AU2019229452A1

AU2019229452A1 - Machine Stand and Method of Supporting a Machine using a Stand

Info

Publication number: AU2019229452A1
Application number: AU2019229452A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Elbourn
Original assignee: Drill Bourn Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Drill-Bourn Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-06
Filing date: 2019-09-13
Publication date: 2020-03-26
Also published as: AU2019101829B4; AU2019101829A4; AU2022212857A1; AU2021105223A4; AU2021105223B4

Abstract

-13 Abstract In an aspect, there is disclosed a stand (10) for fitting with ajack tube (12) of a machine. The machine may be, but not limited to a tracked mining machine. The jack tube (12) may form part of a hydraulic jack assembly (13). The support stand (10) includes a body assembly (20) adapted to form a collar (22) in a fitted condition concentrically along at least of part of the jack tube 12. The collar (22) has an upper end (24) and a lower end (26) that are engageable with one or both of the jack tube (12) and machine so as to maintain the jack tube (12) in an extended condition. A related system and method are also disclosed. FiuO 2F Lg Figure 1 Figure 2 Fvue Figure 5

Description

Machine Stand and Method of Supporting a Machine using a Stand

Technical Field [001] The invention relates to a machine stand and a method of supporting a machine using a stand. More specifically, the invention relates to a support stand for hydraulic jacks of a machine and a method of fitting such a support stand to hydraulic jacks of machines.

Background [002] Machines such as those used in mining may include ground engaging hydraulic jacks that are hydraulically actuated to elevate, stabilise and level the machine in use. These hydraulic jacks typically include a ground engaging foot and a hydraulic cylinder that extends between the foot and a body of the machine. Such hydraulic jacks are also useful in servicing. For example, a machine may include tracks that are required to be maintained or removed and the hydraulic jacks may be used to elevate the machine to access the tracks.

[003] A problem with such hydraulic jacks is that the hydraulic cylinder may lose pressure, such as during servicing, and the supports may unexpectedly retract which may be undesirable and present a safety hazard.

[004] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary [005] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a support stand for fitting with a jack tube of a machine, the support stand including a body assembly adapted to form a collar in a fitted condition concentrically along at least part of jack tube, the collar having an upper end and a lower end that are engageable with one or both of the jack tube and machine so as to maintain the jack tube in an extended condition.

-22019229452 13 Sep 2019 [006] In an aspect, the body assembly includes a first section and a second section that are coupled together in the fitted condition to form the collar.

[007] In another aspect, the first section includes a first half cylinder and the second section includes a second half cylinder, wherein the first and second half cylinders are coupled by a hinge.

[008] In yet another aspect, the first section includes a first half cylinder and the second section includes a second half cylinder, wherein the first and second half cylinders are coupled by a hinge at first corresponding meeting side edges and are coupled by a fastener at second corresponding meeting side edges.

[009] In yet another aspect, the hinge and fastener are releasable such that the first section and the second section are able to be decoupled.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the hinge includes a removeable hinge pin.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the removeable pin includes a retaining part to retain the removeable pin in a locked condition.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the removeable hinge pin and fastener are arranged perpendicular to one another.

[0013] In yet another aspect, each of the first and second half cylinders include fastener housings located at each of the second corresponding meeting side edges, the fastener housings being adapted to receive the fastener such that the fastener applies a clamping force thereto in the fitted condition.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the upper end and the lower end are adapted such that the support stand is stackable in a stacked condition with a likewise arranged further support stand.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the upper end includes a circular rib and the lower end includes a circular recess that are adapted to locate with one another in the stacked condition.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the upper end and the lower end each include flared rims.

-32019229452 13 Sep 2019 [0017] In yet another aspect, the upper end and the lower end each include flared rims, one or both of the flared rims including a notch to allow clearance to fit and remove the hinge pin.

[0018] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a support system for fitting with a jack tube of a machine, the system including a support stand as defined above and herein, and a locator secured to the foot adapted to locate the collar in the fitted condition.

[0019] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a system for fitting with a jack tube of a machine, the system including: a support stand having a body assembly adapted to form a collar in a fitted condition concentrically about at least part of the jack tube, the collar having an upper end and a lower end that are engageable between a foot of the jack tube and a shoulder of the jack tube, respectively; and a locator secured to a foot of the jack tube adapted to locate the lower end of the collar in the fitted condition.

