Patent Grant
11027947
This application is a U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/DE2018/101001, filed on Dec. 7, 2018, and claims benefit to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2017 130 067.8, filed on Dec. 15, 2017. The International Application was published in German on Jun. 20, 2019 as WO 2019/114876 under PCT Article 21(2).
The invention relates to a load-force-independent triggering device for a load exerting a force on it that is held in a CLOSED position of the triggering device and released in an OPEN position of the triggering device, comprising a housing and a triggering lever, which is connected to a triggering gear via a steering lever, wherein the triggering lever is swivel-mounted on a first housing axis, the triggering gear is swivel-mounted on a second housing axis, and the steering lever is swivel-mounted on the triggering lever on a first steering-lever axis and swivel-mounted on the trigger gear on a second steering-lever axis, as well as comprising a spring device acting on the triggering lever, and a locking device, by means of which the triggering device is fixed in the CLOSED position.
A triggering device is used to separate a load from a device, such as a crane or a gantry for example. A load-force-independent triggering device separates the load from the device regardless of the force that the load exerts on the triggering device prior to separating. In many devices, it is known for a heavy load to block the triggering device because the moveable parts for opening no longer move under the load force. Only an elimination of the load force then allows for the triggering device to open. However, particularly in the case of very heavy loads, this is not possible, or is only possible with a very substantial amount of effort. In the case of load-force-independent triggering devices, the load force is not exerted onto the opening components so that they can reliably open even under the influence of the load force on the triggering device itself. Such load-force-independent triggering devices are known, for example, for gliders (so-called “towing couplings”). Also, in underwater areas, load-force-independent triggering devices are of a great advantage because large loads must often be sunken in water subject to their downforce or have to be hauled up being subject to their buoyancy force in the water.
The prior art closest to the invention is disclosed in DE 1 297 998 A (cf
The triggering lever (or the rotatable segment) and the steering lever together form an interlocking system. They are in their dead-center position so that they block each other and a self-locking is provided. Due to the interlocking system, the force acting by the load is redirected in the triggering device and no longer directly affects the locking. For triggering, a relatively low, load-force-independent force must now be applied, which releases interlocking system. For this purpose, a spring device is provided in the known triggering device, which acts on the triggering lever (or on the rotatable segment). By adjusting the spring force, the degree of interlocking or self-locking can be adjusted. This determines the triggering force. When disengaging the interlocking system or retracting the triggering lever and the straight steering lever, the triggering gear is simultaneously actuated. The load is then released by rotating around the second housing axis. Furthermore, the known triggering device has a locking device in the form of a manually actuated eccentric lever, by means of which the triggering device is fixed in the CLOSED position. The triggering of the known triggering device is carried out either manually by actuating the triggering lever or automatically by force-induced shearing of a plastic release pin, which locks the triggering device in the CLOSED position. For this purpose, the plastic pin blocks a spring-loaded mating gear. However, both triggering mechanisms are not suitable for also reliably triggering the triggering device remotely and under the disturbing influence of external irregular and partially very strong force effects.
Force-independent triggering devices for underwater use are known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 3,504,407 A and DE 10 2010 010 161 B4. However, these work without an interlocking system and guide the load forces around the trigger elements across massive structural components.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a load-force-independent triggering device for a load exerting a force on it that is held in a CLOSED position of the triggering device and released in an OPEN position of the triggering device, comprising: a housing; a triggering lever, which is connected to a triggering gear via a steering lever, the triggering lever being swivel-mounted on a first housing axis, the triggering gear being swivel-mounted on a second housing axis and the steering lever being swivel-mounted on a steering-lever axis on the triggering lever and on a second steering-lever axis on the triggering gear; a spring device configured to act on the triggering lever; and a locking device, by which the triggering device is fixed in the CLOSED position, wherein the steering lever has an angular design, and, in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, is configured to contact a first contact surface in the housing and, in the OPEN position of the triggering device, is configured to contact a second contact surface in the housing, wherein the two steering-lever axes are positioned at the first contact surface of the steering lever immediately before a self-locking dead-center position towards the first housing axis and on the second contact surface of the steering lever outside of dead-center position, and wherein the spring device comprises a tension spring, which is arranged between the triggering lever and the triggering gear and is configured to exert a force on the triggering lever in a direction of the OPEN position of the triggering device in the CLOSED position of the triggering device.
