Device for stabilizing telescopic shears with multiple pulling devices

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement with synchronously coupled telescopic struts according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] The invention relates to a device for lifting and stabilizing loads, in particular suspension devices for vehicles or vehicle parts, comprising a frame and a load-bearing crossbeam arranged thereunder, which is height-adjustable via lifting cables attached to the crossbeam and which can be stabilized by means of two intersecting telescopic struts which run essentially in a vertical plane parallel to the direction of travel of the frame and are pivotably connected on the one hand to the frame and on the other hand to the crossbeam.

[0003] Such devices are primarily used in automotive manufacturing to transport vehicle parts or the vehicle being manufactured at its respective production stage between the individual assembly locations. For this purpose, the frame is usually movable horizontally along a rail, and the crossbeam is height-adjustable via the hoisting cables attached to it using hoists mounted on the frame.

[0004] The load suspension should be as stable as possible, especially when using a vehicle provided for assembly. Many assembly processes are fully automated, requiring precise positioning of the support device, which in turn requires the load to be suspended from the crossbeam as securely as possible. Since simple cable drives with vertical suspension cables are not suitable for equally reliably preventing the load from swinging in all directions, articulated arms or scissors are used in addition to the cable tensioning. These are hinged on one side to the frame and on the other side to the crossbeam. These stabilize the load against swinging, swaying, or torsional vibrations without hindering the lifting and lowering movements.

[0005] The numerous known solutions are complex, heavy, and expensive. For example, German patent application DE 36 36 459 A1 describes a generic device for guiding a load, which essentially consists of a movable frame to which a height-adjustable crossbeam is attached.

[0006] Telescopic struts (or telescopes for short) are often used to stabilize conveyor assemblies for lifting and lowering loads (so-called "hangers"). An inner tube, which is mounted within an outer tube, is retracted or extended during the lifting or lowering movement. To prevent the load from swinging in or against the direction of travel of the frame, two such length-adjustable telescopic struts are provided crossing between the frame and the crossbeam. Their ends are articulated to the crossbeam on the one hand and to the frame on the other. They serve to absorb the forces occurring in the direction of travel of the support device.

[0007] With this solution, the load is lifted via hoist cables, which are hinged at the corners of the truss and guided via pulleys in the corners of the frame to a lifting device (e.g., a drive with cable drums) located centrally on the frame. To synchronize the retraction and extension of the telescopic struts, they are stabilized and synchronized via a cable assembly of tensioning cables.

[0008] Such arrangements with rope-based synchronization are disclosed in DE 10 2004 045 516 A1 - Aßmann "Device for lifting and stabilizing loads", wherein a rope guide synchronizing the movement of the telescopes is selected in such a way that lateral pendulum movements are dampened.

[0009] The described effect of cable tensioning results in disadvantages in the described state of the art, for example, because the cable guide through the pivot bearings of the telescopic struts causes a constant twisting and untwisting of the commonly used steel cables, resulting in cable elongation and wear. The design problem thus arises from an undesirable change in the length of the telescopic struts due to forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the truss. The elongation of the cables must be regularly compensated for by retensioning and regular adjustment; the same applies to settling processes, slippage, and other deviations that can occur over time. Furthermore, installation, adjustment, and maintenance are not trivial and therefore expensive and time-consuming.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a structurally simple, functional and low-maintenance construction for synchronizing the movement of the telescopic struts.

[0011] A core idea of ​​the inventive solution to this problem is to tension and stabilize the telescopic struts using at least three positive traction means (e.g. toothed belts).

[0012] The problem is solved in particular by the arrangement according to patent claim 1.

