Auxiliary hydraulic boom system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an auxiliary hydraulic boom system for a main boom. The present invention particularly relates to an auxiliary boom system that can be modularly disassembled and assembled on a knuckle boom crane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an auxiliary hydraulic boom system for a main boom.

[0002] The present invention specifically relates to an auxiliary boom system that can be modularly disassembled and assembled on a knuckle boom crane. Background Technology

[0003] Knuckle boom cranes are mobile lifting equipment widely used in construction, logistics, and industrial applications. These cranes offer convenience for transportation and storage due to the foldable design of the main boom. However, in this system, when the main boom is insufficient in length, the operator uses a manually installed mechanical boom to extend its length. These mechanical booms typically operate independently of the hydraulic system and are manually operated and secured with pins. However, this method has both technical and practical limitations.

[0004] The disadvantage of mechanical booms is that the working height can only be manually adjusted when the boom is in a horizontal position. If the operator wants to change the height of the lifting load, the boom must be lowered completely, the mechanical pin removed, and a new metering setting made. This process interrupts the continuity of operation and results in significant time loss. In addition to time loss, the idling of the crane engine during boom adjustment negatively impacts unnecessary fuel consumption and the environment. Specifically, in diesel-powered cranes, the carbon emissions released during this process are inconsistent with environmental regulations, which are becoming increasingly difficult to meet in modern industry. Furthermore, manual adjustment of mechanical booms is a process requiring physical strength and attention. The heavy structure of mechanical booms increases occupational safety risks due to the need for operator or auxiliary equipment intervention. This can lead to operator fatigue and potential workplace accidents, especially in operations requiring frequent height adjustments.

[0005] In modern knuckle boom cranes, electronic limiting systems are standard. These systems continuously monitor the crane's current load data, boom angle, length, and other parameters to prevent them from exceeding the manufacturer-set safety limits. However, because mechanical booms are not integrated into the electronic system, the crane control unit cannot detect them. Therefore, the lifting capacity of a mechanical boom depends entirely on the operator's attention and load diagram. If the operator miscalculates or ignores these limits, serious malfunctions can occur, such as boom deformation due to overload, hydraulic system damage, or crane instability. This not only leads to costly maintenance but also jeopardizes operational safety.

[0006] In existing technologies, hydraulic systems are widely used to control boom movement. However, these systems are typically designed for folding and unfolding the main boom. Combining mechanical booms with hydraulic auxiliary systems has become necessary, especially in applications requiring modularity and dynamic height adjustment.

[0007] Therefore, due to the aforementioned shortcomings and the inadequacy of existing solutions on this topic, it has become necessary to make improvements in the relevant technical field. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention is inspired by the current situation and aims to address the aforementioned shortcomings.

[0009] This invention relates to an integrated hydraulic assisted boom system developed to eliminate the operational limitations, environmental impacts, and safety risks of mechanical assisted boom systems used in knuckle boom cranes. It aims to address problems in the prior art caused by mechanical booms based on manual intervention, such as time loss, operator error, and incompatibility with electronic limiting systems.

[0010] Within the scope of this invention, the hydraulic auxiliary boom can be easily installed inside the main boom within a modular design framework and integrated into the hydraulic system via hydraulic connection points already present on the main boom. Sensors located on the auxiliary boom operate synchronously with the electronic system via special connectors providing quick connection to the crane control unit. Due to this integration, the auxiliary boom is automatically identified in the system, and the crane control unit immediately updates lifting torque, load capacity, and stability parameters. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments required in mechanical booms and prevents operator error.

[0011] The auxiliary boom is controlled by hydraulic cylinders, allowing for hydraulic metering adjustments without manual intervention, even in vertical or horizontal positions. The operator can dynamically change the length of the auxiliary boom via a control unit, joystick, or remote control. This flexibility meets height or range requirements that the main boom cannot reach and increases operational continuity.

[0012] Another objective of this invention is to enable the automatic updating of the lifting capacity of the auxiliary boom. As the operator hydraulically adjusts the auxiliary boom, the system continuously monitors load parameters and boom geometry, and recalculates the lifting limit synchronously with the electronic limiting system. This feature eliminates the reliance on manual load diagrams required for mechanical booms, significantly reducing the risk of overload. Furthermore, the integration of the auxiliary boom with the main boom ensures coordinated operation of the hydraulic and electronic systems, thereby improving the stability and overall reliability of the crane.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an auxiliary hydraulic boom system for a knuckle boom crane, which increases the operational capability of the crane's main boom. The auxiliary hydraulic boom system includes:

[0014] A connecting boom, which provides a modular connection by mechanically attaching to the crane's main boom, includes a structure fixed to the upper and lower portions of the main boom.

[0015] A hydraulic extension boom, used to extend the crane's reach by moving within a channel located inside the main boom and by changing the overall length of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system by entering or leaving the main boom.

[0016] A hydraulic cylinder that double-acts to pull the hydraulic extension boom into the main boom or to push the hydraulic extension boom out of the main boom.

[0017] The structural and characteristic features of the invention and all its advantages will become clearer with the aid of the accompanying drawings and the detailed description written with reference to these drawings, and therefore, an evaluation needs to be made by taking these drawings and the detailed description into account. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the extended auxiliary hydraulic boom system.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a 3D diagram of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the disassembly of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a 3D view of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system installed on the crane.

[0024] Figures 7 to 11 The steps for installing an auxiliary hydraulic boom system onto a crane are shown.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0026] 1 Connecting rod

[0027] 2 Upper pin

[0028] 3 Lower pins

[0029] 4 main booms

[0030] 5 hydraulic cylinders

[0031] 6 pulley system

[0032] 7 Hydraulic extension boom

[0033] 8 length sensors

[0034] 9 connecting pins

[0035] 10. Main lifting boom of crane

[0036] Auxiliary hydraulic boom system Detailed Implementation

[0037] In this detailed description, for the purpose of better understanding the subject matter, only a preferred embodiment of the auxiliary boom system A, which is the subject of the present invention, is described.

[0038] The auxiliary hydraulic boom system A, which is the subject of this invention, enhances the operability of the main boom 4 by providing a modular and hydraulically controlled extension mechanism in the knuckle boom crane.

[0039] The connecting rod 1 is a crucial component providing the mechanical connection between the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A and the main boom of the crane 10. This connection is achieved by means of an upper pin 2 and a lower pin 3. The upper pin 2 provides fixation from the top between the main boom 4 and the connecting rod 1, while the lower pin 3 provides support from the bottom. Both pins can be completely removed during disassembly. The connecting pin 9 is used to permanently secure the connecting rod 1 to the main boom 10 of the crane. After assembly, the connecting pin 9 mechanically locks the system and prevents the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A from shifting out during operation.

[0040] The main boom 4 has a fixed structure and includes a channel within which the hydraulic extension boom 7 can move. Due to its double-acting design, the hydraulic cylinder 5 can pull the hydraulic extension boom 7 into the main boom 4 or push it outward. This movement is used to dynamically adjust the metering of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A and can be controlled by the operator via a control unit or remote control device. As the hydraulic extension boom 7 extends from the main boom, the total length of the system increases, thereby extending the crane's reach.

[0041] The pulley system 6 is a temporary support mechanism used during the assembly of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A onto the main boom 4. The pulley system 6 facilitates the movement of the hydraulic extension boom 7, optimizing alignment and positioning during assembly and disassembly. After assembly, the pulley system 6 is disassembled and ready for crane operation.

[0042] The length sensor 8 is an electronic component that measures the current position and extension of the hydraulic extension boom 7. Data received from the sensor is immediately shared with the crane's electronic limiting system, enabling dynamic calculation of lifting capacity. For example, when the hydraulic extension boom 7 extends outward, the length sensor 8 detects this change, and the electronic limiting system automatically updates the maximum load limit based on the new measurement. In this way, the risk of overload due to operator error is eliminated.

[0043] The auxiliary hydraulic boom system A has a compact structure, with a total height not exceeding 4 meters in road locations. This feature ensures the system complies with road transport standards and allows the crane to be safely transported to the site. During operation, thanks to the hydraulic cylinder 5 and the hydraulic extension boom 7, the system provides a wide working area beyond the crane's reach limits.

[0044] The assembly principle of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A, which is the subject of this invention, is as follows:

[0045] The assembly of auxiliary hydraulic boom system A begins with bringing the crane close to a location positioned on the ground, such as... Figure 5 The system begins in the disassembly state shown. The crane is positioned by aligning the main boom 10 of the crane with the connecting boom 1 of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A, as shown... Figure 7 As shown in the diagram. During this alignment process, the connecting rod 1 is inserted into the internal components of the crane's main boom 10 to provide a mechanical transition. After the connecting rod 1 is fully inserted into the crane's main boom 10, the connecting pin 9 is installed to permanently secure the system to the main structure.

[0046] In the next stage of assembly, the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A is raised to a 90-degree angle with the ground using the hydraulic mobility of a crane. During this movement, the pulley system 6 located at the end of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A facilitates sliding of the system along its horizontal axis, thereby minimizing friction and ensuring assembly is completed without any problems. Figure 9 In the 90-degree position shown, the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A is pushed forward by the controlled movement of the crane and is fully axially aligned with the main boom of the crane 10, as shown. Figure 10 What we see in the video.

[0047] Once axial alignment is achieved, the upper connection point between connecting boom 1 and main boom 4 is secured by inserting the upper pin 2. This step ensures the mechanical stability of the system. At the same stage, the electrical and hydraulic connections between the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A and the crane's main control unit are completed via standard connectors. The hydraulic connection is made via a predetermined port on the main boom 4, while simultaneously incorporating an electronic connector to ensure data transmission for the length sensor 8 and other sensors.

[0048] Finally, as Figure 11 As shown, the auxiliary hydraulic boom system A begins operation after all connections are completed. This system is automatically identified by the crane's electronic limiting system, and the movement capability of the hydraulic extension boom 7 is immediately ready for use via the operator control unit or remote control device. This assembly principle allows for quick and safe installation in the work area, while maintaining the system's compliance with road transport standards by removing temporary supports, such as the pulley system 6.

Claims

1. An auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) in a steering knuckle boom crane, said auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) being used to increase the operating capability of the main boom of the crane (10), characterized in that, The auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) includes: A connecting boom (1) is provided to provide a modular connection by mechanically connecting to the main boom of the crane (10), and the connecting boom (1) includes a structure fixed relative to the upper and lower portions of the main boom (4). A hydraulic extension boom (7) is provided to extend the crane's reach by moving within a channel located inside the main boom (4) and by changing the overall length of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) by entering or leaving the main boom (4). A hydraulic cylinder (5) that double-acts to pull the hydraulic extension rod (7) into the main rod (4) or to push the hydraulic extension rod (7) out of the main rod (4).

2. The auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) includes: an upper pin (2) for connecting the upper part of the connecting boom (1) to the main boom (4); and a lower pin (3) for connecting the lower part of the connecting boom (1) to the main boom (4).

3. The auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) includes a connecting pin (9) to ensure mechanical locking after the upper pin (2) and the lower pin (3) are assembled.

4. The auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) includes a pulley system (6) which is temporarily used during the assembly of the auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) to the main boom of the crane (10) and to ensure the alignment of the hydraulic extension boom (7).

5. The auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The auxiliary hydraulic boom system (A) includes a length sensor (8) for measuring the position and extension of the hydraulic extension boom (7) and transmitting real-time data to the crane’s electronic limiting system to dynamically update lifting capacity and prevent overload.

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