SE539921C2

SE539921C2 - Safety device for a liner processing machine

Info

Publication number: SE539921C2
Application number: SE1650688A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Gustafsson Anders; Persson Patrick; Pranter Mats
Original assignee: Chris-Marine Ab
Priority date: 2016-05-20
Filing date: 2016-05-20
Publication date: 2018-01-16
Also published as: SE1650688A1; EP3458226A1; WO2017198355A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (3) for controlling a feeding of a wire element (4) handling an apparatus. The device (3) comprises a horizontally extending switch element (5) that is movable between a first position and a second position, a wire element (4) movable in a vertical direction by means of a motor (7) and connected the switch element (5), and a spring element (8) arranged to bias the switch element (5) in a first vertical direction. The motor (7) is operable when the switch element (5) is in its first position and nonoperable when the switch element (5) is in its second position. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a feeding of a wire element (4) handling an apparatus.

Description

SAFETY DEVICE FOR A LINER PROCESSING MACHINE Technical backgroundThe invention relates to a device and a method for controlling a feeding of a wire element handling an apparatus. The invention also relates to a linerprocessing machine for maintenance of a cylinder liner.

Background artln order to optimise the operational conditions of internal combustion engines and to prevent shutdowns to the largest extent possible, theoperational state of the engines is checked at regular intervals. One commoncause for impaired engine state or for shutdowns is that the piston rings havebecome worn-out or burnt and consequently need to be replaced. Experiencehas shown, however, that the cause may equally well be the cylinder linerswhich, when examined, have been found to be in a worn state or to no longerexhibit a desired surface because of depositions of soot or of abrasive orcorrosive attacks on the cylinder liner walls. Attacks of this kind might be dueto sulphurous fuel used to operate the engine, which in combination withsteam produces sulphuric acid that condenses at predetermined temperatureand pressure levels in the engine. The effects on the cylinder liner from forexample corrosion attacks are localised because of the uneven distribution ofcylinder oil, of gas leakage via openings, such as passages between pistonrings and cylinder liner, and/or variations of the cylinder liner walltemperature.

Cylinder liner checks are therefore extremely important to determinewhether the heat stress or other damage, to which the cylinder liner has beenexposed has caused the liner to deform, resulting in the liner adopting an ovalshape or a trumpet shape with a larger diameter in the top section. lf anydefects or deviations in the cylinder liner is detected it is vital to alleviate thesame as soon as possible.

When maintenance of the cylinder liner is necessary it is conventionalto use a liner processing machine that is lowered into the cylinder liner bymeans of a wire such that the inner surface of the same can be processed. A problem that might arise during such a process is that the liner processingmachine gets stuck in the cylinder liner due to the pressure applied towardsthe inner surface of the cylinder liner. lf the feeding of the wire is continuedwhile the liner processing machine is stuck, there is a risk of an undesiredmovement of the same when it comes loose from the inner surface of thecylinder liner. Such a movement could potentially injure the operator of themachine and/or damage the cylinder liner.

Summary of the invention lt is an object of the present invention to mitigate, alleviate or eliminateone or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantagessingly or in any combination and solve at least the above mentioned problem.

According to a first aspect, these and other objects are achieved in full,or at least in part, by a device for controlling a feeding of a wire elementhandling an apparatus. The device comprises a switch element which isrotatable about a shaft and movable between a first position and a secondposition, a wire element movable by means of a motor and connected to theswitch element, the motor being operable when the switch element is in itsfirst position and non-operable when the switch element is in its secondposition, and a spring element arranged to bias the switch element. Theswitch element is in its first position when a lifting force applied to the switchelement, via the wire element, is greater than the biasing force of the springelement onto the switch element, and in its second position when the biasingforce is greater than the lifting force.

As long as the apparatus follows the wire element without getting stuckin the environment, the lifting force applied to the switch element will begreater that the biasing force from the spring element on the switch element.Thus, the switch element will remain in its first position and the motor willaccordingly be operable. However, if the apparatus gets stuck in theenvironment, the lifting force from the wire element will decrease as the motorcontinues to feed the same. When the biasing force exceeds the lifting force,the switch element will move into its second position and thus the motor willbe placed in the non-operable state.

Based on the above, the feeding of the wire element will be stopped assoon as the apparatus connected thereto gets stuck in its environment.Accordingly, if the apparatus is related to a liner processing machine, the riskof undesired movement of the same when it comes loose after being stuck tothe inner surface of the cylinder liner will be eliminated. lt should be noted that the device may be attached to the apparatus inany suitable way. ln one preferred embodiment, the shaft, about which theswitch element is rotatable, connects the device with the apparatus. Here, thewire element is directly attached to the switch element and the spring elementbiasing the switch element may completely or at least partly arranged in theapparatus (as well as in the device).