[0013] A device for lifting and stabilising loads is proposed, in particular suspension devices for vehicles or vehicle parts, comprising a frame and a load-bearing crossbeam arranged underneath, which is height-adjustable via lifting means fastened to the crossbeam, and which can be stabilised by means of two intersecting, pivotably hinged telescopic struts which run essentially in a vertical plane parallel to the direction of travel of the frame and each have an inner tube and an outer tube on the one hand on the frame and on the other hand on the crossbeam, which in turn are connected to one another for synchronous retraction and extension to prevent undesired changes in length as a result of forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam.The telescopic struts are connected by means of three positive-locking tension elements, with a first positive-locking tension element being mounted in the inner tube of each telescopic strut, each with an inner disc and an outer disc at both ends, and a third positive-locking tension element being mounted horizontally between the two telescopic struts on two rotatable discs. The discs of the respective first tension element and the third tension element, located on one side, are connected to one another in such a way that rotary movements can be transmitted between the two discs, and the respective first positive-locking tension element is fastened to the inner wall of the two outer tubes, so that a rotary movement of the first discs leads to a corresponding synchronous movement of the telescopic struts. This provides structurally simple and low-maintenance stabilization of a lifting device.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the telescopic strut according to the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0015] The features and their advantages described can be implemented both individually and in meaningful combination with one another.

[0016] Advantageously, the first traction mechanism is each formed by a toothed belt, and the inner and outer pulleys are designed as toothed belt pulleys. This results in quiet and smooth running. Furthermore, toothed belts are long-term stable, so regular readjustment due to elongation of the traction mechanism is often unnecessary.

[0017] In an alternative variant, the first traction means are each formed by a chain, and the inner and outer pulleys are designed as sprockets. Chains can often transmit greater forces than timing belts, and chain solutions can often be used even in challenging operating conditions or confined installation spaces. Mixed solutions can also be used depending on requirements. For the second positive-locking traction means, i.e., the "cross connection" for transmitting the movement information between the telescopic struts, timing belts, chain solutions, or even rotary transmissions can be used, depending on the application conditions, either individually or in combination. (zB Shaft drives with double-sided deflection gears, z.b. Spur gearing) or combinations thereof; all these solutions can be described in this context as a positive-locking traction device.

[0018] Advantageously, the outer disc and the connected disc of the third traction means are arranged on a common axis of rotation so that torques are transmitted directly between the two discs.

[0019] Particularly advantageously, the outer discs and the respective discs of the third traction means located on the same side are arranged coaxially to the pivot bearing of the respective inner tube, so that no length compensation of the first and / or the third traction means is required when moving (raising - lowering) the arrangement.

[0020] Particularly for adjustment during initial assembly, but also for maintenance purposes, it is advantageous if at least on one side the outer disc of the first traction means and the disc of the third traction means arranged on this side are connected by means of a coupling, wherein the coupling is designed to at least partially decouple the outer disc of the first traction means and the disc of the third traction means.

[0021] The traction means are advantageously provided with a tensioning device, which, with respect to the first traction means, is advantageously arranged within the respective inner tube in such a way that the tensioning device can be actuated from the outside, for example, through a maintenance opening. The tensioning device of the third traction means can be implemented by displacing the bearing blocks of the pivot bearings on at least one of the inner tubes, and thus the discs arranged coaxially with it, for example, through elongated holes in the screw connection to the cross member. Other tensioning devices, for example, using a pair of deflection pulleys, are possible.

[0022] The coupling can advantageously be designed as a safety coupling, wherein the safety coupling is configured for at least partial decoupling when a limit torque is exceeded. This prevents the destruction of other components, in particular toothed belts or chains, during peak loads. The safety coupling is formed in a simple and effective design by a shear pin or a feather key with a predetermined breaking point. By means of the shear pin or feather key, a rotational movement of at least one of the disks is transmitted to the adjacent disk of the other traction device when the safety coupling is closed.

[0023] In one variant, the pivot bearings of the inner tubes, the outer pulleys and the second traction device with the associated rotatable pulleys are arranged on a lower cross member of the device, and the pivot bearings of the outer tubes are hinged to the upper frame. This means that most maintenance work can be carried out easily accessible near the ground when the lifting device is lowered. In an alternative variant, however, the pivot bearings of the inner tubes, the outer pulleys and the second traction device with the associated rotatable pulleys are arranged on the upper frame of the device, and the pivot bearings of the outer tubes are hinged to the lower cross member. This saves installation space on the lower cross member, and the second traction device with the drive elements (pulleys) is better protected from collisions in the lower area.

