Mobile crane

Abstract

Mobile crane with transmission means for the wireless transmission of one or more signals and with test means by which it can be verified whether the transmission means have emitted the signal(s), wherein the test means are designed in such a way that the crane operation is restricted or stopped if the test means determine that the signal(s) were not emitted, or not emitted at a specified time, or not within or after a specified period, and wherein the test means are designed in such a way that the specified time or the expiry of the period is preceded by an advance warning / preliminary information.

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicular crane.In modern cranes, electronic control in the form of hardware and software plays an important role and is gaining more and more importance for the efficient use of a crane. The operators of a vehicle crane both expect that the crane can operate under optimum operating conditions and also the possibility of getting help aside quickly and efficiently in the event of a problem in order to reduce any down time of the crane to a minimum.WO 2005 / 011,180 A2 discloses a safety, telemetry and control system.EP 1 384 826 A1 discloses a safety system of a construction machine having a base station and a communication device.DE 100 59 991 A1 discloses a device for keyless operation of a motor vehicle.It is already known from the prior art to equip mobile cranes with a radio connection, for example with a GSM interface, with which data can be transmitted, faxes sent or even telephone calls can be carried. The object of the present invention is to further develop a vehicle crane to the effect that the means for wireless data transmission are used in order to be able to use a vehicle crane particularly advantageously.According to one aspect, the vehicle crane is equipped with means for wirelessly receiving data characterizing the location of the crane or with means for ascertaining these data, and with transmission means which are connected to these means or can be connected to these means, wherein the transmission means are designed in such a way that they wirelessly transmit the data characterizing the location of the crane from the crane to a receiver. The term "data characterizing the location of the crane" is to be interpreted broadly and comprises any type of data which as such represent the location of the crane, such as coordinates, as well as data which indirectly represent the location of the crane, such as the GPS signals received from satellites, on the basis of which a determination of the location of the crane is made.Due to the fact that the crane according to this exemplary embodiment wirelessly transmits data representing its location to a unit, for example to a control center spatially remote from the crane, the crane can be located at any time. This can be used for monitoring the crane movements and as an efficient theft protection.The means by means of which it is possible to determine the location of the crane can be formed, for example, by a GPS receiver. Of course, other methods for determining the location are also conceivable. It is possible, for example, for the crane to transmit identifiers of one or more radio cells of a mobile radio network to a receiving unit, for example to a central station, on the basis of which it is then possible to determine in which region the crane is currently located.In a further embodiment, it is provided that the crane has a memory in which the data characterizing the location of the crane can be or are stored. If there is no possibility of wirelessly transmitting data for a period of time, for example because there is no network coverage of a mobile radio network, the data relating to the location of the crane, which would have been wirelessly transmitted when a connection exists, can be temporarily stored in the crane in a memory at least until there is again the possibility of wireless communication.In a further embodiment, it is thus provided that the crane has means for determining the connection quality or for the existence of the transmission link for wirelessly transmitting data, and a control unit which is designed in such a way that it initiates the storage of the data characterizing the location of the crane in the memory if the connection quality falls below a limit value or if there is no connection at all, and initiates the transmission of the stored data if the connection quality exceeds a limit value or is present again. This has the advantage that the location data of the crane are completely available even if the possibility of wireless data transmission has not been obtained in the meantime.A further aspect further relates to a vehicle crane having means for wirelessly transmitting a software update signal to a software management unit and for wirelessly receiving a response signal or having means for wirelessly checking a software management unit, having evaluation means for evaluating the response signal or the result of the checking and having reception means for wirelessly receiving software. As already explained above, the software assumes a high figure of merit within the scope of efficient crane operation. In this embodiment, the current and thus optimum software is always available in the crane. For this purpose, it is provided that the crane of a software management unit, for example a central server, sends a query signal and that the software management unit then sends a response signal to the crane, from which it can be seen that there is new software which can be downloaded. The query signal can comprise, for example, data characterizing the crane or also data characterizing the current software located on the crane, so that a check can be carried out by the software management unit as to which software is suitable for the relevant crane or as to whether the crane is equipped with the current software or as to whether an update is required. It is also conceivable for the crane to log into the software management unit or to perform a check there as to whether a software update is required.If an update is required, the software is transmitted wirelessly to the crane by the software management unit or from another suitable location.It is conceivable that the crane further comprises means for independently loading and installing the software received by the receiving means. In a preferred embodiment, the operator of the crane does not need to be used with the aid of the crane. Rather, the crane preferably performs the software update independently.In a further embodiment, it is provided that the crane is designed such that a software update signal is transmitted wirelessly or the wireless check is carried out at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined times. A time interval can thus be provided in the crane, for example. Due to this interval, the crane automatically reports to a defined location and checks for new or available software. It is possible for the crane to have detection means by means of which it is possible to detect if the time intervals or the points in time have not been observed.In a further embodiment, it is provided that the crane has means for restricting or setting the crane operation, which are connected or can be connected to the detection means and which are designed such that the crane operation is set or restricted if it is determined by the detection means that the time intervals or the points in time have not been complied with. If the crane does not report for software updating, it can be assumed, for example, that the crane is not being used properly, which can lead to the crane being able to be operated or stopped only to a limited extent.A further aspect further relates to a vehicle crane having transmission means for wirelessly transmitting or for providing data relating to maintenance and / or a fault of the crane for wirelessly retrieving said data, and having means for wirelessly receiving diagnostic or service data based on the wirelessly transmitted data.It is conceivable, for example, that in the event that the crane has a fault, a wireless connection to a service support point is established. One or more diagnostic procedures can be started there by skilled personnel, errors are detected and, if appropriate, the capacity can be restored together with the customer on site. This embodiment relates not only to the case of a crane failure but also to the case of service. It is conceivable, for example, that crane operating data are provided or transmitted by the crane and that service intervals are determined and sent to the crane in a service station on the basis of these data.Thus, the availability of the crane to the customer is increased and consequent costs of a longer crane failure are avoided.In a further embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle crane is equipped with means for optically detecting the crane, parts of the crane or for optically detecting the crane working region, and with transmission means by means of which data based on the optical detection can be wirelessly transmitted to a predefined unit. In this way, it is possible, for example, to perform life observation of the works in a central station spatially remote from the crane and, if necessary, to intervene from there.In a further embodiment, it is provided that the crane has means for detecting and storing crane operating data, which means are implemented in the sense of a "black box", and transmission means by means of which the stored crane operating data (logger data) can be wirelessly transmitted to a predefined location. In this way, it is possible, for example, to transmit logger data to a central unit via radio. This data can be used, for example, for analysis or service purposes or can be stored in the central unit for possible later use.In a further embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle crane is equipped with transmission means for wirelessly transmitting one or more signals and with checking means, by means of which it is possible to check whether the signal or signals have been emitted by the transmission means, wherein the checking means are designed such that the crane operation is restricted or set in the event that it is determined by the checking means that the signal or signals have not been emitted or have not been emitted at a predefined point in time. On the basis of this, it is possible, for example, to decide to shut down the crane or to restrict the crane operation if no signal has been emitted by the crane or received from a central point over a relatively long period of time or at predefined points in time.According to the invention, it is provided that the predefined time or the expiration of the time period and / or the shutdown of the crane or the restriction of the crane operation is preceded by a warning / advance information. It is thus possible that an advance warning / advance information item is emitted between the predefined time or the expiration of the time period and the restriction of the crane operation or the shutdown of the crane or similar measures and / or a specific time period expires, provided that the crane has not emitted the signal mentioned or has not emitted it in the right time. The point in time at which the crane operation is restricted or the crane is shut down can thus represent the last point in time in a period with different escalating stages.It is particularly advantageous if the specified point in time or the expiration of the time interval and / or the time interval between the specified point in time or the expiration of the time interval and the restriction or the setting of the crane operation or other measures is adjustable. It is possible, for example, for the crane to have to emit the signals mentioned at specific, variable time intervals or at specific, variable times. It is conceivable that this value or these values can be set, i.e. can be varied, for example by the manufacturer or by the operator of the crane. For example, the time period until the crane is shut down can be made shorter in some cases. If the crane is operated in an area with a known higher theft frequency, this can be advantageous for the operator of the crane.In this way, it is possible to vary the test intervals or test times and / or the time interval which lies between a negative test and the setting or restriction of the crane operation.A further aspect further relates to a method for locating a crane, which is characterized in that the location of the crane is detected or determined on the basis of the data transmitted by the crane. In this case, it can be provided that the crane itself carries out a determination of its location and transmits these data wirelessly, or that the crane transmits data wirelessly, on the basis of which the determination of the location is carried out.It is conceivable, for example, for the crane to have a GPS antenna, by means of which GPS signals are received, and for the crane to carry out a positioning on the basis of the received data, which positioning is then transmitted wirelessly to a receiver.A further aspect furthermore relates to a method for equipping a vehicle crane with software, in particular with a software update, wherein the crane sends an update signal to a software management unit and receives a response signal from the latter, or wherein the crane carries out a wireless check of a software management unit and then receives software wirelessly as a function of the response signal or as a function of the check. If it is determined that a software update is not required, it is of course possible to avoid downloading a software update. However, if it is determined that the crane is not yet equipped with the latest software handle, this is transmitted wirelessly to the crane. Preferably, it is provided that the crane then loads and installs the wirelessly received software independently.A further aspect further relates to a method for carrying out a diagnosis and / or for providing service information for a vehicle crane, wherein the crane wirelessly transmits data relating to maintenance and / or a fault of the crane to a diagnosis or service unit and / or provides this data for wireless retrieval by a diagnosis