AU2017258965B2

AU2017258965B2 - Lifting and support device

Info

Publication number: AU2017258965B2
Application number: AU2017258965A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ray Warry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-11-11
Filing date: 2017-11-10
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-10
Also published as: AU2017258965A1

Abstract

Lifting and support device Abstract A lifting and support device (100) including a body portion having a platform (110) and a wheel base (120), the platform (110) and wheel base (120) each extending in generally parallel planes, a distance between the wheel base (120) and the platform (110) being selectively variable, and an engagement assembly (300) having a proximal end (320) secured to the platform and a distal end (330), wherein the distal end (320) of the engagement assembly (300) includes an engagement formation (340) configured to engage with a stud or other portion of a drum or hub assembly. 1/4 160 152 335 100 300 36010 180 200 110 432 140 405 120 140 130 Fig. 1 152 310 210 0 150 170 0 0 0 0 Fig. 2 140 120

Description

1/4

160 152

335 100

300 36010

180 200

110

432

140

405

120

140

130

Fig. 1

152 310 210

0

150

170

0 0

140 120 Fig. 2

Lifting and support device

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lifting and support device. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for use in lifting and supporting truck and bus hubs and brake drums. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that that the invention may be used in other applications.

Background of the Invention

[0002] When removing truck and bus hubs for servicing the seals and/or brake assemblies, it is generally necessary to remove the wheel from the truck and also the hub. In practice, this can be a difficult process due to the weight of the hubs, especially with respect to large truck and bus hubs.

[0003] There are several inherent problems associated with existing hub removal techniques. Firstly, in the scenario that the hubs are manually lifted, there is a significant risk of back and other injuries. The larger the truck, generally the more weight of the hub, and hence the more manpower that is required to manually lift the hub.

[0004] The hubs are typically at least 70kg each, which is far more weight than a person should attempt to lift safely. Furthermore, the combined weight of the drum and hub can be over 100 kilograms for large trucks. This poses a significant operational health and safety risk in the work place. Even if two or more technicians work together, this amount of weight can still cause back injuries, which is a significant problem from the perspective of operational health and safety.

[0005] A further problem with manual lifting techniques concerns possible damage to the threaded studs which secure the wheel onto the axle. Ideally, the hub should be pulled from the axle horizontally to ensure that the holes formed on the hub provide a clearance around the threaded shafts. If the hub is pulled from the shaft unintentionally at an angle, such that the hub is angled slightly away from the intended vertical plane, then there is a risk that the circumferential edge of each hole may scrape on the threads. This can damage the threads, and if the damage is significant, it can result in the damaged stud being unable to receive the nut intended to hold the hub in position. Alternatively, one or more of the studs may break, such that the studs would have to be replaced.

[0006] This kind of damage can occur when the hub is removed manually. Alternatively, if the hub is removed with a fork lift or other such mechanical lifting machinery, there is a risk of this kind of damage to the threaded studs.

[0007] If the hub is removed at an angle relative to the rotational axis of the hub, as described above, there is also a risk of damage to the seals.

[0008] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be combined with any other piece of prior art by a skilled person in the art.

Object of the Invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] By way of clarification and for avoidance of doubt, as used herein and except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additions, components, integers or steps.

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a lifting and support device comprising: a body portion having a platform and a wheel base, the platform and wheel base each extending in generally parallel planes, a distance between the wheel base and the platform being selectively variable, and an engagement assembly for securing the drum to the lifting and support device, the engagement assembly having a proximal end secured to the platform and a distal end, wherein the platform is defined by a surface or tray which remains generally horizontal relative to an underlying support surface, and wherein the distal end of the engagement assembly includes an engagement formation configured to engage with a stud or other portion of a drum or wheel assembly.

[0012] Preferably a distance between the engagement assembly proximal end and distal end is selectively variable.

[0013] The engagement assembly preferably includes a jack located between the engagement assembly proximal end and distal end.

[0014] The jack is preferably a scissor type jack.

[0015] The distal end of the engagement formation preferably includes two sliding arms located on a common axis of movement which is generally parallel to the platform, a leading end of each arm includes a finger which defines a recess which in turn defines the engagement formation.

[0016] An underside of each finger is preferably inclined relative to the platform.

[0017] Preferably each sliding arm is manually adjustable with a rotating handle.

[0018] A distal end of the engagement assembly preferably includes a polymer protection plate.

[0019] The platform preferably includes an upper layer and a generally parallel lower layer, the upper layer being rotatable relative to the lower layer.

[0020] The upper layer can preferably be rotationally locked relative to the lower layer.

[0021] The lifting and support device further preferably comprises a pair of generally parallel bars secured to the platform, the bars being configured to provide a seat for supporting a hub or drum such that the bars are seated on opposing sides of a circumferential lowermost portion of the drum.

