Crane with lazy arm ballast device

Abstract

A crane includes: a chassis; a superstructure rotatably mounted on the chassis; a boom connected to the superstructure in a luffing manner; a boom for supporting the boom, hingedly connected to the superstructure; a guide device connected to the superstructure; the invention relates to a boom ballasting device, in particular designed to hang ballasts. The boom ballasting device comprises at least two ballasting elements which can be vertically stacked and a cross member which is connected to the boom via a ballasting cable and to the superstructure via a guiding device. The cross member may be connected to the stack of ballast elements via at least one retaining element. The retaining element comprises a first connection means for releasably connecting the retaining element to a second connection means of the ballast element of the stack and is configured such that the retaining element can be connected to a portion of the ballast element of the stack by moving the retaining element and / or the cross member relative to the uncoupled stack. The invention also relates to a boom ballast device for such a crane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane and to a boom ballast device for such a crane. Background Art

[0002] This type of crane is also called a jib crane and usually has a crawler chassis. Due to the additional jib ballast device, these cranes are configured to lift and move particularly heavy loads. On these cranes, the main boom (hereinafter referred to as the "jib", usually a truss jib) and the boom are connected to each other via adjustable luffing cables. The boom is usually connected to an adjustable A-frame of the superstructure via boom cables. By adjusting the A-frame, the inclination of the boom relative to the superstructure can be adjusted to achieve the erection and dismantling of the boom. During the operation of the crane, the angle of the boom usually remains unchanged. The luffing movement of the main boom is achieved by adjusting the luffing ropes between the main boom and the boom.

[0003] Therefore, the moment that the boom enters into the boom system with its carried load must be absorbed by the boom. Furthermore, the overall "crane" system must remain stable. This means that the overall center of gravity must be located within the tilted edge. When lifting heavy loads, it is not possible to use only superstructure ballast. Therefore, a boom ballast device is required as additional ballast. It is connected to the free end of the boom via a variable length ballast cable. The length of the ballast cable can be adjusted using, for example, a hydraulic tension cylinder.

[0004] From the prior art, boom ballast devices in the form of suspended ballasts or ballast carts that can be moved on the ground and on which ballast elements are stacked are known. The suspended ballast can generally adopt two operating modes: it can be placed on the ground or suspended on ballast cables of variable length. The two states generally depend on the load moment to be absorbed.

[0005] The horizontal distance between the axis of rotation of the superstructure or the center of gravity of the boom ballast arrangement is called the ballast radius. For suspended ballast, the ballast radius can be adjusted via the inclination of the boom or via guides between the rear of the superstructure and the suspended ballast.

[0006] Erecting equipment with long booms requires high loads. Once erected, the crane usually requires less ballast to cope with the expected loads. The disadvantage of suspended ballast is that the crane or the superstructure can only be rotated, moved or the suspended ballast displaced when the boom ballast device is raised off the ground. However, this can only be achieved if the system is balanced by a specific load on the hook. The larger or heavier the suspended ballast, the greater the minimum load on the hook must be. Depending on the configuration, this results in a specific minimum load on the hook to prevent the suspended ballast from being forced off. As long as the required minimum load on the hook is greater than the hook weight (including the lifting device), the suspended ballast must be lowered when the load is removed from the hook. It is then no longer possible to rotate, move the crane or displace the suspended ballast. This situation can severely restrict or complicate the planning of the lift. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution for simply, quickly and flexibly adapting such a boom ballast arrangement to the lifting task to be performed. In particular, it should be possible to change the weight of the boom ballast arrangement in a simple, quick and flexible manner.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a crane according to one aspect of the invention and a boom ballast arrangement according to another aspect of the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are further aspects of the invention.

[0009] Therefore, a crane is proposed, comprising an underframe, a superstructure rotatably mounted on the underframe, a boom connected to the superstructure in a luffing manner, a boom connected to the superstructure in an articulated manner, a guide device connected to the superstructure, and a boom ballast device. The underframe is in particular movable and may have a crawler chassis. The boom is supported via the boom, preferably via luffing cables of adjustable length as described above. The boom is preferably connected to an adjustable A-frame of the superstructure via boom cables. The boom may also be connected to the A-frame, which is permanently connected to the superstructure via boom cables, in particular variable length luffing cables.

[0010] The boom ballast device is particularly configured to suspend ballast.

