Device for securing at least one counterweight plate of a crane

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for securing at least one weight plate of a crane, comprising a rod-shaped basic element for passing through a through opening of the at least one weight plate, a clamping unit which is detachably fixed on the basic element and is not movable in the longitudinal direction of the basic element in the fixed state, and a carrier unit which is fixable in different positions in the longitudinal direction of the basic element, preferably the carrier unit has a recess for the passage of the basic element, wherein the clamping unit and the carrier unit are designed to clamp together with an underlying carrier plate at least one weight plate or a stack of weight plates arranged therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for securing at least one counterweight plate of a crane, used to prevent the tipping of a single counterweight or the entire stack, and to prevent the accidental lifting of a single counterweight plate. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a system and method for securing at least one counterweight plate of a crane. Background Technology

[0002] Especially in the event of an unexpected load falling off, a tremendous force could be generated, causing the counterweights in the stack to be lifted. This is immediately apparent as a particularly dangerous situation that could pose a risk to nearby personnel.

[0003] Counterweights, in the form of counterweight plates, are used in cranes to ensure stable operation and withstand dynamic loads during transport or use. Especially when traveling on non-public roads at construction sites, additional forces are generated on the stack, so counterweight stacks that are only protected against load slippage will experience different accelerations during site travel (i.e., when operating the crane on non-public roads).

[0004] According to existing technology, counterweight plates are typically secured using safety chains, primarily to prevent unwanted load slippage. However, this solution does not cover the tipping protection of the entire counterweight or plate stack, especially in high-load configurations where the stack is set, for example, to 60 tons. Nevertheless, it is desirable to use counterweight plates of this size to move cranes on the construction site for more efficient crane operation.

[0005] Existing methods for securing counterweights to prevent load slippage or overturning, such as using retaining hoops or centering devices on the plates, have drawbacks in terms of installation workload and the need for access from all sides of the stack. For example, after ballasting operations are completed, retaining hoops must be installed on all three sides, and additional balancing elements must be considered to compensate for different heights and tolerances of the counterweight plates. This makes use in dynamic environments particularly difficult and increases the installation workload. An example of securing a counterweight stack using retaining hoops is shown, for instance, in CN 201729607 A. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, this invention aims to develop a safe and easy-to-install fixing device that ensures both the tipping protection of the entire counterweight stack and the prevention of lifting of individual counterweight units. With the device of this invention, installation on cranes is significantly simplified, preventing the counterweight stack from tipping over even under loads incurred during site travel. This results in a reliable and flexible solution that meets the needs of modern lifting applications and the growing demand for counterweight systems with higher load-bearing capacity.

[0007] One aspect of the invention is a specific solution that realizes the invention and overcomes or at least mitigates the above-mentioned problems. Another aspect is an advantageous embodiment.

[0008] The device for fixing at least one counterweight plate of a crane according to the present invention comprises: a rod-shaped basic element for passing through a through opening in at least one counterweight plate; a clamping unit detachably fixed to the basic element and immovable along the longitudinal direction of the basic element in a fixed state; and a bracket unit fixable at different positions along the longitudinal direction of the basic element, wherein the bracket unit preferably has a groove for the basic element to pass through. The clamping unit and the bracket unit are designed to clamp, together with a bearing plate, at least one counterweight plate or stack of counterweight plates arranged between the clamping unit and the bracket unit.

[0009] The rod-shaped basic element works in conjunction with the clamping unit and the bracket unit to allow for the fixed arrangement of a stack of counterweight plates between them. For this purpose, the clamping unit is fixed to one end (lower end) of the rod-shaped basic element, making it immovably fixed along the longitudinal direction of the basic element. Conversely, the bracket unit can be fixed at different positions on the basic element to accommodate different stacking heights of the counterweight plates. To clamp or tighten the stack of counterweight plates, the rod-shaped basic element is inserted into a through-hole formed by multiple counterweight plates, preferably located in the central region of each plate. This ensures that the through-hole can be accessed from the corresponding side at both the lower and upper ends of the stack. Subsequently, the clamping unit can connect to the rod-shaped basic element at the lower end of the stack, thereby preventing the basic element from being pulled upwards, since the profile of the clamping unit is larger than the through-hole of the supporting plate.

[0010] On the opposite side of the stack of plates, the bracket unit is connected to the rod-shaped basic element, and the outline of the bracket unit is also larger than the through portion of the counterweight plate. Thus, the bracket unit is positioned above the uppermost counterweight plate of the stack, allowing the clamping unit to be installed without continuous lifting in this state. To enable the device to be used with counterweight plate stacks of different heights, the bracket unit can be fixed in a variable position along the basic element.

[0011] Therefore, the device creates a clamping effect that prevents individual plates in the stack from being lifted in the event of load slippage, while simultaneously preventing the stack from tipping over.

[0012] According to another optional modification, the rod-shaped basic element can be specified to have a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, particularly equidistant openings, for inserting fixing elements, such as bolts or locking pins, to secure the bracket unit at different positions along the basic element. Thus, the device of the present invention can be used to secure counterweight plate stacks of different heights.

[0013] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the bracket unit may have a collar section designed to partially or completely surround the outer periphery of the rod-shaped base element. The collar section has at least one opening for inserting a fixing element (such as a bolt or locking pin) to secure the bracket unit to the base element in a variable position. It is advantageous if the rod-shaped base element also has corresponding openings, spaced longitudinally such that a locking pin can be inserted when the opening of the collar element aligns with the opening of the base element, thereby securing the bracket unit to the base element.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be specified that the clamping unit is fixed to one of the two ends of the basic element, preferably by a threaded connection, wherein the clamping unit has an external thread and the basic element has an internal thread. For example, the clamping unit is fixed to the lower end of the basic element by a threaded connection. The internal thread of the basic element is preferably arranged in the tubular end region of the rod-shaped basic element, and the connecting section of the clamping unit is screwed into it with its external thread. This forms a connection that is fixed in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] According to another optional modification, a suspension device can be specified at one end opposite the fixed end of the clamping unit, which interacts with the crane hook. This suspension device simplifies the operation of the device because an auxiliary crane or a crane with one or more counterweight plates to be fixed can be used to lower the rod-shaped basic element from above into the through-hole of the counterweight plate stack until the bracket unit is placed on the uppermost counterweight plate, such that the upper end section of the basic element protrudes from the top side of the stack. The clamping unit is then connected to the basic element from the underside of the support plate, thereby fixing or clamping the counterweight plate stack between the bracket unit and the clamping unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention can specify that the basic element is designed as a telescopic rod-like assembly with a variable, particularly graded, length. To accommodate counterweight plate stacks of varying heights, the basic element preferably comprises an outer tube and an inner tube. To achieve graded length variability, both the outer and inner tubes have openings offset from each other in the longitudinal direction. When the inner tube is pulled out of the outer tube, the length of the entire assembly is determined once one opening of the outer tube aligns with one opening of the inner tube. At this point, for example, a locking pin or bolt can be inserted into the aligned opening to secure the inner tube relative to the outer tube and prevent further pulling.

[0017] Furthermore, the retractable rod-shaped assembly may include not only two, but also multiple, such as three or four retractable elements that can be displaced from each other, to achieve greater variability in length dimension while keeping the size as compact as possible in the fully retracted state.

[0018] As previously described, the basic element can be defined as comprising an outer tube and an inner tube, each having openings spaced apart, particularly equidistantly arranged, along the longitudinal direction of the basic element for inserting fixing elements (such as bolts or locking pins). Thus, the total length of the basic element can be progressively changed by fixing the inner and outer tubes at these openings. Advantageously, the spacing between two adjacent openings on the outer and / or inner tubes corresponds to the thickness of the counterweight plate to be fixed by the device. In other words, advantageously, the pitch of the openings along the longitudinal direction is consistent with the thickness of the counterweight plate to be fixed.

[0019] According to another advantageous improvement of the invention, the clamping unit and the bracket unit may be specified to have a radial dimension when they are fixed to the base element, which is at least twice, preferably three times, the radial dimension of the base element. With this larger radial dimension, the clamping unit and the bracket unit function as engaging elements to secure the stack of counterweight plates, wherein the rod-shaped base element is located in a through-hole in which the plates are aligned.

[0020] According to another optional improvement, an extension rod can be arranged between the clamping unit and the base element to increase the overall length of the assembly of the base element and the extension rod, thereby enabling the clamping of tall stacks of counterweight plates. Advantageously, the extension rod has threads, particularly external threads, on one of its two end sections for fixing to the base element, and threads, particularly internal threads, on its other end section for fixing to the clamping unit.

[0021] Depending on the required application configuration, the clamping unit can be fixed, for example, to the lower end of the rod-shaped basic element or the lower end of the extension rod, thereby also being able to securely clamp particularly tall stacks of counterweight plates.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a system for securing at least one counterweight plate of a crane to a counterweight support plate of the crane. The system includes, on one hand, the means according to the above aspects, and on the other hand, at least one counterweight plate having a through portion extending from one side plane to an opposite side plane, and a counterweight support plate of the crane, with at least one counterweight placed on the upper side of the counterweight support plate. The counterweight support plate has a through portion extending from its upper side to its lower side; preferably, the counterweight support plate and / or the counterweight plate further includes at least one centering element projecting in the stacking direction for centering and laterally securing and / or positioning the counterweight plate placed thereon. The counterweight support plate here forms an area of ​​the crane, on which one or more counterweight plates are placed, depending on the desired configuration.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a crane, particularly a mobile crane, equipped with a device or system according to one of the foregoing aspects.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for fixing at least one counterweight plate of a crane to the counterweight bearing plate of the crane, particularly using the apparatus, corresponding system, or crane according to the above aspects described above. The method includes the following steps:

[0025] At least one counterweight plate is placed and aligned on the counterweight bearing plate of the crane, such that the through portion of the counterweight plate is aligned with the through portion of the counterweight bearing plate. The bracket unit is fixed to the basic element. The rod-shaped basic element is inserted into the through-holes of the counterweight plate and the counterweight bearing plate that are aligned with each other, and The clamping unit is fixed to the basic element from the underside of the counterweight bearing plate to prevent the counterweight plate from being lifted and to fix it in place.

[0026] Therefore, after stacking the counterweight plates onto the crane's support plate, the longitudinal dimension of the rod-shaped basic element is adjusted to the number of counterweight plates stacked. Once completed, the bracket unit is secured in a suitable area, particularly the upper area, preferably at the upper third, ideally at the uppermost opening of the outer tube. The rod-shaped basic element, along with the secured bracket unit, is then raised and positioned above the aligned through-sections of the counterweight plates and the support plate, and lowered. This positions the bracket unit with its upper surface facing the uppermost counterweight plate, as the profile of the outwardly projecting flange section of the bracket unit is larger than the cross-section of the through-section. The clamping unit is then connected to the rod-shaped basic element from the lower side of the support plate, clamping the counterweight plate stack (along with the support plate).

[0027] It can also be specified that, after placing and aligning at least one counterweight plate and before inserting the rod-shaped basic element, the longitudinal dimension of the basic element is adjusted to the stacking height of one or more counterweight plates placed on the support plate, in particular by extending and / or by installing an extension rod, such that the longitudinal dimension of the rod-shaped basic element exceeds the sum of the stacking height and the thickness of the counterweight support plate.

[0028] According to another improvement of the method, the insertion of the rod-shaped basic element can be specified as being performed by means of a crane lifting operation, wherein the operation is preferably performed by a crane that is to fix at least one of its counterweight plates. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This diagram shows a view of the components of the device of the present invention arranged side by side. Figure 2 A perspective view of the counterweight plate is shown, and Figures 3a to 3d The device according to the invention is shown for fixing stacks of counterweight plates of different heights and for different usage configurations for parking devices. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A device 1 for fixing at least one counterweight plate 302 is shown, with the components displayed side by side. The rod-shaped basic element 100 can be seen, which... Figure 1The design is telescopic and includes an outer tube 101 and an inner tube 102 into which the outer tube can be inserted. To set a specific length for the rod-shaped basic element 100, both the outer tube 101 and the inner tube 102 have openings 107 arranged longitudinally spaced apart from each other for securing the outer tube 101 and the inner tube 102 together. For example, the inner tube 102 can be inserted into the outer tube 101, and when the corresponding openings 107 of the two tubes overlap, it is axially and immovably connected to the outer tube 101 by inserting fixing elements such as folding pins, bolts, screws, or locking pins.

[0031] At the lower end of the rod-shaped basic element 100, an extension rod 110 or a clamping unit 120 can then be fixed. For this purpose, it is preferable to provide threads, particularly internal threads, in the lower end section of the inner tube 102, which engage with correspondingly designed threads on the extension rod 110 or the clamping unit 120.

[0032] In addition, the extension rod 110 also has an opening 112 in the upper region of its longitudinal dimension to prevent accidental rotation of the extension rod 110 relative to the rod-shaped base element 100. This is achieved by inserting a locking element 111 into the two aligned openings 112 of the base element 100 and the extension rod 110.

[0033] The extension rod 110 has a fixing device at its lower end for mounting the clamping unit 120, so that the clamping unit 120 can be selectively fixed to the lower end of the base element 100 or the lower end of the extension rod 110.

[0034] The clamping unit 120 has a connecting section, typically in the form of an external thread, for establishing a rigid longitudinal connection with the base element 100 or the extension rod 110. At the end region opposite this connecting section, the clamping unit 120 exhibits an extended region extending perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, which serves as a support surface for the underside of the support plate 200 for placing the counterweight plate. In the assembled state, the extended region at the lower end of the clamping unit 120 has a lateral dimension larger than the corresponding dimension of the base element, particularly more than twice, and advantageously more than three times.

[0035] Also visible is the bracket unit 103, which is fitted onto the rod-shaped basic element 100 and has a collar section that partially or completely surrounds the outer periphery of the rod-shaped basic element 100 (here, the outer tube 101). The collar section also has an opening, allowing the bracket unit 103 to be secured to the opening of the basic element 100 by means of a locking element. From the collar section, perpendicular to the collar section, extends a flange section, which, in the connected state, has a dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the basic element 100, which is greater than twice, preferably more than three times, the corresponding dimension of the basic element.

[0036] At the upper end of the basic element 100, Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, a suspension device 104 is provided at the upper end of the outer tube 101, which is used to lift the entire device 1 or its components. This suspension device 104 can be lifted, for example by means of a lifting device such as a crane, to achieve insertion into the through opening of the counterweight plate stack 300, which will be described in detail later.

[0037] Figure 2 A perspective view of counterweight plate 302, used as ballast for heavy lifting tasks of a crane, is shown. The number of counterweight plates stacked is selected according to the crane's lifting task, such that only the number of plates required for the corresponding task is stacked. The counterweight plate 302 shown is merely an example within the scope of this application, and other embodiments are certainly possible. The fixing device 1 only requires a through section 301, which connects the first planar side of the counterweight plate 302 to the opposite planar side. The centering device 304, also shown, allows multiple counterweight plates 302 to be stacked vertically and prevents slippage between the plates; these centering devices are not strictly necessary.

[0038] Figure 3a The first configuration of the device 1 of the present invention is shown in a low-ballast configuration of a crane. The counterweight plates 302 required for ballast are formed into a counterweight plate stack 300 and placed on a counterweight support plate 200, wherein the through portions in the support plate 200 are aligned with the corresponding through portions 301 of the counterweight plates 302.

[0039] Here, the inner tube 102, which can extend and retract from the outer tube 101, is fully inserted and fixed to the outer tube 101 with bolts 105. The clamping unit 120 is fixed from the underside of the support plate 200 to the lower end of the rod-shaped basic element 100, for example by means of a corresponding threaded connection. Depending on the height of the counterweight plate stack 300, the bracket unit 103 can also be fixed to the basic element 100 by means of bolts 106 before fixing the clamping unit.

[0040] It can be seen that the counterweight plate 302 placed on the support plate 200 cannot be lifted upwards because the bracket unit 103 and the clamping unit 120 work together to resist the corresponding movement of the counterweight plate 302. This prevents the counterweight from being lifted or tipped over.

[0041] exist Figure 3a The entire fixing device 1 can be seen, including the outer tube 101, the inner tube, and the bracket unit 103. Three counterweights are visible. The height of these counterweights is below that of the fully retracted fixing device 1. Therefore, the fixing element 106 needs to pass through all three elements. All three counterweights must be coaxially aligned with each other. To facilitate this, a positioning device can be provided. This device centers the positions of the outer tube 101 and the inner tube 102.

[0042] Therefore, the outer tube 101 has a groove 108 and the inner tube 102 has a centering pin 109, see [reference] Figure 1 In this way, the two are aligned around their vertical axis.

[0043] It should also be mentioned that the inner tube 102 can also be a solid design.

[0044] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a (adhesive) instruction on a crane can be used to assist in the configuration of the fixing device. Thus, the length of the fixing device to be formed can be pre-defined by code according to the counterweight to be placed. For example, each opening 107 in the outer tube 101 can be marked with a letter, and each opening 107 in the inner tube can be marked with a number. The extension rod is further defined, for example, by V. It could then be specified as E4V. The bracket 103 should then be positioned in the fifth opening (E) of the outer tube 101. The outer tube 101 connects to the fourth opening of the inner tube 102 via its first opening (fixing hole). An extension rod 110 also needs to be installed.

[0045] Figure 3b The crane is shown in a medium ballast configuration, where the lengths of the outer tube 101 and inner tube 102 are adjusted to accommodate an increased number of stacked counterweight plates 302. For this purpose, the inner tube 102 is pulled out from the outer tube 101 and bolted together once it reaches a length corresponding to the counterweight plate stack 300. Locking elements 105 are shown as bolts inserted into two aligned openings in the outer tube 101 and inner tube 102.

[0046] Figure 3c The diagram illustrates a high-load crane configuration where the maximum length of the basic rod-shaped element is insufficient, thus an extension rod is installed. The basic operating principle of device 1 remains unchanged. However, to achieve the desired length determined by the through portions of the aligned counterweight plate 302 and the bearing plate 200, the extension rod 110 is secured to the lower end of the inner tube 102. This securing is typically achieved via a threaded connection, with a separately provided bolt connection preventing accidental rotation. For this purpose, the extension rod 110 also has an opening in its upper region, allowing it to be secured by means of a locking element 111, such as a rohrklappstecker, when aligned with the opening of the inner tube 102, preventing accidental loosening of the established threaded connection.

[0047] Figure 3dThe diagram illustrates the parking configuration of the device of the present invention, wherein the retractable base element 100 is configured to its minimum length, i.e., the inner tube 102 is fully inserted into the outer tube 101, while the bracket unit 103 is fixed to the lower region of the base element 100. The base element 100 with the bracket unit 103 is lifted over the support plate 200 and inserted into a through-portion provided in the support plate, such that the bracket unit 103 is positioned on the upper side of the plate 200. In this configuration, the base element 100 is positioned in the region below the bracket unit 103, engaging into or even passing through the through-portion 303 of the plate. This allows the clamping unit 120 to be fixed to the base element from the lower side of the plate 200, thereby clamping the device 1 onto the plate 200 and ensuring the normal operation of the crane connected to the plate 200.

[0048] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1 Fixing device 100 rod-shaped basic elements 101 outer tube 102 inner tube 103 bracket unit 104 suspension device 105 is a fixing element used for bolting inner and outer tubes. 106 Fixing element for bolting together basic components and brackets 107 Opening for inserting locking element 108 grooves 109 Reassuring Selling 110 extension pole 111 Fixing element for bolting outer tube and extension rod 112 opening 120 clamping unit Load-bearing plates used for counterweights on a 200 crane 300 counterweight plate stack 301 Through section of counterweight plate 302 counterweight plate 303 Through-section of the bearing plate 304 centering element.

Claims

1. A device (1) for fixing at least one counterweight plate (302) of a crane, comprising: A rod-shaped basic element (100) for passing through a through opening (301) in at least one counterweight plate (302). A clamping unit (120) is detachably fixed to the base element (100) and, in its fixed state, is immovable along the longitudinal direction of the base element (100). A bracket unit (103) is available for fixing at different positions along the longitudinal direction of the basic element (100). Preferably, the bracket unit (103) has a groove for the basic element (100) to pass through. The clamping unit (120) and the bracket unit (103) are designed to clamp together with the bearing plate at least one counterweight plate (302) or counterweight plate stack (300) arranged between the clamping unit and the bracket unit.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped basic element (100) has a plurality of openings (107) spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the basic element (100), particularly a plurality of openings (107) arranged at equal intervals, for inserting fixing elements (106), such as bolts or locking pins, to fix the bracket unit (103) at different positions along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped basic element (100).

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket unit (103) has a collar section designed to partially or completely surround the outer periphery of the rod-shaped basic element (100) and has at least one opening (107) for inserting a fixing element (106), such as a bolt or locking pin, to fix the bracket unit (103) at different locations along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped basic element (100).

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping unit (120) is capable of being fixed to one end of the two ends of the basic element (100), preferably by a threaded connection, wherein the clamping unit (120) has an external thread and the basic element (100) has an internal thread.

5. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a suspension device (104) for interacting with a crane hook is provided at an end opposite to the end for fixing the clamping unit (120).

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the basic element (100) is a telescopic rod assembly whose length is variable, and in particular, wherein the length of the telescopic rod assembly can be changed in stages.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein the basic element (100) comprises an outer tube (101) and a preferably solid inner tube (102), the outer tube and the inner tube respectively having openings (107) spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the basic element (100), particularly equidistant openings (107), the openings being used to insert fixing elements (105), such as bolts or locking pins, such that the inner tube (102) and the outer tube (101) are fixed by means of the aligned openings (107) to progressively change the total length of the basic element (100).

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping unit (120) and the bracket unit (103) have a dimension in the radial direction of the basic element (100) when they are fixed to the basic element (100), the dimension being at least twice, preferably at least three times, the radial dimension of the basic element (100).

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes an extension rod (110) which can be arranged between the clamping unit (120) and the basic element (100) and is used to increase the total length of the assembly of the basic element (100) and the extension rod (110) so as to be able to clamp a high stack of counterweight plates (300).

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the extension rod (110) has a thread, particularly an external thread, on one of its two end sections for fixing to the basic element (100), and has a thread, particularly an internal thread, on the other end section for fixing to the clamping unit (120).

11. A system for securing at least one counterweight plate (302) of a crane to a counterweight support plate (200) of the crane, comprising: The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. At least one counterweight plate (302) has a through opening (301) extending from one planar side to another planar side, and The crane has a counterweight bearing plate (200) for placing at least one counterweight on its upper side, wherein The counterweight bearing plate (200) has a through portion (303) from its upper side to its lower side, preferably, The counterweight support plate (200) and / or the counterweight plate (302) have at least one centering element protruding in the stacking direction, the at least one centering element being used to center and laterally fix the counterweight plate (302) placed thereon.

12. A crane, particularly a mobile crane, having the means according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the system according to claim 11.

13. A method for securing at least one counterweight plate (302) of a crane to the counterweight bearing plate (200) of the crane, particularly using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the system according to claim 11, or the crane according to claim 12, the method comprising the following steps: At least one counterweight plate (302) is placed and aligned on the counterweight support plate (200) of the crane, such that the through opening (301) of the at least one counterweight plate (302) is aligned with the through portion (303) of the counterweight support plate (200). The bracket unit (103) is fixed to the basic element (100). The rod-shaped basic element (100) is inserted into the mutually aligned through portions (301, 303) of the at least one counterweight plate (302) and the counterweight bearing plate (200), and The clamping unit (120) is fixed to the basic element (100) from the underside of the counterweight support plate (200) to prevent the counterweight plate (302) from being lifted and to fix the at least one counterweight plate (302) placed on the counterweight support plate (200).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein after placing and aligning at least one counterweight plate (302) and before inserting the rod-shaped basic element (100), the longitudinal dimension of the rod-shaped basic element (100) is adjusted to the stacking height of the at least one counterweight plate (302) placed on the counterweight support plate (200), in particular by elongating the retractable basic element (100) and / or by installing an extension rod (110), such that the longitudinal dimension of the rod-shaped basic element (100) exceeds, in particular slightly or unnecessarily excessively, the sum of the stacking height and the thickness of the counterweight support plate (200).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the insertion of the rod-shaped basic element (100) is performed by means of a crane lifting operation, preferably performed by a crane whose at least one counterweight plate (302) is to be fixed thereto.

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