TROLLEY

Abstract

A trolley 100 for a rail 10 is described. The trolley 100 comprises a frame 110, a set S of wheels 120, including a first wheel 120A and a second wheel 120B, rotatably coupled to the frame 110 and an attachment member 130, coupled to the frame 110, for suspension of a load W therefrom, in use. The first wheel 120A is rotatable in a first plane P1 about a first axis A1 and the second wheel 120B is rotatable in a second plane P2 about a second axis A2. The first plane P1 and the second plane P2 define a line L. The trolley 100 is arrangeable in a first configuration, wherein the attachment member 130 is arranged at a first angular displacement D1 about the line L. The trolley 100 is arrangeable in a second configuration, wherein the attachment member 130 is arranged at a second angular displacement D2 about the line L, wherein the first angular displacement D1 and the second angular displacement D2 are different. A rail assembly 1, including the trolley 100 and the rail 10, is also described.

Claims

1. A trolley for a rail, the trolley comprising: a frame; a set of wheels, including a first wheel and a second wheel, rotatably coupled to the frame; and an attachment member, coupled to the frame, for attachment, preferably suspension, of a load therefrom, in use, wherein the first wheel is rotatable in a first plane about a first axis and the second wheel is rotatable in a second plane about a second axis, wherein the first plane and the second plane define a line, wherein the trolley is arrangeable in: a first configuration, wherein the attachment member is arranged at a first angular displacement about the line; and a second configuration, wherein the attachment member is arranged at a second angular displacement about the line, wherein the first angular displacement and the second angular displacement are different.

2. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the line is the intersection of the first plane and the second plane.

3. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member is arranged to move from the first angular displacement to the second angular displacement in an arc about the line.

4. The trolley according to claim 1, comprising a guide coupled to the frame, arranged to guide the attachment member between the first configuration and the second configuration.

5. The trolley according to claim 4, wherein the attachment member comprises a roller arranged to roll on the guide.

6. The trolley according to claim 5, wherein the roller is a grooved roller and/or wherein the guide has a circular-cross section.

7. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member is rotatable about a normal to the line.

8. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the first wheel and the second wheel are plain wheels.

9. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the first axis and/or the second axis is tangential to a radius normal to the line.

10. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the set of wheels includes 3 or more wheels.

11. A rail assembly including a rail and the trolley according to claim 1.

12. The rail assembly according to claim 11, wherein the rail comprises a non-linear, for example a curved, portion.

13. The rail assembly according to claim 11, wherein the rail is a monorail.

14. The rail assembly according to claim 11, wherein the rail comprises a cylindrical running surface defining a cylinder axis, wherein the line is substantially coincident, in use, with the cylinder axis.

15. The rail assembly according to claim 11, wherein the rail comprises a longitudinal flange.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments of the same may be brought into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures, in which:

[0069] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a rail assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, including a trolley according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0070] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an end view of the rail assembly of FIG. 1;

[0071] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a side view of the rail assembly of FIG. 1;

[0072] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a plan view of the rail assembly of FIG. 1;

[0073] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a plan view of the rail assembly of FIG. 1;

[0074] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rail assembly of FIG. 5;

[0075] FIG. 7 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rail assembly of FIG. 5, in more detail;

[0076] FIG. 8 schematically depicts a side view of the rail assembly of FIG. 1;

[0077] FIG. 9 schematically depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the rail assembly of FIG. 8, in the first configuration and in the second configuration;

[0078] FIG. 10 schematically depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the rail assembly of FIG. 8, in the first configuration and in the second configuration, in more detail;

[0079] FIGS. 11A to 11C schematically depict a perspective view, an end view and a side view, respectively, of the guide of the trolley of FIG. 1, in more detail;

[0080] FIG. 12A to 12B schematically depict a partial exploded view and a partially transparent end view, respectively, of an attachment member for the trolley of FIG. 1, in more detail;

[0081] FIG. 13 schematically depicts an end view of a rail assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, including a trolley according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0082] FIG. 14 schematically depicts an end view of a rail assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, including a trolley according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] Briefly, FIGS. 1 to 7 depict a rail assembly 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, including a trolley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, arranged in a first configuration. FIGS. 8 to 10 show the trolley 100, in use, arranged in the first configuration and in a second configuration. FIGS. 11A to 11C and 12A to 10B depict details of the trolley 100. FIGS. 13 and 14 depict alternative rail assemblies according to exemplary embodiments, including trolleys according to exemplary embodiments.