[0020] In an aspect, the system further includes a friction part locatable in the fitted condition between the upper end of the collar and the shoulder of the jack tube.

[0021] In another aspect, the friction part is a friction disk having a cut therein to be fittable about the jack tube in the fitted condition.

[0022] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a method for supporting a jack tube of a machine using a support stand, the method including the steps of: Fitting a first section including a first half cylinder to the jack tube of the machine; Fitting a second section including a second half cylinder to the jack tube adjacent the first half cylinder; Coupling the first section and second section so as to form a collar about the jack tube so as to maintain the jack tube in an extended condition.

[0023] In an aspect, the step of coupling includes fitting a hinge pin at first corresponding meeting side edges of the first and second sections so as to hingedly couple the first and second sections.

-42019229452 13 Sep 2019 [0024] In another aspect, the step of coupling includes fitting fasteners at second corresponding meeting side edges of the first and second sections so as to clamp the collar.

Brief Description of the Figures [0025] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0026] Figure 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a support stand in a closed condition for fitting with a jack tube of a machine.

[0027] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the support stand in the closed condition;

[0028] Figure 3 is a top perspective view illustrating the support stand in an open condition;

[0029] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the support stand in an open condition;

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded parts view illustrating the support stand;

[0031] Figure 6a is a perspective side view illustrating an example of the jack tube;

[0032] Figure 6b is a first fitted view illustrating a first section or half of the support stand fitted to the jack tube of the machine;

[0033] Figure 7 is a second fitted view illustrating a second section or half of the support stand being coupled to the first section or half to form a collar about the jack tube of the machine in a fitted condition;

[0034] Figure 8 is a third fitted view illustrating a second section or half of the support stand being clamped to the first section or half to using collar bolts;

[0035] Figure 9 is a fourth fitted view illustrating a first section or half of a second

-52019229452 13 Sep 2019 support stand being fittedable atop the support stand;

[0036] Figure 10 is a fourth fitted view illustrating a second section or half of the second support stand being coupled to the first section of the second support stand;

[0037] Figure Ila and 11b are a detailed underside view illustrating a notch in the rim of the support stand to allow passage of the pins;

[0038] Figure 12a and 12b are a detailed topside view illustrating the second support stand fitted to the jack tube of the machine and showing a friction disk between the second support stand and shoulder.

[0039] Figure 13 is a part side perspective view illustrating a locator in the form of a shim secured to a foot of the jack tube of the machine; and [0040] Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of sizes of the support stands being seated on a transport frame.

Detailed Description [0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a support stand 10 for fitting with a jack tube 12 of a machine (not shown), the jack tube 12 of the machine being shown best in Figures 6a and 13. The machine may be, but not limited to a tracked mining machine. The jack tube 12 forms part of a hydraulic jack assembly 13 best shown in Figure 6a that may include an elongate extendable hydraulic jacking cylinder 16 within the jack tube 12 extending between a foot 18 and the machine. The machine may include several of the jack assemblies 13 to elevate and level the machine, in use.

[0042] It is noted that the jack tube 12 and elongate extendable hydraulic jacking cylinder 16 are separable parts and the hydraulic jacking cylinder 16 may be removeable from the jack tube 12 with the support stand 10 fitted to the jack tube 12.

[0043] The support stand 10 includes a body assembly 20 adapted to form a collar 22 in a fitted condition concentrically along at least of part of the jack tube 12. The collar 22 has an upper end 24 and a lower end 26 that are engageable with one or both of the

-62019229452 13 Sep 2019 jack tube 12 and the machine so as to maintain the jack tube 12 in an extended condition. In this example, the lower end 26 of the collar 22 engages with and seats on the foot 18 of the jack tube 12 and the upper end 24 engages with a shoulder 25 of the jack tube 12. Other arrangements are of course possible and contemplated herein. In the fitted condition, the collar 22 maintains an extend position of the jack tube 12.

