U.S. patent application number 14/831904 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for machine counterweight installation and removal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Stephen P. Rutherford. Invention is credited to Stephen P. Rutherford.
Application Number | 20170051473 14/831904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58157107 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170051473 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rutherford; Stephen P. |
February 23, 2017 |
MACHINE COUNTERWEIGHT INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
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.
Inventors: |
Rutherford; Stephen P.;
(Edwards, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rutherford; Stephen P. |
Edwards |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
58157107 |
Appl. No.: |
14/831904 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/18 20060101
E02F009/18 |
Claims
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.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for
installation and removal of a counterweight in a machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be
apparent from the following description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a machine having an
implement system according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates loosening of the counterweight from the
machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates removal of the counterweight from the
machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates installation of the counterweight to the
machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates installation of the counterweight to the
machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
and
[0013] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] 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. In the illustrated embodiment, 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, and the bucket 108 may be
pivotally connected to the stick 106.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
Moreover, 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.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, 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. In the
illustrated embodiment, 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.
[0018] Further, 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. In the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal end
150 of the first flexible connection member 148 is connected with
the boom 104 of the implement system 102. However, in an
alternative embodiment the second terminal end 150 may be connected
to the stick 106 or the bucket 108 of the implement system 102.
Further, 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 In an embodiment, the first flexible
connection member 148 and the second flexible connection member 152
may include, but is not limited to cables.
[0019] 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.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates loosening of the counterweight 134 from
the machine 100, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. Firstly, the plurality of bolts 162 may be loosened by
an operator using a tooling and the bolt heads 160. Secondly, 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. In order to remove the counterweight
134, 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. During the removal of the counterweight 134
from the machine 100, 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.
[0021] 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. Referring to FIG. 4, during
the installation of the counterweight 134 to the machine 100, 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. Further, referring to FIG. 5, once the counterweight
134 is positioned adjacent to the frame 136 the plurality of bolts
162 may be tightened by an operator. Following installation of the
counterweight 134, 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.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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. At step 602,
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. At step 604, 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. At step 606, 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.
[0024] Further, at step 608, the method 600 includes, attaching the
second flexible connection member 152 between the arm 144 and the
counterweight 134. At step 610, the method 600 includes, loosening
the at least one mounting, the plurality of bolts 162, of the
counterweight 134. At step 612, 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. At step 614, the method 600 includes,
removing the mounting, the plurality of bolts 162, of the
counterweight 134. At step 616, 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.
[0025] 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.
* * * * *