Portable power unit and crane therefor

Abstract

This invention discloses a portable power unit and its crane. The battery is equipped with a temperature alarm module and is connected to a motor and a charging device via a circuit for storing and outputting electrical energy. The battery is also connected to a radiator via a circuit. The hydraulic pump includes at least one electronically controlled variable pump and at least one gear pump, and is connected to the crane's hydraulic system via hydraulic lines. The motor includes a drive motor that converts the electrical energy output from the battery into mechanical energy used by the hydraulic pump. The charging device includes a charging cable and a charger. This invention can be used in traditional fuel-powered cranes, overcoming the problems of expensive batteries and high costs associated with pure electric cranes. It also eliminates the need for complex chassis driving and onboard operation control systems. It can operate in pure electric or plug-in mode. In plug-in mode, it can effectively increase the continuous working time compared to pure electric cranes. Using plug-in mode avoids the need for the vehicle to be parked, turned off, and stopped for charging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cranes, and more particularly to a portable power unit and the crane thereof. Background Technology

[0002] There are two system architectures in the wheeled crane industry. The mainstream is the traditional fuel-powered crane, which is suitable for operation on various construction sites. Its disadvantage is that the engine needs to continuously drive the hydraulic system during operation. While the engine has a large power reserve, combined with its intermittent operation, the proportion of fuel consumed to generate useful work is low, meaning low fuel efficiency. Furthermore, fuel-powered cranes inevitably produce carbon and nitrogen compounds during operation, polluting the atmosphere, water bodies, and soil.

[0003] Another option is a pure electric system, which eliminates the engine and uses a large-capacity battery as its energy source. The advantages are low electricity prices, inexpensive operating costs, and cleanliness and environmental friendliness. The disadvantages are high cost and a complex electronic control system that balances chassis operation and crane-mounted operation. This is because batteries required for continuous crane operation for a day are expensive, cranes are heavy, and the range of movement for purely electric cranes is limited.

[0004] Traditional internal combustion engines suffer from low fuel efficiency and poor economic returns, especially with the implementation of high emission standards leading to high engine maintenance costs. Therefore, new energy cranes are becoming a trend. Existing pure electric cranes eliminate the engine, using batteries to power the crane's control circuit. Existing technologies, such as "Power System for Cranes and Cranes" (CN 217778346 U), use a main drive motor controlled by a power coupling device, which can function as either a generator or an electric motor.

[0005] However, existing technologies have the following problems: 1. Batteries for pure electric cranes are expensive, resulting in high costs, and the electronic control systems for chassis travel and overhead operation are complex; 2. Cranes are heavy, and pure electric cranes have a limited range of movement when not charging, limiting their environmental applicability; 3. Pure electric cranes require periodic charging and cannot operate continuously for extended periods. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new types of cranes to overcome these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Purpose of the invention: To address the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies, this invention provides a portable power unit and its crane, which can be used in traditional fuel-powered cranes. It overcomes the problems of expensive batteries and high costs associated with pure electric cranes, and also eliminates the need for complex chassis driving and onboard operation electronic control systems. It can operate in pure electric or plug-in mode. In plug-in mode, it can effectively increase the continuous working time compared to pure electric cranes. Using plug-in mode avoids the need for the vehicle to be parked, turned off, and stopped working before charging.

[0007] Technical Solution: The present invention provides a portable power unit, characterized in that: it includes a portable power unit, which comprises a battery, a hydraulic pump, a motor, a charging device, and a heat sink; the battery is equipped with a temperature alarm module, and is connected to the motor and the charging device via a circuit for storing and outputting electrical energy, and is also connected to the heat sink via a circuit; the hydraulic pump includes at least one electronically controlled variable pump and at least one gear pump, and is connected to the hydraulic system of a crane via a hydraulic pipeline; the motor includes a drive motor, which converts the electrical energy output from the battery into mechanical energy used by the hydraulic pump; the charging device includes a charging cable and a charger.

[0008] The battery is equipped with a temperature alarm module. When the battery temperature exceeds a set temperature threshold, the instrument panel will sound an alarm, the radiator power will increase, and the power of the remaining operating systems will decrease.

