Access device for work device

Abstract

To provide an access device for a work device, which is for a movable crane in particular, which satisfies requirements in regard to a minimum dimension and can be easily and swiftly moved to a space-saving transportation orientation as well.SOLUTION: An access device 10 comprises a stringer 24, at least two steps 30 displaced in a transverse direction and longitudinal direction to each other and supported rotatably around a first rotational shaft 61 in the longitudinal direction to the stringer 24 respectively, and a guide bar 21 connecting the steps 30 to each other. The guide bar 21 is rotatably connected to each step 30 via a connection element 211 at an end of the step 30 opposite to the stringer 24, thus, the steps 30 can be moved together from an access orientation in which the steps 30 project in the transverse direction from the stringer 24 and users can walk on the access device 10 to a transportation orientation in which the steps 30 are placed on the stringer 24 around the first rotational shaft 61 and vice versa.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an access device for a work device, comprising a stringer, at least two steps laterally and longitudinally offset relative to one another and pivotally supported on the stringer, and a guide bar connecting the steps to one another and to a work device having such an access device. [Background technology]

[0002] In many work implements, the operator needs access to elevated areas, such as the operator's cab, etc. In mobile work implements, in particular, ladders or steps are used, through which the operator can access the elevated areas from the ground.

[0003] For crawler cranes, the upper carriage is usually accessed via the crawlers or directly via a ladder or staircase attached to the upper carriage. If stairs are used, the minimum dimensions required by the standard must be observed (FEM 5.022, 1st Edition, May 28, 2015: effective width ≥ 400 mm, riser height = 250 mm, tread depth ≥ 300 mm). However, ladders must always have handles or handrails on both sides to ensure three-point support. When transporting crawler cranes by road, the permitted transport width must be strictly observed, so folding or removable stairs or ladders that can be folded or stored in the transport position are often used. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Solutions known from the prior art provide, for example, two or three individual steps pivotably supported on the outside of the crawler. This leads to several drawbacks. For example, each individual step requires its own support, which is often not possible in an optimal position on the crawler. Furthermore, the dimensions of the individual steps are limited by their pivoting into the transport position (the position in which the steps are mounted on the crawler), so the aforementioned minimum dimensions may not be reached. Furthermore, folding the individual steps is laborious and time-consuming (for example, if there are four staircases - one in front and one at the back of each crawler - each with three individual folding steps, a total of 12 steps must be folded).

[0005] Another option is to use stairs that are suspended directly from the crawler and then detached from it. For transport, the stairs are removed and stored in a specially provided transport position, e.g., laterally on the crawler. In this case, however, the stairs must not be too heavy (e.g., less than 20 kg) so that one person can handle them. Furthermore, stairs are relatively bulky, making them difficult to suspend, remove, and transport—an overall process that is also time-consuming and labor-intensive. Detachable stairs also require an additional transport position. On the other hand, if a ladder is used, additional handholds or holding rails or handrails must be provided to ensure three-point support. This is not possible at all points in the undercarriage due to the design.

[0006] Alternatively, the stairs can be cantilevered onto the upper run, outside the maximum swing radius of the crawler chassis, so that the stairs do not strike the crawler or tracks when the upper run is swung. However, for certain crane sizes, this is no longer convenient or reasonable. In such cases, the stairs would have to be removed (possibly with the help of an assist crane) and transported separately, perhaps along with part of the access door.

[0007] Against this background, the present invention solves the problem by providing an access device for work equipment, more particularly for mobile cranes, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, in particular it should be possible to move the access device easily and quickly into a space-saving transport position while complying with requirements regarding minimum dimensions.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by an access device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are according to the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] Thus, an access device is proposed for a working implement, in particular a mobile crane, and even more particularly a crawler crane, which comprises a stringer, at least two steps that are laterally and longitudinally offset relative to one another and are pivotally supported on the stringer about a first axis of rotation, and a guide bar connecting the steps to one another. The access device therefore constitutes, in particular, a staircase that allows access to higher areas of the working implement, for example to the top side of the crawler or the upper body of a crawler crane.

