Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
  • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
  • B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
  • B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
  • B66C23/36—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes mounted on road or rail vehicles; Manually-movable jib-cranes for use in workshops; Floating cranes
  • B66C23/42—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes mounted on road or rail vehicles; Manually-movable jib-cranes for use in workshops; Floating cranes with jibs of adjustable configuration, e.g. foldable
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
  • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
  • B66F11/00—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for
  • B66F11/04—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations
  • B66F11/044—Working platforms suspended from booms
  • B66F11/046—Working platforms suspended from booms of the telescoping type

Definitions

• the invention relates to a boom that comprises a first boom part and a second boom part connected to each other by a connecting member.
• the boom parts are side by side.
• the invention further relates to a personnel hoist and a method for using it.
• the field of the invention is described in more detail in the preambles of the independent claims of the patent application.
• the boom of the invention is characterised in that the connecting member comprises a first connection part and a second connection part, and the first connection part is fastened to the top end of the first boom part and the second connection part is fastened to the bottom end of the second boom part; that between the connection parts, there is at least one turning axis that is parallel to that of the first boom part; that the connecting mem- ber comprises at least one turning device for moving the second connection part in relation to the first connection part under the control of the turning axis; and that the boom has a turning position in which the second connection part and the second boom part fastened thereto are turned into a position in which the axes of the boom parts are substantially on the same vertical plane.
• the personnel hoist of the invention is characterised in that the connecting member comprises a first connection part and a second connection part, and the first connection part is fastened to the top end of the first boom part and the second connection part is fastened to the bottom end of the second boom part; that between the connection parts, there is at least one turning axis that is parallel to that of the first boom part; that the connecting member comprises at least one turning device for moving the second connection part relative to the first connection part under the control of the turning axis; and that the boom has a turning position in which the second connection part and the second boom part fastened thereto are turned from the transport position into a position in which the axes of the boom parts are substantially on the same vertical plane.
• the method of the invention is characterised by turning the upper, second boom part into the turning position in which its axis settles substantially on the same vertical plane with the axis of the first boom part that has been lifted upright; and locking the second boom part into the turning position.
• the idea is that between the boom parts, there is a connecting member that comprises a first connection part and a second connection part with a turning axis between them.
• the first connection part is fastened to the top end of the lower, first boom part
• the second connection part is fastened to the bottom end of the upper, second boom part.
• the connecting member permits the turning of the second boom part between transport and turning positions. In the transport position, the boom parts are side by side and their axes are on different vertical planes. When the second boom part is turned to its turning position, its axis is substantially on the same vertical plane with the first boom part.
• One advantage is that the axes of the boom parts are on the same vertical plane in the use position, whereby no crosswise distance is formed between the axes or a torque arm caused thereby that causes sideward loads on the lower boom part.
• stresses that are lower than before are directed to the first boom part, its structure can be made lighter.
• the present connecting member improves the stability of the boom.
• the idea of an embodiment is that in the turning position the centre of gravity of the boom is kept continuously on one and the same side of an imaginary vertical axis that runs through the fastening point of the bottom end of the boom. Thanks to this application, loads do not move from one side of the boom to the other, and a load that is continuously in the same direction and, thus, also easier to take into account in the design of the boom construction, is directed to the boom. Therefore, the boom may be designed lighter, when the loads are better controlled. In addition, the boom is more stable in use, when the direction of the loads does not vary continuously during use.
• the idea of an embodiment is that the second boom part is turned 180° or nearly 180° relative to the turning axis, when it is moved into the turning position.
• the idea of an embodiment is that on the turning axis there is one or more turning members that connect the first and second connection parts turnably to each other.
• the turning member may be an elongated pivot pin, for instance, or some other corresponding member that permits turning.
• the turning axis has only one turning member that connects the first and second connection parts turnably to each other.
• the turning member may be an elongated pivot pin, for instance, or some other corresponding elongated member.
• One uniform turning member enables a simple and robust structure.
• the centre axis of the turning member has one or more channels.
