Tilting device

Abstract

The invention concerns a tilting device for receiving a very heavy forged component and then rotating the component for further processing using, for example, a separate adjacent machine that performs various processing tasks.

Description

[0001] Tilting Device

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention concerns a tilting device for receiving a very heavy forged component and then rotating the component for further processing using, for example, a separate adjacent machine that performs various processing tasks.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] When working with very heavy components such as a very heavy forged component, weighing in the order of 160-260 tonnes, in a workshop environment there is often a need to manoeuvre the component so that various aspects of its features can be worked upon, this can involve a need to rotate the component through 90° or 180°, a considerable challenge given the weight of the component and the health and safety considerations.

[0006] A number of industries work with such components and so have a need for a tilting device to assist in the manoeuvre of the component during processing. For example, the iron and steel industries, the nuclear power plant industry, ship building industry, plane manufacturing industry and train manufacturing industry.

[0007] We have therefore developed such a tilting device to enable the turning or rotation of a very heavy forged component, for example one weighing in the order of 160-260 tonnes, in a workshop environment, through any selected angle, such as but not limited to 90° or 180°.

[0008] Statements of Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a tilting device for a very heavy component comprising a pair of spaced rotation members and positioned between same, and functionally coupled thereto, is a platform for receiving the very heavy component wherein said platform comprises at least one vise adapted for relative movement with respect to said very heavy component whereby when the very heavy component is positioned on the platform the vise can be moved to engage with the very heavy component and so grip same whilst the rotation members and platform are rotated through a desired angle.

[0010] Reference herein to a vise also includes reference to a grip or a clamp which can engage with the heavy component and so hold same stable on the platform whilst the platform is being rotated.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, each rotation member comprises a bracket connected to said platform and further each rotation member is mounted for rotational movement via a central hinge or wheel. Ideally said bracket is, essentially, flat-surfaced at least on a side that contacts said very heavy component.

[0012] In yet a further preferred embodiment, the platform comprises a plurality of vises so that the very heavy component can be gripped at more than one location and also ideally on more than one side, more ideally still, the vises are arranged for movement on the platform, such as slidable movement, so that they can be moved into position and so against the very heavy component. More preferably vises are located on opposite sides of the platform and so that opposite sides of the very heavy component can be gripped. Accordingly, and ideally, there is provided at least one vise for gripping the top of the very heavy component and at least one vise for gripping the bottom of the very heavy component. Preferably each vise is movably mounted within a channel provided in or on said platform so that, in use, the vise can be moved to make gripping contact with the very heavy component when the very heavy component is positioned on said platform.

[0013] Yet more preferably still, one or more of said vises is / are mounted for movement, ideally rotational movement, so that it / they can be moved or swung between a first and a second position wherein in the first position the vise is moved away from the platform and so does not obstruct access to same and in the second position is moved towards the platform so that it can positioned to move towards, and then grip, the very heavy component. The first position may be considered an open position and the second position a closed position. Preferably, at least the vise that is positioned for gripping the top of the component is mounted for movement, ideally rotational movement, and so openable. In this way, prior to loading the component onto the platform, the vise that is positioned for gripping the top of the component can be moved or swung to an open position to facilitate loading of the component on the platform and then, once the component is loaded on the platform, the vise is moved or swung to a closed position whereby it is positioned adjacent, or in line, with said component and then moved towards to same so as to grip the heavy component with a view to securing same prior to subsequent manipulation. This ability to hold and manipulate the heavy component improves tooling and component placement. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, ideally the one or more movable vise(s) comprise(s) a lock to ensure the vise is maintained or held in one of said first and / or second position(s).

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said bracket on which each spaced rotation member is mounted may be free-standing or adapted for attachment to a work surface. In a preferred embodiment, the tilting device is adapted for mounting on a work surface in such a manner that, in use, a substantial portion of the lower part of the tilting device is positioned beneath the work surface.

[0015] Alternatively, the tilting device is suspended, via the brackets which are mounted on the work surface floor.

[0016] In either of the above mounting arrangements the tilting device may be mounted such that the lower part of the device is suspended, in a trench or the like, and can be rotated about the work surface and / or floor. This is particularly advantageous for large components, where they otherwise would need to be manipulated to considerable heights to locate them in the tilting device. Additionally, this arrangement allows the weight of the heavy component to be dissipated through the work surface and / or floor. Further still, the positioning above a trench will allow for cabling and power supplies to be located underneath the platform, and thus not hazardous to a user.