[0011] The boom ballast device comprises at least two stackable ballast elements, which are preferably plate-shaped, and a cross member, which is connected to the boom via ballast cables and to the superstructure via the aforementioned guide means. The guide means connecting the boom ballast device to the superstructure may have a variable length, which can be varied, for example, by an actuator. This makes it possible to vary the ballast radius and thus the maximum load capacity of the same ballast.

[0012] According to the invention, the cross member can be connected to the stack of ballast elements via at least one retaining element, preferably via a plurality of retaining elements. Thus, the cross member can represent a ballast frame, which can, for example, carry part of the ballast of the boom ballast device. When the term "retaining element" is used hereinafter, it refers to at least one retaining element, i.e., the case of a plurality of retaining elements is always included.

[0013] According to the invention, the retaining element comprises first connecting means for releasably connecting the retaining element to second connecting means of a ballast element of the stack and is configured such that the retaining element can be connected to a partial stack of the ballast elements of the stack by moving the retaining element and / or the cross member relative to an uncoupled stack which has, for example, been placed on the ground.

[0014] In other words, the cross-member or the holding element can be separated from the stack of ballast elements, for example after the ballast elements have been placed on the ground, and the holding element can then be reconnected to a portion of the ballast elements in the stack or to the lowest ballast element of the stack, so that the stack now held by the cross-member is smaller than the previous stack (and therefore represents a partial stack). This allows the weight of ballast picked up by the cross-member to be reduced. Of course, the opposite is also possible: the picked up partial stack can be placed on another partial stack of ballast elements, the connection with the holding element can be released and a connection to a larger stack than before can be established. This allows the weight of ballast picked up by the cross-member to be increased.

[0015] This makes it possible to optimally adapt the suspended ballast to the lift to be performed or planned at any time without any additional auxiliary equipment (such as an auxiliary crane). Through the solution according to the invention, the limitations of the known suspended ballast described at the beginning can be significantly reduced and the planning scope in the project planning of the lift can be significantly increased.

[0016] Therefore, the solution according to the invention provides an autonomously variably mountable suspended ballast, wherein, in particular, the term "autonomous" is to be understood as "operable without auxiliary devices" and the phrase "variably mountable" is to be understood as "any mounting within a predetermined ballast unit".

[0017] A partial stack can consist of any number of ballast elements from an original stack. Even a single ballast element can be considered a partial stack, so that in the simplest case only the uppermost ballast element of the stack can be connected to the retaining element.

[0018] At least one retaining element can be detachably connected to the ballast element, for example via a bolt connection, a screw connection, a hook-in connection or a retaining claw, a locking clamp, a sliding bolt, a connecting wedge, a locking cylinder and / or a connecting pipe. Any combination of the above-mentioned connecting devices is also conceivable. The use of a bolt connection results in a particularly simple solution.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the boom ballast device comprises at least four retaining elements. Preferably, the cross member has exactly four retaining elements in order to minimize the complexity of the structure and to reduce the amount of work involved in switching the ballast. However, devices with more than four retaining elements are also conceivable. Preferably, the second connecting means are located on the side of the ballast element. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining elements are arranged in the four corner regions of the cross member or at the four corners in plan view and can be connected to the second connecting means arranged on the side of the ballast element.

[0020] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the holding element is adjustably mounted on the cross member. Preferably, the holding element is mounted on the cross member such that it can be moved in a vertical direction. The term "vertical" refers to the situation in which the crane stands on a flat horizontal surface. Preferably, the holding element can be fixed in at least two different positions on the cross member via a locking device. The locking element can be a bolt.

[0021] This solution makes it possible, for example, to change the position of the first connection means relative to the cross member and / or relative to the attachment point of the ballast cables and the guide means on the cross member. This may have the effect that by adjusting the holding element, different combinations of ballast elements or partial stacks of different sizes may be connected to the holding element to vary the weight of the boom ballast means. The holding element may protrude downwards from the cross member, for example hang downwards (for example in case the holding element is or comprises a chain).

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the position of the first connection means relative to the removed ballast element, which may have been placed on the ground, can be changed by lifting the cross member using the guide means so that a different number of ballast elements can be connected to the retaining element. In this case, the retaining element can be fixed to the cross member, i.e. non-adjustable.