[0009] The hydraulic pump's electronically controlled variable pump controls the hydraulic circuit flow, and the hydraulic pump's gear pump converts the mechanical energy generated by the motor into hydraulic energy, thereby controlling the upper vehicle's slewing motion and the lower vehicle's outriggers and suspension movements.

[0010] In the case of plugging in the motor, the motor converts the electrical energy output from the external power source into mechanical energy through the charging device, thereby driving the crane to operate.

[0011] In pure electric mode, the charging device charges the battery through an external power source.

[0012] In the case of plugging in the power supply, the external power source provides power to the motor or to the battery through the charging device.

[0013] The portable power unit is mounted on the crane frame via a bracket or placed around the crane. The portable power unit is connected to the crane's hydraulic system via hydraulic lines and circuits. The hydraulic connector used by the crane to connect the portable power unit is a quick connector. The hydraulic lines of the portable power unit and the crane are connected by a shuttle valve or an electrically controlled selector valve before entering the central rotating body.

[0014] The method of using the portable power unit of the present invention is characterized in that: the crane is connected to the portable power unit, and the working mode is selected according to whether the portable power unit is connected to an external power source. If the portable power unit is not connected to an external power source, it enters pure electric mode. The power source of the crane is the electrical energy stored in the battery. The motor converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, and the hydraulic pump converts the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The crane's upper and lower hydraulic systems are used to control the luffing motion of the upper vehicle and the movement of the lower vehicle's outriggers and suspension. When the battery power is insufficient, the crane will indicate that the battery is low.

[0015] If the portable power unit is connected to an external power source, it enters the plug-in mode. The power source of the crane is the electrical energy supplied by the external power source. The external power source transmits the electrical energy to the motor through the charging device. The motor converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy. The hydraulic pump converts the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The crane's upper and lower hydraulic systems are used to control the luffing motion of the upper car and the movement of the lower car outriggers and suspension.

[0016] A crane using the portable power unit of the present invention.

[0017] Beneficial Effects: Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following significant advantages: This invention can be used with traditional fuel-powered cranes, overcoming the problems of expensive batteries and high costs associated with pure electric cranes, and eliminating the need for complex chassis driving and onboard operation electronic control systems. Depending on whether an external power source is available, this invention can operate in pure electric or plug-in mode. In plug-in mode, it effectively increases the continuous working time compared to pure electric cranes; using plug-in avoids the need for the vehicle to be parked, turned off, and stopped before charging. This invention is compatible with traditional fuel-powered cranes, which have an engine structure, and compared to pure electric cranes, have better adaptability during site relocation and in harsh construction environments where external power is unavailable. Compared to traditional fuel-powered cranes, this invention can use both pure electric and plug-in operating modes during lifting operations, reducing operating noise and exhaust emissions, making it environmentally friendly. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A diagram of the power supply system for a conventional pure electric crane;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the pure electric operating mode of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the plug-in operation mode of the present invention;

[0023] In the diagram, 1 is a portable power unit; 2 is a crane; 101 is a battery; 102 is a hydraulic pump; 103 is a motor; 104 is a charging device; and 105 is a radiator. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] The power system of this invention refers to the system where the power from the power source is transmitted to the wheels through a series of power transmissions. New energy cranes refer to crane equipment that does not use fuel but uses new energy sources as its power source, often including pure electric and hybrid models. Zero emissions refer to the unlimited reduction of pollutant and energy emissions to zero, leaving no waste in the atmosphere, water, and soil. Central slewing body is a core component used to connect the chassis and the rotating superstructure, containing rotating sealed hydraulic oil passages and brushes, which can transmit hydraulic power and electrical signals between the chassis and the superstructure without being affected by the rotation of the superstructure.

[0026] A portable power unit of the present invention includes a portable power unit 1, which comprises a battery 101, a hydraulic pump 102, a motor 103, a charging device 104, and a radiator 105. The battery 101 is equipped with a temperature alarm module and is connected to the motor 103 and the charging device 104 via a circuit for storing and outputting electrical energy. The battery 101 is also connected to the radiator 105 via a circuit. The hydraulic pump 102 includes at least one electronically controlled variable pump and at least one gear pump, and is connected to the hydraulic system of a crane 2 via hydraulic pipelines. The motor 103 includes a drive motor that converts the electrical energy output from the battery 101 into mechanical energy used by the hydraulic pump 102. The charging device 104 includes a charging cable and a charger. The battery 101 is equipped with a temperature alarm module; when the temperature of the battery 101 exceeds a set temperature threshold, an alarm is triggered on the instrument panel, the power of the radiator 105 increases, and the power of the remaining operating systems decreases. The electrically controlled variable pump of hydraulic pump 102 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic circuit, and the gear pump of hydraulic pump 102 converts the mechanical energy generated by motor 103 into hydraulic energy, thereby controlling the luffing motion of the upper structure and the movement of the outriggers and suspension of the lower structure. In plug-in operation, motor 103 converts the electrical energy output from the external power source into mechanical energy through charging device 104, thus driving the crane 2. In pure electric operation, the external power source charges battery 101 through charging device 104. In plug-in operation, the external power source provides electrical energy to motor 103 or supplies power to battery 101 through charging device 104.

[0027] The portable power unit 1 of the present invention is mounted on the frame of the crane 2 by a bracket, or placed around the crane 2; the portable power unit 1 is connected to the hydraulic system of the crane 2 through hydraulic lines and circuits, and the hydraulic connector of the crane 2 for connecting the portable power unit 1 is a quick connector; the hydraulic lines of the portable power unit 1 and the hydraulic lines of the crane 2 are connected by a shuttle valve or an electrically controlled selector valve before entering the central rotating body.

[0028] The portable power unit of this invention is used in the following manner: A crane 2 is connected to a portable power unit 1. The operating mode is selected based on whether the portable power unit 1 is connected to an external power source. If the portable power unit 1 is not connected to an external power source, it enters pure electric mode. The crane 2 is powered by the electrical energy stored in the battery 101. The motor 103 converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, and the hydraulic pump 102 converts the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The crane 2's upper and lower hydraulic systems control the luffing motion of the upper vehicle and the movement of the lower vehicle's outriggers and suspension. When the battery 101 has insufficient power, the crane 2 displays a low power warning. If the portable power unit 1 is connected to an external power source, it enters plug-in mode. The crane 2 is powered by the electrical energy supplied by the external power source. The external power source transmits the electrical energy to the motor 103 through a charging device 104. The motor 103 converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, and the hydraulic pump 102 converts the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The crane 2's upper and lower hydraulic systems control the luffing motion of the upper vehicle and the movement of the lower vehicle's outriggers and suspension.

[0029] The portable power unit of this invention is detachable and movable, including but not limited to crane-mounted lifting and towing operations and trailer transport. The hydraulic, electrical, and support connections of the portable power unit to the crane can be repeatedly disassembled and reassembled. The hydraulic lines are connected to the crane's hydraulic lines via shuttle valves or electrically controlled selector valves before entering the central rotating body. It can be used with traditional fuel-powered cranes as well as existing pure electric cranes. The portable power unit can supply pure electric power to the crane, or it can be plugged into an external power source to supply power. The power supply mode can be automatically or manually selected based on whether an external power source is connected. The portable power unit provides power for the crane's loading and unloading movements. Loading movements include, but are not limited to, slewing, luffing, hoisting, and telescopic movements; unloading movements include, but are not limited to, outrigger and suspension movements.