[0010] The guide bar is pivotally connected to each step via a connecting element at the end of the step opposite the stringer, so that the steps can be moved together about their first rotation axis from an access position in which the steps protrude laterally from the stringer and can be walked on the access device to a transport position in which the steps are placed in a space-saving manner on the stringer, and vice versa.

[0011] The configuration according to the invention makes it possible to swivel the entire access device, i.e., all steps connected by the guide bar. This not only makes it easier to move the access device between the transport position and the access position, but also leads to significant associated time savings. The effort required is reduced to just a small movement for every step (of course, there can be more than one step here). The guide bar also prevents the lateral ends of the steps from slipping when ascending or descending. Furthermore, the access device or its components do not need to be disassembled; the steps simply need to be swiveled around their longitudinal axis. This can be done with minimal effort, even for heavy parts. The number of parts that come apart is also significantly reduced thanks to the invention.

[0012] The expression "mounted on the stringer" does not mean that the step actually has to rest directly on the stringer. Rather, it simply means that in the transport position, the step is folded or pivoted towards the stringer. For example, the stringer may extend more or less in one plane, in which case, in the transport position, the step is pivoted towards this plane or rests in this imaginary plane.

[0013] The term "guide bar" should be interpreted very broadly and can refer to any element that connects multiple steps to one another. A guide bar can, but does not necessarily have to, have the shape of a bar. The term "stringer" should likewise be interpreted without limitation and can refer to any element on which an individual step is pivotally supported. A stringer can, but does not necessarily have to have a substantially flat shape.

[0014] References herein to a vertical axis or vertical direction refer to the corresponding work implement when placed on a horizontal surface.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the individual steps extend parallel to one another in the access position, in the transport position and in all intermediate positions between these two end positions. Alternatively or additionally, the longitudinal axes of the stringers and guide bars may always extend parallel to one another.

[0016] The stringers and guide bars may extend laterally adjacent to each other when viewed from above in the access position, and may be arranged at a small distance from each other or one may be positioned at least partially above the other when viewed from above in the transport position.

[0017] In a further possible embodiment, the guide bar is connected to each step via a respective connecting element so as to be pivotable about second and third rotation axes which are not parallel to each other, preferably the second rotation axis being perpendicular to the third rotation axis and / or perpendicular to the first rotation axis of the respective step.

[0018] The connecting element ensures that all steps can pivot together around their first axis of rotation while remaining connected via the guide bar. To enable this movement, degrees of freedom of movement around second and third axes of rotation are required. These may be associated with individually defined axes of rotation. Alternatively, the connecting element may provide complex movement options, for example, movement around two or more axes, such as a ball-and-socket joint.

[0019] In a further possible embodiment, the connecting element is rotatably attached to the end face of the step about the second axis of rotation and is connected to the guide bar about the third axis of rotation. During the pivoting movement of the step about its first axis of rotation, the connecting element rotates about the second axis of rotation, while the guide bar at least partially deflects from the connecting element, thereby performing the pivoting movement about the third axis of rotation. The connecting element is preferably clip-shaped, more particularly U-shaped, and at least partially engages with the periphery of the guide bar in the access position. Alternatively, the connecting element may of course have another shape, for example a flat shape that does not engage with the periphery of the guide bar.

[0020] In a further possible embodiment, the steps are configured to be foldable and in each case comprise a pivoting part and a folding part connected to the pivoting part. The pivoting parts of the steps are supported on the stringers so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation. The folding part is in each case pivotally connected to the respective pivoting part about a fourth axis of rotation. The fourth axis of rotation preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steps and / or perpendicular to the respective first axis of rotation.

[0021] The movement of the access device according to the invention from the access position to the transport position therefore includes folding the steps about the fourth axis of rotation and pivoting the steps about the first axis of rotation, and the access device or staircase is therefore a foldable and pivotable access device or staircase, and these movements are performed simultaneously for all steps, as the steps are connected to one another via guide bars and corresponding connecting elements.

