Lifting device with an adjustable carriage

Abstract

The lifting device according to the invention comprises a carriage (16) and a lifting unit (17), which are connected to each other by means of linear guides (29, 30). The carriage (16) comprises two side parts (19, 20) that can be adjusted in view of their distance relative to each other by means of a distance adjustment device (36). In doing so, they are centered by means of a centering device (45) with respect to the lifting unit (17), in particular with respect to the pulling means originating from the lifting unit (17).

Claims

1. Lifting device (11) comprising, a carriage (16) comprising two lateral side parts (19, 20), each with at least one running wheel (21 - 24) configured for running on an upper side of a lower flange (14) of a vertical bar (15), the lower flange (14) having a predetermined width, a lifting unit (17) bearing a pulling means (18) that is height-adjustable for receiving loads, the lifting unit (17) comprising a pair of oppositely disposed linear guide arrangements (29, 30), the two lateral side parts (19, 20) of the carriage (16) are each respectively operatively connected to one of the linear guide arrangements (29, 30) of the lifting unit (17) in a bearing manner, the carriage (16) further comprises a distance adjustment device (36) configured to adjust the distance of the two lateral side parts (19, 20) from one another and a centering device (45) configured to produce equally large, oppositely directed adjustment movements of the two lateral side parts (19, 20), relative to the predetermined width of the lower flange (14) and to center the pulling means (18) with respect to the predetermined width of the lower flange (14).

2. Lifting device as in claim 1, characterized in that the carriage (16) comprises at least one travel drive (25) that is connected in a driving manner to at least one of the wheels (24).

3. Lifting arrangement as in claim 1, characterized in that the side parts (19, 20) are bent sheet metal parts.

4. Lifting arrangement as in claim 1, characterized in that the lifting unit (17) comprises a housing (28) on which is provided a console (31) that is associated with the linear guide arrangement (30).

5. Lifting device as in claim 4, characterized in that a rail (33), made of steel, is provided on the console (31).

6. Lifting device as in claim 4, characterized in that the lifting unit (11) comprises a housing (28) that is provided with a groove (32) that belongs to the linear guide arrangement (30).

7. Lifting device as in claim 4, characterized in that at least one hook-type extension(34) is provided on each side part (19, 20), said hook-type extension extending under the console (31) in order to support the lifting unit (17).

8. Lifting device as in claim 7, characterized in that the extension (34) can be moved along the console (31).

9. Lifting device as in claim 1, characterized in that a centering device (45) is connected to the lifting unit (17).

10. Lifting device as in claim 9, characterized in that the centering device (45) is configured so as to be a component of a distance adjustment device (36).

11. Lifting device as in claim 10, characterized in that the distance adjustment device (36) comprises a threaded spindle (37) having at least one thread (38).

12. Lifting device as in claim 11, characterized in that the threaded spindle (37) is in engagement with a threaded bushing (41a) that is rigidly connected to one of the side parts (19, 20).

13. Lifting device as in claim 10, characterized in that the distance adjustment device (36) comprises a threaded spindle (37) with a right-hand thread (38) and a left-hand thread (39), wherein the right-hand thread (38) is in engagement with a thread (40) associated with one of the side parts (20), whereas the left-hand thread (39) is in engagement with a thread (41) associated with the other side jaw (19).

14. Lifting device as in claim 13, characterized in that the threaded spindle (37) is axially rigidly connected to the lifting unit (17).

15. Lifting device as in claim 10, characterized in that the distance adjustment device (36) comprises a threaded spindle (37) that is axially rigidly connected to one of the side parts (19, 20).

