Pivoting Brake for Construction Machine Superstructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating and swiveling devices for construction machines like excavators and crawler drills face challenges in maintaining the superstructure's position during high torque applications, leading to uncontrolled slipping and potential damage due to insufficient holding force from internal brakes, especially when interacting with pinion and ring gear systems.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with brake discs and brake units is introduced to provide additional holding torque, bypassing the pinion and ring gear, allowing for selective actuation to maintain the superstructure's position, which can be designed to work in conjunction with existing systems without significant design changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal brake's holding force is increased to prevent superstructure slipping under high torque, then the reliability of position holding is improved, but the pinion and ring gear may be damaged due to excessive holding torque
Solution Approach 1:
The holding function is segmented into two independent systems: the internal brake for normal operations and the external brake for high torque conditions. This segmentation allows each brake to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other system's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The external brake acts as an intermediary system that takes over the holding function when torque exceeds the internal brake's capacity. By introducing this intermediate holding mechanism, the system prevents direct transmission of excessive torque to the pinion and ring gear, thereby protecting them from damage.
2Power
If an external brake is added to provide additional holding torque, then the holding capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external brake is merged with the existing rotary bearing device structure, utilizing the same mounting space and integration points. The brake disc is integrated into the rotary bearing assembly, and the brake unit is mounted on the same support structure, thereby minimizing additional complexity while achieving the desired holding torque capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents uncontrolled slipping and protects the pinion and ring gear from damage by providing a supplementary holding force, enabling secure positioning of the superstructure even under high torque conditions, and allows for flexible integration with existing construction machine designs.
Implementation Method 1
The brake shoes (60) interact with the brake disc (56) to fix the superstructure (12) relative to the undercarriage (14)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rotary and swivel device for a construction machine (10), in particular for an excavator or a drill rig, comprising a superstructure (12) and an undercarriage (14), wherein the rotary and swivel device (20) comprises a rotary bearing assembly (32) for rotatably mounting the superstructure (12) on the undercarriage (14), and a drive assembly (46) for selectively rotating the superstructure (12) about a pivot axis (T) relative to the undercarriage (14), wherein the rotary and swivel device (20) includes a locking device (30) for locking the superstructure (12) in a selectable rotary position relative to the undercarriage (14). The invention further relates to a corresponding construction machine and a method for locking the superstructure (12) in a selectable rotary position relative to the undercarriage (14) of the construction machine (10).