LIFTING FRAME FOR LIFTING A TRANSFORMER OR REACTOR

Abstract

A lifting frame for lifting a transformer or reactor is provided that includes a frame wall section. The frame wall section extends within a frame wall section plane. A lifting opening is formed within the frame wall section, wherein a lifting opening axis is oriented normal with respect to the frame wall section plane. The frame wall section immediately surrounding the lifting opening has a thickness that increases with decreasing distance to the lifting opening axis. This construction allows for providing an edge of the lifting opening with a comparatively large surface or contact area, while avoiding an overdesign of the frame wall section thickness. An increase in the surface of the edge generally reduces a contact pressure.

Claims

1. A lifting frame for lifting a transformer or reactor, comprising: a frame wall section, extending within a frame wall section plane; and a lifting opening formed within the frame wall section, wherein a lifting opening axis is oriented normal with respect to the frame wall section plane, the frame wall section immediately surrounding the lifting opening having a thickness that increases with decreasing distance to the lifting opening axis, such that the thickness of the frame wall section surrounding the lifting opening increases substantially symmetrically with respect to the plane.

2. The lifting frame of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the frame wall section increases with decreasing distance to the lifting opening axis in at least one step from a first thickness t1 to a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is larger than the first thickness.

3. The lifting frame of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the frame wall section surrounding the lifting opening shows a rotational symmetry with respect to the lifting opening axis.

4. The lifting frame of claim 1, wherein the frame wall section comprises a tube member, having a longitudinal axis that is oriented substantially parallel to or that substantially coincides with the lifting opening axis.

5. The lifting frame of claim 4, the frame wall section with increased thickness of the lifting opening is formed by the tube member.

6. The lifting frame of claim 4, wherein the tube member attached to a residual portion of the frame wall section.

7. The lifting frame of any of claim 4, wherein the tube member is made of a metal material.

8. The lifting frame of claim 1, comprising: a first elongate part extending along a first elongate part axis, wherein the frame wall section forms part of the first elongate part, and wherein the lifting opening is a first lifting opening, wherein the first elongate part further comprises a second lifting opening, wherein, as measured along the first elongate part axis, the second lifting opening is positioned by a first distance to the first lifting opening, wherein the first elongate part further comprises a first fastening opening, wherein the first fastening opening is arranged such that it intersects a first plane, the first plane being normal to the first elongate part axis and the lifting opening axis laying in the first plane; and a second elongate part, extending along a second elongate part axis parallel to the first elongate part axis, wherein the second elongate part comprises a third lifting opening and a fourth lifting opening, wherein the third lifting opening is formed such that it intersects the first plane, and wherein the fourth lifting opening is formed such that it intersects a second plane, the second plane being normal to the second elongate part axis and a second lifting opening axis of the second lifting opening laying in the second plane.

9. The lifting frame of claim 8, further comprising a first spacer part arranged between the first elongate part and the second elongate part for providing a second distance between the first elongate part and the second elongate part.

10. The lifting frame of claim 9, wherein the first spacer part comprises a profile having a C-shape or a U-shape or an L-shape cross-section.

11. The lifting frame of claim 9, wherein the first spacer part comprises at least one aperture.

12. The lifting frame of claim 8, wherein the first elongate part and/or the second elongate part each having an L-shape cross-section, wherein the lifting frame further comprises at least one rib for reinforcing the profile of the first elongate part and/or the second elongate part, wherein the rib extends between a first limb of the L-shape profile and a second limb of the L-shape profile.

13. The lifting frame of claim 12, wherein the at least one rib is positioned, as measured along the first elongate part axis, by a third distance to the first plane, wherein the third distance is up to twice a diameter of the first lifting opening.

14. The lifting frame of claim 8, wherein the first elongate part includes a recess positioned, seen along the first elongate part axis, between the first lifting opening and the second lifting opening. (New) A transformer, comprising: an enclosure; and a lifting frame coupled to the enclosure, the lifting frame comprising: a frame wall section, extending within a frame wall section plane; and a lifting opening formed within the frame wall section, wherein a lifting opening axis is oriented normal with respect to the frame wall section plane, the frame wall section immediately surrounding the lifting opening having a thickness that increases with decreasing distance to the lifting opening axis, such that the thickness of the frame wall section surrounding the lifting opening increases substantially symmetrically with respect to the plane.

16. The transformer of claim 15, wherein the thickness of the frame wall section increases with decreasing distance to the lifting opening axis in at least one step from a first thickness t1 to a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is larger than the first thickness.

17. The transformer of claim 15, wherein the thickness of the frame wall section surrounding the lifting opening shows a rotational symmetry with respect to the lifting opening axis.

18. A method, comprising: coupling a lifting frame to an enclosure of at least one of a transformer and a reactor, the lifting frame comprising: a frame wall section, extending within a frame wall section plane; and a lifting opening formed within the frame wall section, wherein a lifting opening axis is oriented normal with respect to the frame wall section plane, the frame wall section immediately surrounding the lifting opening having a thickness that increases with decreasing distance to the lifting opening axis, such that the thickness of the frame wall section surrounding the lifting opening increases substantially symmetrically with respect to the plane; and lifting the lifting frame to lift the enclosure.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the thickness of the frame wall section increases with decreasing distance to the lifting opening axis in at least one step from a first thickness t1 to a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is larger than the first thickness.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the thickness of the frame wall section surrounding the lifting opening shows a rotational symmetry with respect to the lifting opening axis.