[0022] The lifting and support device further preferably comprises at least one spacer seated on each of the bars, the spacer being longitudinally moveable relative to the bar.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a hub rotating device comprising: a stand; a hub support cradle secured to the stand and pivotal relative to the stand; a rotation mechanism configured to selectively rotate the cradle about a generally horizontal axis.

[0024] The hub support cradle preferably includes a plurality of stud receiving holes located on a generally constant pitch circle diameter.

[0025] The rotation mechanism preferably includes an angle drive mechanism to rotate the cradle about a generally horizontal axis.

[0026] Preferably the rotation mechanism can be selectively locked relative to the horizontal axis.

[0027] The hub rotation device preferably includes a stopper which enables a user to set a desired angular orientation end point, about the axis.

[0028] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a hub maintenance system comprising: a lifting and support device including: a body portion having a platform and a wheel base, the platform and wheel base each extending in generally parallel planes, a distance between the wheel base and the platform being selectively variable, and an engagement assembly for securing the drum to the lifting and support device, the engagement assembly having a proximal end secured to the platform and a distal end, wherein the platform is defined by a surface or tray which remains generally horizontal relative to an underlying support surface, and wherein the distal end of the engagement assembly includes an engagement formation configured to engage with a stud or other portion of a drum or hub assembly; and a hub rotating device including: a stand; a hub support cradle secured to the stand and pivotal relative to the stand; and a rotation mechanism configured to selectively rotate the cradle about a generally horizontal axis.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lifting and support device according to the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 is a side view of the lifting and support device according to Fig. 1;

[0032] Fig. 3 is a first end view of the lifting and support device according to Fig. 1;

[0033] Fig. 4 is a top view of the lifting and support device according to Fig. 1; and

[0034] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a hub rotation device for use with the lifting and support device of Fig. 1;

[0035] Fig. 6 is a front view of the hub rotation device of Fig. 5;

[0036] Fig. 7 is a top view of the hub rotation device of Fig. 5; and

[0037] Fig. 8 is a side view of the hub rotation device of Fig. 5.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0038] A lifting and support device 100 is disclosed herein. The lifting and support device 100 is described with respect to brake drum and wheel hub lifting, and the lifting and support device 100 is intended to be used with disc brake assemblies and brake drum and hub assemblies.

[0039] However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the lifting and support device 100 may be used in other industrial applications such as the fitting and maintenance of cutting edges for buckets on earth moving equipment.

[0040] The lifting and support device 100 includes a platform 110. The platform 110 is defined by a surface or tray which remains generally horizontal relative to an underlying support surface in all modes of operation.

[0041] The lifting and support device 100 includes a wheel frame or base 120. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1, the wheel base 120 is defined by a generally rectangular frame having a wheel 130 located at or near each corner. In one embodiment, the wheels 130 may be locking wheels which enable the user to selectively isolate the device 100 at a desired location.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 1, the platform 110 is connected to the wheel base 120 with two pairs of pivotal struts 140. As such, the platform 110, wheel base 120, and struts 140 together define a parallelogram (when viewed in the side view of Fig. 2) which can be selectively altered in shape, to thereby raise or lower the height of the platform 110 relative to the wheel base 120.

[0043] The mechanism to raise or lower the platform 110 is provided by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder lever action lift 152. This enables the user to selectively pump a lifting peddle 150 to raise the platform 110. A lowering pedal 170 is also provided to enable the user to selectively lower the platform 110. However, other lifting and lowering arrangements may alternatively be deployed, such as hand operated buttons for an electric version.

[0044] The lifting and support device 100 includes a handle 160 for moving the device 110. A handle extension (not shown) may be screwed into or otherwise attached to the handle 160.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 1, a pair of generally parallel tubes or bars 180 are secured to the platform 110. The tubes 180 provide a seat for supporting a hub or drum.

[0046] A pair of leafs or spacers 200 are seated on the tubes 180. As shown in Fig. 2, each spacer 200 includes a fastener 210 for securing the spacer 200 to the tube 180. As such, the spacers 200 can selectively slide longitudinally along the tubes 180. The spacers 200 enable the user to remove the truck hub without having to also remove the backing plate located on the rear side of the hub.

[0047] The spacers 200 may be swung out of the way if not required. However, if they are to be used, the spacers 200 can be locked in position.

[0048] The wheel lifting and support device 100 includes an engagement assembly 300 for securing the drum to the device 100. The engagement assembly 300 is best seen in Figs. 1 to 4. The engagement assembly 300 includes a height adjustment mechanism 310. In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the height adjustment mechanism 310 includes a scissor jack 315. The scissor jack 315 has a proximal end 320 which is secured to the platform 110. The scissor jack 315 has a distal end 330 having an engagement formation 340.

