rotation between the cradle and the trolley. The sliding member can be configured to prevent lateral movement (e.g. axial movement along the cross beam).

[0007] The sliding member can comprise a low friction material. The sliding member can comprise a tube or sleeve. The sliding member can be arcuate or semi-circular.

[0008] The fixing member can comprise one or more stop members. The stop members can limit the rotation of the cradle relative to the trolley. The stop members can comprise a raised lip or tab. The stop members can comprise a fastener. The stop members can comprise an end of the fixing member. The stop members can be provided at one or both ends of the fixing member.

[0009] One or more stop members are positioned such that the cradle can be rotated a predetermined angular range relative to the trolley. The fixing member can be sized such that a gap is formed between the fixing member and the end of the recess. The cradle can be moved into / out of the gap to provide rotation of the cradle. The cradle can be rotated 5 to 45 degrees.

[0010] The fixing member can be curved / arcuate. The fixing member can comprise an arcuate cradle. The recess in the cradle can comprise an arcuate slot. The slot can be shaped to correspondingly receive the fixing member. The fixing member can allow rotational movement and prevent lateral movement. The fixing member can be fixed to the lateral member in use.

[0011] The fixing point can be rotatably mounted to the cradle. The fixing point can be rotatably mounted to the housing about a first rotational axis. The cradle can be mounted to the trolley about a second rotational axis in use. The second rotational axis can be perpendicular to the first rotational axis. The fixing point can comprise a collar or sleeve.

[0012] The cradle can comprise one or more stop members to limit rotation of the fixing point. The stop members can comprise a raised wall or lip of the cradle.

[0013] The cradle can comprise a tubular, ring or sleeve shape.

[0014] The fixing member and / or the sliding member can comprise one or more attachment structures to allow connection to the trolley in use. The attachment structures can comprise fasteners and / or apertures to receive fasteners.

[0015] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a trolley for a crane comprising the mounting arrangement of the first aspect. The housing member is mounted to a support, beam or bar of the trolley. The support / beam / bar can provide a lateral member. The lateral members can be connected via respective beams. The lateral members can be connected to the beams by respective arms. The arms can support wheels or the like.

[0016] The housing can be rotatable relative to the support / beam / bar. The housing can be constrained about an axial position on the support / beam / bar. The sliding member can be fixed relative to the support / beam / bar. The support / beam / bar can be fixed relative to the trolley (i.e. non-rotatable).

[0017] The trolley can comprise a mounting arrangement to constrain a lifting member. The mounting arrangement can comprise a housing comprising a sheave to constrain the lifting member. The housing can comprise a passageway to receive a portion of the trolley for crane in use. The fixing member can be configured to attach to the trolley in use. The housing can comprise a recess therein to receive the fixing member to limit the position of the housing on the trolley. The housing can be rotatably mounted to the lateral member.

[0018] The crane trolley can comprise a lifting member configured to support a load in use, wherein a first portion of the lifting member is connected to the lifting mechanism and a second portion of the lifting member is secured by the attachment member to form a pulley system.

[0019] The lifting member can comprise a rope or chain.

[0020] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a crane comprising a trolley according to the preceding aspect.

[0021] Any aspect of the present application can be combined with any other aspect of the present application, where possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a crane system is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 A perspective view of a trolley of the crane system is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 A perspective view of the trolley is shown in simplified form;

[0026] Figure 4 A perspective view of a rope wheel arrangement is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a securing member;

[0028] Figure 6 A perspective view of a first cross member of the trolley is shown;

[0029] Figure 7 A perspective view of a second cross member of the trolley is shown;

[0030] Figure 8 A perspective view of an attachment member of the trolley is shown;

[0031] Figure 9 A perspective view of a cradle of the attachment member is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic view of a crane system 2 is shown in Figure 1. The crane system comprises a gantry or portal 4. The portal 4 can comprise beams, cross members, rails, jibs, etc. The portal is typically suspended above the floor (e.g. suspended from the ceiling or supported by legs). The system 2 comprises a hoisting device 6. The hoisting device 6 is moveably mounted to the portal 104 to provide movement therealong to provide movement of a load connected to the hoisting device 6.

[0033] The hoisting device 6 comprises a trolley or carriage 8. Wheels or rollers are mounted to the trolley 8 to engage the gantry 4 and provide the motion. Motors (not shown) can drive the wheels 10. The drive mechanism for the hoisting device 6 can comprise a gear box, control system and / or other features associated with such crane systems. In other embodiments, the trolley 8 can be implemented via external drive means, for example via a screw drive or ring circuit.

