Drive device for mobile crane

Abstract

The present invention relates to a driving apparatus for a mobile crane, comprising: an internal combustion engine for outputting power; a motor for outputting power in its motor mode and / or for generating electricity in its generator mode; and a transfer case for selectively distributing power output to the transfer case to a drive mechanism for moving the mobile crane and to a pump device for performing crane operations, in which the internal combustion engine cooperates with an input shaft of the transfer case, the input shaft cooperates with the drive mechanism, the electric machine cooperates with an intermediate shaft of the transfer case, and the electric machine cooperates with an output shaft of the transfer case. And the pump device cooperates with the output shaft of the transfer case. The drive device is characterized by: a first clutch disposed between the input shaft and the intermediate shaft to couple or separate the input shaft and the intermediate shaft from each other as required; and a second clutch disposed between the intermediate shaft and the output shaft to couple or separate the intermediate shaft and the output shaft from each other as required.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a drive device for a mobile crane. Background Art

[0002] A mobile crane differs from other types of cranes in that it has its own drive to move the crane, making it extremely flexible in terms of where it can be used. A typical mobile crane consists of a transport vehicle and the crane mounted on it. The transport vehicle is usually a truck chassis or a specially designed vehicle chassis connected via a slewing ring to a rotatably mounted crane.

[0003] With the increasing electrification of drive units, it is now possible to use electric motors to drive mobile cranes. For example, electric motors are used to actuate hydraulic pumps required for crane operation, while the prior art continues to rely on internal combustion engines to propel mobile cranes. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved hybrid drive for a mobile crane which requires as few components as possible and which at the same time has a large number of desired functions in this respect.

[0005] This is achieved by a drive device for a mobile crane according to one aspect of the invention. In this respect, advantageous embodiments of the drive device can be found in another aspect of the invention. The invention also comprises an advantageous method for operating such a drive device, which has particular advantages in the travel drive of a mobile crane or in reducing emissions.

[0006] According to the present invention, a drive device for a mobile crane is provided, the drive device comprising: an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine, for outputting power; an electric machine for outputting power in its motor mode and / or for generating electricity in its generator mode; and a transfer case for selectively distributing the power output to the transfer case to a drive mechanism for moving the mobile crane and a pump device for performing crane operations, wherein the internal combustion engine cooperates with an input shaft of the transfer case, the input shaft cooperates with the drive mechanism, the electric machine cooperates with an intermediate shaft of the transfer case, and the pump device cooperates with an output shaft of the transfer case. The drive device is unique in that: a first clutch is arranged between the input shaft and the intermediate shaft to couple the input shaft and the intermediate shaft to each other or to separate them from each other as required; and a second clutch is arranged between the intermediate shaft and the output shaft to couple the intermediate shaft and the output shaft to each other or to separate them from each other as required.

[0007] An advantage of the drive device according to the invention is that the transfer case has an output shaft which can be driven both by the internal combustion engine and by the electric machine when the first clutch and the second clutch are in corresponding positions. For example, if it is desired to perform a crane operation in a purely electric manner, the first clutch can be opened and the second clutch closed, so that the electric machine drives the intermediate shaft and also actuates the output shaft of the transfer case via the closed second clutch, so that a crane operation is possible (via actuation of the pump).

[0008] The transfer case is thus configured to allow both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to supply power to the transfer case. The transfer case can transfer this power to the drive mechanism and the pump device. If the first clutch (K1) is open, the electric motor can thus simultaneously supply the pump device via the transfer case and the internal combustion engine can supply the drive mechanism for moving the mobile crane via the transfer case.

[0009] In this respect, the design of the drive device for a mobile crane according to the invention is configured in a redundant manner with respect to the drive of the output shaft, since in the event of a failure of the electric motor for driving the output shaft, which operates the crane by means of the hydraulic pump, the internal combustion engine can also be used as an alternative. Closing the first clutch and closing the second clutch produces a friction connection between the input shaft and the output shaft of the transfer case, so that the internal combustion engine can also be used to drive the output shaft. This means that crane operation is still possible even in the event of a defective electric motor, so that the crane does not stop but can continue to operate.

[0010] A further advantage of the drive system according to the invention is that, while driving the output shaft of the transfer case with the help of the internal combustion engine, the electric machine can also be operated in generator mode, making it possible to supply power to auxiliary consumers.

[0011] Therefore, a separate alternator, as is otherwise common in prior art examples, can be omitted.

[0012] According to the invention, it can therefore be provided that the internal combustion engine is used to drive the input shaft of the transfer case.The internal combustion engine can be coupled to the input shaft such that the internal combustion engine drives the input shaft of the transfer case.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the invention, provision can be made that the electric machine is used to drive or is driven by an intermediate shaft of the transfer case.The electric machine can be coupled to the intermediate shaft such that the electric machine drives the intermediate shaft of the transfer case.

[0014] According to a further advantageous modification, the output shaft of the transfer case is used to drive a crane pump, in particular a hydraulic pump, in order to deliver hydraulic fluid for performing crane functions.

[0015] According to an advantageous modification of the invention, it can be provided that the drive device also includes an accumulator connected to the electric machine for storing energy from the electric machine in generator mode or for supplying energy to the electric machine in motor mode. Thus, the accumulator is used to accommodate the electricity generated by the electric machine or to supply the electric machine when the electric machine is operated in motor mode.

[0016] In addition, the power stored in the accumulator can also be used to supply energy to auxiliary consumers.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the energy accumulator can be charged by means of the charging port via an external power source. When the electric machine is operated in motor mode, the energy supplied via the charging connection can also be used to operate the electric machine in motor mode, so that in this state, charging of the energy accumulator no longer occurs or only occurs at a slower rate.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the drive device also includes at least one auxiliary consumer, in particular a heating element for temperature regulation of the cabin of the mobile crane and / or the driver's cab and / or a compressor of an air-conditioning system for temperature regulation of the cabin of the mobile crane, and / or a heat pump for temperature regulation of the energy accumulator and / or a heating element for temperature regulation of the energy accumulator, wherein preferably, at least one auxiliary consumer for energy supply is connected to the electric motor in the intermediate circuit.

[0019] In this respect, it can be provided that at least one auxiliary consumer is connected to the electric machine so that the electric machine supplies energy to the at least one auxiliary consumer in generator mode. For example, the at least one auxiliary consumer can be arranged, preferably together with the energy accumulator, in an intermediate circuit, in particular a DC intermediate circuit, into which the energy generated by the electric machine is fed. It is also possible to use an electrical supply of energy from the energy accumulator.

[0020] An advantage of the embodiments according to the invention is that the electric motor is used to drive the hydraulic pump during electric crane operation and can be used to supply power to at least one auxiliary consumer during operation by means of the internal combustion engine, during crane operation and when the mobile crane is moving. This means that only one electric motor is required, so that the 24V alternator usually coupled to the internal combustion engine can be omitted. In electric crane operation, the electric motor acts as a motor to drive the crane components, while when driven by means of the internal combustion engine for travel and / or crane operation, the electric motor is used as a generator.

[0021] Conventional heaters use waste heat from the internal combustion engine or rely on fuel-driven auxiliary heaters. However, according to the invention, it can be provided that the heating unit or the compressor of the cooling circuit is operated using energy from an intermediate circuit or an electric motor or an accumulator, so that air conditioning can also be performed independently of the operation of the internal combustion engine or the consumption of fuel.

[0022] According to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, provision can be made that the intermediate circuit has a connection possibility to an external power source. The connection possibility to the external power source not only enables charging of the energy accumulator, but also enables continuous operation of the electric machine in motor mode for crane operation. For example, when using a mobile crane, it may be desirable to operate the mobile crane without the use of the internal combustion engine after the crane has been moved to its workplace, thereby without exhaust gases and noise. For this purpose, an external power source can be connected so that the energy required for operating the crane is taken from it.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision can be made that the intermediate circuit is connected to the motor via at least one contactor and / or an inverter. This allows the motor to be disconnected from the inverter and the intermediate circuit, which is advantageous, for example, if the inverter fails during drive operation.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the invention, provision can be made for the onboard power system, in particular a 12 V or 24 V onboard power system, to be connected to the intermediate circuit via a DC / DC converter.