[0084] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of the rail assembly 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, including the trolley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 schematically depicts an end view of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 schematically depicts a side view of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 schematically depicts a plan view of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 schematically depicts a plan view of the rail assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rail assembly of FIG. 5, particularly in the plane B-B of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rail assembly of FIG. 5, in more detail, particularly of a region B of FIG. 5.

[0085] Particularly, the trolley 100 is for a rail 10. The trolley 100 comprises a frame 110, a set S of wheels 120, including a first wheel 120A and a second wheel 120B, rotatably coupled to the frame 110 and an attachment member 130, coupled to the frame 110, for suspension of a load W therefrom, in use. The first wheel 120A is rotatable in a first plane P1 about a first axis A1 and the second wheel 120B is rotatable in a second plane P2 about a second axis A2. The first plane P1 and the second plane P2 define a line L. The trolley 100 is arrangeable in a first configuration, wherein the attachment member 130 is arranged at a first angular displacement D1 about the line L. The trolley 100 is arrangeable in a second configuration, wherein the attachment member 130 is arranged at a second angular displacement D2 about the line L, wherein the first angular displacement D1 and the second angular displacement D2 are different.

[0086] Since the attachment member 130 is moveable between the first configuration and the second configuration, transverse forces on the rail 10 may be reduced compared with a fixed attachment member, for example, as described above. In this way, a likelihood of the trolley 100 binding and hence braking on the rail 10 is reduced. In this way, a likelihood of injury and/or stranding of users may be reduced. In this way, user safety and/or trolley reliability may be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, since the transverse forces on the rail 10 may be reduced compared with a fixed attachment member 130, for example, a number of wheels included in the set S of wheels 120 and/or a size of the wheels included in the set S of wheels 120 may be reduced. Additionally and/or alternatively, a strength of the frame 110 may be reduced. In this way, a weight and/or cost of the trolley 100 may be reduced. Conversely, an increased load W may be attached to the trolley 100.

Trolley

[0088] The trolley 100 is suitable for use with the rail 10 and is arranged to roll thereon. Generally, the trolley 100 is retained on the rail 10, for example by the set S of wheels 120, so that the trolley 100 may not be removed from (i.e. come off) the rail 10, in use.

[0089] The trolley 100 comprises the frame 110, to which the set S of wheels 120 are rotatably coupled and to which the attachment member 130 is coupled. That is, the frame 110 transfers forces due to the load W to at least one of the wheels of the set S of wheels 120, for example the first wheel 120A and/or the second wheel 120B. In this example, the frame 110 comprises an open structure, for example provided by one or more struts and/or one or more ties. In this example, the frame 110 is fabricated from welded aluminium plate (grade 5083), having a thickness of 5 mm. The frame includes two end C-shaped parts 110A, 110B, four bars 110C to 110F extending therebetween, a middle C-shaped part 110G therebetween, two brackets 110H, 110I coupled to the bars 110C and 100F and two secondary attachment members 110J, 110K coupled to the two end C-shaped parts 110, 110B, respectively. In this example, the frame 110 comprises a passageway P for the rail 10 to pass therethrough. The secondary attachment members 110J, 110K are for attachment of a handle and a secondary harness sling, respectively.

Set of Wheels

[0090] The trolley 100 comprises the set S of wheels 120, including the first wheel 120A and the second wheel 120B, rotatably coupled to the frame 110. In the Figures, the wheels of the set S of wheels 120 are generally shown not in contact with the rail 10, for clarity. However, it should be understood that, in use, one or more of the wheels of the set S of wheels 120 are generally in contact with the rail 10. For example, in use, one or more or all of the wheels of a subset S1 of wheels 120 (as described below), including the first wheel 120A and the second wheel 120B, are generally in contact with the rail 10. For example, in use, one or more or all of the wheels of a subset S2 and/or a subset S3 of wheels 120 (as described below) are generally not in contact with the rail 10, spaced apart therefrom by a gap of about 5 mm, but may contact the rail 10 during yawing, pitching and/or rolling of the trolley 100.

[0091] In this example, the first wheel 120A and the second wheel 120B are arranged to roll on an upper and/or lateral portion or portions of the rail 10, particularly of a tube 11 thereof, and thereby transfer, at least in part, a weight due to the load W on to the rail 10 and/or forces due to movement, for example pitching and/or yawing, of the load W on to the rail 10. In this example, the first wheel 120A and the second wheel 120B are arranged at a same end of the frame 110. In this example, the first wheel 120A and the second wheel 120B are arranged on opposed sides of the passageway P therein, whereby the first wheel 120A and the second wheel 120B are arranged, in use, on opposed sides of the rail 10.

