US20170051473A1 - Machine counterweight installation and removal - Google Patents
Machine counterweight installation and removal Download PDFInfo
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- US20170051473A1 US20170051473A1 US14/831,904 US201514831904A US2017051473A1 US 20170051473 A1 US20170051473 A1 US 20170051473A1 US 201514831904 A US201514831904 A US 201514831904A US 2017051473 A1 US2017051473 A1 US 2017051473A1
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- counterweight
- machine
- flexible connection
- frame
- lever member
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/18—Counterweights
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a method and a system for installation and removal of a counterweight in a machine.
- Machines such as hydraulic excavators, fork lifts, loaders, shovels, feller bunchers, and other type of construction machines, are provided with a counterweight to increase the lifting and load carrying capacity of the machine.
- the counterweight is arranged at a rear end of the machine in order to counterbalance the effect of loading at the lifting and load carrying work performed at a front end of the machine.
- machine users are often remove counterweights to reduce or redistribute the weight when the machine is transported over highways, by railways or by air. Further, in some applications of the machine, it may be advantageous to exclude the counterweight.
- U. S. Pat. No. 5,833,268 discloses a self-mounting counterweight device which is mounted to one end of the chassis frame of the machine.
- the counterweight is U-shaped and includes two vertical sides and an outward wall defining an internal enclosure.
- the counterweight includes a rod mounted to the top of the counterweight for suspending it from a boom and includes lateral threaded bolts to releasably mount the counterweight to blocks on the chassis frame.
- the lifting boom has an inward end journalled to the frame and an outward end with tackle for releasably connecting the boom outward end to the counterweight suspending rod.
- a hydraulic cylinder provides mechanical lift with an inward end journalled to the frame and an outward end pivotally connected to the boom.
- the combination of the boom and lift provides a scissor-like lever for selectively raising and lowering the counterweight between a lowered and mounted position.
- the boom and counterweight In the lowered position, the boom and counterweight are extended outwardly to hoist the counterweight on an adjacent ground surface.
- the boom and hydraulic cylinder fold or nest within the internal enclosure of the U-shaped counterweight.
- the hydraulic cylinder and boom are axially bounded by the machine frame and counterweight rear wall and laterally bounded by the counterweight side wall. Damage to the boom and hydraulic cylinder with attached hydraulic hoses etc. is minimized by surrounding the relatively delicate bearings and shaft of the boom, hydraulic cylinder and hose fittings within a thick-walled steel plate enclosure of the U-shaped counterweight and chassis frame.
- a counterweight removal and installation system for a counterweight attached to a frame of the machine.
- the counterweight installation and removal system includes a lever member having a first end and a second end.
- the lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame of the machine at the first end.
- the first end positioned above a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight.
- the counterweight installation and removal system further includes an arm coupled to the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight.
- the counterweight installation and removal system further includes an end of a first flexible connection member attached at the second end of the lever member.
- the first flexible connection member configured to apply a load at the second end of the lever member.
- the counterweight installation and removal system further includes a second flexible connection member provided between the arm and the counterweight.
- a machine in another aspect of the present disclosure, includes a frame, a lifting and load-carrying implement system provided at a front end of the frame and a counterweight provided at a rear end of the frame, and a counterweight installation and removal system.
- the counterweight installation and removal system includes a lever member having a first end and a second end. The lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame of the machine at the first end. The first end positioned below a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight.
- the counterweight installation and removal system further includes an arm coupled to the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight.
- the counterweight installation and removal system further includes an end of a first flexible connection member attached at the second end of the lever member.
- the first flexible connection member configured to apply a load at the second end of the lever member.
- the counterweight installation and removal system further includes a second flexible connection member provided between the arm and the counterweight.
- a method of removing a counterweight of a machine having a frame, a lifting and load-carrying implement system provided at a front end of the frame and the counterweight provided at a rear end of the frame includes providing a lever member having a first end and a second end.