The switch element may be horizontally extending and comprise a firstsurface and a second surface, and a first section and a second section. ln one preferred embodiment, the wire element is connected to saidfirst surface at the first section of the switch element, and the spring elementarranged to bias the second surface at the second section of the switchelement, the second section being located on the opposite side of the shaft inrelation to the first section. ln another preferred embodiment, the wire element is connected to thefirst surface at the second of the switch element, the spring element isarranged to bias the first surface at the second section of the switch element,and the shaft is arranged in the first section of the switch element. ln yet another preferred embodiment, the switch element has an L-shape. Here, the wire element may be connected to the first surface at thefirst section of the switch element, and the spring element arranged to biasthe second surface at the second section of the switch element, the secondsection being located on the opposite side of the shaft in relation to the firstsecüon.

The device may further comprise an indicator arranged above the firstsurface at the second section of the switch element and adapted to indicatewhen the switch element is in its second position, and a control unit adaptedto place the motor in a non-operable state based on an indication from theindicator. Preferable, the indicator is a push button. Naturally, embodiments are available in which the control unit is left out of the equation. The switchelement may for example turn off the motor directly when placed in its secondposition. Alternately, the switch element is in turn connected to another switchdevice for the same purpose.

The control unit may further be programmed to perform different typesof tasks based on the information received from the indicator, such as forexample triggering an alarm. ln one preferred embodiment of the invention, the first surface is a topsurface of the switch element and the second surface is a bottom surface ofthe switch element.

The device may further comprise an attachment element attaching thewire element to the switch element, and the switch element may comprise apin or a plate.

The wire element may be chosen from the group consisting of a chain,a steel wire, a stiff cord or a string.

The device may further comprise a ratchet movable between an idleposition and a locking position, wherein the switch element is fixed in its firstposition when the ratchet is placed in its locking position. Such a ratchet mayfor example be advantageous when the wire element is about to beconnected to the attachment element or when the apparatus is stuck inrelation to its environment and the operator wants to create a tension in thewire element before loosening the radial pressure from the apparatus.According to a second aspect, the objects are achieved in full, or at least inpart, by an apparatus comprising the device according to the featuresdescribed above. The switch element may be fixed to a portion of theapparatus by means of the shaft.

According to a third aspect, the objects are achieved in full, or at leastin part, by a liner processing machine comprising the device according to thefeatures described above. The switch element may be fixed to a portion of theliner processing machine by means of the shaft.

The liner processing machine may further comprise an indicatorarranged above the first surface at the second section of the switch elementwhich is adapted to indicate when the switch element is in its second position, and a control unit adapted to place the motor in a non-operable state basedon an indication from the indicator.

According to a fourth aspect, the objects are achieved in full, or at leastin part, by a method for controlling a feeding of a wire element handling anapparatus. The method comprises the steps of arranging a switch element ina first position, in which a motor connected to the wire element is in anoperable state, the switch element being rotatable about a shaft andconnected to the wire element at a first section, and biased by means of aspring element at a second section, the second section being located on anopposite side of the shaft compared to the first section, and moving the switchelement to a second position, in which a motor connected to the wire elementis in an non-operable state, when a lifting force applied to the first section in afirst vertical direction, via the wire element, is smaller than a biasing force ofthe spring element onto the second section of the switch element in the firstvertical direction.

The method may further comprise the step of sending an alarm bymeans of a control unit based on an indication from an indicator which is incommunication with the switch element when in its second position.

The method may further comprise the step of placing a ratchet,movable between an idle position and a locking position, in its lockingposition, in which the switch element is fixed in its first position.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted accordingto their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly definedotherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the [element, device, component,means, step, etc.]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least oneinstance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unlessexplicitly stated otherwise.

Brief description of the drawinqs The above objects, as well as additional objects, features andadvantages of the present invention, will be more fully appreciated byreference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a liner processing machine according toone exemplary embodiment of one aspect of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlargement of a device according to one exemplaryembodiment of one aspect of the invention.

Fig. 3a is a side view of the device in Fig. 2 when in its first position.

Fig. 3b is a side view of the device in Fig. 2 when in its secondposition.

Fig. 4a is a side view of the device according to another exemplaryembodiment of one aspect of the invention.

Fig. 4b is a side view of the device according to yet another exemplaryembodiment of one aspect of the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention Fig. 1 illustrates a liner processing machine 1 according to oneexemplary embodiment of one aspect of the invention. The liner processingmachine 1 is especially adapted for maintenance of a cylinder liner 2. Theliner processing machine 1 comprises a device 3 (see Fig. 2) for controlling afeeding of a wire element 4 which is used to move the liner processingmachine 1 up and down in relation to the cylinder liner 2 during maintenanceof the same. The device 3 comprises a switch element 5 which is rotatableabout a shaft 6 and movable between a first position and a second position.The device 3 further comprises the wire element 4 which is movable bymeans of a motor 7 and which is connected to the switch element 5. Themotor 7 is operable when the switch element 5 is in its first position and non-operable when the switch element 5 is in its second position. Further thedevice has a spring element 8 which is arranged to bias the switch element 5.Thus, it is the motor 7 that drives the wire element 4 up and down in thevertical direction. ln turn, the state of the motor 7 is controlled by means of thedevice 3 in dependence of the position of the switch element 5.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the switch element 5 is attached to a portionof the liner processing machine 1 by means of the shaft 6. lt should be noted that this is only one preferred embodiment and that other attachmentpossibilities between the liner processing machine 1 and the device 3naturally also are possible. ln turn, the device 3 has an attachment element 9attaching the wire element 4 to the switch element 5. ln this embodiment, thedevice 3 also comprises a ratchet 10 which is movable between an idleposition and a locking position. The ratchet 10 is fixing the switch element 5 tostay in its first position when the ratchet 10 is placed in its locking position.

Turning to Fig. 3a and 3b, the functioning of the device 3 will beexplained below. ln Fig. 3a, the device 3 is illustrated when the switch element 5 is in itsfirst position. Here, the lifting force applied to the switch element 5, via thewire element 4 connected thereto, is greater than the biasing force applied tothe switch element 5, via the spring element 8. Thus, the motor 7 which iscontrolling the vertical movement of the liner processing device 1 performingthe maintenance of the cylinder liner 2 is operable and fully functional. ln Fig. 3b, the device 3 is illustrated when the switch element 5 is in itssecond position. Here, the biasing force applies by the spring element 8 isgreater than the lifting force applies by the wire element 4. Thus, the motor 7is in a non-operable state. ln this specific embodiment, the switch element 5 is a horizontallyextending plate and comprises a top surface 11 and a bottom surface 12, anda first section 13 and a second section 14. The wire element 4 is connected tothe top surface 11 at the first section 13, and the spring element 8 is arrangedto bias the bottom surface 12 at the second section 14. The first section 13and the second section 14 are located on opposite sides of the shaft 6. Thedevice 3 also comprises an indicator 15 adapted to indicate when the switchelement 5 is in its second position, and a control unit 16 adapted to place themotor 7 in a non-operable state based on an indication from the indicator 15.

As long as the liner processing machine 1 follows the wire element 4without getting stuck in the liner cylinder 2, the lifting force applied to theswitch element 5 will be greater that the biasing force from the spring element8 on the switch element 5. Thus, the switch element 5 will remain in its firstposition (Fig. 3a) and the motor 7 will accordingly be operable. However, if the liner processing machine 1 gets stuck in the cylinder liner 2, the liftingforce from the wire element 4 will decrease as the motor continues to feed thesame. When the biasing force exceeds the lifting force, the switch element 5will move into its second position (Fig. 3b). Here, the switch element 5 willenter into contact with the indicator 15 connected to the control unit 16 whichin turn will place the motor 7 in a non-operable state.

Fig. 4a and 4b illustrate further exemplary embodiments of the device 3according to the present invention. ln Fig. 4a, the wire element 4 is connected to the top surface 11 at amid section of the switch element 5 and the shaft 6 is arranged in the firstsection 13 of the switch element 5. The spring element 8 is arranged to biasthe top surface 11 at the second section 14 of the switch element 5. Theindicator 15 is arranged below the bottom surface 12 at the second section 14of the switch element 5 and connected to the control unit 16. The overallfunctioning of the device 3 is the same as described above. ln Fig. 4b, the switch element 5 has an L-shape. The wire element 4 isconnected to the top surface 11 at the first section 13 of the switch element 5and the spring element 8 is arranged to bias the bottom surface 12 at thesecond section 14 of the switch element 5. The first section 13 is located onthe opposite side of the shaft 6 in relation to the second section 14. Theindicator 15 is arranged in connection with the top surface 11 at the secondsection 14 of the switch element 5 and connected to the control unit 16. Theoverall functioning of the device 3 is the same as described above. lt is understood that other variations in the present invention arecontemplated and in some instances, some features of the invention may beemployed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it isappropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly in a mannerconsistent with the scope of the invention.