[0092] In this example, the set S of wheels 120 includes a third wheel 120C and a fourth wheel 120D, as described with respect to the first wheel 120A and the second wheel 120B, respectively. In this example, the third wheel 120C and the fourth wheel 120D are arranged at opposed an end of the frame 110 to the first wheel 120A and the second wheel 120B, the first wheel 120A and the third wheel 120C are arranged on opposed sides of the passageway therein and the second wheel 120B and the fourth wheel 120D are arranged on opposed sides of the passageway therein.

[0093] In this example, the set S of wheels 120 is arranged to retain the trolley 100 on the rail 10, so that the trolley 100 may not be removed from (i.e. come off) the rail 10, in use. In other words, the trolley 100 is captive on the rail 10, thereby improving safety.

[0094] In this example, the set S of wheels 120 is arranged to resist, at least in part, forces in 2 mutually orthogonal directions, for example due to the weight of the load W and/or pitching, rolling and/or yawing of the trolley 100, while permitting movement of the trolley 100 in a third mutually orthogonal direction, for example along, down and/or up the rail 10.

Subsets of Wheels

[0095] In this example, the set S of wheels 120 includes the first subset S1 of wheels 120, including the first wheel 120A, the second wheel 120B and, the third wheel 120C and the fourth wheel 120D. In this example, the first subset S1 of wheels 120 are arranged to roll on an upper and/or lateral portion or portions of the rail 10, particularly the tube 11 thereof, and thereby transfer, at least in part, a weight due to the load W on to the rail 10 and/or forces due to movement, for example pitching and/or yawing, of the load W on to the rail 10. In this example, the first wheel 120A and the third wheel 120C are rotatably coupled to the first bar 110C of the frame 110. In this example, the second wheel 120B and the fourth wheel 120D are rotatably coupled to the second bar 110D of the frame 110.

[0096] In this example, the set S of wheels 120 includes the second subset S2 of wheels 120, including a fifth wheel 120E, a sixth wheel 120F, a seventh wheel 120G and an eighth wheel 120H. In this example, the second subset S2 of wheels 120 are arranged to roll on a lower and/or lateral portion or portions of the rail 10, particularly the tube 11 thereof, and thereby transfer, at least in part, forces due to movement, for example pitching and/or yawing, of the load Won to the rail 10. In this example, the fifth wheel 120E and the seventh wheel 120G are rotatably coupled to the third bar 110E of the frame 110. In this example, the sixth wheel 120F and the eighth wheel 120H are rotatably coupled to the fourth bar 110F of the frame 110.

[0097] In this example, the set S of wheels 120 includes the third subset S3 of wheels 120, including a ninth wheel 120I and a tenth wheel 120J. In this example, the third subset S3 of wheels 120 are arranged to roll on a lateral portion of the rail 10, particularly a flange 12 thereof, and thereby transfer, at least in part, forces due to movement, for example rolling, of the load Won to the rail 10. In this example, the ninth wheel 120I is rotatably coupled to the first bracket 110H and the tenth wheel 120J is rotatably coupled to the second bracket 110I.

Wheel Orientation

[0098] The first wheel 120A is rotatable in the first plane P1 about the first axis A1 and the second wheel 120B is rotatable in the second plane P2 about the second axis A2, wherein the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 define the line L.

[0099] In this example, the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 are mutually inclined, whereby the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 are mutually inclined. If the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 are mutually inclined, the line L is defined by the intersection of the first plane P1 and the second plane P2. In this example, the line L is the intersection of the first plane P1 and the second plane P2. In this example, the line L is the intersection of the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 and the rail 10 comprises a cylindrical running surface defining a cylinder axis, wherein the line L is substantially coincident, in use, with the cylinder axis.

[0100] In this example, the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 are tangential to a radius normal to the line L.

Wheel

[0101] In this example, the first wheel 120A comprises a polyurethane roller, having an outside diameter of 62 mm, bonded to a deep-groove ball bearing, for example a SKF 6301 ZZ deep-groove ball bearing having a 12 mm bore and a 12 mm length.

[0102] In this example, the first wheel 120A is mounted on an axle, wherein the axle is fastened to the frame 110. In this example, the axle is a bolt, fastened to the frame 110 using a nut.

[0103] In this example, the first wheel 120A is a passive wheel (i.e. not driven).