• the channel may be a pipe, tube, cable, or a corresponding transfer member or path intended for transferring water, extinguishing medium, pressure fluid, compressed air, or electricity.
• the turning member is a tubular piece with one or more water pipes arranged therein.
• the connecting member comprises one or more turning devices, the linear motion of which is transformed into a turning motion.
• the turning device is a pressure medium- operated cylinder, preferably a hydraulic cylinder. Cylinders are inexpensive and reliable turning devices. In addition, a cylinder may generate a high force in relation to its size.
• the connecting member comprises at least two turning devices and the size of the turning motion generated by both of them together moves the second boom part between the transport and turning positions.
• the first turning device and the second turning device are hydraulic cylinders which both provide a limited turning angle.
• the first turning device is connected between the first boom part and a turning piece fastened to the turning device and, correspondingly, the second turning device is connected between the second boom part and the turning piece.
• the second boom part may be turned 90° relative to the turning piece and, correspondingly, by means of the second turning device, the turning piece can be turned 90° relative to the first boom part, whereby the second boom part also turns.
• the present turning mechanism can also be designed to be very rigid and strong. Turning devices may be used in steps or simultaneously to provide the necessary turning motion.
• the idea of an embodiment is that the second boom part is turned at a limited angle relative to its horizontal joint before it is moved in relation to the turning axis of the turning piece from the transport position to the turning position. When the second boom part is opened to some extent, there is more room for turning.
• the second boom part is loaded before it is turned from the transport position to the turning position. Before the second boom part is turned, one or more persons step into the man cage. Thus, the boom is under load during turning. It is then possible to step into the man cage from the carriage, which speeds up the driving of the boom to the operating site.
• the idea of an embodiment is to use the boom without turning the second boom part into its turning position in situations where the opera- tion takes place at a limited height.
• the telescopic first boom part is then not extended at all or at least not to its full length.
• the second boom part may be on the "back side" of the boom, that is, on the opposite side to the lifting cylinders. At smaller heights, the stability and loads usually do not cause problems.
• the second boom part is turned onto the same vertical plane with the first boom. This embodiment may be used for instance to facilitate entering the man cage, when operating at relatively low heights, or when the boom is used at sites below the operating carriage, downward from a bridge or slope, for instance.
• the connecting member comprises locking means with which the second connection part can be locked into the transport position and turning position, respectively. Locking improves the stability and safety of the boom.
• the connecting member has locking means, the operating status of which is monitored by means of one or more sensors. Sensor data is transmitted from the sensor to one or more control units of the personnel hoist to be taken into account in the control of the boom.
• the sensor means help avoiding dangerous situations and incorrect use of the boom. It is also possible to detect if the locking malfunctions.
• the connecting member comprises locking lugs and locking actuators for locking the second connection part into the transport position and turning position.
• the locking actuator may be a locking cylinder, the piston rod of which is pushed in a locking opening in the locking lug to achieve locking and pulled out of the locking opening to release the locking.
• This type of locking is simple, reliable, and firm. In addition, it is relatively easy to manufacture and service.
• the connecting member comprises at least one turning device that may be locked stationary so that the motion of the second connection part can be locked in the transport and turning positions. Separate locking means are then not absolutely necessary in the connection parts.
• the idea of an embodiment is that on the turning axis there is one or more turning bearings, such as a ball race, which connect the first and second connection parts turnably to each other.
• the personnel hoist comprises a control cabin that is located on the front part of the movable carriage.
• the turning frame is, in turn, located on the back part of the movable carriage. In the transport position, the boom is then between the control cabin and turning frame.
• the layout of the carriage is easier to arrange suitable, and weight distribution can be made advantageous.
• the personnel hoist comprises a control unit containing a control strategy for controlling the boom.
• the control unit may for instance be arranged to make sure that, during use, the centre of gravity of the boom remains on one and the same side relative to the vertical axis running through the bottom end of the boom. This improves the safety of the personnel hoist.
• the personnel hoist comprises a control unit containing a control strategy for controlling the boom.