or service unit and then receives diagnosis or service data determined as a function of the wirelessly transmitted data. The diagnostic or service data can be ascertained in a central station on the basis of the data sent by the crane and then wirelessly transmitted to the crane. It is conceivable, for example, for data received from the crane and characterizing a fault to be sent wirelessly from the crane to a control center and analyzed there for the purpose of ascertaining a diagnosis.A further aspect further relates to a method for operating a crane, which is characterized in that the data transmitted by the crane based on the optical detection or the crane operating data are used, further processed or stored for the operation of the crane.The invention further relates to a method for operating a crane, in particular a crane according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the crane or a central determination unit, i.e. not located on the crane, checks whether the crane has emitted wireless signals at all or whether the crane has emitted wireless signals in a timely manner. If this is not the case, it can be provided that the crane operation is influenced, for example the crane is shut down, because it can possibly be assumed that there is improper use of the crane. As explained above, it can be provided that the time until the crane operation is restricted or set is variable and can be changed by the user or manufacturer.Further details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to several exemplary embodiments shown below.The crane according to the present embodiments has means for setting up a GSM connection. Instead of a wireless connection via GSM, other means are of course also conceivable, by means of which wireless communication is possible, such as, for example, the use of a WLAN. The crane has means by means of which encrypted or unencrypted data can be wirelessly received and transmitted.In one exemplary embodiment, the crane has a GPS module, by means of which it is possible to determine at which position the crane is located on the basis of the data received from satellites. This position data is transmitted permanently or at certain time intervals from the crane to a central location, for example to an operating monitoring system, by means of which the movements of one or more cranes are monitored. In this way, it is always known at which point the crane is located. This can be used as an efficient anti-theft protection.In one embodiment, a time interval can be provided in the crane. When this time interval has expired, the crane automatically reports to a defined location and checks for new available, i.e. the correct software. This can be done, for example, by the crane sending a query signal to a central software management unit and evaluating a response signal or by the crane logging into a software management unit or checking there for the presence of new software. In the event that software to be loaded is found, it is automatically loaded and installed by the crane without the crane operator having to intervene in this case. Thus, the customer always has all the new options available to the software and does not need to take care of an update itself. Here too, it can be provided that it is to be assumed that there is illegal use if the crane does not report for the purpose of software updating. In this case, a suitable method can be started in the crane, which can lead to the crane being stopped.Of course, in this case the crane can likewise be subsequently released again for the customer.In a further embodiment, it is provided that in the event that the vehicle crane emits a fault message, the crane can establish a connection to a service support point. By the skilled service personnel, all relevant diagnostic procedures or algorithms can then be started. The fault can be identified and a problem solution can be determined. The workability of the crane can then be restored wirelessly or, if appropriate, together with the operator. At least, care can be taken to ensure that a repair or replacement part provision takes place as quickly as possible. In this way, the availability of the crane to the customer is increased and consequent costs of a crane failure are avoided.A further advantage is that required maintenance work can already be detected and prepared at an early stage. Preventive maintenance which is not required as scheduled can also be detected and prepared, for example, on the basis of data transmitted by the crane.Furthermore, it can be provided that the wireless connection from or to the crane is designed such that work of the crane at a spatial distance from the crane, for example in a central station or monitoring station, can be followed live and that intervention can even be effected if necessary. It is conceivable, for example, that special load cases can be observed and, if necessary, released. The possibility of wirelessly transmitting these data thus allows influence to be exerted on the crane operation from a monitoring station.Since data transmission is also possible via radio, it is also possible to transmit logger data. This data can be used, for example, for analysis or service purposes.

Claims

A vehicle crane having transmission means for wirelessly transmitting one or more signals and having checking means by means of which it is possible to check whether the signal or signals have been emitted by the transmission means, wherein the checking means are designed such that the crane operation is restricted or set in the event that it is determined by the checking means that the signal or signals have not been emitted or have not been emitted at a predetermined point in time or not within or after the expiration of a predetermined period of time, and wherein the checking means are designed such that a warning / advance information precedes the predetermined point in time or the expiration of the period of time.The vehicle crane according to claim 1, wherein the checking means are designed such that an advance warning / advance information precedes the shutdown of the crane or the restriction of the crane operation.The vehicle crane according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined time or the time period or its expiration and / or the time period between the predetermined time or time period or its expiration and the restriction or the setting of the crane operation is adjustable.Method for operating a crane according to Claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the crane or a determination unit checks whether the crane has emitted wireless signals or whether the crane has emitted wireless signals in a timely manner, and in that the crane operation is restricted or set if it is determined by the crane or by the determination unit that the wireless signals have not or have not been emitted in a timely manner, wherein the predefined time or the expiry of the time period is preceded by a pre-warning / pre-information.Method according to claim 4, wherein the shutdown of the crane or restriction of the crane operation is preceded by an advance / advance information.