DK181612B1

DK181612B1 - Traverskran

Info

Publication number: DK181612B1
Application number: DKPA202200969A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Herskind Mathies; Christoffer Ørting Mads; Lolle Andreas; nielsen Steffen; Krogdal Nielsen Anders
Original assignee: Conhoist Aps
Priority date: 2022-10-26
Filing date: 2022-10-26
Publication date: 2024-06-27
Also published as: DK202200969A1; WO2024088487A1

Abstract

Overhead crane (2) comprising a bridge (4) moveably arranged between a first runway beam (6) and a second runway beam (8) is´disclosed. The bridge (4) is suspended in the first runway beam (6) by means of a first joint assembly (10) and to the second runway beam (8) by means of a second joint assembly (12). A hoist (14) is moveably attached to the bridge (4). The first joint assembly (10) and the second joint assembly (12) are configured to allow the bridge (4) to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. The first joint assembly (10) or the second joint assembly (12) is configured to be displaced (translated) along the longitudinal axis of the bridge (4).

Description

DK 181612 B1 1

Field of invention

The present invention relates to an overhead crane comprises a bridge moveably arranged attached to a first runway beam and a second runway beam.

Prior art

Overhead cranes are widely used in various permanent and temporary installations such as temporary roof coverings and scaffolding used for renovation and building projects. A typical overhead crane comprises a bridge moveably arranged between a first runway beam and a second runway beam. The bridge is suspended in the first runway beam by means of a first joint assembly and to the second runway beam by means of a second joint assembly in such a manner that the bridge extends perpendicular to the first runway beam and a second runway beam.

Accordingly, the bridge can be translated along the length of the runway beams.

In temporary installations, however, the first runway beam and the second runway beam are not always parallel because it is time consuming and challenging to ensure that first runway beam and the second runway beam are parallel. Accordingly, in temporary installations the non- parallelism of the first runway beam and the second runway beam is a major problem. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have an alternative solution.

WO2009065183A1 discloses a carriage for a bridge crane assembly. The carriage comprises a pair of spaced apart mounting plates, a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in a substantially vertical orientation to the mounting plates for longitudinal movement of the carriage along a respective guide track of the bridge crane assembly, an elongate member

DK 181612 B1 2 extending between the mounting plates and a displacement arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the elongate member. The displacement arm has at least one second end for pivotal connection to a bridge. The bridge comprising an attachment means for supporting a lifting device of the bridge crane assembly. This solution requires that the guide tracks are parallel.

Thus, there is a need for an overhead crane which reduces or even eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. It is an object of the invention to provide an overhead crane that solves the problem of having non-parallelism of the first runway beam and the second runway beam in temporary installations.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by an overhead crane as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The overhead crane according to the invention is an overhead crane comprising a bridge moveably attached to a first runway beam and a second runway beam, wherein the bridge is suspended in the first runway beam by means of a first joint assembly and to the second runway beam by means of a second joint assembly, wherein a hoist is moveably attached to the bridge, wherein the first joint assembly is configured to allow the bridge to rotate about a first vertical axis of rotation, wherein the second joint assembly is configured to allow the bridge to rotate about a second vertical axis of rotation, wherein the first joint assembly or the second joint assembly is configured to be displaced (translated) along the longitudinal axis of the bridge.

Hereby it is possible to provide an overhead crane that solves the problem of having non-parallelism of the first runway beam and the second

DK 181612 B1 3 runway beam in temporary installations.

The overhead crane allows the first runway beam to be angled relative to the second runway beam in such a manner that the first runway beam and the second runway beam are not parallel.

The overhead crane is suitable for being used in temporary installations.

The overhead crane comprises a bridge moveably attached to a first runway beam and a second runway beam. In an embodiment, the overhead crane comprising a bridge moveably arranged between a first runway beam and a second runway beam. In an embodiment, the bridge is constructed as a truss structure to provide a low weight construction.

The bridge is suspended in the first runway beam by means of a first joint assembly and to the second runway beam by means of a second joint assembly. Accordingly, the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly are configured to allow the bridge to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation, wherein the first joint assembly or the second joint assembly is configured to be displaced (translated) along the longitudinal axis of the bridge.

The first joint assembly is configured to allow the bridge to rotate about a first vertical axis of rotation. The second joint assembly is configured to allow the bridge to rotate about a second vertical axis of rotation.