[0034] In some embodiments, the gantry / bridge is movable (for example to provide movement of the hoisting device 6 in a second dimension). The gantry / bridge can be mounted to the gantry, rail or support structure to allow horizontal movement thereof. The bridge can comprise one or more wheels configured to engage the ground or support structure (if any). In Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the gantry comprises wheels 7 configured to run on the rail 5 (as shown in the depth direction). The rail 5 can be located beneath the end of the carriage 4 (in the depth direction). Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the gantry comprises wheels 7 configured to run on the rail 5 (as shown in the depth direction). The rail 5 can be located beneath the end of the carriage 4 (in the depth direction).

[0035] A remote controller (not shown) can be provided to provide operation of the crane 2. The remote controller can allow adjustment of the position of the trolley along the gantry 4 and / or the vertical position of the load. The remote controller can be wired or wireless. The remote controller can comprise a control panel or radio controller. It will be appreciated that the exact form of the crane system 2 or ancillary aspects thereof are not relevant to the current application.

[0036] The lifting member 14 is connected to the hoisting device 6. The lifting member 14 can comprise a rope, chain, wire or other suitable member to provide lifting of a load in use. The lifting member 14 comprises a connector 16 for connection to a load in use. The connector 16 can comprise a hook, carabiner or other suitable connector. The connector 16 is connected to the hoisting device 6 via a pulley arrangement formed using the lifting member 14. In some embodiments, the lifting member 14 comprises a polymer or synthetic material. The polymer can comprise ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. In other embodiments, the rope can be steel.

[0037] A first portion of the lifting member 14 is mounted to a lifting mechanism 18. For example, the lifting mechanism 18 can comprise a winch arrangement. The lifting mechanism 18 can extend / retract (i.e. pay out or take in) the lifting member 14 to change the height of the connector 16. As Figure 2A spool (e.g. a rope drum) or mandrel 15A can be provided to store the lifting member 14. A motor 15B can be provided to effect movement in the vertical direction (i.e. to rotate the spool). The motor can comprise a gear box 15C. The lifting mechanism 18 can comprise a brake or the like to slow and / or stop its motion.

[0038] The second portion of the lifting member 14 is retained via a rope pulley arrangement 20 (i.e. a pulley or roller). The rope pulley arrangement 20 is connected to a cross member 22. The cross member 22 extends across the width of the trolley 8. The cross member 22 can form part of the frame or structure of the trolley 8.

[0039] In use, the lifting member 14 passes through the rope pulley arrangement 20 to form a loop / circuit. Thus, the lifting member 14 extends back around the connector 16 and is fixed to the trolley 108 at one end thereof.

[0040] The rope pulley arrangement 20 is shown in more detail in Figures 3-6 The rope pulley arrangement 20 is mounted to the cross member 22. In the present embodiment, the cross member 22 is provided in a fixed position (i.e. does not rotate). The rope pulley arrangement 20 comprises a housing 24. The housing 24 is configured to at least partially house a rope pulley 26. The rope pulley 26 is configured to be rotatably mounted to the housing 24, for example using a bearing or the like. The rope pulley comprises a grooved pulley, a roller or the like. A first end 28 of the housing 24 is rounded / curved to conform to the shape of the rope pulley 26. A hole 30 is provided to provide space for the bearing / axle of the rope pulley 26.

[0041] A second end 32 of the housing 24 is configured to receive the cross member 22. Thus, the housing 24 can provide a cradle or bracket for the rope pulley 26. The housing 24 comprises a channel 34 for receiving the cross member 22. The channel 34 extends transversely through the housing 24. The channel 24 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rope pulley 26. The second end 32 comprises a rounded end configured to correspond to the shape of the cross member 22. Thus, the housing 24 comprises a close fit with the cross member 22.

[0042] A sliding member 36 is received between the housing 24 and the cross member 22. The sliding member 36 allows relative rotation between the housing 24 and the sliding member 36. The sliding member 36 is fixed to the cross member 22 to prevent relative rotation therebetween. This ensures that the rope pulley 26 is in the correct orientation when the lifting member 14 is extended / retracted. The sliding member 36 can comprise a low friction material. The sliding member 36 comprises a lower coefficient of friction than the cross member 22 (e.g. lower than steel or stainless steel). The sliding member 36 can be polymeric. For example, the sliding member 36 can comprise one or more of: PTFE; PEEK; PPS; Nylon; Acetal; and / or Polyester. The sliding member 36 comprises a tube, cylinder or sleeve configured to surround the cross member 22. The sliding member 36 comprises a close fit with the cross member 22.