[0024] An embodiment of a telescopic strut according to the invention is explained below with reference to the drawing. In the drawings: Figure 1 a side view (sectional drawing) of the lowered device, and Figure 2 the device in the retracted (raised) state,

[0025] The Figure 1 shows an arrangement for stabilization (hanging device) in which ropes or straps (in the Figure 1 not shown). Particularly in the lowered position, transverse movements (swinging) of the lower cross member 2 must be prevented. Figure 1 shows a bracing and stabilisation of telescopic struts arranged crosswise between the upper frame 1 and the cross member 2, consisting of inner tube 3 and outer tube 4, by means of three form-fitting tensioning devices 5 (one in each telescope) and 7.Timing belts are used here; alternatively, the timing belts 5, 7 can be replaced by chains or other traction or transmission means.

[0026] Two of the three positive-locking traction elements 5 (timing belts) are mounted as the "first traction elements" in the inner tube 3 of a telescopic strut, each with two pulleys 6 (outer pulley) and 10 (inner pulley) – here: timing belt pulleys – at both ends. A third positive-locking traction element 7 (zB The toothed belt is mounted horizontally between the two telescopic struts below the upper frame, also on two (toothed belt) pulleys 8. The (toothed belt) pulleys 6, 8 located on one side are mounted in such a way that rotational movements can be transmitted between the two pulleys 6, 8. In each of the two telescopic struts, the outer tube 4 and inner tube 3 are movably connected to one another via a clamping plate 9, which connects the traction means 5 (toothed belt) to the outer tube 4.

[0027] If the outer tube 4 in a first of the telescopic struts is extended or retracted relative to the corresponding inner tube 3, the traction device 5 (e.g. toothed belt) moves due to the fixed connection with the clamping plate 9 and the (toothed belt) pulley 6 in the inner tube begins to rotate. The rotational movement of this (toothed belt) pulley 6 located on the upper frame in or on the inner tube 3 of the first telescopic strut is transferred to the immediately adjacent (toothed belt) pulley 8 of the third form-fitting traction device 7 (toothed belt). This traction device 7 (horizontally arranged toothed belt) also begins to move in the same direction and in turn transfers the rotational movement to the (toothed belt) pulley 8 on the opposite side. The rotational movement is thereby passed on to the (toothed belt) pulley 6 mounted in the second telescopic strut below the upper frame.The transmitted rotary movement leads to a movement of the traction means 5 (toothed belt) in the inner tube 3 of the second telescopic strut and, through the connection with the clamping plate 9, in turn to an extension or retraction of the outer tube 4 relative to the associated inner tube 3. Because the clamping plate 9 is arranged on the top side in one telescope and on the bottom side in the other telescope, the direction of rotation is balanced.

[0028] This principle ensures that both outer tubes 4 are always moved synchronously, both when the telescopic struts are retracted and extended. This prevents an undesired change in the length of the telescopic struts as a result of forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the cross member, and the construction stabilizes itself, meaning that any offset or swinging of the cross member 2 relative to the upper frame 1 in the direction of travel (relative to the Figure 1: to the left or right) is reliably prevented. Any displacement or swinging in the transverse direction (relative to Figure 1 : orthogonal to the drawing surface) is particularly prevented if the telescopic struts have a T-shaped bearing flange (orthogonal to the drawing plane) and can therefore only pivot within the drawn plane and thus prevent transverse vibrations orthogonal to the drawing plane or torsional vibrations of the cross member 2 relative to the upper frame 1.

