Crane with a dermal ballast

Abstract

The invention relates to a crane comprising an undercarriage, a superstructure rotatably mounted on the undercarriage, a boom connected to the superstructure in a luffing manner, a derrick boom articulated to the superstructure and braced over which the boom is guyed, a guide connected to the superstructure, and a derrick ballast, in particular designed as a suspended ballast. The derrick ballast comprises at least two stackable ballast elements and a crossbeam, which is connected to the derrick boom via a ballast bracing and to the superstructure via the guide. According to the invention, the crossbeam can be connected to a stack of ballast elements via at least one retaining element.The holding element comprises first connecting means for detachably connecting the holding element to second connecting means of the ballast elements of the stack and is designed such that by moving the holding element and / or the crossbeam relative to the detached stack, the holding element can be connected to a partial stack of ballast elements of the stack. The invention further relates to a derrick ballast for such a crane.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane according to the preamble of claim 1 and a derrick ballast for such a crane.

[0002] Cranes of this type are also known as derrick cranes and typically have crawler tracks. Due to the additional derrick ballast, these cranes are designed for lifting and moving particularly heavy loads. In these cranes, the main boom (hereinafter referred to as the "boom" - this is typically a lattice boom) and the derrick boom are connected via a length-adjustable luffing cable. The derrick boom is typically connected to the adjustable A-frame of the superstructure via derrick guying. By adjusting the A-frame, the inclination of the derrick boom relative to the superstructure can be adjusted for erecting and dismantling the derrick. During crane operation, the angle of the derrick boom is generally unchanged. The luffing movement of the main boom is achieved by adjusting the luffing cable between the boom and derrick boom.

[0003] The moment that the boom introduces into the boom system with the load it carries must therefore be absorbed by the derrick boom. Furthermore, the entire crane system must remain stable. This means that the overall center of gravity must be within the tipping edges. When lifting large loads, this is not possible with superstructure ballast alone. For this reason, the derrick ballast is required as additional ballast. This is connected to the free end of the derrick boom via an adjustable-length ballast guy. The length of the ballast guy can be adjusted, for example, using hydraulic pull cylinders.

[0004] Derrick ballasts are known from the state of the art in the form of suspended ballast or a ballast cart that can be moved along the ground with ballast elements stacked on it. A suspended ballast can generally assume two operating modes: it can be placed on the ground or suspended from the adjustable-length ballast guy wire. These two modes are usually dependent on the load moment to be absorbed.

[0005] The horizontal distance between the uppercarriage's rotation axis and the center of gravity of the derrick ballast is called the ballast radius. With suspended ballast, the ballast radius can be adjusted either by adjusting the derrick boom's inclination or by using a guide between the rear of the uppercarriage and the suspended ballast.

[0006] A high level of ballasting is required for erecting long boom equipment. Once erected, the crane generally requires less ballasting for the projected loads. The disadvantage of suspended ballast is that the crane or superstructure can only be rotated, moved, or the suspended ballast shifted when the derrick ballast is lifted off the ground. However, this condition can only be achieved when the system is balanced by a certain load on the hook. The larger or heavier the suspended ballast, the greater the minimum load on the hook must be. Depending on the configuration, this results in certain minimum loads on the hook to prevent the suspended ballast from being forced to settle. As long as the required minimum load on the hook is greater than the hook weight including lifting gear, the suspended ballast must be lowered when the load is removed from the hook.Rotating, moving the crane, or shifting the suspended ballast is then no longer possible. This can severely limit or complicate the planning of a lift.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a solution for adapting such a derrick ballast to the lifting task to be performed simply, quickly, and flexibly. In particular, it should be possible to change the weight of the derrick ballast simply, quickly, and flexibly.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a crane having the features of claim 1 and by a derrick ballast having the features of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0009] Accordingly, a crane is proposed which comprises an undercarriage, an uppercarriage pivotally mounted on the undercarriage, a boom luffingly connected to the uppercarriage, a derrick boom articulated to the uppercarriage, a guide connected to the uppercarriage, and a derrick ballast. The undercarriage is in particular movable and can have a crawler track. The boom is guyed via the derrick boom, preferably via a length-adjustable luffing cable system as described above. The derrick boom is preferably connected to the adjustable A-frame of the uppercarriage via a derrick guying system. The derrick boom can also be connected via an A-frame fixedly connected to the uppercarriage via a boom guying system, in particular a length-adjustable luffing cable system.

[0010] The derrick ballast is designed primarily as suspended ballast.

[0011] The derrick ballast comprises at least two stackable ballast elements, which are preferably plate-shaped, and a crossbeam connected to the derrick boom via a ballast guying system and to the superstructure via the aforementioned guide. The guide connecting the derrick ballast to the superstructure can have a variable length, which can be adjusted, for example, by an actuator. This allows for a change in the ballast radius and thus the maximum load capacity with the same ballasting.

[0012] According to the invention, the crossbeam can be connected to a stack of ballast elements via at least one support element, preferably via several support elements. The crossbeam can thus represent a ballast frame, which can, for example, support a partial ballast of the derrick ballast. Reference to "the support element" in the following refers to the at least one support element, i.e., it always includes several support elements.

[0013] According to the invention, the holding element comprises first connecting means for detachably connecting the holding element to second connecting means of the ballast elements of the stack and is designed such that by moving the holding element and / or the cross member relative to the uncoupled stack placed, for example, on the ground, the holding element can be connected to a partial stack of ballast elements of the stack.

[0014] In other words, the crossbeam or the holding element(s) can be detached from the stack of ballast elements, for example after the stack has been placed on the ground, and the holding element(s) can then be reconnected to some of the ballast elements in the stack or to a bottom ballast element in the stack, so that the stack now picked up by the crossbeam is smaller than the previous stack (and thus represents a partial stack). This allows the weight of the ballast picked up by the crossbeam to be reduced. Of course, the reverse is also possible: a picked up partial stack can be placed on top of another partial stack of ballast elements, the connection to the holding element(s) can be released, and a connection can be made to a larger stack than before. This allows the weight of the ballast picked up by the crossbeam to be increased.

[0015] This makes it possible to optimally adapt the suspended ballast to the intended or planned lift at any time and without additional aids (such as an auxiliary crane). The limitations of existing suspended ballasts described above can be significantly reduced with the solution according to the invention, and the planning flexibility in the design of a lift can be significantly increased.

[0016] The solution according to the invention thus provides a suspended ballast that can be equipped autonomously and variably, whereby in particular the term "autonomous" is to be understood as "operable without auxiliary devices" and the phrase "variably equipped" as "any equipment within the specified ballast units".

[0017] In this case, a partial stack can consist of any number of ballast elements from the original stack. Even a single ballast element can be considered a partial stack, so that in the simplest case, only the top ballast element of the stack can be connected to the retaining element.

[0018] The at least one retaining element can be detachably connected to the ballast elements, for example, via bolt connections, screw connections, suspension connections or retaining claws, locking clamps, sliding bolts, connecting wedges, locking cylinders, and / or connecting tubes. Any combination of the aforementioned connecting means is also conceivable. A particularly simple solution is achieved by using bolt connections.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the derrick ballast comprises at least four retaining elements. The crossbeam preferably has exactly four retaining elements to minimize the complexity of the structure and reduce the effort required for ballast conversion. However, devices with more than four retaining elements are also conceivable. The second connecting elements are preferably located on the sides of the ballast elements. A preferred embodiment is one in which the retaining elements are arranged in four corner areas or at four corners of the crossbeam in plan view and can be connected to the second connecting elements arranged laterally on the ballast elements.

[0020] In another possible embodiment, the holding element is adjustably mounted on the crossbeam. Preferably, the holding element is mounted on the crossbeam so that it can be moved vertically. The term "vertical" in this case refers to the case where the crane is standing on a flat, horizontal surface. Preferably, the holding element can be secured in at least two different positions on the crossbeam using locking means. The locking elements can be bolts.

[0021] This solution allows, for example, the position of the first connecting means relative to the crossbeam and / or relative to the attachment points of the ballast guying and the guide on the crossbeam to be changed. This can have the effect that, by adjusting the holding element, different combinations of ballast elements or different sized sub-stacks can be connected to the holding element in order to change the weight of the derrick ballast. The holding element can protrude downward from the crossbeam, for example, hang downward (e.g., in the case where the holding element is or comprises a chain).

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that by raising the crossbeam using the guide, the position of the first connecting means relative to the removed and, if applicable, lowered ballast elements can be changed, so that a different number of ballast elements can be connected to the holding element. The holding element can be fixed, i.e., non-adjustable, on the crossbeam.

[0023] In a further possible embodiment, the retaining element is designed as a pull rod or comprises a pull rod. This can be understood as any element designed to transmit tensile forces, for example, a tube, a rod, or a strip, which can be made of steel or a fiber composite material, for example. The pull rod is preferably oriented vertically. The first connecting means are preferably arranged one behind the other along the pull rod, ie, they can form a linear arrangement, for example.

[0024] By adjusting the holding element, the first connecting means are displaced relative to the ballast plates or their second connecting means, so that different first connecting means can be connected to different second connecting means, and the number of ballast elements of the partial stack connected to the cross member can be varied. Alternatively, only one ballast element (in particular the bottommost ballast element of the stack to be accommodated) can be connected to the holding element at a time, so that by adjusting the holding element, the first connecting means can be brought into overlap or engagement with the second connecting means of another ballast element.

[0025] In a further possible embodiment, it is provided that the aforementioned locking means can be brought into engagement with the first connecting means of the holding element in order to releasably lock the holding element to the cross member, wherein preferably a connection of the holding element to the second connecting means of the ballast elements is made with the same (ie identically designed) locking means.

[0026] In a further possible embodiment, the locking means are designed as bolts or screws, and the first and / or second connecting means comprise bores for receiving the bolts or screws. In the simplest case, the first and second connecting means are bolt receptacles, and the locking means are bolts, with such bolts also being used to bolt the holding element to the ballast elements of the partial stack. Instead of bolts, however, other locking means such as slide locks or screws, or a combination of these means, can also be used.

[0027] In another possible embodiment, the retaining element is designed as a chain or rope or comprises one of these. The retaining element can be a combination of a pull rod and / or chain and / or rope. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining element can comprise at least one element made of a fiber composite material or be designed as such. Furthermore, the retaining element can be or comprise a pull tab.

[0028] In another possible embodiment, the derrick ballast is designed such that the ballast elements attached to the crossbeam are located below the crossbeam, with the crossbeam preferably having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The ballast elements also preferably have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, with four retaining elements preferably arranged at the corners of the crossbeam, thus holding the ballast elements at four points on the crossbeam. This results in stable and secure mounting of the ballast elements on the crossbeam.

[0029] In another possible embodiment, the support element and / or the cross member represents or comprises a steel structure, in particular a sheet metal and / or tubular structure or a sheet metal and / or tubular truss structure. Likewise, an embodiment of the support element and / or the cross member (or at least parts thereof) as a cast piece and / or as an element produced by means of an additive manufacturing process or 3D printing is conceivable. The cross member can be made entirely or partially from a fiber composite material. This results in high stability while simultaneously reducing its own weight.

[0030] In a further possible embodiment, the derrick ballast comprises a ballast base plate on which further ballast elements can be stored and / or stacked. The crossbeam with the ballast elements attached to it via the at least one holding element represents, in particular, a partial ballast of the entire derrick ballast, which can be separated from the remainder of the derrick ballast, in particular from the aforementioned ballast base plate, and can preferably be used separately as suspended ballast. The crossbeam can be detachably connected to the ballast base plate, in particular by means of bolt connections, with or without ballast elements attached to it (i.e., loaded or unloaded).

[0031] This allows the size of the "active" derrick ballast to be flexibly adjusted. For example, when erecting the boom, which requires a particularly high ballast moment, or during lifting tasks with particularly heavy loads, the entire derrick ballast can be used (i.e., the crossbeam with attached ballast elements is connected to the ballast base plate, and additional ballast stacks are stored on the latter). During lifting operations with smaller loads, the crossbeam can be detached from the ballast base plate and used with the full stack or a partial stack of ballast elements as a smaller suspended ballast. The remainder of the derrick ballast (i.e., the ballast base plate with the additional ballast elements) can remain on the ground during the lifting task. If necessary, the partial ballast with the crossbeam can be reconnected to the ballast base plate.

[0032] To facilitate the connection process, which requires precise positioning of the crossbeam relative to the ballast base plate, an assistance system and / or data collected by sensors can be used. For example, precise placement of the crossbeam on the ballast base plate can be achieved using recorded movement data from the crane's travel and slewing gear and / or GPS data from one or more GPS modules. Such GPS modules can be installed, for example, on the superstructure, the crossbeam, and / or the ballast base plate.

[0033] In a further possible embodiment, the derrick ballast comprises a coupling part which is connected or connectable to the crossbeam and comprises attachment means to which the ballast guying can be fastened. The guide is preferably also connected to the coupling part, in particular pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. The coupling part can be part of the derrick ballast. The crossbeam can be integrally connected to the coupling part or permanently connected, e.g. welded. Alternatively, the crossbeam can be detachably connected to the coupling part via fastening elements. In the latter case, the first connecting means can also be adjusted relative to the uncoupled ballast elements via a movement of the crossbeam relative to the coupling part.

[0034] In a further possible embodiment, the cross member comprises first fastening means that can be releasably connected to second fastening means of the ballast base plate. The first and second fastening means can be directly connected to one another, in particular bolted. Alternatively, the cross member and the ballast base plate can be connected to one another via coupling elements (e.g., coupling strips or rods), which are connected, in particular bolted, to the first and second fastening means. Alternatively, the first fastening means can be arranged on the aforementioned coupling part.

[0035] In a further possible embodiment, the ballast base plate comprises a central receiving area to or in which the partial ballast comprising the crossbeam can be fastened. The stack of ballast elements connected to the crossbeam can be deposited on the receiving area. The ballast base plate preferably has a storage area on each side of the central receiving area, on which additional ballast elements can be deposited. In this case, in the connected state (i.e., the entire derrick ballast is "active"), the crossbeam and the stack or partial stack of ballast elements connected to it can be arranged between at least two towers of additional ballast elements that are mounted on the ballast base plate.

[0036] In a further possible embodiment, the second connecting means of the ballast elements of the stack, which can be connected to the first connecting means of a holding element, lie on a common straight line. This straight line runs parallel and, in the connected state, particularly coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the holding element. If multiple holding elements are present, the second connecting means assigned to the various holding elements each lie on such a straight line, with the straight lines preferably being parallel to one another.

[0037] By means of a translational movement of the holding element relative to the second connecting means, in particular a vertical adjustment of the holding element, in particular a part of the first connecting means previously assigned to a first number of ballast elements of the stack can be brought into overlap or engagement with the second connecting means of a second number of ballast elements of the stack.

[0038] In other words, a translational movement of the support element results in the first connecting means, which were previously connected to a specific arrangement of second connecting means of the ballast elements, now being able to overlap or engage with the second connecting means of other ballast elements, so that by establishing the corresponding connections, a different number or a sub-stack of ballast elements is now connected to the support element. This allows the ballasting of the partial ballast comprising the crossbeam to be changed. In particular, the ballast elements not connected to the support elements remain on the ground.

[0039] Alternatively, only one ballast element (in particular the lowest ballast element of the stack to be accommodated) can be connected to the holding element at a time, so that by adjusting the holding element the corresponding first connecting means can be brought into overlap or engagement with second connecting means of another ballast element.

[0040] The present invention further relates to a derrick ballast for a crane according to the invention. This obviously results in the same properties and advantages as for the crane according to the invention. All embodiments and design options of the derrick ballast and / or its subcomponents described with reference to the crane therefore also apply to the derrick ballast according to the invention, in any combination.

[0041] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments explained with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic overall view (left illustration) and an enlarged view of the derrick ballast (right illustration) of an embodiment of the crane according to the invention; Fig. 2: a first embodiment of the cross member of the derrick ballast in a perspective view; Fig. 3: a second embodiment of the cross member of the derrick ballast in a perspective view; and Figs. 4-8: side views of the cross member in different positions during conversion of the first partial ballast.

[0042] The Figure 1The left-hand illustration shows a schematic, perspective overall view of an embodiment of the crane 10 according to the invention. This comprises a mobile undercarriage 12 and a superstructure 14 mounted on the undercarriage 12 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation, at the rear of which is a derrick ballast 20. The right-hand illustration shows an enlarged view of the rear of the superstructure, indicated by the circle in the left-hand illustration, including the derrick ballast 20.

[0043] The crane 10 of the embodiment shown here is a crawler crane with a lattice boom as the main boom 16 (hereinafter referred to as the "boom"), which is pivoted to the superstructure 14 about a horizontal luffing axis. The undercarriage 12 comprises a crawler track and is supported on the ground via the two lateral crawler supports of the crawler track. In addition to the boom 16, the crane 10 has a derrick boom 18, which is also pivoted to the superstructure 14 about a horizontal pivot axis. At the rear of the superstructure is an uppercarriage ballast 15 with several ballast elements (stacked to form two lateral ballast stacks in the embodiment shown here). The derrick boom 18 is connected to the boom 16 via a boom guying system 17, in particular a length-adjustable luffing cable system.The derrick boom 18 is in turn connected to the pivoting A-frame of the superstructure via a derrick guying system. The derrick boom 18 can also be connected to an A-frame 13 that is permanently connected to the superstructure via a boom guying system 17, in particular a length-adjustable luffing cable.

[0044] In addition to the superstructure ballast 15, the crane 10 has a derrick ballast 20, which is designed as suspended ballast. The derrick ballast 20 comprises a ballast base plate 22 on which several ballast elements 21, 25 are arranged. The derrick ballast 20 is connected to the rear of the superstructure via a preferably length-adjustable guide 11 and to the tip or free end of the derrick boom 18 via a length-adjustable ballast guy wire 19. In the embodiment shown here, the ballast guy wire 19 comprises two parallel guy wires, the length of which can be changed, for example, via a hydraulic tension cylinder, but at least one cylinder, so that the weight actively acting through the derrick ballast 20 can be adjusted in height.

[0045] Regarding the functions of the luffing cable, derrick guying, and ballast guying 19, as well as the derrick ballast 20, reference is made to the introductory explanations, which also apply to the crane 10 according to the embodiment shown here. A repetitive explanation is therefore largely omitted.

[0046] In the embodiment shown here, the derrick ballast 20 is designed to be divisible. The derrick ballast 20 comprises a first partial ballast, which includes a centrally arranged stack of ballast elements 21 and a cross member 30, and a second partial ballast, which includes the ballast base plate 22 and two lateral stacks of additional ballast elements 25. When connected, the first partial ballast is arranged in a central receiving area 27 of the derrick ballast 20.

[0047] The derrick ballast 20 is connected to the guide 11 and the ballast guy 19 via the crossbeam 30 and can thus be lifted over the crossbeam in the connected state.

[0048] The first partial ballast comprises first fastening means 34, while the ballast base plate 22 has second fastening means 24 in the region of the central receiving area 27. The first partial ballast can be detachably connected, in particular bolted, to the ballast base plate 22 and thus to the second partial ballast via the first and second fastening means 24, 34, so that the derrick ballast 20 can be lifted together or brought into the suspended state. The first and second fastening means 24, 34 can be connected directly to one another or via coupling elements. In the embodiment of the Figure 1 Coupling rods are arranged between the fastening means 24, 34.

[0049] The guide 11 is preferably connected to the superstructure 14 so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis and can preferably be pivoted about said pivot axis by means of an actuator, e.g., one or more hydraulic cylinders. This allows the derrick ballast 20 to be adjusted vertically and, for example, placed on the ground or lifted off the ground. At the same time, the ballast guying 19 can be adjusted, in particular via the aforementioned tension cylinders. The guide 11 is also connected to the derrick ballast 20 so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis.

[0050] For heavy lifting tasks where large loads must be moved, or when erecting the boom 16, a large ballast moment is necessary, so the first and second partial ballasts are connected to each other and the entire derrick ballast 20 can be used as suspended ballast. For many lifting tasks, however, a smaller ballast moment is required. In this case, the first partial ballast can be detached from the ballast base plate 22 or from the second partial ballast using the crossbeam 30 and the ballast stack 21 and used as a smaller suspended ballast. The second partial ballast then remains on the ground and can be reconnected to the first partial ballast at a later time.

[0051] To ensure precise placement of the first partial ballast, the coupling process can be supported by a positioning system, for example, by detecting the position of the placed second partial ballast and the position of the crane 10 and / or the first partial ballast. This can be achieved, for example, using recorded movement data from the travel and slewing gear or using GPS systems.

[0052] The Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the cross member 30 of the first partial ballast in a perspective view. This corresponds to the Fig. 1shown embodiment variant. The cross member 30 comprises two profile parts 36, which, viewed from the side, have a substantially triangular shape and are aligned parallel to one another. Other shapes are, of course, also conceivable, e.g., a rectangular shape viewed from the side. The profile parts 36 are connected to one another via connecting pieces 37; in the present embodiment, these are two coupling rods 37 that connect the lower corners of the triangular profile parts 36.

[0053] For example, two forks 38 are attached to each of the coupling rods 37, each of which accommodates a holding element 32. In the embodiment shown here, the holding elements 32 are designed as vertically oriented, elongated holding rods, which can be made of steel or a fiber composite material, for example. Alternative forms of the holding elements 32 are also conceivable, e.g., chains (see FIG. Fig. 3), ropes, pull tabs or the like.

[0054] The four holding elements 32 have a plurality of bores that function as first connecting means 33. These are designed in particular as bolt receptacles for forming bolt connections with corresponding bolts 26, but can also have a different shape, e.g., hook elements. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the first connecting means 33 are arranged one behind the other along the holding elements 32 and simultaneously serve to releasably fasten the ballast elements 21 to the holding elements 32 and to fasten the holding elements 32 to the forks 38. For this purpose, the ballast elements 21 have corresponding second connecting means 23 on the sides, which can be designed as bolt receptacles on laterally projecting connecting sections (cf. Fig. 6 ).

[0055] The forks 38 also have corresponding connecting means. The connection between the holding elements 32 and the forks 38, as well as between the holding elements 32 and the ballast elements 21, is established in particular via locking bolts 26. Alternatively, a screw connection would be conceivable.

[0056] The holding elements 32 can be releasably secured in the forks 38, so that by pulling the locking bolts 36, which function as locking means 36, the holding elements 32 can be moved relative to the cross member 30 and, in particular, adjusted in the vertical direction. They can then be bolted into a different position in the forks 38, for example, by using different first connecting means 33. This allows the length of the holding elements 32 to be varied downwards toward the ballast elements 21, with the step size depending on the distances between the first connecting means 33.

[0057] This configuration allows the number of ballast elements 21 attached to the holding elements 32 and thus held by the cross member 30 to be varied flexibly and easily. For example, it is possible to place the ballast stack on the ground, release the connection to the holding elements 32, lift the holding elements 32 and / or the cross member 30, and connect a partial stack (i.e., a stack with fewer ballast elements 21 stacked on top of one another than the previously placed stack) to the holding elements 32. This allows the weight of the first partial ballast to be changed quickly and easily. This process is illustrated by way of example in the Figures 4-7 shown in side views of the cross member 30, whereby the first embodiment of the cross member of the Figure 2 is used.

[0058] The Figure 4shows the first partial ballast in the ballasted state (in this exemplary embodiment, these are four ballast elements 21 arranged one above the other). Only the lowest ballast element 21 can be connected to the retaining elements 32 via locking bolts 26, while the remaining ballast elements 21 lie on top of one another and are connected to one another, for example, via other connecting elements (e.g., interlocking projections and recesses) so that they do not slip. Alternatively, due to the large number of first connecting means 33, it can be provided that all ballast elements 21 are connected to the retaining elements 32.

[0059] In order to reduce the weight of this partial ballast, it is lowered to the ground by lowering the guide 11, as shown in the Figure 5is shown. In this unloaded state, the connections between the ballast elements 21 (in the illustrated embodiment, the lowest ballast element 21) and the holding elements 32 can be released. The guide is then raised so that the cross member 30 and thus also the holding elements 32 move in the vertical direction relative to the set-down stack 21. The cross member 30 is raised until the first connecting means 33 of the holding elements 32 are at the level of the second connecting means 23 of those upper ballast elements 21 which are to be reconnected to the cross member 30 in the weight-reduced configuration. In the embodiment of the Figure 6only the uppermost ballast element 21 is to be connected to the cross member 30, whereby this ballast element 21 then forms a partial stack of the original stack of four ballast elements 21. The second connecting means 23 of the uppermost ballast element 21 are bolted to the matching (in this embodiment, the lowermost) first connecting means 33 of the holding elements 32 (cf. Fig. 6 ).

[0060] The traverse 30 is then raised again, whereby the released or uncoupled ballast elements 21 of the original stack (in the Fig. 7 these are the lower three ballast elements 21) remain on the ground and only the partial stack 21' connected to the holding elements 32 (in Fig. 7 the uppermost ballast element (21') is raised. This provides a suspended ballast with reduced weight.

[0061] In order to change the ballasting again, the partial stack 21' is placed back on the laid down ballast elements 21, the connection of the holding elements 32 is released, the cross member 30 is lowered by a suitable distance and the second connecting means 23 of the desired partial ballast (or those of the lowest ballast element 21 of the desired partial ballast) are reconnected to the holding elements 32.

[0062] Alternatively, the connections between the holding elements 32 and the forks 38 can be released and the holding elements 32 can be moved relative to the cross member 30 for reballasting. This option is described in the Figure 8 after reballasting and lifting of the partial stack 21'.

[0063] As already mentioned, it is possible to connect only the lowest ballast element 21 of the stack to be lifted to the holding elements 32 (as shown in the Figures 4-8shown), or all ballast elements 21 of the lifted stack. In the former case, the first connecting means 33 can also be arranged only in an upper region of the holding elements 32 in order to be able to connect the holding elements 32 to the forks 38 in different positions relative to the cross member 30.

[0064] As in the Figure 2 As shown, the first partial ballast may comprise a coupling part 40, which has attachment means 42 (in particular bolt receptacles) for fastening the ballast guy 19 and a corresponding connection point for the guide 11. The cross member 30 may be detachably connected to the coupling part 40. In the Fig. 2 A configuration is shown in which the profile parts 36 represent sheet metal structures, each with a gap into which the tabs 44 of the coupling part 40 can be inserted. The tabs 44 can be releasably connected to the profile parts 36 via fastening elements 39, for example bolts.

[0065] As in the Figure 1 and also in the Figures 4-8 As can be seen, in one embodiment, the first fastening means 34 for connecting the first partial ballast to the ballast base plate 22 can be arranged on the coupling part 40, for example on extensions of the aforementioned tabs 44, so that the cross member 30 is neither directly connected to the guide 11 and ballast guying 19 nor to the ballast base plate 22.

[0066] The Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the cross member 30 according to the invention. Here, the coupling part 40 is also designed differently and does not have tabs with first fastening means 34. The latter are instead formed on the cross member 30. In this embodiment, this comprises four profile parts 36, with two profile parts 36 on each side being connected via coupling pieces 31 (e.g. in the form of coupling strips or rods, as in the Fig. 3shown, wherein the coupling pieces 31 can also be designed as tubular or shaped profile constructions), are connected to one another, in particular detachably. The profile parts 36 of each side are again connected to one another via connecting pieces 37, wherein the holding elements 32 are arranged on the connecting pieces 37. The cross member 30 can again be detachably or permanently connected to the coupling part 40.

[0067] The holding elements 32 can, as in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 , designed as tie rods. In the Fig. 3Another embodiment is shown, in which the holding elements 32 are designed as chains that hang downwards from the connecting pieces 37 and each have a first connecting means 33 on the underside for connection to the respective lowest ballast element 21 of the stack to be lifted. In this embodiment, the first connecting means 33 are designed as eyelets or snap hooks or pull tabs, whereby alternatively, connecting parts with one or more bores for receiving bolts or screws can be provided. The process of reballasting is analogous to that described in the Figures 4-7 process shown.

[0068] Preferably and independently of the embodiment shown, the cross member 30 can remain attached to the coupling part 40 alone, depending on the ballasting variant, or can be removed completely.

[0069] The crossbeam 30 represents the support structure of the first partial ballast of the derrick ballast 20 according to the invention, i.e., the support structure of the thus realized "autonomously variably divisible suspended ballast." The crossbeam 30 can represent a steel structure, which can be manufactured, for example, in the form of a sheet metal or tubular truss structure, a cast piece, or using a 3D printing process. Furthermore, the crossbeam 30 can be made of alternative materials such as fiber composites, high-strength aluminum, etc.

[0070] To connect the holding elements 32 to the cross member 30 and / or to the ballast elements 21, bolts, screws, holding claws, locking clamps, sliding bolts, connecting wedges, locking cylinders and / or locking tubes can be used as connecting elements. List of reference symbols:

[0071] 10Crane 11Guide 12Undercarriage 13Guard frame / A-frame 14Superstructure 16Boom 17Boom guying 18Derrick boom 19Ballast guying 20Derrick ballast 21Ballast element 21Ballast element 22Ballast base plate 23Second connecting element 24Second fastening element 25Additional ballast elements 26Locking element 27Central receiving area 30Traverse 31Coupling piece 32Holding element 33First connecting element 34First fastening element 36Profile part 37Connecting piece 38Clamp 39Fastening element 40Coupling part 42Lifting device 44Lag

Claims

1. Crane (10) comprising an undercarriage (12), a superstructure (14) rotatably mounted on the undercarriage (12), a boom (16) luffingly connected to the superstructure (14), a derrick boom (18) articulated to the superstructure (14) and guyed to the boom (16), a guide (20) connected to the superstructure (14), and a derrick ballast (20) designed in particular as suspended ballast, wherein the derrick ballast (20) comprises at least two ballast elements (21) stackable on top of one another and a cross member (30) connected to the derrick boom (18) via a ballast guy (19) and to the superstructure (14) via the guide (19), characterized by thatthe cross member (30) can be connected to a stack of ballast elements (21) via at least one holding element (32), wherein the holding element (32) comprises first connecting means (33) for detachably connecting the holding element (32) to second connecting means (23) of the ballast elements (21) of the stack and is designed such that by moving the holding element (32) and / or the cross member (30) relative to the uncoupled stack, the holding element (32) can be connected to a partial stack of ballast elements (21) of the stack.

2. Crane (10) according to claim 1, wherein the derrick ballast (20) comprises at least four holding elements (32) which are preferably connectable to second connecting means (23) on the sides of the ballast elements (21), wherein the holding elements (32) are preferably arranged in plan view on four corner regions of the cross member (30).

3. Crane (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding element (32) is adjustable, in particular displaceable in the vertical direction, mounted on the cross member (30) and can preferably be fixed in at least two different positions on the cross member (30) via locking means (26), wherein the holding element (32) protrudes in particular downwards from the cross member (30).

4. Crane (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding element (32) is designed as a pull rod or comprises a pull rod which is in particular vertically oriented, wherein the first connecting means (33) are preferably arranged one behind the other along the pull rod (32).

5. Crane (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the locking means (26) can be brought into engagement with the first connecting means (33) of the holding element (32) in order to releasably lock the holding element (32) to the cross member (30), wherein preferably a connection of the holding elements (32) to the second connecting means (23) of the ballast elements (21) is effected with the same locking means (26).

6. Crane (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the locking means (26) are designed as bolts or screws and the first and / or second connecting means (23, 33) comprise bores for receiving the bolts or screws.

7. Crane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (32) is designed as a chain or rope or comprises such a chain or rope.

8. Crane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the derrick ballast (20) is designed such that the ballast elements (21) fastened to the cross member (30) are located below the cross member (30), wherein the cross member (30) preferably has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view.

9. Crane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (32) and / or the cross member (30) comprises a steel construction, in particular a sheet metal and / or tubular construction and / or at least one casting and / or at least one element produced by means of an additive manufacturing process and / or at least one element made of a fiber composite material.

10. Crane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the derrick ballast (20) comprises a ballast base plate (22) on which further ballast elements (25) can be mounted, wherein the cross member (30) with or without ballast elements (21) attached thereto can be detachably connected to the ballast base plate (22), in particular by means of bolt connections.

11. Crane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the derrick ballast (20) comprises a coupling part (40) which is or can be connected to the cross member (30) and comprises attachment means (42) to which the ballast guying (19) can be fastened, wherein the coupling part (40) is preferably connected to the guide (11), in particular is connected to the guide (11) so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis.

12. Crane (10) according to the two preceding claims, wherein the cross member (30) or the coupling part (40) comprises first fastening means (34) which are detachably connectable to second fastening means (34) of the ballast base plate (22).

13. Crane (10) according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the ballast base plate (22) comprises a central receiving area (27) to which the cross member (30) can be fastened and on which the stack of ballast elements (21) connected to the cross member (30) can preferably be placed, wherein the ballast base plate (22) preferably has storage areas on both sides of the central receiving area (27) on which further ballast elements (25) can be placed.

14. Crane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting means (23) of the ballast elements (21) of the stack, which can be connected to the first connecting means (33) of a holding element (32), lie on a common straight line which runs parallel and, in the connected state, in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the holding element (32), wherein, in particular by a translational movement of the holding element (32) relative to the second connecting means (23), some of the first connecting means (33) previously assigned to a first number of ballast elements (21) of the stack can be brought into overlap or engagement with the second connecting means (23) of a second number of ballast elements (21) of the stack.

15. Derrick ballast (20) for a crane (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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