[0049] Referring to the embodiment depicted in Fig.4, the scissor jack 315 has a drive screw 335 and a hexagonal or octagonal headed drive member 345 for expanding and contracting the jack 315.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 1, the scissor jack 315 is depicted in a partially retracted configuration. In contrast, the scissor jack 315 is operable to move between a fully retracted configuration (in which the scissor jack 315 is generally adjacent to the platform 110) and an expanded configuration (in which an upper portion of the scissor jack 315 is furthest from the platform 110). In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the jack 315 is shown as a scissor type jack. However, it will be appreciated that the height adjustment mechanism 310 may be provided in other forms which enable vertical height adjustment of the engagement formation 340.

[0051] The engagement formation 340 is used to engage the threaded studs on the truck hub. As shown in Fig 2, the engagement formation 340 includes two sliding arms 350. Each sliding arm 350 can be selectively moved in a longitudinal direction, which is generally parallel to the platform 110. As shown in Fig. 3, each sliding arm 350 is operated by a handle 360. By rotating the handles 360, the sliding arms 350 can be moved toward or away from each other. A leading end of each sliding arm 350 includes an engagement finger 370. An underside of each engagement finger 370 is angled at approximately 45 degrees relative to the platform 110. As such, the engagement finger 370 defines an angular recess 380. The recess 380 is located between each finger 370 and a polymer protection plate 390.

[0052] The operation of the lifting and support device 100 will now be described. When a user, such as a mechanic or technician, wishes to remove a wheel drum or hub, the wheel lifting and support device 100 is wheeled to a suitable located beneath the drum. The user then operates pedal 150 to expand a pneumatic cylinder 152 and thereby raise the platform 110 until the two bars 180 are seated on opposing sides of a circumferential lowermost portion of the drum.

[0053] The user then raises the height adjustment mechanism 310 by raising the scissor jack 315. The jack 315 is raised until two threaded studs of the hub are seated on the slide plate 390. The user then operates the handles 360 to bring the engagement tips 370 toward each other. As the tips come closer to each other, the two studs become located in the recesses 380. This provides a means for preventing the drum assembly from tilting relative to an axis of rotation of the drum assembly. Advantageously, this reduces the risk of damage to the seal located on the rear side of the drum assembly.

[0054] The user may also secure a strap (not shown) to the frame of the wheel lifting and support device 100. The strap is passed over the drum, to provide an additional protection against the drum unintentionally moving relative to the lifting and support device 100.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 1, a bar 405 is located on each side of the device 100, adjacent to the platform 110. The bar 405 provides a support for holding a hook located at each end of the strap. This enables the longitudinal position of the strap to be readily adjusted during fastening, to best suit the location of the drum.

[0056] The platform 110 is rotatable relative to the support structure. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a bolt 400 passes from the upper surface of the platform 110, in a generally central region of the platform 110. The bolt 400 provides a rotation axis for the upper surface of the platform. In this embodiment, the platform 110 consists of an upper layer 420, and a generally parallel lower layer 430.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 3, the bolt 400 is secured at an underside of the platform 110 with a nut. A locking mechanism 432 may be provided to lock the upper layer 420 of the platform 110 at one or more desired rotational orientations.

[0058] A safety lock may be provided to prevent the platform 110 from accidentally or unintentionally falling.

[0059] Referring to Figs. 5 to 8, a hub rotating or spinning device 500 is disclosed. The hub spinner 500 includes a stand 510 which is seated on a pair of support feet 520. The support feet 520 are depicted as longitudinally extending members, but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other configurations may be possible.

[0060] The hub spinner 500 includes a hub support cradle 530. The cradle 530 supports an adaptor plate 540 having a plurality of stud receiving holes 550 located on an equal pitch circle diameter. The adaptor plate 540 may be interchanged as required to suit different hubs which have studs having different angular spacing or pitch circle diameters.

[0061] In one embodiment, not shown, the adaptor plate 540 may include more than one set of stud receiving holes 550, located on different pitch circle diameters, so that different hubs can be accommodated on the same adaptor plate 540. Alternatively, the stud receiving holes 550 may be provided in the form of radially extending slots.

[0062] The hub spinner 500, is configured to rotate the hub about a horizontal axis XX which extends generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the hub. The hub spinner includes a locking formation to selectively isolate rotation of the hub at a desired angular orientation.

[0063] The hub spinner 500 operates with the lifting and support device 100 described above to provide a hub maintenance system. When a hub is mounted to the lifting and support device 100, the device 100 can be wheeled to a located adjacent to the hub spinner 500. The frames of the hub spinner 500 and the device 100 are designed to have corresponding abutment portions for correct positioning relative to each other. The height of the hub can be jacked up or down to achieve the intended vertical placement, so that the hub studs are in alignment with the stud receiving holes 550. The lifting and support device 100 is then moved so that the studs enter the stud receiving holes 550. Once the studs are inserted, at least two nuts are secured, to secure the hub to the hub spinner 500.

