Maintenance method for maintaining a crane

Abstract

A maintenance method for maintaining a crane (1) comprising a monitoring system linked to a drive arrangement (2) arranged to allow a number of motorised drives, characterised in that it implements the steps of: a step of changing the configuration by means of the maintenance control system to switch the crane into a maintenance configuration, in which the motorised drives are initially blocked by the monitoring system; a selection step for selecting, by means of a maintenance module (5) connected to the monitoring system, a maintenance motorisation from the number of motorisations whose drive is initially blocked; an unlocking step in which the monitoring system unlocks the drive of the maintenance motorisation; and a step of driving the maintenance motorisation by means of the drive arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a maintenance method for maintaining a crane.

[0002] The present invention also relates to cranes and maintenance components suitable for implementing such maintenance methods. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of cranes, such as tower cranes with masts that support jib and are adapted to moving loads, maintenance maneuvers are often required for cranes that have been assembled and installed at the operating site.

[0004] For example, such maintenance operations may occur in the event of technical problems, with the aim of repairing and refurbishing the crane to prevent it from operating, or to prevent the crane from being damaged and causing a decline in its operational performance.

[0005] In order to perform such maintenance maneuvers on a crane, maintenance technicians trained by, for example, the crane manufacturer, must go to the crane's work site in the presence of the crane operator. The crane operator drives some of the crane's maneuvers from the cab, which is usually located at a high position on the crane's mast, at the request of the maintenance technicians. The maintenance technicians can then observe the crane's operation, identify any technical problems that may be encountered, and perform the necessary repairs.

[0006] Therefore, during these maintenance maneuvers, maintenance technicians are exposed to the movement of movable parts of the crane (such as the movement of the boom): thus, during maneuvers driven by the crane operator, there is a risk that maintenance technicians may be struck by movable parts of the crane.

[0007] Several devices are known in the prior art that allow for improved safety of maintenance technicians during maintenance operations.

[0008] For example, patent document CN201753235 describes a crane that can be configured via a switch between a working configuration in which the crane can operate normally and a maintenance configuration in which the crane is not allowed to move: by switching the crane to the maintenance configuration before a maintenance technician intervenes, the safety of the technician is ensured.

[0009] However, when a crane is in maintenance configuration, maintenance technicians cannot observe the crane's operation or determine the maintenance to be performed: switching the crane to maintenance configuration makes maintenance operations inconvenient and cumbersome.

[0010] A portion of patent document CN207566749 describes a device capable of detecting the presence of maintenance technicians in a hazardous area and then automatically preventing or limiting the movement of a crane that may collide with the maintenance technicians.

[0011] The drawback of this device is that if it fails to detect the presence of maintenance technicians, the safety of the maintenance technicians can no longer be guaranteed, and the crane may hit the maintenance technicians.

[0012] In addition, in each of the two devices mentioned above, the maintenance technician must transmit the setpoint for driving each specific movement that he / she wishes to observe to the crane operator in the cab: this transmission of the setpoint is usually carried out by voice or by appropriate means of communication.

[0013] There is a risk that the crane operator may not understand the setpoints sent by the maintenance technician, or may make a mistake in their operation and perform incorrect maneuvers: in such cases, the technician may be exposed to sudden movements of the crane that they could not anticipate and thus be in danger.

[0014] The prior art can also be illustrated by the teachings of patent document US2010 / 116767, which relates to a method for controlling a crane by a crane operator using a fixed control unit or by a remote operator using a mobile radio control unit that allows the remote operator to control the crane's movement. However, this solution is unsuitable for maintenance operations because the crane's movement is performed by either the crane operator or the remote operator, and the remote operator cannot act on the crane operator's driving; the remote operator has complete control over the drive. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Therefore, the present invention aims to address all or part of the above-mentioned deficiencies by proposing a method for maintaining cranes that allows for greater safety of maintenance technicians while performing maintenance maneuvers.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance method that can limit the risk of erroneous maneuvers by crane operators.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance method that enables maintenance technicians to automatically limit the maneuvers that can be performed by crane operators, so as to better predict different movements of the crane and limit the risk of collisions.

[0018] Finally, the object of this invention is to provide a maintenance method that can be easily implemented on existing standard crane models.

[0019] To address this, a maintenance method for a crane capable of being configured between a working configuration and a maintenance configuration is proposed. The crane includes a monitoring system connected to a drive unit configured to allow the driving of multiple motors when the crane is in the working configuration, each of which performs at least one displacement of at least one movable portion of the crane.

[0020] The maintenance method is characterized by performing at least the following steps:

[0021] - A configuration change step for changing the crane's configuration using a maintenance control system, thereby switching the crane to a maintenance configuration, wherein the monitoring system initially prevents at least one of a plurality of motors from being driven by the drive unit.

[0022] - A selection step for selecting at least one maintenance maneuver from a plurality of maneuvers via a maintenance module connected to the monitoring system, wherein the maintenance maneuver is initially blocked.

[0023] -Unlocking step, in which the monitoring system unlocks the drive of the maintenance motor, thereby releasing the drive of the maintenance motor by means of the drive device (2), and

[0024] - Driving step, for driving the maintenance motor by means of the driving device (2).

[0025] Therefore, implementing this maintenance method according to the invention requires cooperation between two operators (crane operator and maintenance technician) at the crane's work site: the crane operator drives different movements of the crane using a drive device, while the maintenance technician is able to switch the crane to a maintenance configuration using a maintenance control system and observe the movements driven by the crane operator.

[0026] It should be noted that the drive unit operated by the crane operator can be a drive unit located in the cab mounted on the crane, or it can be a radio-controlled drive unit external to the crane.

[0027] The maintenance method allows for a hierarchy between maintenance technicians and crane operators: the maintenance technician selects the crane movements he / she wants to see, while the crane operator only plays an executive role and cannot perform any crane movements other than those selected by the maintenance technician.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the maintenance control system is an automated maintenance control system that automatically performs configuration change steps.