[0023] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the retaining element is configured as a tie rod or comprises a tie rod. This can be understood to mean any element configured to transmit tensile forces, such as a tube, a rod or a bar, which can be made of steel or a fiber composite material, for example. Preferably, the tie rod is oriented vertically. Preferably, the first connecting means are arranged one after the other along the tie rod, i.e. they can form a linear arrangement, for example.

[0024] By adjusting the retaining element, the first connecting means is thus displaced relative to the ballast plate or its second connecting means, so that different first connecting means can be connected to different second connecting means and the number of ballast elements of the partial stack connected to the cross member can be varied. Alternatively, only one ballast element (in particular the lowermost ballast element of the stack to be accommodated) can be connected to the retaining element, so that the first connecting means can overlap or engage with the second connecting means of another ballast element by adjusting the retaining element.

[0025] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the aforementioned locking device can engage with the first connecting device of the retaining element in order to releasably lock the retaining element to the cross member, wherein the retaining element is preferably connected to the second connecting device of the ballast element using the same (i.e. identically configured) locking device.

[0026] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the locking device is configured as a bolt or a screw and that the first and / or second connecting device comprises a hole for receiving the bolt or the screw. In the simplest case, the first connecting device and the second connecting device are bolt receptacles and the locking device is a bolt, wherein such a bolt also serves to bolt the retaining element to the ballast element of the partial stack. However, instead of a bolt, other locking devices such as a sliding bolt or a screw or a combination of these devices can also be used.

[0027] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the retaining element is configured as a chain or a rope or comprises such a chain or rope. The retaining element can be a combination of a pull rod and / or a chain and / or a rope. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining element can include or be configured as at least one element made of a fiber composite material. Furthermore, the retaining element can be or comprise a lug.

[0028] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the boom ballast device is configured such that the ballast element attached to the cross member is located below the cross member, wherein the cross member preferably has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. When viewed from above, the ballast element also preferably has a substantially rectangular shape, wherein preferably four retaining elements are arranged at the corners of the cross member and the ballast element is thus retained at four points on the cross member. This results in a stable and secure mounting of the ballast element on the cross member.

[0029] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the retaining element and / or the cross member is shown as or comprises a steel structure, in particular a sheet metal structure and / or a tubular structure or a sheet metal frame structure and / or a tubular frame structure. Likewise, embodiments of the retaining element and / or the cross member (or at least parts thereof) as a casting and / or as an element produced by means of an additive manufacturing process or 3D printing are conceivable. The cross member can be made completely or partially of a fiber composite material. This results in a high degree of stability and at the same time reduces the dead weight.

[0030] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the boom ballast device comprises a ballast base plate on which further ballast elements can be stored and / or stacked. The cross member with the ballast elements attached via the at least one retaining element in particular represents a partial ballast of the entire boom ballast device, which can be separated from the rest of the boom ballast device, in particular from the ballast base plate, and can preferably be used alone as suspended ballast. The cross member can be detachably connected to the ballast base plate, whether the ballast elements are attached or not to the ballast base plate (i.e. loaded or unloaded), in particular by means of a bolt connection.

[0031] This allows the size of the "active" boom ballast arrangement to be flexibly varied. For example, when erecting the boom, particularly high ballast moments are required, or for lifting tasks with particularly large loads, the entire boom ballast arrangement can be used (i.e. the cross-member with attached ballast elements is connected to the ballast baseplate and the additional ballast pile is stored on the ballast baseplate). In lifting operations with smaller loads, the cross-member can be separated from the ballast baseplate and used as a smaller suspended ballast together with a full or partial pile of ballast elements. During the lifting task, the rest of the boom ballast arrangement (i.e. the ballast baseplate with the other ballast elements) can remain on the ground. If necessary, the partial ballast with the cross-member can be reconnected to the ballast baseplate.

[0032] Auxiliary systems and / or data recorded by sensors can be used to facilitate the connection process, which requires accurate positioning of the cross member relative to the ballast base. For example, the accurate positioning of the cross member on the ballast base can be achieved using recorded movement data from the travel and slewing mechanism of the crane and / or using GPS data from one or more GPS modules. Such GPS modules can be arranged, for example, on the superstructure, on the cross member and / or on the ballast base.