Description

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0112] The subject-matter of the disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0113] FIG. 1a is a schematic normal view of a frame wall section of a lifting frame according to the present disclosure.

[0114] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of the frame wall section of FIG. 1a.

[0115] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lifting frame according to the present disclosure.

[0116] FIG. 3 is a side view of the lifting frame.

[0117] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the lifting frame.

[0118] FIG. 5 is a front view of the lifting frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0119] FIG. 1a is a schematic normal view of a frame wall section 100 of a lifting frame according to the present disclosure. The lifting frame is designed for lifting a transformer or reactor. The transformer or reactor may have a mass of at least 14.Math.10.sup.3 kg. More particular, the lifting frame is designed for being linked to the transformer or reactor to be lifted and to a lifting mechanism including a hook or a similar part, e.g., a shackle. The lifting frame has at least one lifting opening 104 surrounded by a wall section 124 being thicker than the remaining frame wall section 100 thickness.

[0120] The lifting opening 104 is for example circular. The lifting opening 104 may have a diameter D that is at least 80 mm, for example at least 100 mm, or for example at least 120 mm, or for example 150 mm The diameter may be 200 mm or less.

[0121] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of the frame wall section of FIG. 1a. The frame wall section 100 extends within a frame wall section plane P. A lifting opening 104 is formed within the frame wall section 100. The lifting opening 104 is designed as a point of attachment for a hook or similar part of a lifting mechanism.

[0122] A lifting opening axis x1 is oriented normal or perpendicular with respect to the frame wall section plane P. A plane of the opening lies within said frame wall section plane. The frame wall section 100 surrounds and defines the lifting opening 104.

[0123] The frame wall section 100 has a thickness t. This thickness may be generally uniform. The thickness t increases with decreasing distance to the lifting opening axis x1 in the vicinity of the lifting opening 104. This increases a contact area between a hook or other lifting mechanism and an inner surface or edge 106 of the lifting opening 104. An increased contact area is advantageous, since it leads to a reduction of the corresponding contact pressure.

[0124] As can be seen, e.g., in FIG. 1b, the thickness t of the frame wall section 100 increases with decreasing distance to the holding opening axis x1 in at least one step, for example in one step from a first thickness t1 to a second thickness t2. The second thickness t2 may be larger than twice the first thickness t1 and may be up to three times the first thickness t1 or more. The second thickness t2 may be smaller or equal to four times the first thickness t1. For example, the second thickness t2 may be smaller or equal to three times the first thickness t1.

[0125] The first thickness t1 may be between 8 mm and 30 mm, for example between 12 mm and 15 mm. The second thickness t2 may be for example between 30 mm and 70 mm

[0126] A diameter D of the lifting opening 104 may be greater than or equal to twice the second thickness t2. The diameter D may be smaller than or equal to five times the second thickness t2.

[0127] The thickness t of the frame wall section 100 surrounding the lifting opening 104 may increase at least substantially symmetrically with respect to the plane P, i.e. to both sides of the frame wall section 100. Further, the thickness t may show a rotational symmetry with respect to the lifting opening axis x1.

[0128] The thickness t of the frame wall section 100 may be at least substantially constant outside a circular cylinder which is symmetrical with respect to the lifting opening axis x1, wherein the circular cylinder has a radius which equals the diameter D of the lifting opening.

[0129] The frame wall section 100 may extend radially beyond a further circular cylinder which is symmetrical with respect to the lifting opening axis x1, wherein the further circular cylinder has a radius which equals twice the diameter of the lifting opening.

[0130] The frame wall section 100 may comprise a tube member 124, having a longitudinal axis that is oriented substantially parallel to or that substantially coincides with the lifting opening axis x1. This allows a facilitated manufacturing and a high form stability. The edge 106 of the lifting opening 104 may be formed by the tube member 124. The lifting opening 104 may be surrounded by and defined by the tube member 124. The tube member 124 may be a component attached to a residual portion of the frame wall section 100. For example, the tube member 124 may be fixed to the residual portion by a welding connection 102. The tube member 124 constitutes said area of increased thickness t2 of the frame wall section 100. The axial length L of the tube member 124 along axis x1 may be two to three times the thickness t of the frame wall section 100. The length L of the tube member 124 may essentially equal the second thickness. For example, the length L may be between 90% and 110% of the second thickness t2. The length L may be less than or equal to three times the first thickness t1.

[0131] The tube member 124 and/or the residual portion of the frame wall section 100 may be made of a metal material, such as stainless steel. This facilitates manufacturing further. The tube member 124 may be made of the same material as the residual portion of the frame wall section.

[0132] The residual portion of the frame wall section 100 may have a constant thickness that equals the first thickness t1.

[0133] The tube member 124 may have a wall thickness w between 0.05 D and 0.5 D, for example between 0.1 D and 0.2 D.