Moreover, the first joint assembly or the second joint assembly is configured to be displaced (translated) along the longitudinal axis of the bridge. Hereby, the bridge can be rotated relative to the first runway beam by means of the first joint assembly and to the second runway beam by means of the second joint assembly. Since the first joint assembly or the second joint assembly is configured to be displaced (translated) along the longitudinal axis of the bridge, it is possible to

DK 181612 B1 4 move the bridge along the length of the first runway beam and the second runway beam even when the first runway beam and the second runway beam are not parallel.

In an embodiment, the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly are configured to allow the bridge to be rotated about its longitudinal axis. This is a major advantage, especially if the bridge is made as a truss construction. A truss construction is typically not designed to withstand large torsional forces. Therefore, by letting the bridge to be rotated about its longitudinal axis, large torsional forces can be avoided.

In an embodiment, the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly are configured to allow the bridge to be rotated about a horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bridge.

Hereby, it is possible to arrange the first runway beam and the second runway beam in different vertical positions. Accordingly, it is possible to apply the bridge even if it is not horizontal.

In addition, the assembly process of the bridge can be eased. Typically, one will initially assemble the bridge along its entire length. Hereafter, the bridge needs to be elevated and clicked into the couplings at the trolleys. If the first and second joint assembly were not used, one would need to elevate the entire bridge while extending perfectly horizontally and click it into the couplings. If the bridge did not extend perfectly horizontally, the bridge would twist in one of the couplings.

In an embodiment, the hoist is battery driven. Hereby, wires can be avoided. Accordingly, it is possibly to provide a simpler construction.

In an embodiment, a first trolley is moveable arranged at the first runway beam and a second trolley is moveable arranged at the second runway

DK 181612 B1 beam, wherein at least one of the trolleys comprises a sensor arranged and configured to measure the angle between the longitudinal axis of the bridge and the longitudinal axis of the adjacent runway beam. 5 In an embodiment, the first trolley comprises a sensor arranged and configured to measure the angle between the longitudinal axis of the bridge and the longitudinal axis of the adjacent runway beam.

In an embodiment, the second trolley comprises a sensor arranged and configured to measure the angle between the longitudinal axis of the bridge and the longitudinal axis of the adjacent runway beam.

In an embodiment, both the first trolley and the second trolley comprise a sensor arranged and configured to measure the angle between the longitudinal axis of the bridge and the longitudinal axis of the adjacent runway beam.

The trolleys are cable to move along the length of the runway beam, to which the trolleys are connected. Each trolley comprises an electric motor.

In an embodiment, the activity of the motor of the trolley is controlled on the basis of the angle detected by the sensor arranged and configured to measure the angle between the longitudinal axis of the bridge and the longitudinal axis of the adjacent runway beam.

In an embodiment, the one or more motors are controlled by using a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller), wherein the

PID controller is a control loop mechanism employing feedback and continuously calculates an error value as the difference between a desired setpoint and a measured process variable. The PID controller applies a correction based on proportional, integral, and derivative terms,

DK 181612 B1 6 respectively.

In an embodiment, the overhead crane comprises a curved section configured to be connected to and hereby extending between the first runway beam and the second runway beam, wherein the hoist is arranged in an arrangement allowing the hoist to be moved along the curved section. In this embodiment, the configuration of the overhead crane is a curve configuration.

In an embodiment, the hoist is configured to be suspended in two trolleys that are moveably attached to the curved section. Hereby, the trolleys can move the hoist long the curve because of their degree of freedom of rotation. In an embodiment, each trolley comprises an angle sensor suitable for detecting when the overhead crane is a "curve configuration” (driving through a curve). Hereby, it is possible to adjust the speed (decrease the speed) when driving through a curve to avoid heavily swinging loads.

In an embodiment, the overhead crane comprises a docking station that is configured to charge the battery of the hoist, wherein the hoist is configured to detect when capacity of its battery is within a predefined range, wherein the hoist is configured to automatically move the hoist into a position, in which the hoist is electrically connected to the docking station when capacity of its battery is no longer within the predefined range.

In an embodiment, the hoist is magnetically connected to the docking station. This solution enables inductive charging of the battery of the hoist.

In an embodiment, the hoist is configured to automatically move to the docking station and charge after 5 minutes of inactivity.

DK 181612 B1 7

In an embodiment, the hoist is configured to automatically move to the docking station and charge after 10 minutes of inactivity.

