Overhead crane protection system
The crane protection system with friction springs addresses the irreversibility and inefficiency of existing systems by providing reversible and cost-effective protection during accidents, effectively guiding and dissipating energy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FRAMATOME SA
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Overhead crane protection system
[0001] The present invention relates to a crane protection system of the type comprising:
[0002] - a support rigidly fixed to the overhead crane,
[0003] - a piston connected to the support and moving against said structure with the overhead crane, And
[0004] - a connection from the support to the piston, the connection being configured so that the piston is mobile in translation along a transverse axis normal to the support.
[0005] Overhead cranes are designed to move along or around generally massive infrastructures, which are used for example in industrial sectors such as the nuclear sector, the agri-food sector, the aeronautics sector, etc., in order to ensure flexible and fluid handling and transport of all types of loads within an industrial circuit.
[0006] In certain sectors such as nuclear, it is necessary to protect these overhead cranes from accidents that may occur such as an earthquake, a plane crash, or any other accident that would jeopardize the proper functioning of the overhead crane, and that could cause safety problems.
[0007] On certain buildings designed to withstand aircraft impacts, a double concrete structure is installed to protect the internal containment building. This solution also protects the overhead crane located inside the reactor building's containment building. However, this solution is extremely expensive.
[0008] We also know of patent EP 1 762 533 A2, a polar bridge equipped with a bridge protection system comprising a stack of spring washers, coupled to a fusible device which allows, beyond a certain force, the device to be softened and to accommodate the deformation of the structure without damaging the overhead crane.
[0009] Although this type of protection system is effective in the event of an accident, it is not entirely satisfactory. In particular, this type of protection system, using a fusible device, is irreversible and can therefore only protect the overhead crane once, after which the protection system, especially the fusible device, must be replaced. Furthermore, this type of device does not significantly dissipate the energy due to dynamic motion, such as an earthquake.
[0010] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to propose a system for protecting overhead cranes which effectively protects the overhead crane in accidental conditions, and which is reversible and inexpensive.
[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a crane protection system in which the support-to-piston connection comprises a first seat integral with the piston and a second seat integral with the support, a set of friction springs extending between the first and second seats along the transverse axis, the support-to-piston connection being rigid in a normal operating mode of the crane so that the piston guides the crane by its contact with and along the structure, and the set of friction springs being configured to compress and / or extend in accident conditions under the effect of a displacement along the transverse axis when the structure is subjected to a deformation greater than a threshold and / or to dissipate energy when the structure is subjected to an acceleration greater than a threshold along the transverse axis.
[0012] Friction springs, i.e. springs whose deformation is accompanied by friction allowing energy dissipation, being rigid in a normal operating mode of the overhead crane, they allow the overhead crane to be guided efficiently and precisely in movement along at least one structure.
[0013] Furthermore, since the friction springs are configured to compress and / or extend under accidental conditions, for example under the effect of a displacement along the transverse axis when the structure is subjected to a deformation greater than a threshold, they make it possible to accommodate the deformation of the structure without damaging the overhead crane, and this in a reversible manner since the springs are configured to return to their undeformed state when the displacement of the structure ceases.
[0014] Finally, the friction springs being configured to dissipate energy when the structure is subjected to a deformation greater than a threshold and / or to an acceleration greater than a threshold, along the transverse axis, they allow the energy to be dissipated efficiently in the event of an earthquake for example.
[0015] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the overhead crane protection system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:
[0016] - the support includes a receiving tube extending between a first end closed by the second seat and a second open end intended to receive the piston, the assembly of friction springs being housed, at least partially, in the receiving tube, the piston being configured to translate in the tube along the transverse axis;
[0017] - the system includes a guide element mounted on a proximal end of the piston, the guide element being configured to roll against a wall of the structure during the movement of the overhead crane;
[0018] - the first and second seats each define a passageway opening receiving one end of a threaded rod, each end of the threaded rod including a thrust element cooperating with a thrust wall of the respective seat in the normal operating mode of the overhead crane, the assembly of friction springs being prestressed in compression according to a prestressing force along the transverse axis, via the rod and the thrust elements which cooperate with the thrust walls;
[0019] - when the piston is subjected to a transverse force greater than a threshold force The predetermined friction spring assembly is configured to compress between the first and second seats along the transverse axis; and
[0020] - in accidental conditions, the friction spring assembly is configured to compress between the first and second seats along the transverse axis until a reduction in the length of the friction spring assembly, taken along the transverse axis, of between 1 cm and 150 cm.
