GB2541472A

GB2541472A - Crane Accessory

Info

Publication number: GB2541472A
Application number: GB1517987.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Windass Benjamin; Peter Hird Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-12
Filing date: 2015-10-12
Publication date: 2017-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-12
Also published as: GB2541472B; GB201517987D0

Abstract

Accessory comprises an audio visual module A mounted on the crane hook block, a relay module B mounted on a crane boom, which may be a telescoping boom, and a receiving module C mounted within the operator station, which may comprise a display 200. The audio visual module A is in wireless communication with the relay module B and is powered independently of the relay module and/or the receiving module. The relay module B may in turn be in wireless communication with the receiving module C Preferably the parts are arranged for two-way communication with one another, preferably over a 5GHz band, and may be mounted to the crane by means of a magnet. The relay and receiver may be wired directly to one another.

Description

CRANE ACCESSORY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cranes, in particular accessories for cranes and crane hooks.

Background to the Invention

Cranes are used throughout the world for all types of building and construction operations. There are many different types which are broadly separated into three types, overhead cranes, mobile cranes and fixed cranes. An overhead crane, also known as a bridge crane, is a type of crane where the hook-and-line mechanism runs along a horizontal beam that itself runs along two widely separated rails. Mobile cranes include truck-mounted cranes, sidelifter cranes, rough terrain cranes, all terrain cranes, pick and carry cranes, carry deck cranes, telescopic handler cranes, crawler cranes, railroad cranes, floating cranes and aerial cranes. Fixed cranes include tower cranes, self-erecting cranes, telescopic cranes, hammerhead cranes, level luffing cranes, gantry cranes, deck cranes, jib cranes, bulk-handling cranes, loader cranes, and stacker cranes.

It is common for the operator of the crane to be situated some considerable distance from the material being transported by the crane. Line of sight between the operator and crane hook is therefore obscured and in these circumstances the safe operation of the crane and its hook is put at risk.

Mounting cameras on cranes has been one attempted resolution of this problem, however such a solution is not suitable for telescopic cranes, or cranes where the hook is suspended from the crane jib and travels up and down continually. In such circumstances the wiring involved hinders the operation of the crane and vice versa.

There has now been devised a crane accessory which overcomes and/or substantially mitigates the above referenced and other shortcomings associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a crane accessory for a crane comprising an operator station, a crane boom and a crane hook block, the accessory comprising an audio visual module mounted on the crane hook block, a relay module mounted on the crane boom, and a receiving module mounted within the operator station, wherein the audio visual module is in wireless communication with the relay module and is powered independently of the relay module and/or the receiving module.

The crane accessory according to the invention is advantageous primarily because both visual and audio signals can be relayed from the crane hook block to the operator station. This means that the operator can not only see what is going on with the load on the end of the hook and where to site the load, but he can hear what is going on also. This allows ground handlers to relay voice commands to the crane operator using the device. The operator can also detect movement and contact of the load more easily. The crane accessory according to the invention is also advantageous because it can be used in any wireless surveillance scenario that requires rapid deployment.

Preferably, the relay module is mounted on an end of the crane boom farthest from the operator station. This provides the greatest range for the wireless signals and the least chance for any interference.

The crane can have a fixed length boom and a hook block which is a fixed length from the crane boom tip. In such a scenario the connections between all the parts of the invention may be wired. However in most cases, the hook block will be moveable vertically on a pulley or the like. This means that the audio visual module must be worked remotely. Preferably the audio visual module comprises a wireless transmitter. This has the benefit that the images and sounds collected by the module to be transmitted to a receiver in real time, and without any cumbersome wires.

Preferably the relay module comprises a wireless receiver. This has the benefit that it can receive the wirelessly transmitted signals from audio visual module. Preferably the audio visual module and the relay module are in wireless communication with one another.

With cranes that have a fixed length boom the connection between the operator station and the relay module may be hard wired. That is to say there is a physical electrical communication linkage between the two. The linkage may provide power to the relay module, but may also provide for the carriage of the captured images and sounds from the relay module to the operator station.