[0044] In more detail, the body assembly 20 includes a first section 28 and a second section 30 that are couple together in the fitted condition to form the collar 22. The first section 28 includes a first half cylinder 32 and the second section 30 includes a second half cylinder 34. The first and second half cylinders 32, 34 are coupled by a hinge arrangement 36 at first corresponding meeting side edges 38, 39 and are coupled by a fastening arrangement 40 at second corresponding meeting side edges 42, 43.

[0045] In this example, the hinge arrangement 36 includes one or more vertical hinge housings 44, 45 at the first corresponding meeting side edges 38, 39 that are coupled by removable hinge pins 46. The hinge pins 46 may be secured with a locking part 47, shown in Figure 12b, in the form of a locking pin in a locked condition.

[0046] The fastening arrangement 40 including horizontal fastener housings 48, 49 that are located at the second corresponding meeting side edges 42, 43. Fasteners 50 in the form of bolts 52 are fitted to the horizontal fastener housings 48, 49 and tightened with nuts 53 to secure and apply and clamping force to the collar 22 in the fitted condition. It is noted that in the fitted condition the hinge pins 46 and fasteners 50 are perpendicular to one another.

[0047] The hinge pins 46 and fasteners 50 are fully removable from the respective first and second sections 28, 30 such that the first and second sections 28, 30 may be separately installed and handled as is further detailed below. The first and second sections 28, 30 may include one or more handles 54, 56 to assist with handling and installation.

[0048] The upper and lower ends 24, 26 each include respective upper and lower flared rims 58, 60 are adapted to allow for stacking of the support stand 10 with a likewise arranged further support stand in a stacked condition such as that shown in Figure 10. The lower flared rim 58 includes a circular recess 62 and the upper flared rim includes

-72019229452 13 Sep 2019 a circular rib 64 that locates with the circular recess 62 in the stacked condition. It is noted that the foot 18 of the jack tube 12 preferably includes a locator 65, shown in Figure 6a and best in Figure 13, in the form of circular foot rib or shim 66 that locates the lower one of the support stands 10. To provide clearance to remove the hinge pins 46, the upper and lower flared rims, 58, 60 include notches 68, 69 to allow clearance to fit and remove the hinge pins 46.

[0049] The support stand 10 may be provided as a system 100, as best shown in Figures 12a to 14, including one or more support stands 10, the locator 65 in the form of circular foot rib or shim 66 that is attached, such as by welding, to the foot 18 of the jack tube 12, and a friction part 70 locatable in the fitted condition between the upper end 24 of the collar 22 and the shoulder 25 or part of the machine on which the upper end 24 bears.

[0050] The friction part 60 may be a friction disk 72, formed of a plastic or rubber, having a cut therein to be fittable about the jack tube 12 in the fitted condition. The system 100 may further include a plurality of the support stands such as those shown in Figure 14 in a variety of sizes that are stackable if required and the plurality of the support stands may be storable in a storage rack 74.

[0051] Referring now more specifically to Figures 6b to 13, in use, a method for supporting a hydraulic jack of a machine using a support stand, may include: Fitting the first section 28 including a first half cylinder 32 to the jack tube 12 of the machine and then fitting the second section 30 including the second half cylinder 34 to the hydraulic jack 12 adjacent the first half cylinder 32. The first section 28 and second section 30 are then coupled using the hinge arrangement 36 with the hinge pins 46 being fitted and locked in place with the locking pins 47.

[0052] The first half cylinder 32 and second half cylinder 34 may then be hingedly moved together with the horizontal fastener housings 48, 49 aligned. The fasteners 50 in the form of bolts 52 may be fitted and tightened to form the collar 22 and secure the support stand 10 in the fitted condition. It is noted that the method may be repeated for a second one of the support stands, shown with a suffix “b” i.e 10b that is stacked on top of a lower one of the support stands.

-82019229452 13 Sep 2019 [0053] The method may further include fitted the locator 65 to the foot 18, and locating the lower end 26 of the collar 22 and/or each of the first half cylinder 32 and second half cylinder 34 with the locator 65. The friction part 60 in the form the friction disk 72 may also be fitted between the upper end 24 and the shoulder or part of the machine on which the upper end 24 bears.