[0033] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the boom ballast device comprises a coupling part which is connected or connectable to a cross member and comprises an attachment device to which a ballast cable can be attached. Preferably, the guide device is also connected to the coupling part, in particular pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. The coupling part can be part of the boom ballast device. The cross member can be connected in one piece or firmly connected (e.g. welded) to the coupling part. Alternatively, the cross member can be detachably connected to the coupling part via a fastening element. In the latter case, the first connection device can also be adjusted relative to the uncoupled ballast element by moving the cross member relative to the coupling part.

[0034] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the cross member comprises a first fastening device which can be detachably connected to a second fastening device of the ballast baseplate. The first fastening device and the second fastening device can be directly connected to each other, in particular can be screwed. Alternatively, the cross member and the ballast baseplate can be connected to each other via a coupling element, such as a coupling strip or a coupling rod, which is connected, in particular screwed, to the first fastening device and the second fastening device. Alternatively, the first fastening device can be arranged on the coupling part.

[0035] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the ballast base comprises a central receiving area, to which or in which part of the ballast including the cross-member can be attached. A stack of ballast elements connected to the cross-member can be placed on the receiving area. The ballast base preferably has storage surfaces on both sides of the central receiving area, on which further ballast elements can be placed. In this case, in the connected state (i.e. the entire boom ballast arrangement is "active"), the cross-member and the stack or part of the stack of ballast elements connected thereto can be arranged between at least two towers of further ballast elements mounted on the ballast base.

[0036] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the second connecting means of the ballast elements of the stack are located on a common straight line, which second connecting means can be connected to the first connecting means of the holding element. The straight line extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the holding element and, in the connected state, in particular coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the holding element. If a plurality of holding elements are present, the second connecting means associated with the respective holding elements are each located on such a straight line, wherein the straight lines are preferably parallel to one another.

[0037] A translational movement of the retaining element relative to the second connecting means, in particular a vertical displacement of the retaining element, in particular enables a portion of a first connecting means previously assigned to a first number of ballast elements of the stack to overlap or engage with a second connecting means of a second number of ballast elements of the stack.

[0038] In other words, the translational movement of the retaining element means that the first connection means previously connected to the second connection means of a particular arrangement of ballast elements can now overlap or engage with the second connection means of other ballast elements, so that a different number or partial stack of ballast elements is now connected to the retaining element by establishing corresponding connections. This allows to vary the ballast of the partial ballast comprising the cross member. The ballast elements not connected to the retaining element remain on the ground.

[0039] Alternatively, only one ballast element, in particular the lowermost ballast element of the stack to be accommodated, may be connected to the holding element such that the corresponding first connection means may overlap or engage with the second connection means of the other ballast element by adjusting the holding element.

[0040] The invention also relates to a boom ballast device for a crane according to the invention. This obviously has the same characteristics and advantages as the crane according to the invention. Therefore, all embodiments and configuration options of the boom ballast device and / or its subcomponents described with respect to the crane also apply in any combination to the boom ballast device according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further features, details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic overall view (left-hand illustration) and an enlarged view (right-hand illustration) of a boom ballast arrangement showing an embodiment of a crane according to the invention;

[0043] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a first embodiment of a cross member of a boom ballast arrangement;

[0044] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a second embodiment of a cross member of a boom ballast arrangement; and

[0045] Figures 4 to 8 Side views showing the cross member in different positions when switching the first portion of ballast. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 The left-hand figure of shows a schematic overall perspective view of an embodiment of a crane 10 according to the invention. This comprises a mobile underframe 12 and a superstructure 14 mounted on the underframe 12 so as to be rotatable about a vertical rotation axis, with a boom ballast device 20 at the rear of the superstructure. The right-hand illustration shows an enlarged view of the rear of the superstructure, as indicated by the circle in the left-hand illustration, and the boom ballast device 20.

[0047] The crane 10 of the exemplary embodiment shown here is a crawler crane having a lattice boom (hereinafter simply referred to as "boom") as main boom 16, which is articulated to a superstructure 14 about a horizontal luffing axis. The underframe 12 comprises a crawler chassis and is supported on the ground via two transverse crawler supports of the crawler chassis. In addition to the boom 16, the crane 10 also has a jib 18, which is also articulated to the superstructure 14 so that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis. A superstructure ballast 15 having a plurality of ballast elements, which in the exemplary embodiment shown here are vertically stacked on top of each other to form two transverse ballast piles, is located at the rear of the superstructure. The boom 18 is connected to the boom 16 via boom cables 17, in particular variable-length luffing cables. The boom 18 is in turn connected to a pivoting A-frame of the superstructure via boom cables. The boom 18 may also be connected via a fixed A-frame 13 which is connected to the superstructure via jib cables 17, in particular variable length luffing cables.