[0030] This invention allows for pure electric or plug-in operation during onboard operation, reducing usage and maintenance costs and meeting the operational needs of some zero-emission areas. This invention is easy to install and provides a new energy crane modification solution for cranes already using transmission fuel systems on the market. In pure electric operation, the power battery directly supplies power, and the drive motor converts the battery's electrical energy into hydraulic energy for the hydraulic pump, enabling actions such as slewing and luffing of the onboard crane, as well as the actions of the chassis outriggers and suspension. In plug-in operation, the vehicle uses external electrical energy input through a charging device, which the motor converts into hydraulic energy for operation. Compared to existing pure electric cranes, cranes carrying portable power units, while possessing the advantages of pure electric cranes, can achieve: (1) diesel fuel combustion during chassis operation, effectively improving relocation capability; (2) plug-in operation via external power supply, enabling long-term electric-driven operation; (3) the portable power unit has a lifting structure, allowing for crane lifting for relocation or transport using a trailer; and (4) all onboard actions and offboard outrigger and suspension actions. It enables both plug-in and pure electric operation of the crane. The hydraulic pump is driven by an electric motor to realize all the movements of the upper vehicle and the movements of the outriggers and suspension. While the vehicle can operate electrically, it retains the engine, which is beneficial for the crane to move between sites.

Claims

1. A portable power unit, characterized in that: The system includes a portable power unit (1), which is equipped with a battery (101), a hydraulic pump (102), a motor (103), a charging device (104), and a radiator (105). The battery (101) is equipped with a temperature alarm module. The battery (101) is connected to the motor (103) and the charging device (104) via a circuit for storing and outputting electrical energy. The battery (101) is also connected to the radiator (105) via a circuit. The hydraulic pump (102) includes at least one electronically controlled variable pump and at least one gear pump. The hydraulic pump (102) is connected to the hydraulic system of the crane (2) via a hydraulic pipeline. The motor (103) includes a drive motor that converts the electrical energy output by the battery (101) into mechanical energy used by the hydraulic pump (102). The charging device (104) includes a charging cable and a charger. The battery (101) is equipped with a temperature alarm module. The module alarms on the instrument panel when the temperature of the battery (101) is higher than the set temperature threshold, the power of the radiator (105) increases, and the power of the rest of the working system decreases; the electronically controlled variable pump of the hydraulic pump (102) controls the flow of the hydraulic circuit, and the gear pump of the hydraulic pump (102) converts the mechanical energy generated by the motor (103) into hydraulic energy to realize the control of the upper vehicle slewing luffing action and the lower vehicle outrigger and suspension action; the portable power unit (1) is mounted on the frame of the crane (2) by a bracket, or set around the crane (2); the portable power unit (1) is connected to the hydraulic system of the crane (2) through hydraulic pipelines and circuits, and the hydraulic connector of the portable power unit (1) used by the crane (2) to connect is a quick connector; the hydraulic pipeline of the portable power unit (1) and the hydraulic pipeline of the crane (2) are connected by a shuttle valve or an electronically controlled selector valve before entering the central rotating body.

2. The portable power unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the motor (103) is plugged in, it converts the electrical energy output from the external power source into mechanical energy through the charging device (104), thereby driving the crane (2) to operate.

3. The portable power unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: In pure electric mode, the charging device (104) charges the battery (101) through an external power source.

4. The portable power unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the charging device (104) is plugged in, the external power supply provides power to the motor (103) or to the battery (101) through the charging device (104).

5. The method of using the portable power unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crane (2) is connected to the portable power unit (1). The working mode is selected according to whether the portable power unit (1) is connected to an external power source. If the portable power unit (1) is not connected to an external power source, it enters the pure electric working mode. The power source of the crane (2) is the electrical energy stored in the battery (101). The motor (103) converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, and the hydraulic pump (102) converts the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The crane (2) controls the luffing action of the upper vehicle and the action of the lower vehicle outriggers and suspension through the upper and lower vehicle hydraulic system. When the battery (101) is low on power, the crane (2) prompts that the power is low.

6. The method of using the portable power unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: If the portable power unit (1) is connected to an external power source, it enters the plug-in working condition. The power source of the crane (2) is the electrical energy supplied by the external power source. The external power source transmits the electrical energy to the motor (103) through the charging device (104). The motor (103) converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy. The hydraulic pump (102) converts the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The control of the upper and lower vehicle hydraulic system of the crane (2) is realized to control the luffing action of the upper vehicle and the action of the lower vehicle outriggers and suspension.

7. A crane using the portable power unit described in any one of claims 1-6.

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