PORT MOBILE CRANE WITH AN IMPROVED ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile harbor crane according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a mobile harbor crane is known from WO 2011 / 098542 A1. This document discloses the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Patent US 7,554,278 B2 discloses a hybrid drive system for a mobile crane, comprising a diesel-electric drive and a battery unit serving as an energy storage system, which together can supply a lifting motor with electrical energy.

[0004] Furthermore, the Konecranes Global Corporation prospectus entitled "Diesel-Electric Model 4 Mobile Harbor Cranes" already describes so-called mobile harbor cranes, which are used to handle containers or bulk goods in seaports or container terminals. Such a mobile harbor crane essentially consists of an undercarriage, which supports the crane on land, for example, a quay, or on a floating pontoon, and a superstructure mounted on the undercarriage so that it can rotate around a vertical axis. The undercarriage can be moved on tires on the quay or on rail wheels on rails. During handling operations, the undercarriage is supported by outriggers. The superstructure is equipped with a vertically extending tower, a slewing mechanism for rotating the superstructure, a hoist for lifting a load, and a counterweight.Furthermore, a boom is articulated to the tower, approximately at half its length and on the side facing away from the counterweight. The boom is pivotally connected to the tower around a horizontal pivot axis and can additionally be pivoted from its laterally projecting operating position to an upright rest position via a rocker cylinder articulated to the boom and the lower part of the superstructure. The boom is also designed as a lattice mast in the usual manner.

[0005] These types of mobile harbor cranes have a power supply system that, for normal operation, relies on at least one primary energy source to supply electrical energy to the drives, powering the hydraulic pumps or electric motors of the respective drives for the crane's main functions. Primary energy sources can include, for example, a stationary port power grid, which feeds electricity into the power supply system, or an onboard diesel-electric or diesel-hydraulic drive. A disadvantage of this system is that if the primary energy source fails, the mobile harbor crane must stop operating.Even if a mobile harbor crane is equipped with external power supply and diesel-electric drive, a power outage on the port side and a simultaneous failure of the diesel engine can still lead to the crane operation having to be interrupted and there is no emergency function for driving, steering, outriggering, lifting, lowering, rocking and rotating.

[0006] German patent DE 20 2016 006 966 U1 discloses a mobile crane for use on public roads which, in addition to an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell, also has a battery. During driving and crane operation, the mobile crane's electric motor is primarily powered by the battery. An auxiliary or emergency operating mode is not mentioned in this document.

[0007] German patent DE 199 48 831 A1 also discloses a mobile crane for use on public roads, whose driving and crane operation can be powered by an electric motor. The energy supply for driving and crane operation can be provided by a diesel-electric drive, a battery, or a fuel cell system. An auxiliary or emergency operating mode is not mentioned in this document.

[0008] Another mobile crane is known from US 2012 / 160796 A1.

[0009] German patent DE 10 2010 063 911 A1 discloses a crane that is powered by a primary energy source designed as a diesel engine. The crane may also have an energy storage unit. In emergency operation, the energy supply can be provided by a secondary energy source designed as an internal combustion engine.

[0010] German patent DE 10 2010 022 601 A1 discloses a crane with a drive motor and an auxiliary unit that takes over auxiliary functions when the drive motor is stationary. A battery in the crane can power auxiliary equipment such as lighting.

[0011] Based on this state of the art, the present invention aims to create a mobile harbor crane with an improved energy supply system.

[0012] This problem is solved by a mobile harbor crane with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in dependent claims 2 to 8 and in the following description.

[0013] According to the invention, a mobile harbor crane, intended in particular for handling containers or bulk goods in seaports or container terminals and therefore not for use on public roads, comprises an undercarriage and a chassis attached thereto, which is movable in particular via tires on a quay or via rail wheels on rails, a support device for supporting the mobile harbor crane, particularly during handling operations, a superstructure with a tower extending in the vertical direction, in particular with a counterweight, a slewing mechanism connecting the superstructure to the undercarriage, a boom, in particular designed as a lattice mast, a luffing mechanism connecting the boom to the superstructure, and a hoist, wherein the mobile harbor crane has an onboard power supply system for supplying electrical energy to the drives of the chassis, the support device, the slewing mechanism, the luffing mechanism and the hoist.wherein the drives in normal operation of the mobile harbor crane are supplied with the required electrical energy from a primary energy source, wherein the electrical energy is transmitted via an onboard crane power grid present in the onboard power supply system, an improved power supply system of the mobile harbor crane is created by the fact that the onboard power supply system has a long-term energy storage system for an auxiliary operation and / or an emergency operation I and / or an emergency operation II of the mobile harbor crane in order to supply at least some of the drives with the required electrical energy via the onboard crane power grid through the long-term energy storage system instead of through the primary energy source in the auxiliary operation and / or in emergency operation I and / or in emergency operation II, wherein the onboard power supply system includes a control and regulation system which in the auxiliary operation provides sole power to the drives of the undercarriage, the outrigger,the slewing mechanism, the luffing mechanism and the hoisting mechanism are supplied with electrical energy by the long-term energy storage system and / or in emergency mode I, the drives of the chassis, the support device, the slewing mechanism, the luffing mechanism and the hoisting mechanism are mandatorily supplied with electrical energy by the long-term energy storage system and / or in emergency mode II, the drive of the chassis and / or the drive of the hoisting mechanism is mandatorily supplied with electrical energy by the long-term energy storage system and preferably limited to this, wherein the control system in emergency mode II also allows the long-term energy storage system to be discharged below the specified lower charge threshold.