[0025] According to the invention, provision can also be made for the intermediate circuit to have a voltage level of more than 48 V, preferably at least 200 V, preferably at least 500 V and most preferably at least 700 V.

[0026] According to the present invention, it can also be provided that the drive device also includes a manual transmission for changing different gears, wherein the manual transmission is arranged between the input shaft of the transfer case and the engine output shaft of the internal combustion engine, wherein the output of the manual transmission cooperates with the input shaft of the transfer case or the output of the manual transmission is the input shaft of the transfer case.

[0027] In order to move the mobile crane, advantageously the internal combustion engine can supply different ratios to the input shaft of the transfer case via a manual transmission. The drive device according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the interruption of traction force occurring in this respect during the shifting of the various gears of the manual transmission by closing the first clutch. This allows the electric machine attached to the intermediate shaft to be temporarily operated in motor mode so that traction force is not completely lost during the gear change. Driving without or with less interruption of traction force is more pleasant for the mobile crane driver and results in an improved driving experience.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the electric machine is a high-voltage electric motor. Preferably, the high-voltage electric motor has an output voltage of at least 400V.

[0029] According to an optional modification of the invention, it can be provided that, when the first clutch is closed and the second clutch is open, the transfer case is configured to supply power from the internal combustion engine to a drive mechanism (e.g. a wheel axle) which can be used to move the mobile crane. In order to transmit the power input to the input shaft by the internal combustion engine to the drive mechanism (e.g. a drive shaft connected to the wheels, etc.), a third clutch can also be provided, which optionally establishes or releases a force-fitting connection between the input shaft and the drive mechanism, in particular the drive shaft. In this respect, the third clutch can also be arranged in the transfer case.

[0030] Furthermore, according to an advantageous modification, provision can be made that, when the first clutch is closed and the second clutch is open, the transfer case is configured to establish a force-locking connection with the electric machine, so that the electric machine can generate electricity in generator mode or support the power of the internal combustion engine in motor mode. In this respect, the electric machine can also be solely responsible for driving the mobile crane in its motor mode, i.e. ensuring that the mobile crane moves without the support of the internal combustion engine.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, provision can be made that the transfer case is configured to decouple the drive mechanism from the input shaft by means of the third clutch when the second clutch is closed, so that crane operation is only possible when the mobile crane is stationary.

[0032] The invention also relates to a mobile crane having a drive device according to one of the aforementioned aspects, preferably wherein the mobile crane is a large mobile crane with a lifting moment of at least 400 kNm.

[0033] The invention also relates to a method of operating a drive device according to one of the aspects in question or a mobile crane according to the preceding aspect.

[0034] In this context, provision may also be made for the electric machine to be operated during a shifting operation of the manual transmission in order to reduce the interruption in traction force caused by the shifting operation.

[0035] Therefore, during a gear change of the manual transmission to change the ratio of the internal combustion engine, which drives the input shaft of the transfer case at this ratio, the force for driving the travel drive is supplied by the electric machine, so that the traction force interruption occurring during the gear change is alleviated or even completely eliminated.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the invention, provision can be made that during the idling phase of the crane operation, the internal combustion engine is still loaded by the generator mode of the electric machine in order to keep the exhaust gas temperature at a predetermined level, preferably for efficient exhaust gas aftertreatment and / or to switch off the internal combustion engine after full charging or when the desired charge state of the energy accumulator is reached and to continue the crane operation via the energy accumulator in order to put an end to noise or exhaust gas emissions generated during operation of the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is only started again as soon as the charge level of the energy accumulator falls below a predetermined level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Other features, details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 showing a side view of a mobile crane;

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a drive device for a mobile crane according to the prior art;

[0040] Figure 3 A drive device for a crane according to the invention is shown; and

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram shows the connection of an electric motor 22 in a drive device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 A side view of a mobile crane is shown.

[0043] The mobile crane 1 has an underframe 2 and a superstructure 3. The underframe 2 has a cab 4 for the driver, and the superstructure 3 has a cabin 5. The underframe 2 has a drive shaft 6 with wheels 7. The crane 1 has a boom (also called a crane arm) which can be extended and is rotatably articulated relative to the underframe.

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a drive device for a mobile crane 1 known from the prior art is shown.

[0045] An internal combustion engine 8, in particular a diesel engine, arranged in the underframe 2 drives the drive shaft 6 and thus the wheels 7 via a powershift transmission 9. The internal combustion engine 8 is started via a starter 10. The starter 10 receives its energy from a vehicle battery 11, typically at a voltage of 12 V or 24 V (connection not shown), via an onboard network 12. An alternator 13 is driven by the internal combustion engine 8, feeds the onboard network 12 and charges the vehicle battery 11. This configuration represents a known system in vehicles.

[0046] The on-board network 12 supplies energy to all crane components related to their control systems. This means that the power required by most components does not have to be provided by the vehicle battery 11, but the energy required comes from the internal combustion engine 8. The vehicle battery only provides the energy required for the electronic control of the components.

[0047] A clutch (not shown) is provided between the powershift transmission 9 and the transfer case 14, which ensures that energy is not transferred to the transfer case 14 during travel, so that the crane boom cannot move when the mobile crane is in motion.

[0048] During crane operation, the internal combustion engine 8 drives the components for crane work (and therefore also drives at least one hydraulic pump 15). According to the diagram shown, the power flow is achieved via a mechanical connection to at least one hydraulic pump 15 via the powershift transmission 9 and the transfer case 14. The hydraulic lines of the crane actuators are not shown. The at least one hydraulic pump 15 receives the power required for its control via the on-board network 12 and can be realized by different types of pumps (for example, by a rotary pump).

[0049] If emission-free operation is now desired, the mobile crane 1 can also use an external power source 16 as the main energy source. Typically, this external power source 16 can be connected to the mobile crane 1 via a plug connection. A rectifier 18 then provides a DC intermediate circuit 19 via a contactor 17. All crane components with high energy requirements are connected to this DC intermediate circuit 19. For example, the DC intermediate circuit 19 is present in the underframe 2 and the superstructure 3. This DC intermediate circuit passes through the slewing ring between the underframe 2 and the superstructure 3.

[0050] The cabin 5 is temperature controlled via a high voltage heating system 20 and a high voltage air conditioning compressor 21. In the prior art, the components are electrically controlled via the on-board network 12. The high voltage electric motor 22 is connected to the DC intermediate circuit 19 via an inverter 23 and is powered. Since the power shift transmission 9 is separated from the transfer case 14 in emission-free crane operation, no energy enters the power shift transmission via an undesired path, so that all energy from the high voltage electric motor 22 enters the hydraulic pump 15 via the mechanical connection and the transfer case 14. The internal combustion engine 8 is inactive in this operating state (emission-free operation) and is therefore unable to drive the alternator 13, so that it cannot supply the on-board network 12. This task is performed by a DC / DC controller 24, which converts the energy supplied by the external power supply so that the on-board network is provided with a suitable voltage.

[0051] Without such supply of the on-board network via an external power source, the relatively small vehicle battery 11 would be discharged rapidly, since the power requirement of the on-board network is rather high and is approximately 1 kW.

[0052] The disadvantage of this is that, in this configuration, there can be no DC intermediate circuit 19 when the crane is operated with the help of the internal combustion engine 8, which supplies energy to a high-voltage heating system or an HV air conditioning compressor, for example. This explicitly requires a generator 25 which, unlike the already existing alternator, must generate a voltage in the high-voltage range. If it is now desired to heat the cabin 5 during operation of the crane with the help of the internal combustion engine 8 also via the high-voltage heater 20 and the high-voltage air conditioning compressor 21, an additional high-voltage generator 25 (e.g. Figure 1 1) in order to supply energy to these auxiliary consumers. This also reaches the rectifier 18 via the contactor 17 and is large enough to meet the (relatively low) energy requirement in the DC intermediate circuit 19. After all, during crane operation with the help of the internal combustion engine, the high-voltage electric motor 22 is disconnected and not in operation.

[0053] Figure 3 A drive device according to the invention for a crane is shown.

[0054] Compared to the prior art, the electric machine 22 is integrated into the transfer case 14 of the drive device of the mobile crane 1 in a very specific manner. An internal combustion engine 8 implemented by a diesel engine and a manual transmission 9 attached to the internal combustion engine can be detected. In this respect, the output shaft of the manual transmission 9 acts on the input shaft of the transfer case 14, via which the wheel drive 7 of the mobile crane can be driven. In this respect, the input shaft can be coupled to an intermediate shaft via a first clutch K1, to which the electric machine 22 is connected. The intermediate shaft in turn can be coupled to the output shaft of the transfer case 14 via a second clutch K2. At least one pump required for the operation of the crane is operated via the output shaft.

[0055] in this regard, Figure 4 It is shown which components are connected to the electric machine 22 according to the invention.

[0056] In this respect, the electric machine 22 is connected via a contactor 28 and an inverter 23 to a DC intermediate circuit 19 to which a plurality of auxiliary consumers are connected and draw energy.

[0057] An accumulator 26 may be detected, which is configured to store energy generated by the electric machine 22 when the electric machine 22 is operated in the generator mode. Alternatively, the energy stored in the accumulator 26 is used to drive the electric machine 22 in the motor mode.

[0058] It can also be detected that a high-voltage air-conditioning compressor 21 and a heater 20 are provided for temperature regulation of the cabin of the mobile crane and also draw energy from the intermediate circuit 19 .

[0059] The on-board network 12, which is usually operated at 12V or 24V, is also connected to the intermediate circuit 19 via a DC / DC controller 24. A heat pump 101 and a further heating element 102 may also be provided and used for temperature regulation of the accumulator 26. As is known to those skilled in the art, large-capacity accumulators are sensitive to their temperature, so it is advantageous to keep them in a favorable temperature range to improve performance and obtain the longest possible service life. This applies in particular during the charging of the accumulator, since for the battery 26, energy storage can only be carried out at high speed and slowly within the corresponding temperature window.

[0060] In addition, an external power source 16 can also be detected, which can charge the energy accumulator 26 via at least one rechargeable battery charger. Alternatively, however, the energy originating from the external power source 16 can also be used directly to drive the motor 22. In order to control the energy flow in the intermediate circuit 19, an optional distribution box 29 can be provided, which contains fuses and corresponding connections. At least one contactor can also be provided in this optional distribution box 29 in order to be able to establish a connection with the rechargeable battery charger. Each device can be connected to the DC intermediate circuit 19 and draw power from the DC intermediate circuit 19. Here, the optional distribution box 29 does not intervene.

[0061] As from Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen in the combined view of FIG. 1 , by closing the clutch K1 , the electric motor 22 can be connected to the drive train of the internal combustion engine 8. When the mobile crane 1 is moving, the electric motor 22 can support the internal combustion engine 8 during travel or even provide full propulsion for the mobile crane.

[0062] Furthermore, in driving mode, it can be provided that the electric machine 22 is connected via the first clutch K1 through the internal combustion engine and acts as a generator. In this way, any auxiliary consumers (e.g. for battery air conditioners 101, 102, high-voltage heater 20, high-voltage air conditioner compressor 21) can be supplied and / or an energy accumulator in the form of a high-voltage air conditioner battery 26 can be charged. This takes place via the DC intermediate circuit 19, with the clutch K2 naturally open in this state.

[0063] In driving mode, the electric machine 22 can also be regenerated by means of the internal combustion engine, so that the energy storage device 26 is charged by the generator mode of the electric machine 22 .

[0064] In crane operation, clutch K2 is always closed, since this is the only way to transfer corresponding energy to the at least one crane pump 15. By actuating the first clutch K1, the crane can be operated by means of the internal combustion engine 8 (clutch K1 closed) or electrically (clutch K1 open).

[0065] If the first clutch K1 is closed, the internal combustion engine 8 is used to operate the crane and the electric machine 22 acts as a generator. The energy generated by the electric machine 22 is used to supply auxiliary consumers or to charge the energy storage device 26. The advantage here is that no additional heating and no additional mechanical air conditioning compressor are required, because the corresponding components can be operated using the DC intermediate circuit 19 and the generator mode of the electric machine 22.

[0066] In crane operation, the cabin 5 is always air conditioned via high voltage components (by means of a high voltage heater 20 and a high voltage air conditioning compressor 21), whether operated with an internal combustion engine or an electric motor 22. This has the advantage that air conditioning is also possible when the output shaft 27 is stationary and fuel combustion is not desired.

[0067] In electric crane operation, ie when the internal combustion engine 8 is inactive, the energy for the auxiliary consumers comes from the energy accumulator 26 or from the external power source 16 .

[0068] The advantage here is that the high-voltage air-conditioning compressor 21 and the high-voltage heater 20 can also air condition the cabin 5 when the overall drive train (engine, transmission, shaft) is at a standstill, and in addition, no pollutant emissions are generated when operating the high-voltage air-conditioning compressor 20 compared to a fuel-driven parking heater.

[0069] An advantageous method for operating the drive device is that idling phases in crane operation, in which no crane actuation occurs, can be used to continue to load the internal combustion engine 8 in order to keep the exhaust gas temperature above a certain temperature threshold. This improves exhaust gas aftertreatment and leads to lower overall emissions. If the accumulator 26 is full or has exceeded a certain charge level, the internal combustion engine 8 can be shut down and the crane operation can be continued using the electric machine 22 in combination with the accumulator. Stopping the internal combustion engine 8 also stops the noise emissions emitted by the internal combustion engine, so that the internal combustion engine 8 is operated less idlingly.

[0070] In addition, the drive device can be used to alleviate or completely eliminate the traction interruption of the manual transmission of the internal combustion engine during the gear change. In order to change gears, the power flow from the internal combustion engine 8 to the wheels 7 must be briefly interrupted, wherein the electric machine 22 applies a corresponding force in the motor mode to alleviate the traction interruption.

[0071] Another advantage is that the crane remains fully functional in the event of a failure of the high voltage system, since if the electric motor 22 fails, operation can still be performed using the internal combustion engine and the corresponding mechanical shaft (when the first clutch K1 and the second clutch K2 are closed). This is not necessarily the case when using a high voltage electric motor on a diesel engine and an electric motor for driving the hydraulic pump, since the internal combustion engine 8 no longer needs to be mechanically connected to the hydraulic pump.

[0072] List of reference numerals:

[0073] 1 Mobile Crane

[0074] 2 bottom frame

[0075] 3Superstructure

[0076] 4 Driver's Cab

[0077] 5 Cabins

[0078] 6 Drive shaft

[0079] 7 wheels

[0080] 8 Internal combustion engine

[0081] 9 Powershift Transmission

[0082] 10. Starter

[0083] 11 Vehicle Battery

[0084] 12 In-vehicle Network

[0085] 13. Alternator

[0086] 14 Transfer case

[0087] 15 Hydraulic pump

[0088] 16 External power supply

[0089] 17 Contactor

[0090] 18 Rectifier

[0091] 19 DC intermediate circuit

[0092] 20 High voltage heating

[0093] 21 High voltage air conditioning compressor

[0094] 22 High voltage electric motor

[0095] 23 Inverter

[0096] 24DC / DC Controller

[0097] 25 High Voltage Generator

[0098] 26 High Voltage Battery

[0099] 27 Axis

[0100] 28 AC contactor

[0101] 29 High voltage distribution box

[0102] K1 Clutch

[0103] K2 Clutch

[0104] 100 Steering Pump

[0105] 101 Heat Pump

[0106] 102 high voltage heating.