The present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following:
In an embodiment, the present invention further develops the generic load-force-independent triggering device in such a way that the triggering device can also be reliably triggered remotely and under the irregular influence of external force effects, but without additional external force application, wherein undefined positions of the steering lever in the housing are absolutely to be avoided. Thereby, all the advantages of a load-force-independent triggering device should be retained.
According to the invention, in the load-force-independent triggering device, the steering lever has an angular design and, in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, contacts a first contact surface in the housing and, in the OPEN position of the triggering device, contacts a second contact surface in the housing, wherein the two steering-lever axes are positioned on the first surface of the steering lever immediately before a self-locking dead-center point in relation to the first housing axis and at the second contact surface of the steering lever outside the dead-center position, and that the spring device is designed as a tension spring, which is arranged between the triggering lever and the triggering gear and, in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, exerts a force on the triggering lever in the direction of the OPEN position of the triggering device.
In the triggering device according to the invention, the steering lever has an angular design and is guided between two contact surfaces, wherein the steering lever contacts the first contact surface in the CLOSED position and contacts the second contact surface in the OPEN position. The steering lever, which does not occupy a fixed axis in the housing but is only articulately joined to the triggering lever and the triggering gear thus occupies only firmly defined positions in the triggering device. This increases triggering reliability. The defined position is still supported by the angularity of the steering lever, which is advantageously attached to a correspondingly angular contact surface at least in the CLOSED position. Vertical displacements are reliably avoided. Furthermore, the angularity of the steering lever is of an advantage for bringing the two steering-lever axes on the steering lever in the CLOSED position of the triggering device with the first housing axis into a position immediately before their dead-center position. Due to the angularity, the two steering-lever axes can be positioned above and below the first housing axis. Thereby, the steering lever is deliberately placed very close to the dead-center position so that it always strives to get out of this position into the direction of the OPEN position. Nevertheless, by positioning the steering lever in relation to the housing in approximately dead-center position, it is achieved that attacking load forces do not act on the steering lever and, if necessary, this. around it into the housing. The trigger movement of the steering lever is still supported by the provided tension spring between the triggering lever and the triggering gear, which is arranged slightly obliquely. However, premature or unintentional triggering is prevented by the locking device, by means of which the triggering device is reliably fixed in the CLOSED position. When the locking device is then unlocked for opening, the triggering device immediately opens automatically and without any further force input from the outside since the energy stored in the tension spring flips over the steering lever in an accelerated manner, which is located just before the dead-center position and has the tendency to flip over. Due to the tendency of the steering lever to open automatically, in conjunction with the tension spring, any obstructions of the triggering device, such as rust, dirt, deposits (especially in underwater applications) and friction, can be safely overcome. These measures therefore provide a simple but particularly reliable load-force-independent trigger with the triggering device according to the invention, which also reliably triggers the release of heavy loads under adverse environmental conditions and does not undefined positions.
The reliability of the triggering by the defined position of the steering lever is further improved in the invention if, being preferred and favourable, the two contact surfaces for the steering lever are formed by a closed contour in the housing. This also gives the contact surfaces a precisely defined position and stability. Furthermore, such a contour can be produced in a housing wall relatively easily by means of milling. For a simple attachment of the tension spring to the triggering lever, it is still preferred and favourable if the triggering lever has an A (trapezoidal) shape. The tension spring can then be attached to the preferably flattened tip of the triggering lever without bending the triggering lever. The locking device can then engage directly next to the triggering lever.
The triggering gear can have a hook in its lower area, into which, for example, a cable for the load can be hung. The securing of the cable on the hook can be done, for example, via the housing as a counter bearing. However, it is favourable and preferred for the invention if a mating gear is provided, which is swivel-mounted on a third housing axis and forms a closed eyelet, in which the load can be held, in the CLOSED position of the triggering device along with the triggering gear and the housing. Then, the suspended load must not slip off a hook. Instead, the holding surface is completely dissolved when opened, ensuring that the load is reliably released. This is particularly advantageous if it is a heavy load, in which the cable would long hang on an opening hook due to the generated stiction of the adhesive. For the triggering device with the invention, a heavy-duty version with a load capacity of up to 3 t can be preferably and favourably provided. Furthermore, it is preferred and favourable if, in the case of an openable construction consisting of a triggering gear and mating gear with the housing as a counter bearing, the housing has a receptacle for a load cable. It is therefore preferred and favourable if the housing has a one-sided open elongated hole to form the eyelet. The cable can then be inserted into this elongated hole and is reliably guided there without a great level of lateral play. In order for the mating gear to take a defined position in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, it is preferred and favourable if the mating gear has a nib, which is mounted at an end stop in the housing in the CLOSED position of the triggering device. Furthermore, preferably and favourably, the triggering gear and the mating gear can have sections that are attached to each other in the CLOSED position of the triggering device. All these measures are used to reliably secure the load cable in the CLOSED position of the triggering device.
