Rotating structure for large civil applications, for example a telescope in an astronomical observatory, equipped with an automatically operated limit switch for rotations greater than a full angle

Abstract

Rotating structure (4) for civil applications, having the following characteristics a movable upper section (8) rotating about a vertical or azimuthal (YY) axis of rotation and equipped with at least one cam (12) and a shock absorption system (16) a fixed lower section (20) provided with at least one stroke end buffer (24) for the movable upper section (8), the stroke end buffer (24) being provided with a stop (28) for the shock absorption system (16) and a fork (32), wherein the stroke end buffer (24) is switchable from a deactivated position in which it does not interfere with the shock absorption system (16) to an activated position in which it does interfere with the shock absorption system (16), wherein the fork (32) of the stroke end buffer (24) is configured to cooperate with the cam (12) of the movable upper section (8) to switch the stroke end buffer (24) from the deactivated position to the activated position and vice versa, depending on the direction of rotation of the movable upper section (8) with respect to the vertical or azimuthal rotation axis (YY), in order to enable the rotation of the movable upper section (8) about the azimuthal rotation axis (YY) by an angle greater than 360°, wherein the transition from the deactivated position to the activated position and vice versa takes place within a rotation of the movable upper section (8) of less than 360°.

Description

Area of ​​application

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating structure for large civil applications, e.g. a telescope of an observatory, which is equipped with an automatically actuated rotation end stop for rotations greater than a full angle. State of the art

[0002] The present invention applies particularly, but not exclusively, to rotating structures with an extremely high mass, even in the order of tens of thousands of tons, such as large telescopes, but more generally to civil structures with rotational movements of more than one full angle.

[0003] As is well known, end stops are devices that usually limit the travel of a machine or structure to a specific linear or angular range or stroke that does not exceed 2π.

[0004] For rotating structures that can rotate through more than one full angle, a solution must be found that allows the rotation of the structure to be limited to an interval almost equivalent to two complete revolutions or, in any case, greater than one full angle.

[0005] The aim is therefore to solve the problem that always arises when a buffer system is used to stop, in emergency situations, the movement of structures or machines that rotate around a vertical axis, that is, azimuthally, for more than one complete revolution, that is, with a stroke greater than 2π, equal to, for example, 520 sexagesimal degrees.

[0006] The difference compared to standard applications of end-of-travel buffers is that such a movement forces the machine to pass, for example, twice the same point on the circumference that the structure describes during rotation: in this case, the impact or end point for the rotating structure does not have to be available during the first of the two passes, but only during the second.

[0007] Furthermore, for reasons of safety and reliability, it is desirable that the system be able to change mechanically from one configuration to another and that this change be carried out automatically by the rotation of the rotating structure itself during a normal operating phase.

[0008] In addition, a damping system must be provided that, in the event of an impact or shock, absorbs the energy of the rotating machine at the maximum expected angular velocity, for example, two sextages per second.

[0009] The dynamic behavior of the switching system must also be fully controlled to ensure smooth operation and limit dynamic overloads and vibrations.

[0010] In addition, it must be ensured that the system does not fail due to mechanical fatigue under repeated (cyclic) loads over time.

[0011] As already mentioned, one of the main objectives of the present invention is to find a solution that enables the buffer described above to safely withstand the two types of contact with the mobile machines it is intended to stop.

[0012] The first type of contact is the conventional type of contact with a buffer, that is, the impact of the machine on the buffer upon reaching the kinematic limit, which acts like a limit switch, the frequency of which is low; taken to the extreme, this type of event must never occur during the lifetime of the rotating structure.

[0013] The second (and new) type of shock is caused by the buffer switching system when the moving section is activated or deactivated. This shock can also occur with considerable frequency and must therefore not cause dynamic overloads or vibrations that would impair the operation of the machine. This shock occurs at various points on the machine through dedicated cams that interact with the buffer in a similar way to a Geneva-style mechanism.

[0014] Since the cams are integral with the machine to be stopped, they do not cause any reduction in the dynamics of movement; regardless of the speed or acceleration of the mechanism during operation, the elements involved in the switching will suffer the resulting effects.

[0015] The switching movement therefore poses significant dynamic problems due to the speeds and masses involved, and also because the impact on the buffer (first type) is an exceptional and therefore rare event, whereas contact with the cam (second type) is part of the normal operating function of the device. Description of the invention

[0016] There is therefore a need to eliminate the disadvantages and limitations mentioned in the prior art.