In an embodiment, the hoist is configured to automatically move to the docking station and charge after 15 minutes of inactivity.

In an embodiment, the hoist is configured to automatically move to the docking station and charge after 20 minutes of inactivity.

In an embodiment, the hoist is configured to automatically move to the docking station and charge at a preset time.

In an embodiment, the overhead crane comprises a rotary bridge connection arranged and configured to allow the bridge to rotate about a vertical axis and hereby change the angle between the runway beam and the bridge.

In an embodiment, the overhead crane comprises a wire angle sensor arranged on a rope member and being configured to measure the angle of the rope member relative to vertical, wherein the overhead crane is configured to determine the position of a load on the basis of the angle of the rope member (e.g. wire) relative to vertical and the lifting height determined by a winch of the hoist.

In an embodiment, the overhead crane comprises a wire angle sensor arranged on a rope member and being configured to measure the angles of the rope member relative to two horizontal and perpendicular axes, wherein the overhead crane is configured to determine the position of a load on the basis of the angles of the rope member (e.g. wire) relative to said two axes and the lifting height determined by a winch of the hoist.

In an embodiment, the hoist comprise a sensor arranged and configured

DK 181612 B1 8 to measure: 1) a first wire angle relative to a first horizontal axis and 2) a second wire angle relative to a second horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the first axis.

In an embodiment, the overhead crane comprises at least one distance sensor mounted in one or more ends of the hoist and/or in one or more ends of one or more of the trolleys.

In an embodiment, the hoist comprises a housing and a frame. The frame preferably surrounds the housing. In an embodiment, the hoist comprises two parallel frame structures: one in each side of the housing.

In an embodiment, the hoist comprises nose wheels positioned at the front of the frame in such a way that the hoist can be lifted in one end and moved by driving it like a sack truck.

In an embodiment, the hoist comprises a dedicated surface designed to allow the hoist to stand on this surface so that the hoist can be placed, stored and transported in an upright position.

In an embodiment, the hoist comprises a wire guide, in which the wire can be attached in such a way that the hoist can lift itself when it needs to be mounted.

In an embodiment, the hoist comprises a set of roller wheels protruding from the main body in such a way that the hoist can be lifted to a position, in which the roller wheels of the hoist are hanging on a dedicated runway beam. When hanging in this upright position the hoist can then further be lifted and placed on the rails in the final horizontal position. In this way the protruding set of rollers provides an intermediate stable position making lifting and mounting the hoist in the final position easier.

DK 181612 B1 9

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1A shows an overhead crane according to the invention;

Fig. 1B shows a schematic view of a bridge and the runway of an overhead crane according to the invention;

Fig. 2A shows an overhead crane according to the invention;

Fig. 2B shows a close-up view of a trolley according to the invention;

Fig. 3A shows a perspective bottom view of a trolley according to the invention comprising a translatory bridge connection;

Fig. 3B shows a perspective bottom view of a trolley according to the invention comprising a clamp bridge connection;

Fig. 4A shows a middle section of a bridge according to the invention;

Fig. 4B shows an end section of a bridge according to the invention;

Fig. 4C shows a curved section of a bridge according to the invention;

Fig. 4D shows an end view of the middle section shown in Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4E shows an end view of a profile of the lower portion of the middle section shown in Fig. 1A

Fig. 5A shows a perspective top view of a hoist being moved along a curved section;

Fig. 5B shows a perspective bottom view of the hoist shown in Fig. 5A;

Fig. 5C shows a top view of the hoist shown in Fig. 5A;

Fig. 5D shows a bottom view of the hoist shown in Fig. 5A;

Fig. 6A shows a perspective top view of a rotary joint according to the invention;

DK 181612 B1 10

Fig. 6B shows a perspective bottom view of a rotary joint according to the invention;

Fig. 6C shows a perspective top view of a bottom plate of the rotary joint shown in Fig. 6A;

Fig. 7A shows a rotary joint according to the invention;

Fig. 7B shows another view of the rotary joint shown in Fig. 7A;

Fig. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the rotary joint shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B;

Fig. 7D shows a cross-sectional view of the rotary joint shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B;

Fig. 8A shows a self-locking bridge connection in a closed configuration;

Fig. 8B shows the bridge connection shown in Fig. 8A in an open configuration

Fig. 8C shows a self-locking bridge connection provided with rollers in a closed configuration;