[0134] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lifting frame. FIG. 3 is a side view, FIG. 4 a plan view, and FIG. 5 a front view of the lifting frame.

[0135] The lifting frame comprises a first elongate part 2 extending along a first elongate part axis A1. The frame wall section 100 forms part of the first elongate part 2, and the lifting opening 104 is a first lifting opening 4.

[0136] The first elongate part 2 further comprises a second lifting opening 6, wherein, as measured along the first elongate part axis A1, the second lifting opening 6 is positioned by a first distance dl to the first lifting opening 4. The second lifting opening 6 may be constructed analog to the first lifting opening 4.

[0137] The first elongate part 2 further comprises a first fastening opening 8. The first fastening opening 8 is designed as a point of attachment for a bearing part of the transformer or the reactor or for a bearing part carrying the transformer or reactor, e.g., in the form of a tie-rod.

[0138] The first fastening opening 8 is arranged such that it intersects a first plane N1, the first plane N1 being normal to the first elongate part axis A1, wherein the lifting opening axis x1 lays in the first plane N1.

[0139] Further, the lifting frame comprises a second elongate part 12, extending along a second elongate part axis A2 parallel to the first elongate part axis A1. The second elongate part 12 may be constructed identical to the first elongate part 2. The second elongate part 12 comprises a third lifting opening 14 and a fourth lifting opening 16. All lifting openings of the lifting frame may be designed analogously or substantially identical. All lifting openings may be arranged substantially symmetrically.

[0140] The third lifting opening 14 is formed such that it intersects the first plane N1. The fourth lifting opening 16 is formed such that it intersects a second plane N2 that is normal to the second elongate part axis A2, wherein a second lifting opening axis x2 of the second lifting opening 6 lies within the second plane N2.

[0141] The first elongate part 2 may further comprise a second fastening opening 82, with a second fastening opening axis laying in the second plane N2.

[0142] The second elongate part 12 may further comprises a third fastening opening 84 and a fourth fastening opening 86, with a third fasting opening axis laying within the first plane N1 and a fourth fastening opening axis laying in the second plane N2. The first elongate part 2 and the second elongate part 12 may be constructed analogously or identical.

[0143] The lifting frame may further comprise a first spacer part 20 arranged between the first elongate part 2 and the second elongate part 12 for providing a second distance d2 between the first elongate part 2 and the second elongate part 12. The first spacer part 20 may be positioned such that it intersects the first normal plane.

[0144] The first spacer part 20 may comprise a profile having a C-shape or a U-shape or an L-shaped cross-section. The first spacer part 20 may comprise at least one aperture 22, for example — as sketched — two apertures 22. The first spacer part may be a profile having an axis oriented parallel to or laying within the first plane N1.

[0145] The lifting frame may further comprise a second spacer part 26, arranged between the first elongate part 2 and the second elongate part 12 for providing the second distance d2 between the first elongate part 2 and the second elongate part 12, wherein the second spacer part 26 is positioned such that it intersects the second normal plane N2.

[0146] The second spacer part 26 may be constructed analogously to or identical to the first spacer part 20.

[0147] Further, the first elongate part 2 and/or the second elongate part 12 may be profiles, each having an L-shape cross-section, as sketched exemplarily in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the profile shows a first limb 30 and a second limb 32.

[0148] The lifting openings may be provided in the first limb 30, and the fastening openings may be provided in the second limb 32.

[0149] The lifting frame may further comprise at least one rib 28 for reinforcing the profile of the first elongate part 2 and/or the second elongate part 12. The rib 28 extends between the first limb 30 of the second limb 32. The at least one rib 28 may extend in a plane parallel to the first plane.

[0150] The at least one rib 28 may be positioned, as measured along the first elongate part axis A1, by a third distance d3 to the first plane N1, wherein the third distance d3 is one to twice the diameter D of the first lifting opening 104. Further corresponding ribs may be provided analogously vis-á-vis each of the other lifting and fastening openings.

[0151] The lifting frame may further comprise at least one further rib for reinforcing the profile of the first elongate part 2 and/or the second elongate part 12, wherein the at least one further rib extends between the first limb 30 of the L-shape profile and the second limb 32 of the L-shape profile, wherein the at least one rib 28 and the at least one further rib are positioned with respect to the first plane N1 on opposite sides. The at least one rib 28 and the at least one further rib may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the first plane N1. The at least one further rib may be constructed analogously to or identical to the at least one rib 28.

[0152] The first elongate part 2 may further include a recess 34 positioned, seen along the first elongate part axis A1, between the first lifting opening 4 and the second lifting opening 6.

[0153] At least one of, for example each of the first elongate part 2, the second elongate part 12, the first spacer part 20, the second spacer part 26, the at least one rib 28, and the at least one further rib may comprise or consist of metal.

[0154] While the present disclosure has been described in detail in the drawings and forgoing description, such description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain elements or steps are recited in distinct claims does not indicate that a combination of these elements or steps cannot be used to advantage, specifically, in addition to the actual claim dependency, any further meaningful claim combination shall be considered disclosed.