FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a novel Pick-n-Carry crane.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR ART OF INVENTION
Pick-n-Carry crane is known to have been provided and widely used to lift loads and place at different position. One of the most common art is that Pick-n-Carry crane has many loose structural parts which form the lower part of the crane, most commonly known as Main Frame, A Frame, Craddle and Yoke Assembly. These constitute the front part and they are coupled to chassis by pins. In existing cranes the number of loose parts and the resultant tolerances in fabrication and assembly of these parts results in cumbersome assembly procedure, more number of joints, and free play between various joints which in turn leads to misalignment of front and rear portion, wherein normal crane is tilted either to front or rear. It also results in uneven loading in two planes on steering cylinders and hence heavy cylinders with bearings are to be used. Also since anchoring points are distant apart hence longer steering cylinders are required. These cylinders are mounted outside the frame and are susceptible to damage due to hitting by any external object and also form the lower most part of the crane.
The center pivot or joining of both frames is normally a two point joint without self aligning bearings. Hence, this point is heavily loaded and also the flexibility being more in cradle yoke assembly which has freedom to , rotate in two plane that allows crane tilting excessively in the steered direction with load which in turn leads to toppling of crane in that direction.
Lift cylinders for use in a crane are as such known in the art. Such cylinders normally have mounting on Front Axle through a bracket welded on the front axle. These cylinders are mounted through pins on this bracket. It would be apparent that when crane lifts the load, weight is transferred on front axle of the crane. Also these cylinders are very close to suspended load and there is always a risk of load hitting the cylinder rod. To obviate such a disadvantage, it is also known to have 'Jack Guard' fixed on main frame and T' Handle fixedly held to the boom. Though the provision of these does to a certain extent reduce the disadvantage of a load hitting the cylinder, it has been found that such a construction still possesses restrictive applications given hereinbelow:
1. Excessive load on front tyre and axle.
2. Steel plates and long pipes can not be lifted by these type of cranes as the effective lift area as per load chart is not practically utilized in application.
Another construction known in the art and normally employed in heavy lift capacity Revolving and Truck Mounted cranes comprises lift cylinders mounted on the chassis towards rear.
In a crane, boom is an important part and is used to lift load from one position and to place it to another position. Normally these booms have one or more members which move in and out through hydraulic cylinders. At the boom end side one block with hook is available which is mounted through rope laid on a winch, that unwinds or winds the rope when the members are moved out or moved in. Therefore, when the operator actuates the members, first he/she is required to loosen the rope to avoid any possibility of rope getting loaded which may result in rope breakage or winch getting uprooted.
In a crane normally the jib head [i.e. outer most portion of last sliding member] is in such a way that it is vertically bigger than horizontally, resulting hook block at lower height and wastage of actual working height utilization in a boom.
Rope is being laid horizontally / vertically in booms since 1960 onwards by many manufacturers of Europe / USA / Australia / Asia. However the more innovative design is being introduced recently where strength, ease of operation, operation abuse and safety related issues are addressed.
In these cranes the operator cabin is at the rear rigidly mounted on counter weight assembly and chassis, hence there is always jerk on operator while moving and also due to misalignment of 2 member's cabin is never aligned. Also being rear most member of the crane the front and side visibility is always poor resulting greater operator effort while driving on road for front visibility and increased chances of crane hitting the objects. In most of the cranes the cabin entry is from rear. Normally these types of cranes are fitted with stick steering and craning levers in front hence operator has to move to front always for operating these levers. Also the cranes have long dashboard having individual gauges and switches with less leg room. There is very little or no provision of co-driver seat and also for seating of additional passengers.
Normally in these cranes boom pivot point is at higher height to achieve greater under hook height. But it also results in higher center of gravity and hence more changes of toppling of crane, as mostly crane has to work in rough and undulated places and therefore CG shifts faster and out of the safe zone.
These cranes have tractor transmission in which gearbox and transmission is directly coupled to the engine. In case, any one desires to change the clutch plate then he has to open the engine and it needs to be supported or
hanged before dismantling from gearbox and there is no support provided on chassis frame, this results in lot of wastage of time and effort.
A craning operation requires lot of accessories like slings, hooks etc which an operator has to carry along with the crane to the site. Normally in the available cranes there is little or no space for covered lockable tool box in which items can be safely kept. Many people are fabricating the tool box beneath main frame wherein access is very poor.