Fig. 8D shows the bridge connection shown in Fig. 8C in an open configuration

Fig. 9A shows a hoist moveably attached to a straight section;

Fig. 9B shows a close-up view of a portion of the straight section shown in Fig. 9A;

Fig. 9C shows a close-up view of another portion of the straight section shown in Fig. 9A;

Fig. 9D shows a sleeve coupler for connecting two adjacent runway beams;

Fig. 9E shows a front view of a straight section;

Fig. 10A shows a hoist according to the invention standing on dedicated surface and thus being arranged in an upright position;

Fig. 10B shows that the hoist shown in Fig. 10A comprises nose wheels positioned at the front of the frame;

Fig. 10C shows a hoist according to the invention comprising a wire

DK 181612 B1 11 guide and

Fig. 10D shows a hoist according to the invention comprising a set of roller wheels protruding from the main body.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, an overhead crane 2 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1A.

Fig. 1A illustrates an overhead crane 2 according to the invention arranged in a “bridge configuration”. The overhead crane 2 comprises a bridge 4 that is moveably attached to and extends between a first runway beam 6 and a second runway beam 8. The bridge 4 is suspended in the first runway beam 6 by means of a first joint assembly 10 and to the second runway beam 8 by means of a second joint assembly 12. The first joint assembly 10 is a part of a first trolley 18, while the second joint assembly 12 is a part of a second trolley 20. Each trolley comprises an electric motor allowing the trolley 18, 20 to be displaced along the length of the first runway beam 6 and a second runway beam 8, respectively.

A hoist 14 is moveably attached to the bridge 4. The hoist 14 comprises an electric motor. Accordingly, the hoist 14 can be displaced along the length and thus the longitudinal axis L of the bridge 4. It can be seen that the longitudinal axis L of the bridge 4 basically extends parallel to the X axis of the Cartesian coordinate system (having three axes: X, Y, Z) indicated. The bridge 4 comprises an intermediate section (a bridge truss) extending attached to ad extending between two bridge end sections 26.

The overhead crane 2 is suitable for being used for installation in temporary roof coverings and scaffolding used for renovation and building projects. In an embodiment, hoist 14 can lift up to 800 kg depending on the specific installation. The overhead crane 2 has three main

DK 181612 B1 12 functionalities, namely hoisting (vertical movement of load along the Z axis), traveling (horizontal movement of load along the length of the ridge 4) and remote controlling. As it will be explained in the following, depending on the specific installation, traveling can happen in either one direction (monorail and monorail curve configuration) or two directions (bridge configuration).

The first joint assembly 10 is configured to allow the bridge 4 to rotate about a first vertical axis of rotation. Likewise, the second joint assembly 12 is configured to allow the bridge 4 to rotate about a second vertical axis of rotation. The first joint assembly 10 or the second joint assembly 12 is configured to be displaced (translated) along the longitudinal axis L of the bridge 4. Hereby, it is possible to move the bridge 4 along the length of the runway beams 6, 8 even if the runway beams 6, 8 are not completely parallel. The invention makes it possible to move the bridge 4 along the length of the runway beams 6, 8 even if the runway beams 6, 8 have a small angle (e.g. in the range 1-5 degrees) relative to each other.

A load 84 is attached to the distal end of a wire 86 that is moveably mounted in a winch 88. Accordingly, the hoist 14 can elevate and lower the load by using the winch 88. The hoist 14 comprise a wire angle sensor 92 arranged and configured to measure the wire angle B between the wire 86 and vertical V.

In an embodiment, the hoist 14 comprise a sensor 92 arranged and configured to measure: 1) a first wire angle relative to a first horizontal axis and 2) a second wire angle relative to a second horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the first axis.

The hoist 14 comprise a distance sensor 94 arranged and configured to

DK 181612 B1 13 measure the distance between the hoist 14 and the load 84. In an embodiment, the distance sensor measures the distance between the hoist 14 and the load 84 by detecting the rotations of a rotational structure in the winch 88. In an embodiment, the distance sensor measures the distance between the hoist 14 and the load 84 by using an optic sensor e.g. a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) based technology (a laser scanner).