- the lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame of the machine at the first end, the first end positioned below a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight.
- the method further includes providing an arm is rigidly supported between the first end and the second end of the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight.
- the method further includes attaching a first flexible connection member between the second end of the lever member and the implement system.
- the method further includes attaching a second flexible connection member between the arm and the counterweight.
- the method further includes loosening at least one mounting of the counterweight.
- the method further includes lowering the work implement to apply an upward pull on the counterweight via the first flexible connection member and the lever member.
- the method further includes removing the at least one mounting of the counterweight.
- the method further includes raising the work implement to lower the counterweight via the first flexible connection member and the lever member.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a machine having an implement system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 illustrates loosening of the counterweight from the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 illustrates removal of the counterweight from the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 illustrates installation of the counterweight to the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5 illustrates installation of the counterweight to the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of removing the counterweight of the machine having the frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a machine 100 having an implement system 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the machine 100 may include, but is not limited to an excavator, a material handler, a long reach excavator, a foundation drill, a rock drill, a piling machine, a tunneling machine, and a front shovel.
- the machine 100 may be shown as an excavator-type earthmoving or logging machine and the implement system 102 , consists of linkages such as a boom 104 , a stick 106 , and a bucket 108 .
- the boom 104 may be pivotally connected to a chassis 110 of the machine 100
- the stick 106 may be pivotally connected to the boom 104
- the bucket 108 may be pivotally connected to the stick 106 .
- the machine 100 may also include a drive system 112 , such as tracks for propelling the machine 100 , a power source 114 to power the implement system 102 and the drive system 112 , and an operator cab 116 for hosting user interface devices for controlling the implement system 102 and the drive system 112 .
- the power source 114 may embody an engine, such as a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine or any other type of combustion engine known in the art.
- the power source 114 may alternatively embody a non-combustion source of power such as a fuel cell, a power storage device, or another source known in the art.
- the power source 114 may produce a mechanical or electrical power output that may then be converted to hydraulic power for moving the implement system 102 .
- An overall movement of the bucket 108 in the first vertical plane 118 may be achieved in three parts, first by raising and lowering the boom 104 with respect to the chassis 110 , second by moving the stick 106 toward and outward with respect to the operator cab 116 , and third by rotating the bucket 108 relative to the stick 106 .
- the boom 104 may be raised and lowered by a pair of first hydraulic actuators 120 , 122 .
- the stick 106 may be moved toward and outward with respect to the operator cab 116 by a second hydraulic actuator 124 .
- a third hydraulic actuator 126 may be used to curl and uncurl the bucket 108 relative to the stick 106 .
- the chassis 110 , and the implement system 102 it carries may be rotated about a vertical-axis by a fourth hydraulic actuator 128 , such as a hydraulic motor, with respect to the drive system 112 along a ground surface 130 .
- the machine 100 includes a counterweight removal and installation system 132 for a counterweight 134 attached to rear end of a frame 136 of the machine 100 , whereas the implement system 102 is provided at a front end of the frame 136 .
- the counterweight removal and installation system 132 may include a lever member 138 having a first end 140 and a second end 142 .
- the lever member 138 may be a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge or fulcrum.
- the lever member 138 may be rotatably coupled to the frame 136 at the first end 140 .
- the first end 140 may be positioned below a center line A-A′ of the counterweight 134 and the second end 142 may be positioned above a top surface of the counterweight 134 .
- the counterweight removal and installation system 132 may further include an arm 144 coupled to the lever member 138 and transversely extending thereof The arm 144 may also be positioned above the top surface of the counterweight 134 .
- the counterweight removal and installation system 132 may include a first flexible connection member 148 having a first terminal end 146 and a second terminal end 150 .
- the first flexible connection member 148 may be attached to the second end 142 of the lever member 138 at the first terminal end 146 .
- the first flexible connection member 148 may be configured to apply a leverage or load at the second end 142 of the lever member 138 .