[0022] In a further possible embodiment, the swivel section and the folding section each have a walking area (i.e., a surface that can be stepped on when climbing up to the access device), and the walking areas form a common walking area in the first open position and are arranged one on top of the other (i.e., positioned opposite each other) in the folded position. The common walking area does not have to form a gap-free area. More specifically, the area around the fourth rotation axis may include a small gap. Furthermore, the characteristic that the walking areas are arranged one on top of the other in the second position does not necessarily mean that they touch each other. Although this is the simplest embodiment, it is also conceivable to provide corresponding stops at the steps that touch each other in the second position.

[0023] Preferably, stops are provided on the pivoting part and the folding part, which prevent the folding part from pivoting beyond the first position, in other words these stops interact when the step is open and thus in the first position.

[0024] In a further possible embodiment, the guide bar is connected to the folding sections in each case so that they can pivot about a rotation axis parallel to the fourth rotation axis, so that the folding sections pivot together about their respective fourth rotation axes. Said rotation axis is more particularly the second rotation axis. The guide bar is therefore connected to the steps only via the folding sections so that the steps open together. Here, the folding sections rotate relative to the guide bar about the second rotation axis. Preferably, there is no movement here about the third rotation axis.

[0025] In a further possible embodiment, each step is provided with at least one fixing element arranged laterally of the stringer, in particular below the respective step, to which the step is connected so as to be pivotable about the first axis of rotation. Preferably, two fixing elements are provided for each step, one above and one below the respective step, to which the step is connected so as to be pivotable about the first axis of rotation.

[0026] The pivoting portion of the step may have a corresponding protrusion or plate pivotally connected to the fixing element, said protrusion or plate being correspondingly rounded and / or chamfered to allow pivoting movement about the first axis of rotation and to prevent collision with the stringer. The fixing element is preferably designed and dimensioned to absorb and accommodate all forces acting when the access device is stepped on.

[0027] In a further possible embodiment, the access device comprises a carrier, which is connected to or formed on the stringer and has connection means for connecting or enabling the carrier to the structure, more particularly to the working device. Preferably, the connection means forms a fifth longitudinal axis of rotation, so that the carrier, and therefore the entire access device, can pivot about the fifth axis of rotation relative to the structure. Thus, not only can the step pivot about the first axis of rotation, but the entire access device can additionally pivot about the fifth axis of rotation. The structure may be a crawler. As a result, it is possible to define access positions in which the access device is at a specific angle relative to the working device, thereby making access easier. There may also be multiple access positions. For example, there may be a first access position (= folded position) in which the access device does not pivot about the fifth axis of rotation, and a second access position (= open position) in which the access device pivots about the fifth axis of rotation at a specific angle, for example 30°.

[0028] In a further possible embodiment, the carrier comprises a first locking device by means of which the carrier can be releasably locked in the folded and open positions, in each case, and which is swivelable about a fifth axis of rotation, the first locking device preferably being configured to automatically snap into the folded and open positions and to be unlocked again by actuation. A corresponding spring mechanism may be provided. The actuation for unlocking is more particularly performed manually, for example by actuation of a handle, or alternatively by an actuator. In the locked state, rotation of the access device about the fifth axis of rotation is not possible, and the access device is therefore immobilized.

[0029] In a further possible embodiment, the access device further comprises a second locking device by means of which the access device can be releasably locked in the access position and / or the transport position, the second locking device preferably being configured to automatically snap into the access position and / or the transport position and more particularly only be unlocked again manually. The unlocking actuation is more particularly performed manually, for example by actuation of a handle, or alternatively by an actuator. In the locked state, pivoting of the step about the first axis of rotation is not possible and the access device is therefore immobilized. A plurality of such locking devices may be provided.

[0030] In a further possible embodiment, the access device is provided with at least three steps, which may all be identically configured and / or equally spaced from one another, and which preferably have a rectangular base region.

[0031] In a further possible embodiment, the access device is provided with hand grips or handrails that can be grasped by a person ascending the access device. The hand grips or handrails may be provided on the stringers or on said carrier.

[0032] In further possible embodiments, the steps have a height difference (or rise height) of approximately 250 mm and / or a width (or effective width) along the longitudinal axis of the step of at least 400 mm and / or a width (or tread depth) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the step of at least 300 mm.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a work device, more particularly a mobile crane, and even more particularly a crawler crane, that is equipped with an access device according to the present invention. This obviously leads to the same advantages and characteristics as the access device according to the present invention, so a repeated description will not be given in this connection. The access device is preferably permanently attached to the work device and therefore does not need to be specially attached or detached. The access device therefore remains attached to the work device during transport.

[0034] In a possible embodiment, the working device comprises a lower carriage with two crawlers and an upper carriage supported on the lower carriage so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis, at least one of the crawlers having an access device according to the present invention on its outer side, the access device not protruding beyond the outer contour of the crawler in the transport position. Therefore, the permitted transport width is not exceeded or increased during transport of the working device. A jib, for example a telescopic jib, may be pivotably attached to the upper carriage. An upper carriage ballast may also be provided.

[0035] Further features, details and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following embodiments described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a telescoping crawler crane known in the prior art. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an access device of the present invention according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an access device of the present invention according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an access device according to the present invention; [Figure 5] 5 is a perspective view showing an access device according to the present invention in a position different from that shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an access device according to the present invention in a position different from that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a crawler equipped with an access device in a swivel position (folded position). [Figure 8] 8 is a view different from FIG. 7, showing the crawler with the access device in a swiveling position (folded position). [Figure 9] 9 shows the crawler of FIG. 8 with the access device pivoted open (open position). [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the access device in an open position. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partial view showing the crawler in a top view of the access device and the lower part of the crawler endless track when the access device is in a transport position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The access device according to the invention can be used in different working devices to allow access to elevated areas, such as the operator's cab. In the following, a telescopic crawler crane 1 shown in side view in Figure 1 serves as an example of such a working device. The use of the access device in the claims is naturally not limited to this particular exemplary embodiment, but can be used in any other working device, with or without crawlers.

[0038] The telescoping crawler crane 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a mobile undercarriage 3 including two crawlers 14 mounted with a crawler chassis, each with a circumferential crawler chain 15, and an uppercarriage 2 supported on the undercarriage 3 for rotation about a vertical axis. The crawlers 14 are fixed to the undercarriage frame. The uppercarriage 2 includes a pivotally supported telescoping jib 5 that can be tilted up and down by a hoisting drive or hoisting cylinder 12. Aft of the uppercarriage 2 is provided an uppercarriage ballast 11 having a plurality of weight plates. The uppercarriage 2 also includes a crane cab 4. To reach it, the crane operator must climb onto the uppercarriage 2 (or its swing access) due to the elevated location of the crane cab 4.

[0039] Access to the upper carriage 2 from the ground 100 via the undercarriage 3 must be easy. Ideally, this should be possible and safe in all rotational positions of the upper carriage 2. To achieve this, various regulations must be observed.

[0040] As mentioned above, this has been achieved by individual steps pivotably supported laterally on the crawlers 14, by removable stairs on the undercarriage, or by a ladder or stairs removably fixed to the upper carriage 2. Because of the resulting drawbacks as mentioned above, the present invention now proposes a novel concept that allows access to the upper carriage 2 or crane cab 4 that is easy, safe and quick to manufacture.

[0041] An embodiment of the access device 10 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 2 to 6, with Figures 2 and 3 being perspective views of the access device 10 from the front (Figure 2) and rear (Figure 3) when fully pivoted open (=access position).

[0042] The access device 10 is configured as a foldable and swivelable staircase (hereinafter also referred to as folding swivel staircase 10) and comprises a swivel frame 25 (= carrier), a stringer or stair stringer 24 rigidly connected to the swivel frame, and three steps or stair steps 30 swivelably supported on the stringer 24. Naturally, other embodiments are also possible in which only two or more steps 30 are provided. The access device 10 is laterally attached to the crawler 14 via the swivel frame 25, so that the upper body 2 can be reached from the ground 100 via the access device 10.