[0043] As Figure 4 As best seen in

[0044] As Figure 3 and Figure 5 As best seen in

[0045] The angular length of the slot 40 is longer than the angular length of the fixing member 38. This allows the rotational angle of the housing member 24 to be limited by the difference in angular length. The housing 24 can be rotated by 5 to 45 degrees. A stop member 42 is provided on the fixing device 38 to abut against the housing 24 to limit the movement therebetween. The stop member 42 can be provided at both ends of the fixing member 38. In some embodiments, one or both of the stop members 42 can be displaced away from the end of the fixing member 38 to allow a greater degree of rotation of the housing 24. In Figure 5 In embodiments of

[0046] The stop member 42 can also be used to limit the movement of the housing 24 along the axial length of the cross member 22. Thus, the fixing bracket 38 and / or the stop member 42 can limit axial and / or rotational movement. The stop member further limits radial displacement such that the sliding member 36 and the housing 24 remain coaxial with the cross member 22. This arrangement can be provided in a single piece (i.e. the fixing member 38). The fixing bracket 38 is provided in the middle of the housing 24. Thus, a single fixing bracket 38 can constrain the housing in both axial directions.

[0047] Referring to Figure 6 It can be seen that a gap 43 is provided between the fixing member 38 and the housing 24. The gap 43 allows the housing 24 to rotate into the gap (e.g. in a downward direction when in use). Further rotation is prevented when the housing member abuts the fixing member 38. The size of the gap 43 therefore defines the range of movement of the housing 24.

[0048] Referring to Figures 7-9 And Figure 1 As previously mentioned, the lifting member 14 is fixed to the trolley 8. The lifting member 14 is attached to the trolley 8 via an attachment device 44. The attachment device is provided on the side of the trolley 8 opposite the rope pulley arrangement 20. This facilitates positioning of the connector 16 directly below the trolley 8. The attachment device is provided on a second transverse member 46. The second transverse member 46 is parallel to the first transverse member 22. In use, the first and second transverse members 22, 46 are provided on either side of the gantry 4. As Figure 3 As best seen in Figure 6, the first and second transverse members 22, 46 are connected via respective beams 48A, 48B. Arms 50A-50D are provided to connect the transverse members 22, 26 with the beams 48A, 48B. The wheels 10 are provided on the arms 50A-50D.

[0049] The attachment device 44 comprises a cradle 52 configured to receive the transverse member 46. The cradle 52 comprises a channel 54. The second transverse member 46 is provided within the channel 54 when in use. The cradle 52 is generally toroidal or ring shaped. A fixing point 56 is provided to allow the lifting member 14 to be attached when in use. The fixing point 56 can comprise a sheath or sleeve. The fixing point 56 is mounted to a flange located on the cradle 52. The fixing point 56 can be rotatably mounted to the cradle 52. This can accommodate some lateral movement of the lifting member. The cradle 52 can be shaped to limit the rotation (e.g. less than 5 or 10 degrees) to prevent unwanted wobble. The cradle 52 can comprise raised side walls 58 against which the fixing point 56 can abut.

[0050] In some embodiments, a sliding member 60 can be provided to allow the cradle 52 to rotate about the transverse member 46. The sliding member 60 is interposed on the cradle 52 about the transverse member 46. The sliding member 60 can comprise a low friction material. The sliding member 60 comprises a lower coefficient of friction than the transverse member 22 (L e.g. lower than steel or stainless steel). The sliding member 60 can be polymeric. For example, the sliding member 60 can comprise one or more of: PTFE; PEEK; PPS; Nylon; Acetal; and / or Polyester. In the present embodiment, the sliding member 60 is configured to extend partially around the transverse member 46. For example, the sliding member 60 can comprise an arcuate shape. In other embodiments, the sliding member 60 comprises a tube, cylinder or sleeve configured to surround the transverse member 46.

[0051] The bracket 52 is held on the cross member 46 via a securing member 62. The securing member 62 is configured to be received within a recess 64 in the bracket 52. The securing member 62 is curved / arcuate. Accordingly, the recess 64 comprises an arcuate slot accordingly. The securing member 62 is secured to the cross member 46 via fasteners 66. The fasteners can comprise bolts, screws or other suitable fasteners. The arrangement of the securing member 62 and the bracket 52 comprises a close fit.

[0052] The angular length of the recess 64 can be greater than the angular length of the securing member 62. Accordingly, the bracket 52 is free to rotate by the angular length defined by the difference between the angular length of the recess 64 and the securing member 62. The bracket 52 can rotate by 5 to 45 degrees; preferably 5 to 10 degrees. The fasteners 66 can act as a stop member at one or both ends of the securing member 62. In some embodiments, the securing member 62 can comprise an upturned lip or flange (e.g. as provided for the rope pulley arrangement 20).