[0021] The invention also relates to an overhead crane moving along at least one structure, the overhead crane comprising a protection system as described above.
[0022] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the overhead crane comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:
[0023] - the overhead crane includes a travel system comprising at least one displacement element allowing the movement of the overhead crane on a wall of at least one structure, a running rail being fixed to the wall and guiding the displacement element during the movement of the overhead crane in normal operation, the displacement system comprising at least one skid extending at least on each side of the displacement element, along the transverse axis, the skid being configured to bear against the running rail in order to keep the displacement element at the height of the running rail or above the running rail, taken along a direction of elevation perpendicular to the transverse axis, in the event of transverse displacement of the displacement system relative to the running rail;
[0024] - the skate extends continuously from one side of the running rail to the other, along the axis transverse, the skid comprising a central portion and two end portions, in normal operation of the overhead crane, the central portion being opposite the running rail and raised relative to the running rail, according to the direction of elevation;
[0025] - in the event of transverse displacement of the movement system relative to the rail of rolling, at least one of the two end portions of the skate is in contact with the rolling rail;
[0026] - the overhead crane includes at least two protection systems; and
[0027] - the overhead crane comprises two ends configured to move along at least one structure, at least two protection systems each extending over a separate end of the overhead crane.
[0028] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:
[0029] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective representation of one end of an overhead crane equipped with a protection system according to the invention,
[0030] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective representation of the overhead crane of [Fig. 1], zoomed in on the protection system,
[0031] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a representation of a set of friction springs,
[0032] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional representation of a first end of the protection system of the [Fig.2], according to a plan IV,
[0033] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional representation of a second end of the protection system of the [Fig.2], according to a plan V, and
[0034] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective representation of the overhead crane of [Fig. 1], zoomed in on a movement system and an anti-derailment system of the overhead crane.
[0035] Fig. 1 shows an overhead crane 10 moving along at least one structure 15.
[0036] In the example of [Fig.1], the overhead crane 10 comprises two parallel beams 18 extending along a transverse axis T. A walkway 19 intended for the circulation of men and / or goods is defined, for example, between the two beams 18.
[0037] The at least one structure 15 comprises a wall 20 delimiting an internal surface 22, an external surface 23 opposite the internal surface 22 along the transverse axis T, and an upper surface 24 perpendicular to the internal 22 and external 23 surfaces.
[0038] The transverse axis T is an axis normal to the wall 20.
[0039] In a first embodiment, the wall 20 extends in a straight line perpendicular to the transverse axis T and rises along an elevation direction Z perpendicular to the transverse axis T.
[0040] The elevation direction Z is, for example, vertical.
[0041] In this embodiment, the structure 15, or another structure, includes a second wall, not shown, extending parallel to the wall 20, away from the wall 20 along the transverse axis T.
[0042] Thus, according to this example, the overhead crane 10 extends between the two walls. Its two opposite ends along the transverse direction T are indirectly supported by the upper surfaces 24 of the two walls 20. Only end 26A is visible in the figures.
[0043] As mentioned previously, the overhead crane 10 is capable of moving along the structure 15 or structures. In particular, the overhead crane 10 is capable of moving along the upper surface(s) 24.
[0044] In the first embodiment, the overhead crane 10 moves between the structures perpendicular to the transverse axis T, and perpendicular to the elevation direction Z.
[0045] For this purpose, each end of the overhead crane 10 is configured to move between and along one and / or the other of the structures 15, in particular along their upper surface.
[0046] In all that follows, the cooperation between a single end 26A and a single corresponding wall 20 will be described in detail. It is understood that the cooperation between the other end and the other peripheral wall is similar.
[0047] The overhead crane 10 includes at least one displacement system 28 comprising at least one displacement element 30 allowing the movement of the overhead crane 10 on a wall of at least one structure 15.
[0048] In particular, at each movable end of the overhead crane 10, the overhead crane 10 includes such a displacement system 28.
