Swivel and rotator mechanism for fluid controlled machines
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorEdward van Amelsfoort
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A swivel for use in a rotator is disclosed. The swivel includes an inner member having a cylindrical portion and an annular outer member arranged around the inner member and rotatably connected thereto via a bearing. At least one of the inner member and the outer member is provided with an annular fluid channel, one of the members having a fastening flange with an upper and a lower flange surface. The flange includes attachment structure configured to fix the flange to a support structure. A first fluid path extends through the flange from a first opening in a circumferential face of the fastening flange, to the fluid channel. A second fluid path at least partially extends through the inner member in a substantially axial direction from the fluid channel to a second opening.
Claims13
A rotator, comprising:
- a swivel including:
- an inner member having a cylindrical portion;
- an annular outer member arranged around the inner member and rotatably connected thereto via a bearing;
- at least one of the inner member and the outer member being provided with an annular fluid channel, one of the members having a fastening flange with an upper and a lower flange surface, the flange having an attachment structure;
- a first fluid path extending through the fastening flange from a first opening situated in a circumferential face of the fastening flange, to the fluid channel;
- and
- a second fluid path at least partially extending through the inner member in a substantially axial direction from the fluid channel to a second opening;
- an annular drive member with a central opening;
- a housing extending around the drive member and including a top face and a central housing opening;
- a drive motor associated with the housing and engaging the drive member, the swivel being mounted within the central opening of the drive member, the lower flange surface of the fastening flange being supported on the top face of the housing, and the fastening flange being connected to the housing via the attachment structure;
- and
- an inner ring within the central opening of the drive member, the drive member being connected to the inner ring in a rotating manner, the inner ring connecting to the housing and to the fastening flange of the swivel in a non-rotating manner.
A machine, comprising:
- a rotator including:
- a swivel including:
- an inner member having a cylindrical portion;
- an annular outer member arranged around the inner member and rotatably connected thereto via a bearing;
- at least one of the inner member and the outer member being provided with an annular fluid channel, one of the members having a fastening flange with an upper and a lower flange surface, the flange having an attachment structure;
- a first fluid path extending through the fastening flange from a first opening situated in a circumferential face of the fastening flange, to the fluid channel;
- and
- a second fluid path at least partially extending through the inner member in a substantially axial direction from the fluid channel to a second opening;
- an annular drive member with a central opening;
- a housing extending around the drive member and including a top face and a central housing opening;
- [[and]]
- a drive motor associated with the housing and engaging the drive member, the swivel being mounted within the central opening of the drive member, the lower flange surface of the fastening flange being supported on the top face of the housing, and the fastening flange being connected to the housing via the attachment structure;
- and
- an inner ring within the central opening of the drive member, the drive member being connected to the inner ring in a rotating manner, the inner ring connecting to the housing and to the fastening flange of the swivel in a non-rotating manner;
- a machine fluid duct connecting a fluid pressure source on the machine to the first fluid path of the swivel via the first opening;
- a tool connected to the drive member of the rotator, the tool including a fluid-powered member;
- and
- a tool fluid duct connecting the second fluid path of the swivel to the fluid-powered member via the second opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.