In some circumstances the end of the crane boom farthest from the operator station is moveable with respect to the crane boom, or the crane boom is telescopic, or the crane hook block is suspended from a moveable support. In such instances, preferably the relay module is in wireless communication with the receiving module and is powered independently of the receiving module. This means that movement of the tip of the crane is not hindered and the system can still operate.

Preferably the audio visual module, the relay module, and the operator station are adapted for two way communication between each other. In order to achieve this as well as the above, the operator station may comprise a transmitter, the relay module may comprise a receiver to receive signals from the operator station, the relay module may comprise a transmitter in order to transmit signals to the audio visual module, and the audio visual module may comprise a receiver to receive said signals. The audio visual module may comprise a speaker so that signals from the operator in the operator station can be sent to the ground handler via the audio visual module. Such signals may be in the form of verbal instructions. Alternatively the signals may be electronic instructions for the audio visual module to take a still image or to operate the camera within the audio visual module in some way (i.e. change the angle of the camera etc.).

With reference to the present invention, signals can mean any electronic communication involving the transfer of data. Signals can therefore mean instructional information as well as video, images, sounds, audio, and data files comprising information such as system information, date, time, serial number, signal strength, battery life or information relating to faults.

The audio visual module comprises at least one camera, and at least one microphone. The audio visual module may also comprise a speaker.

The signals transmitted are preferably transmitted in the 5GHz range. The wireless transmissions are preferably by radio frequency. At 5GHz there is less interference than with the conventional 2.4GHz. The signals therefore have greater power. Preferably 23 non overlapping channels are provided.

Any of the audio visual module, the relay module or the receiving module may be attached to the respective parts of the crane using conventional mechanical fixings. However, preferably any of the audio visual module, the relay module or the receiving module are attached to the respective parts of the crane magnetically. This means that they can be easily attached and removed. Furthermore it allows for a more universal installation.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the audio visual module of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the base plate of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the base plate with PCB boards attached.

Figure 4 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the antenna cover plate of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the top plate of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the mid plate of the invention.

Figure 7 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the audio visual unit of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a two dimensional view of an embodiment of the battery module of the invention.

Figure 9 shows a two dimensional view of an embodiment of the wireless unit of the invention.

Figure 10 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the combined battery and wireless unit which mounts to the top of the crane boom.

Figure 11 shows a schematic of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 shows a schematic of an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiment

Figure 1 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the invention. In the figure there is shown an audio visual (AV) module generally designated 1 which is attached to a crane hook block (not shown). The module 1 comprises a base plate 10 (Figure 2), an antenna cover plate 20 (Figure 4), a top plate 30 (Figure 5), a mid-plate 40 (Figure 6) and an AV unit 50 (Figure 7).

The parts 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 above, which make up the module 1 all link together in electrical communication so as to form a block. The AV module 1 block is attached to a crane hook block (not shown) using a magnet embedded within the mid-plate 40.

At the bottom of the module is the base plate 10. This is an aluminium plate which is adapted to receive the remaining parts of the module 1. The plate 10 forms a general C shape and has an opening 12 in which is received the AV unit 50. There are mounting positions 14 on each side of the plate in order to mount PCB boards 18 (see Figure 3). Various shaped holes 16 are also present in order to receive the communication and power ports and connectors for the other devices attached to the base. The connectors include a power unit socket, a video sensor socket, and an audio jack socket. The base plate 10 serves as a mounting structure to base all the other components of the module on.

At the top of the module is the antenna (not shown) which is housed underneath the antenna cover plate 20 (Figure 4). This is a nylon plate which is bolted to the top plate 30 (Figure 5). The antenna is wired to the PCB boards. The top plate 30 has a recess 32 in order to receive the antenna cover plate 20. When fixed on the antenna cover plate 20 is flush with the surface of the top plate 30.

Between the top plate and the base plate is the mid plate 40 (Figure 6). This is a tubular housing for the PCB boards and other components. The mid plate 40 has a recess 42, which overlies the recess 12 in the base plate. The channel thus formed is thereby adapted to receive the AV unit 50. The mid plate 40 also comprises a magnet which is powerful enough to support the whole assembly against the side of a crane hook block.