[0049] For example, each movement element 30 is a wheel configured to roll on the upper surface 24 of the structure 15. Each movement element 30 is, for example, driven by means of a motor, not shown, controlled automatically or manually.
[0050] In order to vertically support the overhead crane 10 during its movement relative to the structure 15, a running rail 32 is fixed on the upper surface 24. In normal operation of the overhead crane 10, during the movement of the overhead crane 10 on the upper surface 24, the moving element 30 is then vertically supported by the running rail 32.
[0051] According to the invention, the overhead crane 10 includes a protection system 40 for the overhead crane 10.
[0052] With reference to [Fig.2], the protection system 40 includes a support 42 rigidly fixed to the overhead crane 10.
[0053] The support 42 is in particular fixed on the end 26A of the overhead crane 10, under, according to the elevation direction Z, one of the two beams 18.
[0054] In other words, the support 42 extends between the ground, on which for example the structure 15 rests, and the overhead crane 10. Since the space between the ground and the overhead crane 10 is generally little used, the protection system 40 has a small footprint.
[0055] For example, the overhead crane 10 includes at least two protection systems 40.
[0056] Each support 42 is, for example, fixed under a respective beam 18 of the bridge rolling 10.
[0057] The two protection systems 40 are, for example, assembled on the same end 26A of the overhead crane 10, each on a separate beam 18, separated from one another by the other along an axis perpendicular to the transverse axis T, as represented in [Fig.1].
[0058] Alternatively, the two protection systems 40 are for example assembled at the two opposite transverse ends of the overhead crane 10.
[0059] In yet another variant, a combination of the two examples previously described is implemented in the overhead crane 10. In other words, the overhead crane 10 includes, for example, four protection systems 40, of which two systems 40 are at each end of the overhead crane 10 along the transverse axis T.
[0060] The or each protection system 40 includes a piston 44 connected to the support 42 and moving against said structure 15 with the overhead crane 10.
[0061] The protection system or each 40 includes a link from the support 42 to the piston 44.
[0062] As will be described later, the link is configured so that the piston 44 is movable in translation along the transverse axis T relative to the support 42.
[0063] The connection of the support 42 to the piston 44 includes a first seat 46 integral with the piston 44 and a second seat 48 integral with the support 42. The first and second seats 46, 48 are spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis T.
[0064] The or each protection system 40 includes a set of friction springs 50 extending between the first and second seats 46, 48 along the transverse axis T.
[0065] A friction spring 50 is generally defined as a spring whose deformation is accompanied by friction allowing energy dissipation.
[0066] The friction springs 50 are, for example, “Ringfeder” type springs (registered trademark) schematically represented in [Fig.3], and comprise a succession of internal metallic rings 50A, according to a stacking direction E, housed in a succession of external metallic rings 50B.
[0067] Each inner ring 50A comprises a conical outer surface defining a ridge 51 projecting outwards from the ring 50A along a radial direction R corresponding to the radius of each ring 50A. The succession of inner rings 50A thus defines a plurality of successive ridges 51 in the direction E of the stacking of the inner rings 50A.
[0068] Similarly, each outer ring 50B includes a conical inner surface defining a ridge projecting inwards towards the ring 50B in the radial direction R.
[0069] Each outer ring 50B is arranged around the plurality of inner rings 50A, between two ridges 51 according to the stacking direction E of the inner rings 50A.
[0070] Thus, when the friction spring 50 is compressed along the stacking direction E of the rings 50A, 50B, each inner ring 50A is displaced towards the neighboring inner ring 50A and each outer ring 50B is forced to move or to be moved towards one or more of the ridges 51 surrounding it, according to the stacking direction E. This movement causes the compression of the inner rings 50A in the radial direction R, the extension of the outer rings 50B in the radial direction R, as well as the friction of the conical inner surface of the outer rings 50B on the conical outer surface of the inner rings 50A.
[0071] The friction of the outer rings 50B on the inner rings 50A during the compression / extension of the spring 50 classifies this type of spring in the category of "friction springs".
[0072] The friction spring assembly 50 comprises, for example, between 10 and 200 internal rings and between 11 and 201 external rings, for example about 130 internal rings and 131 external rings.