Claims

1. A driving device for a mobile crane, comprising: An internal combustion engine, which is used to output power, an electric machine for outputting power in its motor mode and / or for generating electricity in its generator mode, and a transfer case for selectively distributing power output to the transfer case to a drive mechanism for moving the mobile crane and a pump device for performing crane operations, wherein The internal combustion engine cooperates with the input shaft of the transfer case, The input shaft cooperates with the drive mechanism, The electric machine cooperates with an intermediate shaft of the transfer case, and The pump device cooperates with the output shaft of the transfer case, It is characterized in that a first clutch disposed between the input shaft and the intermediate shaft to couple the input shaft and the intermediate shaft to each other or to separate the input shaft and the intermediate shaft from each other as required, and A second clutch is disposed between the intermediate shaft and the output shaft to couple the intermediate shaft and the output shaft to each other or to disconnect the input shaft and the intermediate shaft from each other as required. 2 . The drive device according to claim 1 , further comprising an accumulator connected to the electric machine for storing energy from the electric machine in the generator mode or supplying energy to the electric machine in the motor mode.

3. A drive device according to any of the preceding claims, which also includes at least one auxiliary consumer, in particular a heating element for temperature regulation of the cabin of the mobile crane and / or the driver's cab and / or a compressor of an air-conditioning system for temperature regulation of the cabin of the mobile crane, and / or a heat pump for temperature regulation of an energy accumulator and / or a heating element for temperature regulation of an energy accumulator, wherein preferably, at least one auxiliary consumer for energy supply is connected to the motor in an intermediate circuit. 4 . The operating device according to claim 3 , wherein the intermediate circuit has a connection possibility to an external power source.

5. Drive device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the intermediate circuit is connected to the electric machine via at least one contactor and / or an inverter. 6 . The drive device according to claim 3 , wherein an onboard electrical system, in particular a 12 V or 24 V onboard electrical system, is connected to the intermediate circuit via a DC / DC converter.

7. The drive device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises a manual transmission for shifting different gears, the manual transmission being arranged between the input shaft of the transfer case and the engine output shaft of the internal combustion engine, wherein the output of the manual transmission cooperates with or is the input shaft of the transfer case.

8. A drive apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the electric machine is a high voltage electric motor.

9. A drive apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the first clutch is closed and the second clutch is open, the transfer case is configured to supply power from the internal combustion engine to the drive mechanism which is operable to move the mobile crane.

10. The drive device of claim 9, wherein when the first clutch is closed and the second clutch is open, the transfer case is configured to achieve a force-fit connection with the electric machine, so that the electric machine can generate electricity in generator mode or support the output of the internal combustion engine in motor mode.

11. A drive apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer case is configured to decouple the drive mechanism from the input shaft by means of a third clutch when the second clutch is closed, to ensure that crane operation is only possible when the mobile crane is stationary.

12. A mobile crane having a drive device according to any one of the preceding claims, preferably wherein the mobile crane is a large mobile crane having a lifting moment of at least 400 kNm.

13. A method of operating a drive device according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 11 or a mobile crane according to the preceding claim 12.

14. The method of claim 12 and further having the features of claim 7, wherein motor operation of the electric machine is performed during a shift operation of the manual transmission to reduce traction force interruption caused by the shift operation.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein during an idling phase of crane operation, the internal combustion engine is still loaded by the generator mode of the electric machine in order to keep the exhaust gas temperature at a predetermined level, preferably for efficient exhaust gas aftertreatment and / or the internal combustion engine is switched off after full charging or when a desired charge state of the energy accumulator is reached and the crane operation is continued via the energy accumulator in order to put an end to noise or exhaust gas emissions generated during operation of the internal combustion engine.

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