The AV unit 50 (Figure 7) slots in the channel in the mid plate. The unit comprises an HD camera 52, an audio sensor (internal) and a magnet assembly. The HD camera 52 and audio sensor are both directed downwards and therefore provide a clear line of sight to the objects below being carried by the crane hook. The magnet assembly is internal of the housing of the AV unit, and when the unit 50 is engaged in the channel opening in the mid plate 40, the magnet engages with a steel plate embedded in a recess 42 in the mid plate. The AV unit 50 is therefore held within the module 1 securely. Alternatively, the AV unit 50 using the magnet can attached to the crane hook block directly. In both cases the AV unit 50 is wired to the main module 1. Wires extend from the unit 50 through the hole 54 and engage with the connectors 16 in the base via the slot 34 on the top plate. To remove the AV unit the magnet is disengaged by inserting an Allen key through the hole 56 in the unit. The key engages with a socket which when turned depolarises the magnet away from its mating surface.

In use the module 1 is attached to a crane hook block. Images are captured by the camera and the audio sensor captures sounds from the region of the hook. The captured images and sounds are packaged into data files, which are wirelessly communicated to a relay unit mounted on the top of the crane boom. The module 1 is powered by batteries from a battery module (60) as shown in Figure 8. Further battery modules 60 can be added. The battery module comprises an array of battery cells 62 housed in a housing 64 and a magnet assembly 66 which is used to attach the battery module to the crane hook block or elsewhere. The battery module also has connectors 68 for connection with the AV module 1. The battery cells are 14.4V 9Ah Ni-MH 12 x D cell Battery Pack

In one example of the invention the crane comprises a telescopic crane boom. At the top of the crane boom the relay unit therefore comprises a battery module 60 (as described above) and wireless unit 70 (Figure 9) The wireless unit 70 comprises a housing 72, a bolting plate 74, external connectors 76, and an internal PCB unit 78. The unit 70 is bolted to front of the battery module using T bolts which engage with the bolting plate 74 (see Figure 10). The battery module connects magnetically to the top of the crane boom. The connectors 76 are used to connect the battery module 60 to the unit 70 to provide power. Internally, the PCB unit 78 comprises a wireless receiver to receive data wirelessly from the AV module 1, and a wireless transmitter to transmit said data wirelessly to the operator station. Thus images and sounds captured by the AV module 1, are relayed to the operator station by the relay unit.

The operator station in the example above is the cab for the crane. The operator works in the cab and has a receiver to receive the wireless signals and a monitor with a speaker to view the images and hear the sounds transmitted.

In another example, the crane boom is of fixed length. In which case, the wireless relay unit 70 is mounted at the top of the crane boom using magnets within it and/or 75mm hole centres for traditional fixing. The unit 70 is then hard wired down the crane boom to the operator station. The hard wiring provides power for the unit 70. There is also wiring to communicate the signals from the relay unit to the operator station, also hard wired down the boom. The operator station has a receiver to decode the signals from the relay unit. Signals are decoded onto a monitor with audio speakers.

Figure 11 shows a schematic of an embodiment of the invention. The invention comprises at the very least two main components A and C. This would be the set up for a crane with fixed length boom for example. Optionally component B can be incorporated which is the case when for example the crane has a telescopic boom.

Component A comprises an AV module 1 and a battery pack assembly 60. In the module 1 there is an antenna which is connected to a wireless/WIFI PCB board 18b. A main PCB board 18a is in place to process video and audio and is connected as shown. The main PCB 18a is connected to the AV unit 50 which comprises a video sensor 52 and an audio sensor 53. The PCB board 18a is also connected to a speaker 59, for optional transmission of communications if required. The parts of component A function to transmit audio and video data to the component C and/or B. A also comprises a battery pack assembly 60, which comprises a battery array 62 is 12 number 14.4 V 9Ah Ni-MH batteries. These types of batteries are preferred because they are non-hazardous. The pack 60 is connected to the module 1 via the output socket 102 on the assembly 60 and the input socket 100 on the module 1. A fuse 104 is also in place to prevent overload, and the module 1 also have an on/off push button switch 106 to activate and deactivate the unit. The module 1 and battery pack 60 are attached to a crane hook block.