The all-round visibility in these cranes is very poor. In front of operator the main frame and booms are placed and hence there is very little front visibility. In rear the operator sits at a height and hence he is unable to see the objects lying low and hitting the crane corners during craning operations. Also he has to work in a tight space with load and hence has to depend lot on rear view mirror which is fixed either inside cabin or side of the cabin providing limited or very less visibility. Further, there is no provision to inform the operator that some site worker or object is coming close to crane in either position. Many times he has to depend upon the helper and also misses the objects resulting collision and damage.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel Pick-n-Carry crane which overcomes disadvantages associated with prior arts.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel Pick-n-Carry crane which is efficient.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel Pick-n-Carry crane which is reliable.
Further object of this invention is to propose a novel construction of a novel main frame for use in a crane.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a novel pick-n-carry crane comprising of a front frame and rear frame joined at three points, and a plurality of luff cylinders mounted on front frame rearwards and positioned on boom towards front.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a novel pick-n-carry crane. The crane comprising of two frames i.e. front frame and rear frame which are innovatively joined together using self aligning bearings at three points.
In this innovative design additional extension and retraction ropes are mounted inside the boom which holds the extendable boom members and also adjusts themselves in such a manner that when the members are moving out or moving in, it ensures that the rope length does not change and hence hook block remains stationary at its position.
Boom assembly of the proposed application is associated with following advantages-
1. Auto adjusted hook block
2. Multiple (one, two or three) extendable boom designs
3. Special profile jib head giving maximum pin height
4. Safety system having no electrical wire or rope, to give audio¬visual alarm in case of butting hook block with jib head in which machine cutoff feature is available.
5. To ensure crane operator operates the machine without making any operation error.
Also the Luff cylinders are mounted in such a way on Front Frame that they are positioned rear wards on frame and maximum towards front on Boom resulting highest strength of Boom members and lowest luff circuit pressure. In this design of crane, operator cabin is mounted on front in such a way that it is safe from load lifted by crane and provides all round visibility to the operator.
Also cabin mounting is on chassis, which is free from counterweight.
This has lesser structural parts for ease of assembly, lower center of gravity for improved stability both from front and side tipping while lifting & moving with load, unique 3 point swivel centre joint, luff cylinders mounted uniquely on front frame and connected to boom assembly at a greater distance enabling better load lift capacity and improved strength of members, front mounted cabin for all round visibility, automotive dashboard with instrument cluster and compact switch panel provided inside cabin, wheel steering, all controls within easy reach of operator, side mounted tanks with increased capacity and air space for easy approach and serviceability. Engine and transmission is mounted on a rail enabling full access and removal of engine just by dismantling it from gearbox and sliding forward. A plurality of steering cylinders are mounted inside Rear frame and are compact in size, hence providing protection to them from any external object. Also a bigger tool box in front is provided for keeping all the accessories. At the rear, a flat
seating the co-operator and also carrying workers from one site to another site. The empty space can also be used to keep slings, tools and tackles or the fly jib or any other construction or material handling equipment/object. A camera is provided at rear inside the counterweight providing full rear visibility of rear end to the operator, and the screen for display is mounted inside the cabin in front of the operator which gives live picture of rear. This is fully protected inside weight and care is taken against anti-theft. Since camera is fitted at the rear module which steers during steering operation, hence it provides rear visibility in all conditions and operator needs not to always turn at rear. Also at front and sides the proximity sensors are provided which gives operator the audio-visual warnings when an object comes in close vicinity to crane front or side. It also shows the distance of object from the crane body in front as well as in side positions. The display screen is mounted inside the cabin in front of the operator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from
the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings and wherein:
Fig. 1 shows: crane assembly of the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows: auto adjusted hook block.
Fig. 3 shows: jib head profile.
Fig. 4 shows: rope anchoring arrangement and luff cylinder mounting.
Fig. 5 shows: boom assembly.
Fig. 6 shows: anti two block wireless system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS :-
In the present invention, the members which constitute the main structure of a crane are only two namely Front Frame and Rear Frame joined together by self aligning bearings three in no's in top and bottom which allow both the frames to tilt independent of other increasing the rough terrainability of the crane. Also the assembly - disassembly of the crane becomes very easy.
The instant invention comprises of boom members actuation mechanism in a crane, which has multiple extendable members, wherein the actuation takes place through ropes. The rope used in this mechanism ensures that the hook block meant for load lifting operation does not change its position until winch is operated to ensure that crane operator operates the machine without making any operation error. Also anti two block system not having any actuating mechanical components to give pre warning in case of hook blocks damaging jib head.