[0054] The stand 10 may be formed of mainly metal components suitable to support a machine weights of about 40 tonnes.

[0055] Advantageously, there has been disclosed a support stand, system and method that allows ease and secure fitment to a jack tube to support the hydraulic jack arrangement in an extended condition and maintain the extended condition in the event the jack tube collapses or parts thereof need to be removed for maintenance or replacement. The support stands are able to be disassembled into sections for ease of manual handling and fitment, and are stackable to adapted to different height use scenarios. The hinge arrangement and fastener arrangement are suitable such that the support stand may support a machine weight of about 40 tonnes. However, the support stand may be adapted to support any suitable weight such as, but not limited to, between 20 to 60 tonnes.

[0056] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0057] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0058] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

-92019229452 13 Sep 2019 [0059] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A support stand for fitting with a jack tube of a machine, the support stand including a body assembly adapted to form a collar in a fitted condition concentrically along at least part of the jack tube, the collar having an upper end and a lower end that are engageable with one or both of the jack tube and the machine so as to maintain the jack tube in an extended condition.
2. The support according to claim 1, wherein the body assembly includes a first section and a second section that are coupled together in the fitted condition to form the collar.
3. The support stand according to claim 2, wherein the first section includes a first half cylinder and the second section includes a second half cylinder, wherein the first and second half cylinders are coupled by a hinge.
4. The support stand according to claim 2, wherein the first section includes a first half cylinder and the second section includes a second half cylinder, wherein the first and second half cylinders are coupled by a hinge at first corresponding meeting side edges and are coupled by a fastener at second corresponding meeting side edges.
5. The support stand according to claim 4, wherein the hinge and fastener are releasable such that the first section and the second section are able to be decoupled.
6. The support stand according to claim 4, wherein the hinge includes a removeable hinge pin.
7. The support stand according to claim 6, wherein the removeable pin includes a retaining part to retain the removeable pin in a locked condition.
8. The support stand according to claim 6, wherein the removeable hinge pin and fastener are arranged perpendicular to one another.
9. The support stand according to claim 4, wherein each of the first and second half cylinders include fastener housings located at each of the second corresponding

-112019229452 13 Sep 2019 meeting side edges, the fastener housings being adapted to receive the fastener such that the fastener applies a clamping force thereto in the fitted condition.
10. The support stand according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the upper end and the lower end are adapted such that the support stand is stackable in a stacked condition with a likewise arranged further support stand.
11. The support stand according to claim 10, wherein the upper end includes a circular rib and the lower end includes a circular recess that are adapted to locate with one another in the stacked condition.
12. The support stand according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the upper end and the lower end each include flared rims.
13. The support stand according to claim 6, wherein the upper end and the lower end each include flared rims, one or both of the flared rims including a notch to allow clearance to fit and remove the hinge pin.
14. A support system for fitting with a jack tube of a machine, the system including a support stand as defined in any one of claim 1 to 16, and a locator secured to the foot adapted to locate the collar in the fitted condition.
15. A system for fitting with a jack tube of a machine, the system including: a support stand having a body assembly adapted to form a collar in a fitted condition concentrically about at least part of the jack tube, the collar having an upper end and a lower end that are engageable between a foot of the jack tube and a shoulder of the jack tube, respectively; and a locator secured to a foot of the jack tube adapted to locate the lower end of the collar in the fitted condition.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the system further includes a friction part locatable in the fitted condition between the upper end of the collar and the shoulder of the jack tube.

-122019229452 13 Sep 2019
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the friction part is a friction disk having a cut therein to be fittable about the jack tube in the fitted condition.
18. A method for supporting a jack tube of a machine using a support stand, the method including the steps of:

a. Fitting a first section including a first half cylinder to the jack tube of the machine;

b. Fitting a second section including a second half cylinder to the hydraulic jack adjacent the first half cylinder;

c. Coupling the first section and second section so as to form a collar about the jack tube so as to maintain the jack tube in an extended condition.
19. The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of coupling includes fitting a hinge pin at first corresponding meeting side edges of the first and second sections so as to hingedly couple the first and second sections.
20. The method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the step of coupling includes fitting fasteners at second corresponding meeting side edges of the first and second sections so as to clamp the collar.