Technical filed The invention relates to assembly line trolleys. More specifically, the invention relates to, but need not be limited to, assembly line trolleys for the transportation of heavy machinery during manufacture thereof.

Background

Manufacture of heavy industrial machinery requires heavy and sometimes large loads to be moved along an assembly line.

In specific operations, a piece of machinery may be required to be in a number of different positions, heights and/or orientations during manufacture such that engineering staff are able to undertake a task. The size and weight of the machinery makes such operations time consuming and dangerous.

In a specific example, electric motors for industrial applications may need to be moved during manufacture. Such electric motors are configured for use in the oil and gas industry and may, for example, be configured to power a pump for pumping coolant, such as sea water, around an oil rig.

Summary

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly line trolley for transporting stator and/or rotor machinery of an electric motor during manufacture, the trolley comprising: a plurality of support blocks configured to support a load to be transported; and link connecting the plurality of support blocks and configured to allow a separation between the plurality of support blocks to be adjusted.

Optionally, the plurality of support blocks are mounted on a plurality of bogies, each bogie comprising one or more wheels for transporting the load. Optionally, each of the plurality of bogies comprises at least four wheels configured to support each bogie in a freestanding manner.

Optionally, the link is connected between the plurality of bogies

Optionally, the link is extendable.

Optionally, the link comprises a plurality of telescopic sections. Optionally, each support block is configured to be raised or lowered.

Optionally, each support block is configured to be raised or lowered when under load. Optionally, each support block is configured to be raised or lowered independently.

Optionally, the assembly line trolley further comprises a at least one jack for raising and lowering the support blocks.

Optionally, each support block comprises at least one jack for raising and lowering the support block.

Optionally, the at least one jack comprises a screw jack.

Optionally, the at least one jack is operable by power derived from a hydraulic system.

Optionally, each support block is configured to allow rotational adjustment of the load.

Optionally, each support block comprises a plurality of rollers for rotational adjustment of the load.

Optionally, the link and/or the support blocks are configured such that at least 3 of a torsional or linear force experienced between the support blocks when transporting the load is borne by the link. Optionally, the plurality of support blocks is configured to support a load of greater than 5 tonnes.

Brief description of the drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly line trolley in an open configuration; Figure 2 is a top view of an assembly line trolley in an open configuration;

Figure 3 is a side view of an assembly line trolley in an open configuration;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an assembly line trolley in a closed configuration; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a link arm; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a support block and bogie.

Detailed description

Generally, disclosed herein is an assembly line trolley configured for transportation of machinery around an assembly line during manufacture. The machinery for transportation is heavy and/or large and therefore difficult to manoeuvre. Exemplary assembly line trolleys are capable of supporting and transporting loads comprising electric motors, submersible motors and pumps, rotating assemblies, rotor shafts and/or individual heavy engineering components. Exemplary assembly line trolleys are configured to be adjustable for the transportation of one or more of the above loads.

As used herein, "heavy" may encompass a load that is too great for a single person to lift. Heavy may encompass a load greater than 1 tonne, greater than 5 tonnes or greater than 10 tonnes. In specific apparatus disclosed herein, heavy may relate to loads of substantially 15 tonnes. Further, as used herein, the term "large" encompasses an item that is too large for a single person to lift. Large may encompass an item greater than 2 metres in length and greater than 500 millimetres in width. Exemplary heavy and large items include an industrial electric motor at various stages of manufacture. The electric motor may be configured for use in the oil and gas industry and may, for example, be configured to power a pump for pumping coolant, such as sea water, around an oil rig. Figures 1 to 3 show various views of an assembly line trolley 100. The trolley 100 comprises two support blocks 102a, 102b. The trolley 100 also comprises a link 104 that is configured to connect the support blocks 102a, 102b and is adjustable, such that a separation between the support blocks 102a, 102b may be adjusted. The trolley 100 is shown in an open configuration in which the support blocks 102a, 102b are separated.

The trolley 100 further comprises two wheel assemblies 106a, 106b on which the support blocks 102a, 102b are mounted. Together, the support blocks 102a, 102b and the wheel assemblies 106a, 106b may form at least part of a bogie. The wheel assemblies 106a, 106b are discussed in greater detail below. In the exemplary trolley 100 of Figures 1 to 3, the link 104 is connected between the bogies 106a, 106b. The link 104 may be connected between the wheel assemblies 106a, 106b. Therefore, the connection between the support blocks 102a, 102b by the link is indirect and by virtue of the fact that the support blocks 102a, 102b are mounted on the wheel assemblies 106a, 106b. Other arrangements are possible, for example, the link 104 may be directly connected between the support blocks 102a, 102b or directly between any other part of the bogies.