[0043] The stringers 24, which are substantially flat or strip-shaped, extend at an angle, and the steps 30 are equally spaced along them. The end faces of the steps 30 facing the stringers 24 are provided with guide bars 21 that connect all the steps 30 to one another. The guide bars 21 are flat or strip-shaped and have recesses in the areas between the steps 30 (however, these recesses are optional for weight reduction). The guide bars 21 are located at the ends of the steps 30 and serve to limit the walking area 80 (see FIG. 10 ). They also guide the crane operator. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with the connecting elements 211 described below, it is ensured that all the steps 30 can be moved together.

[0044] The hand grips 20 are fixed to the pivoting frame 25. The hand grips function to allow compliant access from the ground 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the first or bottom step 30 is approximately 500 mm from the ground 100 (although other distances are of course possible), which is why the hand grips 20 are advantageous.

[0045] The steps 30 are foldable and each comprises a swivel part 23 pivotably supported on a stringer 24 about a first longitudinal axis of rotation 61 and a folding part 22 pivotably connected to the swivel part 23 about a horizontal fourth axis of rotation 64. The fourth axis of rotation 64 therefore extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the step 30 or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the swivel and folding parts 22, 23 and perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 61. Instead of such a linking connection with successive physical axes of rotation, another folding mechanism may be used, for example via two joints in the region of the end faces of the swivel and folding parts 22, 23. Thus, during the pivoting of the step 30, the swivel part 23 and the folding part 22 always pivot together about their respective first axis of rotation 61.

[0046] 2-4 show the steps 30 in an open, first position, in which the walking areas 80 of the pivoting and folding sections 23 and 22 are oriented parallel to each other, forming a common walking area for each step 30. Appropriate stops 221 (see FIG. 4) are provided on the undersides of the pivoting and folding sections 23 and 22 to prevent the folding sections 22 from pivoting beyond the first position. They are sufficiently sized to absorb forces that arise during use. By pivoting or folding the folding sections 22 about the fourth rotation axis 64, the steps 30 can be placed in a folded, second position, in which the walking areas 80 of the pivoting and folding sections 23 and 22 are positioned one above the other or facing each other (see FIG. 5).

[0047] Each step 30 is laterally supported on the stringer 24 via two fixing elements 70. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the fixing elements 70 have a cylindrical shape. The fixing elements 70 are located above and below each step 30, and each is connected to an upper plate 231 and a lower plate 233 of the pivoting part 23 (see FIG. 3). These plates 231, 233 are provided laterally on the pivoting part 23 and are shaped (more specifically, rounded and / or chamfered) so that there is sufficient clearance for the pivoting movement (of the folded step 30) and they do not come into contact with the stringer 24. The pivoting connection between the plates 231, 233 and the fixing elements 70 constitutes the first rotation axis 61 of each step 30. The steps 30 are cantilevered elements. Therefore, the connecting connection must be dimensioned accordingly.

[0048] The guide bar 21 is connected to the folding portions 22 of the steps 30, so that all steps 30 can rotate together only about the first rotation axis 61 and fold about the fourth rotation axis 64. The guide bar 21 is connected to the end faces of the folding portions 22 via connecting elements 211. Each of the connecting elements 211 is supported at the respective folding portions 22 so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis 62. The second rotation axis 62 extends parallel to the fourth rotation axis 64 of each step 30.

[0049] Furthermore, each connecting element 211 has an interlocking connection with the guide bar 21 about a third axis of rotation 63, which extends perpendicular to the second axis of rotation 62. The connection of the guide bar 21 to each step 30 therefore has two degrees of freedom: rotation about the respective second axis of rotation 62 and pivoting about the respective third axis of rotation 63. Only in this way can all steps 30 be connected to one another by the guide bar 21, but still be folded together about the fourth axis of rotation 64 and pivoted about the first axis of rotation 61.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the connecting element 211 has a clip-shaped or U-shaped configuration with the rectangular open side facing the guide bar 21. In the open state of step 30 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), the clip-shaped connecting element 211 engages around the guide bar 21.

