GB2472418A

GB2472418A - Crane Wheel Flange Lubricator

Info

Publication number: GB2472418A
Application number: GB0913661A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Ruck; Paul Howard; Anthony Sysum
Original assignee: RAPID RAIL Ltd
Current assignee: RAPID RAIL Ltd
Priority date: 2009-08-06
Filing date: 2009-08-06
Publication date: 2011-02-09
Also published as: GB0913661D0

Abstract

A lubrication device 40 for lubricating the internal flanges 20 of a crane wheel 12 has a support arm 56 adapted to be fitted in close proximity to the peripheral flanges of the crane wheel. The device includes a first lubricant applicator 62 slidingly mounted to the support arm and a second lubricant applicator 64 slidingly mounted to the support arm. Nozzles 68 of the applicators 62, 64 are positioned adjacent the inner flanges of the crane wheel and are fed from lubricant dispensers. The support arm may include end stops 80, 84 to limit movement of the applicators, and the applicators may be biased apart by a spring 86. The support arm and spring arrangement may be protected by a rubber boot 88, and the support arm may be mounted to the crane via a collar 50 attached to a bracket 42 by a bolted connection. The device permits lubrication of flanged crane wheels adapted to run on rails, and allows application of a lubricant in order to reduce wear of the wheel flange/rail interface.

Description

Title: Lubrication Device The present invention relates to a lubrication device and particularly hut not exclusively to a lubrication device for use in lubricating crane wheels which are adapted to run on rails.

Background to the Invention

tt is recognised that lubrication of a crane wheel reduces wear resulting from metal to metal contact of the crane wheel rolling on a rail. Crane wheel wear is affected, for example, by crane loading, temperature fluctuation, misalignment of the wheel on its rail and positioning in a hostile environment. Failure of a crane wheel or rail, for example, due to excessive wear, perhaps resulting in stress fracturing can be difficult and expensive to repair. Typically the repair involves changing a wheel, a rail, or both, and takes several days resulting in additional costs of lost production.

Generally, a crane wheel has flanges on either side of the wheel, which guide and retain the wheel on a rail, In order to minimise wear, it is known that lubricant, for example, specially formulated grease, should be applied to the insides of the crane wheel flanges. This lubricant is applied using an applicator for each flange. The applicators are mounted independently and are fed with lubricant from separate grease pumps, which each feed a measured flow rate of lubricant.

The applicators are typically of the type used to lubricate the rails of lift shafts and comprise a spring loaded injector having an angled head mounted in an elongate body as shown in Figure 1 of the prior art. In order to fit an applicator of the type to a crane wheel, it is necessary to first fabricate an appropriate supporting member, disposed above the crane wheel, to which the applicator can be mounted. Once the supporting member is in place, the placement of the applicator can be extremely difficult. This is due in part to the fact that most crane wheels are shrouded with a protective cover, which impedes fitting of the support member and/or applicator. Furthermore, often the clearance between the moving crane and the supporting structure is limited, usually on an outer edge of the crane. A typical container crane, for example, has a clearance of as little as 20mm between the moving crane wheel and the supporting structure. In these cases, it is often not possible to fit a lubricator to one of the flanges of the crane wheel, because there is not sufficient access and/or clearance to fit it.

Therefore, the effects of wear cannot be prevented. Also, the angled head of the injector makes accurate positioning of the applicator essential for successful application of lubricant.

Another problem of the existing applicators is that the injector can become blocked due to lubricant hardening in the nozzle of the applicator. The hardened lubricant effectively forms a plug which prevents further flow of lubricant.

It is an object of the invention to provide a lubrication device and/or lubrication device kit which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problems.

Statement of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lubrication device for lubricating the internal flanges of a crane wheel comprising a support arm adapted to be fitted in close proximity to the peripheral flanges of a crane wheel, a first lubricant applicator slidingly mounted to the support arm and a second lubricant applicator slidingly mounted to the support arm.

The lubrication device is advantageous because the position of the lubrication applicators along the length of the support arm can easily be adjusted, facilitating accurate and quick set-up of the device.

A first stop means may limit sliding movement of the first applicator on the support arm, a second stop means may limits sliding movement of the second applicator on the support arm, and biasing means may be provided for biasing each applicator towards the respective stop means.

Advantageously the biasing means enables the applicators to be positioned in an optimum position, but the applicators can move against the spring biasing, if necessary to accomniodate any unevenness of the internal flanges of the crane wheel.

