MOBILE HANDHELD DEVICE FOR PLANNING AN OPERATION TO LIFT A LOAD WITH A CRANE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile handheld device for planning an operation to lift a load with a crane, in particular a mobile crane.

[0002] Cranes are used to lift and move heavy loads, and their operating parameters must be selected according to the specific situation. To avoid unforeseen problems and dangerous improvisations by the crane operator, information is gathered in advance regarding the approach route, the site conditions, the coordinates of the load transport, and the load's properties and attachment options. This information serves as an important basis for a safe and smooth operation. The appropriate crane is selected based on the weight of the load, the required lifting height and reach, the local conditions at the work site, and the type of crane operation. When choosing the crane's location, it is essential to ensure that sufficient space is available for extending and securing the outriggers, while maintaining safety distances to excavations, embankments, and structures.Furthermore, it must be checked whether the weather forecast permits the upcoming crane operations. Prior planning is therefore essential to assess the feasibility of the crane work. For this purpose, operational planners are already available who will simulate the upcoming crane operation.

[0003] Document JP2018095434A discloses a mobile handheld device for planning an operation to lift a load with a crane, which includes a microcomputer with a data storage device and a user interface, wherein a method is implemented in the microcomputer in which setup data of at least one deployable crane are stored in the data storage device and values ​​for situation-specific input parameters for lifting a load are entered via the user interface, wherein a prediction of the feasibility of lifting the load is created from the entered values ​​of the input parameters and from the stored setup data of the at least one crane.

[0004] Furthermore, EP1868150 B1 discloses a crane deployment planner with a central planning unit, a central database containing data on deployable cranes, and a calculation module for determining the load moments occurring during deployment. The simulation and calculation of deployments are performed by a central planning unit, and data input and output are handled via clients, which communicate with the central planning unit via the internet. DE11 2012 0001 69 T5 describes the modeling and tracking of a crane on a construction site. This is achieved by determining the three-dimensional (3D) geospatial coordinates of the crane, which enables the tracking of the crane's movable components and supports the safe maneuvering of the crane on a construction site.

[0005] To determine on site whether a load can be lifted with certain operating parameters, DE 197 31 633 B4 describes a display for a turntable ladder truck with which a target can be aimed at, the distance to this target can be measured and it is calculated and output whether the target can be reached.

[0006] WO 2017 / 063015 A1 describes an arrangement for assessing the feasibility of transferring the lifting device to another position using a mobile control module.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2015 112 194 B4 discloses a method for planning the movement of a crane, as well as for calculating, monitoring, testing, and / or displaying the movement of a crane. This method defines a state space of the crane based on a predefined number of operating parameters. From this state space, a subspace of permissible crane states for the load is determined, within which the load can be safely lifted or moved. For this purpose, a starting point and an end point of the load are specified, and corresponding starting and ending states of the crane are defined. A possible permissible load path is then determined iteratively. The aim of the method described in this patent is to fully exploit the wire load potential of a crane by recording as many operating parameters as possible. However, such a system is complex and is particularly suitable for the operational planning of complex crane operations.Such a system is not suitable for a quick check to determine whether and, if so, in which configuration of a crane a given lifting task can be accomplished.

[0008] German patent DE 10 2012 011 726 B4 describes a method for operating a crane with a monitoring unit that calculates a permissible load capacity during crane operation, dependent on one or more variable parameters, and with sensors that detect the currently variable parameters during crane operation and make them available to the monitoring unit. The method provides that one or more sensor values ​​are modified before the permissible load capacity is calculated, so that the permissible load capacity can be determined for one or more future parameters, thus enabling a predictive calculation of the possible permissible load capacity for future crane movements.

[0009] Finally, DE 10 2005 059 786 A1 discloses a crane with a monitoring device for monitoring the crane's operating status and a deployment planner with two display units for planning crane operations. However, if the deployment planner's assessment reveals a situation that prevents lifting the load, the crane operator must decide which crane settings need to be changed to enable lifting the load.

[0010] In numerous operational scenarios involving a mobile crane, such as a fire service crane during a rescue operation, complex and detailed advance planning of the crane's deployment is simply not feasible due to time constraints. Furthermore, rigging data sheets exist for commercial cranes, specifying the permissible lifting capacities in certain crane configurations. An experienced crane operator can select the optimal crane configuration based on a few parameters using the relevant rigging data sheet. One of the main questions when operating a mobile crane is, for example, where the crane must be positioned to reliably perform a given lifting task. Making the right decision here is crucial, especially in emergency situations like those encountered when operating a fire service crane.The present invention therefore addresses the technical problem of providing the operating personnel of a crane with a device that enables reliable and rapid positioning of the crane, taking into account the corresponding crane configuration.

[0011] This technical problem is solved with the mobile handheld device for planning an operation to lift a load with a crane according to claim 1.

[0012] Advantageous designs and further training opportunities arise from the interdependent requirements.

[0013] The present invention relates to a mobile handheld device for planning an operation to lift a load with a crane, in particular a mobile crane, which comprises a microcomputer with a data storage device and a user interface, wherein a method is implemented in the microcomputer in which setup data of at least one deployable crane are stored in the data storage device and values ​​for situation-specific input parameters for lifting a load are entered via the user interface.

[0014] In the method implemented in the handheld device according to the invention, a forecast for the feasibility of lifting the load is generated from the entered values ​​of the input parameters and from the stored setup data of the at least one crane. In the case of a positive forecast, this determines operating parameters that enable time-optimized lifting of the load, or in the case of a negative forecast, it issues instructions for changing the input parameters so that the load can be lifted by this change.

[0015] A forecast is generated that determines whether the load can be lifted or not and automatically provides the crane operator with optimized or modified operating parameters. The forecast and, if applicable, the optimized or modified operating parameters are displayed via the user interface. Therefore, the crane operator does not need to manually search the crane's load capacity tables and independently find an optimized solution, nor does he need to independently recognize that the selected operating parameters are insufficient to lift the load and search for new ones.

[0016] Input parameters are those parameters that the program / method implemented in the mobile handheld device requires to determine the forecast.

[0017] The setup data for a crane consists of crane-specific data sheets that list all possible settings for the operating parameters for a given load. The setup data required for the respective crane is stored in the mobile handheld device for use with the procedure implemented therein.

[0018] The operating parameters are the variable parameters of the crane components or the crane environment. The crane operator can adjust these based on the forecast in order to execute the procedure.

[0019] Furthermore, time-optimized lifting can be optimized for the setup time to adjust the crane's operating parameters and / or for the overall working time of a project.

[0020] Setup time refers to the time required to select a location and adjust the operating parameters to enable lifting. This optimization is particularly useful, for example, when a load is only to be lifted once using the set parameters.

[0021] When managing an entire project, it can be advantageous to determine the operating parameters that will allow for the fastest completion. For example, in industrial projects, this might involve optimizing lifting in relation to travel speed. Certain settings, particularly those selected as standard crane settings such as a higher hoist rope reeving, slow down the lifting and lowering process. Therefore, if light loads need to be lifted frequently on a construction site, it may be worthwhile to accept the increased setup time required to change these standard settings in order to move the loads more quickly.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the handheld device according to the invention, the setup data can include values ​​depending on the load, which are composed of the following parameters: a hoist rope reeving, a telescopic boom length, a reach, a counterweight, a dimension of the extended sliding arms of the support, as well as a working area and a setup code.

[0023] Depending on the crane type, more or fewer of these parameters are available. The method implemented in the mobile handheld device depends on the chosen crane type and is advantageously adapted to the respective available parameters.

[0024] The term "lifting rope reeving" refers to the process and the method of threading the lifting rope into the pulley blocks of the pulley head and hook block to which the load is attached.

[0025] The telescopic boom is a telescopic structure consisting of the boom body and several telescopic sections nested within each other, which can be extended. The extension of the telescopic sections can be manual using a cable winch, automatic using a hydraulic ram, or a combination of both methods. The telescopic boom length describes the overall length of the structure as a function of the extended telescopic sections. In the setup data, discrete percentage values ​​can be specified for the extent to which each telescopic section is extended. For example, with three telescopic sections, a value of 33 / 33 / 33 means that each telescopic section is extended to one-third of its length.

[0026] The reach is the area on the crane boom that can be reached by the set angle and the selected length of the telescopic boom. The shortest reach is near the vertical part of the crane, while the longest reach is at the outer end of the crane boom.

[0027] The counterweight is attached to compensate for the one-sided forces or torques resulting from the geometrically asymmetrical design or weight distribution of the crane boom, and to stabilize the crane and prevent it from tipping over.

[0028] During crane operation, the forces and moments induced by the load are transferred from the vehicle frame to the outriggers. The outriggers with their attached support cylinders significantly increase the footprint, enabling high load capacities with sufficient stability. The outriggers can be extended either manually or hydraulically. The extension of the outriggers is measured in meters, indicating the distance from the left outrigger to the right. Load capacity tables with the corresponding required outrigger widths can be stored in the setup data.

[0029] The working range, i.e., the portion of the area around the crane in which the lifting operation can take place, can be set to 360°, plus or minus 60°, or 0°. With a working range of 0°, only a reach beyond the rear is possible. This setting is used, for example, with heavy loads when additional support is required on the other sides of the crane.

[0030] If the calculated working area is less than 360°, a warning is issued so that it can be considered whether, for example, a change of location to change the parameters is desired, or whether the limited working area should be maintained.

[0031] Furthermore, a warning is issued if the load is so close to the crane that contact with crane components could occur during movement. This alerts the operator to the potential problem before the crane is moved and prevents a possible collision.

[0032] A warning is also issued if the distance between the load and the reach specified in the load capacity table exceeds a configurable threshold, i.e., if the load is swinging excessively. This prevents excessive leverage forces from developing due to the swinging motion, which could compromise the crane's stability.

[0033] The setup code specifies the crane-specific data sheet, the load capacity table sheet, which contains the table with the operating parameters selected for the operation. The setup code defines the crane's setup status.

[0034] According to the invention, the input parameters include a weight of the load to be lifted, a distance, the dimension of the extended sliding arms of the support, and a height to the load.

[0035] The crane operator enters the parameters directly dictated by the problem, particularly the choice of location and the load to be lifted, into the system. These input parameters define the problem to be solved by the procedure.

[0036] Furthermore, the extended length of the support arms can be selected to the greatest extent possible, space permitting. Provided there are no surrounding restrictions, a maximum footprint is preferred for increased stability.

[0037] Furthermore, weather data can be determined and, based on the weather data, a correction to the weight of the load to be lifted can be calculated.

[0038] Depending on weather conditions and wind patterns, the actual weight of the load to be lifted is affected. Calculating a correction value allows for adjustments to the operating parameters, if necessary, thus preventing incorrect settings. Weather data can be determined and entered automatically via a wind meter, manually by entering wind speeds, or via an online query of the relevant data. Furthermore, the maximum permissible wind speed for lifting the load can be stored in the setup data.

[0039] At excessively high wind speeds, the effect of the wind on the load can no longer be reliably predicted, and therefore determining the operating parameters becomes too uncertain. In such a case, the procedure implemented in the mobile handheld device advantageously advises against lifting the load.

[0040] In the design of the handheld device according to the invention, the input parameters distance and / or height to the load are determined.

[0041] They can be measured, for example, with a distance measuring device. For this, the hypotenuse of a triangle is measured, which corresponds to the distance from the measuring device to the tip of the load, as well as the angle from the measuring device to the tip of the load. From this, the distance and the height can be determined.

[0042] Various methods can be used for distance measurement, for example a measuring device with a laser or a drone.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the handheld device according to the invention, the operating parameters can include at least values ​​for the lifting rope reeving, counterweight, telescopic boom length, reach and telescopic boom locking.

[0044] Depending on the crane type, more or fewer of these parameters are available; consequently, only those operating parameters that are necessary and / or relevant for controlling the crane are displayed. The automatic calculation of these parameters, specifically tailored to the crane type and environment, saves the crane operator time and minimizes the risk of incorrect decisions.

[0045] Additionally, the setup code can be output, which can then be automatically transmitted to the crane. This can enable automated adjustment of the determined operating parameters on the crane.

[0046] In another embodiment, certain operating parameters, such as the hoist rope reeving, the counterweight and the telescopic boom locking mechanism, are pre-assigned with standard values ​​and are only adjusted secondarily.

[0047] The default settings are initially retained, and an attempt is made to adjust the remaining operating parameters to increase the load. These operating parameters, in particular, require a considerable amount of time to adjust. Therefore, in most cases, it is advantageous to leave the predefined default values ​​for time optimization and to modify other operating parameters.

[0048] According to a further development of the method implemented in the handheld device according to the invention, the operating parameters are optimized for the smallest telescopic boom length with which the load can be lifted.

[0049] Changing the telescopic boom length can be done quickly and is therefore the first step when adjusting crane parameters is necessary.

[0050] It's important to note that the extension sequence of the individual telescopic sections is vehicle-specific, meaning the order can vary from "smallest to largest" or "largest to smallest." This sequence is crucial if there's only one hydraulic ram for extending the telescopic sections. If you start with the wrong section, the others will be pushed upwards and become inaccessible to the hydraulic ram. The procedure should be chosen based on the method that allows for more flexible readjustment.

[0051] The fewer telescopic sections that need to be extended, the faster the process. The extended length is usually given as a percentage of the maximum extension length and can also be found in the load capacity tables.

[0052] The value for the reach is automatically derived from the load capacity table based on the setting of the operating parameter for the telescopic boom length, in combination with the height of the load to be lifted.

[0053] In another embodiment, the operating parameters are optimized for the smallest number of lifting rope reeving operations with which the load can be lifted.

[0054] According to German road traffic regulations (StVZO), a maximum reeving angle of four is permitted for driving operations. Therefore, this is often the standard setting. If the load, taking into account the weight and length of the hoist rope, is to be lifted with this reeving angle, then the standard reeving angle is used, as changing the hoist rope reeving angle is time-consuming. However, a large hoist rope reeving angle reduces the travel speed. Therefore, for longer projects, such as industrial projects with multiple load movements, it is advisable to choose a smaller reeving angle to increase the travel speed and thus reduce the required project working time.

[0055] Furthermore, a smaller number of rope reeving points than the standard can be selected if the rope length is insufficient to execute the procedure. The rope length can be determined from the number of rope reeving points and the calculated height.

[0056] According to one variant of the method implemented in the handheld device according to the invention, the operating parameters can be optimized to achieve the smallest counterweight with which the load can be lifted.

[0057] If the load can be lifted with the standard counterweight, this is preferred, as changing the counterweight is time-consuming. On many crane types, the first counterweight is fixed and cannot be changed. However, if the standard counterweight is insufficient to lift the load, or conversely, if there is insufficient space for the selected number of counterweights, the parameter can be adjusted.

[0058] Furthermore, the operating parameters can be optimized to the minimum number of telescopic boom locks required to lift the load.

[0059] If the load can be lifted using the standard telescopic boom locking mechanism, i.e., the already configured setup, this is preferred. Otherwise, a solution is sought that requires as few locking mechanisms as possible, ideally none at all. This saves working time and prevents errors due to incorrect bolting.

[0060] According to a further development of the method implemented in the handheld device according to the invention, the operating parameters are optimized for the minimum difference between the measured distance to the load and the reach. The vibration of the load increases as the difference between the distance to the load and the reach increases.

[0061] Since vibrations should be minimized if possible, the variant in which this difference is minimal is advantageously chosen.

[0062] According to a further development of the invention, the positive forecast consists of the distance to the load, the actual maximum load, the maximum achievable height above the load, the number of hoist rope reevings, the telescopic boom lengths, the setup code and the counterweight.

[0063] If the forecast is positive, the crane operator receives all the necessary operating parameters for smooth operation, as well as the setup code to be able to understand the decision if necessary or for automated transmission to the crane's software.

[0064] The actual maximum load is derived directly from the load capacity tables and the respective hoist rope reeving, enabling the crane operator to estimate how much buffer is available with the proposed setting.

[0065] The maximum achievable height above the load can either be displayed in meters, or it can be indicated whether lifting the load is possible or not with the current crane positioning due to the height.

[0066] The length of the telescopic boom determines the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle it forms. The height of this triangle can be calculated from the telescopic boom length. The height of the lifting container must then be subtracted from this height to determine the height of the crane hook. Since the load must be attached to the crane hook, it usually hangs somewhat lower.

[0067] If the forecast is negative, suggestions for changing the operating parameters are displayed, which could make lifting the load possible. The crane operator can then check the feasibility of changing these operating parameters and, if necessary, repeat the procedure with the new parameters.

[0068] This allows for deployment planning independent of the crane's location. For example, deployment planning can be completed before the crane arrives, so that if the forecast is unfavorable, precautions can be taken in advance. Furthermore, if a software update is needed or hardware damage occurs, no work is required on the crane itself; only the mobile unit needs maintenance. This reduces the workload and organizational effort.

[0069] Furthermore, the user interface of the mobile handheld device may include a display, whereby the forecast and / or the operational parameters are displayed on the screen.

[0070] This allows the result of the operational planning to be displayed immediately in a simple and clear manner, both before and during the operation.

[0071] According to a further development of the invention, the determined setup code with the information on the operating parameters is not only output via the user interface of the mobile handheld device, but is transmitted directly from the mobile handheld device to the crane.

[0072] The transmission can take place either wired or wirelessly. For example, a bracket can be provided in the crane to which the mobile device is connected and which transmits the operating parameters to the crane's software.

[0073] The setup data for the desired crane type is stored in the data memory of the mobile handheld device. Data can be inputted and output via the user interface of the mobile handheld device, which typically comprises an input unit and an output unit. The operating parameters can be entered via the input unit. Advantageously, the mobile handheld device also includes a measuring unit with which the distance and height to the load can be determined, for example, using a laser via distance and angle measurement. One embodiment of the invention includes a further measuring unit for determining the wind speed. A calculation unit calculates the forecast from the input parameters and the setup data, and in the case of a negative forecast, the operating parameters; in the case of a negative forecast, suggestions for changes. It transmits these to an output unit.The output unit displays the result to the user via a display and / or transmits it to the crane software.

[0074] According to the invention, the measuring unit only detects the distance to the edge of the load, while the distance to the load's center of gravity is essential for determining the operating parameters. In one variant, a specific predefined offset value is added, for example, an offset value of 1.5 m, which is often quite suitable for the common application of lifting a vehicle, such as with fire service cranes. In another variant, the input unit allows the offset value to be changed manually.

[0075] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the data storage includes not only the setup data of a single crane, but also the setup data of multiple cranes, which, for example, can represent the fleet of a specific user. The method implemented in the mobile handheld device for planning the deployment of a crane to lift a load can therefore be configured so that not only are specific operating parameters of a crane determined, but also a list of available cranes is initially generated. This allows the user to then select which of the actually available cranes is used for the respective task. Considerations such as cost, distance to the deployment location of each crane, and the actual availability of the respective crane can play a role in this selection process.In one version of the mobile handheld device, it may also be possible to first select from the list of stored cranes those cranes that are actually available, so that the selection is already somewhat limited based on the specific operational data.

[0076] The invention will now be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of a crane with its telescopic boom erected and partially extended to illustrate its essential components; Fig. 2 is a perspective front view of the crane. Fig. 1with lowered and retracted telescopic boom; Fig. 3 a setup sheet with the values ​​for telescopic boom length, reach, counterweight and setup code depending on the load; Fig. 4 an embodiment of the mobile handheld device according to the invention and an example of an output by the mobile handheld device; and Fig. 5 a flowchart of the process steps of a first embodiment implemented in the handheld device according to the invention.

[0077] The in Fig. 1 The mobile crane 10, shown schematically in a perspective side view, has a chassis 11 and a superstructure 12, which are connected to each other via a slewing ring 13. The superstructure 12 comprises a boom base 14 with a telescopic boom 15, which consists of individual extendable or retractable telescopic sections 16, 17, 18, 19, and a counterweight 20. In the representation of the Fig. 1The telescopic boom 15 is erected and the telescopic sections 16, 17, 18, and 19 are at least partially extended. A hoisting rope 21 is guided within the telescopic boom 15, and a hook block 22 is mounted at its free end. Sheave blocks are provided in a pulley head 23 of the telescopic boom 15 and in the hook block, allowing for different reeving angles of the hoisting rope 21. The load 24 to be lifted is mounted on the hook block 22. The undercarriage 11 has extendable lateral supports 25. Depending on the crane 10 configuration, the telescopic sections 16 and 17 or 17 and 18 can be secured by means of a mechanical telescopic boom locking mechanism 26.

[0078] In Fig. 2 The crane will be 10 of the Fig. 1 shown in a perspective front view in which the telescopic boom 15 is lowered and retracted to more clearly show the roller block 23 of the telescopic boom 15 and the hook block 22.

[0079] In Fig. 3 An exemplary setup data sheet 30 is shown, which can be identified by a setup code 31. Such setup sheets for a crane are searched in digital form in the method implemented in the handheld device according to the invention in order to determine the optimal operating parameters for a specific application.

[0080] In Fig. 4 An embodiment of the system according to the invention for planning an operation for lifting a load with a crane is explained in more detail: The system described in Fig. 4 a) The illustrated system according to the invention can generate a forecast regarding the feasibility of lifting a load and output it to the user. The system can, for example, be a mobile handheld device 40, which the user can use independently of the crane for planning an operation. For example, the operation planning can thus be carried out before the crane arrives.

[0081] The device 40 includes an input unit, for example, input keys 41 or a touch-sensitive display 42, via which the user can enter the input parameters. The mobile handheld device 40 can also include a distance measuring device 43, for example, a laser system, and a wind measuring device 44. These measuring devices can replace the manual entry of the input parameters distance / height to the load and wind speed. Furthermore, the system includes a data storage unit in which crane setup data is stored, which consists of crane-specific components and information from the setup sheets, as described in Figure 3As shown, a (not shown) processing unit of the handheld device 40, for example a microcontroller on which software for determining the optimal operating parameters is located, is configured to use the input parameters as starting parameters of the software and to calculate the operating parameters and / or a forecast from these in combination with the stored data of the data memory. The mobile handheld device has, as shown in Figure 4 shown, also an output unit which is connected to the calculation unit and which is set up to output the result of the software as a display, for example on display 42.

[0082] The Figures 4 b) and c) The display shows typical results of the procedure as shown on screen 42. Fig. 4 b)A positive result is displayed, indicating that the load can be lifted using the input parameters. Among other things, the measured height and distance of the load, the percentage extension of each telescopic stage, and the setup code from the relevant setup data sheet are displayed. Fig. 4 c) Lifting the load is not possible with the given input parameters. However, a solution has been found that would allow lifting the load if the distance between the crane and the load were reduced by a certain minimum value (here, 2.19 m). This prediction is also displayed.

[0083] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the method implemented in the handheld device according to the invention and further details of the exemplary embodiment of the handheld device according to the invention are described with reference to Figure 5 explained, whereby the procedure is carried out using the system described above: In the Figure 5The flowchart shown for a first embodiment of the method is intended to optimize lifting time to coincide with the setup time for adjusting the crane's operating parameters. The method begins at starting point P0.

[0084] In a first step, S1, the data from the load capacity tables and crane-specific parameters are stored in the data storage in the device in advance, typically once before delivery.

[0085] In a second step, S2, the device and thus the calculation are started.

[0086] In a third step (S3), the weight of the load to be lifted, the distance to the load, the extension of the outriggers, and the height relative to the load are entered as situation-specific input parameters. This input can be done manually. Alternatively, in an optional fourth step (S4), the distance and / or height to the load can be determined using a distance measuring device. For example, a laser integrated into the device measures the hypotenuse of a triangle, which corresponds to the distance from the measuring device to the tip of the load. Together with the angle, the distance and height can then be determined. Another possibility is, for example, measurement with a drone.

[0087] In an optional fifth step S5, the wind speed can also be entered or measured with an anemometer integrated into the device.

[0088] In a sixth step (S6), the setup data stored in the data memory is searched to find configurations of the operating parameters that enable lifting the specified load with the selected outriggers and do not exceed the maximum height. The setup data contains configurations for the hoist rope reeving, the telescopic boom length, the reach, the counterweight, the extension of the outrigger legs, and a working area for given loads, all of which enable lifting the load.

[0089] At point P1, the procedure branches depending on the search result of step S6. The right branch ("No") is pursued further if no configuration can be found. Then, in the seventh step S7, a negative prediction is made, and the procedure terminates at point P3.

[0090] Otherwise, the left branch ("Yes") is pursued further and in an eighth step S8, all configurations are first determined in which the load can theoretically be lifted at the determined distance and height.

[0091] At point S2, the procedure branches out depending on the result of this investigation.

[0092] If no configuration is found in step S8, a ninth step S9 searches for a load with a distance that is closest to the measured distance.

[0093] In a tenth step, S10, a negative forecast is displayed along with a suggestion to change the operating parameters, for example, a suggestion to change the distance to the load by repositioning the crane. The procedure then ends at point P3.

[0094] If possible configurations are found in step S8, the procedure is continued in the downward-pointing branch at point S2 and checked in an eleventh step S11 to see if it is possible to lift the load without changing the standard values ​​of certain operating parameters, such as the hoist rope reeving, the counterweight and the telescopic boom locking.

[0095] First, it is checked whether the load can be lifted by adjusting the telescopic boom length. If several options are possible, the shortest telescopic boom length is selected from a potential range.

[0096] If no configuration suitable for lifting the load can be found simply by changing the telescopic boom length, a twelfth step (S12) attempts to adjust the hoist rope reeving. The setup data is searched for a suitable configuration with the fewest possible hoist rope reeving points.

[0097] If no suitable configuration can be found here either, in a thirteenth step (S13), a suitable configuration is searched for in the setup data by adjusting the counterweight. The smallest counterweight with which the load can be lifted is selected.

[0098] Should this also fail to produce a solution, in a fourteenth step (S14) the telescopic boom locks are adjusted. A configuration is sought that has the fewest telescopic boom locks required to lift the load.

[0099] In a fifteenth step S15, from the set of possible configurations, the configuration is selected in which there is a minimal difference between the measured distance to the load and the projection.

[0100] If a unique configuration is found, a positive forecast is made according to step sixteen (S16), and the result of the forecast and / or the deployment parameters are displayed to the user. The forecast and / or deployment parameters can be displayed, for example, on a screen on the mobile planning unit.

[0101] If the forecast is positive, the distance to the load, the actual maximum load, the maximum achievable height above the load, the number of hoist rope reeves, the telescopic boom lengths, the rigging code and the counterweight are output.

[0102] The procedure is then terminated at point P3.

[0103] In another embodiment, lifting is optimized for the overall working time of a project. For example, several loads are to be lifted sequentially from the same position. Before the calculation begins, the method is adapted to the changed requirement. For example, instead of the standard hoist rope reeving, the minimum reeving required to lift the load is preferred, as this significantly influences the travel speed.

[0104] In another embodiment, the setup code and the selected configuration of the operating parameters can be automatically transferred to the crane's software, allowing the operating parameters to be set automatically where possible. This transmission can be wired or wireless. For example, a mount can be provided in the crane to which the mobile device is connected and transmits the operating parameters to the crane's software. Reference symbol list

[0105] 10 Crane 11 Undercarriage 12 Superstructure 13 Slewing ring 14 Boom base 15 Telescopic boom 16, 17, 18, 19 Telescopic sections 20 Counterweight 21 Hoist rope 22 Hook block 23 Sheave head 24 Load 25 Outrigger 26 Telescopic boom lock 30 Equipment data sheet 31 Equipment code 40 Mobile planning unit 41 Input device (buttons) 42 Display 43 Laser for distance measurement 44 Wind gauge

Claims

1. Mobile handheld device (40) for planning an operation to lift a load using a crane, which comprises a measuring unit (43) for determining the distance and angle in relation to the load, a microcomputer having a data memory, and a user interface (41, 42), wherein a method is implemented in the microcomputer in which set-up data for at least one usable crane is stored in the data memory and values for situation-specific input parameters for lifting a load are entered via the user interface, wherein the input parameters comprise a weight of the load to be lifted, a distance, the extent to which the sliding beams are extended, and a height relative to the load; wherein the input parameters of distance and / or height relative to the load are determined by means of the measuring unit (43), wherein a prognosis of the feasibility of lifting the load is generated based on the inputted values for the input parameters and the stored set-up data of the at least one crane, which, in the event of a positive prognosis, determines operating parameters that enable time-optimised lifting of the load and outputs them via the user interface, or in the event of a negative prognosis, outputs instructions for modifying the input parameters via the user interface (41, 42), so that as a result of this modification, the load can be lifted.

2. Mobile handheld device according to claim 1, characterised in that the set-up data comprises values dependent on the load, which are derived from the following parameters: a hoist rope reeving; a telescopic boom length; a outreach; a counterweight; a measurement of the extended sliding beams of the support; as well as a working range and a set-up code.

3. Mobile handheld device according to claim 1, characterised in that meteorological data are established and, based on the meteorological data, a correction of the weight of the load to be lifted is calculated.

4. Mobile handheld device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operating parameters comprise at least values for the hoist rope reeving, counterweight, telescopic boom length, outreach and telescopic boom lock, wherein, advantageously, particular operating parameters, such as the hoist rope reeving, the counterweight and the telescopic boom lock, are preset with standard values and are only adjusted subsequently.

5. Mobile handheld device according to claim 4, characterised in that the operating parameters are optimised for shortest telescopic boom length at which the load can be lifted.

6. Mobile handheld device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the operating parameters are optimised for the fewest hoist rope reevings with which the load can be lifted.

7. Mobile handheld device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the operating parameters are optimised for the lightest counterweight with which the load can be lifted.

8. Mobile handheld device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the operating parameters are optimised for the fewest telescopic boom locks with which the load can be lifted.

9. Mobile handheld device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the positive prognosis consists of the distance to the load, the actual maximum load, the maximum achievable height above the load, the number of hoist rope reevings, the telescopic boom length, the set-up code and the counterweight.

10. Mobile handheld device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the user interface comprises a display, wherein the display of the prognosis and / or the operating parameters are output via the display.

11. Mobile handheld device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the established set-up code, along with the specifications for the operating parameters, is transmitted to the crane.

12. Mobile handheld device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the data memory comprises the set-up data for several cranes.