[0017] More preferably still, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the face of one of the vises, for gripping a side or bottom of the component, is aligned with the platform and / or work surface to minimize trip hazard and facilitate component placement.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said tilting device is symmetrical about at least one longitudinal axis of said platform, ideally, the axis at right angles to the axis of rotation.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the tilting device is symmetrical about more than one axis, ideally, the axis of rotation of said tilting device and the axis at right angles thereto. This feature of symmetry about at least one axis stabilizes the device and so ensures the configuration on either side of the platform is equally load-bearing.

[0020] In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said vises and / or said rotation members are electromechanically or hydraulically activated whereby said vises can be made to grip said very heavy component and said rotation members can be rotated through a desired angles such as 90° or 180° or any selected angle.

[0021] In a preferred arrangement, the rotation members comprise bearings for rotational movement, ideally wear lined bearings, for clamping movements.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for moving a very heavy component through a selected angle comprising: i) mounting said very heavy component on a platform for receiving same; ii) moving at least one and ideally a plurality of vises so that it / they make gripping contact with said very heavy component; iii) rotating said platform through a selected angle whereby said very heavy component is rotated through said angle thus exposing at least a part of said very heavy component for further processing.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, a plurality of vises are moveably mounted on said platform such that when the very heavy component is in place the vises can be moved to grip the very heavy component on more than one side thus ensuring, once the platform is rotated, the very heavy component is held securely and also rotated.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the platform is adapted for rotation through any selected angle from 0-360°, including every degree in between, but typically it is used to rotate the very heavy component through 180° or 90° or 45°.

[0025] Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects.

[0026] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to” and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0027] All references, including any patent or patent application, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. Further, no admission is made that any of the prior art constitutes part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0028] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following examples. Generally speaking, the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims and drawings). Thus, features, integers, characteristics, compounds or chemical moieties described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless incompatible therewith.

[0029] Moreover, unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.

[0030] The Invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the Examples below and to the following Figures wherein:

[0031] Figure 1. Shows a perspective view of a tilting device according to the invention;

[0032] Figure 2. Shows a perspective view of a tilting device according to the invention when holding a very heavy component;

[0033] Figure 3. Shows a perspective view of the tilting device when in use, when holding a very heavy component and rotating same through 180°;

[0034] Figure 4. Shows a perspective view of a tilting device according to the invention in use. [A] Prior to loading the heavy component. [B] Opening of a vise to load the component. [C] When a component is loaded into place and a vise is moving into a gripping position. [D] After the tilting device has rotated the component through 90 degrees. [E] After the tilting device has rotated the component 180 degrees.

[0035] Referring now to the figures and, firstly, to Figure 1 there is shown a perspective view of a tilting device, comprising a pair of spaced rotation members (1 ), operationally connected to a platform (2) located therebetween for receiving a very heavy component. Rotation members (1 ) comprise wheel members (3) mounted for rotation about a central axis (4). These rotation members (1 ) are, in turn, mounted on brackets (4A) which may be free standing or adapted for connection to a work surface.

[0036] Platform (2) is essentially planar on the side that receives the very heavy component, although it does include at least one and, ideally, a number of channels (5A) in which at least one vise (5) is movably mounted in conventional fashion for sliding engagement with the very heavy component when it is positioned on the platform (2).

[0037] Typically, electromechanical features and / or hydraulic features (6) are provided to effect rotation of the rotation members and / or movement of the vises.

[0038] Further, each of said rotation members is mounted on a stabilizer (7) which, in turn, may be free-standing or adapted for attachment to a work surface.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a very heavy component (8) being handled by a workshop crane and thus being moved towards the titling device of the invention. Ideally the platform (2) is laid vertically to receive the very heavy component (8). The very heavy component (8) is positioned on same, using the crane, and then the vises (5) are activated so as to moved towards the very heavy component (8) and grip same. In the embodiment shown, three vises (5) are provided: two above the component and one below. Thus, in use three vises (5) grip the component and hold it securely on the platform (2). However, certain embodiments include more or fewer vises according to the nature, size and shape of the component to be manipulated.