The support arm may have at least one recess or projection extending along the length thereof for engagement with a respective projection or recess of each of the first and second applicators and first and second stop means. This conveniently prevents rotation of the parts relative to the support arm. The support arm may be splined.

The first stop means may be provided at a distal end of the support arm. This means that the device need not extend beyond the position of the first stop means.

The second stop means may be mounted about the support arm and may be lockable in substantially any position along the length of the support arm. This provides for different sizes of crane wheel, with different flange spacings.

The biasing means may be a spring disposed between the first and second applicators.

The spring may be a coil spring disposed around the support arm. By positioning the spring around the support arm, it is securely retained.

The first and second applicators may each include a mounting portion in engagement with the support arm, an applicator arm extending away from the mounting portion and a nozzle integrally formed in the applicator arm.

A connector for connecting a lubricant supply pipe may be mounted to each applicator arm.

The connector may be mounted on either side of the applicator arm and a passageway may be provided through the applicator arm to the nozzle and may connect the lubricant supply connector to an outlet of the nozzle.

A blanking means may be provided for blanking the passageway on the side of the applicator arm not in use.

The nozzle aperture may be substantially conical, the aperture widening towards the point of lubricant application. This prevents a plug of lubricant from building up and hardening in the aperture of the nozzle. Any potential build up is pushed out by the pressure of lubricant due to the shape of the aperture.

The first and second applicators may be substantially identical. This means that only one applicator need be manufactured, thus saving manufacturing costs. Furthermore, because the applicators are not handed, a replacement can be obtained without risk of obtaining the wrong hand of applicator.

Each applicator arm may extend substantially radially from the mounting portion and may extend substantially at an acute angle to a longitudinal axis of the support arm.

A support bracket may be provided for mounting the support arm to crane. The position of the support arm may be adjustable relative to the position of the support bracket. This enables the support arm to be extended over the crane wheel flanges by an amount sufficient to mount the applicators, without extending unnecessarily beyond the crane wheel flanges, thus potentially causing an obstruction.

A locking means may be provided for locking the position of the support arm relative to the position of the support bracket.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a lubrication device kit for fitting to a crane comprising an elongate support arm, first and second applicators adapted to be adjustably fitted to the support arm and to slide relative to the support arm in use, an end cap for the support arm for limiting movement of one of the applicators in use, a stop means adapted to be adjustably fitted to the support arm for limiting movement of the second applicator in use, and a spring adapted to fit between the applicators to bias them apart.

A pair of lubricant pumps may he provided for connection to the first and second applicators respectively.

Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a prior art lubrication arrangement; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a lubrication arrangement including a lubrication device of the invention fitted to a crane wheel; and Figure 3 shows a schematic end view of the lubrication device of Figure 2.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a prior art lubrication device is indicated generally at 10, fitted to an overhead crane. A crane wheel 12 runs on a rail 14 which is attached to a supporting I-beam 16 of an overhead gantry. An axle 18 of the crane bogie extends to another crane wheel, not shown, on the other side of the crane. The crane wheel 12 has circumferential flanges 20 on either side of the crane wheel, which retain the crane wheel on the rail 14.

In order to attach the prior art lubrication device 10 to the crane, a supporting member 22 is firstly attached to the crane wheel bogie to lie in close proximatey to the flanges 20 of the crane wheel 12. Individual lubricant applicators 24, 26 are then mounted on either side of the supporting member 22, such that applicator nozzles 28, 30 of the respective applicators, 24, 26 are disposed against the inner surface of respective radial flanges 20. The nozzle tips 28, 30 are biased out of the applicators 24, 26 and are positioned in such a manner that they are in constant contact with the inner surface of the flanges 20. Lubricant supplied from separate battery operated dispensers 32, 34 passes through connecting hoses 36, 38, which connect to the applicators 24, 26.

The lubricant flows from the dispensers through the hoses and applicators and out through the nozzles 28, 30 onto the flanges of the crane wheel 12.

The applicators 24, 26 are designed for use in a lift shaft and consequently each nozzle tip 28, 30 terminates at an angle to the central axis of the nozzle. The applicators 24, 26 are also relatively long, being approximately 200mm in length and can therefore he particularly difficult to fit in the limited space around the crane wheel of a crane. In particular, it will be appreciated from Figure 1, that the applicators 24, 26 must be attached to the supporting member 22 at an angle of approximately 30 degrees, which corresponds to the angle at the tip of the nozzles 28, 30. Given that the applicators 24, 26 must be attached with the nozzles in their range of bias against the flanges of the crane wheel, it will be appreciated that the positioning of the applicators is critical for effective operation. Again, given the difficulties of accessing an overhead crane wheel and the lack of space for fitting the applicators, this can be extremely difficult, if not impossible to achieve on some cranes.