Description

IN THE DRAWINGS

(1) The drawings show in

(2) FIG. 1 a perspective, schematic representation of a lifting device on a running rail;

(3) FIG. 2 a simplified plan view of the lifting device as in claim 1;

(4) FIG. 3 a perspective view of a detail of a side jaw, with the threaded spindle;

(5) FIG. 4 a detail of a perspective representation of the lifting unit and a side jaw of the carriage of the lifting device;

(6) FIG. 5 a detail of a sectional representation of the lifting unit and the carriage as in FIGS. 1 and 4;

(7) FIG. 6 a detail of FIG. 5;

(8) FIGS. 7 and 8 different embodiments of the detail in accordance with FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 9 a schematized plan view of a modified embodiment of a lifting device in accordance with the invention;

(10) FIG. 10 a detail of a sectional representation of a modified embodiment of a side part and a housing;

(11) FIG. 11 a vertical sectional view of the side part as in FIG. 10;

(12) FIG. 12 a perspective view of a detail of a modified embodiment of a lifting device;

(13) FIG. 13 a perspective view of a detail of another modified embodiment of a lifting device; and

(14) FIG. 14 a sectional view of the lifting device as in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(15) FIG. 1 shows a crane rail 10 comprising a lifting device 11 that can be moved thereon. The lifting device 11 is disposed for lifting and moving not specifically shown loads. FIG. 1 shows a hook 12 provided therefor.

(16) A cane rail 10 comprises an upper and a lower flange 13, 14 that are connected to each other by means of a vertical bar 15. The latter defines a vertical longitudinal center plane. The crane rail 10 has a given width that is defined by the width of the lower flange 14. The lifting device 11 can be adapted to crane rails having flanges 14 of different widths. For this purpose, the lifting device comprises a correspondingly adjustable carriage 16 that carries the lifting unit 17. The lifting unit 17 carries the hook 12 by means of a chain 18 or another pulling means such as, for example, a rope, a belt or the like.

(17) FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the lifting device 11. The carriage 16 comprises two lateral parts 19, 20 that are preferably arranged parallel to one another at an adjustable distance. Each of the lateral parts 19, 20 supports at least one, preferably two, running wheels 21, 22, 23, 24, these being rotatably supported on the lateral parts 19, 20. They are disposed to run on the upper side of the flange 14.

(18) At least one of the running wheels 21-24, in the present exemplary embodiment running wheel 24, is connected to a travel drive 25. This drive comprises, e.g., a motor control gear unit that can be appropriately remote-controlled in order to effect a targeted travel motion of the lifting device 11 on the crane rail 10. The travel drive 25 can act, for example, via not further illustrated cogged wheels on additional wheels of the same side part 20, i.e., preferably wheel 23. The running wheels 21, 22 follow without being driven. However, it is possible to also assign drives to these running wheels 21, 22.

(19) The load is lifted by a lifting drive 26 that acts, for example, on a chain sprocket 27 indicated in FIG. 5. The lifting drive 26 is preferably flanged to a lateral front surface of the lifting unit 17.

(20) The lifting unit 17 comprises a housing 28 or another base support that, one the one hand, supports the lifting drive 26 and, on the other hand, supports the chain sprocket 27, a rope drum or the like. The housing 28 may consist, for example, of one center part 28a and two side closures 28b, 28c (FIG. 4), that are flanged to the center part 28a on the front side. The drive with the chain sprocket and the flange-connected motor are arranged on the center part 28a. Preferably (but not necessarily), the side closures 28b, 28c have the shape of a cup or also of a profile tube and accommodate the motor and the drive as well as, optionally, a control. The housing 28 is connected by at least one, preferably two, linear guides 29, 30 to the carriage 16. The linear guides 29, 30 are arranged on sides of the housing 28, said sides facing away from each other and being symmetrical with respect to each other. Therefore, the description of the linear guide 30 hereinafter applies, correspondingly, to the linear guide 29.

(21) As is obvious in particular from FIG. 4, the linear guide 30 comprises a console 31 that is obvious from FIGS. 5 and 6, said console extending as a horizontally extending rib with, e.g., a horizontal lower surface, from the housing wall of the housing 28. The console 31 may also be a part of the limitation of a groove 32 that extends below the console 31 horizontally over the vertical front wall or rear wall of the housing 28. The console 31 and/or the groove 32 may extend over the center part and the side closures of the housing 28.