[0064] The hub spinner 500 includes a stopper 560 which enables the user to set a desired angular rotation end point, about the axis XX. This enables the technician to easily return the hub to the same starting angle for return to the vehicle.

[0065] The hub spinner 500 includes a rotation mechanism in the form of an angle drive mechanism 570 to rotate the hub about the axis XX. The rotation mechanism secures the hub at the desired angular position, and prevents slipping of the hub. The technician can manually rotate the hub to the desired location at which the bearing cones are readily accessible for removal, replacement or adjustment. Typically, the angle drive mechanism 570 is operable with a 14 mm socket. However, it will be appreciated that other rotation drive systems may be deployed, which provide a controlled rotation. For example, an electric motor and brake could be deployed.

[0066] Once the hub bearing cones have been replaced, the technician may use the angle drive mechanism 570 to rotate the hub in the opposing sense about the axis XX. The stopper 560 defines the limit of rotation, thereby indicating to the technician when the hub has returned to the starting point. At this time, the hub can be removed by undoing the nuts from the studs, and the hub is returned to the hub lifting and support device 100. The retention strap is used to secure the hub to the lifting and support device 100 for safety, and the hub may be returned to the vehicle.

[0067] The hub spinner 500 is intended to be used in one direction only, such that the hub support cradle 530 has a concave side for receiving the hub.

[0068] The lifting and support device 100 is described with respect to a scissor jack, such as a 1000kg scissor jack. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other varieties of jack may alternatively be deployed.

[0069] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A lifting and support device comprising: a body portion having a platform and a wheel base, the platform and wheel base each extending in generally parallel planes, a distance between the wheel base and the platform being selectively variable, and an engagement assembly for securing the drum to the lifting and support device, the engagement assembly having a proximal end secured to the platform and a distal end, wherein the platform is defined by a surface or tray which remains generally horizontal relative to an underlying support surface, and wherein the distal end of the engagement assembly includes an engagement formation configured to engage with a stud or other portion of a drum or hub assembly.

2. The lifting and support device of claim 1, wherein a distance between the engagement assembly proximal end and distal end is selectively variable.

3. The lifting and support device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement assembly includes a jack located between the engagement assembly proximal end and distal end.

4. The lifting and support device of claim 3, wherein the jack is a scissor type jack.

5. The lifting and support device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end of the engagement formation includes two sliding arms located on a common axis of movement which is generally parallel to the platform, a leading end of each arm includes a finger which defines a recess which in turn defines the engagement formation.

6. The lifting and support device of claim 5, wherein an underside of each finger is inclined relative to the platform.

7. The lifting and support device of either of either of claims 5 or 6, wherein each sliding arm is manually adjustable with a rotating handle.

8. The lifting and support device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distal end of the engagement assembly includes a polymer protection plate.

9. The lifting and support device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform includes an upper layer and a generally parallel lower layer, the upper layer being rotatable relative to the lower layer.

10. The lifting and support device of claim 9, wherein the upper layer can be rotationally locked relative to the lower layer.

11. The lifting and support device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pair of generally parallel bars secured to the platform, the bars being configured to provide a seat for supporting a hub or drum such that the bars are seated on opposing sides of a circumferential lowermost portion of the drum.

12. The lifting and support device of claim 11, further comprising at least one spacer seated on each of the bars, the spacer being longitudinally moveable relative to the bar.

13. A hub maintenance system comprising: a lifting and support device including: a body portion having a platform and a wheel base, the platform and wheel base each extending in generally parallel planes, a distance between the wheel base and the platform being selectively variable, and an engagement assembly for securing the drum to the lifting and support device, the engagement assembly having a proximal end secured to the platform and a distal end, wherein the platform is defined by a surface or tray which remains generally horizontal relative to an underlying support surface, and wherein the distal end of the engagement assembly includes an engagement formation configured to engage with a stud or other portion of a drum or hub assembly; and a hub rotating device including: a stand; a hub support cradle secured to the stand and pivotal relative to the stand; and a rotation mechanism configured to selectively rotate the cradle about a generally horizontal axis.

14. The hub maintenance system of claim 13, wherein the hub support cradle includes a plurality of stud receiving holes located on a generally constant pitch circle diameter.

15. The hub maintenance system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the rotation mechanism includes an angle drive mechanism to rotate the cradle about a generally horizontal axis.

16. The hub maintenance system of claim 15, wherein the rotation mechanism can be selectively locked relative to the horizontal axis.

17. The hub maintenance system of any one of claims 13 to 16 including a stopper which enables a user to set a desired angular orientation end point, about the axis.