[0014] In other words, according to the invention, an onboard power supply system is installed which, as a redundancy to the primary power source for auxiliary operation and / or emergency operation I and / or emergency operation II, includes a long-term energy storage system connected to the onboard crane power network. In auxiliary operation and / or emergency operation I and / or emergency operation II, this long-term energy storage system supplies at least some of the drives with electrical energy instead of the primary power source. By using the long-term energy storage system, downtime of the mobile harbor crane due to a lack of power from the primary power source used to supply the drives in normal operation is minimized, as its failure can be at least partially compensated for by the long-term energy storage system. Furthermore, purely electric operation of the mobile harbor crane is enabled in port areas without access to an external primary power source.

[0015] The onboard energy supply system according to the invention comprises at least one long-term energy storage device, an onboard crane power grid, and the drives for the chassis, the outrigger, the slewing mechanism, the luffing mechanism, and the hoist. The drives are part of an energy consumption system and may, in particular, include at least one electric motor and / or at least one hydraulic pump.

[0016] The primary energy source supplies the crane's drives with electrical energy via the onboard crane power grid. The long-term energy storage system can also be charged via the primary energy source. The primary energy source can be an onboard and / or an external source. In this context, the onboard primary energy source is a primary energy source carried by the mobile harbor crane, connected to the onboard crane power grid, and thus integrated into the onboard power supply system. The onboard primary energy source can be, in particular, a diesel-electric drive, which essentially comprises a diesel engine and a generator to convert the mechanical energy produced by the diesel engine into electrical energy.In this context, an external primary energy source is a primary energy source located outside the mobile harbor crane that can be connected to the onboard crane's electrical system for external power supply. The external primary energy source can be, in particular, a stationary primary energy source, such as a harbor power grid. Depending on the design, the connection for the external primary energy source to the onboard crane's electrical system can be used, for example, to establish a plug connection and / or a cable connection with a cable reel to the external primary energy source.

[0017] The long-term energy storage system is part of the onboard energy supply system and can store energy from the at least one primary energy source that is not needed to supply energy to the drives, as well as energy from a regenerative operation of the at least one drive used, and release it when needed to supply energy to the at least one drive used.The long-term energy storage system is designed and configured in such a way that, in auxiliary operation and / or emergency operation I, the long-term energy storage system ensures the energy supply to the drives of the chassis, the outrigger, the slewing mechanism, the luffing mechanism, and the hoist, so that at least the main crane functions of driving and steering the chassis, outrigger deployment, slewing the slewing mechanism, luffing the jib, and raising and lowering the hoist can be used; and in emergency operation II, the long-term energy storage system ensures at least the energy supply to the drive of the chassis and / or the drive of the hoist, so that at least the main crane functions of driving and steering the chassis and / or lowering the hoist can be used, in particular allowing a load to be unloaded in a controlled manner and / or the mobile harbor crane to be moved out of the working area and / or danger zone.In an advantageous embodiment, at least one rechargeable battery, preferably a Li-ion battery, is used as a long-term energy storage device.

[0018] The onboard crane power network is part of the ship's power supply system and connects, via its electrical connections, the at least one primary energy source to the energy consumption system or its drive(s), the at least one primary energy source to the long-term energy storage system, and the long-term energy storage system to the energy consumption system or the at least one drive. Furthermore, the onboard crane power network includes a control and regulation system that manages and regulates the current flows between the aforementioned components via the electrical connections.It can be provided that current flow in both directions is only possible between the long-term energy storage system and the energy consumption system, in particular its at least one drive, so that, in particular, regenerative energy from the respective drive's operation in generator mode, for example, the drive of the hoist when lowering a load, can be used to charge the long-term energy storage system. However, it is also possible that, during regenerative energy flow between the energy consumption system or its drive(s) and the external primary energy source, current flows back to the external primary energy source.

[0019] Normal operation of the mobile harbor crane is defined as crane operation with the intended power supply to the mobile harbor crane, whereby the power supply to all drives is ensured by the designated, onboard and / or external, primary power source. In normal operation, all functions of the mobile harbor crane are therefore usable, and the superposition of these functions and the corresponding movements of the associated drives is possible.

[0020] The auxiliary operation of the mobile harbor crane is defined as crane operation with the intended energy supply of the mobile harbor crane, wherein at least the energy supply of the drives of the chassis, the outriggers, the slewing mechanism, the luffing mechanism, and the hoist is ensured by the long-term energy storage system provided for this purpose according to the invention. In auxiliary operation, at least the main crane functions of driving and steering the chassis, outrigger deployment, slewing, luffing, and raising and lowering the hoist are usable. However, as a limitation compared to normal operation, it may be provided that some functions, for example, the lifting, lowering, luffing, and / or slewing functions, can only be used in individual mode. In individual mode, an overlay of these functions and the corresponding movements of the associated drives is not provided. However, an overlay of these functions is possible in principle.Auxiliary operation is used for intended interruptions, particularly disconnections, from the supply of the external primary energy source used in normal operation, for example, when the mobile harbor crane is temporarily used in a port area without access to the port's power grid. Auxiliary operation is also used for intended interruptions from the power supply of the onboard primary energy source used in normal operation, for example, when the mobile harbor crane is temporarily used in a port area where the operation of a diesel-electric drive is undesirable or prohibited, and therefore the diesel engine is intentionally shut down. This may be the case in port areas with corresponding environmental and / or occupational safety regulations. The planned interruption can then be initiated, for example, by the crane operator.However, the auxiliary operation can only be used if the long-term energy storage system has a charge level above a predefined lower charge threshold. When this lower charge threshold is reached, and provided no onboard primary power source is available, the system automatically switches to Emergency Operation II, described in more detail below.

[0021] Emergency Operation I of the mobile harbor crane refers to crane operation with a non-standard power supply, whereby the power supply to the drives of the chassis, outriggers, slewing mechanism, luffing mechanism, and hoist is ensured by the long-term energy storage system provided for this purpose according to the invention. In Emergency Operation I, at least the main crane functions of driving and steering the chassis, outrigger deployment, slewing, luffing, and / or raising and lowering the hoist are usable. However, as a limitation compared to normal operation, some functions, for example, raising, lowering, luffing, and / or slewing, may only be used in individual mode. In individual mode, superimposition of these functions and the corresponding movements of the associated drives is not permitted. However, superimposition of these functions is possible in principle.Emergency Operation I is activated when all primary energy sources used in normal operation fail and the charge level of the long-term energy storage system exceeds a predefined lower charge threshold. Upon reaching this lower charge threshold, the system automatically switches to Emergency Operation II, described below. Emergency Operation I differs from Auxiliary Operation primarily in that the power supply to the drives, which is planned for in normal operation, is interrupted unexpectedly in Auxiliary Operation I. Unlike switching from normal to Auxiliary Operation, this interruption does not require any action from a crane operator, but merely the unplanned interruption of the power supply to the drives, which was previously provided by the primary energy source, for example, due to a power outage in the port's electrical grid.

[0022] Emergency Operation II of the mobile harbor crane refers to crane operation with an unintended power supply, whereby at least the power supply for the drive of the chassis and / or the drive of the hoist is ensured by the long-term energy storage system provided for this purpose according to the invention. In Emergency Operation II, at least the main crane functions of driving and steering the chassis and / or lowering the hoist are usable. It is particularly advantageous that in Emergency Operation II, at least one load can be unloaded in a controlled manner and / or the mobile harbor crane can be moved out of the working area and / or danger zone. However, as a limitation compared to the aforementioned operating modes, the main crane functions of driving and steering the chassis and / or lowering the hoist can only be used individually.In single-function mode, an overlay of these functions and the corresponding movements of the associated drives is neither intended nor possible. Emergency operation II is activated if all primary energy sources used in normal operation fail and the charge level of the long-term energy storage system is at or below the predefined lower charge threshold. In emergency operation II, as in emergency operation I, the interruption of all primary energy sources used in normal operation to power the drives is unplanned.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the onboard power supply system of the mobile harbor crane, in particular its onboard crane power network, also includes the control system, which specifically comprises a control unit and a control unit. This control system specifies and / or permits the energy source for supplying power to the drives in normal operation, auxiliary operation, emergency operation I, and emergency operation II. The control system advantageously includes a management system for the long-term energy storage system. In normal operation, the control system assigns the power supply to all drives to the designated primary energy source. In auxiliary operation, the control system allows the drives of the chassis, outriggers, slewing mechanism, luffing mechanism, and hoist to be supplied with electrical energy solely by the long-term energy storage system.If a diesel-electric drive is used as the primary energy source, the control system can alternatively be designed to automatically switch from normal operation to auxiliary operation when the long-term energy storage system reaches a predefined charge level. This assigns the long-term energy storage system the sole power supply for the drives of the chassis, outriggers, slewing mechanism, luffing mechanism, and hoist, thereby optimizing the overall efficiency of the energy supply system and simultaneously reducing local CO2 emissions, particularly by avoiding unnecessary energy conversions. In emergency operation I, the control system assigns the long-term energy storage system the sole power supply for the drives of the chassis, outriggers, slewing mechanism, luffing mechanism, and hoist.In auxiliary and / or emergency mode I, the control system, in particular the long-term energy storage management system, permits discharge of the long-term energy storage system only down to a predetermined lower charge threshold, specifically to ensure that sufficient energy is available in a potential emergency mode II. In emergency mode II, the control system mandatorily assigns the electrical energy supply for the drive of the landing gear and / or the drive of the hoist to the long-term energy storage system and preferably limits it to this. In emergency mode II, the control system, in particular the long-term energy storage management system, also permits discharge below the predetermined lower charge threshold.The control system is also designed in such a way that the mobile harbor crane can continue its normal operation in the event of a failure of the long-term energy storage system, provided that the necessary primary energy source for supplying energy to the drives is available.

[0024] In a structurally simple manner, the long-term energy storage system is charged via the onboard crane power grid using the primary energy source employed during normal operation. Additionally, regenerative braking from the energy consumption system, or at least one of its drives (e.g., the hoist drive when lowering a load), can also be used to charge the long-term energy storage system. Gentle charging of the long-term energy storage system can advantageously be achieved by the control system, particularly the long-term energy storage management system, preferably limiting charging to a predetermined upper charge threshold, thus preventing overcharging.If, after reaching the upper charge threshold, further energy is available from the regenerative operation of the at least one drive used, and if connected to an external primary energy source, this energy can be fed back into the external primary energy source. In this case, current flow is possible in both directions between the energy consumption system or its drive(s) and the external primary energy source.

[0025] It is also a particular advantage that, with a planned modular design of the necessary components and functionalities of the long-term energy storage system as well as the control and regulation system, in particular the management system for the long-term energy storage contained therein, can also be retrofitted into existing mobile harbor cranes as an extension.

[0026] In a preferred first embodiment of the mobile harbor crane, the primary energy source used during normal operation is an external primary energy source, in particular a port power grid. The mobile harbor crane has no additional primary energy source and therefore, in particular, no onboard primary energy source. As soon as and as long as the external primary energy source is available to power the drives and the mobile harbor crane can therefore be operated in normal operation, the control system specifies the use of this energy source. For this purpose, for example, a signal can be sent from the control unit to the control unit, which activates the electrical connection for connecting the external primary energy source. In auxiliary operation, emergency operation I, or emergency operation II, the long-term energy storage system takes over the power supply of at least some of the drives according to the criteria described above for the respective operation.The long-term energy storage system is charged during normal operation via the crane's onboard power grid through the external primary energy source or by regenerative braking from one or more of the drives. A key advantage of this design is that the possible emergency operation modes I and / or II minimize downtime of the mobile harbor crane that would otherwise occur if the sole primary energy source failed. Furthermore, auxiliary operation using the long-term energy storage system is possible, for example, when the mobile harbor crane is used in a port area without access to the port's power grid. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for a diesel-electric drive to supply the energy consumption system and its associated drives.Further advantages of this embodiment are therefore the avoidance of local CO2 emissions and thus a significant improvement in the ecological footprint of the port, the saving of fuel and other engine operating materials, and the avoidance of maintenance time on the otherwise required diesel engine.

[0027] In an alternative second embodiment of the mobile harbor crane, the primary energy source used in normal operation is an onboard primary energy source, in particular a diesel-electric drive. As soon as and as long as this primary energy source is available to power the drives and the mobile harbor crane can therefore be operated in normal operation, the control system mandates the use of this energy source. The mobile harbor crane thus does not require a connection for an external primary energy source and can therefore be operated independently of a port power grid, for example, during normal operation. In auxiliary operation, emergency operation I, or emergency operation II, the long-term energy storage system takes over the supply of at least some of the drives according to the criteria described above for the respective operation.The long-term energy storage system is charged during normal operation via the onboard crane power grid using the onboard primary energy source or by regenerative braking from one or more of the drives. A key advantage of this design is that the possible emergency operation I and / or emergency operation II minimizes downtime of the mobile harbor crane that would otherwise occur if the sole primary energy source failed, and that auxiliary operation using the long-term energy storage system is possible, for example, when using the mobile harbor crane in a port area where the operation of a diesel-electric drive is undesirable or prohibited.

[0028] In an alternative third embodiment of the mobile harbor crane, the primary energy source used in normal operation comprises a first, external primary energy source, in particular a port power grid, and a second, onboard primary energy source, in particular a diesel-electric drive. It is particularly advantageous that, as soon as and as long as the external primary energy source is available and the mobile harbor crane can therefore be operated in normal operation, the control system mandates the use of this energy source. If this energy source is not available, the control system mandates the use of the onboard primary energy source to power the drives, whereby the mobile harbor crane can also be operated in normal operation under these circumstances.In auxiliary mode, the control system allows the drives to be powered by either the onboard primary energy source or the long-term energy storage system. If the charge level of the long-term energy storage system is insufficient, particularly if it falls below or equal to the specified lower charge threshold, the control system prioritizes the onboard primary energy source for powering the drives. Furthermore, the control system can be configured to automatically prioritize powering the drives from the long-term energy storage system if and as long as the mobile harbor crane is located in a port area where the operation of a diesel-electric drive is undesirable or prohibited, and the charge level of the long-term energy storage system is sufficient to power at least some of the drives.Alternatively, the crane operator can also set the power requirements manually. If one of the two primary energy sources fails, the other primary energy source can be used to power the drives, thus ensuring normal operation of the mobile harbor crane. If both the first, external primary energy source and the second, onboard primary energy source fail, the long-term energy storage system automatically takes over the required power supply for at least some of the drives in Emergency Operation I or Emergency Operation II, according to the criteria described above for the respective operation. The long-term energy storage system is charged via the onboard crane power grid by the external primary energy source, the onboard primary energy source, or by regenerative braking from one or more of the drives.A key advantage of this embodiment is that the possible emergency operation I and / or emergency operation II minimizes downtime of the mobile harbor crane that would otherwise occur if both primary energy sources failed. Furthermore, auxiliary operation via the long-term energy storage system is possible, for example, when using the mobile harbor crane in a port area without access to the port power grid, or in a port area where the operation of a diesel-electric drive is undesirable or prohibited. Advantageously, the second, onboard primary energy source can be dispensed with in the long term, for example, by subsequently removing it, allowing a mobile harbor crane according to the third embodiment to be converted into a mobile harbor crane according to the first embodiment described above.

[0029] The three exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings. They show: Figure 1 a view of a mobile harbor crane, Figure 2 a schematic representation of the onboard energy supply system of the mobile harbor crane according to Figure 1 together with an external primary energy source, Figure 3 a schematic representation of the onboard energy supply system of the mobile harbor crane according to Figure 1 , which includes an onboard primary energy source and Figure 4 a schematic representation of the onboard energy supply system of the mobile harbor crane according to Figure 1 , which includes an onboard primary power source, together with an external primary power source.

[0030] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a view of a mobile harbor crane 1 for handling standardized containers, particularly ISO containers, between land and water or vice versa, or within container terminals. The mobile harbor crane 1 can also be equipped with a grab for handling bulk goods. The mobile harbor crane 1 essentially consists of an undercarriage 2 and a superstructure 3 with a tower 4 and a boom 5. Typically, the mobile harbor crane 1 is supported on land, in this case a quay 7, via its undercarriage 2. The mobile harbor crane 1 can be moved along the quay 7 via the undercarriage 2 with its running gear 6, in particular a wheeled running gear, and is supported on the quay 7 during handling operations by a support device 8, in particular its outriggers. It is also possible for the mobile harbor crane 1 to be moved on rails or to be stationary and mounted on a floating pontoon.The superstructure 3 is mounted on the undercarriage 2 and can be pivoted about a vertical axis of rotation D, and in particular relative to the undercarriage 2, by a slewing mechanism d. The slewing mechanism d typically has a slewing ring engaged with a drive gear. The superstructure 3 also carries a hoist h and a counterweight 9 at the rear. The vertically extending tower 4 is also supported on the superstructure 3, and a roller head 10 with pulleys is attached to its top. Furthermore, the boom 5 is articulated to the tower 4 at approximately half its length and on the side facing away from the counterweight 9. The boom 5 is pivotally connected to the tower 4 about a horizontal pivot axis W and can additionally be pivoted from its laterally projecting operating position to an upright rest position by means of a rocker arm w, which is articulated to the boom 5 and to the bottom of the superstructure 3 and is typically designed as a hydraulic cylinder.Furthermore, the boom 5 is designed in the usual manner as a lattice mast. At the tip of the boom 5 facing away from the tower 4, additional pulleys are rotatably mounted, over which lifting ropes are led from the hoist h via the sheave head 10 to the load to be lifted.

[0031] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the onboard power supply system 11 of the mobile harbor crane 1 according to the first embodiment described above. The power supply system 11 comprises an onboard crane power grid 12, a long-term energy storage system 15, and a power consumption system 20. An external primary energy source 13 is also shown, which can be, in particular, a stationary primary energy source outside the mobile harbor crane, such as a port power grid, and is connected to the onboard crane power grid 12 via a connection 16 for the external supply of electrical energy. The connection 16 for the external primary energy source 13 is designed such that a plug connection and / or a cable connection with a cable drum can be established with the external primary energy source 13.The onboard crane power network 12 then connects, via its electrical connections 19, a control and regulation system 17 contained in the crane power network 12 with the external primary energy source 13, an energy consumption system 20 which includes the drives of the chassis 6, the support device 8, the slewing mechanism d, the luffing mechanism w and the hoisting mechanism h, and the long-term energy storage system 15.

[0032] The control system 17, comprising a control unit 17a and a control unit 17b, controls and regulates the current flows via the electrical connections 19. For this purpose, signals are sent via the signal connections 18 from the control unit 17a to the control unit 17b, the long-term energy storage device 15, and the energy consumption system 20. The direction of the current flows is indicated by the arrows on the electrical connections 19. Accordingly, current flow in both directions is possible via the electrical connections 19 between the long-term energy storage device 15 and the energy consumption system 20, particularly via the control system 17. This allows, in particular, for energy to be fed back into the system from the regenerative operation of the at least one drive used in the energy consumption system 20, for example, the drive of the hoist h when lowering a load, to be used to charge the long-term energy storage device 15.Via the electrical connection 19 and the connection 16, a feed-in can also take place between the on-board crane power network 12 and the external primary energy source 13 as a result of a generator operation of the at least one drive used from the energy consumer system 20, in particular when and as long as the upper charge threshold of the long-term energy storage 15 is reached.

[0033] In the first embodiment of the mobile harbor crane 1, the external primary energy source 13 supplies the energy consumption system 20 and the long-term energy storage system 15 with electrical energy via the onboard crane power network 12 for charging the latter. As soon as and as long as the external primary energy source 13 is available to supply the energy consumption system 20 and the mobile harbor crane 1 can therefore be operated in normal operation, the control system 17 specifies the use of the external primary energy source 13. For this purpose, the control unit 17a sends a signal via the signal connection 18 to the control unit 17b, which activates the electrical connection 19 to the connection 16 of the external primary energy source 13, as well as to the energy consumption system 20.This results in a current flow between the external primary energy source 13 and the energy consumption system 20, in particular via the control system 17, to supply energy to the energy consumption system 20. Under normal operating conditions, all functions of the mobile harbor crane 1 are available, and these functions and the corresponding movements of the associated drives of the energy consumption system 20 can be superimposed. If the energy provided by the external primary energy source 13 is not used to supply the energy consumption system 20, it can be used to charge the long-term energy storage system 15, as described in more detail below.

[0034] In the event of planned interruptions, particularly disconnections, from the supply of the external primary energy source 13 used in normal operation, for example, during temporary use of the mobile harbor crane 1 in a port area without access to the port power grid, and a charge level of the long-term energy storage system 15 that exceeds a predefined lower charge threshold, the auxiliary operation is activated. The planned interruption can be initiated, for example, by the crane operator. In auxiliary operation, the control system 17 allows the drives of the energy consumption system 20 to be supplied with electrical energy solely by the long-term energy storage system 15.

[0035] In the event of unplanned interruptions, particularly due to a failure of the energy supply from the external primary energy source 13 used in normal operation (for example, a power outage in the port power grid), and a charge level of the long-term energy storage system 15 exceeding a predetermined lower charge threshold, emergency operation I is activated. Unlike a switch from normal operation to auxiliary operation, no action by a crane operator is required for this. In emergency operation I, the control system 17 assigns the sole supply of electrical energy to the drives of the energy consumption system 20 to the long-term energy storage system 15.

[0036] To utilize the long-term energy storage device 15 for supplying the aforementioned drives of the energy consumption system 20 in auxiliary and emergency operation I, the control unit 17a sends a signal via the corresponding signal connections 18 between the control unit 17a and the long-term energy storage device 15, between the control unit 17a and the control unit 17b, and between the control unit 17a and the energy consumption system 20. This results in a current flow between the long-term energy storage device 15 and the energy consumption system 20, in particular via the control system 17. The long-term energy storage device 15 is thus designed and configured such that, in auxiliary and emergency operation I, the energy supply to the drives of the energy consumption system 20 is ensured by means of the long-term energy storage device 15.This means that at least the main crane functions – driving and steering the chassis 6, supporting the outrigger 8, rotating the slewing mechanism d, luffing the luffing mechanism w, and raising and lowering the hoist h – are usable. However, a limitation compared to normal operation may be that some functions, such as raising, lowering, luffing, and / or rotating, can only be used in individual mode. In individual mode, an overlay of these functions and the corresponding movements of the associated drives is not permitted. However, an overlay of these functions is possible in principle. When the predetermined lower charge threshold of the long-term energy storage device 15 is reached, a switch to emergency operation II, described in more detail below, is automatically triggered.

[0037] In the event of an interruption in the supply to the external primary energy source 13 used in normal operation and a charge level of the long-term energy storage device 15 that corresponds to or is below the predefined lower charge threshold, emergency operation II is activated. In emergency operation II, the control system 17 mandatorily assigns the supply of electrical energy to the drive of the chassis 6 and / or the drive of the hoist h to the long-term energy storage device 15 and preferably limits it to this. For this purpose, the control unit 17a sends a signal via the corresponding signal connections 18 between control unit 17a and long-term energy storage device 15, between control unit 17a and control unit 17b, and between control unit 17a and the drive of the chassis 6 and / or the drive of the hoist h.This results in a current flow between the long-term energy storage device 15 and the drive of the chassis 6 and / or the drive of the hoist h, thus supplying energy to the drive of the chassis 6 and / or the drive of the hoist h. The current flow can occur via the electrical connections 19, in particular via the control system 17. The long-term energy storage device 15 is therefore designed and configured such that, in emergency operation II, at least the energy supply to the drive of the chassis 6 and / or the drive of the hoist h is ensured by means of the long-term energy storage device 15. This allows at least the main crane functions of driving and steering the chassis 6 and / or lowering the hoist h to be used, enabling, in particular, the controlled unloading of a load and / or the removal of the mobile harbor crane from the working area and / or danger zone.However, a limitation compared to the aforementioned operating modes is that the crane's main functions – driving and steering the chassis 6 and / or lowering the hoist h – can only be used in single-function mode. In single-function mode, an overlay of these functions and the corresponding movements of the associated drives is neither intended nor possible.

[0038] During normal operation, the long-term energy storage device 15 is charged via the onboard crane power grid 12 by the external primary energy source 13. For this purpose, the control unit 17a sends a signal via the corresponding signal connections 18 between the control unit 17a and the control unit 17b, as well as between the control unit 17a and the long-term energy storage device 15. This causes a current flow via the electrical connections 19 from the external primary energy source 13 to the long-term energy storage device 15, in particular via the control system 17, to charge it. Additionally, energy generated during regenerative operation of at least one drive, for example, the drive of the hoist h when lowering a load, can also be used to charge the long-term energy storage device 15.For this purpose, the control unit 17a sends a corresponding signal via the signal connections 18 between control unit 17a and control unit 17b, between control unit 17a and energy consumption system 20, and between control unit 17a and long-term energy storage 15. This results in a current flow from the energy consumption system 20 to the long-term energy storage 15, in particular via the control system 17, for charging. Gentle charging of the long-term energy storage 15 is advantageously enhanced by the fact that the control system 17, in particular the management system for the long-term energy storage 15 contained therein, preferably allows charging of the long-term energy storage 15 only up to a predetermined upper charge threshold, in particular to avoid overcharging the long-term energy storage 15.

[0039] The Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the onboard power supply system 11 of the mobile harbor crane 1 according to the second embodiment described above. The second embodiment differs from the one shown in Figure 1. Figure 2The described embodiment differs essentially in that an onboard primary energy source 14, which is part of the onboard power supply system 11, is used as the primary energy source instead of an external primary energy source 13. The onboard primary energy source 14 can, in particular, comprise a diesel-electric drive. The mobile harbor crane 1 does not have a connection for an external primary energy source 13. A signal connection 18 exists between the onboard primary energy source 14 and the control unit 17a, via which the onboard primary energy source 14 can be controlled so that the required energy for the energy consumption system 20 is provided. For this purpose, a current flow is effected via the electrical connections 19 from the onboard primary energy source 14 to the energy consumption system 20, in particular via the control system 17.No energy is fed back from the consumer system 20 into the onboard primary energy source 14. Otherwise, the statements regarding [reference to relevant section] apply. Figure 2 Similarly, this also applies to the in Figure 3 embodiment shown.

[0040] The Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the onboard power supply system 11 of the mobile harbor crane 1 according to the third embodiment described above. With regard to its components, this embodiment essentially corresponds to a combination of the components described in the Figure 2 and 3 The described embodiments. Some special features of the operating modes of the third embodiment are described below.

[0041] As soon as and as long as the external primary energy source 13 is available and the mobile harbor crane 1 can therefore be operated in normal operation, the control system 17 specifies the use of this energy source to supply the drives of the energy consumption system 20 and to charge the long-term energy storage system 15. If the external primary energy source 13 is not available, the control system 17 specifies the use of the onboard primary energy source 14 to supply the drives of the energy consumption system 20 and to charge the long-term energy storage system 15, whereby the mobile harbor crane 1 can also be operated in normal operation.

[0042] In auxiliary mode, the control system 17 allows the drives of the energy consumption system 20 to be supplied with energy by both the onboard primary energy source 13 and the long-term energy storage system 15. If the charge level of the long-term energy storage system 15 is insufficient, the control system 17 prioritizes the onboard primary energy source 14 for supplying energy to the drives of the energy consumption system 20.The control system 17 can also be designed such that, provided and as long as the mobile harbor crane 1 is located in a port area where the operation of the onboard primary energy source 14, in particular a diesel-electric drive thereof, is not desired or not permitted, and the charge level of the long-term energy storage system 15 is sufficient to supply energy to at least some of the drives of the energy consumption system 20, it automatically determines the energy supply of the drives of the energy consumption system 20 by the long-term energy storage system 15. Alternatively, the crane operator can also make this determination manually.

[0043] If one of the two primary energy sources 13 or 14 fails, the other primary energy source 13 or 14 can be used to supply energy to the drives of the energy consumer system 20, thus ensuring normal operation of the mobile harbor crane.

[0044] In the event of failure of the first, external primary energy source 13 and the second, onboard primary energy source 14, the long-term energy storage system 15 necessarily takes over the required energy supply of at least some of the drives of the energy consumption system 20 in emergency operation I or emergency operation II. Under normal operating conditions, the long-term energy storage system 15 is charged via the onboard crane power network 12 by the external primary energy source 13 or the onboard primary energy source 14, or by feed-in from one or more of the drives. Reference symbol list

[0045] 1 Mobile harbor crane 2 Undercarriage 3 Superstructure 4 Tower 5 Boom 6 Undercarriage 7 Quay 8 Outrigger 9 Counterweight 10 Roller head 11 On-board power supply system 12 On-board crane power network 13 External primary power source 14 On-board primary power source 15 Long-term energy storage 16 Connection 17 Control and regulation system 17a Control unit 17b Control unit 18 Signal connection 19 Electrical connection 20 Energy consumption system d Slewing mechanism D Slewing axis w Luffing mechanism WW Luffing axis h Hoist

Claims

1. Mobile harbor crane (1) with an undercarriage (2) and a running gear (6) attached thereto with a support device (8), an upper carriage (3) with a tower extending in the vertical direction, a slewing gear (d) connecting the upper carriage (3) to the undercarriage (2), a jib (5), a luffing gear (w) connecting the jib (5) to the upper carriage (3), and a hoisting gear (h), wherein the mobile harbor crane (1) has an on-board energy supply system (11) for supplying drives of the running gear (6), the support device (8), the slewing gear (d), the luffing gear (w) and the hoisting gear (h) with electrical energy, wherein in normal operation of the mobile harbor crane (1) the drives are supplied with the required electrical energy from a primary energy source (13; 14), the electrical energy being transmitted via an on-board crane power grid (12) provided in the on-board power supply system (11), characterized in that the on-board power supply system (11) has a long-term energy store (15) for an auxiliary operation and / or an emergency operation I and / or an emergency operation II of the mobile harbor crane (1) in order to supply at least some of the drives (6; 8; d; w; h) via the on-board crane power grid (12) through the long-term energy store (15) instead of through the primary energy source (13; 14), wherein the on-board energy supply system (11) comprises a control system (17) which, in auxiliary operation, permits the drives of the running gear (6), the support device (8), the slewing gear (d), the luffing gear (w) and the hoisting gear (h) to be supplied solely with electrical energy by the long-term energy store (15) and / or, in emergency operation I, mandatorily assigns to the long-term energy store (15) the sole supply of electrical energy to the drives of the running gear (6), the support device (8), the slewing gear (d), the luffing gear (w) and the hoisting gear (h) and / or, in emergency operation II, mandatorily assigns to the long-term energy store (15) the supply of electrical energy to the drive of the running gear (6) and / or the drive of the lifting gear (h) and preferably limits it to this, wherein the control system (17) in emergency operation II also permits discharging of the long-term energy store (15) below the predetermined lower charging threshold.

2. Mobile harbor crane (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the long-term energy store (15) is designed and set up in such a way that in auxiliary operation and / or in emergency operation I, the energy supply to the drives of the running gear (6), the support device (8), the slewing gear (d), the luffing gear (w) and the hoisting gear (h) is ensured by means of the long-term energy store (15) so that at least the main crane functions driving and steering of the running gear (6), supporting the support device (8), slewing the slewing gear (d), luffing the luffing gear (w) and raising and lowering the hoisting gear (h) can be used.

3. Mobile harbor crane (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the long-term energy store (15) is designed and set up in such a way that in emergency operation II at least the energy supply to the drive of the running gear (6) and / or the drive of the hoisting gear (h) is ensured by means of the long-term energy store (15), so that at least the main crane functions driving and steering of the running gear (6) and / or lowering the hoisting gear (h) can be used, in particular a load can be set down in a controlled manner and / or the mobile harbor crane (1) can be moved out of the working area and / or the danger zone.

4. Mobile harbor crane (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control system (17) in auxiliary operation and / or in emergency operation I permits discharging of the long-term energy store (15) only up to a predetermined lower charging threshold, in particular in order to be able to provide the required energy in any emergency operation II.

5. Mobile harbor crane (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the long-term energy store (15) is charged via the on-board crane power grid (12) by the primary energy source (13; 14) used in normal operation.

6. Mobile harbor crane (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the on-board energy supply system (11) can be connected to an external primary energy source (13), in particular a harbor power grid, by means of a connection (16) provided in the on-board crane power grid (12).

7. Mobile harbor crane (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the on-board energy supply system (11) has an on-board primary energy source (14), in particular a diesel-electric drive.

8. Mobile harbor crane (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the long-term energy store (15) comprises at least one rechargeable battery, preferably a Li-ion battery.