[0029] In the second embodiment, the maintenance control system is a switch for manually performing configuration change steps, such as a physical switch or a virtual switch on a screen interface.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the switch is positioned on the crane and outside the cab, while the drive unit is located inside the cab, so that the switch cannot be actuated by the crane operator located in the cab.

[0031] According to one possibility, the crane includes a mast that is configured to extend in a generally vertical direction between the feet and the top during operation of the crane, wherein the feet are located near the ground and the top is located at the height supporting the boom.

[0032] The switch is located at the feet, while the cab is located on the mast or boom above the switch.

[0033] Therefore, the operator's cab is positioned at a certain height on the crane's mast or on the crane's boom, while the switch is positioned near the ground in an easily accessible location for maintenance technicians, such as in the crane's electrical control box.

[0034] In the second embodiment, the switch is located on the crane and inside the cab, where the drive unit is located, and the switch is accessible by secure access such as a key, password, or identification device; such secure access therefore allows only maintenance technicians, not crane operators, to access the switch.

[0035] Of course, other embodiments with relative arrangements of the switcher and the cab can be considered, but it is particularly advantageous that the switcher is operated by a maintenance technician (rather than the crane operator), so that the maintenance technician, who makes the selection, initiates the maintenance method by switching the crane to the maintenance configuration.

[0036] In addition, various types of switchers can be considered, such as key switchers, interruptors, RFID readers, and keypads for entering passwords.

[0037] Therefore, the maintenance method according to the invention includes a series of steps that allow maintenance technicians to request crane operators to perform certain specific operations while excluding all other motorizations.

[0038] Therefore, the first step, which is performed or initiated manually or automatically by maintenance technicians, is to switch the crane from a working configuration to a maintenance configuration, in which the crane operator can drive any movement of the crane via the drive unit, while in the maintenance configuration, the drive of at least one of these movements is blocked.

[0039] In other words, once a crane is in maintenance configuration, the crane operator can no longer use the drive unit to perform some of the maneuvers that would have been possible when the crane was in working configuration.

[0040] Therefore, maintenance technicians know that crane operators can only perform a limited number of predefined maneuvers that they can easily anticipate: even in the event of a driving error by the crane operator, maintenance technicians will not be surprised by the unexpected operation, thus reducing the risk of collisions with the moving parts of the crane.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at the end of the configuration change step, the monitoring system prevents each of the multiple maneuvers from being driven by the drive device.

[0042] Therefore, during the process of switching the crane to the maintenance configuration, the crane operator is initially unable to make any movement using the drive unit: thus maximizing the safety of maintenance technicians.

[0043] After switching to maintenance configuration, such as after a maintenance technician operates the switch, the crane's motor drive is prevented by the crane's monitoring system.

[0044] The monitoring system exists on many models of cranes in the prior art and may consist, for example, of one or more electronic cards, and is adapted to perform displacement of the movable parts of the crane during a motor process driven by a device for driving the crane.

[0045] This monitoring system is also particularly well-suited for monitoring these displacements of the crane's movable parts using physical sensors distributed across the crane.

[0046] In the maintenance method according to the invention, the monitoring system is also configured to prevent certain movements of the crane from being driven by the drive unit, such that even when the crane operator manipulates the drive unit to perform these same movements, the movements are not actually performed by the crane.

[0047] In other words, if the crane operator is driving a motion that is prevented from being driven by the monitoring system, the displacement of the movable part carried out by said motion will not be performed.

[0048] Therefore, even if the crane operator mistakenly uses the drive unit to drive some movements at the end of the crane configuration change process, the monitoring system can still prevent these crane movements.

[0049] According to one feature, the switching of the crane from a working configuration to a maintenance configuration is notified by issuing warning signals, such as audible signals and / or visual signals.

[0050] It is also possible that such sound and / or light signals are repeatedly emitted during the ongoing maintenance configuration of the crane.

[0051] Within the scope of this invention, it is certainly possible that no such warning signal is issued during the process of the crane changing from a working configuration to a maintenance configuration.

[0052] The maintenance method then includes a selection step during which at least one maintenance motor is selected from one or more motors, the drive of which is initially blocked.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the selection step is automated, for example by following a pre-established or recorded maintenance scheme that can be pre-configured in the maintenance module.

[0054] In this first embodiment, the maintenance module includes a memory in which one or more maintenance schemes are recorded.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the selection step is performed manually by a maintenance technician who selects at least one maintenance motor from the crane's motors using a maintenance module. The drive of this maintenance motor is blocked by the monitoring system.

[0056] Therefore, maintenance technicians choose a specific maneuver that they wish to observe in real-world conditions while the crane is in operation, for example, to identify the cause of technical problems or to check the crane's normal operation after maintenance.

[0057] The maintenance module, which will be described more precisely below, is linked to the crane's monitoring system.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the maintenance module advantageously includes an interface that allows maintenance technicians to select maintenance maneuvers.

[0059] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the method of selecting maintenance maneuvers in an automatic or pre-established manner, or manually or by selection software initiated by a maintenance technician or any other equivalent method for performing such selection.

[0060] It should be noted that when there is no priority option when the crane is in working configuration, maintenance maneuvers can be selected from all the maneuvers that the crane can perform.

[0061] After the maintenance technician selects the maintenance maneuver he wishes to perform or the maintenance maneuver that is automatically executed in the maintenance scenario, the maintenance module transmits a monitoring signal to the crane's monitoring system during the unlocking step. This monitoring signal forcibly unlocks the maintenance maneuver by means of the drive unit.

[0062] Once the drive for the maintenance maneuver is unlocked by the monitoring system, the crane operator can perform the maintenance maneuver using the drive unit.

[0063] It is important to note that the drives of other previously blocked motors remain blocked: the crane operator can only perform the drive of the maintenance motor.

[0064] The maintenance module can also be used to start and stop the crane.

[0065] Therefore, the maintenance method according to the invention allows maintenance technicians to specifically select the specific motors that they wish to see performed by the crane operator by prohibiting the crane operator from driving any other unauthorized motors.

[0066] Therefore, the maintenance method according to the present invention has several advantages:

[0067] - It allows for the avoidance of any driving errors by crane operators that could endanger the safety of maintenance technicians.

[0068] -It allows maintenance technicians to request crane operators to perform specific maneuvers via a monitoring system, while avoiding any communication problems between them, and

[0069] - Its ease of application means that the crane's movement is still driven by the crane operator: The implementation of the maintenance method according to the invention particularly eliminates the need for any device that allows the crane to be remotely controlled by maintenance personnel, which could be more complex and costly.

[0070] In one embodiment, a maintenance motor performs at least one maintenance displacement on at least one movable part of the crane, the maintenance displacement being characterized by a motion parameter having a maximum working threshold when the crane is in a working configuration.

[0071] The maintenance method includes a limiting step for limiting the motion characteristics of the maintenance displacement when driving the maintenance maneuver during the driving step, such that the motion parameters of the maintenance displacement have a maximum maintenance threshold, which is less than or equal to the maximum working threshold. The limiting step includes a selection sub-step in advance, which includes selecting the maximum maintenance threshold on the maintenance module.

[0072] In this embodiment, maintenance technicians can not only accurately select the maintenance maneuver to be performed, but also select to restrict the motion characteristics of the maintenance maneuver in order to study the operation of the crane more accurately.

[0073] It should be noted that this sub-selection step can also be executed automatically as part of a pre-established maintenance plan.

[0074] It should also be noted that while this limiting step is advantageous, it is optional; therefore, in a maintenance configuration, no measures need to be taken to limit the movement of maintenance displacements.

[0075] The maintenance method includes a limiting step, which itself includes a selection sub-step: during this selection sub-step, the maintenance technician can select a maximum maintenance threshold, which will constitute an upper limit on the motion parameters that cannot be exceeded during the maintenance maneuver period in the driving step.

[0076] More specifically, each maneuver that the crane can perform in its working configuration is characterized by one or more motion parameters, each of which is related to a maximum working threshold: the value of the maximum working threshold must be kept below the value of the motion parameter in order to ensure the normal operation of the crane and prevent damage to the crane.

[0077] For example, motion parameters may correspond to the speed parameters of a movable part of a crane that moves by the crane's motor, and the maximum working threshold corresponds to the maximum speed that the movable part must not exceed when the crane is used in a working configuration.

[0078] In the selection sub-step, (e.g., with the help of a maintenance module) a maximum maintenance threshold is associated with each maintenance maneuver selected during the selection step, which is less than or equal to the maximum working threshold: when a maintenance maneuver is performed during the drive step, the value of the maximum maintenance threshold must remain below the value of the motion parameter.

[0079] For example, when the motion parameter corresponds to the speed parameter of a movable part of a crane that is moved by maintenance, the maximum maintenance threshold corresponds to the maximum speed that the movable part must not exceed when the crane is used in a maintenance configuration.

[0080] Therefore, the selection sub-step allows maintenance technicians to select a value for the maximum maintenance threshold, which must be kept below the value of the motion parameters during the drive step.

[0081] Alternatively, the maximum maintenance threshold value can also be pre-selected or set within the range of pre-established maintenance schemes.

[0082] Once the maximum maintenance threshold value is selected on the maintenance module, the maintenance module then sends a monitoring signal to the monitoring system, which forcibly restricts the driving of maintenance maneuvers.

[0083] It is important to note that at the end of this limiting step, the motion parameters must not exceed the maximum maintenance threshold, regardless of the drive commands sent by the crane operator through the drive unit.

[0084] Therefore, the limiting steps allow maintenance technicians to “restrict” the operation of the crane and impose higher restrictions on the motion characteristics of the maintenance maneuver, so that the maintenance maneuver can be studied in a slower and less dangerous manner only when the crane is in a working configuration and the maintenance maneuver is being performed under normal working conditions.

[0085] According to one possibility, the motion parameter corresponds to the speed of the maintenance displacement, the maximum working threshold corresponds to the maximum working speed, and the maximum maintenance threshold corresponds to the maximum maintenance speed.

[0086] The maintenance displacement then has a speed less than or equal to the maximum maintenance speed during the drive step, the maximum maintenance speed being less than or equal to the maximum operating speed.

[0087] In one variation, the motion parameter corresponds to the amplitude of the maintenance displacement, the maximum working threshold corresponds to the maximum working amplitude, and the maximum maintenance threshold corresponds to the maximum maintenance amplitude.

[0088] Therefore, the maintenance displacement has an amplitude less than or equal to the maximum maintenance amplitude during the driving step, which is less than or equal to the maximum working amplitude.

[0089] In another variation, the motion parameter corresponds to the acceleration of the maintenance displacement, the maximum working threshold corresponds to the maximum working acceleration, and the maximum maintenance threshold corresponds to the maximum maintenance acceleration.

[0090] Therefore, the maintenance displacement has an acceleration less than or equal to the maximum maintenance acceleration during the driving step, which is less than or equal to the maximum working acceleration.

[0091] Maintenance technicians can therefore limit the amplitude, speed, and even acceleration of the maintenance maneuvers they choose in order to be able to observe, for example, smaller and slower displacements of the movable parts achieved by the maintenance maneuvers.

[0092] According to one possibility, during the selection sub-step of the selection constraint step, the maximum maintenance threshold is selected from at least two different thresholds, including a low threshold and a high threshold.

[0093] According to another possibility, during the selection sub-step of the selection constraint step, the maximum maintenance threshold is selected only between the low threshold and the high threshold.

[0094] Therefore, the present invention proposes that the maximum maintenance threshold is selected by maintenance technicians from a finite list of predetermined possible thresholds, each of which is less than or equal to the maximum working threshold.

[0095] In particular, this list may include:

[0096] - The high threshold, whose value is equal to the value of the maximum working threshold, and

[0097] - Low threshold, whose value is strictly lower than or even significantly lower than the maximum working threshold.

[0098] Therefore, maintenance technicians can, for example, select to operate the crane in "slow mode" during the selection sub-step, where the movement of the maintenance motor is restricted to a speed below a low-speed threshold, which is much lower than the maximum working threshold.

[0099] Conversely, it can also select to operate the crane in "fast mode" during the selection sub-step, in which the movement of the maintenance motor is restricted to a speed below a high-speed threshold equal to the maximum working threshold: then the crane operator can drive the maintenance motor in the same way as the crane in working mode.

[0100] Advantageously, the maintenance method includes a calibration step in which the values ​​of the high threshold and / or the low threshold are adjusted.

[0101] Therefore, this calibration step allows maintenance technicians to assign their selected values ​​to low and high thresholds before selecting one or the other during the selection sub-step.

[0102] For example, the calibration step may precede the selection sub-step, while the limiting step may follow the selection step: the maintenance technician then begins by adjusting the values ​​of the low and high thresholds before the selection step, then selects the maintenance maneuver during the selection step, and then selects one of the low and high thresholds during the selection sub-step to limit the movement of the maintenance maneuver.

[0103] It should be noted that every operation performed by maintenance technicians is executed through the maintenance module.

[0104] Of course, other embodiments are also possible, such as an embodiment where maintenance technicians can directly assign values ​​to the maximum maintenance threshold during the selection sub-step (via a keyboard or other input device).

[0105] Various embodiments of the maintenance module are also possible, especially those with different types of properties and located in different positions relative to the crane.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the maintenance module is a portable device and is not fixed to the crane, and the maintenance module is wirelessly connected to the crane's monitoring system.

[0107] Maintenance technicians can therefore carry the maintenance module with them as they move around the crane, enabling them to perform selection, limitation, and / or calibration steps from the same location without having to constantly return to the fixed location where the maintenance module is located.

[0108] Furthermore, this embodiment offers significant operational advantages: maintenance technicians can perform maintenance on several different cranes using a single maintenance module compatible with each crane (i.e., suitable for being configured to connect to the monitoring device of each of the associated multiple cranes), for example, within the scope of after-sales service guaranteed by the crane manufacturer and its corresponding operators.

[0109] In another embodiment, the maintenance module is a device integrated into the crane, for example, located near a switch on the crane foot.

[0110] The maintenance module can also be an external device to the crane and can be directly inserted into the crane in a dedicated location.

[0111] The maintenance module can also be an external device to the crane, which can be connected to the crane's monitoring system via a wired connection.

[0112] The maintenance module may also have an interface that is particularly well-suited to allow maintenance technicians to perform maintenance maneuver selections simply and quickly during the selection process, in order to select the maximum maintenance threshold during a sub-step of the selection of the limiting process.

[0113] The interface for maintenance can be varied and may include selection devices such as touchscreens, keyboards, function keys, or buttons (or combinations thereof), which can be associated with one or more displays.

[0114] According to one feature, the selection sub-step is performed by a selection device of the maintenance module, the selection device having at least one first selection member and at least one second selection member for operation by an operator, the first selection member and the second selection member being separated from each other by a distance greater than 20 cm or 30 cm, such that the first selection member and the second selection member cannot be operated simultaneously by the same operator with one hand.

[0115] This feature is optional, but still advantageous, because when maintenance technicians later select a high threshold value as the maximum maintenance threshold, that is, when they choose to authorize the crane operator to drive the maintenance motor under conditions close to the working configuration (the high threshold value is equal to the maximum working threshold value), this allows for improved safety for maintenance technicians: in fact, a crane operator, for example, driving the maintenance motor at high speed, could put maintenance technicians in danger.

[0116] Therefore, the first and second selection components are arranged such that maintenance technicians cannot accidentally or unintentionally actuate both components simultaneously with one hand: if a maintenance technician wishes to select a high threshold, they need to use both hands to perform the selection through the maintenance module, thereby reducing the possibility of errors.

[0117] For example, the first and second selection components may consist of buttons, and the combined manipulation of these buttons allows maintenance technicians to perform sub-steps of selection steps and selection restriction steps.

[0118] The following describes an example of an apparatus for selecting a maintenance module and an example of an embodiment of an operation of the apparatus by a maintenance technician.

[0119] In one embodiment, the crane's monitoring system is adapted to implement at least one maintenance monitoring cycle during the drive phase, which includes the following steps:

[0120] - Steps for measuring motion parameters.

[0121] - The step of comparing the value with a maintenance limit threshold, the value of which corresponds to the value of the maximum maintenance threshold that increases with a predetermined maintenance tolerance margin, and

[0122] - If the value of the motion parameter exceeds the maintenance limit threshold, the crane's movement should be stopped immediately.

[0123] Therefore, the crane's monitoring system is adapted to supervise the movement of maintenance motors performed during the drive steps to ensure that the speed limits set by maintenance technicians for crane operators during the restricted steps are maintained.

[0124] To this end, the monitoring system includes at least one physical sensor capable of measuring the speed of the movable parts of the crane during maintenance maneuvers. This measurement can be direct, for example, using one or more tachometers, or indirect.

[0125] The speed measurement is then compared with a maintenance limit threshold by a monitoring system. This maintenance limit threshold is obtained by adding a maximum maintenance threshold to a predefined maintenance tolerance margin, which allows for the consideration of uncertainties in the speed measurement and can be freely set.

[0126] If the speed measurement value exceeds this maintenance limit threshold, the monitoring system will trigger an emergency stop for the crane, thereby interrupting any operation during the drive process.

[0127] In fact, because the speed limits set by the maintenance technicians were not being followed effectively, the operation of the crane had to be stopped to ensure its safety.

[0128] According to one possibility, the crane's monitoring system is adapted to implement at least one operational monitoring cycle during maintenance maneuvers while the crane is in a working configuration, comprising the following steps:

[0129] - Steps for measuring motion parameters.

[0130] - The step of comparing the value with a work limit threshold, the value of which corresponds to the value of the maximum work threshold that increases by a predetermined work tolerance margin, and

[0131] - If the value of the motion parameter exceeds the working limit threshold, the crane's movement should be stopped immediately.

[0132] The operating tolerance margin is strictly greater than the maintenance tolerance margin.

[0133] Therefore, the crane's monitoring system is also adapted to monitor the movement of maintenance maneuvers when the crane is in a working configuration, to ensure that the movable parts of the crane do not move at speeds exceeding the maximum working threshold during maintenance maneuvers, so as to avoid any damage to the crane.

[0134] Regarding the maintenance monitoring cycle, the monitoring system is suitable for comparing speed measurements performed by one or more physical sensors of the monitoring system with a working limit threshold obtained by adding a maximum working threshold and a predefined working tolerance margin, which allows for taking into account the uncertainty of speed measurements and can be freely set.

[0135] It should be noted that the selected maintenance tolerance margin is smaller than the working tolerance margin: therefore, the movement of the maintenance motor is monitored with stricter tolerances when the crane is in maintenance configuration than when it is in working configuration, in order to ensure the safety of maintenance technicians.

[0136] Advantageously, the maintenance module will send a confirmation signal to the monitoring system.

[0137] The monitoring system is adapted to measure the duration elapsed since the last acknowledgment signal sent by the maintenance module was received.

[0138] The monitoring system is configured to trigger an immediate stop to crane operation when the duration exceeds a previously defined limit duration.

[0139] This feature ensures the safety of maintenance technicians in the event of a communication disruption between the maintenance module and the crane's monitoring system.

[0140] In practice, the maintenance module and the monitoring system exchange acknowledgment signals (e.g., at regular intervals) to confirm the correct reception of information and commands transmitted between them. If the crane's monitoring system does not receive any acknowledgment signal for a time interval longer than a pre-established limit (sometimes referred to as the "timeout" duration), it means that communication with the maintenance module is interrupted, and the instructions entered by the maintenance technician through the maintenance module cannot be considered and cannot be applied by the crane's monitoring system.

[0141] Therefore, if this time limit is exceeded, the monitoring system will trigger an emergency stop for the crane.

[0142] For example, the time limit is set to 100 milliseconds.

[0143] In one embodiment, the crane monitoring system is adapted to detect at least one displacement feature for each motor operation, and the maintenance monitoring system is configured to immediately trigger a stop to the crane operation if a displacement feature of at least one motor that was not pre-selected during the selection step is detected.

[0144] The crane's monitoring system is therefore able to identify each possible movement of the crane by at least one characteristic displacement, and includes at least one motion sensor that allows the detection of the motion characteristics of the movement.

[0145] If the monitoring system detects a motor motion characteristic, and the drive of the motor is blocked during the step of changing the crane configuration but not unlocked during the unlocking step (that is, the motor is not selected by the maintenance technician during the selection step), this means that the monitoring system cannot perfectly block the drive of the crane motor and cannot properly implement the maintenance method according to the invention.

[0146] The monitoring system then triggered an emergency stop for the crane to ensure the safety of maintenance technicians.

[0147] The present invention also relates to a crane capable of being configured between a working configuration and a maintenance configuration, the crane including a monitoring system linked to a drive unit, the drive unit being configured to allow the driving of multiple motors when the crane is in the working configuration, each motor performing at least one displacement of at least one movable portion of the crane.

[0148] The monitoring system is adapted to prevent the driving of at least one of the plurality of maneuvers through the driving device.

[0149] The crane includes a maintenance control system connected to a monitoring system and adapted to switch the crane to a maintenance configuration in which the monitoring system prevents at least one of a plurality of motors from being driven by a drive unit.

[0150] Furthermore, the monitoring system is configured to be connected to the maintenance module and adapted to unlock the drive of at least one of a plurality of motors whose drive is blocked by the monitoring system when the crane is in maintenance configuration and according to a command issued by the maintenance module, the drive being executed by the drive device.

[0151] In the first embodiment, the maintenance control system is an automated maintenance control system.

[0152] In the second embodiment, the maintenance control system is a switch as described above, such as a physical switch or a virtual switch on a screen interface.

[0153] The present invention also relates to a maintenance component, comprising a crane as described above and a maintenance module of a monitoring system configured to be connected to the crane.

[0154] The maintenance module is applicable to:

[0155] - Allows the operator to select at least one maintenance motor from multiple motors, the drive of which is blocked by the monitoring system.

[0156] - Send an unlock signal to the monitoring system to control the unlocking of the drive of the maintenance motor, which is executed by means of a drive device.

[0157] One possibility is that the maintenance module is a portable device and is not secured to the crane, and that the maintenance module is wirelessly connected to the crane's monitoring system.

[0158] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting examples of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0159] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a maintenance assembly according to the present invention, which is formed by a crane and a maintenance module;

[0160] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a maintenance method according to the present invention, which is implemented by means of a maintenance component according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0161] Figure 1A crane 1 according to the invention is shown, which includes a mast M that extends substantially in a vertical direction V (perpendicular to the ground S on which the mast M is mounted) and supports a boom F that is substantially horizontal and hinged in a manner that allows rotation relative to the mast M.

[0162] Therefore, the mast M has a foot P and a top SO, with the foot P located near the ground S and the top SO located near its hinge with the boom F.

[0163] The crane 1 also includes a cab C, which is fastened to the top SO of the mast M or the boom F, and a drive unit 2 is installed inside the cab C.

[0164] The drive unit 2 is configured to be operated by a crane operator located in the cab C in order to perform various maneuvers of the crane. In a variant not shown, the drive unit is a radio-controlled drive unit for remote operation by the crane operator.

[0165] For example, the crane operator can drive the boom F to pivot horizontally relative to the mast M via the drive unit 2, or drive the block MO of the crane to displace along the boom F, or drive the load (not shown) linked to the block MO to lift vertically.

[0166] The drive unit 2 is connected to the crane's monitoring system 4 (in... Figure 1 The monitoring system 4 is particularly adapted to drive the actuator (not shown) of the crane to perform a motion driven by the crane operator using the drive unit 2.

[0167] For example, in order to perform the pivoting movement of the boom F, the monitoring system 4 can be adapted to drive the electric motor located at the top of the mast M according to the command sent by the drive unit 2, thereby applying mechanical torque to the boom F to make the boom F rotate.

[0168] Crane 1 also includes a switch 3 fastened to the foot P of mast M and connected to monitoring system 4, the switch 3 being adapted to switch crane 1 between the following conditions:

[0169] -Working configuration, wherein all the motion of crane 1 can be driven by drive unit 2, and

[0170] - Maintenance configuration, wherein the drive of at least one of these motors is blocked by the monitoring system 4 (that is, at least one motor of the crane 1 can no longer be driven by the drive unit 2).

[0171] The working configuration is the configuration of the crane 1 for most of the time when it is in operation, while the maintenance configuration is particularly suitable for implementing the maintenance method 100 according to the invention, which allows maintenance maneuvers on the crane 1.

[0172] The maintenance method 100 will be described in more detail below.

[0173] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the switcher 3 consists of a key system including a latch 31 that engages with a key 32: by turning the key 32 in the latch 31 in the opposite direction, a maintenance technician can thus switch the crane 1 from a working configuration to a maintenance configuration, and vice versa.

[0174] Many other embodiments are obviously possible.

[0175] Switch 3 is located near ground S and is intended to be operated by maintenance technician T ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) Operation: Due to the relative positions of the cab C (at its height on the mast M) and the switch 3 (near the ground S), the same operator cannot activate the switch 3 while driving the crane 1 with the help of the drive unit 2.

[0176] In practice, to achieve maintenance maneuvers via the switch 3, at least two operators are required on the crane 1: a maintenance technician T located outside the cab C, who studies the movement of the crane 1 and performs possible repairs; and a crane operator located in the cab C, who performs some of the crane's maneuvers at the request of the maintenance technician T, which will be described later.

[0177] In addition, maintenance technicians are equipped with a portable maintenance module 5, which is not fastened to the crane 1.

[0178] The maintenance module 5 is wirelessly connected to the monitoring system 4 of the crane 1, and allows the maintenance technician T to request the crane operator to perform some maneuvers during the maintenance method 100 according to the present invention.

[0179] It should be noted that the wireless communication between the maintenance module 5 and the crane 1 is bidirectional, that is, the maintenance module 5 can send information and receive information from the monitoring system 4 of the crane 1, and vice versa.

[0180] The maintenance module 5 and the crane 1 thus form a maintenance component 101 suitable for implementing the maintenance method 100.

[0181] Figure 2 The different steps of the maintenance method 100 according to the present invention are shown in detail, which is suitable for performing maintenance maneuvers on crane 1 through cooperation between maintenance technician T and crane operator.

[0182] As previously described, maintenance method 100 includes a configuration change step 6 that allows the crane 1 to be switched from a working configuration to a maintenance configuration.

[0183] This configuration change step 6 includes several consecutive sub-steps:

[0184] - Sub-step 61, in which maintenance technician T operates switch 3.

[0185] - Sub-step 62, in which switcher 3 sends a setpoint for switching to maintenance configuration to monitoring system 4, and

[0186] - Sub-step 63, in which monitoring system 4 prevents all possible maneuvers of crane 1 from being driven.

[0187] Therefore, at the end of configuration change step 6, the crane operator cannot drive any movement of the crane 1 via the drive unit 2.

[0188] In other words, as long as these motor drives remain blocked by the monitoring system 4, the drive device 2 driven by the crane operator cannot cause the crane to perform any motors.

[0189] In a preferred embodiment of maintenance method 100, monitoring system 4 prevents all motor drives of the crane; it is also possible, in other embodiments, that the crane operator may still perform some predetermined motor drives at the end of sub-step 63.

[0190] The maintenance method 100 then includes a calibration step 7, which is formed by a single sub-step 71, in which a maintenance technician is able to assign a selected value to two parameters, namely, a high threshold and a low threshold, with the help of the maintenance module 5, the function of which will be explained below.

[0191] The values ​​of these two parameters are stored in memory by maintenance module 5, and the value of the low threshold is kept lower than the value of the high threshold.

[0192] The maintenance method 100 then includes a selection step 8, which is formed by a single sub-step 81, during which the maintenance technician T selects a maintenance motor from among the motors that are prevented from being driven by the monitoring system 4, using the maintenance module 5: the maintenance motor is the crane motor that the crane technician wants to check performed by the crane operator via the drive device 2, for example, to check the efficiency of some maintenance.

[0193] Depending on the type of maintenance module 5, sub-step 81 can be executed in a variety of different ways.

[0194] exist Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the maintenance module 5 includes a first button B1 and a second button B2, as well as indicator lights 51, each of which corresponds to a specific operation of the crane 1.

[0195] To select a maintenance vehicle, maintenance technician T presses and holds down the first button B1 and repeatedly presses the second button B2: each press of the second button B2 allows the selection of a new vehicle, and the indicator light 51 associated with the new vehicle illuminates to notify the maintenance technician T of the selected vehicle.

[0196] Various other implementations are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the maintenance module 5 includes a touch screen, on which maintenance technician T can directly select maintenance procedures.

[0197] Once a maintenance maneuver is selected, the maintenance module 5 transmits the setpoint for unlocking the maintenance maneuver to the monitoring system 4 during sub-step 91. Then, the monitoring system 4 effectively unlocks the drive of the maintenance maneuver via the drive unit 2.

[0198] Sub-steps 91 and 92 together form step 9 of the unlocking and maintenance method 100.

[0199] Therefore, at the end of sub-step 92, the crane operator is able to drive the maintenance motor using the drive unit 2.

[0200] However, all other motor drives of crane 1 are prevented by monitoring system 4.

[0201] The maintenance method 100 then includes a limiting step 10, which allows the maintenance technician T to limit the movement of the maintenance motor driven by the crane operator, and specifically limits the speed of one or more movable parts moving during the maintenance motor.

[0202] The limiting step 10 more specifically includes a selection sub-step 101, during which the maintenance technician T selects one of a high threshold and a low threshold, the value of which is configured in sub-step 71.

[0203] The high threshold or the low threshold constitutes two possible values ​​for the maximum maintenance threshold, which defines the speed limit that one or more movable parts must not exceed during maintenance maneuvers.

[0204] In other words, the maximum maintenance threshold represents the speed at which maintenance technician T expects maintenance maneuvers to be performed.

[0205] Therefore, for example, if the maintenance technician T wants the crane operator to perform maintenance maneuvers at a reduced speed so that the operation of the crane 1 can be observed in detail or the damage experienced by the crane in the event of a malfunction can be limited, the maintenance technician T will select a low threshold in sub-step 101.

[0206] Conversely, if the maintenance technician T wants the crane operator to perform maintenance maneuvers at a higher speed to bring the crane 1 closer to its normal operating conditions, the maintenance technician T will select a higher threshold in sub-step 101.

[0207] In a preferred embodiment, the high threshold is equal to the maximum working threshold, which defines the speed limit that the movable part of the crane 1 is not allowed to exceed during maintenance maneuvers when it is in the working configuration: thus, the high threshold selected by the maintenance technician T is equivalent to authorizing the crane operator to drive the maintenance maneuver under the same conditions as when the crane is in the working configuration.

[0208] To allow selection between low and high thresholds, maintenance module 5 presents (e.g.) Figure 1 (As shown) Third button B3: Maintenance technicians can indicate that they have selected a low threshold by pressing and holding the second button B2, and indicate that they have selected a high threshold by pressing and holding the second button B2 and the third button B3 at the same time.

[0209] As previously mentioned, various embodiments regarding the execution of this sub-step 101 can be considered.

[0210] It should be noted that the second button B2 and the third button B3 are positioned on the maintenance module 5, making it impossible for the maintenance technician T to press them simultaneously with only one hand: the second button B2 and the third button B3 are actually spaced apart by a distance 52 greater than 20 or 30 centimeters, which exceeds the span of the maintenance technician T's hand.

[0211] Therefore, in order to select a high threshold, maintenance technician T must use both hands: this function can reduce the risk that maintenance technician T may mistakenly or unintentionally select a high threshold and thus endanger his safety by performing maintenance maneuvers at high speed.

[0212] It should also be noted that the first button B1, the second button B2, and the third button B3 do not protrude from the maintenance module 5 and are flush with the surface of the maintenance module 5: in this way, the risk of maintenance technician T accidentally operating one of the buttons B1, B2, B3 is minimized.

[0213] Once the maintenance technician T selects one of the high threshold and the low threshold, the maintenance module 5 transmits the set point restricted in sub-step 102 to the monitoring system 4. Subsequently, the monitoring system 4 effectively restricts the movement of the maintenance maneuver during sub-step 103, so that the movement subsequently performed cannot exceed the selected high threshold or low threshold.

[0214] Therefore, limiting step 10 allows maintenance technicians to “restrict” the operation of crane 1 and requires crane operators to drive the maintenance motor at a reduced speed.

[0215] Once the limiting step 10 is completed, the crane operator can drive the maintenance motor selected by the maintenance technician (in sub-step 81) at the speed selected by the maintenance technician (in sub-step 101).

[0216] Therefore, the crane operator manipulates the drive unit 2, which then transmits the drive setpoint to the monitoring system 4 in sub-step 111, thereby enabling it to effectively perform the maintenance maneuvers required by the maintenance technician T.

[0217] Therefore, the configuration changes after step 6: selecting step 8, unlocking step 9, and restricting step 10 allow maintenance technician T to work on crane 1 in a completely safe manner, while ensuring that the crane operator can only drive the single maintenance motor selected by himself on maintenance module 5, and also operate at the maximum speed selected by him: thus avoiding any dangers related to the crane operator's driving errors or poor communication between the crane operator and the maintenance technician.

[0218] It should be noted that these steps of maintenance method 100 can be repeated several times in succession to authorize several different maintenance actions in succession, thereby alternately performing several maintenance actions on crane 1.

Claims

1. A maintenance method (100) for maintaining a crane (1), the crane (1) being configurable between a working configuration and a maintenance configuration, the crane (1) including a monitoring system (4) connected to a drive unit (2), the drive unit (2) being configured to: when the crane (1) is in the working configuration, allow the driving of a plurality of motors, each of the plurality of motors performing at least one displacement of at least one movable portion of the crane (1), Its features are, The maintenance method (100) shall perform at least the following steps: - Configuration change step (6) for changing the configuration of the crane (1) by means of the maintenance control system, such that the crane (1) is switched to the maintenance configuration, in which at least one of the plurality of motors is initially blocked by the monitoring system (4) by means of the drive device (2). - Selection step (8) is used to select at least one maintenance motor from the motors by means of the maintenance module (5) connected to the monitoring system (4), wherein the drive of the maintenance motor is initially blocked. - Unlocking step (9), wherein the monitoring system (4) unlocks the drive of the maintenance motor, thereby releasing the drive of the maintenance motor via the drive device (2), and - Driving step (11) for driving the maintenance motor by means of the driving device (2).

2. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, At the end of the configuration change step, the monitoring system (4) prevents each of the plurality of maneuvers from being driven by the drive device (2).

3. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The maintenance maneuver performs at least one maintenance displacement on at least one movable part of the crane (1), the maintenance displacement being characterized in that: When the crane (1) is in the working configuration, at least one motion parameter has a maximum working threshold. The maintenance method (100) includes a limiting step (10) for limiting the motion characteristics of the maintenance displacement when the maintenance maneuver is driven during the driving step, such that the motion parameters of the maintenance displacement have a maximum maintenance threshold, the maximum maintenance threshold being less than or equal to the maximum working threshold. The limiting step (10) includes a selection sub-step (101) in advance, in which the maximum maintenance threshold is selected on the maintenance module (5).

4. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The motion parameter corresponds to the velocity of the maintenance displacement, the maximum working threshold corresponds to the maximum working speed, and the maximum maintenance threshold corresponds to the maximum maintenance speed. The maintenance displacement has a speed less than or equal to the maximum maintenance speed during the driving step, the maximum maintenance speed being less than or equal to the maximum operating speed.

5. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 3, wherein, During the selection sub-step (101) of the selection step (10), the maximum maintenance threshold is selected from at least two different thresholds, including a low threshold and a high threshold.

6. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 5, wherein, During the selection sub-step (101) of the selection step (10), the maximum maintenance threshold is selected only between the low threshold and the high threshold.

7. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The method includes a calibration step (7), in which the value of the high threshold and / or the value of the low threshold are adjusted.

8. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The maintenance control system is an automated maintenance control system that automatically executes the configuration change step (6).

9. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The maintenance control system is a switch (3) for manually performing the configuration change step (6).

10. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The switch (3) is positioned on the crane (1) and is located outside the cab (C), while the drive unit (2) is located inside the cab (C).

11. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The crane (1) includes a mast (M) configured to extend substantially vertically between a foot (P) and a top (SO) during operation of the crane (1), wherein the foot (P) is positioned near the ground (S) and the top (SO) is located at the height supporting the boom (F). The switch (3) is located on the foot (P), and the cab (C) is located on the mast (M) or the boom (F) above the switch (3).

12. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The switcher is positioned on the crane (1) and inside the cab (C), the drive unit (2) is located inside the cab (C), and the switcher can be accessed via secure access.

13. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The maintenance module (5) is a portable device and is not fixed to the crane (1). The maintenance module (5) is wirelessly connected to the monitoring system (4) of the crane (1).

14. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The selection sub-step (101) is performed by means of a selection device for selecting the maintenance module (5), the selection device having at least one first selection member (B2) and a second selection member (B3) configured to be operated by an operator, the first selection member (B2) and the second selection member (B3) being spaced apart from each other by a distance (52) greater than 20 centimeters, such that the first selection member (B2) and the second selection member (B3) cannot be operated simultaneously by the same operator with one hand.

15. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The monitoring system (4) of the crane (1) is adapted to implement at least one maintenance monitoring cycle during the driving step, the maintenance monitoring cycle comprising the following steps: - The step of measuring the values ​​of the motion parameters. - The step of comparing the values ​​of the motion parameters with a maintenance limit threshold, the value of which corresponds to the value of the maximum maintenance threshold increased by a predetermined maintenance tolerance margin, and - If the value of the motion parameter is greater than the maintenance limit threshold, the operation of the crane (1) shall be stopped immediately.

16. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 15, wherein, When the crane (1) is in the working configuration, the monitoring system (4) of the crane (1) is adapted to implement at least one work monitoring cycle during the maintenance maneuver, the work monitoring cycle comprising the following steps: - The step of measuring the values ​​of the motion parameters. - The step of comparing the values ​​of the motion parameters with a working limit threshold, the value of which corresponds to the value of the maximum working threshold that increases by a predetermined working tolerance margin, and - If the value of the motion parameter is greater than the working limit threshold, the operation of the crane (1) shall be stopped immediately. The operating tolerance margin is strictly greater than the maintenance tolerance margin.

17. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The maintenance module (5) sends a confirmation signal to the monitoring system (4). The monitoring system (4) is adapted to measure the duration elapsed from the receipt of the last acknowledgment signal sent by the maintenance module (5). The monitoring system (4) is configured to trigger a step to immediately stop the operation of the crane (1) when the duration exceeds a previously defined limit duration.

18. The maintenance method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The monitoring system (4) of the crane (1) is adapted to detect at least one displacement feature of the motor for each motor. The monitoring system (4) is configured to trigger an immediate stop of the operation of the crane (1) if the monitoring system (4) detects at least one displacement feature of a motor that was not previously selected during the selection step (8).

19. A crane (1) suitable for the maintenance method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The crane (1) is configurable between a working configuration and a maintenance configuration. The crane (1) includes a monitoring system (4) connected to a drive unit (2), which is configured to allow the driving of multiple motors when the crane (1) is in the working configuration. Each of these multiple motors performs at least one displacement of at least one movable portion of the crane (1). The monitoring system (4) is adapted to prevent at least one of the plurality of maneuvers from being driven by the drive device (2). The crane (1) includes a maintenance control system connected to the monitoring system (4) and is adapted to switch the crane (1) to the maintenance configuration in which the monitoring system (4) initially prevents at least one of the plurality of motors from being driven by the drive unit (2). Furthermore, the monitoring system (4) is configured to be connected to the maintenance module (5). Furthermore, when the crane (1) is in the maintenance configuration, the monitoring system (4) is adapted to: according to a command issued by the maintenance module (5), unlock the drive of at least one maintenance motor that was initially blocked by the monitoring system (4) in the maintenance configuration, the drive of the at least one maintenance motor being executed by the drive device (2) in the maintenance configuration.

20. The crane (1) according to claim 19, wherein, The maintenance control system is an automated maintenance control system.

21. The crane (1) according to claim 19, wherein, The maintenance control system is a switch (3).

22. The crane (1) according to claim 21, wherein, The switch (3) is located on the crane (1) and outside the cab (C).

23. The crane (1) according to claim 22, wherein, The crane (1) includes a mast (M) which is configured to extend in a substantially vertical direction between a foot (P) and a top (SO) during operation of the crane (1), wherein the foot (P) is positioned near the ground (S), the top (SO) is positioned at a height supporting the boom (F), the switch (3) is located on the foot (P), and the cab (C) is located on the mast (M) above the switch (3).

24. The crane (1) according to claim 21, wherein, The switch is positioned on the crane (1) and located inside the cab (C) where the drive unit (2) is located, and the switch can be accessed by secure access.

25. A maintenance component (101) comprising a crane (1) according to claim 19 and a maintenance module (5) configured to be connected to the monitoring system (4) of the crane (1), the maintenance module (5) being adapted to: - Allows the operator to select at least one maintenance motor from multiple motors, the drive of which is initially blocked by the monitoring system (4) in the maintenance configuration, and - Send an unlock signal to the monitoring system (4) to control the unlocking of the drive of the at least one maintenance motor, the drive of the at least one maintenance motor being executed by the drive device (2) in the maintenance configuration.

26. The maintenance component (101) according to claim 25, wherein, The maintenance module (5) is a portable device and is not fastened to the crane (1). The maintenance module (5) is wirelessly connected to the monitoring system (4) of the crane (1).

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