The support blocks 102a, 102b are adjustable in height. In specific exemplary arrangements, the support blocks 102a, 102b are independently adjustable in height. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the support block 102b has been raised with respect to the support block 102a, such that a linear load supported by the support blocks 102a, 102b will be supported at an angle. In addition, an upper section of the support block 102b that is in contact with the load has been rotated by an amount corresponding to the angle at which the load is supported so as to present a contact surface that is flush with a surface of the load.

The trolley 100 is operable between open and closed positions. Figures 1 to 3 show the trolley 100 in an open configuration. Figure 4 shows the trolley 100 in a closed configuration. It is noted that there may be any number of open configurations, each having a different separation between the support blocks 102a, 102b. The trolley is operable between the open and closed configurations by adjustment of the link 104, which is discussed in more detail below.

In Figures 1 to 3, the bogies 106a, 106b and the link 104 are in an open configuration. The wheel assemblies 106a, 106b and the link 104 are configured such that, in the closed position, the wheel assemblies 106a, 106b (and in some trolleys, the support blocks 102a, 102b) are abutted.

The wheel assemblies 106a, 106b may each comprise a platform on which a support block 102a, 102b may be mounted. The platforms 108a, 108b may comprise a means for securing the support blocks 102a, 102b to the wheel assemblies 106a, 106b. In an exemplary trolley, the means for securing may comprise one or more fixings such as a bolt or the like. In other exemplary trolleys, the support blocks 102a, 102b may form part of the wheel assemblies 106a, 106b, such that the bogies are formed of a single entity comprising a wheel assembly and a support block.

The wheel assemblies 106a, 106b further comprise wheels 1 12 for transporting the trolley 100 around the assembly line. The trolley 100 comprises four sets of wheels 1 12 lateral and longitudinally spaced on each wheel assemblies 106a, 106b and configured such that they support each wheel assemblies 106a, 106b in a freestanding manner. The wheels 1 12 may be positioned at each corner of each wheel assemblies 106a, 106b. Further, the wheels 112 are configured to support heavy loads, as defined herein and still to permit transportation of the trolley 100 around the assembly line. Therefore, in exemplary trolleys, the wheels 1 12 may be manufactured from a rigid plastics material or other material capable of supporting such loads. In other exemplary trolleys, the wheels 1 12 may be configured to engage with a track or other type of guide on the assembly line floor.

It is noted that the longitudinal direction is considered to be the direction of extension of the link 104 and the lateral direction is considered to be transverse to the longitudinal direction. Further, relative terms such as upper, lower, lateral and longitudinal are used herein to aid description of the invention and need not limit the scope of the invention.

The link 104 may be extendable. The exemplary link 104 of the trolley 100 comprises two link arms 1 14a, 114b. Each of the link arms 114a, 114b comprises a plurality of telescopic sections 116a-c. The plurality of telescopic sections 116a-c are configured to fit within one or more of the other telescopic sections 116a-c and/or within a link receiving channel 118 located on each of the wheel assemblies 106a, 106b. In other exemplary arrangements, the link 104 may connect the support blocks 102a, 102b. In the exemplary trolley 100, there are a plurality of link receiving channels 1 18 on each wheel assemblies 106a, 106b, one for receiving a telescopic section 1 16a-c of each link arm 1 14a, 114b. As the wheel assemblies 106a, 106b are moved together into the closed position, a central telescopic section 116b is received within two outer telescopic sections 1 16a, 116c, which are received within the link receiving channels 118. The wheel assemblies 106a, 106b are therefore abutted when the trolley 100 is in the closed position.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a link arm 1 14a, 114b comprising the telescopic sections 116a-c and the link receiving channels 1 18. The link receiving channels 118 comprise fixings 122 for fitting the link receiving channels 1 18 to an underside of each wheel assemblies 106a, 106b.

The link 104 may also comprise a mechanism 120 for setting the separation between the bogies 106a, 106b. In the exemplary trolley 100, the mechanism 120 comprises two arms, each comprising a plurality of apertures. The arms may be configured to move relative to each other such that the apertures of each arm are aligned for receiving a pin. One arm may be received within the other.

The link 104 is configured to set the relative position of the wheel assemblies 106a, 106b and the support blocks 102a, 102b. The link 104 may be configured to bear a proportion of the loads and forces associated with the transportation of the heavy machinery around the assembly line. In exemplary trolleys, the link may be configured to bear greater than 30% of the forces, greater than 50% of the forces or greater than 80% of the forces. The loads may be longitudinal with respect to the extension of the link 104. That is, the link may be configured to resist compression and further extension of the link 104. This provides a number of benefits including that the link 104 is configured to provide rigidity to the trolley, which prevents one of the bogies from tipping if it hits an obstacle. Further, by bearing a percentage of the forces, the link 104 reduces the amount of force that is borne by the load carried on the trolley. Also, as the extension of the link 104 is fixed, there is a reduced risk that the support blocks 102a, 102b will move under the load and possibly scour it.

The link may be configured to be adjustable under power, for example, electrical power or hydraulic power. The trolley 100 may be configured such that the link 104 may be adjusted whilst under load, that is, when a load is supported on the support blocks 102a, 102b.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a support block 102a attached to a wheel assembly 106a. Whilst Figure 6 relates to the support block 102a, the features identified and discussed here may relate to the opposite support block 102b also.

The support block 102a comprises a lateral support beam 122. The support beam 122 comprises a cradle 124 configured to receive a load for transportation around the assembly line. In the exemplary support blocks 102a, 102b, the cradle 124 is configured to receive a load having a circular cross section, which may be a cylindrical load. As such, the cradle 124 comprises a curved receiving section. The cradle 124 further comprises a plurality of laterally aligned rollers 126a, 126b. The rollers 126a, 126b are configured such that an outer face 128a, 128b of the roller is in contact with the load when it is supported by the support block 102a. The rollers 126a, 126b therefore permit rotation of a load while it is supported on the support block 102a.

In exemplary arrangements, one or more of the rollers 126a, 126b may be configured to transfer a torque applied to the one or more rollers 126a, 126b to the load. This transference of torque may be achieved by the outer face 128a, 128b of the one or more rollers 126a, 126b being configured to grip the load, for example, by the application of a relatively high friction coating to the outer face 128a, 128b. In other arrangements, the outer face 128a, 128b may comprise keying features configured to engage with corresponding features on the load. Therefore, the rollers 126a, 126b may be locked in order to prevent rotation of the load once it has reached the desired orientation. Further, the rollers 126a, 126b may be powered in order to control rotation of the load.

The lateral support beam 122 is pivotally connected to two upright members 130a, 130b of the support block 102a. As such, the lateral support beam 122 may be rotated such that the cradle 124 presents a load receiving surface at a correct angle to receive the load. That is, in arrangements in which the load is at an angle or has an angled surface, the lateral support beam 122 may be rotated such that the load is securely seated in the cradle 124. The lateral support beam 122 may be locked at a given rotation. The upright members 130a, 130b are received in corresponding elevation guides 132a, 132b. The elevation guides are configured to restrict longitudinal movement of the upright members 130a, 130b during adjustment to the height of the lateral support beam 122 and the cradle 124.

The support block 102a comprises a lifting apparatus 134 configured to raise and lower the cradles 124. The lifting apparatus comprises two screw jacks 136a, 136b operable to extend and contract in order to adjust the height of the cradle 124. The lifting apparatus 134 may comprise a gearbox 138 configured to transfer power between the screw jacks 136a, 136b. In exemplary trolleys, the gearbox 134 may distribute the power equally between the screw jacks 136a, 136b. In exemplary trolleys, the distribution of power by the gearbox 134 may be controllable such that the screw jacks 136a, 136b receive different amounts of power. This may allow the lifting apparatus 134 to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the screw jacks 136a, 136b.

In exemplary trolleys 100, the gearbox is configured to receive power from a hydraulic system. As such, the gearbox may be configured to receive hydraulic fluid from one or more hoses. Using the lifting apparatus 134, the cradle 124 of each support block 102a, 102b may be independently adjusted in height. This allows for loads to be supported on the trolley 100 at different angles, or for non-uniformly shaped loads, for example including stepped or sloping sides, to be supported. Further, the lifting apparatus 134 may be configured to allow the cradles 124 of the support blocks to be raised and lowered under load, that is, when the load is supported.

A number of the figures show dimensions of exemplary trolleys and the features thereof. These dimensions may aid the description of the trolleys, but need not be limiting on the scope of the claimed invention.

In use, the separation between the support blocks 102a, 102b is adjusted using the extendable link 104 to suit a load to be transported. The adjustment of the link 104 may be undertaken manually or under power in some exemplary trolleys 100. The height of the cradles 124 may also be adjusted using the lifting apparatus 134, such that the load will be securely seated in the cradles 124 when supported on the trolley 100. The support beams 122 and therefore the cradles 124 may also be rotated, as necessary. Each of the link 104, height of the cradles 124 and rotation of the cradles 124 may be fixed by suitable fixing means. The load is placed on the support blocks 102a, 102b. As the load is typically heavy industrial machinery, it has a longitudinal stiffness sufficient to ensure that the support blocks 102a, 102b remain in the relative orientation set before supporting of the load during transportation of the load around the assembly line. The orientation of the load may be adjusted while the load is supported on the support blocks 102a, 102b. That is, the hydraulic system may be operated in order to operate the gearbox 138 and the screw jacks 136a, 136b to raise or lower one or more of the support blocks 102a, 102b while the load is supported thereon. In addition, the load may be rotated on the rollers 126a, 126b. The rollers 126a, 126b may then be locked in a particular orientation to prevent further rotation of the load. In particular exemplary trolleys, the rollers 126a, 126b may be operated under power, for example hydraulic power, to rotate the load.

The skilled person will be able to envisage additional embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.