[0029] The Figure 2 shows the arrangement from the Figure 1 in a state with retracted telescopic struts.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the inner tube is guided in the outer tube of the telescopic strut using easy-to-manufacture guide blocks instead of the otherwise common roller or ball bearings. These guide blocks are inserted into corresponding openings in the outer tube for easy installation from the outside and guide the inner tube. They are preferably made of a material with good sliding properties, e.g., plastic. This design requires little maintenance. External installation makes adjustment (for example, by replacing spacers between the outer tube and a contact surface of the guide blocks / sliding pieces) or replacing the guide blocks easy. This also results in play-free and quiet operation.

[0031] Due to the construction described above and its variants, both inner tubes 3 are moved synchronously within the corresponding outer tubes 4 during both retraction and extension of the telescopic struts. This prevents unwanted length changes of the telescopic struts due to forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the traverse, particularly when starting or braking the lifting device. The construction stabilizes itself, and back-and-forth swinging of the lower traverse, especially when lowered, is reduced or prevented.

Claims

1. Apparatus for lifting and stabilising loads, in particular suspension gear for vehicles or vehicle parts, the apparatus comprising a frame (1) and a cross-beam (2) which is arranged below the frame, receives the load and, via lifting means fastened to the cross-beam (2), is height-adjustable and can be stabilised by means of two telescopic struts that cross each other, run essentially in an imaginary vertical plane that is parallel to the direction of travel of the frame, and the telescopic struts are pivotably articulated on the one hand to the frame and on the other hand to the cross-beam (2) and each has an inner tube (3) and an outer tube (4) and for their part the telescopic struts are connected to each other so as to move synchronously to prevent undesired length changes as a result of forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the cross-beam, characterised in that the telescopic struts are connected by means of three positive-locking traction means (5, 7), that in each case a first positive-locking traction means is mounted respectively in the inner tube (3) of a telescopic strut with in each case an inner pulley (10) and an outer pulley (6) at both ends, that a third positive-locking traction means (7) is mounted horizontally between the two telescopic struts on two rotatable pulleys (8), that the pulleys (6, 8) located respectively on a side of the respective first traction means (5) and the third traction means (7) are connected to each other in such a manner that rotational movements can be transmitted between the two pulleys (6, 8), and that the respective first positive-locking traction means (5) is fastened to the inner wall of the two outer tubes (4) so that a rotational movement of the outer pulley (6) leads to a corresponding synchronous movement of the respective telescopic strut.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the first traction means (5) are each formed by a toothed belt, and the outer pulleys (6) are designed as toothed belt pulleys.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that the first traction means (5) are each formed by a chain, and the inner and the outer pulleys (6, 10) are designed as chain wheels.

4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer pulley (6) and the pulley (8) of the third traction means connected thereto are arranged in each case on a common axis of rotation.

5. Apparatus according claim 4, characterised in that the axis of rotation is arranged in each case in a coaxial manner with respect to the pivot axis of the inner tube of the respective telescopic strut.

6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least on one side the outer pulley (6) of the first traction means (5) and the pulley (8) of the third traction means arranged on the same side, are connected by means of a coupling, wherein the coupling is configured so as to at least in part decouple the outer pulley (6) of the first traction means (5) and the pulley (8) of the third traction means (7).

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that the coupling is designed as a safety coupling, wherein the safety coupling is configured so as at least in part to decouple when a limit torque is exceeded.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the safety coupling is formed by a shear pin or a feather key with a predetermined breaking point, wherein when the safety coupling is in the closed state the shear pin or the feather key ensures that a rotational movement at least of one of the pulleys (6, 8) is transmitted to the respective adjacent pulley (6, 8) of the other traction means (6, 7).

9. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pivot bearings of the inner tubes (3), the outer pulley (6) and the second traction means (7) with the associated rotatable pulley (8) are arranged on a lower cross-beam (2) of the apparatus, and that the pivot bearings of the outer tubes (4) are articulated to the upper frame (1).

10. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 - 9, characterised in that the pivot bearings of the inner tube (3), the outer pulleys (6) and the second traction means (7) with the associated rotatable pulleys (8) are arranged on the upper frame (1) of the apparatus, and that the pivot bearings of the outer tube (4) are articulated to the lower cross-beam (2).