Fig. 1B illustrates a schematic view of an overhead crane 2 according to the invention. The overhead crane 2 comprises a bridge 4, a first runway beam 6 and a second runway beam 8. The bridge 4 is moveably attached to the first runway beam 6 and to the second runway beam 8. It can be seen that the second runway beam 8 does not extend parallel to the first runway beam 6. Accordingly, there is a non-zero angle o between the second runway beam 8 and the line 9 extending parallel to the first runway beam 6.

The bridge 4 comprises a first trolley 18 that is rotatably attached to the first runway beam 8. The bridge 4 comprises a second trolley 20 that is rotatably attached to the second runway beam 6. Hereby the bridge 4 can rotate about a first axis of the first trolley 18 and about a second axis of the second trolley 20. The first trolley 18 comprises an angle sensor 90 arranged to detect the angle between the bridge 4 and the first runway beam 6. The second trolley 20 comprises an angle sensor 90’ arranged to detect the angle between the bridge 4 and the second runway beam 8. One of the trolleys 18, 20 is configured to be translated along the length of the bridge 4. Accordingly, the length of the bridge 4 can be changed by translating one of the trolleys 18, 20 along the length of the bridge 4.

Fig. 2A illustrates a schematic view of an overhead crane 2 according to the invention. It can be seen that the overhead crane 2 is being used in

DK 181612 B1 14 a temporary set-up comprising a scaffolding 16. The overhead crane 2 corresponds to the on shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 1A.

The overhead crane 2 comprises a bridge 4 comprising a bridge truss 28 attached to and extending between two bridge end sections 26.

The bridge 4 extends between and is moveably attached to a first runway beam 6 and a second runway beam 8 by means of a first trolley 18 and a second trolley 20, respectively. The first runway beam 6 is attached to a first section of the scaffolding 16, while the second runway beam 8 is attached to another section of the scaffolding 16.

Each trolley 18, 20 is mounted to the bridge through a bridge connection.

Each trolley 18, 20 comprises a battery and a dock, is mounted via a rotary bridge connection. The first trolley 18 is mounted to the bridge 4 via a translatory bridge connection 22. The second trolley 20 comprises a clamp bridge connection 24. Both bridge connections 22, 24 are mounted to the trolleys 18, 20 via a shaft allowing for rotation around the Y axis.

A hoist 14 is moveably attached to the bridge 4. The hoist 14 comprises a winch 88 arranged and configured to pull in (wind up) and let out (wind out) a wire 86. A load 84 is attached to the distal end of a wire 86 that is moveably mounted in a winch 88. Therefore, the hoist 14 can elevate and lower the load 84 by using the winch 88. The hoist 14 comprise a wire angle sensor 92 arranged and configured to measure the wire angle between the wire 86 and vertical (in Fig. 2A the wire angle is zero). The hoist 14 may comprise a distance sensor arranged and configured to measure the distance between the hoist 14 and the load 84. If the distance between ground and the hoist 14 is known, it is possible to calculate the lifting height (vertical position) H of the load 84.

Fig. 2B illustrates a close-up view of the trolley 18 attached to the bridge end section 26 shown in Fig. 2A. The trolley 18 comprises a translatory

DK 181612 B1 15 bridge connection 22. The translatory bridge connection 22 allows the bridge to move along the X-axis (in an embodiment up to 60 cm). This can be achieved by using four bearing wheels that are brought into engagement with the bridge.

Fig. 3A illustrates a perspective bottom view of a trolley 18 according to the invention comprising a translatory bridge connection 22. The trolley 18 comprises a rotational joint 76 arranged and configured to enable rotation about the Y axis. The trolley 18 also comprises a rotational joint 78 arranged and configured to allow for rotation about the Z axis and a rotational joint 74 arranged and configured to enable rotation about the

X axis.

The trolley 18 comprises a bridge connection 80 provided with rollers 72 (as shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B, Fig. 8C and

Fig. 8D.

Fig. 3B illustrates a perspective bottom view of a trolley 20 according to the invention comprising a clamp bridge connection 24. The trolley 20 comprises a rotational joint 76 arranged and configured to allow for rotation about the Y axis. The trolley 18 also comprises a rotational joint 78 arranged and configured to allow for rotation about the Z axis and a rotational joint 74 arranged and configured to allow for rotation about the

X axis.

Fig. 4A illustrates a middle section 36 of a bridge according to the invention. The middle section 36 comprises a bridge truss 28 attached to a profile 42 having a tubular top member 40.