Component C comprises a wireless unit 70 which is wired to a monitor screen 200 in the users cab. The wireless unit is capable of receiving data from the component A and presenting the information on the screen 200. The wireless unit 70 comprises a wireless PCB board 78 and two antennas 79a and 79b.

As mentioned above, component B may be added into the system. Component B comprises a battery pack 60 and a further wireless unit 70. The wireless unit has an input socket 100 which connects to the output socket 102 on the battery pack 60. The battery pack 60 and wireless unit are as described above. Component B is attached to the top of a telescopic crane and acts as a relay unit to relay data wirelessly from component A to component C. In such a scenario, the wireless unit 70 of C, (when there is also A and B) is present within the cab of the operator and the wireless signal between B and C travels up the telescopic boom of the crane. The wireless unit in C in this case is powered from the crane cab.

Figure 12 shows how the various parts of the invention can come together. In the top figure there is presented components A and C connected wirelessly. This is the case typically with cranes of fixed boom length. The middle figure shows components A, B and C connected wirelessly, and this is typically the set up with crane having telescopic booms. The bottom figures shows the connection of extra battery units 60 to the module 1, to increase lifetime of operation.

All of the wireless connections described above are 4G enabled. The PCB boards described above are also able to record images and sounds. In one embodiment, there is a conventional SD card slot on the module 1 for use with and SD card to save the data onto. The SD slot could alternatively be on the relay unit, or at the operator station.

In the examples described above, the casings which make up the base plate 10, the top plate 30, the mid-plate 40, the AV unit 50, the battery unit 60 and the wireless unit 70 are made from metal. Preferably the metal is aluminium. In the parts of the above devices which are connected to each other (i.e. see the recess 42) or to the crane parts by magnets, then these parts will be manufactured from steel.

Claims

1. A crane accessory for a crane comprising an operator station, a crane boom and a crane hook block, the accessory comprising an audio visual module mounted on the crane hook block, a relay module mounted on the crane boom, and a receiving module mounted within the operator station, wherein the audio visual module is in wireless communication with the relay module and is powered independently of the relay module and/or the receiving module.

2. A crane accessory according to claim 1, wherein the relay module is mounted on an end of the crane boom farthest from the operator station.

3. A crane accessory according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the audio visual module comprises a wireless transmitter.

4. A crane accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the relay module comprises a wireless receiver.

5. A crane accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the end of the crane boom farthest from the operator station is moveable with respect to the crane boom, or the crane boom is telescopic, or the crane hook block is suspended from a moveable support, the relay module is in wireless communication with the receiving module and is powered independently of the receiving module.

6. A crane accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the audio visual module, the relay module, and the operator station are adapted for two way communication between each other.

7. A crane accessory according to any preceding claim wherein signals are transmitted in the 5GHz range.

8. A crane accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein any of the audio visual module, the relay module or the receiving module are attached to the respective parts of the crane magnetically.

9. A crane accessory substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings. CLAIMS

1. A crane accessory for a crane comprising an operator station, a crane boom and a crane hook block, the accessory comprising an audio visual module mounted on the crane hook block, a relay module mounted on the crane boom, and a receiving module mounted within the operator station, wherein the audio visual module is in wireless communication with the relay module and is powered independently of the relay module and/or the receiving module, and wherein the audio visual module is supported against the side of the crane hook block magnetically, and wherein the audio visual module comprises an audio visual unit in wired communication with the audio visual module, the audio visual unit being detachably mounted to the audio visual module using a magnet assembly which is internal of a housing of the audio visual unit and which engages with the audio visual module.

6. A crane accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the audio visual module, the relay module, and the operator station are adapted for two way communication between each other. AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS