Rotating structure for large-scale civilian applications, such as a telescope in an astronomical observatory, equipped with a polar crane

Abstract

Rotating structure (4) for civilian applications, comprising: - a base section (8) which rotates about a rotational axis (XX) by means of drive means, and a movable section (12) which moves translationally relative to the base section (8) and rototranslationally relative to a base of the rotating structure (4), - wherein a polar crane (28) is attached to the movable section (12), comprising: - a guide (32) connecting the polar crane (28) to the movable section (12), wherein the guide (32) has a radial extension along a radial direction (RR) that intersects the axis of rotation (XX), - a carriage (52) suspended on the guide (32), wherein the carriage (52) is equipped with radial drive means (68) and radial transmission means (72) to move radially along the guide (32), - a winch (84) with a cylindrical body (86) rotating about a transverse axis extending along a transverse direction (TT) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (XX) and to the radial direction (RR), wherein two ropes (90) are wound around the cylindrical body (86) supporting a lifting device (92), each rope (90) being attached at one end opposite the lifting device (92) to parts of the cylindrical body (86) that are opposite each other along the transverse direction (TT), - wherein the cylindrical body (86) has a constriction (100) at a central section (99) which is arranged on a median plane (MM) perpendicular to the transverse direction (TT) and which is designed to form a seat which at least partially receives the lifting device (92) when the winch (84) is in a configuration in which the ropes (90) are fully wound onto the cylindrical body (86).

Description

SCOPE

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating structure for large-scale civil applications, such as the rotatable cover of a telescope in an observatory equipped with a polar crane. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention is applicable to rotating structures with extremely high mass, even on the order of tens of thousands of tons, such as covers for large telescopes, but generally to civil structures equipped with rotational movements about a vertical axis.

[0003] In engineering, the production of rotary structures is known, which rotate on very thick round supports to support the rotational movement of the rotary structure and to limit deformations as much as possible.

[0004] These structures are set in rotation using drive mechanisms that must enable extremely precise and controlled movements.

[0005] When the telescope is not in operation, typically during daytime hours, these rotating structures must provide the possibility to carry out a variety of maintenance work using special polar cranes, i.e., cranes that can move along a dome-shaped surface that follows the geometry of the telescope dome.

[0006] Typically, the telescope comprises a dome-shaped base structure and at least one movable structure or gate, also dome-shaped, which is shaped in the opposite direction to the base structure in order to be able to rotate or move relative to the base structure, for example about a vertical axis of rotation or along a straight path that intersects the base structure.

[0007] The opposing form between the two dome structures serves to enable their mutual movement.

[0008] The polar crane must be positioned in the space between the two structures in such a way that it does not obstruct their movement and does not affect the overall dimensions of the rotating structure for civilian applications.

[0009] Therefore, it is essential that the polar crane has particularly compact dimensions, especially when it is not in use (e.g. at night, when after completion of daily maintenance the crane is moved to its resting position and the telescope needs to be rotated to carry out the necessary observations).

[0010] Furthermore, the crane must be able to move along the polar coordinates in order to reach all points of the structure that need maintenance.

[0011] To date, no technical solutions for polar cranes are known that simultaneously guarantee the necessary mobility and have extremely small dimensions.

[0012] Furthermore, the crane's mounting must be stable, as the structure is frequently used in environments exposed to seismic phenomena, which can also be of considerable magnitude, as is the case with large telescopes that are set up in desert areas and often in mountainous regions.

[0013] Furthermore, the problem is exacerbated by strong temperature fluctuations, as is the case with large telescopes located in desert areas and often in mountainous regions.

[0014] In summary, no solution using a polar crane is known in engineering for large-scale rotating structures, such as rotating covers for telescopes, which guarantees high mobility and precision under extreme vibration and temperature conditions while being particularly compact in their overall dimensions. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Therefore, it is necessary to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and limitations of the known technology.