Fig. 4B illustrates an end section 38 of a bridge according to the invention.

The end section 38 comprises a profile 42 having a tubular top member

DK 181612 B1 16 40.

Fig. 4C illustrates a curved section 32 of a bridge according to the invention. The curved section 32 comprises a profile 42 having a tubular top member 40.

Fig. 4D illustrates an end view of the middle section 32 shown in Fig. 4A.

It can be seen that the end section 38 comprises a profile 42 having a tubular top member 40.

Fig. 4E illustrates an end view of a profile 42 of the lower portion of the middle section shown in Fig. 1A. It can be seen that the profile 42 comprises a tubular top member 40.

Fig. 5A illustrates a perspective top view of a hoist 14 being moved along a curved section 32. The curved section 32 extends between two straight sections 34. The hoist 14 is suspended in a first trolley 18 and a second trolley 20 corresponding to the ones shown in Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B,

Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B. As explained with reference to these figures, the first trolley 18 and a second trolley 20 are configured to provide rotation around a vertical axis in such a manner that the hoist 14 can be moved along the curved section 32. Moreover, each trolley 18, 20 comprises an angle sensor suitable for detecting when the overhead crane is a "curve configuration” (driving through a curve). Hereby, it is possible to adjust the speed (decrease the speed) when driving through a curved section 32 to avoid heavily swinging loads.

Fig. 5B illustrates a perspective bottom view of the hoist 14 shown in Fig. 5A. It can be seen that the hoist 14 is attached to the second trolley 20 by means of a pair of roller wheels 98 that are connected to an attachment structure 96 of the second trolley 20. A similar attachment assembly (not shown) can be used to attach the hoist 14 to the first

DK 181612 B1 17 trolley 18. Fig. 5C illustrates a top view of the hoist 14 shown in Fig. 5A.

Fig. 5D illustrates a bottom view of the hoist 14 shown in Fig. 5A.

Fig. 6A illustrates a perspective top view of a rotary joint 44 according to the invention. Fig. 6B illustrates a perspective bottom view of the rotary joint shown in Fig. 6A. Fig. 6C illustrates a perspective top view of the bottom plate 54 of the rotary joint shown in Fig. 6A.

The rotary joint 44 comprises a rotary block 56 that is attached to the transfer plate 50 by means of bolts 54 and spacers 52 arranged between the transfer plate 50 and rotary block 56. The bolts 54 extend through slots 58 provided in the bottom plate 50.

The rotary joint 44 comprises a bottom plate 54 and two side portions 60, 60’ protruding therefrom. The bottom plate 54 comprises a centrally arranged transfer plate 50. A shaft 46 extends from the transfer plate 50.

The shaft 46 is designed for mounting an angle sensor (not shown).

Fig. 7A illustrates a rotary joint 44 corresponding to the one shown in Fig. 6A. The rotary joint 44 comprises a bottom plate 54 and two side portions 60, 60’ protruding therefrom. It can be seen that the rotary block 56 is attached to the bottom plate 54 and the transfer plate 50 by means of bolts 48.

Fig. 7B illustrates another view of the rotary joint 44 shown in Fig. 7A.

Fig. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotary joint 44 shown in

Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B. It can be seen that the shaft 46 is hollow.

Fig. 7D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotary joint 44 shown in

Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B. It can be seen that a thrust plate 62 is arranged between the transfer plate 50 and the bottom plate 54.

DK 181612 B1 18

Fig. 8A illustrates a self-locking bridge connection 80 in a closed configuration. Fig. 8B illustrates the bridge connection 80 shown in Fig. 8A in an open configuration.

Fig. 8C illustrates a self-locking bridge connection 80 provided with rollers in a closed configuration. Fig. 8D illustrates the bridge connection 80 shown in Fig. 8C in an open configuration.

At each end of the bridge truss (see Fig. 1A), the bridge end sections attach to the trolleys with the self-locking bridge connections 80. When the square tube of the end section is raised into the bridge connection 80, the mechanism opens. This will allow the tube to be placed between the jaws 64. When lowering the end section, the mechanism closes around the square tube. Hereby, a self-locking effect is achieved. The lock handle 66 is lowered to ensure the mechanism cannot open again mechanically. There are two versions of the bridge connections 80. They are identical except for the jaws, which interact with the bridge end sections.

On one side, the clamp bridge connection 80 (shown in Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B) clamps tight around the square tube, fixing it in place.

On the opposite side, the translatory bridge connection 80 has rollers 72 on which the square tube rests, allowing the end section to slide along the rollers 72 (along the X axis shown in Fig. 1A).

Each bridge connection 80 comprises a joint 70 and a connection 68 design for the rotary block (44 see Fig 6B and Fig. 7A) in trolley acting as joint rotating around the Y axis (see Fig. 1A).

Fig. 9A illustrates a hoist 14 that is moveably attached to a straight

DK 181612 B1 19 section 34. The straight section 34 comprises several structures that are arranged in extension of each other. The adjacent structures are attached to each other by means of sleeve couplers 102. The straight section 34 comprises a stop member 100 arranged to limit the range of motion along the straight section 34. The straight section 34 comprises a docking station 82 arranged and configured to engage with a corresponding docking structure provided at the hoist 14. The docking station 82 is capable of delivering electric power to charge a battery of the hoist 14, when the docking structure provided at the hoist 14 are electrically connected to the docking station 82.

Accordingly, the receiving part of the docking system is electrically connected to a battery and is an integrated part of the hoist onboard battery. The charging current for the hoist battery is provided via a docking station 82 (a stationary emitting part) that is attached to the lower side of the straight section (e.g. mounted underneath an I-beam).

In an embodiment, the stationary part is built around a gas spring that functions as a buffer stop. The connecting part on the stationary dock is mounted with springs which allows it to absorb misalignment in all directions with the connecting part on hoist 14.

The trolleys (18, 20 shown in Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A, Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B and Fig 5C) are also provided with a battery. In an embodiment, these trolleys are provided with the same docking system as the hoist 14 and the docking station 82.

The hoist 14 comprises an electric motor (not shown) arranged to translate the hoist 14 along the straight section 34.

Fig. 9B illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the straight section 34 shown in Fig. 9A. A stop member 100 is provided at the straight section 34. In an embodiment, the stop member 100 is detachably attached. In

DK 181612 B1 20 an embodiment, the stop member 100 is moveably attached so that the position of the stop member 100 can be changed. As seen, the straight section 32 has multiple slotted cut-outs along its longitudinal axis whereby the whole circumference of the tubular top member on these locations are exposed. This will allow standard clamping couplers to be attached and clamped around the whole circumference in such a cut out location.

Fig. 9C illustrates a close-up view of another portion of the straight section 34 shown in Fig. 9A. This section comprises the docking station 82 shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 9A.

Fig. 9D illustrates a sleeve coupler 102 for connecting two adjacent portions (runway beams) of a straight section 34.

Fig. 9E illustrates a front view of a straight section 34.

Fig. 10A illustrates a hoist 14 according to the invention standing on dedicated surface 106 and thus being arranged in an upright position. In an embodiment, the dedicated surface 106 is planar.

Fig. 10B illustrates that the hoist 14 shown in Fig. 10A comprises a housing, a frame 114 and nose wheels 104 positioned at the front of the frame 114. Hereby, the hoist 14 can be moved manually in an easy manner. In an embodiment, the frame surrounds the housing. In an embodiment, the hoist 14 comprises two parallel frame structures: one in each side of the housing. The nose wheels 104 are positioned at the front of the frame in such a way that the hoist 14 can be lifted in one end and moved by driving it like a sack truck.

Fig. 10C illustrates a hoist 14 according to the invention comprising a wire guide 112. The wire guide 112 comprises several pulleys 108

DK 181612 B1 21 arrange to guide a wire member 110.

Fig. 10D illustrates a hoist 14 according to the invention comprising a set of roller wheels 104 protruding from the main body. The set of roller wheels 104 are designed to allow the hoist 14 to be lifted into a position, in which the roller wheels 104 of the hoist 14 are hanging on the dedicated runway beam (e.g. the straight section as shown in Fig. 10D).

When hanging in this upright position, the hoist 14 can then further be lifted and placed on the rails of the runway beam in the final horizontal position. In this way the protruding set of rollers 104 provides an intermediate stable position making lifting and mounting the hoist 14 in the final position easier.