- the another terminal end of the first flexible connection member 148 , the second terminal end 150 may be attached to the implement system 102 .
- the second terminal end 150 of the first flexible connection member 148 is connected with the boom 104 of the implement system 102 .
- the second terminal end 150 may be connected to the stick 106 or the bucket 108 of the implement system 102 .
- an fittings and connectors are provided at the first terminal end 146 and the second terminal end 150 of the first flexible connection member 148 , which may include, wire clips, swage eye or the like.
- the counterweight removal and installation system 132 may further include a second flexible connection member 152 that may be provided between the arm 144 and the counterweight 134 .
- the second flexible connection member 152 may include a first terminal end 154 and a second terminal end 156 .
- the first terminal end 154 of the second flexible connection member 152 may be coupled to the arm 144 .
- the second terminal end 156 of the second flexible connection member 152 may be coupled to the counterweight 134 at the top surface thereof
- the first flexible connection member 148 and the second flexible connection member 152 may include, but is not limited to cables.
- the counterweight removal and installation system 132 may further include a base plate 158 that may be rigidly secured to the frame 136 of the machine 100 , and the lever member 138 is rotatably coupled to the base plate 158 at the first end 140 .
- the base plate 158 of the counterweight removal and installation system 132 may be disposed between the counterweight 134 and the frame 136 of the machine 100 and the counterweight 134 may be coupled to the frame 136 using at lest one mounting, such as, a plurality of bolts 162 with bolt heads 160 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates loosening of the counterweight 134 from the machine 100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the plurality of bolts 162 may be loosened by an operator using a tooling and the bolt heads 160 .
- the implement system 102 may be lowered (shown by arrow) to apply a slight upward pull on the counterweight 134 through the first flexible connection member 148 , the lever member 138 and the arm 144 .
- the upward pull on the counterweight 134 may facilitate the easy removal of the bolts 162 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates removal of the counterweight 134 from the machine 100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the implement system 102 may be raised to lower the counterweight 134 via the first flexible connection member 148 , the lever member 138 , and the arm 144 and the second flexible connection member 152 .
- the lever member 138 and the arm 144 may rotate in anti-clockwise direction along a radius ‘R’ that may be defined as the distance between the first terminal end 154 of the second flexible connection member 152 and the first end 140 of the lever member 138 .
- the arm 144 may be coupled to the counterweight 134 that in turn may move towards the ground surface 130 based on the rotation of the lever member 138 .
- FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate a side view of the machine 100 for installation of the counterweight 134 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the lever member 138 and the arm 144 may rotate in clockwise direction along the radius ‘R’, defined as the distance between the first terminal end 154 of the second flexible connection member 152 and the first end 140 of the lever member 138 .
- the arm 144 may be coupled to the counterweight 134 that in turn may move towards the frame 136 of the machine 100 based on the rotation of the lever member 138 .
- the plurality of bolts 162 may be tightened by an operator.
- the first flexible connection member 148 and the second flexible connection member 152 may be removed and stored while the machine 100 is ready for operation again.
- the present disclosure relates to the counterweight removal and installation system 132 for the counterweight 134 attached to the frame 136 of the machine 100 .
- the counterweight removal and installation system 132 ensures removal of the counterweight 134 that reduces weight or redistributes the weight when the machine 100 is transported.
- the disclosed counterweight removal and installation system 132 is also retrofittable with the existing machines.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 of removing the counterweight 134 of the machine 100 having the frame 136 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the method 600 includes, providing the lever member 138 having the first end 140 and the second end 142 .
- the lever member 138 may be rotatably coupled to the frame 136 of the machine 100 at the first end 140 .
- the first end 140 may be positioned below the center line A-A′ of the counterweight 134 and the second end 142 positioned above the counterweight 134 respectively.
- the method 600 includes, providing the arm 144 that may be rigidly supported between the first end 140 and the second end 142 of the lever member 138 and transversely extending thereof.