[0048] In addition to the superstructure ballast 15, the crane 10 also has a boom ballast device 20 configured to suspend ballast. The boom ballast device 20 comprises a ballast base plate 22, on which a plurality of ballast elements 21, 25 are arranged. The boom ballast device 20 is connected to the rear of the superstructure via a preferably length-adjustable guide device 11 and to the tip or free end of the boom 18 via a length-adjustable ballast cable 19. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the ballast cable 19 comprises two parallel cable ropes, the length of which can be adjusted in each case, for example by means of hydraulic tensioning cylinders, but at least one cylinder can be adjustable, so that the weight actively acted by the boom ballast device 20 can be highly adjustable.

[0049] With regard to the function of the luffing cables, boom cables and ballast cables 19 and the boom ballast device 20, reference is made to the introductory remarks, which also apply to the crane 10 according to the exemplary embodiment shown here. A repeated explanation is therefore substantially omitted.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the boom ballast device 20 is configured to be divisible. The boom ballast device 20 comprises a first ballast portion, which comprises a centrally arranged stack of ballast elements 21 and a cross member 30, and a second ballast portion, which comprises a ballast base plate 22 and two transverse stacks of further ballast elements 25. In the connected state, the first ballast portion is arranged in a central receiving area 27 of the boom ballast device 20. The boom ballast device 20 is connected to the guide device 11 and the ballast cables 19 via the cross member 30 and can therefore be lifted above the cross member when connected.

[0051] The first ballast section comprises a first fastening device 34, while the ballast base plate 22 has a second fastening device 24 in the region of the central receiving area 27. The first ballast section can be detachably connected, in particular bolted, to the ballast base plate 22 and thus connected to the second ballast section via the first fastening device 24 and the second fastening device 34, so that the boom ballast device 20 can be lifted together or brought into a floating state. The first fastening device 24 and the second fastening device 34 can be connected to each other directly or via a coupling element. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of , the coupling rod is arranged between the fastening devices 24 , 34 .

[0052] The guide device 11 is preferably connected to the superstructure 14 so that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis and can preferably pivot about said pivot axis by means of an actuator (one or more hydraulic cylinders). This allows the boom ballast device 20 to be adjusted vertically and, for example, to be placed on the ground or raised off the ground. At the same time, the ballast cables 19 can be adjusted, in particular via the aforementioned tensioning cylinders. In particular, the guide device 11 is also connected to the boom ballast device 20 so that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis.

[0053] For heavy lifting tasks where large loads must be moved or when erecting the boom 16, a large ballast moment is required so that the first and second ballast parts are connected to each other and the entire boom ballast device 20 can be used as a suspended ballast. However, for many lifting tasks, a lower ballast moment is required. In this case, the first ballast part with the cross member 30 and the ballast pile 21 can be disassembled from the ballast base plate 22 or the second ballast part and used as a smaller suspended ballast. The second ballast part then remains on the ground and can be reconnected to the first ballast part at a later time. The coupling process can be supported by a positioning system to ensure that the first ballast part is precisely lowered, for example by detecting the position of the lowered second ballast part and the position of the crane 10 and / or the first ballast part. This can be achieved, for example, with the help of recorded movement data of the travel and slewing mechanism or with the help of a GPS system.

[0054] Figure 2 A perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a cross member 30 of the first partial ballast is shown. This corresponds to Figure 1 Embodiment variant shown. The cross member 30 comprises two profile sections 36 which, when viewed from the side, have a substantially triangular shape and are aligned parallel to one another. Of course, other shapes are also conceivable, for example a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. The profile sections 36 are connected to one another via connecting elements 37; in the present exemplary embodiment, these are two connecting rods 37 which connect the lower corners of the triangular profile sections 36.

[0055] For example, two fork-shaped clamps 38 are attached to each connecting rod 37, in each of which a retaining element 32 is accommodated. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the retaining element 32 is configured as a vertically oriented elongated retaining rod, which can be made of steel or a fiber composite material, for example. Alternative forms of the retaining element 32 are also conceivable, such as a chain (see Figure 3 ), ropes, drawstrings, etc.