The jib head is designed more narrow depth wise for full utilization of working height.
Boom section T' type is designed in such a way that ensures proper force transfer from one member to another and wider nylon pads ensuring bigger contact area and less pressure on pads.
The front frame having mounting brackets for mounting lift cylinders for use in a crane.
The front frame for use in a crane which has lift cylinder mounting towards rear.
The main frame for use in a crane having lift cylinders mounted thereon, which is safe.
The operator cabin is positioned in such a place which is free from possibility of load hitting in case of accident along with all round visibility.
Further, the engine is mounted in such a way that dismantling is easy in field for any service work.
Again, there is provision of larger fuel and hydraulic tanks which are easily approachable and can be removed easily with out dismantling any other part.
Compact steering cylinders are provided which are inside the frames and are not the lowest point of crane.
Large seating and storage space for co-driver and other passengers and to keep and carry the tools, tackles, other accessories like fly jib and any other construction/ material handling equipment.
All round visibility and warning for objects coming close and in the range of collision / damage.
Referring to figure-1, in which crane general layout is shown. Said crane comprising of Front Frame(l), Rear Frame(2), Center Pivot Joint Lower(3.1), Center Pivot Joint Upper(3.2&3.3),Boom Assembly(4), Luff cylinders(5), Luff cylinder mounting bkt on front frame(5.1), Luff cylinder mounting bkt on boom(5.2),Boom Pivot point(6), Winch(7), Cabin(8), Hydraulic Tank(10), Fuel Tank(11), Tool Box(12), Counter Weight(13) and Bonnet Assembly(14) connected to each other and working in a combination.
The crane of the present invention comprises of atleast two parts Front Frame(1) and Rear Frame(2) joined together by three point (3.1,3.2853.3) having self aligning bearings which allow oscillation and rotation of both frames independently.
A plurality of luff cylinders(5) are positioned is such a way that they support the Boom assembly(4) at a greater distance, thereby making it more stronger and increasing load lift capability of crane. Also the hydraulic pressures are much lower for same load as compared to that of conventional design.
Boom pivot (6) is much lower in height enabling lower center of gravity and hence better stability of crane. Winch(7) is mounted on the Boom top which ensures rope is always parallel to mother boom while boom moves up and down. Also winch height is much lower allowing crane to go inside cramped places and position load.
Cabin(8) is directly mounted on Front Frame(2). Counter weight(13) is free from cabin and can easily be removed without affecting cabin.
Cabin is positioned in such a way that operator has full eye and control on craning load. The operator moves with the load, unlike rear chassis mounted cabin. Fatigue to operator is reduced due to positioning of cabin and controls.
Hydraulic(10) and Diesel(11) Tanks are mounted on sides resulting full access to operator on both tanks, wherein tanks are independently dismountable. It also provides free access to engine compartment and ease in doing any work on driveline parts.
One big Tool Box(12) is provided in the front in between front tyres in which operator can put any accessories required for craning operation.
Bonnet(14) can be lifted together as a set while working on engine. Both sides of bonnet open upwards providing full access to operator on both sides of engine.
At rear bigger flat deck(15) is provided with seats (16) on both sides allowing co-operator and other passengers to sit and allow to carry man and material to site.
Inside counterweight a rear view camera(16) is provided which moves with rear body. There is provision of a display screen inside cabin for full visibility to operator while crane is on move.
At front and sides proximity sensors (17) are provided which gives audio¬visual warning to operator when any objects comes in close vicinity.
The steering cylinders(18) provided in the center are much shorter in length and higher in height wrt ground. Further, they are concealed inside frames and hence are protected from external objects and do not constitute the lower most part of the crane.
Referring to figure-2, in which winch rope is holding the second member through pulleys with bearing and is connected to hook block which is parallel to boom assembly. This configuration has the advantage that "Hook block does not change its position until winch is operated."
Reference may be made to figure-3, in which jib head with special profile is shown. Also the rope laying and pulley arrangement on hook block is shown, wherein ropes on hook block are parallel when viewed from front of the boom. This configuration has following advantages -
1. Hook block does not enter in jib head during full retraction.
2. Hook block due to special boom design and rope layout ensures that, it always moves parallel to ground at any angular position of boom.
3. Jib head profile ensures the highest pin height and maximum vertical clearance of hook block.
4. Special geometry ensures that the no. of falls per pulley can be changed as per requirement.
5. Hook brackets are positioned in a way ensuring direct mounting of hooks rather than using intermediate 'Dee' Shackle and additional link points.
