Traversing hoists – Overhead – Surface vehicle
Patent
1996-05-28
1998-04-07
Brahan, Thomas J.
Traversing hoists
Overhead
Surface vehicle
180 23, 180264, 310 67R, 414460, B66C 502
Patent
active
057354162
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a traversing gear arrangement for a crane moving on rubber-tired wheels or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In prior art, a sub-chassis of a crane moving on rubber-tired wheels comprises two large wheels one after the other, and the wheels can be turned to be parallel for lateral movement. The turning is conducted by turning the wheels to the same direction with a hydraulic cylinder or aggregate in a place specifically reserved for turning, e.g. on a marble slab. Another possibility is to lift the wheels from the ground for the duration of the turning action. Instead of two large wheels, the sub-chassis may comprise a pair of small wheels, both of which are drive wheels. In the traversing movement, power transmission is usually implemented by open gearing with chain gears and transmission chains.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,280,931 and 3,645,406 teach a solution in which a sub-chassis of a crane comprises two parallel wheels that are both drive wheels. The pair of wheels is turned with a separate turning gear. The disadvantage of the prior art arrangement is that turning is difficult. Further, because of the hydraulic equipment and chain gearing, many components are needed, and so there are many points that may need servicing or that may leak. Chain gearing, implemented as open gearing, extends at least partly beyond the wheelwork and thereby requires a lot of space and, since it is not sufficiently protected against minor bumps, may be easily damaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to overcome the above disadvantages and to provide a new and advantageous solution for a traversing gear arrangement of a crane moving on rubber-tired wheels or the like. Embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is set forth in the other claims.
An advantage of the invention is that the traversing gear will be protected inside a pair of wheels. The gear casing is small and compact: no parts extend beyond the tires. Because there are few components, little servicing is needed. Another advantage is that the wheels can be turned without any additional apparatus, such as hydraulic equipment, and the turning can be performed anywhere. Yet another advantage is that the wheels can be turned steplessly, so it is possible to move the crane diagonally or in a circle. Also, the turning does not wear the tires notably.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following the invention will be described in greater detail by means of one embodiment with reference to the attached drawings, in which
FIG. 1 shows a diagonal top view of a crane,
FIG. 2 shows a shaft arrangement in one pair of wheels on a sub-chassis in the longitudinal direction of the sub-chassis, and
FIG. 3 shows a partly cross-sectional side view of a pipe shaft in one pair of wheels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a crane 1 in which the invention is used, four sub-chassis assemblies 3 being fitted on two lower beams 2 of the frame structure at the lower corners of the crane. Each sub-chassis comprises two pairs of wheels 4 mounted in the middle of the horizontal shaft between the pair of wheels on vertical pipes 5 located at the ends of the sub-chassis such that they pivot about the vertical axis of the vertical pipe 5. The crane is also provided with a diesel generator 6, which supplies the crane with power, and a electric distribution unit 7. The traversing gear of the crane, which is not shown in FIG. 1, is arranged in connection with the pairs of wheels 4 and comprises e.g. a secondary shaft 19, gearing 16, an electric motor 28, and a brake 29 affecting the shaft of the electric motor.
FIG. 2 shows the structure in greater detail. At both ends of the sub-chassis, a vertical pipe 5 extends downward from the sub-chassis; the pipe is hollow, and expands conically on the inside toward the bottom. At the upper end of the conical expansion there is a space for a bearing 10, and at the lower end of the expansion there is a space for a lower bearing 12. Each pair of wheels 4 is mounte
REFERENCES:
patent: 1577304 (1926-03-01), Schurch
patent: 3055448 (1962-09-01), Fagel
patent: 3280931 (1966-10-01), Cahill et al.
patent: 3616761 (1971-11-01), Valls
patent: 3645406 (1972-02-01), Brazell
patent: 3897843 (1975-08-01), Hapeman et al.
patent: 4763800 (1988-08-01), Engler et al.
Brahan Thomas J.
KCI Konecranes International Corporation
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