[0104] The second wheel 120B is as described with respect to the first wheel 120A. Each wheel of the subset S of wheels 120 is as described with respect to the first wheel 120A.

Attachment Member

[0105] The trolley 100 comprises the attachment member 130, coupled to the frame 110, for suspension, of the load W therefrom, in use.

[0106] In this example, the attachment member 130 is releasably coupled to the frame 110. In this example, release of the attachment member 130 from the frame 110 requires a use of a tool. In this example, the attachment member 130 comprises a fastener, for example a pin fastener, a split pin (also known as a cotter pin, cotter key or a split cotter), a locking ring, a mouse, or a clamp to restrict release of the attachment member 130 from the frame 110. In this way, inadvertent or deliberate release of the attachment member 130, in use, may be avoided, thereby improving safety. In this example, the attachment member 130 comprises a D-shackle, closed with an anchor bolt.

Guide

[0107] The frame 100 comprises a guide 112, as described below with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11C.

Roller

[0108] In this example, the attachment member 130 comprises a roller 132 arranged to roll on the guide 112. A related attachment member 130′ is described below, with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12B.

[0109] In this example, the roller 132 is a grooved roller 132, having a circumferential radiused groove, and the guide 112 has a circular-cross section. In this example, the radius of the groove is larger than the radius of the guide 112, for example in a range of 1% to 20%, preferably in a range from 3% to 10%.

[0110] In this example, the attachment member 130 comprises a D shackle 133, closed with an anchor bolt 134, and a grooved roller 132, having a circumferential radiused groove, wherein the attachment member 130 comprises two ball bearings 135A, 135B, wherein the grooved roller 132 is mounted on the anchor bolt 134 between the legs of the D shackle 133, spaced apart therefrom by two spacers 136A, 136B.

[0111] In this example, the attachment member 130 is rotatable about a normal to the line L. In this way, twisting of the load W relative to the trolley 100 may be accommodated.

[0112] In this example, the roller 132 is formed from stainless steel SAE Type 316.

First Configuration and Second Configuration

[0113] FIG. 8 schematically depicts a side view of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 schematically depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 8, in the first configuration and in the second configuration, particularly in the plane A-A of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 schematically depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 8, in the first configuration and in the second configuration, in more detail, particularly region A of FIG. 9. Particularly, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show the attachment member 130 arranged at the first angular displacement D1 about the line L and the attachment member 130 arranged at the second angular displacement D2 about the line L. That is, the same attachment member 130 is shown at two different angular displacements, D1 and D2. It should be understood that a magnitude and/or direction of the load W at the two different angular displacements, D1 and D2, will be different.

[0114] In this example, a height or elevation of the attachment member 130 at the second angular displacement D2 is greater than that at the first angular displacement D1. That is, a second gravitational potential energy of the load W when the trolley 100 is arranged in the second configuration is greater than a first gravitational potential energy of the load W when the trolley 100 is arranged in the first configuration. That is, work must be done to move the attachment member 130 from the first configuration to the second configuration. In this way, movement of the load W and hence the attachment member 130 transverse to the line L may be controlled, for example moderated.

[0115] In this example, the trolley 100 is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration due to a force transverse to the line L (i.e. a lateral force, a transverse force) due, at least in part, movement of the load W transverse to the line L.

[0116] In this example, the attachment member 130 is arranged to move from the first angular displacement D1 to the second angular displacement D2 in an arc, for example of increasing height or elevation, about the line L. In this example, the rail 10 comprises a cylindrical running surface defining a cylinder axis, wherein the line L is substantially coincident, in use, with the cylinder axis, wherein the attachment member 130 is arranged to move from the first angular displacement D1 to the second angular displacement D2 in an arc about the line L and wherein the arc is concentric with the cylindrical running surface.

Guide

[0117] FIGS. 11A to 11C schematically depict a perspective view, an end view and a side view, respectively, of the guide 112 of the trolley 100 of FIG. 1, in more detail.

[0118] In this example, the trolley 100 comprises the guide 112 coupled to the frame 110, arranged to guide 112 the attachment member 130 between the first configuration and the second configuration. In this example, the guide 112 comprises an arcuate portion, subtending an angle of about 100°. In this example, the guide 112 has a circular cross-section, whereby the guide 112 comprises a round bar, having a diameter of 12 mm. In this example, the guide 112 is formed from stainless steel SAE Type 316. Brackets are provided at each end of the round bar, the brackets including countersunk 8 mm diameter holes for fastening the guide 112 to the bars 110E and 110F using countersunk (alien key) bolts and nuts.