1n some cases, the outer edge of a crane wheel 12 is disposed within 20mm of the gantry on which the crane is mounted and this is particularly so on a container crane.

This being the case, the arrangement of the supporting member 22 as shown would not be possible, because it extends beyond the edge of the crane wheel 12.

Furthermore, the applicator 26 also extends beyond the outer edge of the crane wheel 12 and also may not be able to be fitted in certain circumstances.

The dispensers 32, 34 may be adjusted to dispense lubricant at a pre-set frequency and measured volume, which is determined by the size of the crane wheel 12. By providing the minimum amount of lubricant, typically grease, for effective lubrication, cleaning of the rails is minimised. Furthermore, the frequency and volume of lubricant can be changed, as required, to suit different crane wheel arrangements.

Referring to now to Figures 2 and 3, a lubrication device of the invention is indicated generally at 40. Common reference numerals will be used to designate parts common with the prior art arrangement already described. In order to mount the lubrication device 40 of the invention, a vertical plate 42 is mounted in-board of the crane wheel 12 to be lubricated. The vertical plate 42 can be welded to a horizontal plate 44 which is attached to the crane bogie by bolts 46. Reinforcing gusset plates 48 can be welded between the vertical plate 42 and the horizontal plate 44, as desired in known manner.

A collar or mount 50 is attached to the vertical plate 42, preferably by a bolt 54 and serves to support a support arm 56. The support ann 56 passes through the centre of the collar 50 and can be held in any desired axial position by a locking bolt 58 which tightens the collar around the support arm 56.

Referring in particular to Figure 3, the support arm 56 is substantially circular in cross section, but is splined with six longitudinal recesses 58 equi-spaced around the support ann 56. Between each pair of recesses 58 of the spline is a projection or key extending along the length of the support arm. The aperture through the collar 50 is machined with a corresponding cross section, which ensures that the support arm is prevented from rotating about its axis in the collar 50.

The first and second lubricant applicators 62, 64 are mounted on the support arm 56.

Each applicator 62, 64 includes a mounting portion having an aperture there-through for mounting the applicator to the support arm 56, an applicator arm 66 extending away from the mounting portion and a nozzle portion 68 integrally formed with the applicator arms 66. The aperture passing through each applicator 62, 64 corresponds to the cross section of the support arm 56, as shown in Figure 3, and the applicators 62, 64 can slide on the support arm whilst being held against rotation.

The applicators 62, 64 are handed, although in another embodiment (not shown), the applicators need not be handed. The applicator ann 66 of the applicator 64 extends radially away from the mounting portion at an angle of approximately 105 degrees thereto, as indicated at a. The applicator arm 66 of the applicator 62 extends radially away from the mounting portion at an angle of approximately 75 degrees thereto, as indicated at 3. The nozzles 68 both extend from the distal end of the applicator arms 66 with their axes parallel with the central axis of the mounting portion and support arm. However, due to the angle of the arm 66 of the applicator 62, the nozzle extends beyond the mounting portion. This has the result that the support arm 56 can he terminated in-board of the outer flange of the crane wheel 12.

The end of the nozzle lies substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the nozzle.

Each applicator has a nozzle outlet formed as an outwardly tapered mouth 70. The outlet extends into a passageway 72 extending axially through the nozzle 68. A further passageway 74, as shown in Figure 3 extends laterally through the nozzle from one side to the other, lies perpendicular to the passageway 72, and is in communication therewith. A supply pipe connector 76 can be mounted on either side of the nozzle 68 in communication with the further passageway 74. A blanking bolt or cap 78 can be fitted to the further passageway 74 on the other side of the nozzle 68, in order to seal this exit to the passageway when not in use. It will be appreciated from the applicators 62, 64 in Figure 2, that the connectors 76 are attached to opposite sides of the applicators 62, 64. In use, the outlets 70 of the nozzles 68 are arranged to lie adjacent the inner surfaces of the circumferential flanges 20 of the crane wheel 12.

Ideally, a gap of approximately 1mm should be provided between each nozzle and flange.

In order to fix the position of the applicators with the appropriate 1mm gap. an end stop 80 comprising a circular plate is bolted to the end of the support arm 56 by means of a threaded screw 82. A second end stop 84, comprising an adjustable collar is also mounted to the support arm and provides a stop for the second applicator 64. A coil spring 86 is disposed around the support arm 56 between the applicators 62, 64 and maintains the position of the applicators against the stops 80, 84. A rubber boot 88 is provided between the applicators around the spring 86, in order to protect the spring against the elements. The ends of the spring are retained in respective recesses 90, provided in the ends of the mounting portion of the applicators 62, 64.