• the control unit may have an automatic mode for the operator to select when the boom is taken into use after a transfer run.
• Automatic control may drive the boom to a predefined starting position, and it may also open the boom parts in a predefined manner.
• An automatic start function may facilitate and speed up the work, improve the safety of the personnel hoist, and it may also help avoid incorrect operation of the boom and the equipment damage caused thereby.
• Figure 1 a is a schematic representation of a prior-art personnel hoist in its upper position
• Figure 1 b is a schematic representation of a personnel hoist according to the invention in its upper position
• Figure 2 is a schematic side representation of a personnel hoist according to the invention.
• Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a prior-art connecting member with which boom parts are attached to each other;
• Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a connecting member according to the invention for connecting boom parts turnably to each other;
• Figure 5 shows the connecting member of Figure 4 after the second boom part has been turned from the first position shown in Figure 4 to its second position
• Figure 6 is a schematic representation of means connected to the connecting member, with which the second boom part may be turned 180° in relation the first boom part;
• Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the connecting member and shows in particular a hollow pivot pin with at least one channel through it;
• Figures 8a to 8c are schematic representations of the steps of turning the second boom part as seen from the top of the first boom part.
• Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a second connecting part.
• FIGS 1 a, 1 b, and 2 show the basic construction of a personnel hoist 1 comprising a carriage 2 and a boom 3 arranged thereto.
• the carriage 2 may be a movable carriage, such as a vehicle or trailer.
• the carriage 2 may have a turning frame 4 to which the bottom end of the boom 3 is fastened by a first joint 5.
• there may be necessary tools such as means for spraying fire extinguishing medium.
• the boom 3 may comprise a first boom part 3a and a second boom part 3b that are connected to each other with a second joint 7.
• the bottom of the first boom part 3a is fastened to the turning frame 4 by means of the first joint 5, whereby it may be lifted and lowered in relation to the joint 5 in the manner shown in the figures by arrow A.
• the boom 3 may be moved sideways, which is shown by arrow B in the figures.
• the second boom part 3b may be lifted and lowered in relation to the second joint 7, as shown by arrow C.
• the length of the first boom part 3a and second boom part 3b may be altered telescopically, whereby the boom may be extended for the use position shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b and shortened for the transport position shown in Figure 2.
• the movements of the telescopic parts are indicated in the figures by arrows Da and Db.
• the man cage 6 may also have an auxiliary boom 6a or a corresponding member with which the man cage 6 is connected to the top end of the second boom part 3b.
• Figure 1 a shows a known personnel hoist 1 in which the second boom part 3b is connected to the top part of the first boom 3a by means of a fixed connecting member 8 shown in Figure 3.
• the second boom part 3b is all the time on a different vertical plane to the axis of the first boom part 3a.
• a dot-and-dash line shows the vertical axis P that runs through the bottom end of the boom 3.
• the centre of gravity is on the left side of the vertical axis P in the figure and sometimes on the right side.
• the loads directed to the boom 3 then vary from side to side, which causes instability in a long boom 3.
• a directionally variable load is directed to the boom 3, which causes strain on its structure.
• the axis of the first boom part 3a and that of the second boom part 3b are at a cross-direction distance L from each other, that is, there is a torque arm between them.
• the mass of the second boom part 3b then causes a crosswise torsional load to the first boom part 3a. All in all, load management and stability are big challenges in this construction. If this structure is applied to the personnel hoist 1 , the extensibility of the boom 3 can no longer be increased in a sensible manner.
• Figure 1 b shows a personnel hoist 1 according to the invention, in which the drawbacks of the prior art can be avoided, because the boom parts 3a, 3b are connected to each other with a turnable connecting member 8 of the type shown in Figures 4 and 5.
• the second boom part 3b can then be turned in the direction of arrow E shown in Figure 1 b 180° or nearly 180° in relation to the first boom part 3a, whereby the axis of the second boom part 3b arrives at the same imaginary vertical plane T as that of the first boom part 3a.
• the second boom part 3b is continuously on the "belly side" of the boom, that is, on the side of the lifting cylinders.