In the load-force-independent triggering device with the invention, the CLOSED position is held exclusively by the action of the locking device. Therefore, this is of particular importance. It is therefore preferred and favourable in the case of the invention if the locking device comprises an electromagnetic trigger with an axially moveable release pin, by means of which the triggering lever is fixed in the housing in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, wherein the axially moveable release pin is arranged orthogonally to the triggering lever. An electromagnetic trigger (solenoid actuator) is a standard commercial component. The release pin is held by the anchor of the electromagnet in the CLOSED position and locked there by a spring. The release pin engages through a hole into the triggering lever. When triggered, the electromagnet is electrically actuated and causes the release pin to be retracted into the inside of the trigger so that the triggering lever is released. Under the attacking spring force of the tension spring (especially in the formation of a spiral spring, i.e. coil spring), the triggering lever is pulled downwards and takes the steering lever with it. Being preferred and favourable, the electromagnetic trigger or the axially moveable release pin is arranged orthogonally to the triggering lever. This prevents accidental external force effects on the triggering device from inadvertently actuating the trigger. Inadvertent forces in the direction of the axially moveable release pin can still occur because the release pin is quite light and is held in position by a small spring. The release pin is reliably and consciously shifted axially only by actuating the electromagnet, wherein the triggering force is then greater than the resuming spring force. In order to achieve an increased level of reliability, particular in transport operations in which a triggering is to be avoided in any case, it is preferred and favourable in the case of the invention if the locking device comprises an additional safeguard, by means of which the triggering lever is fixed in the housing in the CLOSED position of the triggering device. Thereby, the additional safeguard can preferably and favourably be designed as a cotter pin. This is a transport safeguard that must be removed manually. Remote triggering is not provided.
In the case of the triggering device according to the invention, it can furthermore be provided as preferred and favourable modifications can be provided that a grip lug is arranged on the triggering lever for manual positioning of the triggering lever in the OPEN position of the triggering device. This improves the manual handleability of the triggering device. No tools are needed to transfer the system to the CLOSED position. Furthermore, it is preferred and favourable for the easy handling of the force-independent triggering device according to the invention if a suspension is arranged at the upper end. This can be, for example, a rod connected to a gantry, or a shackle connected to a cable.
It was already mentioned at the beginning that the triggering device with the invention is particularly resistant to incidental load surges from the outside. Such effects can occur when the triggering device is used in underwater areas. Here, it may be exposed to strong waves or currents or ship movements. The triggering device can be used, in particular, on a research vessel and can be used to output a measuring apparatus. Self-driving underwater vessels (landers) weighing more than 2 t can also be used. It is mandatory to ensure that no triggering takes place above the water level in order to prevent damage to the measuring apparatus when hitting the water surface. The release can only take place in the water body (the measuring apparatus then sinks further) or only after the measuring apparatus has been set up on the water floor. Particularly in deep-sea operations, it is therefore preferred and favourable if a seawater-resistant material version is provided for the load-force-independent triggering device. In particular, stainless steels and plastics are used.
Such underwater operations can cause the triggering device to be lowered several hundred or thousand metres deep in the water. At such depths, therefore, the increase in hydrostatic pressure must be taken into account. In particular, components with airspaces must be protected. The invention relates to the locking device. The electromagnetic trigger must be protected. For this purpose, it can be integrated into a pressure-resistant housing. However, it is preferred and favourable to form the electromagnetic trigger pressure-neutral. For this purpose, this is filled into a transparent plastic cylinder that can be closed with two covers and filled completely with a pressure fluid, mostly pressure oil. For volume compensation, a flexible pressure equalization element associated with the ambient pressure (i.e. also with the ambient medium water) is inserted into the plastic cylinder. This can be preferably and favourably be a pressure-resistant tubular bag made of PVC, as it is used in the medical sector for fluid collection. The hose bag has an integrated supply hose that allows the seawater to penetrate its interior and is easily adaptable to any volume. Further details on the use of such bags and their advantages can be found in the older German applications 102017119115.1 (pressure-neutral battery) and 102017119158.5 (pressure-neutral electric motor). Further details about the invention and its embodiments can be found in the exemplary embodiments described below.