[0016] This requirement is met by a rotary structure for civilian applications according to claim 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of its preferred and non-limiting embodiments, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a top view of a rotating structure for civil applications according to a possible embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a side view of the rotating structure Fig. 1 represents; Fig. 3 an enlarged view of the moving part of the rotating structure Fig. 1 represents; Fig. 4 a view of the enlarged feature III from Fig. 3 represents; Fig. 5 a detail of the in Fig. 4 represents the special feature V; Fig. 6 the detail VI from Fig. 5 represents; Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a polar crane according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figures 8-9 show a top view and a side view of a support guide of a polar crane according to the present invention. Fig. Figures 10-12 show views and enlarged views of a polar crane according to the present invention. Fig. 13 an enlarged view of the in Fig. The special feature shown in section 12 is XIII; Fig. 14 a sectional view along the in Fig. Section plane XIV-XIV shown in section 13; Fig. 15 shows a front view of a polar crane according to the invention; Fig. 16-20 perspective views of various features of the polar crane from Fig. 15. Fig. Figures 21-22 show perspective views of a winch according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 23-24 Front and side views of the winch made of Fig. 21. Fig. 25 shows a front view of an organ according to the present invention, which is equipped with corresponding reduction gears; Fig. 26 a sectional view of the winch from Fig. 25 represents.

[0018] The elements or parts of elements that are common to the embodiments described below are identified by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] With reference to the figures mentioned above, figure 4 represents a rotating structure for civil applications according to the present invention.

[0020] First, for the purposes of the present invention, it must be clarified that the term "rotational structure" is to be understood in a broad sense and refers to any structure that performs a relative rotational movement with respect to a base; this movement can be rotary and / or rototranslatory. In this case, the rotational movement can, for example, as described in more detail below, take place about a vertical axis, i.e., perpendicular to an overall support surface for the structure.

[0021] Furthermore, a rotary structure is also understood to be a structure that performs a rotational or translational movement relative to a supporting shell.

[0022] Preferably, but not exclusively, this rotating structure 4 can include a dome for covering and / or supporting a telescope, but also a residential structure for civil applications.

[0023] The rotary structure 4 for civil applications comprises a base section 8 and a movable section 12. In particular, the base section 8 rotates about a rotation axis XX by means of drive means, and the movable section 12 displaces relative to the base section 8 and moves rototranslatatorily relative to a base of the rotary structure 4.

[0024] The axis of rotation XX can be defined by one or more bearings or similar supports. A single rotating structure 4, such as a telescope, can comprise several base sections 8 and several movable sections 12 that rotate about different axes of rotation XX, which may, for example, be parallel to each other.

[0025] In the case of a telescope, the axis of rotation XX is typically a vertical axis of rotation or an azimuth axis. Furthermore, the base section 8 is a hemispherical dome, while the telescope may include two movable sections 12 or gates that are at least partially hemispherical and shaped in the opposite direction to the dome-shaped base section 8.

[0026] In general, the movable sections or gates 12 shift relative to the base section or dome 8. The base section 8 and the movable section 12 can also be coaxial with the axis of rotation XX.

[0027] The drive means can be of various types; preferably they are electric motors with torque and / or current feedback control for moving the movable section 12 about the respective axis of rotation XX.

[0028] The base section 8 and the movable section 12 are at least partially offset from each other and form a gap 16 between a bottom surface 20 of the movable section 12 (or gate) and a top surface 24 of the base section 8 (or cover).

[0029] Within the aforementioned space 16 and in particular on the aforementioned movable section 12, a polar crane 28 is attached.

[0030] The polar crane 28 is thus positioned between the base section 8 and the movable section 12.

[0031] Since the polar crane 28 is attached to the movable section 12, rotating the movable section 12 about the axis of rotation XX or azimuth axis also results in a macroscopic rotation of the polar crane 28 about the same axis of rotation XX. As described in more detail below, rotating the base part 8, which also rotates the movable sections 12, allows for an approximate rotation, but not a precision rotation of the polar crane 28 towards the target. In fact, the movable section 12 can have a diameter of up to 90 m, is particularly difficult to rotate, and therefore the corresponding drive means are not capable of achieving a precision approximation with a tolerance of one millimeter, as would be required for this type of application. In any case, these drive means are capable of moving the dome about the axis of rotation XX or azimuthally with an accuracy of at least one meter.Therefore, the polar crane 28 is equipped with an azimuthal rotational movement about a polar axis of rotation XX. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, the polar crane 28 is equipped with a translational movement with respect to a transverse direction TT, which is perpendicular to the radial direction RR and to the axis of rotation XX of the base section 8 and is independent of the corresponding movable section 12 that supports it.