[0017] This object is achieved by a rotating structure for civil applications according to claim 1. Description of the drawings

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which: Fig. Figure 1a is a top perspective view of a rotating structure for civil applications according to a possible embodiment of the present invention; The Fig. 1b-1c show enlargements of the rotating structure of the Fig. 1a; Fig. 1d illustrates a top plan view of a rotating structure for civil applications according to a possible embodiment of the present invention; The Fig. 2-3 show perspective partial views of the Fig. 1 of Part II; Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of Part II of Fig. 1 in a configuration at the beginning of the decommissioning phase; Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of Part II of Fig. 1 in a configuration close to the end stop of the upper rotating structure; Fig. 6 illustrates two schematic views of activated and deactivated end stop buffer configurations according to the present invention; The Fig. 7-8 show views of a cam according to the present invention from different angles.

[0019] Elements or parts of elements that are common to the embodiments described below are given the same numerical designations. Detailed description

[0020] With reference to the above figures, a rotating structure for civil applications according to the present invention is generally designated as 4.

[0021] First, for the purposes of the present invention, it should be clarified that the term rotating structure is to be understood in a broad sense, i.e., any structure provided with a relative rotational movement with respect to a base; this movement may be rotational and / or rototranslatory.

[0022] Preferably, but not exclusively, the rotating structure 4 may comprise a dome for covering and / or supporting a telescope, but also a housing structure.

[0023] The rotating structure for civil applications 4 according to the present invention comprises a movable upper section 8 which rotates about a vertical or azimuthal YY axis of rotation and is provided with at least one cam 12 and a shock absorption system 16.

[0024] Furthermore, the rotating structure for civil applications 4 comprises a fixed lower section 20 provided with at least one stroke end buffer 24 for the movable upper section 8.

[0025] In particular, the stroke end buffer 24 is provided with a stop 28 for the shock absorption system 16 and a fork 32.

[0026] Advantageously, the stroke end buffer 24 is switchable from a deactivated position in which it does not affect the shock absorption system 16 to an activated position in which it does affect the shock absorption system 16.

[0027] In other words, in the deactivated position, the stroke end buffer 24 does not interrupt the shock absorption system 16 during the rotation of the movable upper section 8; likewise, in the activated position, the stroke end buffer 24 interrupts the shock absorption system 16 to stop the rotation of the movable upper section 8.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the shock absorption system 16 comprises a shock absorber and a deformable elastic element.

[0029] The fork 32 of the stroke end buffer 24 is configured to cooperate with the cam 12 of the movable upper section 8 to switch the stroke end buffer 24 from the deactivated to the activated position and vice versa, depending on the direction of rotation of the movable upper section 8 with respect to the vertical or azimuthal YY rotation axis, to enable rotation of the movable upper section 8 about the azimuthal YY rotation axis by an angle of more than 360°, the transition from the deactivated position to the activated position and vice versa occurring within a rotation of the movable upper section 8 of less than 360°.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the stroke end buffer 24 is pivotally mounted about a radial pin 36 perpendicular to and coincident with the vertical axis of rotation YY, so that it can rotate about the radial pin 36 about a radial direction RR to change from the deactivated position to the activated position and vice versa.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the stroke end buffer 24 is dimensioned to be switched with a slower rotation in the initial and final phases near the activated and deactivated positions and with a faster rotation in the intermediate phase between the initial and final phases in order to avoid or limit shocks and vibrations.

[0032] It should be noted that the variation of the angular velocity around the radial pin 36 of the stroke end buffer 24 under the thrust action actuated by the cam 12 occurs independently of the rotational speed of the movable upper section 8, of course within the operating limits provided for it.

[0033] Thanks to the correct dimensioning of the stroke end buffer 24, it is therefore possible to significantly limit or completely eliminate the shocks and vibrations typical of structures of known technology.

[0034] The cam 12 includes an actuating bracket 40 extending from a hinge end 44 to an actuating end 48. In particular, the actuating end 48 is rotatable relative to the hinge end 44 and configured to at least partially engage the fork 32 of the end-of-stroke buffer 24 to rotate the end-of-stroke buffer 24 and switch from the deactivated position to the activated position and vice versa.