• Movements of the second boom part 3b, when it has not yet been turned into its turning position, are marked by dashed lines V1 and V2 in Figure 1 b. It is, in fact, possible to utilize the second boom part 3b at heights smaller than a predefined height Y when operating on the "back side" of the boom. When operating at a relatively small height, moving the boom in this manner does not cause problems with stability, nor does it load the structures significantly. When it is necessary to operate at greater heights, the second boom part 3b is turned to its turning position.
• Figure 1 b also shows the driving of the boom 3 to its use position.
• the first boom part 3a can be lifted up, after which the second boom part 3b is turned to some extent in relation to the joint 7, that is, the second boom part 3b is opened U.
• loads may be set on the boom 3, the second boom part 3b may be turned to its turning position, and the boom parts extended.
• loads can be set on the boom and it can be used without turning the second boom part 3b to its use position.
• the personnel hoist 1 is shown in the transport position, in which its height H may be 4 metres or less.
• the personnel hoist 1 can then be transported along normal road networks without its height H restricting its use in any way.
• the carriage 2 may be a truck, for instance.
• the turning frame 4 may reside at the back of the carriage 2, that is, at the opposite end to the control cabin 9. This is advantageous for weight distribution and the reach of the device, for instance.
• the man cage 6 in its transport position is also at the back of the carriage 2. It is then easy to get into the man cage 6 from the back of the carriage.
• the man cage 6 may in the transport position be on the section over the back of the carriage, whereby the space required by the man cage 6 downward from the boom 3 does not set requirements to the carriage structures.
• the carriage 2 also comprises ground supports on which the carriage is supported before starting to use the boom.
• there may also be sensors for detecting that the carriage is properly supported.
• the control unit of the personnel hoist may be arranged to allow the use of the boom only after the support of the carriage has been detected.
• Figures 4 and 5 show the structure and operation of the connecting member 8.
• the connecting member 8 is in its unturned basic position, that is, in the position in which it is when the boom 3 is in the transport position shown in Figure 2.
• the connecting member 8 fastens the first boom part 3a and the second boom part 3b permanently to each other and they are not separated from each other at any time, excluding possible maintenance and repair.
• the connecting member 8 comprises a first connection part 10a and a second connection part 10b with a turning axis K between them.
• the first connection part 10a is fastened to the top end of the lower, first boom part 3a
• the second connection part 10b is fastened to the bottom end of the upper, second boom part 3b.
• the connecting member 8 permits the turning of the second boom part 3b between the transport and turning positions.
• the boom parts 3a, 3b are side by side and their axes are on different vertical planes.
• the second boom part 3b is turned to its turning position in direction E, its axis is substantially on the same vertical plane T with the first boom part 3a, as shown in Figure 5.
• connection parts 10a, 10b there may be one or more turning members 1 1 with which the connection parts 10a, 10b are turnably connected to each other.
• the turning member 1 1 and connection parts 10a, 10b thus form a type of hinge, the turning axis K of which is parallel to the axis of the first boom part 3a.
• the turning member 1 1 may comprise a channel 12 on the turning axis K, and it is possible to lead through it one or more medium pipes or tubes, electric cables or any type of transfer path for transporting energy or a medium between the boom parts 3a, 3b.
• Figure 5 shows that on the turning axis K there may be two tubular turning members 1 1 a, 1 1 b that connect the connection lugs in the connection parts 10a, 10b to each other.
• FIGs 4 and 5 also show that the connecting member 8 is equipped with locking members with which the connection parts 10a, 10b can be rigidly locked into the transport position and turning position, respectively.
• the locking members may comprise first locking lugs 13a that are compatible in the transport position and second locking logs 13b that are compatible in the turning position and the locking lugs intermesh so that the openings 14 in them are aligned.
• a locking pin 15 can then be pushed through the openings 14 by means of a locking cylinder 16 or a corresponding locking mechanism.
• the locking pin 15 and cylinder 16 are shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9. As can be seen in the figures, the piston rod of the locking cylinder 16 may serve as the locking pin 15.