- the arm 144 may be positioned above the counterweight 134 .
- the method 600 includes, attaching the first flexible connection member 148 between the second end 142 of the lever member 138 and the implement system 102 .
- the method 600 includes, attaching the second flexible connection member 152 between the arm 144 and the counterweight 134 .
- the method 600 includes, loosening the at least one mounting, the plurality of bolts 162 , of the counterweight 134 .
- the method 600 includes, lowering the implement system 102 to apply an upward pull on the counterweight 134 through the first flexible connection member 148 and the lever member 138 .
- the method 600 includes, removing the mounting, the plurality of bolts 162 , of the counterweight 134 .
- the method 600 includes, raising the implement system 102 to lower the counterweight 134 through the first flexible connection member 148 and the lever member 138 .
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Abstract
A counterweight removal and installation system for a counterweight attached to a frame of the machine is provided. The counterweight removal and installation system includes a lever member having a first end and a second end. The lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame at the first end. The first end is positioned below a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight. The counterweight removal and installation system further includes an arm coupled to the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight. The counterweight removal and installation system further includes an end of a first flexible connection member attached at the second end of the lever member. The counterweight removal and installation system further includes a second flexible connection member provided between the arm and the counterweight.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for installation and removal of a counterweight in a machine.
- Machines, such as hydraulic excavators, fork lifts, loaders, shovels, feller bunchers, and other type of construction machines, are provided with a counterweight to increase the lifting and load carrying capacity of the machine. In such machines, the counterweight is arranged at a rear end of the machine in order to counterbalance the effect of loading at the lifting and load carrying work performed at a front end of the machine. However, machine users are often remove counterweights to reduce or redistribute the weight when the machine is transported over highways, by railways or by air. Further, in some applications of the machine, it may be advantageous to exclude the counterweight.
- Various counterweight installation and removal systems are known in the art. For example, U. S. Pat. No. 5,833,268 discloses a self-mounting counterweight device which is mounted to one end of the chassis frame of the machine. The counterweight is U-shaped and includes two vertical sides and an outward wall defining an internal enclosure. The counterweight includes a rod mounted to the top of the counterweight for suspending it from a boom and includes lateral threaded bolts to releasably mount the counterweight to blocks on the chassis frame. The lifting boom has an inward end journalled to the frame and an outward end with tackle for releasably connecting the boom outward end to the counterweight suspending rod. A hydraulic cylinder provides mechanical lift with an inward end journalled to the frame and an outward end pivotally connected to the boom. The combination of the boom and lift provides a scissor-like lever for selectively raising and lowering the counterweight between a lowered and mounted position. In the lowered position, the boom and counterweight are extended outwardly to hoist the counterweight on an adjacent ground surface. In the mounted position, the boom and hydraulic cylinder fold or nest within the internal enclosure of the U-shaped counterweight. In the mounted position therefore, the hydraulic cylinder and boom are axially bounded by the machine frame and counterweight rear wall and laterally bounded by the counterweight side wall. Damage to the boom and hydraulic cylinder with attached hydraulic hoses etc. is minimized by surrounding the relatively delicate bearings and shaft of the boom, hydraulic cylinder and hose fittings within a thick-walled steel plate enclosure of the U-shaped counterweight and chassis frame.
- In one aspect of the present disclosure, a counterweight removal and installation system for a counterweight attached to a frame of the machine is provided. The counterweight installation and removal system includes a lever member having a first end and a second end. The lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame of the machine at the first end. The first end positioned above a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight. The counterweight installation and removal system further includes an arm coupled to the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight. The counterweight installation and removal system further includes an end of a first flexible connection member attached at the second end of the lever member. The first flexible connection member configured to apply a load at the second end of the lever member. The counterweight installation and removal system further includes a second flexible connection member provided between the arm and the counterweight.
- In another aspect of the present disclosure, a machine is provided. The machine includes a frame, a lifting and load-carrying implement system provided at a front end of the frame and a counterweight provided at a rear end of the frame, and a counterweight installation and removal system. The counterweight installation and removal system includes a lever member having a first end and a second end. The lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame of the machine at the first end. The first end positioned below a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight. The counterweight installation and removal system further includes an arm coupled to the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight. The counterweight installation and removal system further includes an end of a first flexible connection member attached at the second end of the lever member. The first flexible connection member configured to apply a load at the second end of the lever member. The counterweight installation and removal system further includes a second flexible connection member provided between the arm and the counterweight.
- In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of removing a counterweight of a machine having a frame, a lifting and load-carrying implement system provided at a front end of the frame and the counterweight provided at a rear end of the frame is provided. The method includes providing a lever member having a first end and a second end. The lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame of the machine at the first end, the first end positioned below a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight. The method further includes providing an arm is rigidly supported between the first end and the second end of the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight. The method further includes attaching a first flexible connection member between the second end of the lever member and the implement system. The method further includes attaching a second flexible connection member between the arm and the counterweight. The method further includes loosening at least one mounting of the counterweight. The method further includes lowering the work implement to apply an upward pull on the counterweight via the first flexible connection member and the lever member. The method further includes removing the at least one mounting of the counterweight. The method further includes raising the work implement to lower the counterweight via the first flexible connection member and the lever member.
- Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a machine having an implement system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 illustrates loosening of the counterweight from the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 illustrates removal of the counterweight from the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 illustrates installation of the counterweight to the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5 illustrates installation of the counterweight to the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of removing the counterweight of the machine having the frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of amachine 100 having animplement system 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Themachine 100 may include, but is not limited to an excavator, a material handler, a long reach excavator, a foundation drill, a rock drill, a piling machine, a tunneling machine, and a front shovel. In the illustrated embodiment, themachine 100 may be shown as an excavator-type earthmoving or logging machine and theimplement system 102, consists of linkages such as aboom 104, astick 106, and abucket 108. Theboom 104 may be pivotally connected to achassis 110 of themachine 100, thestick 106 may be pivotally connected to theboom 104, and thebucket 108 may be pivotally connected to thestick 106. - The
machine 100 may also include adrive system 112, such as tracks for propelling themachine 100, apower source 114 to power theimplement system 102 and thedrive system 112, and anoperator cab 116 for hosting user interface devices for controlling theimplement system 102 and thedrive system 112. Thepower source 114 may embody an engine, such as a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine or any other type of combustion engine known in the art. Thepower source 114 may alternatively embody a non-combustion source of power such as a fuel cell, a power storage device, or another source known in the art. Thepower source 114 may produce a mechanical or electrical power output that may then be converted to hydraulic power for moving theimplement system 102. - An overall movement of the
bucket 108 in the firstvertical plane 118 may be achieved in three parts, first by raising and lowering theboom 104 with respect to thechassis 110, second by moving thestick 106 toward and outward with respect to theoperator cab 116, and third by rotating thebucket 108 relative to thestick 106. Theboom 104 may be raised and lowered by a pair of first hydraulic actuators 120, 122. Thestick 106 may be moved toward and outward with respect to theoperator cab 116 by a secondhydraulic actuator 124. A thirdhydraulic actuator 126 may be used to curl and uncurl thebucket 108 relative to thestick 106. Moreover, thechassis 110, and the implementsystem 102 it carries, may be rotated about a vertical-axis by a fourthhydraulic actuator 128, such as a hydraulic motor, with respect to thedrive system 112 along aground surface 130. - According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
machine 100 includes a counterweight removal andinstallation system 132 for acounterweight 134 attached to rear end of aframe 136 of themachine 100, whereas the implementsystem 102 is provided at a front end of theframe 136. The counterweight removal andinstallation system 132 may include alever member 138 having afirst end 140 and asecond end 142. Thelever member 138 may be a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge or fulcrum. In the illustrated embodiment, thelever member 138 may be rotatably coupled to theframe 136 at thefirst end 140. Thefirst end 140 may be positioned below a center line A-A′ of thecounterweight 134 and thesecond end 142 may be positioned above a top surface of thecounterweight 134. The counterweight removal andinstallation system 132 may further include anarm 144 coupled to thelever member 138 and transversely extending thereof Thearm 144 may also be positioned above the top surface of thecounterweight 134. - Further, the counterweight removal and
installation system 132 may include a firstflexible connection member 148 having a firstterminal end 146 and a secondterminal end 150. The firstflexible connection member 148 may be attached to thesecond end 142 of thelever member 138 at the firstterminal end 146. The firstflexible connection member 148 may be configured to apply a leverage or load at thesecond end 142 of thelever member 138. The another terminal end of the firstflexible connection member 148, the secondterminal end 150, may be attached to the implementsystem 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondterminal end 150 of the firstflexible connection member 148 is connected with theboom 104 of the implementsystem 102. However, in an alternative embodiment the secondterminal end 150 may be connected to thestick 106 or thebucket 108 of the implementsystem 102. Further, an fittings and connectors are provided at the firstterminal end 146 and the secondterminal end 150 of the firstflexible connection member 148, which may include, wire clips, swage eye or the like. The counterweight removal andinstallation system 132 may further include a secondflexible connection member 152 that may be provided between thearm 144 and thecounterweight 134. The secondflexible connection member 152 may include a firstterminal end 154 and a secondterminal end 156. The firstterminal end 154 of the secondflexible connection member 152 may be coupled to thearm 144. The secondterminal end 156 of the secondflexible connection member 152 may be coupled to thecounterweight 134 at the top surface thereof In an embodiment, the firstflexible connection member 148 and the secondflexible connection member 152 may include, but is not limited to cables. - The counterweight removal and
installation system 132 may further include abase plate 158 that may be rigidly secured to theframe 136 of themachine 100, and thelever member 138 is rotatably coupled to thebase plate 158 at thefirst end 140. Thebase plate 158 of the counterweight removal andinstallation system 132 may be disposed between thecounterweight 134 and theframe 136 of themachine 100 and thecounterweight 134 may be coupled to theframe 136 using at lest one mounting, such as, a plurality ofbolts 162 with bolt heads 160. -
FIG. 2 illustrates loosening of thecounterweight 134 from themachine 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Firstly, the plurality ofbolts 162 may be loosened by an operator using a tooling and the bolt heads 160. Secondly, the implementsystem 102 may be lowered (shown by arrow) to apply a slight upward pull on thecounterweight 134 through the firstflexible connection member 148, thelever member 138 and thearm 144. The upward pull on thecounterweight 134 may facilitate the easy removal of thebolts 162.FIG. 3 illustrates removal of thecounterweight 134 from themachine 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In order to remove thecounterweight 134, the implementsystem 102 may be raised to lower thecounterweight 134 via the firstflexible connection member 148, thelever member 138, and thearm 144 and the secondflexible connection member 152. During the removal of thecounterweight 134 from themachine 100, thelever member 138 and thearm 144 may rotate in anti-clockwise direction along a radius ‘R’ that may be defined as the distance between the firstterminal end 154 of the secondflexible connection member 152 and thefirst end 140 of thelever member 138. Thearm 144 may be coupled to thecounterweight 134 that in turn may move towards theground surface 130 based on the rotation of thelever member 138. -
FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 illustrate a side view of themachine 100 for installation of thecounterweight 134 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 4 , during the installation of thecounterweight 134 to themachine 100, thelever member 138 and thearm 144 may rotate in clockwise direction along the radius ‘R’, defined as the distance between the firstterminal end 154 of the secondflexible connection member 152 and thefirst end 140 of thelever member 138. Thearm 144 may be coupled to thecounterweight 134 that in turn may move towards theframe 136 of themachine 100 based on the rotation of thelever member 138. Further, referring toFIG. 5 , once thecounterweight 134 is positioned adjacent to theframe 136 the plurality ofbolts 162 may be tightened by an operator. Following installation of thecounterweight 134, the firstflexible connection member 148 and the secondflexible connection member 152 may be removed and stored while themachine 100 is ready for operation again. - The present disclosure relates to the counterweight removal and
installation system 132 for thecounterweight 134 attached to theframe 136 of themachine 100. The counterweight removal andinstallation system 132 ensures removal of thecounterweight 134 that reduces weight or redistributes the weight when themachine 100 is transported. The disclosed counterweight removal andinstallation system 132 is also retrofittable with the existing machines. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of amethod 600 of removing thecounterweight 134 of themachine 100 having theframe 136 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Atstep 602, themethod 600 includes, providing thelever member 138 having thefirst end 140 and thesecond end 142. Thelever member 138 may be rotatably coupled to theframe 136 of themachine 100 at thefirst end 140. Thefirst end 140 may be positioned below the center line A-A′ of thecounterweight 134 and thesecond end 142 positioned above thecounterweight 134 respectively. Atstep 604, themethod 600 includes, providing thearm 144 that may be rigidly supported between thefirst end 140 and thesecond end 142 of thelever member 138 and transversely extending thereof. Thearm 144 may be positioned above thecounterweight 134. Atstep 606, themethod 600 includes, attaching the firstflexible connection member 148 between thesecond end 142 of thelever member 138 and the implementsystem 102. - Further, at
step 608, themethod 600 includes, attaching the secondflexible connection member 152 between thearm 144 and thecounterweight 134. Atstep 610, themethod 600 includes, loosening the at least one mounting, the plurality ofbolts 162, of thecounterweight 134. Atstep 612, themethod 600 includes, lowering the implementsystem 102 to apply an upward pull on thecounterweight 134 through the firstflexible connection member 148 and thelever member 138. Atstep 614, themethod 600 includes, removing the mounting, the plurality ofbolts 162, of thecounterweight 134. Atstep 616, themethod 600 includes, raising the implementsystem 102 to lower thecounterweight 134 through the firstflexible connection member 148 and thelever member 138. - While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.
Claims (19)
1. A counterweight removal and installation system for a counterweight attached to a frame of the machine, the counterweight removal and installation system comprising:
a lever member having a first end and a second end, the lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame at the first end, the first end positioned below a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight;
an arm coupled to the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight;
a first terminal end of a first flexible connection member attached at the second end of the lever member, the first flexible connection member configured to apply a load at the second end of the lever member; and
a second flexible connection member provided between the arm and the counterweight.
2. The counterweight removal and installation system of claim 1 , further including a base plate rigidly secured to the frame of the machine and the lever member rotatably coupled to the base plate at the first end.
3. The counterweight removal and installation system of claim 2 , wherein the base plate is disposed between the counterweight and the frame of the machine.
4. The counterweight removal and installation system of claim 1 , wherein the machine includes an implement system and another terminal end of the first flexible connection member is attached to the implement system.
5. The counterweight removal and installation system of claim 4 , wherein the implement system includes a boom and the another terminal end of the first flexible connection member is attached to the boom.
6. The counterweight removal and installation system of claim 1 , wherein the implement system including, a boom pivotally connected to the frame.
7. The counterweight removal and installation system of claim 4 , wherein the first and the second flexible connection members are cables.
8. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the second flexible connection member includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end.
9. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the first terminal end of the second flexible connection member is coupled to the arm.
10. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the second terminal end of the second flexible connection member is coupled to the counterweight.