(22) Preferably, the console 31 is armored. If the housing 28 consists of aluminum, this may be accomplished with a bar 33 consisting of, e.g., steel (e.g., a smooth-drawn or also a ground and polished metal sheet), said bar being placed in the groove 32 or under the console 31. The rail 33 may be a flat rail, an angled rail, have a round profile, or be otherwise configured to fit the purpose.

(23) Furthermore, the linear guide 30 comprises a hook-type extension 34 that extends downward from an angled wall 35 (FIG. 4) of the side part 19. The hook-type extension 34 extends under the console 31, as is particularly obvious from FIG. 6. If necessary, the extension 34 can be stationarily secured with a clamping piece 34a. The clamping piece may have the shape of a wedge and be held with corresponding, not specifically illustrated, mounting means such as screws, bolts, clamping jaws or the like, in the groove 32. Alternatively, the console, e.g., may have a series of threaded bores that are associated with clamping screws for fastening the extension 34. Alternative clamping options for the potentially needed fixation and release of the linear guide arrangement 30 are possible. It is also possible for the extensions to extend under the housing and thus make the console 31 superfluous. Also in this case, linear guiding is achieved by the movability of the extensions along the housing 28.

(24) The side part 19 has also such an extension 34 on the opposite side for the linear guide 29. Furthermore, the side parts 19, 20 are configured so as to be symmetrical to one another, so that the description for the side part 19 applies, correspondingly, to the side part 20 and its extensions.

(25) FIG. 2 shows a distance adjustment device 36 which can be used to adjust the side parts 19 and 20 toward and away from one another. The distance adjustment device 36 comprises a threaded spindle 37 having, on its one end, a right-hand thread 38 and, on its other end, a left-hand thread 39. The right-hand thread 38 is screwed into a corresponding threaded opening 40 that is provided on the right side part 20, e.g., configured as a bushing. The left-hand thread 39 is screwed to a threaded opening 41 that is provided on the side part 19 or on a bushing 41a connected therewith. The bushing 41a is welded or otherwise connected to the side part 20. Preferably, its length exceeds its diameter. Preferably, the length is at least twice or three times the internal diameter. As a result of this, the threaded spindle guides the side parts in parallel. The front-side end of the threaded spindle 27 may have a coupling opening 43 where a tool can be attached, for example, a hexagon wrench. Furthermore, one or more counternuts 44 may be seated on the threaded spindle 37 in order to optionally secure the threaded spindle 37 in a torque-proof manner.

(26) Furthermore, the carriage 16 comprises a centering device 45 that is shown in an exemplary manner by FIG. 2. In this simple exemplary embodiment, the centering device 45 consists of a collar or of a radial flange 46 that is seated on the threaded spindle 37 so that it cannot be axially shifted. The radial flange 46 engages in a recess 47 that is provided in a housing projection 48 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The housing projection 48 can be located centered on the upper side of the housing 28.

(27) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the radial flange 46 is configured so as to be centered on the threaded spindle 37 and fixes the threaded spindle 37 to the housing 28, i.e., rotatably, yet immovably in axial direction. Instead of the presented solution, it is also possible to provide other fixation options, for example, a roller bearing of the threaded spindle 37 on the housing 28. In addition, the fixation need not necessarily be centric. It may just as well be provided on one end of the threaded spindle 37. Essential is that an axial adjustment of the threaded spindle 37 relative to the housing 28 is prevented.

(28) The adjustment of the track width is accomplished by rotating the threaded spindle 37. As a result of this, the side parts 19, 20 are moved toward one another and away from another. With reference to the housing projection 48, the stroke width of the right and the left housing parts 19, 20 is uniform. This is because the pitches of the threads 38, 39 are the same but have reversed signs.

(29) Due to the axial fixation of the threaded spindle 37, the lifting unit 17 remains centered with respect to the running rail 10. The chain 18 does not move out of the plane prespecified by the bar 15.

(30) If the carriage 16 is set to the desired track width, the threaded spindle 37 can be secured with the counternut 44 and, optionally, additional counternuts. In addition, the extensions 34 can be stationarily secured by clamping pieces 34a or by other means.

(31) Several modifications are possible on the presented lifting device 11. FIG. 7, for example, shows a housing 28 that comprises, instead of a groove, only the console 31, in which case the extension 34 extends under said console. FIG. 8 shows an example clarifying the circumstance that the underside of the console 31 need not necessarily be flat or planar. Optionally, the groove 32 may also comprise an undercut. This measure holds the extension 34 in a particularly secure manner in the groove 32.

(32) Whereas, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, the centering device 45 and the distance adjustment device 36 were configured as the threaded spindle 37 provided with the radial flange 46 on one and the same machine part, it is also possible to separate these functions. FIG. 9 shows such an exemplary embodiment. Again, a threaded spindle 37 is provided which, however in this case, has the right-hand thread 38 only on its right end. The left end is rotationally held in axial direction in a bearing 49, said bearing being provided on the side part 19.

(33) For centering, the centering device 45 in this case is represented by a lever mechanism. A groove 50 extending along the upper side is provided on the housing 28. The groove 50 is oriented tansversely to the threaded spindle 37. The longitudinal direction of the groove 50 matches the traveling direction prespecified by the running wheels 21-24.

(34) One or two sliding blocks 51, 52 move in the groove 50. The sliding block 51 is hinged, via two pivot arms 53, 54, to the side parts 19, 20 provided on the plates 55, 56. Also, the sliding block 52 is connected to the plates 55, 56 via the pivot arms 57, 58. If the side parts 19, 20 are adjusted toward each other or away from each other by actuating the threaded spindle 37, i.e., by targeted rotation of said spindle, the sliding blocks 51, 52 are shifted toward one another or away from one another in the groove 50. In doing so, they keep the side parts 19, 20 at the same distance from the center groove via the pivot arms 53, 54 and 57, 58, respectively.

(35) Instead of the shown threaded spindle 37 that bears only the right-hand thread 38, it is also possible to use a threaded rod with a uniform thread, said rod extending through the holes of the side parts 19, 20. The side parts 19, 20 can then be secured to the threaded spindle by means of nuts and thus maintained at the desired distance. It is also possible to use a threaded spindle 37 with a right-hand thread 38 and a left-hand thread 39, as has been previously described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 8. However, this threaded spindle is then not axially fastened to the housing 28. Centering is achieved via the separate centering device 45. The spindle 37 acts only as the distance adjustment device.

(36) FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematized illustrations of an alternative embodiment of the side part 19 and the housing 28. Accordingly, the side part 20 is configured so as to be mirror-symmetrical to the side part 19. The side part 19, in turn, has the projection 34 that is angled on the underside and thus has a slightly ascending section. The latter also extends into the slightly ascending groove 32. For firmly holding the lateral part 19 in a desired sliding position, a suitable clamping means may be provided. Preferably, the clamping means acts from the top on the console 31; consequently the console 31 is tensioned between the angled extension and the clamping means. The clamping means may be an eccentric 59, for example, said eccentric being supported by the bolt 60 extending through the side part 19. The bolt 60 may be secured against rotation by a counternut 61. The counternut 61 is screwed onto the bolt, tensioning said bolt relative to the side part 19.

(37) By targeted rotation of the bolt 61, the eccentric 59 that is connected to the bolt 60 can be firmly non-rotationally tensioned or released relative to the console 31.

(38) FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the side part 19 (and correspondingly specularly reversed side part 20) and the housing 28. As already mentioned, the latter may comprise one or more parts. Referring to the description hereinabove, the already introduced reference signs apply correspondingly. The following applies in addition: The extension 34 is provided with a finger 62. This finger extends downward over the groove 32 and over a second groove 63 that is arranged parallel to the first groove 32. Preferably, the groove 63 is configured as an undercut groove 63. Not specifically illustrated sliding blocks with one threaded bore, respectively, or also other fastening or anchoring means may be arranged in the groove 63. Such sliding blocks are arranged in the groove 63 so that they are preferably easily slidable.

(39) The finger 62 has on its lower end, for example, a bore 64 in alignment with the groove 63. A screw can be screwed through this bore into the threaded bore of the sliding block. When this screw is tightened, the slightly elastic finger 62 is pressed against the housing. The screw and the finger 62 secure the side part 19 (20) immovably and tightly on the housing 28. After releasing the screw, the side part can be adjusted along the grooves 32, 63 by actuating the distance adjustment device 36 that may be provided in one of the previously described embodiments.

(40) FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate another embodiment of the lifting device 11. To the extent that the structural and functional features are the same as in the aforementioned embodiments, the introduced reference signs are used in the same manner. The previous description applies, especially in view of all of the embodiment options and alternatives, in particular with respect to the distance adjustment device 36.

(41) The modification of the lifting device 11 according to FIGS. 13 and 14 consists in the embodiment of the rail 33. This rail is configured as a hooked rail 33a, 33b or also as a z-rail. Its length corresponds to the respective length of the housing. In cross-section, it is z-shaped or hook-shaped. One lower leg of said rail extends under the console 31. Its upper leg is seated on the extension 34. In this manner, a stable design with a large-area load-introduction into the housing 28 is ensured. The hook rail 33a, 33b is preferably made of steel. It may be provided as a milled component or as a bent sheet metal component. It represents a holding profile that is securely seated in the console 31. Preferably, the upper part forms a hook head 33c that is horizontally offset relative to a lower hook foot 33d. In so doing, the extension 34 can be located vertically exactly above the console 31. The hook rail 33a, 33b is thus torque-free and transmits only pulling forces. However, it may also be desirable and useful to provide a horizontal offset between the hook head 33c and the hook foot 33d. In this manner, the introduction of force into the console can be optimized.

(42) The lifting device 11 according to the invention comprises a carriage 16 and a lifting unit 17, which are connected to each other by means of linear guides 29, 30. The carriage 16 comprises two side parts 19, 20 that can be adjusted in view of their distance relative to each other by means of a distance adjustment device 36. In doing so, they are centered by means of a centering device 45 with respect to the lifting unit 17, in particular with respect to the pulling means originating from the lifting unit 17.

(43) The above detailed description of the present invention is given for explanatory purposes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the whole of the foregoing description is to be construed in an illustrative and not a limitative sense, the scope of the invention being defined solely by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(44) 10 Crane rail 11 Lifting device 12 Hook 13 Upper flange of the crane rail 10 14 Lower flange of the crane rail 10 15 Center bar 16 Carriage 17 Lifting unit 18 Chain 19 Left side part 20 Right side part 21-24 Running wheels 25 Travel drive 26 Lifting drive 27 Chain sprocket 28 Housing 29, 30 Linear guide 31 Console 32 Groove 33 Rail 33a, 33b Hook rail 34, 34 Extension 34a Clamping piece 35 Wall 36 Distance adjustment device 37 Threaded spindle 38 Right-hand thread 39 Left-hand thread 40 Threaded opening with right-hand thread 41 Threaded opening with left-hand thread 41a Bushing 42 End 43 Coupling opening 44 Counternut 45 Centering device 46 Radial flange 47 Recess 48 Housing projection 49 Bearing arrangement 50 Groove 51, 52 Sliding block 53, 54 Pivot arm 55, 56 Plates 57, 58 Pivot arm 59 Eccentric 60 Bolt 61 Nut 62 Finger 63 Groove 64 Bore