[0032] The polar crane 28 comprises a guide 32 that connects the polar crane 28 to the movable section 12, wherein this guide 32 has a radial extension along a radial direction RR that intersects the axis of rotation XX.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the guide 32 is attached to the movable section 12 by means of bolts / hinges 36 in order to create an isostatic fastening along the extent of the guide 32 itself.

[0034] According to one possible embodiment, the guide 32 comprises two rails 40 which are connected to each other by crossbeams 44 and are attached to the movable section 12 by means of bolts / hinges 36 in order to create an isostatic fastening along the extent of the rails 40 themselves.

[0035] It should be specified that the isostatic fastening of the guide 32 and the rails 40 to the movable part 12, which serves as a support, prevents overloads of the guide 32 as well as the rails 40 and the crossbeams 44 due to mechanical deformations of the movable section 12 or its thermal expansion.

[0036] For example, the guide 32 is connected to the movable section 12 and is located in the open position of the movable section 12 between the bottom 20 of the movable section 12 (or gate) and the top 24 of the base section 8 (or cover): In other words, the movable section 12 or the gate can only be opened when the polar crane 28 is in the lowest position or in the non-working position.

[0037] Guide 32 is also located in the intermediate space 16.

[0038] The guide 32 is preferably a linear element inclined at an angle 48 between 0° and 90°, preferably 29°, relative to a horizontal plane OO perpendicular to the axis of rotation XX. The same geometric property and inclination naturally also apply to the rails 40 from which the guide 32 may be composed.

[0039] The polar crane 28 also includes a carriage 52, which is suspended, for example, by means of bearings 64 on the guide 32; the carriage 52 is also equipped with radial drive means 68 and radial transmission means 72 to move radially along the guide 32.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the radial drive means 68 are configured and controlled by control means in such a way that a radial displacement speed of the carriage 52 between 1 mm / s and 500 mm / s is ensured.

[0041] In this way, the carriage 52 is also equipped with an inner or outer radial movement, wherein the inner radial movement is defined as the approach movement of the carriage 52 to the axis of rotation XX along the radial direction RR, while the outer radial movement is defined as the movement of the carriage 52 away from the axis of rotation XX along the radial direction RR.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the radial transmission means 72 of the carriage 52 comprise at least a radial pinion 76 and a radial rack 80, wherein the radial pinion 76 and the radial drive means 68 are fixedly connected to the carriage 52 and wherein the radial rack 80 is fixedly connected to the guide 32 or the corresponding rails 40 of which the guide 32 consists.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the radial transmission means 72 of the carriage 52 comprise at least one radial pinion 76 and a double radial rack 80, wherein each radial rack 80 is attached to a corresponding rail 40 of the guide 32, wherein the at least one radial pinion 76 meshes with at least one radial rack 80 and wherein the at least one radial pinion 76 and the radial drive means 68 are rigidly connected to the carriage 52.

[0044] Advantageously, the polar crane 28 comprises a winch 84 with a cylindrical body 86 that rotates about a transverse axis 88, which is oriented along a transverse direction TT perpendicular to the axis of rotation XX and to the radial direction RR. The cylindrical body 86 is set in rotation by lifting means 94.

[0045] Two ropes 90 are wound around the cylindrical body 86, which carry a lifting device 92, each rope 90 being attached at one end opposite the lifting device 92 to parts of the cylindrical body 86 that are opposite each other along the transverse direction TT.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the lifting device 92 comprises a deflection pulley 96 for the ropes 90 protruding from the cylindrical body 86 and a hook 98 which is supported by the ropes 90 and the deflection pulley 96.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical body 86 has a constriction 100 at a central section 99, which is arranged transversely to a median plane MM perpendicular to the transverse direction TT. This constriction is designed to form a seat that at least partially receives the lifting element 92 when the winch 84 is in a configuration where the ropes 90 are completely wound onto the cylindrical body 86. Thanks to this device, it is possible to significantly limit the dimensions of the winch 84, especially when it is in its rest position or out of operation: In this state, it must be parked in the space 16 in such a way that it does not impede the relative movements between the movable section 12 and the base section 8.

[0048] For example, the narrowing 100 of the cylindrical body 86 is configured so that it can at least partially accommodate the deflection pulley 96.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical body 86 comprises two half-drums 104 which are rigidly connected to each other in the middle by a flange 106 which is arranged on the middle section 99.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the half-drums 104 are each supported at their outer ends, which are opposite the central plane MM, by two planetary gear sets 108. This arrangement improves the compactness and robustness of the winch 84.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the two half-drums 104 are hollow and each accommodate a main motor and an auxiliary motor for rotating the cylindrical body 86 about the axis of rotation XX.

[0052] This hollow configuration of the half drums 104 also makes it possible to further reduce the overall dimensions of the winch 84 and thus of the polar crane 28.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the ropes 90 are wound onto spiral grooves 110 which are formed on an outer wall of the cylindrical body 86 and in particular of the half drums 104.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the aforementioned constriction 100 has a torus-shaped form that is axially symmetrical to the transverse axis of the cylindrical body 86.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the winch 84 is equipped with lateral adjustment means 112 for the cylindrical body 86 in order to displace the cylindrical body 86 parallel to the transverse direction TT with respect to the guide 32 in accordance with a precise lateral approach.

[0056] Precise transverse approximation refers to an approximation with an accuracy in the millimeter range, while the approximation, as seen, is achieved by rotating the entire movable part 12 that carries the polar crane 28.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the transverse adjustment means 112 comprise transverse drive means 116 and transverse transmission means 120.

[0058] For example, the transverse transmission means 120 include a transverse pinion 124 and a transverse rack 128.

[0059] The transverse pinion 124 is firmly connected to the carriage 52 and engages with the transverse rack 128, which in turn is attached to the winch 84.

[0060] As can be seen from the description, the structures according to the invention make it possible to overcome the disadvantages that occur in the known technology.

[0061] Advantageously, the described solution relates to a crane connected to a rotating dome, preferably a telescope, and makes it possible to reach all points on a concentric circle to the dome in order to carry out maintenance work on the structures and machines contained therein, in particular on the components of the telescope.

[0062] The crane is designed to support maintenance work on certain machines, taking into account the load-bearing capacity and lifting capacity of the corresponding hook in both horizontal and vertical directions.

[0063] The crane according to the present invention makes it possible to achieve performance levels that are equivalent to or even exceed those of a conventional knuckle boom crane.

[0064] The crane is designed for maintenance work on large machines and hangs from a rotating dome cover, for which the outreach, maneuvers, malfunctions, parking position and loads on the foundation are assessed for specific tasks.

[0065] The crane is suspended from the gates that close an opening in a rotating dome of the telescope, for which the volume is defined in which the hook can be used depending on the length and position of the track.

[0066] The crane hangs from the gates, which close an opening in a rotating dome cover, the dimensions of which are determined depending on the inclination of the track, in particular taking into account an inclination of 30°.

[0067] The crane of the present invention enables the hook to be positioned with millimeter precision in the three directions X, Y, and Z by means of linear drives. Despite the large dimensions of the structure, the crane therefore allows for millimeter-accurate positioning of the hook, enabling extremely precise movements and maintenance work in the millimeter range, as required for a precision telescopic structure.

[0068] The crane is also designed to lift and move loads with an extremely wide speed range.

[0069] Furthermore, the crane is equipped with an inclined track and is designed to transport the load without changing height along a track inclined at 30° with a hook that is therefore not subject to any changes in height.

[0070] The crane allows the hook to be positioned with an accuracy of 5 / 10 mm and a speed of 1 mm / s, and can accelerate stepwise to up to 500 mm / s for large displacements.

[0071] To meet specific requirements, a specialist can make numerous changes and variations to the solutions described above.

[0072] The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the following claims. Reference sign 4 Rotating structure for civilian applications 8 Basic section 12 movable section 16 spaces 20 Subpage 24 Top 28 Polar Crane 32 Leadership 36 bolts / hinges 40 rails 44 crossbeams 48 Guide tilt angle 32 52 cars 64 warehouses 68 radial drive devices 72 radial transmission means 76 radial pinions 80 radial rack 84 winches 86 cylindrical body 88 Transverse axis 90 ropes 92 Lifting device 94 Lifting drive devices 96 Pulley 98 hooks 99 middle section 100 narrowing 104 half drums 106 Flange 108 planetary gears 110 spiral grooves 112 Lateral adjustment devices 116 Transverse drive devices 120 transverse transfer devices 124 transverse pinions 128 Cross rack XX axis of rotation RR Radial direction MM Mid-level TT transverse direction