[0073] As will be described later, the friction springs 50 are configured to compress and / or extend under accidental conditions under the effect of a displacement along the transverse axis T when the structure 15 is subjected to a deformation greater than a threshold and / or to dissipate energy when the structure 15 is subjected to an acceleration greater than a threshold, along the transverse axis T.
[0074] With reference to figures 2, 4 and 5, the support 42 includes a receiving tube 52 extending between a first end 52A closed by the second seat 48 and a second open end 52B intended to receive the piston 44.
[0075] The tube 52 is for example cylindrical in shape and includes an internal surface 53.
[0076] The piston 44 comprises a tubular wall 54 extending between the first seat 46 and a distal end 56 of the piston 44. In other words, the piston 44 extends between a proximal end 62 closed by the first seat 46, and the open distal end 56.
[0077] The distal end 56 of the piston 44 is inserted into the tube 52.
[0078] The friction springs 50 are stacked transversely between the first and second seats 46, 48 and are housed inside the tube 52 and the tubular wall 54 of the piston 44.
[0079] The friction springs 50 extend between the first and second seats 46, 48 between two ends 58A, 58B, each securely assembled to the respective seat 46, 48.
[0080] In the example of [Fig.2], the or each protection system 40 comprises a guide element 60 mounted on the proximal end 62 of the piston 44. The proximal end 62 of the piston 44 is opposite the distal end 56 along the transverse axis T, and is located outside the tube 52, upstream of the first seat 46 in a direction from the first seat 46 to the second seat 48.
[0081] The guide element 60 is for example a guide roller configured to roll against a vertical surface, such as the wall 20 of the structure 15 during the movement of the overhead crane 10.
[0082] In particular, the guide roller is for example configured to roll against the internal surface 22 of the wall 20.
[0083] In one variant, the guide roller is configured to roll against a lateral surface of the running rail 32.
[0084] The guide roller allows the overhead crane 10 to be guided laterally against the wall 20 during the movement of the overhead crane 10 along the structure 15.
[0085] As previously mentioned, the piston 44 is movable in translation along the transverse axis T relative to the support 42. In particular, the piston 44 is configured to translate in the tube 52 along the transverse axis T.
[0086] A translation of the guide roller along the transverse axis T causes a translation of the piston 44 along the transverse axis T in the tube 52.
[0087] In order to allow the translation of the piston 44 in the tube 52 along the transverse axis T, the tubular wall 54 is only partially housed in the tube 52 in normal operation of the overhead crane 10.
[0088] The tubular wall 54 is then able to be translated along the transverse axis T in the tube 52 until the distal end 56 of the piston 44 butts against the second seat 48 integral with the support 42. The tubular wall 54 slides inside the tube 52 against the internal surface 53 along the transverse axis T.
[0089] The translation of the piston 44 along the transverse axis T in the tube 52 then causes the first seat 46 to move closer to the second seat 48. The friction springs 50 housed between the first and second seats 46, 48 then undergo compression along the transverse axis T.
[0090] Two operating cases of the overhead crane 10 will now be described.
[0091] A first case of operation is the normal operation of the overhead crane 10.
[0092] In normal operation, the overhead crane 10 moves on the upper surface 24 through the cooperation of the displacement element 30 and the running rail 32.
[0093] During the movement of the overhead crane 10, the guide roller of each protection system 40 rolls against the wall 20.
[0094] In order to guide the overhead crane 10 precisely in the normal operating mode, the connection of the support 42 to the piston 44 is rigid so that the piston 44 guides the overhead crane 10 by its contact with and along the structure 15, limiting transverse play.
[0095] For this purpose, the protection system 40 or each system 40 comprises, for example, a threaded rod 70 housed in the tube 52 and configured to pre-tension the springs of friction 50 in compression along the transverse axis T, and thus make the protection system 40 rigid under stresses not exceeding the prestressing force.
[0096] For example, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the first and second seats 46, 48 each define a passage opening 72, 73 each receiving an end 70A, 70B of the threaded rod 70.
[0097] Each end 70A, 70B of the threaded rod 70 includes a stop element 75 cooperating with a stop wall 77 of the respective seat 46, 48 in the normal operating mode of the overhead crane 10.
[0098] The stop element or each of the stop 75 is for example a nut, screwed onto a respective end 70A, 70B of the threaded rod 70.
[0099] Each stop wall 77 extends for example substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis T, between an internal surface 77A delimiting an end of the seat 46, 48 respectively turned towards the inside of the tube 52, and an external surface 77B opposite the internal surface 77A along the transverse axis T.
[0100] The assembly of friction springs 50 is pre-stressed in compression according to a prestressing force along the transverse axis T, via the rod 70 and the thrust elements 75 which cooperate with the thrust walls 77.
[0101] The prestressing force is for example between 10,000 N and 500,000 N, for example about 50,000 N.
[0102] In particular, each stop element 75 butts against the external surface 77B of the respective stop wall 77, preventing the first and second seats 46, 48 from moving apart along the transverse axis T due to the extension of the friction springs 50.
[0103] The friction springs 50 are therefore compressed along the transverse axis T. Thus the connection of the support 42 to the piston 44 is rigid in the normal operation of the overhead crane 10 and allows the guide roller to be kept in a stable position along the transverse axis T in order to precisely guide the overhead crane 10 during its movement against the structure 15.
[0104] A second operating case is an accidental operation of the overhead crane 10, for example when an accident such as an earthquake, or an airplane crash occurs on the structure 15 and / or on the overhead crane 10.
[0105] In this mode of operation, the structure 15 is for example subjected to a deformation greater than a threshold and / or to an acceleration greater than a threshold, along the transverse axis T.
[0106] In this mode of operation, it is desirable that the protective support 40 be able to accommodate the deformation of the structure 15 and / or dissipate the energy due to the deformation or acceleration of the structure 15.
[0107] Each deformation and / or acceleration of the structure 15 along the transverse axis T is associated with a transverse force applied to the piston 44, and in particular to the guide roller.
[0108] When the piston 44 is subjected to a transverse force greater than a predetermined threshold force, the friction spring assembly 50 is configured to compress between the first and second seats 46, 48 along the transverse axis T.
[0109] The predetermined threshold force is equal to the preload force of the friction springs 50.
[0110] Thus, as long as the deformation and / or acceleration of the structure 15 does not exceed a certain threshold, the friction springs 50 are pre-stressed and operate rigidly in normal operation in order to best guide the overhead crane 10 during its movement along the structure 15.
[0111] From the moment when the deformation and / or acceleration of the structure 15 exceeds a certain threshold, corresponding to a transverse force greater than the predetermined threshold force, it is possible to constrain the friction springs 50 further against each other, by compressing them and thus bringing each seat 46, 48 closer together along the transverse axis T.
[0112] In a particular example, under accidental conditions and under the effect of a predetermined threshold force, at least equal to the preload force, the friction spring assembly 50 is configured to compress between the first and second seats 46, 48 along the transverse axis T until a decrease in the length of the friction spring assembly 50, taken along the transverse axis T, is between 0 cm and 150 cm.
[0113] In other words, a deformation and / or acceleration causing a transverse displacement of the structure 15 of up to 150 cm in span can be accommodated by the overhead crane 10 thanks to the protection system 40.
[0114] The amplitude of the displacement accommodated by the protection system 40 (reduction in the length of the friction spring assembly 50 inside the receiving tube 52) is proportional to the external force applied to the piston 44 along the transverse axis T, from which the preload force has been subtracted.
[0115] Thus, as long as the external force applied to the piston 44 along the transverse axis T is less than or equal to the preload force, the protection system 40 is rigid and does not deform. When the external force applied to the piston 44 along the transverse axis T is greater than the preload force, the amplitude of the displacement accommodated by the protection system 40 (reduction in the length of the friction spring assembly 50 inside the receiving tube 52) is proportional to the excess of the external force over the preload force.
[0116] In a particular configuration, given solely by way of example, the friction spring assembly 50 comprises 62 inner rings 50A and 63 outer rings 50B. The friction spring assembly 50 is preloaded using the threaded rod 70 until a preload force value of 50,000 N is obtained. In this example, under the effect of an external force of at least 50,000 N, the friction spring assembly 50 is compressed between the first and second seats 46, 48 along the transverse axis T, by a stroke between 0 cm and 40 cm.
[0117] Once the deformation has passed, the friction springs 50 are configured to return to their initial state, for example to their pre-stressed state, in order to operate in normal operation of the overhead crane 10.
[0118] In particular, once the deformation has passed, the cooperation between the abutment elements 75 and the abutment walls 77 again maintains the friction springs 50 in the preloaded state. The reversibility of the protection system 40 is then ensured.
[0119] Thus, a deformation of the structure 15 along the transverse axis T of up to 150 cm, for example up to 40 cm, can be accommodated by the protection system 40. This has the advantage of offering optimal and reversible protection of the overhead crane 10 and the structure 15.
[0120] Furthermore, during an earthquake, for example, the friction generated during the compression of the friction springs 50 dissipates up to two-thirds of the energy transmitted by the earthquake to the overhead crane. This has the advantage of limiting dynamic amplification phenomena, and therefore the damage caused by the earthquake to the structure 15 and / or the overhead crane 10.
[0121] In a particular embodiment, and with reference to [Fig.6], the displacement system 28 comprises at least one skate 80 extending at least on each side of the displacement element 30, along the transverse axis T.
[0122] In the example, the travel system 28 includes a skid 80 for each travel element 30. Each skid 80 is fixed to the travel system 28 so as to move with the travel elements 30 when the overhead crane 10 moves along the structure 15.
[0123] Again in the example of [Fig.6], each pad 80 extends continuously from one side to the other of the running rail 32, along the transverse axis T.
[0124] Each skate 80 comprises a central portion 82 and two end portions 84 located on either side of the central portion 82 along the transverse axis T.
[0125] In normal operation of the overhead crane 10, the central portion 82 is placed opposite the running rail 32, the end portions 84 being located on each side of the running rail 32 along the transverse axis T.
[0126] In normal operation of the overhead crane 10, the central portion 82 is raised relative to the running rail 32, along the elevation direction Z. Thus, in In normal operation, the central portion 82 does not touch the running rail 32 and does not hinder the movement of the moving element 30 on the running rail 32.
[0127] Such a gap between the central portion 82 and the running rail 32 is not visible on the [Fig.6] due to perspective.
[0128] Similarly, the end portions 84 do not touch either the running rail 32 or the upper surface 24 of the structure 15.
[0129] In other words, the attachment of the skate 80 to the displacement element 30 is configured so that the end portions 84 are raised, in the elevation direction Z, from the running rail 32 and the upper surface 24.
[0130] Thus, in normal operation, the skid 80 does not generate any friction with the running rail 32 or with the upper surface 24, which could slow down and / or hinder the movement of the overhead crane 10 relative to the structure 15.
[0131] The skate 80 is configured to bear on the running rail 32 in order to keep the displacement element 30 at the height of the running rail 32 or above the running rail 32, depending on the elevation direction Z, in the event of transverse displacement of the displacement system 28 relative to the running rail 32.
[0132] In particular, in the event of transverse displacement of the displacement system 28 relative to the running rail 32, at least one of the two end portions 84 of the skate 80 is in contact with the running rail 32.
[0133] The end portion 84 bearing on the running rail 32 allows the movement element 30 to be kept at least at the height of the rail 32 so that, if the structure 15 is moved transversely relative to the overhead crane 10, the movement element 30 does not fall beside the running rail 32 on the upper surface 24. The skid 80 therefore prevents derailment of the movement element 30 and allows the movement element 30 to be repositioned on the rail 32 as soon as the central portion 82 of the skid 80 is opposite, according to the elevation direction Z, the running rail 32.
[0134] Thus, the accommodation of the deformation and / or acceleration of the structure 15 along the transverse axis T is achieved by the protection system 40 in order to protect the structure 15 and / or the overhead crane 10, and the proper movement of the overhead crane 10 is ensured by the movement system 28, which ensures, thanks to the skid 80, that the overhead crane 10 does not derail, even in the event of accidental conditions.
[0135] Furthermore, thanks to the protection systems 40 and displacement 28 as described, the reversibility of the accommodation of the deformation and / or acceleration of the structure 15 along the transverse axis T is ensured.
[0136] In an alternative, not shown, the structure 15 is unique and is a cylindrical structure. The wall 20 then has a circular contour, projected onto a plane perpendicular to the elevation direction Z.