DK 181612 B1 22

List of reference numerals 2 Overhead crane 4 Bridge 6 First runway beam 8, 8’ Second runway beam 9 Line extending parallel to the first runway beam

First joint assembly 12 Second joint assembly 10 14 Hoist 16 Scaffolding 18 Trolley (without battery) 20 Trolley (with battery) 22 Translatory bridge connection 24 Clamp bridge connection 26 Bridge end section 28 Bridge truss 30 Rotary bridge connection 32 Curved section 34 Straight section 36 Middle section 38 end section 40 Top member 42 Profile 44 Rotary joint 46 Shaft 48 Bolt 50 Transfer plate 52 Spacer 54 Bottom plate 56 Rotary block 58 Slot

DK 181612 B1 23 60, 60’ Side portion 62 Thrust plate 64 Clamping jaw 66 Handle 68 Connection (to rotary block in trolley acting as joint rotating around the Y axis) 70 Joint 72 Roller 74 Rotational joint (rotation about the X axis) 76 Rotational joint (rotation about the Y axis) 78 Rotational joint (rotation about the Z axis) 80 Bridge connection 82 Docking station 84 Load 86 Rope member (e.g. wire also referred to as wire rope) 88 Winch 90, 90’ Angle sensor 92 Wire angle sensor 94 Distance sensor 96 Attachment structure 98 Roller wheel 100 Stop member 102 Sleeve coupler 104 Nose wheel 106 Surface 108 Pulley 110 Wire member 112 Wire guide 114 Frame

L Longitudinal axis

H Lifting height o Angle

DK 181612 B1 24

B Wire angle

V Vertical

X,Y, Z Axis

Claims

DK 181612 B1 25 Patent claim

1. Overhead crane (2) comprising a bridge (4) movably attached to a first raceway beam (6) and a second raceway beam (8), where the bridge (4) is suspended in the first raceway beam (6) by means of a first connecting device (10) and to the second running track beam (8) by means of a second connecting device (12), where a hoist (14) is movably attached to the bridge (4), characterized in that the first connecting device (10) is configured to enable the bridge (4) to rotate about a first vertical axis of rotation, wherein the second assembly device (12) is configured to enable the bridge (4) to rotate about a second axis of rotation, wherein the first assembly device (10 ) or the other assembly device (12) is configured to be displaced (translated) along the longitudinal axis of the bridge (4).

2. Overhead crane (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first joint device (10) and the second joint device (12) are configured to enable the bridge (4) to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

The overhead crane (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first coupling device (10) and the second coupling device (12) are configured to enable the bridge (4) to rotate about a horizontal axis extending perpendicular to longitudinal axis (L) of the bridge (4). 4, Overhead crane (2) according to one of the preceding claims, where the hoist (14) is battery powered.

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5. Overhead crane (2) according to one of the preceding claims, where a first carriage (18) is movably arranged at the first raceway beam (6) and a second carriage (20) is movably arranged at the second > raceway beam (8), where at least one of the carriages (18, 20) includes a sensor (90, 90) arranged and configured to measure the angle (a) between the longitudinal axis of the bridge (4) and the longitudinal axis of the adjacent raceway beam (6, 8).

6. Overhead crane (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the overhead crane (2) comprises a curved section (32) configured to be connected to and thereby extend between the first raceway beam (6) and the second raceway beam ( 8), where the waist (14) is placed in a device that enables movement of the waist (14) along the curved section (32).

7. Overhead crane (2) according to one of claims 4-6, wherein the overhead crane (2) comprises a docking station (82) configured for charging the battery of the hoist (14), wherein the hoist (14) is configured to detect when the battery capacity is within a predefined range, wherein the hoist (14) is configured to automatically move the hoist (14) into a position in which the hoist (14) electrically connects to the docking station (82) when its battery capacity is no longer within the predefined area.

8. Overhead crane (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the overhead crane (2) comprises a rotatable bridge connection (30) arranged and configured to enable the bridge (4) to rotate about a vertical axis (Z) and thereby change the angle between the carriageway beam (6, 8) and the bridge (4).

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9. Traverse crane (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traverse crane (2) comprises a wire angle sensor (92, 927) that is placed on a wire element and configured to measure the angle of the wire element relative to the vertical, where the traverse crane (2) is configured to determine the position of a load (84) based on the angle of the wire member (86) relative to the vertical and the lift height (H) determined by the pulley (88) of the hoist (14).

10. Overhead crane (2) according to one of claims 5-10, where the overhead crane (2) comprises at least one distance sensor (94) that is mounted at one or more ends of the waist (14) and/or at one or more ends of a or several of the wagons (18, 20).