Claims

[1] Rotating structure (4) for civilian applications, comprising: - a base section (8) which rotates about a rotational axis (XX) by means of drive means, and a movable section (12) which moves translationally relative to the base section (8) and rototranslationally relative to a base of the rotating structure (4), - wherein a polar crane (28) is attached to the movable section (12), comprising: - a guide (32) connecting the polar crane (28) to the movable section (12), wherein the guide (32) has a radial extension along a radial direction (RR) that intersects the axis of rotation (XX), - a carriage (52) suspended on the guide (32), wherein the carriage (52) is equipped with radial drive means (68) and radial transmission means (72) to move radially along the guide (32), - a winch (84) with a cylindrical body (86) rotating about a transverse axis extending along a transverse direction (TT) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (XX) and to the radial direction (RR), wherein two ropes (90) are wound around the cylindrical body (86) supporting a lifting device (92), each rope (90) being attached at one end opposite the lifting device (92) to parts of the cylindrical body (86) that are opposite each other along the transverse direction (TT), - wherein the cylindrical body (86) has a constriction (100) at a central section (99) which is arranged on a median plane (MM) perpendicular to the transverse direction (TT) and which is designed to form a seat which at least partially receives the lifting device (92) when the winch (84) is in a configuration in which the ropes (90) are fully wound onto the cylindrical body (86). [2] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 1, wherein the lifting device (92) comprises a deflection pulley (96) for the ropes (90) projecting from the cylindrical body (86) and a hook (98) which is supported by these ropes (90) and this deflection pulley (96). [3] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 2, wherein the narrowing (100) of the cylindrical body (86) is configured to at least partially accommodate the deflection pulley (96). [4] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the cylindrical body (86) comprises two half drums (104) which are rigidly connected to each other by a flange (106) which is arranged on the central section (99). [5] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 4, wherein the half-drums (104) are each supported at the outer ends opposite the median plane (MM) by two planetary gears (108). [6] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the two half-drums (104) are hollow and each accommodate a main motor and an auxiliary motor for rotating the cylindrical body (86) about the axis of rotation (XX). [7] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the ropes (90) are wound onto spiral grooves (110) formed on an outer wall of the half drums (104). [8] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the constriction (100) has a torus-shaped form which is axially symmetric to the transverse axis of the cylindrical body (86). [9] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the radial drive means (68) are configured and controlled by control means such that a radial displacement speed of the carriage (52) between 1 mm / s and 500 mm / s is ensured. [10] Rotary structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising lateral adjustment means (112) for the cylindrical body (86) to displace the cylindrical body (86) parallel to the transverse direction (TT) with respect to the guide (32) according to a precise transverse approximation. [11] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 10, wherein the lateral adjustment means (112) comprise lateral drive means (116) and lateral transmission means (120). [12] Rotary structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 11, wherein the transverse transmission means (120) comprise a transverse pinion (124) and a transverse rack (128). [13] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the guide (32) is attached to the movable section (12) by means of bolts / hinges (36) to provide an isostatic attachment along the extent of the guide (32). [14] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 13, wherein the guide (32) comprises two rails (40) which are connected to each other by crossbeams (44) and are attached to the movable section (12) by means of bolts / hinges (36) to provide an isostatic fastening along the extent of the rails (40). [15] Rotary structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the radial transmission means (72) of the carriage (52) comprise at least one radial pinion (76) and a radial rack (80), wherein the radial pinion (76) and the associated radial drive means (68) are fixedly connected to the carriage (52) and wherein the radial rack (80) is fixedly connected to the guide (32). [16] Rotary structure (4) for civil applications according to a combination of claims 14 and 15, wherein the radial transmission means (72) of the carriage (52) comprise at least one radial pinion (76) and a double radial rack (80), wherein each radial rack (80) is attached to a corresponding rail (40), and wherein the at least one radial pinion (76) meshes with at least one radial rack (80), and wherein the at least one radial pinion (76) and the radial drive means (68) are rigidly connected to the carriage (52). [17] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the polar crane (28) is arranged between the base section (8) and the movable section (12). [18] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the guide (32) is connected to the movable section (12) and is arranged between a bottom (20) of the movable section (12) and a top (24) of the base section (8), in the open position of the movable part (12). [19] Rotating structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the rotating structure (4) is a telescope and the axis of rotation (XX) is a vertical axis or an azimuth axis.

Images