Working machine for receiving an interchangeable drive unit, drive unit therefor, as well as system and method for operating the working machine and drive unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a working machine (1), in particular a mobile crane such as a mobile crane or crawler crane, for receiving an interchangeable drive unit (2), comprising: a chassis (3) with a traction device (4), e.g.Wheels or crawler tracks, a superstructure (6) rotatably arranged relative to the undercarriage (3) about a pivot axis (5), from which a working device (7), in particular a boom, extends, and a receiving space (8) for a drive unit (2) for providing power to the traction device (4) and / or the working device (7), characterized in that the receiving space (8) is designed to detachably attach the drive unit (2) to the superstructure (6) via a fastening means, wherein the receiving space (8) is provided on an underside of the superstructure (6) for receiving the drive unit (2), and the receiving space (8) is designed to fix the drive unit (2) in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (5), in particular to prevent the drive unit (2) from sliding out in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an interchangeable concept for the drive unit of a working machine, in particular a mobile or crawler crane, the system of working machine and drive unit, and a method for assembling and operating such a machine.

[0002] In the modern construction machinery industry, flexibility and efficiency are crucial, particularly in the selection and implementation of various drive concepts to enable rapid responses to customer requirements. This necessitates the ability to quickly adapt construction machinery such as crawler cranes to diverse customer needs and legal regulations without disrupting the production process. Furthermore, sustainability and resource conservation are gaining increasing importance, requiring the straightforward conversion of existing machines to new drive systems and enabling the replacement of existing drives with refurbished powerpacks.

[0003] According to current technology, the drive system of a construction machine must be determined before production begins, making it impossible to later switch from a diesel-powered engine to one powered by hydrogen or battery electricity. Furthermore, conversion during the production process is generally uneconomical because the component layouts of the different drive systems vary and the interfaces are not standardized. Therefore, according to current technology, changing the drive system of a machine under construction is also not possible.

[0004] This leads to long delivery times, high inventory levels, and costly modifications if an existing machine needs to change its drive type. Retrofitting at the customer's site appears virtually impossible, especially since issues regarding approvals also hinder the change of drive type for a machine that has already been approved.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide an improved and more efficient concept for changing the drive unit of a working machine, enabling flexible, simple and cost-effective handling of different drive concepts – both in the company and at the customer's site.

[0006] In addition to the associated harmonization of interfaces and the concentration of relevant components on the base frame of the drive unit, a quick and uncomplicated conversion is made possible without affecting the manufacturing process.

[0007] The overall concept according to the invention not only enables efficient retrofitting and assembly, but also contributes to sustainability through resource conservation and facilitates the adaptation of existing machines to legal emission regulations – even at the customer's site. Furthermore, it offers potential for optimizing manufacturing processes and increases the availability of the equipment.

[0008] This is achieved with an interchangeable concept for the drive unit, the basis of which is set out in the independent claims. Claim 1 discloses a working machine according to the invention, claim 7 an associated drive unit, system claim 10 the combination of working machine and drive unit, and claim 12 a method for attaching a drive unit to the working machine. Advantageous embodiments of the independent claims are found in the respective dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention describes a working machine, in particular a mobile crane such as a mobile crane or crawler crane, for receiving an interchangeable drive unit and comprises an undercarriage with a traction device, e.g. wheels or crawler tracks, a superstructure rotatably arranged relative to the undercarriage about an axis of rotation, from which a working device, in particular a boom, extends, and a receiving space for a drive unit for providing power to the traction device and / or the working device.The machine is characterized in that the receiving space is designed to detachably attach the drive unit to the superstructure via a fastening means, wherein the receiving space for receiving the drive unit is provided on an underside of the superstructure, and the receiving space is designed to fix the drive unit in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, in particular to prevent the drive unit from sliding out in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0010] By arranging the receiving space on the underside of the superstructure and providing a detachable mounting point for the drive unit, a machine is created whose drive unit can be easily replaced. Generally, it is not possible to replace the drive unit in machines that have a base and a rotatable superstructure. However, according to the principle of the invention, in which the receiving space for a drive unit is provided on the underside of the superstructure, the drive unit can be lowered towards the ground after being detached from the receiving space using a lifting platform or crane. Conversely, a new drive unit can be lifted from the ground upwards towards the superstructure, where it can then be secured in the receiving space.This method takes advantage of the fact that, due to the presence of the undercarriage, there is usually sufficient space below the superstructure for changing the drive unit as described above. It is only necessary to ensure that, when detaching the drive unit, the superstructure is aligned with the undercarriage in such a way that there is sufficient space below the superstructure to lower the drive unit from it.