11. A machine comprising:
a frame;
a lifting and load-carrying implement system provided at a front end of the frame;
a counterweight provided at a rear end of the frame; and
a counterweight installation and removal system including:
a lever member having a first end and a second end, the lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame at the first end, the first end positioned below a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight;
an arm coupled to the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight;
a first terminal end of a first flexible connection member attached at the second end of the lever member, the first flexible connection member configured to apply a load at the second end of the lever member; and
a second flexible connection member provided between the arm and the counterweight.
12. The machine of claim 11 , wherein the counterweight installation and removal system further comprise a base plate secured to the frame of the machine and the lever member rotatably coupled to the base plate at the first end.
13. The machine of claim 12 , wherein the base plate is disposed between the counterweight and the frame of the machine.
14. The machine of claim 11 , wherein the implement system including:
a boom operatively connected to the frame at the front end thereof;
a stick operatively connected to the boom; and
a bucket operatively connected to the boom, wherein the first flexible connection member provided between the second end of the lever member and the boom.
15. The machine of claim 11 , wherein the first and the second flexible connection members are cables.
16. The machine of claim 11 , wherein the second flexible connection member includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end.
17. The machine of claim 16 , wherein the first terminal end of the second flexible connection member is coupled to the arm.
18. The machine of claim 16 , wherein the second terminal end of the second flexible connection member is coupled to the counterweight.
19. A method of removing a counterweight of a machine having a frame, a lifting and load-carrying implement system provided at a front end of the frame and the counterweight provided at a rear end of the frame, the method comprising steps of:
providing a lever member having a first end and a second end, the lever member is rotatably coupled to the frame of the machine at the first end, the first end positioned below a center line of the counterweight and the second end positioned above the counterweight;
providing an arm is rigidly supported between the first end and the second end of the lever member and transversely extending thereof, the arm positioned above the counterweight;
attaching a first flexible connection member between the second end of the lever member and the implement system;
attaching a second flexible connection member between the arm and the counterweight;
loosening at least one mounting of the counterweight;
lowering the work implement to apply an upward pull on the counterweight via the first flexible connection member and the lever member;
removing the at least one mounting of the counterweight; and
raising the work implement to lower the counterweight via the first flexible connection member and the lever member.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/831,904 US20170051473A1 (en) | 2015-08-21 | 2015-08-21 | Machine counterweight installation and removal |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/831,904 US20170051473A1 (en) | 2015-08-21 | 2015-08-21 | Machine counterweight installation and removal |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20170051473A1 true US20170051473A1 (en) | 2017-02-23 |
Family
ID=58157107
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/831,904 Abandoned US20170051473A1 (en) | 2015-08-21 | 2015-08-21 | Machine counterweight installation and removal |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20170051473A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10066365B2 (en) * | 2016-01-22 | 2018-09-04 | Hpm—Hydraulic Performance Machines Srl | Public works vehicle provided with counterweight lifting system |
US10343876B2 (en) * | 2016-06-13 | 2019-07-09 | Liebherr-Werk Ehingen Gmbh | Mobile crane |
US11795657B2 (en) | 2020-03-02 | 2023-10-24 | Hd Hyundai Construction Equipment Co., Ltd. | Counterweight mounting device and working machine having the same |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1997003013A1 (en) * | 1995-07-12 | 1997-01-30 | Komatsu Ltd. | Device for mounting and dismounting counterweight |
-
2015
- 2015-08-21 US US14/831,904 patent/US20170051473A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1997003013A1 (en) * | 1995-07-12 | 1997-01-30 | Komatsu Ltd. | Device for mounting and dismounting counterweight |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10066365B2 (en) * | 2016-01-22 | 2018-09-04 | Hpm—Hydraulic Performance Machines Srl | Public works vehicle provided with counterweight lifting system |
US10343876B2 (en) * | 2016-06-13 | 2019-07-09 | Liebherr-Werk Ehingen Gmbh | Mobile crane |
US11795657B2 (en) | 2020-03-02 | 2023-10-24 | Hd Hyundai Construction Equipment Co., Ltd. | Counterweight mounting device and working machine having the same |
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