EP3649070A1

EP3649070A1 - A system for levelling a load

Info

Publication number: EP3649070A1
Application number: EP18743701.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jimmy Berggren
Original assignee: Braennstroems Mekaniska AB
Current assignee: Braennstroems Mekaniska AB
Priority date: 2017-07-07
Filing date: 2018-07-05
Publication date: 2020-05-13
Also published as: SE1750899A1; WO2019008096A1; SE543661C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for levelling a load connected to a crane. The system comprises a housing (2) comprising a hydraulic aggregate and a lifting lug (4), wherein the housing is configured to be connected to a crane via the lifting lug, at least two hydraulic cylinders (6) each having a first end (8) connected to a connecting member (14), wherein each cylinder (6) is configured to be connected to the crane via the connecting member (14), and a second end (10) configured to be connected to the load, and wherein the at least two cylinders (6) are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic aggregate, and a control unit configured to communicate with and control the hydraulic aggregate, wherein the at least two hydraulic cylinders (6) are configured to be individually operated to level the load by remote communication with the control unit. The present invention further relates to a method (100) for levelling a load by using the system.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR LEVELLING A LOAD

Technical field

The present invention relates to a system for levelling a load connected to a crane. The present invention further relates to a method for levelling a load by using the system.

Background art

When lifting a heavy load, such as building material or elements at a building site, commonly the load is connected to a hook of a crane, thereby allowing the load to be lifted and moved to a desired position.

Although the load may be manoeuvred to this desired position by means of the crane, it is a problem that the load may be imbalanced and not levelled as desired. It is a further problem, that building elements not being correctly levelled or positioned during mounting to a building under construction, require dangerous and difficult manual positioning by workers. Thus, there is a need for efficient levelling of loads connected to a crane. Other examples of a need for efficient levelling of loads relates to loading and unloading of containers.

Levelling of loads may be realised by using a plurality of wires connected between the load and the crane, which wires are manually adjusted to level the load. However, such levelling suffers from being inefficient, for example, by being labour intense, dangerous, time consuming, and/or difficult.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system for lifting of loads connected to a crane. Especially there is a need for an improved system for levelling of a load connected to a crane. Summary

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above problems, and to provide an improved system for levelling of a load connected to a crane.

According to a first aspect, this and other objects are achieved by a system for levelling a load connected to a crane. The system comprises a housing comprising a hydraulic aggregate and a lifting lug, wherein the housing is configured to be connected to a crane via the lifting lug. The system further comprises at least two hydraulic cylinders, each having a first end connected to a connecting member, wherein each cylinder is configured to be connected to the crane via the connecting member, and a second end configured to be connected to the load, and wherein the at least two cylinders are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic aggregate, and a control unit configured to communicate with and control the hydraulic aggregate, wherein the at least two hydraulic cylinders are configured to be individually operated to level the load by remote communication with the control unit.

By means of the system, efficient levelling of a load lifted by a crane is realised. The system may be used and attached to a load hook of a crane without the need for adapting or rebuilding parts of the crane. The system further is mobile and suitable for loads of different sizes and shapes. The system may be used for loads of different sizes and shapes without a need for rebuilding the system.

The housing provides for protection of the hydraulic aggregate. Further, the housing being comprised by the system allows for a compact and mobile system, and a proximity between the hydraulic cylinders and the hydraulic aggregate obtained thereby allows for an efficient hydraulic system, including short hydraulic tubings. The housing comprising a lifting lug, enables the housing, and the system, to be efficiently lifted by a crane.

The system comprising at least two hydraulic cylinders provides for efficient levelling of a load connected to a crane. Two hydraulic cylinders may efficiently be used for levelling, for example, an elongated object. More than two cylinders may be used also for, for example, efficient levelling of objects having extension in two or more dimensions.

The hydraulic cylinders having a first end connected to a connecting member allows for efficient connection of the hydraulic cylinder to the crane.

The connecting member may be any suitable object for attaching the hydraulic cylinder to the crane. The connecting member may, for example, be selected from a loop, a hook, a lug, and a spring hook. Thereby, efficient attachment to, for example, a load hook is realised. Such an attachment, further realises flexible attachment. The housing, being connectable to the crane via the lifting lug, and the hydraulic cylinders, being connectable to the crane via respective connecting members, further provides for a flexible and compact system in which each of the lifting lug and the connecting member are individually connectable to the crane for suspension of the system from a common suspension point, e.g. a load hook of a crane. Having one common suspension point for the housing and the hydraulic cylinders allows for efficient levelling of any load carried by the system.

The hydraulic cylinder may be configured to be connected to the crane via the connecting member by the hydraulic cylinder being directly or indirectly connected to the connecting member. Indirect connecting may be via, for example, a chain, belt, or wire, or combinations thereof. Such indirect connection provides a flexible connection.

At least two of the at least two hydraulic cylinders may be arranged on opposite sides of the housing.

Hydraulic cylinders arranged on one side of the housing, and hydraulic cylinders arranged on another side of the housing, may be connected to separate connecting members. Hydraulic cylinders arranged on one side of the housing, and hydraulic cylinders arranged on an opposite side of the housing, may be connected to separate connecting members.

Thereby, the hydraulic cylinders may be efficiently handled and efficiently connected, by means of the corresponding connecting members, to the crane.

The second end of the hydraulic cylinder may be configured to be connected to the load via a flexible link. Thereby, the connection may efficiently be adapted to for example the size of the load.

The flexible link may comprise a fastener configured to be fastened to the load. The fastener may be, for example, a hook or a loop.

The remote communication may be wire-less. Thereby, a user of the system may conveniently control the system from a desired position, and at a distance from the system. The user may avoid contacting the system during levelling of the load. Further, the system, and the user, thereby benefits from avoiding of cables or wires.

The housing may further comprise a chargeable battery. By allowing the system to comprise a power supply the system is further improved, for example in terms of improved mobility and handling.

A safety cable may be arranged to extend between the first and second ends of the hydraulic cylinders. Thereby safety is improved. For example, if one or more of the hydraulic cylinders break, the load would still be safely carried by the system.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for levelling a load by using a system according the first aspect. The method comprises connecting a load hook of a crane to the lifting lug and to a connecting member, connecting the load to the second end of the hydraulic cylinders, lifting the load by operating the crane, and, levelling of the load by individually adjusting the length of stroke of at least one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders.

It is realized that the system for levelling a load, suitably may be for connecting the load to any suitable type of crane, including, for example, hoisting cranes, derrick cranes, and mobile cranes, and further suitable for being connected to, for example, bay, travers or traveling cranes.

It is noted that the disclosure relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing

embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a method for leveling a load by using a system according to embodiments.

As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of parts and portions for example may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Detailed description

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

It will be realised from the descriptions herein that the system

according to embodiments provides for efficient levelling of a load connected to a crane. The system comprising the housing, which in turn comprises the hydraulic aggregate, and the hydraulic cylinders as well as means for connecting to a crane provides for a movable system which efficiently may be connected to a crane without a need for rebuilding or adapting the crane. The housing comprising the hydraulic aggregate further provides for a compact system without long hydraulic connections. It will be appreciated that the system may be used for loads with different sizes and/or shapes without rebuilding the system or any of its parts. The system may efficiently be used for, for example, adjusting levelling of a load being supported by a crane and/or adjusting a position of a load, for example, during mounting or positioning of a building element during building work.

An embodiment will now be described with reference to figure 1 illustrating a system 1 for levelling a load (not illustrated) connected to a crane (not illustrated). The system 1 comprises a housing 2 comprising a hydraulic aggregate, which aggregate cannot be viewed in the illustration since it is obscured by the housing, and a lifting lug 4. The housing 2 is configured to be connected to the crane via the lifting lug 4. The system 1 further comprises at least two hydraulic cylinders 6, each having a first end 8 connected to a connecting member 14, 15 wherein each hydraulic cylinder 6 is configured to be connected to the crane via the connecting member 14, 15. Thus, each of the lifting lug 4, and the respective connecting members 14, 15 are individually connectable to the crane. Each hydraulic cylinder 6 further has a second end 10 configured to be connected to the load. The second end 10 can for this purpose comprise a fastener 22 suitable for connecting to the load, such as a spring hook. The at least two hydraulic cylinders 6 are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic aggregate, and a control unit (not illustrated) is configured to communicate with and control the hydraulic aggregate, wherein the at least two hydraulic cylinders 6 are configured to be individually operated to level the load by remote communication with the control unit.

Individual operation of the hydraulic cylinders 6 allows for efficient levelling. For example, if it is noted that one side or end of the load should be elevated or lowered for desired levelling, one or more hydraulic cylinders adjacent to that side may be operated to lift or lower the load. The hydraulic cylinders may be operated to increase and/or decrease the length of stroke. Thereby, efficient levelling may be achieved. The system further allows for efficient and suitable distribution of weight of the load to the fasteners 22 and the hydraulic cylinders 6. The housing and the cylinders being suspended from a common suspension point, via the lifting lug 4 and the connecting member 14, 15, respectively, provides for a safe and efficient lifting and levelling of the load.The control unit configured to communicate with and control the hydraulic aggregate is arranged and configured in a suitable way as is known in the art. The hydraulic aggregate is further arranged and configured in a suitable way.

According to an embodiment as illustrated in figure 1 , the system may comprise six hydraulic cylinders 6, of which only four hydraulic cylinders 6a-d can be seen in the figur 1 and the remaining two hydraulic cylinders are obscured by the housing 2. The at least two hydraulic cylinders 6 may be, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more, hydraulic cylinders 6. In the embodiment, the three hydraulic cylinders 6 on the side of the housing 2 facing away from a viewer of the illustration are similarly arranged as the hydraulic

cylinders 6a, 6b, 6c on the side of the housing 2 facing the viewer. As illustrated in figure 1 , the system 1 may comprise a plurality of connecting members 14, 15. Hydraulic cylinders 6 arranged on one side of the housing 2, and hydraulic cylinders 6 arranged on another side of the housing 2, may be connected to separate connecting members 14, 15. Here, the three hydraulic cylinders 6a, 6b, 6c facing the viewer are connected to a connecting member 14, whereas the two hydraulic cylinders obscured by the housing 2 and the hydraulic cylinder 6d are connected to another connecting member 15. The connceting members 14, 15 are here arranged at opposite sides of the lifting lug 4 of the housing 2. The connecting members 14, 15 and the lifting lug 4 are further aligned for connection to a crane, and more particularly to e.g. a lifting hook thereof. Different arrangements for connecting hydraulic cylinders 6 to connecting member 14 may, however, be used within the system 1 . For example, all hydraulic cylinders 6 of the system 1 may be connected to a single connecting member 14, 15; each hydraulic cylinder 6 of a system 1 may be connected to a separate connecting member 14, 15; or one or more hydraulic cylinders 6 of a system 1 may be connected to one connecting member 14, 15 while another one or other hydraulic cylinders 6 of the same system 1 may be connected to another or other connecting member 14, 15. Each connecting member 14, 15 is here directly connectable to the crane, and can thus be separately connected thereto. This allows adapting the system 1 to the load to lift, by for example adding or removing hydraulic cylinders 6 to be used as required for the load.

As illustrated in figure 1 , each hydraulic cylinder 6 may be indirectly connected to the connecting member 14, 15 via a chain 18, although it is realised that the hydraulic cylinders alternatively may be directly connected thereto. Alternative options for indirect couplings includes any suitable means, such as, for example, a chain, a belt, or a wire, or combinations thereof. The at least two hydraulic cylinders 6 are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic aggregate. The at least two hydraulic cylinders 6 may be hydraulically connected to the hydraulic aggregate via hydraulic tubes (not illustrated) communicating hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic aggregate and the hydraulic cylinders 6. Any suitable means, such as hydraulic pipings or tubings may be used for this purpose. The hydraulic tubings or pipings may be arranged through openings 26 of the housing 2 and be connected to the hydraulic cylinders 6. The hydraulic cylinders 6 may be hydraulically connected at their first or second ends. The hydraulic connection thus provides the sole direct connection of the hydraulic cylinders 6 to the housing 2.

As further illustrated in figure 1 , the second end 10 of the hydraulic cylinders 6 may be configured to be connected to the load via a flexible link 16. In figure 1 , the flexible link 16 is illustrated divided in three pieces, but it will be realised that it is for illustrative purposes and that the flexible link 16 is intended to be in one consecutive piece. It will be appreciated that when a load is connected to the system, the flexibility of the flexible link 16 allows the system to efficiently adapt or adjust, for example, to meet fastening positions on the load and to adapt to different sizes of the load, without having to rebuild the system. The connecting member 14 and/or the hydraulic

cylinder 6 being indirectly connected to the connecting member via, for example, a chain 18 may further provide efficient connection of the system to a load.

An optional link stretcher 20 may be comprised by the system 1 . By means of the link stretcher 20, a first rough adjustment may be made before levelling or adjusting a load using the hydraulic cylinders 6. Thereby, adjustments exceeding the maximum stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder may be realised.

The flexible link 16 optionally may comprise a fastener 22 configured to be fastened to the load. As illustrated, the fastener 22 may be a spring hook, but the fastener 22 may be of any suitable type, such as selected from a hook, a loop, and a spring hook.

The load may be any suitable load to be levelled by the system, for example, building elements, containers, beams, girders or frames. The lifting lug 4 and connecting member 14, 15 may be connected via, for example, a loop, which loop may be configured to be connected to the crane. Such a loop provides a common lifting point of the system 1 . Thereby, improved handling of the system may be realised. Thus, the lifting lug 4 and the connector 14, 15 may be directly or indirectly connected to a crane.

The housing 2 may be weather protected. For example, the housing 2 may have suitable seals and/or protection to avoid rain, snow and/or wind to reach the interior of the housing.

As illustrated in figure 1 , at least two of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 6 may be arranged on opposite sides of the housing.

The communication may be wire-less. Wire-less communication may be realised in any suitable way known in the art.

The housing may further comprise a chargeable battery (not illustrated). Thereby, the system may comprise a power supply for powering of the system, thus avoiding a need for a power cable connected to the system. Suitably, the battery may be comprised in the housing 2.

A safety cable 30 may be arranged to extend between the first and second ends 8, 10 of the hydraulic cylinders 6, as illustrated in figure 1 . The length of the safety cable 30 may equal or exceed the length of the hydraulic cylinder 6 when fully extended, thereby allowing extending the hydraulic cylinder 6 into the full length of the cylinder while providing security for example if the hydraulic cylinder 6 is malfunctioning or breaks.

The safety cable 30 may be of any suitable type, for example, a chain, a belt, or wire, or combinations thereof.

With reference to figure 2, a method 100 for levelling a load by using a system 1 according to embodiments of the first aspect will now be discussed. The method comprises connecting 102 a load hook of a crane to the lifting lug 4 and a connecting member 14, connecting 104 the load to the second end 10 of the hydraulic cylinders 6, lifting 108 the load by operating the crane, levelling 1 10 of the load by individually adjusting the length of stroke of at least one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 6.

Claims

C L A I M S

1 . A system (1 ) for levelling a load connected to a crane, the system comprising

a housing (2) comprising a hydraulic aggregate and a lifting lug (4), wherein the housing (2) is configured to be connected to a crane via the lifting lug (4),

at least two hydraulic cylinders (6) each having a first end (8) connected to a connecting member (14), wherein each cylinder (6) is configured to be connected to the crane via the connecting member (14), and a second end (10) configured to be connected to the load, and wherein the at least two cylinders (6) are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic aggregate, and

a control unit configured to communicate with and control the hydraulic aggregate,

wherein the at least two hydraulic cylinders (6) are configured to be individually operated to level the load by remote communication with the control unit.

2. The system (1 ) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein

at least two of the at least two hydraulic cylinders (6) are arranged on opposite sides of the housing (2).

3. The system (1 ) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the second end (10) of the hydraulic cylinder (6) is configured to be connected to the load via a flexible link (16).

4. The system (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the flexible link (16) comprises a fastener (22) configured to be fastened to the load.

5. The system (1 ) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the communication is wire-less.

6. The system (1 ) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the housing (2) further comprises a chargeable battery.

7. The system (1 ) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein a safety cable (30) is arranged to extend between the first and second ends (8, 10) of the hydraulic cylinders (6).

8. A method (100) for levelling a load by using a system according to anyone of the previous claims, the method comprising

connecting (102) a load hook of a crane to the lifting lug and a connecting member,

connecting (104) the load to the second end of the hydraulic cylinders,

lifting (108) the load by operating the crane, and

levelling (1 10) of the load by individually adjusting the length of stroke of at least one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders.