GB1273967A - Thermo-electromechanical multi-function support device - Google Patents

Abstract

1,273,967. Pipe support. L. S. SUOZZE. 19 April, 1971 [17 Aug., 1970], No. 22543/71. Heading F2P. In a device for supporting equipment, such as a pipe 1, subject to thermal expansion, an actuating assembly, which is attached to the pipe at two locations, is connected to a coupling assembly having connector means for connection to a fixed support 56 and an electric motor 30 is operatively interposed between the actuating assembly and the connector means. As shown, the actuating assembly comprises a rigid member 15 pivotably mounted on a plate 5 which is welded to the pipe 1 and a switch arm 27 which is connected to member 15 through links 14, 25 and is also connected to a plate 8 welded to the pipe and mounted on a main support plate 10. As the pipe undergoes axial expansion, the lever 14 rotates about pivots 22, 24 thus causing the arm 27 to traverse contacts C 1 -C 8 which are part of an electric circuit controlling the motor 30. Each contact C 1 -C 8 corresponds to a number of revolutions performed by the motor. Rotation of the motor shaft 32 is transmitted through gears 33, 34 to a screw 35 mounted for rotation in a thrust bearing 40. The screw 35, the thread of which is protected by bellows 48, engages a nut 41 on which are mounted plate members 42, 43. The nut 41 is prevented from rotating with the screw by pins 46, 47, attached to the plates 42,. which project through vertical slots in a bore wall 12 which is secured to the support plate 10. As the pipe 1 expands and the contact arm moves to one of the contacts C 1 -C 8 , the motor 30 is switched on and stops after a given number of revolutions, the direction of rotation being such as to lower the screw 35, and hence the plate 10 and pipe 1, through the nut 41 a distance which is a multiple of the axial expansion of the pipe whilst maintaining support of the pipe. Switches 44, 45 are contacted by pin 47 to switch off the motor at the limits of travel of the screw 35. The pipe thus controllably assumes a position in which the thermal expansion produces no strain on the pipe or its supports.