[0137] According to this example, the overhead crane 10 is a polar crane and extends between its two ends, each moving on the upper surface 24 in a rotational movement around a central axis of the structure 15. Thus, the ends of the overhead crane 10 move on the structure 15 in a diametrically opposite movement.
[0138] In other words, the overhead crane 10 extends according to the diameter of the structure 15.
[0139] According to a variant of this example, the overhead crane 10 comprises only one end capable of moving on the upper surface 24, the other end being fixed at the center of the structure.
[0140] The overhead crane 10 therefore extends from the central axis of the structure 15 to the upper surface 24, that is to say that the overhead crane 10 extends along the radius of the structure 15.
[0141] Thus, when the moving end makes an angular path of 360°, the overhead crane has made a complete turn of the upper surface 24.
[0142] In one variant, the movement elements 30 are not wheels but skates or any other element suitable for sliding on the running rail 32.
[0143] In another variant, the movement system 28 does not include a pad 80 but recovery elements, such as for example other movement elements, capable of traveling on the running rail 32 while keeping the main movement element at least at the height of the running rail 32.
[0144] In another variant, the guide element 60 is not a roller but a guide pad.
[0145] Finally, in an alternative, not shown, the protection system 40 includes a controlled rigidity element disposed between the guide roller and the seat 46 integral with the piston 44. The controlled rigidity element makes it possible, for example, to keep the guide roller in contact with the internal surface 22 despite imperfections in the surface 22. In an accident situation, the controlled rigidity element is then totally crushed, and therefore totally rigid.
[0146] The protection system 40 according to the invention has many advantages.
[0147] First, the friction springs 50 being rigid in a mode of normal operation of the overhead crane 10, they are able to guide the overhead crane 10 efficiently and precisely as it moves along the structure 15.
[0148] Since the friction springs 50 are configured to compress and / or extend under accidental conditions, they allow the deformation of the structure 15 to be accommodated without damaging the overhead crane 10, and this in a reversible manner since the springs 50 are configured to return to their undeformed state when the deformation of the structure 15 ceases.
[0149] Moreover, the choice of friction springs 50 is advantageous in that the friction springs 50 make it possible to absorb and dissipate energy when the structure 15 is subjected to an acceleration greater than a threshold, along the transverse axis T.
[0150] Thus, such a protection system 40 effectively protects the overhead crane 10 and / or the structure 15 even in the event of an earthquake.
[0151] The receiving tube 52 of the support 42 allows the translation of the piston 44 to be guided efficiently along the transverse axis T, while protecting the friction springs 50 housed in the tube 52 from external aggressions.
[0152] The guide roller precisely guides the movement of the overhead crane 10 along the wall 20.
[0153] The threaded rod 70 allows the friction springs 50 to be held in compression, in order to obtain a rigid protection system 40 in the normal operation of the overhead crane 10, allowing the overhead crane 10 to be guided rigidly and precisely along the structure 15, without transverse play.
[0154] The compression of the friction springs 50 following the application of a transverse force greater than a threshold value allows, in the event of accidental conditions, to accommodate the deformation of the structure 15 and / or the overhead crane 10 in order to best protect the structure 15 and / or the overhead crane 10.
[0155] Moreover, the transverse displacement stroke allowed by the friction springs 50 can reach 150 cm, it allows the accommodation of relatively large deformations of the structure 15 and / or the overhead crane 10, along the transverse axis T.
[0156] The presence of the pads 80 prevents any derailment of the movement system 28, relative to the running rail 32, even when the structure 15 and / or the overhead crane 10 undergoes deformation and / or acceleration along the transverse axis.
[0157] The overhead crane 10 is then not only effectively protected during the deformation and / or acceleration of the structure 15 and / or the overhead crane 10 along the transverse axis T, but also made immediately operational after said deformation or acceleration.
[0158] Finally, such a protection system 40 is essentially metallic and therefore presents no risk of oil leakage.
[0159] Such a protection system 40 also offers simplified maintenance and robustness over time.
[0160] Moreover, this protection system 40 is compatible with a wide variety of industrial sectors, in particular because it does not use combustible materials which may represent a danger in certain industrial sectors.