The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a fewembodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in theart, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possiblewithin the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims.

For instance, the first and second surface of the switch element maybe different surfaces. ln one example, the first surface is constituted by thetop surface of the switch element and the second surface is constituted by thebottom surface of the switch element.

The first and second surface of the switch element may also be thesame surface. ln one example, both the first and the second surface areconstituted by the bottom surface of the switch element.

The motor 7 may be a part of the device 3. However, it is also possiblethat the motor 7 is not an actual part of the device 3 itself.

Claims

1. A device (3) for controlling a feeding of a wire element (4) handlingan apparatus, comprising a switch element (5) being rotatable about a shaft (6) and movablebetween a first position and a second position, a wire element (4) movable by means of a motor (7) and connected tosaid switch element (5), said motor (7) being operable when said switchelement (5) is in its first position and non-operable when said switch element(5) is in its second position, and a spring element (8) arranged to bias said switch element (5), wherein said switch element (5) is in its first position when a liftingforce applied to said switch element (5), via said wire element (4), is greaterthan the biasing force of said spring element (8) onto said switch element (5),and in its second position when said biasing force is greater than said liftingforce.

2. The device (3) according to claim 1, wherein said switch element(5) is horizontally extending and comprises a first surface (11) and a secondsurface (12), and a first section (13) and a second section (14).

3. The device (3) according to claim 2, wherein said wire element (4)is connected to said first surface (11) at said first section (13) of said switchelement (5), and said spring element (8) is arranged to bias said secondsurface (12) at said second section (14) of said switch element (5), saidsecond section (14) being located on the opposite side of said shaft (6) inrelation to said first section (13).

4. The device (3) according to claim 2, wherein said wire element (4)is connected to said first surface (11) at said second section (14) of saidswitch element (5), said spring element (8) is arranged to bias said firstsurface (11) at said second section (14) of said switch element (5), and saidshaft (6) is arranged in said first section (13) of said switch element (5).

5. The device (3) according to claim 1, wherein said switch element(5) has an L-shape, said wire element (4) is connected to said first surface(11) at said first section (13) of said switch element (5), and said springelement (8) is arranged to bias said second surface (12) at said secondsection (14) of said switch element (5), said second section (14) being locatedon the opposite side of said shaft (6) in relation to said first section (13).

6. The device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising an indicator (15) adapted to indicate when said switch element (5)is in its second position, and a control unit (16) adapted to place said motor(7) in a non-operable state based on an indication from said indicator (15).

7. The device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising an attachment element (9) attaching said wire element (4) to saidswitch element (5).

8. The device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein said wire element (4) is chosen from the group consisting of a chain,a steel wire, a stiff cord or a string.

9. The device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising a ratchet (10) movable between an idle position and a lockingposition, wherein said switch element (5) is fixed in its first position when saidratchet (10) is placed in its locking position.

10.An apparatus, comprising the device (3) according to any one ofclaims 1-9, wherein said switch element (5) is fixed to a portion of saidapparatus by means of said shaft (6) so ttzat said apparatus is handšed ba: tafire elernertt.

11.A liner processing machine (1) for maintenance of a cylinder liner(2), comprising the device (3) according to any one of claims 1-9.

12.The liner processing machine (1) according to claim 11, whereinsaid switch element (5) is fixed to a portion of said liner processing machine(1) by means of said shaft (6).

13.The liner processing machine (1) according to claim 11 or 12,further comprising an indicator (15) adapted to indicate when said switchelement (5) is in its second position, and a control unit (16) adapted to placesaid motor (7) in a non-operable state based on an indication from saidindicator (15).

14.A method for controlling a feeding of a wire element (4) handling anapparatus, comprising the steps of arranging a switch element (5) in a first position, in which a motor (7)connected to said wire element (4) is in an operable state, said switchelement (5) being rotatable about a shaft (6) and connected to said wireelement (4), and biased by means of a spring element (8), and moving said switch element (5) to a second position, in which a motor(7) connected to said wire element (4) is in a non-operable state, when alifting force applied to said switch element (5), via said wire element (4), issmaller than a biasing force of said spring element (8) onto said switchelement (5).

15.The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step ofsending an alarm by means of a control unit (16) based on an indication froman indicator (15) which is in communication with said switch element (5) whenin its second position.