Ballast handling device for a crane

Abstract

Ballast receiving device (100) for a crane (200), comprising: a mounting frame (1) for attaching to a rotating superstructure (201) of a crane (200), a junction box (2) which can be connected to a ballast support plate (3) for receiving ballast (4), at least one guide element (5) which is articulated to the connecting box (2) and the retaining frame (1), and at least one cylinder arrangement (6) which is variable in its dimensions and is pivotally connected at one end to the support frame (1) and at the other end to the connecting box (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ballast receiving device, a crane with such a ballast receiving device and a method for connecting the ballast receiving device to a crane.

[0002] The use of mobile cranes on construction sites is often subject to certain spatial limitations. In particular, rotating the superstructure of a crane on confined sites is problematic, as the ballast attached to the superstructure occupies a certain radius during rotation, which must be free of obstacles. A large ballast radius, i.e., a large distance between the ballast and the superstructure's axis of rotation, generates a large ballast moment and thus contributes to a high lifting capacity of the crane. As mentioned above, a large ballast radius, especially in confined spaces, is not always free of obstructions within the 360° rotation range. However, it is often advantageous to be able to rotate the superstructure freely through a full 360° range. Furthermore, ballasting systems for mobile cranes known from the prior art are complex and expensive.

[0003] It should also be noted that a large ballast moment can be problematic for the crane to tip backwards. This occurs with small load radii or when the load is lowered and then the superstructure is rotated back.

[0004] A ballast receiving device for a pipe layer is already known from DE 11 2010 003 966 T5.

[0005] The present invention solves the problems listed above by means of a ballast receiving device comprising all the features of claim 1. The ballast receiving device for a crane therefore comprises a mounting frame for attachment to a crane superstructure, a connecting box that can be connected to a ballast support plate for receiving ballast, at least one guide element that is articulated to the connecting box and the mounting frame, and at least one cylinder arrangement that is variable in its dimensions and is articulated at one end to the mounting frame and at the other end to the connecting box.

[0006] The cylinder arrangement can be a cylinder whose dimensions / length are variable, comprising a cylinder housing and a cylinder piston that can be extended and retracted relative to the cylinder housing. One end of the cylinder arrangement describes the section of the cylinder piston furthest from the cylinder housing, and the other end describes the section of the cylinder housing facing away from the cylinder piston. For the purposes of the invention, it is irrelevant whether the cylinder piston or the cylinder housing is connected to the mounting frame or the connecting box.

[0007] The guide element, which connects the mounting frame and the connecting box via a hinge, allows the ballast held in the connecting box to be varied in height and distance relative to the mounting frame. This is achieved by extending or retracting the cylinder assembly and thus performing a relative movement of the mounting frame and connecting box, as determined by the guide element, which changes the distance between the two components (mounting frame and connecting box).

[0008] According to an optional modification of the invention, the at least one guide element is a rigid guide element which, when the cylinder arrangement is extended, ensures that the retaining frame performs a pivoting movement in relation to the connecting box.

[0009] Preferably, two guide elements are provided, each connecting the connecting box to the mounting frame via a hinged connection, so that the guide elements assume the form of a lever parallelogram on the mounting frame and the connecting box. The guide elements required for the lever parallelogram are typically hinged to connection points of the mounting frame and the connecting box that are spaced apart vertically.

[0010] According to a further development of the invention, the retaining frame has a hook section designed to engage with a section of the superstructure. This hook section for engaging with a superstructure is advantageous for the quick mounting of the ballast handling device on a crane.

[0011] Furthermore, the retaining frame may have a recess for inserting a bolt, preferably to create a detachable connection with the superstructure of a crane.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the retaining frame has an approximately C-shaped section, the upper part of which has a hook section designed to engage with a section of a superstructure. Furthermore, the retaining frame has a recess in its lower part for inserting a bolt, preferably to create a detachable connection with the superstructure of a crane.

[0013] Preferably, the respective pivot axes of the connections between the cylinder assembly and the mounting frame and the connecting box, as well as between the guide element and the mounting frame and the connecting box, are parallel, but preferably not on the same axis. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the respective connections by which both the cylinder assembly and the guide element are attached to the mounting frame and the connecting box are pivot joints with exactly one pivot axis.

[0014] The invention further relates to a crane comprising a ballast receiving device according to one of the variants described above and a rotatable superstructure, wherein the ballast receiving device is detachably, preferably rigidly, connected to the superstructure.

[0015] A crane, especially a mobile crane, typically has an undercarriage and a superstructure that can rotate relative to the undercarriage. The undercarriage is usually fixed to the ground, allowing the superstructure to rotate in relation to it.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the crane according to the invention, it may further include a hydraulic supply connected to the at least one cylinder arrangement of the ballast handling device. This eliminates the need for a separate hydraulic supply for the ballast handling device, resulting in an overall reduction in weight and improved transportability.

[0017] Preferably, extending the cylinder assembly, i.e., extending the cylinder piston from the cylinder housing, raises the connecting box relative to the support frame attached to the superstructure. This preferably also reduces the radial distance between the connecting box and the associated ballast support plate and the superstructure's axis of rotation. This makes it possible, firstly, to rotate the ballast or the connecting box carrying the ballast over obstacles that do not exceed a certain height. Secondly, it also reduces the ballast radius that is pulled when the crane's superstructure rotates. This allows for use in very confined spaces. It is clear to those skilled in the art that a reduction in the distance between the ballast and the superstructure's axis of rotation results in a lower ballast moment.However, this is accepted in exchange for the resulting flexibility of a reduced ballast radius and increased ground clearance. The crane control system can be designed to adjust the crane's permissible lifting capacities to the specific position of the ballast or the connecting box that supports it.

[0018] The invention further relates to a method for connecting a ballast receiving device according to one of the preceding claims to a crane, wherein the method comprises the steps of: positioning the ballast receiving device on a chassis of the crane, connecting a hydraulic supply of the crane to the at least one cylinder arrangement of the ballast receiving device and pivoting the support frame by means of a change in the extension of the cylinder arrangement in order to connect the support frame and the superstructure to each other or to align them in such a way that a connection can be made.

[0019] An advantage of this method is that the ballast holding device is only connected to the crane's superstructure when necessary. According to the invention, this is achieved in a particularly advantageous manner, as the ballast holding device is simply placed on the crane's undercarriage along with the connecting box, so that if the cylinder connecting the connecting box and the support frame expands in length, the support frame pivots relative to the connecting box. It can be advantageous if the connecting box is heavier than the support frame, so that it remains stationary relative to the support frame even when the cylinder's length changes.This allows the superstructure to be rotated into a ballasting position after the ballast receiving device has been placed on the undercarriage, and in a subsequent step, the support frame engages the superstructure by extending the cylinder or is aligned with it so that the superstructure can be easily connected to the support frame. For example, it is conceivable that the support frame is pivoted relative to the superstructure so that connection points on the superstructure overlap with connection points on the support frame.

[0020] According to a further modification of the inventive method, when pivoting the support frame, the connection points of the support frame and the superstructure are aligned with each other so that they are aligned and a bolted connection can be made and / or a hook section of the support frame engages in a corresponding engagement section of the superstructure.

[0021] This leads to the rapid creation of a connection between the upper structure and the support frame.

[0022] Preferably, after connecting the support frame and the superstructure, the cylinder arrangement is extended further so that the connecting box lifts off the undercarriage and the ballast receiving device can be rotated together with the superstructure of the crane.

[0023] The ballast radius can then be varied by extending the cylinder assembly further. Typically, extending the cylinder reduces the ballast radius and increases the height of the connecting box relative to the undercarriage. This allows the ballast to be rotated away from obstacles of a certain height. Furthermore, this also allows the crane to be used in very confined spaces. For example, the crane equipped with the ballast receiving device according to the invention can operate in an area and rotate a full 360°, even though the maximum ballast radius would collide with obstacles in a certain section of the crane's rotation. In these areas, the ballast radius is reduced accordingly to prevent a collision with obstacles.

[0024] According to a further optional modification of the invention, the ballast holding device is positioned on the crane's undercarriage by the crane itself. In other words, the ballast holding device is lifted onto the undercarriage by the crane itself, so that no additional lifting means are required for positioning the ballast holding device on the crane's undercarriage.

[0025] In a further advantageous modification of the ballast receiving device, it features pivotable ballast support plates on the connecting box, which can be pivoted upwards, for example during transport, to save space. According to another embodiment, the ballast support plates can also be removed from the connecting box.

[0026] Further advantages, details, and features will become apparent from the following detailed description of the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 : a side view of the ballast receiving device according to the invention as well as a part of a crane superstructure, Fig. 2 : a side view of the ballast receiving device according to the invention and a part of a crane superstructure on which the ballast receiving device is attached, Fig. 3 : a side view of the ballast receiving device according to the invention and a part of a crane superstructure with a reduced ballast radius, Fig. 4 : a side view of the ballast receiving device according to the invention and a part of a crane superstructure with a reduced ballast radius, with winch arrangement, Fig. 5 : a perspective view of the ballast receiving device according to the invention and of a part of a crane superstructure, wherein the ballast plates are only fully placed on one side, Fig. 6 : a perspective view of a mobile crane with the ballast receiving device according to the invention in a first state, Fig. 7 : a perspective view of a mobile crane with the ballast receiving device according to the invention in a second state, with the ballast receiving device raised, Fig. 8 : a perspective view of a mobile crane with the ballast receiving device according to the invention in a third state, Fig. 9 : a perspective view of a mobile crane with the ballast receiving device according to the invention in a ready-to-travel state of the crane, and Fig. 10 : a perspective view of the ballast receiving device according to the invention on a separate low loader.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a ballast receiving device 100, which is positioned on a crane undercarriage (not shown). Furthermore, to the left of the ballast receiving device 100, a crane superstructure 201 can be seen, its connection points aligned with the ballast receiving device 100. The ballast receiving device 100 has a ballast support plate 3, which is designed to receive ballast. The connecting box 2 is connected to the ballast support plate 3 and is connected to the support frame 1 via two guide elements 5. The connection of the support frame 1 to the connecting box 2 via the two guide elements 5 corresponds to a lever parallelogram. A cylinder arrangement 6, which is located in the Fig. Figure 1 is shown in a compressed state. The ballast holding device 100 is positioned on the undercarriage (not shown) such that the crane's superstructure 201 does not collide with any element of the ballast holding device 100 when rotated. Thus, after the ballast holding device 100 has been lifted onto the undercarriage, the superstructure 201 can be rotated so that the corresponding connection points of the superstructure 201 are aligned with the ballast holding device.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a opposite Fig. 1. The slightly pivoted state of the support frame is achieved by partially extending the cylinder 6. This causes the hook section 7 to engage in a designated engagement section of the superstructure, and recesses on the superstructure and the support frame align so that they can be secured with a bolt. This creates a rigid connection between the support frame 1 and the superstructure 201. After the connection is established, further extension of the cylinder 6 raises the connecting box 2, on which the ballast is mounted via one or more ballast support plates 3.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows such a state in which the cylinder 6 is extended almost to its maximum. It can be seen that the connecting box 2 now has a smaller distance to the axis of rotation of the superstructure, which reduces the ballast radius, or the area that must be kept clear of obstacles when the superstructure rotates. At the same time, it can be seen that the connecting box 2 is in a different position compared to its mounting position (shown in Figure 3). Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2) has been raised. This has the further advantage that objects of a certain height no longer interfere with the crane's rotation. For example, containers or similar items can remain in place, as the connecting box 2 can be rotated above the containers.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 shows the connecting box 2 with its ballast (not shown) in a raised position. The cylinder 6 is now in a state of maximum extension, so the ballast radius has been reduced to a minimum. This also results in a reduction of the ballast moment. The height of the connecting box is designed so that the crane can swing over obstacles such as a truck or a container. For clarity, the upper arm of the two guide elements 5 is not shown. Additionally, the winch, including the adjustable block (lower and upper blocks) in the fork-like catch, is shown.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the ballast receiving device 100 in a connected state with the superstructure 201. The connecting box 2 and the ballast support plates 3 arranged laterally to it, each with ballast elements mounted on them, are visible. The ballast stack facing the viewer is not shown in its entirety in order to avoid obscuring the details of the ballast receiving device 100. In the position shown, the ballast radius is close to its maximum value, which also results in a very large ballast moment.

[0032] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a mobile crane 200 in which the ballast handling device 100 is not yet connected to the superstructure 201. This is evident from the fact that the hook section 7 of the support frame 1 is not yet connected to the superstructure 201. However, the superstructure 201 is already aligned so that the ballast handling device 100 can be connected to the superstructure 201 by pivoting the support frame 2 at the correct position. It is also indicated that the ballast elements 4, forming a ballast stack, are arranged on the ballast support plates 3. Typically, the crane lifts the individual ballast elements 4 onto the ballast support plate 3 in a state without ballast handling devices 100. The crane then loads the ballast handling device 100 with the corresponding ballast elements 4.

[0033] Fig. Figure 7 shows a connected state of the ballast receiving device 100 with the superstructure 201 of the crane 200. In the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 7, the crane has a large ballast radius. Furthermore, the ballast receiving device 100 has a small distance to ground level.

[0034] Fig. Figure 8, however, shows the cylinder 6 in an extended position, which results in the ballast receiving device 100 being positioned a short distance from the upper carriage pivot axis. The ballast radius is therefore reduced and the distance to ground level increased.

[0035] Furthermore, the junction box with its attached ballast carrier plates 3 has also been raised so that obstacles of a certain height no longer interfere when the superstructure 201 is rotated. For example, a truck parked next to the mobile crane 200 or a container placed next to it can be moved around the Fig. The configuration shown in section 8 will be switched over.

[0036] Fig. Figure 9 shows the mobile crane 200 in a possible driving configuration. It can be seen that the ballast mounting device 200 is located on the superstructure at the rear of the mobile crane 200. It is therefore possible to design the mobile crane to be movable in a state where the ballast mounting device is attached to the superstructure. However, in this configuration, the ballast support plates are not connected to the connecting box 2 in order to avoid exceeding the permissible axle load of the crane. To position the overall center of gravity of the crane in such a way as to achieve equal or nearly equal axle loads, the ballast support plates are arranged and connected to the front sliding beam box.

[0037] Fig.Figure 10 shows an alternative method of transporting the ballast receiving device 100 on a separate low-loader. The ballast support plates 3 can be attached to the connecting box 2 in an open position. These are only folded down shortly before the ballast plates 4 are placed on them, thus enabling space-saving transport.

[0038] This helps to comply with the regulations applicable in a given country regarding permissible height, width, and axle load. Therefore, the two ballast support plates 3 are pivotably mounted on the junction box 2. The ballast support plates are pivoted upwards using the lever mechanism of the mobile crane. The junction box 2 can also have retaining devices to hold the support plates in an upwardly pivoted position. The flat ballast support plates 3 attached to the junction box 2 thus occupy less space, making the ballast handling device 100 easier to transport.

Claims

[1] Ballast receiving device (100) for a crane (200), comprising: a mounting frame (1) for attaching to a rotating superstructure (201) of a crane (200), a junction box (2) which can be connected to a ballast support plate (3) for receiving ballast (4), at least one guide element (5) which is articulated to the connecting box (2) and the retaining frame (1), and at least one cylinder arrangement (6) which is variable in its dimensions and is pivotally connected at one end to the support frame (1) and at the other end to the connecting box (2). [2] Ballast receiving device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder arrangement (6) comprises a hydraulic cylinder. [3] Ballast receiving device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one guide element (5) is a rigid guide element (5) and, when the cylinder arrangement (6) is extended, ensures that the retaining frame (1) performs a pivoting movement in relation to the connecting box (2). [4] Ballast receiving device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two guide elements (5) are provided which are arranged in the form of a lever parallelogram on the holding frame (1) and the connecting box (2). [5] Ballast receiving device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining frame (1) has a hook section (7) designed to engage in an engagement section (8) of a superstructure (201). [6] Ballast receiving device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining frame (1) has a recess (8) for inserting a bolt, which preferably serves to establish a detachable connection with a superstructure (201) of a crane (200). [7] Ballast receiving device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining frame (1) has an approximately C-shaped section which in its upper part has a hook section (7) designed to engage in an engagement section (8) of a superstructure (201) and in its lower part has a recess (8) for inserting a bolt which preferably serves to establish a detachable connection with a superstructure (201) of a crane (200). [8] Ballast receiving device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective joint axes of the connections from the cylinder arrangement (6) to the retaining frame (1) and connecting box (2) and from the at least one guide element (5) to the retaining frame (1) and connecting box (2) are parallel, but preferably different. [9] Crane (200) comprising a ballast receiving device (100) according to one of the preceding claims and a rotatable superstructure (201), wherein the ballast receiving device (100) is detachably, preferably rigidly, connected to the superstructure (201). [10] Crane (200) according to claim 9, further comprising a hydraulic supply which is connected to the at least one cylinder arrangement (6) of the ballast receiving device (100). [11] Crane (200) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein an expansion of the cylinder arrangement (6) leads to a raising of the connecting box (2), which preferably simultaneously reduces the radial distance of the connecting box (2) and the ballast carrier plate (3) associated with it to the upper carriage pivot axis. [12] Method for connecting a ballast receiving device (100) according to one of the preceding claims to a crane (200), comprising the steps: Positioning the ballast handling device (100) on a crane undercarriage (200), Connecting a hydraulic supply of the crane (200) to the at least one cylinder arrangement (6) of the ballast receiving device (100), and Pivoting the support frame (1) by means of a change in the extension of the cylinder arrangement (6) in order to connect the support frame (1) and the superstructure (201) to each other or to align them so that a connection can be made. [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein when pivoting the support frame (1) the connection points of the support frame (1) and the superstructure (201) are aligned to each other so that they are aligned and a bolt connection can be made and / or a hook section (7) of the support frame (1) engages in a corresponding engagement section (8) of the superstructure (201). [14] Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein after connecting the support frame (1) and the superstructure (201), the cylinder arrangement (6) is extended further so that the connecting box (2) lifts off the undercarriage and the ballast receiving device (100) can be rotated together with the superstructure (201) of the crane (200). [15] Method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the positioning of the ballast receiving device (100) on the undercarriage of the crane (200) is carried out by the lifting device of the crane (200) itself.

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