Mobile construction machine and method for operating the construction machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile construction machine, in particular a civil engineering machine, with a running-gear unit, a superstructure arranged on the running-gear unit, a construction work device, which is arranged on the superstructure, at least with a gas-operated drive and at least one changing unit for storing gas that is mounted on the superstructure in a readily releasable and interchangeable manner, wherein the changing unit mounted on the superstructure has a plurality of gas containers line-connected to one another and, in a construction mode, is connected to the drive for the supply of gas. According to the invention, there is provision that furthermore a stationary unit is fixedly arranged on the superstructure and is designed to store a predetermined minimum quantity of gas and by means of which an operation of the drive of the construction machine in a driving mode and / or in a construction mode is made possible without the at least one changing unit.

Description

[0001] MOBILE CONSTRUCTION MACHINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE CONSTRUCTION MACHINE

[0002] The invention relates to a mobile construction machine, in particular a civil engineering machine, with a chassis, an upper carriage arranged on the chassis, a construction work device which is arranged on the upper carriage, at least with a gas-operated drive and at least one exchangeable unit for storing gas which is attached to the upper carriage in an easily detachable and exchangeable manner, wherein the exchangeable unit attached to the upper carriage has a plurality of gas containers connected to one another by lines and is connected to the drive in a construction operation for supplying gas, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for operating a mobile construction machine according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0004] Such a construction machine is known, for example, from ITTO 0020120803 A1. This document describes a carrier device for a trench cutter, which includes a gas engine. To supply gas, a large number of gas cylinders are bundled together in a frame as a box-like exchange unit. The exchange unit is detachably mounted at the rear of the carrier device. Filled exchange units can be fed to the carrier unit via a crane or wheel loader for quick exchange. The exchange unit thus represents the actual tank for an energy gas for operating the construction machine. The exchange units are very large and can impede movement of the construction machine. The invention is based on the object of specifying a mobile construction machine and a method which enable particularly efficient operation when using a gas drive.

[0005] The object is achieved, on the one hand, by a mobile construction machine having the features of claim 1 and, on the other hand, by a method having the features of claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The mobile construction machine according to the invention is characterized in that a stationary unit is further fixedly arranged on the superstructure, which is designed to store a predetermined minimum quantity of gas, by means of which operation of the drive of the construction machine in a ferry operation and / or in a construction operation is possible without the at least one exchange unit, in order to enable, for example, a ferry operation and / or a construction operation.

[0007] A basic idea of ​​the invention can be seen in the fact that the mobile construction machine not only has removable interchangeable units for storing energy gas. Rather, the construction machine according to the invention has a fixed stationary unit which is designed to store a predetermined minimum quantity of gas. There is thus an internal tank unit for gas for a predetermined minimum quantity, which is sufficient to operate the drive, e.g. for moving the construction machine in a ferry operation for the relocation of the construction machine as is common on construction sites. This ensures the possibility of travel, for example, to and from a heavy transport which is used for a longer transport route. The stationary unit can preferably have a gas storage volume of 100 liters to 2,000 liters.

[0008] This makes it possible, for example, for the construction machine to be transported to and from a construction site even if at least one interchangeable unit has not yet been attached or has already been removed. The construction machine can also be moved flexibly on the construction site from one work location to a second work location without the relatively large interchangeable units. Initial construction work, i.e., operation of processing equipment, can preferably take place at the work location. The invention is based on the finding that a relatively low amount of energy is required to move even large construction machines in ferry mode.However, when the actual construction work begins, such as drilling a borehole with a drilling rig or cutting a trench with a trench cutter, the energy requirements of at least one drive system increase significantly, in particular several times, compared to ferry operation. Furthermore, the invention is based on the finding that, particularly when unloading or loading the construction machine, for example, onto a low-loader with the large interchangeable units removed, automatic movement of the construction machine is advantageous for a smooth workflow.

[0009] In particular, the stationary unit can be protected with one or more gas cylinders inside the superstructure, so that they are well protected against damage, especially during unloading and loading. In a construction operation, however, the interchangeable units mounted on the superstructure can be easily accessible and easily interchangeable. This ensures sufficient energy is available for the construction operation. Particularly preferably, the stationary unit can be similar or identical to the interchangeable units, but permanently installed and in any case not easily removable. The interchangeable unit can be detachably connected.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the invention consists in that the at least one interchangeable unit is mounted on a rear side of the superstructure, particularly in the area of ​​counterweights. The interchangeable units can at least partially assume the function of counterweights, thereby further increasing the tipping stability of the construction machine.

[0011] According to a further development of the invention, it is advantageous for the construction device, in particular on a mast, to be arranged on a front side of the superstructure. The construction device can in particular be a drilling drive with a drilling tool, in particular for creating bores in the ground. Furthermore, the construction device can also be a trench cutter, a vibrator, or a ram, as are used in particular in civil engineering. The mast is preferably adjustably connected to the superstructure via an adjustment mechanism. The superstructure itself can be mounted fixedly or rotatably on a chassis, which is preferably a crawler chassis or a wheeled chassis.

[0012] According to a development of the invention, it is advantageous that a central distribution device is provided, to which the stationary unit and the at least one interchangeable unit are connected, and that the central distribution device is designed to control gas distribution between the at least one interchangeable unit and the stationary unit and to supply gas to the at least one drive. The distribution device can comprise a line system with various controllable valves which can be controlled via a control system. The control system can ensure, in particular, that after an interchangeable unit is connected to the construction machine, the stationary unit is filled with gas, while at the same time gas is supplied to the at least one drive of the construction machine as required.Particularly when using multiple interchangeable units, the distribution system with the control system can ensure that sufficient gas is available when one interchangeable unit is emptied by at least one other interchangeable unit, so that construction work can continue when the emptied interchangeable unit is replaced with a filled one. During construction work, the chassis or carrier device is typically located in one place, and essentially only the uppercarriage and / or the construction work equipment are operated and moved.

[0013] Furthermore, the distribution device with the control system can be configured such that, if necessary, even short-term construction operation, for example, for a few minutes, is ensured by the stationary unit if at least one exchangeable unit is empty or space is very limited. The control system can preferably be configured such that the stationary unit is not completely emptied during construction operation, but rather the control system stops construction operation when a lower filling level is reached. This ensures that a minimum amount of gas is always available at the construction machine for at least limited movement of the construction machine.

[0014] In principle, efficient operation of the construction machine can be achieved using just the stationary unit and a single exchange unit. According to a further development of the invention, it is particularly advantageous for multiple exchange units to be connected in parallel to the central distribution system. The exchange units each have a plurality of gas containers, in particular so-called gas cylinders, and form a gas cylinder bundle. Particularly when using conventional energy gases, there is a well-established logistics system at construction sites. This ensures the reliable provision of a sufficient quantity of gas via the exchange units. The individual gas containers are grouped together in a preferably box-like frame and connected to one another via lines.Each exchange unit or gas cylinder bundle is provided with a common connection port, via which the exchange unit can be connected to a corresponding connection port on the construction machine. Furthermore, the exchange unit can have its own filling port for filling the exchange unit with gas.

[0015] A further preferred embodiment of the invention is that the distribution device comprises a pressure adjustment device for adjusting the pressure of the gas, in particular for increasing and / or decreasing it. The pressure adjustment device can preferably comprise one or more throttle valves, which are in particular controllable. Particularly when the gas is stored in a liquid state, a pressure release can be adjusted, with which the gas in the supply lines transforms into the gaseous state desired for propulsion.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is particularly expedient for the pressure adjustment device to have a compressor. A compressor can be used to achieve a targeted pressure increase and, if necessary, also a change in the state of the gas. This can be particularly useful if the stationary unit is to be filled with the gas from the exchange device.

[0017] For the purposes of the invention, a gas is an energy gas that is supplied as a gaseous fuel to a drive system such as a gas engine. The gas can be in a gaseous or liquefied state for storage, as is common with so-called liquefied gases. For operation, any gaseous fuel can be used as the gas, in particular natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biogas, methane, ethane, or another gas with a corresponding energy content.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is particularly advantageous to use hydrogen as the gas. This gas has a particularly high energy content. Furthermore, hydrogen is a common industrial gas that is used in a variety of ways on construction sites and for which there is also a well-established storage and delivery logistics system.

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the invention is that the drive is designed as a gas engine or as a fuel cell. The drive can, in particular, be a gas engine driven in a known manner using a gas as fuel, in particular natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or biogas. Alternatively, the drive according to the invention can also be designed as a fuel cell, through which the supplied gas, in particular hydrogen, is converted into electrical energy in an electrochemical reaction, which can be used to operate electric motors.

[0020] The method according to the invention is characterized in that in a construction operation at least one interchangeable unit is attached to the superstructure, from which gas is supplied to the at least one drive, and in that in a ferry operation and / or a construction operation the at least one interchangeable unit is removed from the superstructure and gas is supplied to the at least one drive from the stationary unit.

[0021] The method according to the invention can be carried out in particular with one of the mobile construction machines according to the invention described above. The advantages described above can be achieved in this way.

[0022] According to the invention, a preferred method variant consists in that gas from the at least one interchangeable unit and the stationary unit is supplied to the drive in a controlled manner via a distribution device. A defined gas supply to the drive can be carried out via a controller, in particular according to a predetermined control program during construction operations. In this case, gas can primarily be provided from the connected interchangeable unit to supply the drive. At the same time, during construction operations, the distribution device can be controlled such that, if the container or containers of the stationary unit are empty or partially empty, this or these are filled completely or at least to a minimum fill level, so that later ferry operation or other further construction operation of the construction machine to the desired extent is ensured even after removal of the interchangeable unit.

[0023] The invention will be further described below with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a construction machine according to the invention;

[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a superstructure of a construction machine according to the invention;

[0026] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a gas distribution system according to the invention.

[0027] A mobile construction machine 10 according to the invention, which is designed, for example, as a civil engineering machine and in particular as a drilling rig, is shown in Fig. 1. A superstructure 14 is preferably rotatably mounted on a chassis 12, which can be designed as a crawler chassis. A mast 20 can be arranged on a front side of the superstructure 14 with an operator's cabin 16 via a linkage mechanism 22. The mast 20 can be designed as a leader with a front linear guide 24, along which a carriage 26 with a drilling drive 28 can be vertically displaced and guided by means of a feed winch 27.

[0028] To form a construction device 30, a drilling tool 34 is preferably arranged on the underside of a Kelly bar 32. The Kelly bar 32 can be driven in rotation, in particular via the drilling drive 28, and is held vertically adjustable on the mast 20 via a cable 36. Counterweights 15 and a change unit 40 for gas supply can be arranged at the rear of the superstructure 40. The design of a construction machine 10 according to the invention as a drilling rig according to Fig. 1 is merely exemplary; the construction machine 10 can also be configured in a different way, in particular with other construction devices 30 for civil engineering, such as a trench cutter, a ram, or a vibrator.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment of an uppercarriage 14 for a construction machine 10 according to the invention in more detail. The uppercarriage 14, which may have an operator's cab 16 at its front and counterweights 15 at its rear, is provided with at least one drive 18. To supply the drive 18 with gas, a box-shaped exchange unit 40 with a plurality of gas containers 42, in particular so-called gas cylinders, is arranged on the uppercarriage 14, preferably at the rear, and a stationary unit 50 is arranged inside the uppercarriage 14. The stationary unit 50 may also have a plurality of gas containers for holding gas.

[0030] The exchange unit 40 is arranged on the superstructure 14 in an easily detachable and replaceable manner, so that it can be replaced relatively easily and quickly by a filled exchange unit 40 when emptied, for example by means of a crane or a wheel loader.

[0031] During the change of exchange units 40 and / or in a ferry operation with the exchange unit 40 removed, the drive 18 can be supplied with gas from the stationary unit 50.

[0032] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a possible connection arrangement or distribution system for connecting multiple interchangeable units 40. For this purpose, a distribution device 60 is provided, to which, in the example shown, a total of three interchangeable units 40 with gas containers can be connected via corresponding detachable line connections. Furthermore, a stationary unit 50 fixed to the superstructure and at least one drive 18 are connected to the distribution device 60.

[0033] The distribution device 60 can be provided with a control system that enables a defined supply and delivery of gas from the exchange units 40 and the stationary unit 50 to the drive 18. For example, if no exchange unit 40 is connected to the distribution device 60, the distribution device 60 ensures that the drive 18 is supplied with gas via the stationary unit 50. The control system of the distribution device 60 can open or close corresponding control valves to the exchange units 40 and the stationary unit 50.

[0034] When interchangeable units 40 are connected, the distribution device 60 can ensure that the drive 18 is sufficiently supplied with gas from the interchangeable units 40. Furthermore, the control of the distribution device 60 can ensure that the stationary unit 50 is also refilled with gas as needed by the connected interchangeable units 40, so that when the interchangeable units 40 are removed, autonomous operation of the construction machine 10 is possible, in particular for ferry operation. Furthermore, the distribution device can be provided with a pressure adjustment device, in particular throttle valves and / or a compressor, in order to effect a defined pressure change when supplying or distributing gas. Hydrogen can preferably be used as the gas. The drive 18 can be designed as a gas engine or a fuel cell.

Claims

II* Wunderlichs heim il P A T E N T A N W Ä L T E - 10- B3560 PATENTANSPRÜCHE 1. Mobile construction machine, in particular a civil engineering machine, comprising a chassis (12), a superstructure (14) arranged on the chassis (12), a construction work device (20) arranged on the superstructure (14), at least one gas-powered drive (18) and at least one easily detachable and replaceable exchange unit (40) for storing gas attached to the superstructure (14), wherein the exchange unit (40) attached to the superstructure (14) has a plurality of interconnected gas containers (42) and is connected to the drive (18) for supplying gas in a construction operation, characterized in that a stationary unit (50) is further fixedly arranged on the superstructure (14), which is designed to store a predetermined minimum quantity of gas, thereby enabling the operation of the drive (18) in a driving mode and / or in a construction operation without the at least one exchange unit (40).

2. Mobile construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one interchangeable unit (40) is attached to a rear side of the superstructure (14), in particular in the area of ​​counterweights (15).

3. Mobile construction machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, that the construction work device (30), in particular on a mast (20), is arranged on a front of the superstructure (14). Mobile construction machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a central distribution device (60) is provided, to which the stationary unit (50) and the at least one exchange unit (40) are connected, and that the central distribution device (60) is designed to control gas distribution between the at least one exchange unit (40) and the stationary unit (50) and to supply gas to the at least one drive (18). Mobile construction machine according to claim 4, characterized in that several exchange units (40) are connected in parallel to each other to the central distribution device (60). Mobile construction machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the distribution device (60) comprises a pressure adjustment device to adjust the pressure of the gas, in particular to increase and / or decrease it.Mobile construction machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the pressure adjusting device comprises a compressor. Mobile construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that hydrogen is provided as the gas. Mobile construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drive (18) comprises a gas engine or a fuel cell. Method for operating a mobile construction machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that... that in a construction operation, at least one exchange unit (40) is attached to the superstructure (14), from which gas is supplied to the at least one drive (18), and that in a driving mode in / or a construction operation, the at least one exchange unit (40) is removed from the superstructure (14) and gas is supplied to the at least one drive (18) from the stationary unit (50). Method according to claim 10, characterized in that gas is supplied to the drive (18) from the at least one exchange unit (40) and the stationary unit (50) in a controlled manner via a distribution device (60).

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