Claims
Demands
1. Overhead crane (10) protection system (40) configured to protect an overhead crane (10) moving along at least one structure (15), the overhead crane (10) protection system (40) comprising: - a support (42) rigidly fixed to the overhead crane (10), - a piston (44) connected to the support (42) and moving against said structure (15) with the overhead crane (10), - a connection of the support (42) to the piston (44), the connection being configured such that the piston (44) is free to translate along a normal transverse axis (T) relative to the support (42), characterized in that the connection of the support (42) to the piston (44) comprises a first seat (46) integral with the piston (44) and a second seat (48) integral with the support (42), a set of friction springs (50) extending between the first and second seats (46, 48) according the transverse axis (T),the connection of the support (42) to the piston (44) being rigid in a normal operating mode of the overhead crane (10) such that the piston (44) guides the overhead crane (10) by its contact with and along the structure (15), and the assembly of friction springs (50) being configured to compress and / or extend under accident conditions under the effect of a displacement along the transverse axis (T) when the structure (15) is subjected to a deformation greater than a threshold and / or to dissipate energy when the structure (15) is subjected to an acceleration greater than a threshold along the transverse axis (T).
2. A protection system (40) according to claim 1, wherein the support (42) comprises a receiving tube (52) extending between a first end closed by the second seat (48) and a second open end intended to receive the piston (44), the friction spring assembly (50) being housed, at least partially, in the receiving tube (52), the piston (44) being configured to translate in the tube (52) along the transverse axis (T).
3. A protection system (40) according to claim 2, comprising a guide element (60) mounted on a proximal end (62) of the piston (44), the guide element (60) being configured to roll against a wall (20) of the structure (15) during the movement of the overhead crane (10).
4. A protection system (40) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first and second seats (46, 48) each define a passage opening (72, 73) receiving an end (70A, 70B) of a threaded rod (70), each end (70A, 70B) of the threaded rod (70) comprising a stop element (75) cooperating with a stop wall (77) of the respective seat (46, 48) in the normal operating mode of the overhead crane (10), the assembly of friction springs (50) being prestressed in compression according to a prestressing force about the transverse axis (T), via the rod (70) and the stop elements (75) which cooperate with the stop walls (77).
5. A protection system (40) according to claim 4, wherein when the piston (44) is subjected to a transverse force greater than a predetermined threshold force, the friction spring assembly (50) is configured to compress between the first and second seats (46, 48) along the transverse axis (T).
6. A protection system (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, under accident conditions, the friction spring assembly (50) is configured to compress between the first and second seats (46, 48) along the transverse axis (T) until a reduction in the length of the friction spring assembly (50), taken along the transverse axis (T), of between 1 cm and 150 cm is obtained.
7. Overhead crane (10) moving along at least one structure (15), the overhead crane (10) comprising a protection system (40) according to any one of the preceding claims.
8. An overhead crane (10) according to claim 7, comprising a travel system (28) including at least one travel element (30) allowing the movement of the overhead crane (10) on a wall (20) of at least one structure (15), a running rail (32) being fixed to the wall (20) and guiding the travel element (30) during the movement of the overhead crane (10) in normal operation, the travel system (28) including at least one skid (80) extending at least on each side of the travel element (30), along the transverse axis (T), the skid (80) being configured to bear against the running rail (32) in order to maintain the travel element (30) at the height of the running rail (32) or above the running rail (32), taken in a direction of elevation (Z) perpendicular to the transverse axis (T), in case of transverse displacement of the displacement system (28) relative to the running rail (32).
9. Overhead crane (10) according to claim 8, wherein the skid (80) extends continuously from one side to the other of the running rail (32), along the transverse axis (T), the skid (80) comprising a central portion (82) and two end portions (84), in normal operation of the overhead crane (10), the central portion (82) being opposite the running rail (32) and raised relative to the running rail (32), along the elevation direction (Z).
10. Overhead crane (10) according to claim 9, wherein in case of transverse displacement of the displacement system (28) relative to the running rail (32), at least one of the two end portions (84) of the skid (80) is in contact with the running rail (32).
11. Overhead crane (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, comprising at least two protection systems (40).
12. Overhead crane (10) according to claim 11, comprising two ends configured to move along at least one structure (15), the at least two protection systems (40) each extending over a separate end of the overhead crane (10).