[0053] The securing member 62 can also serve to limit movement of the bracket 52 along the axial length of the cross member 46. Accordingly, the securing member 62 and / or the stop member 66 can limit axial and / or rotational movement. The stop member 66 further limits radial displacement such that the sliding member 60 and the bracket 52 remain coaxial with the cross member 46. This arrangement can be provided in a single piece (i.e. the securing member 62). The securing member 62 is disposed intermediate the bracket 52. Accordingly, a single securing member 62 can constrain the housing in both axial directions.

[0054] In alternative embodiments, one or both of the cross members 22, 46 are rotatably mounted to the trolley 8 (e.g. the arms 50A-50D). One or both of the brackets 24, 52 can be fixed to and rotate with the respective cross member 22, 46. However, it will be appreciated that providing rotation between the brackets 24, 52 and the cross members 22, 46 provides only a single point of rotation, reducing complexity.

[0055] The present arrangement can be provided in a “low profile” or “low headroom” crane system. Such systems can be installed in places where vertical space is limited. Providing the rope pulley arrangement 20 and the attachment arrangement 44 on the cross members 22, 46 allows the rope pulley arrangement 20 and the attachment arrangement 44 to be elevated to or above the height level of the gantry 4 when in use. This increases the vertical clearance of the hoist system 6. The beams 48A, 48B are disposed below the cross members 22, 46 to allow the cross members 22, 46 to be elevated relatively. The lifting mechanism 18 and / or other components are disposed laterally of the trolley 8, also increasing the vertical clearance. The lifting mechanism 18 is mounted to the arms 50A, 50B to facilitate lateral attachment.

[0056] In prior art systems, the payload attached to the connector 16 is prone to swinging in the air. Additionally, the ropes below the hoisting device can deviate during the process of lifting / lowering the connector 16. The present arrangement helps the lifting members to take the correct position according to each lifting position (e.g. by rotating around the transverse member and / or moving laterally). The present arrangement allows for small movements of the upper rope wheel and the rope fixation point, thereby avoiding unnecessary forces in the system, while also helping to reduce unwanted swinging. The present arrangement allows for the use of a single fixation member to limit the movement of the housing or the carriage in multiple dimensions.

Claims

1. An attachment device for mounting a lifting member (14) of a crane system (2), characterized in that, The attachment device comprises: a bracket (52) comprising a fixing point (56) for fixing the lifting member (14) thereto in use, the bracket (52) comprising a channel (54) for receiving a portion of a trolley (8) in use; and a fixing member (62) configured to attach to the trolley (8) in use, and wherein the bracket (52) comprises a recess (64) therein for receiving the fixing member (62) to thereby limit the position of the bracket (52) on the trolley.

2. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein, The attachment device comprises a sliding member (60) configured to be disposed between the bracket (52) and the trolley (8) in use to facilitate relative rotation between the bracket (52) and the trolley (8).

3. The attachment device of claim 2, wherein the sliding member (60) comprises a sleeve of low friction material.

4. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein, The fixing member (62) comprises one or more stop members to limit rotation of the bracket (52) relative to the trolley.

5. The attachment device of claim 4, wherein, The stop members (66) are provided at one or both ends of the fixing member (62).

6. The attachment device of claim 4, wherein, One or more of the stop members (66) are positioned such that the bracket (52) can be rotated relative to the trolley (8) through a predetermined angular range.

7. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein, The fixing member (62) comprises an arcuate bracket, and the recess (64) in the bracket (52) comprises an arcuate slot shaped to correspondingly receive the arcuate bracket.

8. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein, The fixing point (56) is rotatably mounted to the bracket (52).

9. The attachment device of claim 7, wherein, The fixing point (56) is mounted on the bracket (52) about a first axis of rotation, and the bracket (52) is mounted to the trolley (8) in use about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis of rotation.

10. The attachment device of claim 7, wherein, The bracket (52) comprises one or more stop members to limit rotation of the fixing point (56).

11. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein, The fixing member (62) and / or sliding member (60) comprises one or more attachment structures to allow connection to the trolley (8) in use.

12. A crane trolley, characterized in that The crane trolley (8) comprises the attachment device (44) of claim 1, the bracket (52) being mounted to a support, beam or bar (46) of the trolley (8).

13. The crane trolley of claim 12, wherein, The bracket (52) is rotatable relative to the support / beam / bar (46) and is constrained thereon to an axial position.

14. The crane trolley of claim 12, wherein, The crane trolley comprises a lifting member (14) configured to support a load in use, wherein a first portion of the lifting member (14) is connected to a lifting mechanism (18), and a second portion of the lifting member is fixed by the attachment device (44) to form a pulley system.

15. A crane, characterized by The crane comprises the crane trolley of claim 12.

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