[0056] The four retaining elements 32 have a plurality of holes that serve as first connecting means 33. These are particularly configured as bolt receptacles for forming a bolt connection with corresponding bolts 26, but may also have a different shape, for example, hook elements. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the first connecting means 33 are arranged one after the other along the retaining elements 32 and serve simultaneously to removably fasten the ballast element 21 to the retaining element 32 and to fasten the retaining element 32 to the fork 38. For this purpose, the ballast element 21 has corresponding second connecting means 23 on the side, which may be configured as bolt receptacles on a laterally protruding connecting section (see Figure 6 The fork 38 also has corresponding connection means. The connection between the holding element 32 and the fork 38 and between the holding element 32 and the ballast element 21 is in particular made via locking bolts 26. Alternatively, a screw connection is conceivable.

[0057] The retaining element 32 can be removably fastened in the fork 38 so that

[0058] The retaining elements 32 can be moved relative to the cross member 30 and in particular adjusted in the vertical direction by pulling the locking bolts 36 acting as locking means 36. They can then be bolted in different positions in the fork 38, for example by using further first connecting means 33. This allows the length of the retaining elements 32 to be varied downwardly in the direction of the ballast element 21, wherein the increment depends on the distance between the first connecting means 33.

[0059] This configuration allows the number of ballast elements 21 attached to the holding element 32 and thus picked up by the cross member 30 to be changed flexibly and easily. For example, it is possible to place the ballast pile on the ground, release the connection to the holding element 32, lift the holding element 32 and / or the cross member 30 and connect a partial pile (i.e. a pile with fewer ballast elements 21 stacked on top of each other in addition to the previously placed pile) to the holding element 32. This allows the weight of the first partial ballast to be changed quickly and easily. The process is illustrated by way of example in Figures 4 to 7 30 is shown in a side view, Figure 2 A first exemplary embodiment of a cross member serves this purpose.

[0060] Figure 4The first part of the ballast is shown in the ballasted state (in this exemplary embodiment there are four ballast elements 21 arranged one above the other). Here, only the lowest ballast element 21 can be connected to the retaining element 32 via the locking bolt 26, while the other ballast elements 21 are located on top of each other and are connected to each other, for example, via other connecting elements (e.g. interlocking protrusions and recesses) so that they cannot slip. Alternatively, due to a plurality of first connecting means 33, it can be provided that all ballast elements 21 are connected to the retaining element 32.

[0061] In order to reduce the weight of this part of the ballast, it is placed on the ground by lowering the guide device 11, such as Figure 5 As shown. In this unloaded state, the connection between the ballast element 21 (i.e. the lowest ballast element 21 in the example shown) and the retaining element 32 can be released. The guide means are then raised so that the cross member 30 and therefore the retaining element 32 move in the vertical direction relative to the lowered stack 21. The cross member 30 is raised until the first connection means 33 of the retaining element 32 are at the level of the second connection means 23 of those upper ballast elements 21 which will be reconnected to the cross member 30 in a weight-reduced configuration. Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 , only the uppermost ballast element 21 will be connected to the cross member 30, which ballast element 21 then forms a partial stack of an original stack of four ballast elements 21. The second connection means 23 of the uppermost ballast element 21 is bolted to the matching (in the exemplary embodiment, the lowermost) first connection means 33 of the retaining element 32 (see FIG. 3 ). Figure 6 ).

[0062] The cross member 30 is then raised again, wherein the released or uncoupled ballast elements 21 of the original stack (at Figure 7 These are the lower three ballast elements 21) remain on the ground and only part of the stack 21' (in Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the uppermost ballast element 21 ') is raised. This now provides a suspended ballast with reduced weight.

[0063] In order to change the ballast again, the partial stack 21 ′ is placed again on the placed ballast element 21 , the connection of the retaining element 32 is released, the cross member 30 is lowered the appropriate distance and the second connecting devices 23 of the desired partial ballast (or those of the lowest ballast element 21 of the desired partial ballast) are reconnected to the retaining element 32.

[0064] Alternatively, the connection between the retaining element 32 and the fork 38 can be released and the retaining element 32 can be moved relative to the cross member 30 for reballasting. This option is available after the partial stack 21 ' has been reballasted and lifted. Figure 8Shown in.