[0035] The fork 32 is typically U-shaped, with an inlet depression 52 acting as an invitation to facilitate both the insertion of the actuating end 48 into the fork 32 and the subsequent removal of the actuating end 48 from the fork 32 after successful rotation of the end-of-stroke buffer 24.

[0036] Preferably, the joint end 44 is rotatable about a radial axis of rotation RR which is perpendicular to and coincides with the vertical axis of rotation YY.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the hinge end 44 is connected to the movable upper portion 8 in an adjustable position along a vertical direction parallel to the vertical or azimuthal (YY) rotation axis to change the position of the actuating end 48 with respect to the vertical direction.

[0038] Such an adjustment can be achieved, for example, by a coupling between a pin and a slot.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the articulating end 44 is fixed in an adjustable position along a radial direction RR that is perpendicular to and coincident with the vertical or azimuthal (YY) axis of rotation to change the position of the actuating end 48 with respect to the radial direction RR.

[0040] Such an adjustment can be achieved, for example, by a coupling between a pin and a slot.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the cam 12 includes a control system 56 for controlling the rotational movement of the actuating bracket 40.

[0042] The control system 56 includes, for example, a plurality of elastic elements 60 that influence the rotation of the actuating bracket 40 in both directions of rotation about the joint end 44.

[0043] Preferably, the elastic elements 60 are arranged on opposite sides of the actuating bracket 40 with respect to a tangential direction TT, perpendicular to the vertical axis of rotation YY, and the radial direction RR. Furthermore, the elastic elements 60 are arranged to cooperate with an intermediate portion of the actuating bracket 40 between the hinge end 44 and the actuating end 48. By varying the position of the elastic elements 60, i.e., the relative drive arm, with respect to the hinge end 44, it is possible to vary the resulting spring force acting on the actuating bracket 40 and thus the shock and vibration damping effect achieved via the cam 12 after contact with the stroke-end buffer 24.

[0044] According to one embodiment, an inductive activation sensor 64 and an inductive deactivation sensor 68 are assigned to the stroke end buffer 24.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the inductive activation sensor 64 is positioned and configured to be activated when the end-of-stroke buffer 24 reaches the activated position; similarly, the inductive deactivation sensor 68 is positioned and configured to be activated when the end-of-stroke buffer 24 reaches the deactivated position.

[0046] According to one embodiment, an inductive activation sensor 64 and an inductive deactivation sensor 68 are each connected to the stroke end buffer 24 with respect to each direction of rotation of the movable upper section 8 about the vertical YY rotation axis.

[0047] In this way, the respective inductive activation and deactivation sensors 64, 68 can be activated for each direction of rotation of the movable upper section 8.

[0048] According to one embodiment, an inductive activation pre-sensor and an inductive deactivation pre-sensor, each arranged upstream of the corresponding inductive activation sensor 64 and the inductive deactivation sensor 68, are associated with the stroke end buffer 24 with respect to the direction of rotation of the movable upper section 8 rotating about the vertical YY axis of rotation.

[0049] Preferably, the inductive activation pre-sensor and the inductive deactivation pre-sensor are operatively connected to a motor device that controls the rotation of the movable upper section 8 and / or to a braking device of the movable upper section 8.

[0050] In summary, the present invention is characterized by the following aspects.

[0051] The structure 4 comprises a system of stroke end buffers 24 to stop, in an emergency, the movement of structures or machines rotating around a vertical YY axis, i.e. azimuthally, for more than one complete revolution, i.e. with a stroke of more than 2π, for example with revolutions of 700°.

[0052] The movement forces the machine, for example, to pass through the same point on the circumference twice, which it describes during the rotation: the point of impact at the end of the stroke must be provided not during the first of the two passes, but only during the second.

[0053] The end-of-stroke buffer 24 is rigidly connected to the ground and features a movable section that can switch its position from the "activated" to the "deactivated" configuration (and vice versa). The "activated" configuration represents the buffer ready for impact, while the "deactivated" configuration represents the lowered or retracted buffer, allowing the machine to slide without causing an impact.

[0054] The switching is advantageously carried out mechanically by the machine itself during a normal operating phase: in particular, the switching from the "activated" to the "deactivated" configuration is triggered mechanically by the moving section passing over the fixed section in a given position.

[0055] The device enables complete control of the dynamic behavior of the switching system to ensure its smooth operation and limit dynamic overloads and vibrations: the mechanical switching system is specifically designed to avoid dynamic overloads and limit noise emissions and vibrations.