[0011] The receiving space for the drive unit is typically designed to allow the drive unit to be inserted from below or slid out downwards, indicating that the receiving space is located on the underside of the superstructure. The receiving space can, for example, be shaft-like, with fastening means provided after the drive unit has been inserted to secure it to the superstructure within the receiving space. These fastening means prevent the drive unit from sliding out of the receiving space.

[0012] According to an optional modification of the present invention, it can be provided that, when the working machine is oriented as intended, the direction of rotation is parallel to the vertical and the fastening means for the releasable fastening of the drive unit prevents the drive unit from falling downwards.

[0013] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that a receiving means for a centering element is provided on the underside of the superstructure facing the receiving space, in order to be able to provide a centering element for correctly aligning the drive unit on the superstructure when attaching the drive unit to the underside.

[0014] The centering element is particularly helpful for precisely aligning the drive unit with the superstructure, as, for example, a funnel-shaped device on the drive unit makes precise positioning relative to the superstructure easier. For instance, a rod-like centering element extending from the mounting points and projecting downwards from the underside of the superstructure can be used to correctly position a drive unit being inserted into the mounting space.

[0015] According to a further optional embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the undercarriage is provided centrally in the lateral direction with a receiving means, in particular a fastening eye, for fastening a deflection roller, preferably wherein the lateral direction is perpendicular to a main direction of travel of the working machine carried out via the traction device.

[0016] Providing a lifting device that can be used to attach a pulley is advantageous for correctly positioning the drive unit under the superstructure. After placing the drive unit in an area behind the superstructure, it can be pulled to a position directly under the superstructure using a cable attached centrally to the undercarriage. This is advantageous because a position directly below the receiving area or the superstructure is particularly recommended for inserting the drive unit into the receiving area. Ultimately, only lifting the drive unit is then required, without any further orthogonal movement.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the superstructure has at least three, in particular at least four, passages which extend parallel to the axis of rotation through the entire superstructure and run from a top surface of the superstructure towards the receiving space, preferably to enable the lifting of the drive unit arranged at a corresponding position below the superstructure by means of a lifting device acting from the top surface of the superstructure.

[0018] By providing these through-holes, it is possible to lift a drive unit positioned below the superstructure into the receiving area using a lifting device acting from above. The cables or rods extending from the lifting device are guided through these through-holes, so that the lifting device is located above the superstructure, while the lower ends of the cables or rods can be connected to a drive unit located below the superstructure. Once the cables or rods are attached to the drive unit, the attached drive unit can be moved towards the receiving area by operating the lifting device, for example, by pulling a cable upwards.Once the drive unit has been moved sufficiently upwards, it can be fixed in the receiving space using fastening devices, and subsequently the connection between the lifting device and the drive unit can be released.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that the penetrations, in a top view with a viewing direction parallel to the axis of rotation, form the vertices of an isosceles triangle or a right-angled quadrilateral.

[0020] The invention further relates to a drive unit for a working machine according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a base frame for supporting different components of the drive unit, wherein the base frame preferably has at least one lifting means for lifting the drive unit from above.

[0021] The base frame is designed to support the essential components, so lifting the base frame results in lifting all components of the drive unit.

[0022] Furthermore, lifting devices, e.g. eyelets or the like, can be provided on the base frame for use with a lifting device, which, after correct placement of the drive unit below the superstructure, facilitates lifting the drive unit.

[0023] Preferably, the drive unit may also include at least one fastening device provided on the base frame for the detachable fastening of rollers or wheels, which enable the drive unit to be pushed.

[0024] It is therefore possible to attach rollers or wheels to the base frame in a detachable manner, allowing the drive unit to be moved when placed on the ground. This is helpful for correctly positioning the drive unit below the superstructure after it has been lowered, ensuring the receiving area is directly above it. Since the wheels or rollers are no longer needed once the drive unit is secured in the receiving area, it is advantageous if they can then be removed.

[0025] The invention also includes the fact that the base frame has wheels or rollers permanently mounted to it, which then no longer perform any function after the drive unit is firmly fixed to the upper structure.

[0026] According to a further development of the present invention, it can be provided that a receiving means, in particular a fastening eyelet, is provided centrally in the width direction on the base frame for fastening a deflection roller, preferably wherein the width direction of the drive unit is identical to the width direction of the working machine in a state of the drive unit received in the receiving space.

[0027] If the drive unit has been lowered behind the superstructure, it is helpful to have a mounting point, such as an eyelet, centrally located in the width direction on the base frame or on the drive unit itself, for attaching a cable. This facilitates moving the drive unit into the correct position beneath the superstructure, with the cable also working in conjunction with a pulley located centrally on the undercarriage. The central positioning of the mounting point makes it easier to correctly position the drive unit beneath the superstructure.

[0028] According to a further optional modification of the present invention, it can be provided that the base frame is arranged on an underside of the drive unit and, with the exception of optional rollers or wheels, all other components are arranged on the support side of the base frame opposite the underside.

[0029] The base frame is therefore designed in such a way that all the other components of the drive unit are arranged on an upward-facing side of the base frame.

[0030] Additionally and / or alternatively, it may be provided that the base frame has at least one bushing for inserting bolts in order to fasten the base frame to the superstructure by means of a bolted connection.

[0031] The insertion of bolts or similar components is generally used to attach the base frame to the superstructure.

[0032] The present invention further relates to a system comprising a working machine according to one of the aspects discussed and a drive unit according to one of the aspects discussed, wherein the drive unit can be detachably attached in the receiving space arranged on the underside of the upper carriage of the working machine.

[0033] Changing a drive unit is not only advantageous when the type of drive unit is to be changed entirely, for example from diesel fuel to battery-electric operation, but also in the event of a necessary repair of the drive unit. Ultimately, it is then possible to swap a functioning drive unit with a non-functioning one and carry out the repair of the non-functioning drive unit without a lengthy downtime for the machine.

[0034] According to a further optional modification of the system according to the invention, it can be provided that several lifting devices, e.g. eyelets or the like, are provided on the base frame of the drive unit, which serve to lift the drive unit, and these lifting devices are arranged in a top view of the drive unit according to the at least three through-passages of the machine, so that with a corresponding positioning of the drive unit under the superstructure of the machine, a straight connection, in particular one parallel to the axis of rotation, is possible from each of the lifting devices along a respective through-passage through the superstructure.

[0035] In other words, at the relevant points of the penetrations through the superstructure, possibilities are provided for attaching the cables of a lifting device, which are guided through the penetration, to the drive unit, in particular the base frame, so that if the drive unit is correctly positioned under the superstructure, the cables of a lifting device acting from above and located above the superstructure can be guided through the penetrations and connected to the drive unit located below or to the drive unit arranged in the receiving space.

[0036] The invention further relates to a method for attaching a drive unit according to one of the discussed aspects to a working machine according to one of the discussed aspects or to a system according to one of the discussed aspects, comprising the steps of: arranging the drive unit under the superstructure of the working machine so that the receiving space is located above the drive unit to be attached, lifting the drive unit in order to insert the drive unit into the receiving space extending downwards from the underside of the superstructure, and fixing the drive unit to the superstructure so that the drive unit is firmly arranged in the receiving space.

[0037] According to an optional modification of the present invention, it can be provided that the drive unit is arranged under the superstructure of the working machine by first unloading the drive unit in an area behind the superstructure, attaching a cable that connects the drive unit to the working machine, and using the cable to move the drive unit placed behind the superstructure into a position in which it is directly below the receiving space of the superstructure.

[0038] Preferably, the cable pulley can run over pulleys attached to a mounting point on the machine and a mounting point on the drive unit. Alternatively, the undercarriage can be moved over the drive unit with an auxiliary unit to correctly position the unit.

[0039] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the lifting of the drive unit for insertion into the receiving space is carried out by using a lifting device acting from above, after the drive unit has been correctly positioned directly below the receiving space extending downwards from the upper carriage, in order to lift the drive unit from the ground and insert it into the receiving space.

[0040] Preferably, the lifting means, e.g. a rope connection, of the lifting device acting from above are guided through the openings of the working machine to the drive unit and attached there.

[0041] According to a further optional modification of the present invention, it can be provided that the drive unit is fixed to the superstructure by fixing the drive unit, which is located in the receiving space of the superstructure and which is raised by the lifting means, in the receiving space so that it is no longer possible for the drive unit to slide out, preferably wherein the fixing is carried out by a bolt connection with a bolt axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0042] The invention further relates to a method for removing a drive unit according to one of the discussed aspects from a working machine according to one of the discussed aspects or from a system according to one of the discussed aspects, comprising the steps of: securing the drive unit with a lifting device to prevent the drive unit from falling after releasing the fastening means holding the drive unit in the receiving space, releasing the fastening means, lowering the drive unit to remove the drive unit from the receiving space extending downwards from the underside of the superstructure, placing the drive unit under the superstructure of the working machine, and moving the drive unit from the position below the superstructure to an area behind the superstructure.

[0043] The expert understands that the training courses shown in connection with installing the drive unit can also be used analogously for removing the drive unit.

[0044] Further features, details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures. These figures show Fig. 1: A perspective view of a working machine according to the invention, embodied by a crawler crane, from which the drive unit has been removed, Fig. 2: a perspective drawing illustrating the delivery process of a drive unit to be coupled to the working machine, Fig. 3: a perspective view showing the arrangement of the drive unit in an area behind the upper structure of the working machine, Fig. 4: a perspective view showing the movement of a lifting device into a position above the upper carriage, Fig. 5a: a diagram showing the pushing of the drive unit under the upper structure using a forklift truck, Fig. 5b: a diagram showing the pulling of the drive unit under the upper structure using a cable pull, Fig. 6: a representation showing the drive unit arranged under the upper carriage's receiving area, Fig. 7: a representation showing a lifting device in its lowered state, wherein at least one rope or rod of the lifting device passes through a passage in the superstructure and is connected to the drive unit, Fig. 8: a representation in which the lifting device has lifted the attached drive unit upwards into the receiving space so that it can be attached to the superstructure there, Fig. 9: a representation in which the lifting device for lifting the drive unit has been released, Fig. 10: a perspective view of the base frame of the drive unit in a state attached to the lifting device, Fig. 10a: a perspective view of an aspect of the base frame in an enlarged view, showing an attachment point for tying to the lifting device, Fig. 10b: a perspective view of another aspect of the base frame in an enlarged view, showing an attachment point for tying to the lifting device, Fig. 11: a perspective view of an area of ​​the upper carriage which has a receiving device for a centering pin, Fig. 12: a perspective view of an area of ​​the upper carriage in which a centering pin is inserted into the receiving device, Fig. 13: a diagram showing the interaction between the centering pin and the funnel-shaped alignment aid of the drive unit, Fig. 14: another illustration showing the interaction between the centering pin and the funnel-shaped alignment aid of the drive unit, Fig. 15: a perspective view of a beam of the base frame with a fastening device for mounting a roller or wheel, and Fig. 16: a perspective view of the beam with the arranged double roller,

[0045] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a crawler crane 1, which has a chassis 3 and a superstructure 6. The chassis 3 is equipped with crawler tracks for moving the crane, forming a traction device 4. The superstructure 6 is rotatable relative to the chassis 3, with the axis of rotation 5 being parallel to the vertical when the crawler crane 1 is in its intended orientation. Furthermore, the crane boom 7 extends from the front of the superstructure, where an operator's cabin 27 is also located.

[0046] In a rear section of the superstructure 6, a receiving space 8 for a drive unit 2 is provided on an underside. This drive unit serves to supply power to the traction device 4 and / or the working device 7, e.g., a winch assembly or the like. The illustration shows that the drive unit 2 is detached from the superstructure 6, as indicated by the downward-pointing arrow. In this state, the working machine 1 cannot be moved, and it is also not possible to operate the working device 7 (crane boom or winch assembly) mounted on the superstructure 6.

[0047] The expert understands that the first step in changing a drive unit 2 of the working machine 1 is therefore to remove the drive unit 2 that has been used previously. This is in Fig. 1 shown with the removed drive unit 2.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 now shows the new drive unit 2, which is to be attached to the work machine 1 and can, for example, be delivered on a truck with an attached lifting device 12. To simplify the placement of the drive unit 2 directly under the receiving area 8 of the superstructure 6 of the work machine 1, orientation aids 17 can be provided to show the way to the position directly under the receiving area 8. These orientation aids 17 can, for example, be two parallel rods or the like, which indicate the travel path of the drive unit 2 after it has been lowered from the truck to the ground. To lift the drive unit 2 from the truck, a lifting device 12 is used, which can, for example, be permanently attached to the truck or moved by a separate crane.In the example shown, the base frame of the drive unit 2 has four lifting points for raising the drive unit, with a mounting crossbeam 21 provided for the vertical routing of the corresponding cables to the lifting points. However, such a crossbeam is not strictly necessary; the drive unit 2 can also be raised by routing the cables at an angle.

[0049] Fig. Figure 3 then shows the drive unit 2 detached from the truck, with the drive unit 2 placed on the ground behind the superstructure 6 of the work machine 1. The lifting device 12 is then separated from the drive unit 2, and for the sake of simplicity, the cable components remaining attached to the drive unit are still shown pointing vertically upwards, although it is clear to those skilled in the art that this does not correspond to reality.

[0050] The drive unit 2 has been placed on the ground by the lifting device 12 in accordance with the orientation aids 17, so that the repositioning of the drive unit 2 to achieve a positioning that lies directly below the receiving space 8 can be achieved by a translational displacement.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4 then shows a implemented state of the lifting device 12, wherein extension cables now hang down from the mounting traverse 21, which, when the lifting device 12 is arranged in a position above the superstructure 6 of the working machine 1 and the extension cables are passed through at least one passage of a superstructure towards the receiving space 8, enable a connection with the base frame of the drive unit 2.

[0052] Before such a connection can be made with ropes or the like running through the openings of the superstructure 6, the drive unit must now be moved to the correct position below the receiving space 8 of the superstructure 6.

[0053] Fig. Figure 5a shows a first possibility for moving the drive unit 2 into the direct position below the receiving space 8. Here, the drive unit 2, which is on rollers, is moved along the orientation aids 17 using a forklift 18, so that the drive unit 2 comes to a stop directly below the receiving space 8, which is located on the underside of the upper structure 6 of the working machine 1.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5b shows another possibility for moving the drive unit 2 to the desired position under the superstructure 6. For this purpose, a cable 20 is created, which runs from the drive unit 2 to a central position on the undercarriage 3 and, via a further deflection pulley, back to a tractor, which can also be the truck equipped with the lifting device 12. The connection point of the cable 20 on the drive unit 2 is also located centrally on the drive unit 2 in the lateral direction on the side facing the machine 1, so that moving the tractor causes the drive unit 2 to be moved to the desired position under the superstructure 6 of the machine 1 in accordance with the specifications of the orientation aids 17.Therefore, it is not necessary to move the drive unit 2 using a forklift 18, as there are other options if a forklift 18 or similar is not available.

[0055] Fig. Figure 6 then shows the state in which the drive unit 2 is arranged directly below the receiving space 8. The cables 19 of the lifting device 12 are then guided from an upper surface of the superstructure 6 through respective openings in the superstructure, which allow passage of the cables 19 to the receiving space 8 and the drive unit 2 arranged below it.

[0056] Fig. Figure 7 shows the lifting device 12, with the cables 19 extending from the lifting device 12 now passing through the respective openings in the superstructure 6 and being attached to corresponding attachment points 14 of the drive unit. In this illustration, the lifting device is thus located above the superstructure 6 of the machine 1 and is connected to the drive unit 2 positioned directly below the superstructure 6, with at least one cable 19 from the lifting device 12 passing through an opening in the superstructure 6 that runs from an upper surface of the superstructure 6 to the receiving space 8, so that the drive unit 2, located below the superstructure 6, can be attached to the lifting device 12.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 8 shows that the lifting device 12 has now raised the drive unit 2 from its position on the ground upwards, so that the drive unit 2 has been moved into the receiving space 8, which is formed on the underside of the superstructure 6. Using fastening means, e.g., bolts or the like, the drive unit 2 can then be fixed in the receiving space 8 of the superstructure 6, whereby further connections to the superstructure 6, which are required, for example, to drive the traction device 4 or the working device 7, can also be connected.

[0058] Thus, all mechanical, hydraulic and / or electrical connections between the superstructure 6 and the drive unit 2 can be established so that the working machine 1 can resume its usual operation.

[0059] Fig. Figure 9 now shows the work machine 1 with the newly inserted drive unit 2, whereby the truck with the lifting device 12 no longer has a connection to the drive unit 2, as the cables 19 of the lifting device 12 have already been detached. The drive unit 2 has therefore been replaced, whereby this does not necessarily mean changing the type of drive unit, e.g., replacing a diesel-powered drive unit with a battery-electric one, but can also simply mean replacing a defective drive unit with an identical, correctly functioning one.

[0060] Fig. Figure 10 shows a base frame 13 of the drive unit 2, whereby the components of the drive unit 2 supported on the base frame 13 are not shown in order to allow a better view of the attachment of the cables 19 of the lifting device 12 to the base frame 13. It can be seen that the cables 19 of the lifting device 12 extend from a mounting crossbeam 21 and interact with corresponding lifting elements 14 that are attached to the base frame 13.

[0061] The attachment points of the lifting devices 14 for the ropes 19 of the lifting device 12 form a right-angled quadrilateral in a top view of the base frame 13, which allows the drive unit 2 to be lifted without excessive risk of tipping. Alternatively, the lifting devices 14 could also be arranged in the form of a triangle as shown in the top view, with the positions of the lifting devices 14 preferably forming the vertices of an isosceles triangle or an equilateral triangle.

[0062] Fig. Figure 10a shows an excerpt from Fig. 10 in enlarged view, so that in addition to the lifting device 14 one can also see the adjacent support surface 22 for the other components of the drive unit 2.

[0063] Fig. Figure 10b also shows an enlarged view from Fig. 10, where the lifting device 14 can be seen, which is arranged on a rear side of the base frame 13 that, in an installed state, corresponds to the side facing away from the machine. It is clear to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the lifting device 14 being implemented as a thread for screwing in corresponding hooks or eyes, such eyes or hooks can also be incorporated into the basic structure of the base frame 13 itself.

[0064] Fig. Figure 11 shows a component of the superstructure 6 for securing the drive unit 2 inserted into the receiving space 8. For this purpose, a bolt guide 25 is provided, which, together with a corresponding bushing 16 of the drive unit 2 and a bolt, secures the drive unit 2 to the superstructure 6. Furthermore, a receiving element 9 for inserting a centering element, e.g., a centering pin 23, is visible. This centering element projects downwards in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 5. When the drive unit 2 is lifted and moved into the receiving space 8, this centering element is used to precisely align the drive unit 2 with the superstructure 6 and the receiving space 8.

[0065] Fig. Figure 12 now shows a centering pin 23 inserted into the receiving device 9, as it is aligned downwards towards the ground from an underside of the upper carriage 6.

[0066] Fig. Figure 13 now shows the drive unit 2, which is already partially raised towards the receiving area 8 and has a centering opening 24 fixed to the base frame 13 for interaction with the centering pin 23 projecting downwards from the upper carriage 6. The bushing 16, designed for inserting a bolt element, is also visible.

[0067] The centering opening 24 is arranged in a stop element, which has the centering opening approximately in the middle. The stop element serves to prevent the bearing or bearing bushing from being damaged by impacts during transport of the machine.

[0068] The stop element is activated from below under vertical load and prevents the bearings (e.g., elastomer bearings) from being overloaded by the high forces that occur during machine transport. This allows the bearings to be optimally designed for quiet machine operation without having to fully withstand the forces acting on them during transport. Otherwise, the high transport forces would prevent optimal bearing performance during operation.

[0069] Fig. Figure 14 now shows the drive unit 2 in a position fully enclosed in the receiving space 8, with the bolt guide 25 of the superstructure 6 aligned with the opening of the bushing 16. The centering pin 23, in conjunction with the centering opening 24 located on the base frame 13, has contributed to the correct alignment of the drive unit 2 with respect to the superstructure 6, such that the centering pin 23 has now penetrated the centering opening 24 and prevents or significantly limits a movement component that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the centering pin (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation 5).

[0070] If a bolt for fixing the base frame 13 to the superstructure 6 is inserted into the bolt guide 25 or the bushing 16 of the base frame 13, the drive unit 2 is firmly fixed to the superstructure 6, so that the now no longer required centering pin 23 can be removed.

[0071] Fig. Figure 15 also shows a fastening device 15 for attaching rollers 26, which enable the drive unit 2 to be pushed on the floor.

[0072] This at least one fastening device 15 provided on the base frame 13 is arranged in a ground-level area and allows the detachable attachment of wheels or casters 26.

[0073] Fig. Figure 16 shows rollers 26 attached to the mounting device 15 in a double-roller configuration, which allow the drive unit 2 to be pushed along the ground. After the drive unit 2 has been moved into the receiving space 8 and attached to the superstructure 6, it is no longer necessary to leave the rollers 26 attached to the base frame 13, so they can also be removed.

[0074] The inventive concept for changing the drive unit 2 of a working machine 1 thus enables the change of the drive type as well as a later determination of the drive type during the manufacture of the working machine. Reference symbol list 1 working machine 2 Drive unit 3 Undercarriages 4 Traction device 5 axis of rotation 6 upper carriages 7 Working device 8 Recording room 9 Mounting device for centering element 10 Mounting devices, in particular fastening eyelets 11 Pulley 12 Lifting device 13 Basic frames 14 lifting devices on the base frame 15 Fastening device for attaching rollers 16 socket 17 Orientation guide 18 forklifts 19 ropes of the lifting device 20 cable pull 21 Mounting traverse 22 Support surface for components 23 Centering pin 24 Centering opening 25 bolt feedthrough in the upper structure 26 rolls 27 Operator's cabin

Claims

Working machine (1), in particular a mobile crane such as a mobile crane or crawler crane, for receiving an interchangeable drive unit (2), comprising: a chassis (3) with a traction device (4), e.g.wheels or crawler tracks, a superstructure (6) rotatably arranged relative to the undercarriage (3) about a pivot axis (5), from which a working device (7), in particular a boom, extends, and a receiving space (8) for a drive unit (2) for providing power to the traction device (4) and / or the working device (7), characterized in that the receiving space (8) is designed to detachably attach the drive unit (2) to the superstructure (6) via a fastening means, wherein the receiving space (8) is provided on an underside of the superstructure (6) for receiving the drive unit (2), and the receiving space (8) is designed to fix the drive unit (2) in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (5), in particular to prevent the drive unit (2) from sliding out in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (5). Working machine (1) according to the preceding claim 1, wherein, when the working machine (1) is oriented as intended, the direction of rotation is parallel to the vertical and the fastening means for releasably fastening the drive unit (2) prevents the drive unit (2) from falling downwards. Working machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a receiving means for a centering element (9) is provided on the underside of the superstructure (6) facing the receiving space (8) in order to be able to provide a centering element for correctly aligning the drive unit (2) on the superstructure (6) when attaching the drive unit (2) to the underside. Working machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the undercarriage (3) is provided centrally in the lateral direction with a receiving means, in particular a fastening eye, for fastening a deflection roller (11), preferably wherein the lateral direction is perpendicular to a main direction of travel of the working machine (1) carried out via the traction device (4). Working machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the superstructure (6) has at least three, in particular at least four, passages which extend parallel to the axis of rotation (5) through the entire superstructure (6) and run from a top of the superstructure (6) towards the receiving space (8), preferably to enable the drive unit (2) arranged at a corresponding position below the superstructure (6) to be lifted by means of a lifting device (12) acting from the top of the superstructure (6). Working machine (1) according to the preceding claim 5, wherein the feedthroughs in a top view with a viewing direction parallel to the axis of rotation (5) form the vertices of an isosceles triangle or a right-angled quadrilateral. Drive unit (2) for a working machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a base frame (13) for supporting different components of the drive unit (2), wherein preferably the base frame (13) has at least one lifting means for lifting the drive unit (2) from above. Drive unit (2) according to the preceding claim 7, further comprising at least one fastening device provided on the base frame (13) for detachably fastening rollers or wheels that enable the drive unit (2) to be pushed, and / or a receiving means provided centrally in the width direction on the base frame (13), in particular a fastening eyelet, for fastening a deflection roller (11), preferably wherein the width direction of the drive unit (2) is identical to the width direction of the working machine (1) in a state of the drive unit (2) received in the receiving space (8). Drive unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, wherein the base frame (13) is arranged on a bottom side of the drive unit (2) and, with the exception of optional provided rollers or wheels, all other components are arranged on the support side of the base frame (13) opposite the bottom side, and / or the base frame (13) has at least one bushing (16) for inserting bolts in order to provide for fastening the base frame (13) to the superstructure (6) by means of a bolt connection. System comprising a working machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6 and a drive unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the drive unit (2) is detachably attachable in the receiving space (8) arranged on the underside of the superstructure (6) of the working machine (1). System according to claim 10, wherein the working machine (1) is further developed with the features of claim 5, several lifting means are provided on the drive unit (2) on the base frame (13) which serve to lift the drive unit (2), and these lifting means are arranged in a top view of the drive unit (2) according to the at least three through-passages of the working machine (1), so that when the drive unit (2) is positioned accordingly under the superstructure (6) of the working machine (1), a straight connection, in particular one parallel to the axis of rotation (5), is possible from each of the lifting means along a respective through-passage through the superstructure (6). Method for attaching a drive unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9 to a working machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6 or in a system according to one of the preceding claims 10 and 11, comprising the steps: arranging the drive unit (2) under the superstructure (6) of the working machine (1) such that the receiving space (8) is located above the drive unit (2) to be attached, lifting the drive unit (2) in order to insert the drive unit (2) into the receiving space (8) extending downwards from the underside of the superstructure (6), and fixing the drive unit (2) to the superstructure (6) such that the drive unit (2) is firmly arranged in the receiving space (8). Method according to the preceding claim 12, wherein the arrangement of the drive unit (2) under the superstructure (6) of the working machine (1) is effected by: first unloading the drive unit (2) in an area behind the superstructure (6), attaching a cable connecting the drive unit (2) to the working machine (1), and using the cable to move the drive unit (2) placed behind the superstructure (6) into a position in which it is directly below the receiving space (8) of the superstructure (6), preferably wherein the cable runs over respective deflection pulleys (11) attached to a fastening means of the working machine (1) according to claim 4 and a fastening means of the drive unit (2) according to claim 8. Method according to one of the preceding claims 12 or 13, wherein the lifting of the drive unit (2) for insertion into the receiving space (8) is carried out by: after correctly positioning the drive unit (2) directly below the receiving space (8) extending downwards from the superstructure (6), using a lifting device (12) acting from above to lift the drive unit (2) from the ground and insert it into the receiving space (8), preferably wherein the lifting means, e.g. a rope connection, of the lifting device (12) acting from above are guided through the openings of the working machine (1) according to claim 5 towards the drive unit (2) and attached there. Method according to one of the preceding claims 12, 13 or 14, wherein the drive unit (2) is fixed to the superstructure (6) by: fixing the drive unit (2) raised by the lifting means, which is located in the receiving space (8) of the superstructure (6), in the receiving space (8) so that it is no longer possible for the drive unit (2) to slide out, preferably wherein the fixing is carried out by a bolt connection with a bolt axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation (5).

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