[0065] As already mentioned, it is possible to connect only the lowest ballast element 21 of the stack to be raised to the holding element 32 (e.g. Figures 4 to 8 ), or connect all ballast elements 21 of the raised stack. In the former case, the first connecting device 33 can also be arranged only in the upper region of the retaining element 32 so that the retaining element 32 can be connected to the fork 38 in different positions relative to the cross member 30.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the first ballast part may comprise a coupling part 40 having a stop 42, in particular a bolt receiving portion, for fastening the ballast cable 19 and a corresponding connection point for the guide device 11. The cross member 30 may be detachably connected to the coupling part 40. Figure 2 An arrangement is shown in which the profile parts 36 represent sheet metal structures, each having an intermediate space into which lugs 44 of the coupling part 40 can be inserted. The lugs 44 can be detachably connected to the profile parts 36 via fastening elements 39, such as bolts.

[0067] like Figure 1 as well as Figures 4 to 8 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the first fastening device 34 for connecting the first part of the ballast to the ballast base plate 22 can be arranged on the coupling part 40, for example, on the extension of the aforementioned lug 44, so that the cross member 30 is neither directly connected to the guide device 11 and the ballast cable 19 nor directly connected to the ballast base plate 22.

[0068] Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of a cross member 30 according to the invention is shown. Here, too, the coupling part 40 is configured differently and does not have a lug with a first fastening device 34. Instead, the first fastening device is formed on the cross member 30. In this exemplary embodiment, it comprises four profile sections 36, two of which are connected on one side via coupling elements 31 (e.g. in the form of coupling strips or rods, such as Figure 3 As shown, the connecting pieces 31 can also be configured as tubular or profiled structures) and are particularly detachably connected to each other. Likewise, the profile sections 36 on each side are connected to each other via connecting pieces 37, wherein the retaining elements 32 are arranged on the connecting pieces 37. The cross member 30 can again be detachably or firmly connected to the connecting part 40.

[0069] like Figure 2 As in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the retaining element 32 can be configured as a tie rod. Figure 3Another embodiment is shown, in which the holding elements 32 are configured as chains hanging downwardly from a connection 37 and each holding element has a first connection means 33 on the underside for connection to the respective lowest ballast element 21 of the pile to be lifted. In this exemplary embodiment, the first connection means 33 are configured as eyelets or hooks or drawstrings, but it is also possible to provide a connection part with one or more holes for receiving bolts or screws instead. The process of reballasting is similar to Figures 4 to 7 The process shown.

[0070] Preferably and independently of the embodiment shown, the cross-member 30 can remain separately attached to the coupling part 40 or be completely removed, depending on the ballasting variant.

[0071] The cross member 30 represents the support structure of the first part of the ballast of the boom ballast device 20 according to the invention, i.e. the support structure of the "autonomous variable divisible suspended ballast" realized in this way. The cross member 30 can be a steel structure, which can be manufactured, for example, in the form of a metal plate or tubular truss structure, a casting or by a 3D printing process. In addition, the cross member 30 can be made of alternative materials, such as fiber composite materials, high-strength aluminum, etc.

[0072] Bolts, screws, retaining claws, locking clamps, sliding bolts, connecting wedges, locking cylinders and / or locking tubes may be used as connecting elements to connect the retaining element 32 to the cross member 30 and / or the ballast element 21 .

[0073] Reference numerals list

[0074] 10 Cranes

[0075] 11 Boot device

[0076] 12 bottom frame

[0077] 13 Cable frame / A-frame

[0078] 14 Superstructure

[0079] 16 Cantilever

[0080] 17 Cantilever Cable

[0081] 18 Jib

[0082] 19 Ballast cable

[0083] 20 Boom ballast device

[0084] 21 Ballast element

[0085] 21' Ballast Element

[0086] 22 ballast base plate

[0087] 23 Second connection device

[0088] 24 Second fastening device

[0089] 25 Additional ballast elements

[0090] 26 Locking device

[0091] 27 Central Receiving Area

[0092] 30 Transverse member

[0093] 31 Connectors

[0094] 32 Holding element

[0095] 33 First connecting device

[0096] 34 First fastening device

[0097] 36 Profile section

[0098] 37 Connectors

[0099] 38 Clamp

[0100] 39 Fastening elements

[0101] 40 Connecting parts

[0102] 42 Stop device

[0103] 44 lugs.