[0056] The system, which is subjected to repeated (cyclic) loads, must not fail due to mechanical fatigue. For this purpose, the mechanical parts are dimensioned so that they can withstand 10 6 Cycles do not exhibit fatigue problems.

[0057] The mechanical cam system with tension springs is able to regulate the forces that occur when changing from the activated to the deactivated configuration and vice versa.

[0058] The impact occurs through the buffer switching system during the activation or deactivation of the moving section. This impact can also occur with considerable frequency and must therefore not cause dynamic overloads and vibrations that would impair the operation of the machine: the system is designed so that the forces exerted during the switching process do not impair the proper operation of the reference machine.

[0059] The system has specially installed cams that interact with the buffer similar to a Maltese cross mechanism.

[0060] The invention provides for the dimensioning of the resistance of all elements involved in the switching process, including the spring system, by calibrating their stiffness.

[0061] It is important to anticipate the behavior of the spring system both during the damping phase of the switching shock with the movable section of the buffer and during the accompanying phase (not simply pushing or hitting) of the switchable element of the limit stop during the position change phase. In this context, at least one pair of opposing springs is provided, the stiffness of which is such that correct switching is possible at a switching system activation speed within a specified range.

[0062] The system takes into account the repeated (cyclic) stresses that occur bidirectionally and thus the mechanical fatigue to which the system is subjected

[0063] The proposed buffer system is capable of allowing movements beyond one full revolution while simultaneously controlling the system's load levels and the vibrations on the cams themselves.

[0064] The solution to the identified technological problem can thus be achieved by eliminating any electrical-electronic switching devices, thereby increasing the reliability and availability of the system.

[0065] The system is able to manage the emergency stop of systems with rotation around a vertical axis with an amplitude greater than 400 c, centesimal degrees, through variable geometry contrasts and thanks to the variable geometry emergency stop shock absorption system that allows the dissipation of the kinetic energy of the moving section.

[0066] As will be apparent from the description, the structures according to the invention overcome the disadvantages of the known technology.

[0067] Advantageously, the solution described allows the use of mechanical devices to switch from the activated configuration to the deactivated configuration and vice versa, without the need for an electrical-electronic device to perform the switching: this increases the reliability and availability of the system.

[0068] Advantageously, the present invention makes it possible to control the rotation and stopping of a rotating structure of approximately 4500 tons in a safe, repeated and reliable manner.

[0069] Advantageously, the present invention makes it possible to provide the impact point or end stop for the rotating structure not at the first of the two rotation steps, but only at the second, as required by the specific application of the invention.

[0070] Furthermore, it is advantageous that in the event of a shock, a damping system is provided which effectively absorbs the energy of the rotating machine at the maximum expected angular velocity of, for example, two sexagesimal degrees per second.

[0071] Thanks to the special configuration of the cam and its control system with spring elements, the dynamic behavior of the switching system can be effectively controlled to ensure its smooth operation and limit dynamic overloads and vibrations.

[0072] In addition, the configuration of the cam control system can ensure that the system does not fail due to mechanical fatigue under repeated (cyclic) loads over time.

[0073] The tension spring mechanical cam system of the present invention is capable of regulating the forces exchanged when switching from the activated configuration to the deactivated configuration and vice versa.

[0074] All elements of the device involved in switching are designed for strength, including the cam spring system by adjusting its stiffness.

[0075] The behavior of the spring system can be predicted both in the damping phase of the switching shock with the movable section of the stroke-end buffer and in the accompanying phase of the buffer itself.

[0076] In order to meet any specific requirements, the person skilled in the art may make numerous modifications and variations of the solutions described above, all of which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. List of reference symbols 4 Rotating structure for civil applications 8 Movable upper section 12 cams 16 Shock absorption system 20 Fixed lower section 24 stroke end buffers 28 stop 32 fork 36 Radial pin 40 Actuator bracket 44 Hinge side 48 End of operation 52 Inlet reduction 56 Control system 60 elastic elements 64 Inductive activation sensor 68 Inductive deactivation sensor YY vertical or azimuthal axis of rotation RR radial direction TT tangential direction

Claims

[1] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications, having the following characteristics a movable upper section (8) rotating about a vertical or azimuthal (YY) axis of rotation and equipped with at least one cam (12) and a shock absorption system (16) a fixed lower section (20) provided with at least one stroke end buffer (24) for the movable upper section (8), the stroke end buffer (24) being provided with a stop (28) for the shock absorption system (16) and a fork (32), wherein the stroke end buffer (24) is switchable from a deactivated position in which it does not interfere with the shock absorption system (16) to an activated position in which it does interfere with the shock absorption system (16), wherein the fork (32) of the stroke end buffer (24) is configured to cooperate with the cam (12) of the movable upper section (8) to switch the stroke end buffer (24) from the deactivated position to the activated position and vice versa, depending on the direction of rotation of the movable upper section (8) with respect to the vertical or azimuthal rotation axis (YY), in order to enable the rotation of the movable upper section (8) about the azimuthal rotation axis (YY) by an angle greater than 360°, wherein the transition from the deactivated position to the activated position and vice versa takes place within a rotation of the movable upper section (8) of less than 360°. [2] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 1, wherein the stroke end buffer (24) is pivoted about a radial pin (36) perpendicular to and coincident with the vertical axis of rotation (YY) so that it rotates about the radial pin (36) to move from the deactivated position to the activated position. [3] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 2, wherein the stroke end buffer (24) is dimensioned to be switched with a slower rotation in the initial and final phases near the activated and deactivated positions and with a faster rotation in the intermediate phase between the initial and final phases in order to avoid or limit shocks and vibrations. [4] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the cam (12) comprises an actuating bracket (40) extending from a hinge end (44) to an actuating end (48), the actuating end (48) being pivotable with respect to the hinge end (44) and being configured to at least partially engage the fork (32) of the stroke end buffer (24) to rotate the stroke end buffer (24) and switch from the deactivated position to the activated position and vice versa. [5] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 4, wherein the articulation end (44) is rotatable about a radial axis of rotation (RR) which is perpendicular to and coincident with the vertical axis of rotation (YY). [6] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the articulation end (44) is connected to the movable upper portion (8) in an adjustable position along a vertical direction parallel to the vertical or azimuthal rotation axis (YY) so as to change the position of the actuating end (48) with respect to the vertical direction (YY). [7] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the articulating end (44) is fixed in an adjustable position along a radial direction (RR) perpendicular to and coincident with the vertical or azimuthal axis of rotation (YY) in order to vary the position of the actuating end (48) with respect to the radial direction (RR). [8] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the cam (12) comprises a control system (56) for the rotational movement of the actuating support (40). [9] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 8, wherein the control system (56) comprises a plurality of elastic elements (60) influencing the rotation of the actuating support (40) in both directions of rotation. [10] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 9, wherein the elastic elements (60) are arranged on opposite sides of the actuating support (40) with respect to a tangential direction (TT) perpendicular to the vertical axis of rotation (YY) and with respect to a radial direction (RR), the radial direction (RR) being perpendicular to and coinciding with the vertical axis of rotation (YY). [11] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the elastic elements (60) are arranged to form an interface with an intermediate portion of the actuating bracket (40) between the articulating end (44) and the actuating end (48). [12] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the fork (32) of the stroke end buffer (24) has an inlet depression (52) serving as an invitation for the actuating end (48) of the actuating support (40) of the cam (12). [13] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the stroke end buffer (24) is each associated with an inductive activation sensor (64) and an inductive deactivation sensor (68). [14] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 13, wherein the inductive activation sensor (64) is positioned and configured to be activated when the stroke end buffer (24) reaches the activated position, and wherein the inductive deactivation sensor (68) is positioned and configured to be activated when the stroke end buffer (24) reaches the deactivated position. [15] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the stroke end buffer (24) is associated with an inductive activation sensor (64) or an inductive deactivation sensor (68) with respect to each direction of rotation of the movable upper section (8) about the vertical axis of rotation (YY). [16] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the stroke end buffer (24) is associated with an inductive activation pre-sensor and an inductive deactivation pre-sensor, respectively, which are arranged upstream of the corresponding inductive activation sensor (64) and the inductive deactivation sensor (68) with respect to the direction of rotation of the movable upper section (8) rotating about the vertical axis of rotation (YY). [17] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 16, wherein the inductive activation pre-sensor and the inductive deactivation pre-sensor are operatively connected to a motor device controlling the rotation of the movable upper section (8) and / or to a braking device of the movable upper section (8). [18] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the shock absorption system (16) comprises a shock absorber and a deformable elastic element. [19] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the rotating structure (4) is a telescope.

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