[0040] Once the very heavy component (8) is in place on the platform (2), and the vises (5) have engaged same, the platform is rotated through a selected angle so as to expose at least a part of the component for further processing. Figure 3 A-D show the component being rotated through 180°.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tilting device needs to be safe and load-bearing. To achieve these two things, we have developed a tilting device that is symmetrical about at least one axis X - X of figure 2, which runs through the middle of the device and so the centre of the platform, additionally, our tilting device is also symmetrical about a second axis Y - Y which runs at right angles to the X - X axis. This symmetry ensures the load-bearing properties of the titling device are evenly distributed across same thus providing for stability and ease of use.

[0042] In Figure 4 A-E a larger version of the device is shown. It is mounted or stands on a work surface or floor but beneath at least a part of it is a channel or tunnel that receives the lower part of the tilting device. In this embodiment of the invention an upper vise, is hingedly mounted on said platform so that it can be swung away from the platform and so occupy a closed position A and an open position B. When in position B vise (5) enables greater access to platform (2). As can be seen from C and D lower vise (5) is aligned with the work surface or floor and the component is placed thereon. Subsequently, upper vise (5) is swung into alignment with the platform (closed position) and then moved towards the component so that the component is gripped between the upper and lower vise (5). The tilting device is then rotated through a selected angle as shown in E.

[0043] The tilting device shown in Figure 4 is also symmetrical about two axis X - X vertical which runs through the middle of the device and so the centre of the platform, and Y - Y which runs at right angles to the X - X axis and through the centre of the device. We consider this symmetry ensures the load-bearing properties of the titling device are evenly distributed across same thus providing for stability and ease of use.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A tilting device for a very heavy component comprising a pair of spaced rotation members and positioned between same, and functionally coupled thereto, is a platform for receiving the very heavy component wherein said platform comprises at least one vise adapted for relative movement with respect to said very heavy component whereby when the very heavy component is positioned on the platform the vise can be moved to engage with the very heavy component and so grip same whilst the rotation members and platform are rotated through a desired angle.

2. The tilting device according to claim 1 wherein each rotation member comprises a bracket connected to said platform.

3. The tilting device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each rotation member is mounted for rotational movement via a central hinge or wheel.

4. The tilting device according to any one of claims 1 - 3 wherein said platform is, essentially or substantially, flat-surfaced at least on the side that contacts said very heavy component.

5. The tilting device according to any one of claims 1 - 4 wherein the platform comprises a number of vises so that the very heavy component can be gripped on more than one side.

6. The tilting device according to any one of claims 1 - 5 wherein said vise(s) is / are arranged for movement with respect to the platform.

7. The tilting device according to any one of claims 1 - 6 wherein a plurality of vises are arranged on the platform so that opposite sides of the very heavy component can be gripped.

8. The tilting device according to any one of claims 1 - 7 wherein at least one vise is positioned for gripping the top of the very heavy component and at least one vise is positioned for gripping the bottom of the very heavy component.

9. The tilting device according to any one of claims 1 - 8 wherein each vise is movably mounted within a channel provided in or on said platform.

10. The tilting device according to any one of claims 1 - 9 wherein each of said rotation members and / or its bracket is mounted on a stabilizer.1 1. The tilting device according to claim 10 wherein said bracket or stabilizer is free-standing or adapted for attachment to a work surface.

12. The tilting device according to any one of claims 1 - 1 1 wherein the tilting device is symmetrical about at least one axis.

13. The tilting device according to claim 12 wherein said tilting device is symmetrical about at least one longitudinal axis of said platform.

14. The tilting device according to claim 12 wherein said tilting device is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of said platform and an axis at right angles thereto.

15. The tilting device according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein said vise and / or said rotation members are electromechanically and / or hydraulically activated.

16. A method for moving a very heavy component through a selected angle comprising: mounting said very heavy component on a platform for receiving same; moving at least one and ideally a plurality of vises so that it / they make gripping contact with said very heavy component; and rotating said platform through a selected angle whereby said very heavy component is rotated through said angle thus exposing at least a part of said very heavy component for further processing.

17. The method according to claim 16 wherein a plurality of vises are moveably mounted on said platform such that, when the very heavy component is in place, the vises can be moved to grip the very heavy component on more than one side thus ensuring, once the platform is rotated, the very heavy component is also rotated.

18. The method according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein said rotation members can be rotated through a desired angle, such as 45°, 90° or 180° or any other selected angle.

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