• the connecting member 8 may comprise two turning devices 17a, 17b, and the size of the turning motion provided with both of them together moves the second boom part 3b between the transport and turning positions.
• the turning devices may be hydraulic cylinders which both provide a limited turning angle.
• the first turning device 17a is connected between the first boom part 3a and a turning piece 18 fastened to the turning member 1 1 .
• the second turning device 17b is connected between the second boom part 3b and the turning piece 18.
• the first turning device 17a the second boom part 3b may be turned 90° and, correspondingly, by means of the second turning device 17b, it can be turned 90° relative to the first boom part 3a.
• Figures 8a to 8c show the operation of the turning mechanism in more detail.
• Figure 6 also shows that the connecting member 8 may be equipped with mechanical limit- ers 19 with which the turning motion can be limited. Then, the motion of the turning devices 17a, 17b does not need to be precisely controlled.
• the limiter 19 may be a pin with adjustable length.
• Figure 6 also shows locking means that may include locking lugs 13a, 13b, locking openings, and locking cylinders 16.
• Figure 7 shows a detail of the structure of the connecting member 8.
• the piston rod 15 of the locking cylinder 16 may extend through the locking lugs 13a and lock the connection parts stationary.
• Locking information may be transmitted to a control unit 21 that prevents the boom being lifted higher before locking has been accomplished in the turning position. In addition, through monitoring it is possible to obtain information on the condition and service requirements of the locking device.
• connection member 1 1 that is an elongated tubular piece, a kind of hollow hinge pin that connects the connection parts 10a, 10b turnably to each other.
• FIGs 8a to 8c shows step by step the turning of the second boom part 3b from its basic position to the turning position.
• the structure is shown in a highly simplified manner for the sake of clarity.
• the first turning device 17a has finished its work cycle and pushed the turning piece 18 90° around the turning axis K, whereby the second boom part 3b has turned 90°.
• the second turning device 17b has also finished its work cycle, whereby only the second boom part 3b has turned yet another 90° while the turning piece 18 remains stationary held by the first turning device 17a.
• the linear movement of the two cylinders 17a, 17b is through this structure transformed into a turning movement.
• the turning devices 17a, 17b may be arranged to operate in the manner shown in the figures step by step or, alternatively, they may operate at simultaneously.
• Figure 9 shows the second connection part 10b in perspective. The features described above are marked by reference numbers in the figure. In addition to these, the figure also shows lugs 24 through which the axle of the turning joint 7 is arranged.
• the turning device is not a cylinder but some other actuator, such as a hydraulic motor.
• some other pressure medium such as compressed air. It is also possible to equip the connecting member with one or more electric turning devices.
• booms that differ from those presented above by not comprising a man cage.
• This may then be a boom intended for rescue operations that comprises in a similar manner at least first and second boom parts and a connecting member of the described type between the boom parts, whereby the upper boom part may be turned into its turning position in which it is substantially on the same vertical plane with the lower boom part.
• This type of rescue boom may comprise one or more rescue actuators, the operation of which can be remote-controlled.
• the rescue boom may be equipped with one or more cameras, heat sensors or the like.
• a rescue actuator may comprise means for supplying extinguishing medium.
• the rescue actuator may be a water sprayer or an extinguishing foam nozzle.
• top part of the boom has a snap lock member to which any tool, such as a sprayer or man cage, used in rescue operations can be fastened.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Geology (AREA)
• Forklifts And Lifting Vehicles (AREA)
• Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=42133229

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Citations (4)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 2010
  • 2010-04-14 FI FI20105384A patent/FI122722B/sv active IP Right Grant
• 2011
  • 2011-04-14 WO PCT/FI2011/050332 patent/WO2011128511A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2011-04-14 PL PL11768514T patent/PL2558404T3/pl unknown
  • 2011-04-14 ES ES11768514.9T patent/ES2552952T3/es active Active
  • 2011-04-14 EP EP11768514.9A patent/EP2558404B1/en active Active

Patent Citations (4)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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