Roller

[0119] FIGS. 12A to 12B schematically depict a partial exploded view and a partially transparent end view, respectively, of an attachment member 130′ for the trolley of FIG. 1, in more detail. The attachment member 130′ is generally as described with respect to the attachment member 130. The attachment member 130 comprises the D shackle 133, closed with the anchor bolt 134. In contrast, the attachment member 130′ comprises a pin shackle 133′, closed with an anchor bolt 134′ and a split pin 138′ and including a securing nut 137′ in addition to the split pin 138′.

[0120] In this example, the attachment member 130′ comprises the roller 132 arranged to roll on the guide 112. In this example, the roller 132 comprises two bearings deep-groove ball bearings 135A, 135B. In this example, the bearings 135A, 135B are sealed. In this example, the attachment member 130′ comprises two spacers 136A, 136B.

[0121] In this example, the roller 132 is a grooved roller 132, having a circumferential radiused groove, and the guide 112 has a circular-cross section. In this example, the radius of the groove is larger than the radius of the guide 112, in a range of 1% to 20%.

[0122] In this example, the attachment member 130′ comprises a pin shackle 133′, closed with an anchor bolt 134′ and a split pin 138′ and including a securing nut 137′ in addition to the split pin 138′, and a grooved roller 132, having a circumferential radiused groove, wherein the grooved roller 132 comprises the two ball bearings 135A, 135B, wherein the grooved roller 132 is mounted on the anchor bolt 134′ between the legs of the shackle 133′, spaced apart therefrom by the two spacers 136A, 136B.

Rail Assembly

[0123] The rail assembly 10 includes the rail 10 and the trolley 100.

[0124] In this example, the rail 10 is a monorail 10 (i.e. a single rail 10).

[0125] In this example, the rail 10 comprises a cylindrical running surface defining a cylinder axis, wherein the line L is substantially coincident, in use, with the cylinder axis, for example provided by a tube 11 having a circular cross-section and the rail 10 comprises a longitudinal flange 12 normal to the tube 11 (i.e. upstanding therefrom) extending continuously along the tube 11. In this example, the tube 11 has an outside diameter of 60 mm and a wall thickness of 3 mm. In this example, the flange 12 is welded to the tube 11, for example continuously or intermittently.

[0126] In this example, the rail 10 is formed from steel according to EN 10025: part 2: 2004 grade S235. In this example, the rail 10 is painted.

[0127] Although a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

[0128] FIG. 13 schematically depicts an end view of a rail assembly 2 according to an exemplary embodiment, including a trolley 200 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0129] The rail assembly 2 and the trolley 200 are generally as described with respect to the rail assembly 1 and the trolley 100, respectively. Like reference signs indicate like features, description of which is not repeated for brevity. The rail 10 is as described previously. In contrast to the trolley 100, the trolley 200 comprises a mechanical linkage 240, coupled to the frame 210, and the attachment member 230 is coupled to the mechanical linkage 240. In this example, the mechanical linkage 240 comprises a planar quadrilateral linkage.

[0130] FIG. 14 schematically depicts an end view of a rail assembly 3 according to an exemplary embodiment, including a trolley 300 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0131] The rail assembly 3, the rail 30 and the trolley 300 are generally as described with respect to the rail assembly 1, the rail 10 and the trolley 100, respectively. Like reference signs indicate like features, description of which is not repeated for brevity. In this example, the rail comprises a U shape channel 31 and a flange 32. In contrast to the trolley 100, the trolley 300 does not include a second subset of wheels and the frame 310 is modified accordingly. In contrast to the trolley 100, the trolley 300 comprises an attachment member 330 rotatably coupled to frame 310. In this example, the attachment member 330 is arranged to rotate about the line L whereby, in the first configuration, the attachment member 330 is arranged at a first angular rotation about the line L and whereby in the second configuration, the attachment member 330 is arranged at a second angular rotation about the line L, wherein the first angular rotation and the second angular rotation are different.

[0132] In summary, a trolley, a rail assembly and a kit of parts for a rail assembly are described. The trolley comprises an attachment member moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration, whereby transverse forces on the rail may be reduced compared with a fixed attachment member, for example. In this way, a likelihood of the trolley binding and hence braking on the rail is reduced. In this way, a likelihood of injury and/or stranding of users may be reduced. In this way, user safety and/or trolley reliability may be improved. In addition, a smoothness and a quality of the ride may be improved.

[0133] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0134] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0135] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0136] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.