A load-force-independent triggering device 01 for underwater application is shown in
The triggering device 01 comprises a housing 02, which is screwed together in the shown exemplary embodiment consisting of two structured steel sheets 03, 04 (cf.
Triggering lever 05 and triggering gear 08 are articulately joined to each other via a steering lever 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the housing 02 consists essentially of the two steel sheets 03, 04 arranged in parallel to each other. The triggering lever 05 and the triggering gear 08 work between the two steel sheets 03, 04. In order to prevent obstruction with the steering lever 10, it consists of two parallel parts, one part of which is in the steel sheet 03 and the other part in the steel sheet 04 in contour 21 (see below). If the ‘steering lever 10’ is referred to below, it is the steering lever shown 10 consisting of two parts. However, a single-piece design is also possible without further ado.
The steering lever 10 is rotatably connected to the triggering lever 05 via a variable first steering-lever axis 11 and to the triggering gear 08 via a variable second steering-lever axis 12. In the CLOSED position, the two steering-lever axes 11, 12 and the first housing axis 06 are arranged immediately before their dead-center position 41 to each other (dashed line in
The steering lever 10 is designed to be angular. In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is bent in its center at an obtuse angle of approx. 120°. In the CLOSED position, it contacts a first contact surface 19 in housing 02. Its position is thus precisely defined. Thereby, the first contact surface 19 is also shaped as an obtuse angle. In the OPEN position, on the other hand, the steering lever 10 is mounted on a second contact surface 20 in the housing 02 (cf.
In the
Furthermore, in the
In the
For underwater use, it is of great advantage if the locking device 17 is designed to be pressure-neutral. For this purpose, in the shown exemplary embodiment, the electromagnetic trigger 30 is arranged in a transparent plastic cylinder 31 (polycarbonate), which is sealed by two covers 32 in a pressure-tight manner. The plastic cylinder 31 and trigger (to the extent it has openings) are filled with a pressure oil (e.g. white oil or silicone). Due to the transparency of the plastic cylinder 31, inside of it can be more easily inspected. In the plastic cylinder 31, a pressure equalization element 33 is still arranged, the volume of which can be changed depending on the pressure. In the chosen exemplary embodiment, this is a simple tubular bag 34 (PVC), as it is known from the medical sector (infusion bags, urine bags, secretion bags). Via an integrated supply hose 35, the interior of the hose bag 34 is filled with the ambient medium, for example, with water from the hydrostatic pressure column when used underwater that a pressure equalization takes place between inside and outside and pressure neutrality prevails. The anchor of the trigger 30 protrudes from behind out of the cover 32 so that the pressure oil volume remains constant during actuation and around the trigger 30, if necessary, it can be pre-tensioned by hand (insert the anchor) or checked that locking takes place properly (no anchor is in front). Furthermore, an electrical supply line 36 for actuating the trigger 30 is shown in
Another part of the locking device is shown in the
The OPEN position of the triggering device 01 is shown in
Furthermore, in
Overall, with the triggering device 01 according to the invention, a simple but particularly reliable and easy-to-use device is provided, using which very large loads up to 3 t can be reliably held and reliably released even under particularly difficult environmental conditions, especially in underwater areas.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments.
The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102017130067.8 | Dec 2017 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/DE2018/101001 | 12/7/2018 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019/114876 | 6/20/2019 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2736599 | Coffing | Feb 1956 | A |
| 2937541 | Barlow | May 1960 | A |
| 3109676 | Mercer | Nov 1963 | A |
| 3504407 | Dawson | Apr 1970 | A |
| 3578373 | Metz | May 1971 | A |
| 3630562 | Metz | Dec 1971 | A |
| 4609219 | Go | Sep 1986 | A |
| 6654990 | Liu | Dec 2003 | B2 |
| 8998280 | McMillan | Apr 2015 | B1 |
| 20130042444 | Mischnick et al. | Feb 2013 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 106829731 | Jun 2017 | CN |
| 1297998 | Jun 1969 | DE |
| 102010010161 | Apr 2012 | DE |
| S61295993 | Dec 1986 | JP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200377343 A1 | Dec 2020 | US |