6. Ropes are laid parallel on hook block when viewed from boom front ensuring hook block always moves straight even at no load.
Referring to figure-4, in which rope anchoring arrangement and luff cylinder mounting brackets are shown. The advantages are given hereinbelow:
1. Rope anchored close to mother boom bulk head resulting in safety to rope and prevention from damage.
2. Shorter rope length.
3. Boom luff cylinder mountings are spread out to achieve machine stability, lesser deflection and torsion.
Referring to figure-5, in which boom sections and pads are shown. The advantages are as follows:
1. Overlap of extensions are so designed that the loading on pads is optimum during boom full extension and lifting maximum load as defined in load chart.
2. Extendable section of boom has special box geometry, offering higher modulus and maximum strength.
3. Large seating space for resting pads (larger contact between moving sections) thus reduces play and torsional loads.
4. Extension and retraction ropes are clamped on boom top plate.
5. Single pin (in double shear) used on top pulley mounted on first extension, resulting easy assembly and disassembly, wherein pin is simply supported between two plates means double shear.
6. Side pad locking arrangement is special having simple screw by tightening or untightening gap between two sections that can be increased or decreased.
Reference may be made to figure-6, in which provision of safety switches like "limit switch" is shown. An novel "ANTI-TWO BLOCK SYSTEM" is fitted with wireless sensor for the prevention of damage to the boom tip of the boom of the crane by the travelling member wherein the two block system of the present invention includes an engaging mechanism movably mounted with the boom tip for engaging the travelling member when the travelling member moves into close proximity to the boom tip during lifting operations of the travelling member with the crane for the prevention of damage.
Advantageous Features
• 3 pins are used, 2 at top and one at bottom
• Lower pin is straight but Top pins are having Taper
(Figure Removed)
• Tractor drive line used
• Sliding Mesh Transmission
• Engine is coupled to Gearbox through Clutch. Gearbox is directly mounted with Axle cum Differential. No loose parts in between and no propeller shafts are used.
• Engine is at the center and fan direction is same as crane travel direction
• Two gear shifter levers are provided, one for Gear change and another for speed selection or working mode i.e. Travel or Craning mode.
• Rigid driveline, no leaf springs provided. The flexibility is through center pivot pins at top which allow both frames to move independently
• Not provided
• Not provided
• Flat rear deck due to straight driveline
• Boosters on front axle and parking also on front
It is to be noted that the present invention is susceptible to modifications, adaptations and changes by those skilled in the art. Such variant embodiments employing the concepts and features of this invention are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, which is further set forth under the following claims: -

WE CLAIM
1. A novel pick-n-carry crane comprising of a front frame and rear frame joined at three points, and a plurality of luff cylinders mounted on front frame rearwards and positioned on boom towards front.
2. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front frame and rear frame are joined together by self aligning bearings in top and bottom, which allow both the frames to tilt independent of other.
3. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising of boom members actuation mechanism in a crane, which has multiple extendable members, wherein the actuation takes place through ropes such as herein described.
4. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising of jib head with more narrow depth for full utilization of working height with rope laying arrangement on hook block as shown in fig. 3 is associated with advantages such as herein described.
5. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising of boom section T-type that ensures proper force transfer from one member to another and wider pads ensuring bigger contact area and less pressure on pads as shown in fig. 5 is associated with the advantages, and novel anti-two block system such as herein described.
6. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said luff cylinders are positioned in such a way to support the boom assembly at a greater distance, thereby making it more stronger and increasing load lift capability of crane.
7. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein boom pivot is much lower in height enabling lower center of gravity and hence better stability of crane.
8. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein winch is mounted on the boom top which ensures rope is always parallel to mother boom when boom moves up and down, in which winch height is much lower allowing crane to go inside cramped places and position load.
9. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising of a cabin mounted on the front frame in such a way that operator has full control on craning load.
10. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising of hydraulic and diesel tanks mounted on sides, which are independently dismountable with easy access and serviceability.
11. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising of a rear view camera moving with rear body along with a plurality of proximity sensors at front and side for giving audio-visual warning to operator when any objects come in close vicinity.
12. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the winch rope is connected to hook block, which is parallel to boom assembly, advantage of which is that, hook block does not change its position until winch is operated.
13. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding
claims, comprising of rope anchoring arrangement and luff
cylinder mounting brackets as shown in fig. 4 associated with
the advantages such as herein described.
14. A novel pick-n-carry crane as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said crane is associated with the advantageous features such as herein described.