US 8,573,419 B2 · Swing drive system for cranes

Abstract

A crane includes i) a lower structure comprising ground engaging members ii) an upper structure rotatably connected to the lower structure such that the upper structure can swing with respect to the lower structure, wherein one of the lower structure and upper structure comprises a first structure having a ring gear having teeth on a surface thereof, and the other of the lower structure and upper structure comprises a second structure; and iii) a boom pivotally mounted on the upper structure. The crane further includes a drive system comprising at least two pinion gears mounted on a common frame and in driving contact with the ring gear teeth; and a link connecting the frame to the second structure with two pivot axes between the frame and the second structure.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A crane comprising i) a lower structure comprising ground engaging members;

ii) an upper structure rotatably connected to the lower structure such that the upper structure can swing with respect to the lower structure, wherein one of the lower structure and upper structure comprises a first structure having a ring gear having teeth on a surface thereof, and the other of the lower structure and upper structure comprises a second structure;
and iii) a boom pivotally mounted on the upper structure, the crane including a swing drive system comprising:
a) at least two pinion gears mounted on a common frame so that the pinion gears are held by the frame in a fixed position relative to one another, and in driving contact so that they mesh with the ring gear teeth;
and
b) a link connecting the frame to the second structure with two pivot axes between the frame and the second structure.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Swing drive system for cranes

Life of this patent

Swing drive system for cranes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22