Claims

1. A crane (10), comprising: Base frame (12); a superstructure (14) rotatably mounted on the underframe (12); a boom (16) connected to the superstructure (14) in a luffing manner; a jib (18) connected to the superstructure (14) in an articulated manner, the jib (16) being supported via the jib; a guide device (20) connected to the superstructure (14); and a jib ballast device (20) particularly configured to suspend ballast, wherein the jib ballast device (20) comprises at least two ballast elements (21) which can be vertically stacked and a cross member (30) connected to the jib (18) via a ballast cable (19) and to the superstructure (14) via the guide device (19), It is characterized in that The cross-member (30) is connectable to a stack of ballast elements (21) via at least one retaining element (32), wherein the retaining element (32) comprises first connecting means (33) for releasably connecting the retaining element (32) to second connecting means (23) of the ballast elements (21) of the stack and is configured such that the retaining element (32) can be connected to a partial stack of ballast elements (21) of the stack by moving the retaining element (32) and / or the cross-member (30) relative to the uncoupled stack.

2. Crane (10) according to claim 1, wherein the boom ballast device (20) comprises at least four retaining elements (32), which can preferably be connected to the second connecting device (23) on the side of the ballast element (21), wherein in a plan view, the retaining elements (32) are preferably arranged at four corner areas of the cross member (30).

3. Crane (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding element (32) is adjustably mounted on the cross member (30), in particular can be displaced in the vertical direction, and can be fixed via a locking device (26) in at least two different positions on the cross member (30), wherein the holding element (32) in particular protrudes downward from the cross member (30).

4. The crane (10) according to claim 3, wherein the holding element (32) is configured as a tie rod or comprises a tie rod, which is in particular oriented vertically, wherein the first connecting device (33) is preferably arranged successively along the tie rod (32).

5. Crane (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the locking device (26) is engageable with the first connecting device (33) of the retaining element (32) to releasably lock the retaining element (32) to the cross member (30), wherein preferably, the connection of the retaining element (32) to the second connecting device (23) of the ballast element (21) is achieved by the same locking device (26).

6. The crane (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the locking device (26) is configured as a bolt or a screw, and the first connection device (33) and / or the second connection device (23) comprises a hole for receiving the bolt or the screw.

7. The crane (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (32) is configured as a chain or a rope or comprises such a chain or a rope.

8. A crane (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the boom ballast device (20) is configured so that the ballast element (21) attached to the cross member (30) is located below the cross member (30), wherein the cross member (30) preferably has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view.

9. The crane (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining element (32) and / or the cross member (30) comprises a steel structure, in particular a sheet metal structure and / or a tubular structure and / or at least one casting and / or at least one element manufactured by means of an additive manufacturing process and / or at least one element manufactured from a fiber composite material.

10. Crane (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the boom ballast device (20) comprises a ballast base plate (22) on which a further ballast element (25) can be mounted, wherein the cross member (30) with or without a ballast element (21) attached can be detachably connected to the ballast base plate (22), in particular by means of a bolt connection.

11. Crane (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the boom ballast device (20) comprises a coupling part (40) which is connected or connectable to the cross member (30) and comprises a stop device (42) to which the ballast cable (19) can be fastened, wherein the coupling part (40) is preferably connected to the guide device (11), in particular connected to the guide device (11) so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis.

12. Crane (10) according to the two preceding claims, wherein the cross member (30) or the coupling part (40) comprises first fastening means (34) which can be releasably connected to second fastening means (34) of the ballast base (22).

13. The crane (10) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the ballast base (22) comprises a central receiving area (27) to which the cross-member (30) can be fastened and on which the stack of ballast elements (21) connected to the cross-member (30) can be placed, wherein the ballast base (22) preferably comprises placement surfaces on both sides of the central receiving area (27) on which further ballast elements (25) can be placed.

14. Crane (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting means (23) of the stack of ballast elements (21) which can be connected to the first connecting means (33) of the holding element (32) are located on a common straight line, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the holding element (32) and in the connected state extends in particular coaxially with the longitudinal axis, wherein in particular by a translational movement of the holding element (32) relative to the second connecting means (23), a part of the first connecting means (33) previously associated with a first number of ballast elements (21) of the stack can overlap or engage with the second connecting means (23) of a second number of ballast elements (21) of the stack.

15. A boom ballast device (20) for a crane (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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