As in the prior art arrangement, dispensers are connected to respective connectors 76 of the applicators 62, 64 by the connecting hoses.

Referring in particular to Figure 2, it will be appreciated that it is a relatively simple task to mount the lubrication device 40 to a crane wheel 12, Initially, the vertical plate 42 is mounted in relatively close proximity to the crane wheel, in-board of the crane bogie, and the support arm 56 is attached thereto by means of the collar 50. The first and second applicators 62,64 can be slidingly mounted to the support arm 56 and retained in position by means of the end stops 80, 84. The position of the applicators 62, 64 can he adjusted by sliding the support arm within the collar 50, but also by sliding the applicators along the length of the support arm 56. If the space is limited, as in the arrangement shown in Figure 2, then the end of the support arm 56 is set in-board of the outer crane wheel flange. This is highly advantageous in positions where it is not possible to provide a mount outside of the running of the crane wheel 12, because it enables both flanges of the crane wheel to be lubricated, which has previously not been possible. Furthermore, the angled sides of the outlet 70 ensure that lubricant or grease does not harden in the outlet, thus blocking the flow of lubricant on to the crane wheel flange.

In view of the ease of fitting of the lubrication device 40, the device may be provided as a kit of parts, which can be assembled on site by crane maintenance engineers. The ease and speed of fitting significantly reduces the down time of the crane in fitting a lubrication device and can save significant cost. Furthermore, it is already well known that lubrication of crane wheels saves significant costs, because the length of time that a crane wheel can remain in service is greatly increased. Tests indicate that wear of an effectively lubricated crane wheel is so low that the wheel could remain in constant operation for years.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lubrication device for lubricating the internal flanges of a crane wheel comprising a support arm adapted to be fitted in close proximity to the peripheral flanges of a crane wheel, a first lubricant applicator slidingly mounted to the support arm and a second lubricant applicator slidingly mounted to the support arm.
2. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 1, in which a first stop means limits sliding movement of the first applicator on the support arm, a second stop means limits sliding movement of the second applicator on the support arm, and biasing means is provided for biasing each applicator towards the respective stop means.
3. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the support arm has at least one recess or projection extending along the length thereof for engagement with a respective projection or recess of each of the first and second applicators and first and second stop means.
4. A lubrication device as claimed in any one of claims I to 3, in which the first stop means is provided at a distal end of the support arm.
5. A lubrication device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the second stop means is mounted about the support arm and is lockable in substantially any position along the length of the support arm.
6. A lubrication device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the biasing means is a spring disposed between the first and second applicators.
7. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 6, in which the spring is a coil spring and is disposed around the support arm.
8. A lubrication device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second applicators each include a mounting portion in engagement with the support arm, an applicator arm extending away from the mounting portion and a nozzle integrally formed in the applicator arm.
9. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 8. in which a connector for connecting a lubricant supply pipe is mounted to each applicator arm.
10. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 9, in which the connector can be mounted on either side of the applicator arm.
11. A lubrication device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, in which a passageway is provided through the applicator arm to the nozzle and connects the lubricant supply connector to an outlet of the nozzle.
12. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 11, in which a blanking means is provided for blanking the passageway on the side of the applicator arm not in use.
13. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, in which the aperture is substantially conical.
14. A lubrication device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second applicators are substantially identical.
15. A lubrication device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, when dependent on claim 8, in which each applicator arm extends substantially radially from the mounting portion.
16. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 14, in which each applicator arm extends substantially at an acute angle to a longitudinal axis of the support arm.
17. A lubrication device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a support bracket is provided for mounting the support arm to crane.
18. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 17, in which the position of the support arm is adjustable relative to the position of the support bracket.
19. A lubrication device as claimed in claim 17 or 18, in which a locking means is provided for locking the position of the support arm relative to the position of the support bracket.
20. A lubrication device kit for fitting to a crane comprising an elongate support arm, first and second applicators adapted to be adjustably fitted to the support arm and to slide relative to the support arm in use, an end cap for the support arm for limiting movement of one of the applicators in use, a stop means adapted to be adjustably fitted to the support arm for limiting movement of the second applicator in use, and a spring adapted to fit between the applicators to bias them apart.
21. A lubrication device kit as claimed in claim 20 further comprising a pair of lubricant pumps for connection to the first and second applicators respectively.20. A lubrication device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.