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] The invention relates to a mobile construction machine, in particular a civil engineering machine, with a chassis, a superstructure arranged on the chassis, a construction work device arranged on the superstructure, at least with a gas-powered drive and at least one easily detachable and replaceable exchange unit for storing gas attached to the superstructure, wherein the exchange unit attached to the superstructure has a plurality of interconnected gas containers and is connected to the drive in a construction operation for the supply of gas, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for operating a mobile construction machine according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0003] Such a construction machine is known, for example, from ITTO 0020120803 A1. This document describes a carrier vehicle for a diaphragm wall cutter, which is powered by a gas engine. To supply the gas, a large number of gas cylinders are bundled together as so-called gas cylinder bundles within a frame, forming a box-like exchangeable unit. The exchangeable unit is detachably mounted at the rear of the carrier vehicle. Filled exchangeable units can be fed to the carrier vehicle for quick replacement using a crane or wheel loader. The exchangeable unit thus constitutes the actual tank for the energy gas used to operate the construction machine. The exchangeable units are very large and can impede the movement of the construction machine.

[0004] The invention is based on the Task The basis is to specify a mobile construction machine and a method which enable particularly efficient operation when using a gas drive.

[0005] The problem is solved, firstly, by a mobile construction machine with the features of claim 1 and, secondly, by a method with 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 which it is possible to operate the drive of the construction machine in a driving mode and / or in a construction mode without the at least one exchange unit, in order to enable, for example, a driving mode and / or a construction mode.

[0007] A fundamental aspect of the invention is that the mobile construction machine not only features removable, interchangeable units for storing energy gas, but also a fixed stationary unit designed to store a predetermined minimum quantity of gas. This provides an internal gas tank for a minimum quantity sufficient to operate the drive system, for example, to move the machine in a typical construction site relocation mode. This ensures the machine can be transported to and from a heavy transport vehicle for longer distances. The stationary unit preferably has a gas storage capacity of 100 to 2,000 liters.

[0008] This allows the construction machine to be moved, for example, during transport to and from a construction site, even if at least one interchangeable unit is not yet attached or has already been removed. The machine can also be moved flexibly within the construction site from one work area to another without the relatively large interchangeable units. At the work area, initial construction operations can preferably take place, i.e., the operation of processing equipment.

[0009] The invention is based on the understanding that a relatively small amount of energy is required for the operation of even large construction machines while they are in motion. However, when the actual construction work begins, for example, when a drilling rig creates a borehole or a trench cutter creates a milling slot, the energy requirement of the at least one drive increases considerably compared to when the machine is in motion, in particular many times over. Furthermore, the invention is based on the understanding that, especially when loading or unloading 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 swift workflow.

[0010] In particular, the stationary unit with one or more gas cylinders can be protected inside the superstructure, thus ensuring they are well protected from damage, especially during loading and unloading. In contrast, on a construction site, the interchangeable units mounted on the superstructure can be easily accessible and readily replaceable. This ensures a sufficient energy supply for construction operations. Preferably, the stationary unit can be similar in design to or identical with the interchangeable units, but permanently installed and not easily detachable. The interchangeable unit can be detachably connected.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the invention consists in the at least one interchangeable unit being mounted on the rear 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 tilting stability of the construction machine.

[0012] According to a further development of the invention, it is advantageous that the construction work device, in particular on a mast, is arranged at the front of the superstructure. The construction work device can, in particular, be a drilling drive with a drilling tool, especially for creating boreholes in the ground. Furthermore, the construction work device can also be a trench cutter, a vibratory roller, or a pile driver, such as those used particularly in civil engineering. The mast is preferably adjustable and connected to the superstructure via an adjustment mechanism.

[0013] The upper structure itself can be mounted rigidly or rotatably on a chassis, which is preferably a tracked chassis or a wheeled chassis.

[0014] According to a further development of the invention, it is advantageous that a central distribution device is provided to which the stationary unit and the at least one exchangeable unit are connected, and that the central distribution device is designed to control gas distribution between the at least one exchangeable unit and the stationary unit, as well as to supply gas to the at least one drive. The distribution device can comprise a piping system with various controllable valves, which can be controlled via a control unit. The control unit can, in particular, ensure that after an exchangeable unit is connected to the construction machine, the stationary unit is filled with gas, while simultaneously, if necessary, gas is supplied to the at least one drive of the construction machine.Particularly when using multiple exchange units, the distribution system and control unit ensure that when one exchange unit is emptied, at least one other exchange unit provides sufficient gas so that construction operations can continue while the emptied unit is replaced with a filled one. During construction, the undercarriage or carrier vehicle is typically stationary, and the operation essentially involves only the operation and movement of the superstructure and / or the construction equipment.

[0015] Furthermore, the distribution system and control unit can be designed to ensure short-term operation of the construction machine, for example for a few minutes, if necessary, should at least one exchange unit be empty or space is very limited. The control unit can preferably be designed so that the stationary unit is not completely emptied during operation, but rather the control unit stops the operation when a minimum fill level is reached. This ensures that a minimum amount of gas is always available at the construction machine for at least limited operation.

[0016] In principle, efficient operation of the construction machine can already be achieved with just the stationary unit and a single exchange unit. A further development of the invention offers a particular advantage: several exchange units are connected in parallel to each other at the central distribution device. Each exchange unit contains a multitude of gas containers, in particular so-called gas cylinders, and constitutes a gas cylinder bundle. Especially when using conventional energy gases, well-established logistics already exist at construction sites. This ensures a reliable supply of a sufficient quantity of gas via the exchange units. The individual gas containers are grouped in a preferably box-shaped frame and connected to each other via pipes.Each exchange unit or gas cylinder bundle is provided with a common connection point, allowing it to be connected to a corresponding connection point on the construction machine. Furthermore, the exchange unit may have its own filling connection for refilling it with gas.

[0017] Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a pressure control device for adjusting the gas pressure, in particular increasing and / or decreasing it. The pressure control device may preferably include one or more throttle valves, which are particularly controllable. Particularly when the gas is stored in a liquid state, a pressure reduction can be set, causing the gas in the supply lines to transition into the gaseous state required for operation.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is particularly advantageous for the pressure control device to include a compressor. A compressor allows for a targeted increase in pressure and, if necessary, a change in the state of the gas. This can be especially useful when the stationary unit is to be filled with gas from the exchange unit.

[0019] For the purposes of the invention, a gas is an energy gas which is supplied as a gaseous fuel to a drive system such as a gas engine. The gas can be stored in a gaseous or liquefied state, as is common with so-called liquefied gases. In principle, any gaseous fuel can be used for operation, in particular natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biogas, methane, ethane, or any other gas with a corresponding energy content.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is particularly advantageous that hydrogen is used as the gas. Hydrogen has a particularly high energy content. Furthermore, it is a common industrial gas that is used in a variety of ways on construction sites and for which well-established storage and delivery logistics already exist.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the invention consists in the drive being designed as a gas engine or as a fuel cell. The drive can, in particular, be a gas engine which is powered in a known manner by a gas as fuel, especially natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or biogas. Alternatively, the drive according to the invention can also be designed as a fuel cell in which the supplied gas, in particular hydrogen, is converted into electrical energy in an electrochemical reaction, which can be used to operate electric motors.

[0022] The method according to the invention is characterized in that, in a construction operation, at least one exchange unit is attached to the superstructure, from which gas is supplied to the at least one drive, and that in a driving operation and / or a construction operation, the at least one exchange unit is removed from the superstructure and gas is supplied to the at least one drive from the stationary unit.

[0023] The method according to the invention can be carried out in particular with one of the mobile construction machines described above. The advantages described above can be achieved in this way.

[0024] According to the invention, a preferred method variant consists in supplying gas to the drive unit from at least one exchange unit and the stationary unit via a distribution device. A defined gas supply to the drive unit can be achieved, particularly in a construction setting, via a control system based on a predefined control program. Gas can be supplied primarily from the connected exchange unit to power the drive unit.

[0025] At the same time, during construction operations, the distribution system can be controlled so that if the container(s) of the stationary unit are empty or partially empty, they are completely filled or at least filled to a minimum level, ensuring that subsequent driving or other construction operations of the construction machine can be carried out to the desired extent even after the interchangeable unit has been removed.

[0026] The invention is further described below with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a construction machine according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a superstructure of a construction machine according to the invention; Fig. 3 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 by way of example as a civil engineering machine and in particular as a drilling rig, is in Fig. 1As shown, a superstructure 14 is preferably rotatably mounted on a chassis 12, which may be designed as a crawler chassis. A mast 20 can be arranged on the front of the superstructure 14, which has an operator's cabin 16, via a linkage mechanism 22. The mast 20 can be designed as a mast with a front linear guide 24, along which a carriage 26 with a drilling drive 28 can be vertically moved and guided by means of a feed winch 27.

[0028] To form a construction work 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 a rotary manner, in particular via the drilling drive 28, and is held vertically adjustable on the mast 20 by means of a cable 36. Counterweights 15 and a gas supply unit 40 can be arranged at the rear of the superstructure 40.

[0029] The design of a construction machine 10 according to the invention as a drilling device in accordance with Fig. 1 is merely an example, whereby the construction machine 10 may also be designed in other ways, in particular with other construction work equipment 30 for civil engineering, such as a diaphragm wall cutter, a ram or a vibrator.

[0030] In Fig. 2A possible embodiment of a superstructure 14 for a construction machine 10 according to the invention is shown in more detail. The superstructure 14, which may have an operator's cabin 16 at its front and counterweights 15 at its rear, is equipped 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, and a stationary unit 50 are arranged on the superstructure 14, preferably at the rear. The stationary unit 50 may also have a plurality of gas containers for receiving gas.

[0031] The interchangeable unit 40 is easily detachable and replaceable on the upper carriage 14, so that it can be replaced relatively easily and quickly by a filled interchangeable unit 40 when emptying, for example by means of a crane or a wheel loader.

[0032] During the exchange of exchange units 40 and / or during operation with the exchange unit 40 removed, a supply of gas to the drive 18 from the stationary unit 50 can be ensured.

[0033] In Fig. 3 A possible connection arrangement or distribution system for connecting multiple exchange units 40 is shown schematically. For this purpose, a distribution device 60 is provided, to which, in the illustrated example, a total of three exchange units 40 with gas cylinders can be connected via corresponding detachable line connections. Furthermore, a stationary unit 50, permanently mounted on the superstructure, and at least one drive 18 are connected to the distribution device 60.

[0034] The distribution device 60 can be equipped 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.

[0035] For example, if no changeover unit 40 is connected to the distribution unit 60, the distribution unit 60 ensures that the actuator 18 is supplied with gas via the stationary unit 50. The control unit 60 can open or close the corresponding control valves to the changeover units 40 and the stationary unit 50.

[0036] With the exchange units 40 connected, the distribution device 60 ensures that the drive 18 is adequately supplied with gas from the exchange units 40. Furthermore, the control system of the distribution device 60 can ensure that the stationary unit 50 is also refilled with gas from the connected exchange units 40 as needed, so that the construction machine 10 can operate autonomously, particularly for travel, when the exchange units 40 are disconnected. The distribution device can also be equipped with a pressure control device, in particular throttle valves and / or a compressor, to effect a defined pressure change during the supply or distribution of gas. Hydrogen is preferably used as the gas. The drive 18 can be designed as a gas engine or a fuel cell.

Claims

1. Mobile construction machine, in particular a civil engineering machine, with - a chassis (12), - an upper carriage (14) arranged on the chassis (12), - a construction work device (20) which is arranged on the upper carriage (14), - at least one gas-operated drive (18), and - at least one exchange unit (40) for storing gas, which is attached to the upper carriage (14) in an easily detachable and exchangeable manner, wherein the exchange unit (40) attached to the upper carriage (14) has a plurality of gas containers (42) connected to one another by lines and is connected to the drive (18) for supplying gas during a construction operation, characterized in that - a stationary unit (50) is further fixedly arranged on the upper carriage (14), which is designed to store a predetermined minimum quantity of gas, by means of which operation of the drive (18) in a driving mode and / or during a construction operation without the at least one exchange unit (40) is possible.

2. Mobile construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one exchange unit (40) is attached to a rear side of the upper carriage (14), in particular in the region of counterweights (15).

3. Mobile construction machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the construction work device (20) is arranged on a front side of the upper carriage (14), in particular on a mast (20).

4. Mobile construction machine according to any 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 in that the central distribution device (60) is designed to control a gas distribution between the at least one exchange unit (40) and the stationary unit (50) as well as to supply gas to the at least one drive (18).

5. Mobile construction machine according to claim 4, characterized in that several exchange units (40) are connected parallel to one another to the central distribution device (60).

6. Mobile construction machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the distribution device (60) comprises a pressure adjustment device in order to adjust a pressure of the gas, in particular to increase and / or decrease it.

7. Mobile construction machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the pressure adjustment device comprises a compressor.

8. Mobile construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that hydrogen is provided as the gas.

9. 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.

10. Method for operating a mobile construction machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that - in a construction operation, at least one exchange unit (40) is attached to the upper carriage (14), from which gas is supplied to the at least one drive (18), and - in that in a driving mode and / or a construction operation, the at least one exchange unit (40) is removed from the upper carriage (14) and gas is supplied to the at least one drive (18) from the stationary unit (50).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that gas from the at least one exchange unit (40) and the stationary unit (50) is supplied to the drive (18) in a controlled manner via a distribution device (60).

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