[0051] When the step 30 moves about the fourth axis of rotation 64 to be opened and folded, the connecting element 211 simply rotates relative to the folding portion 23 of the step 30 about the second axis of rotation 62. The subsequent pivoting movement of the folded step 30 about the first axis of rotation 61 is accompanied by a simultaneous rotation of the connecting element 211 about the second axis of rotation 62 and a relative pivoting of the connecting element 211 relative to the guide bar 21 about the third axis of rotation 63.

[0052] This sequence of movements is shown in Figures 4-6. In Figure 1, the access device 10 is in an access position in which the steps 30 are pivoted open, allowing an operator to walk or climb on them. The connecting elements 211 are engaged around the guide bar 21. To place the access device 10 in its transport position, the steps 30 are first folded, with the folding portions 22 folded about the fourth axis of rotation 64 relative to the pivoting portions 23. This intermediate position is shown in Figure 5. All steps 30 are then laterally spaced apart from one another and can pivot together about their first axis of rotation 61. A coordinated movement about the second and third axes of rotation 62, 63 is now performed. During this movement, the guide bar 21 pivots open from the connecting elements 211.

[0053] In the transfer position shown in Figure 6, the guide bar 21 is raised from the U-shaped connecting element 211 and rotated by an angle α from the access position. This angle corresponds to the angle between the vertical axis in the access position (and in the intermediate position of Figure 5) and the longitudinal axis of the guide bar 21. The angle α is illustrated in Figure 4.

[0054] In the transport position, the steps 30, folded together, rest on the stringers 24 (in the sense that they lie on an imaginary plane defined by the stringers 24). In a top view of the access device 10, the stringers 24 and the guide bars 21 are not adjacent to each other but are substantially stacked on top of each other. However, in each position, the stringers 24 and the guide bars 21 are oriented parallel to each other.

[0055] To lock or secure the access device 10 or step 30 in the transport position and the access position, two second locking devices 241 are provided in the area of ​​the two lower steps 30. Each of these locking devices has a latch bolt with a handle, which is arranged above the step 30 and is pressed against the upper plate 231 via a spring element. Two recesses 232 are provided in the upper plate 231, into which the latch bolts are snapped at the respective end portions of the step 30 (transport or access position). In this way, the step 30 is fixed and cannot be rotated unintentionally. To release the lock, the latch bolt of the second locking device 241 must be manually pulled out of the recess 232. Of course, only one second locking device 241 or two or more second locking devices 241 may be provided. Other locking mechanisms are also conceivable. For example, instead of an automatic latch, the operator can manually close the latch bolt, thereby activating the lock.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the access device 10 of the present invention is laterally supported on the crawler 14 via a swivel frame 25 that is rotatable about a fifth rotation axis 65 formed by the connection means 50.

[0057] 7 and 8 show the access device 10 in a swiveled state (= folded position), in which it is mounted on the crawlers 14. Even in the folded position, an operator can use the access device 10 to reach the access points 91 held by two access point carriers 90 on the upper side of the crawlers 14 and climb onto the upper body 2 via said access points. For ease of access, the access device 10 can be swiveled about the fifth axis of rotation 65 at an angle (e.g., 30° or more) away from the crawlers 14, as already explained. This position (= open position), in which the lowest step 30 of the access device 10 is outside the crawler tracks 15, is shown in the perspective view of FIG. 9 and the top view of FIG. 10. It should also be noted that the folding swing staircase 10 has a standard width in the folded position and can be used for access.

[0058] The pivoting frame 25 is provided with a first locking device 51 that can lock the pivoting frame 25, and therefore the access device 10, in the folded and open positions. The principle is preferably identical to that described above for locking by the second locking device 241. Here, a spring-loaded latch bolt cooperates with two recesses 511 and 512 provided in the elements of the crawler 14 (see FIG. 8). At each end of the pivoting frame 25, a latch bolt is latched into the corresponding recess 511, 512 and must be manually unlocked to allow pivoting movement again.

[0059] 11 shows a top view of the access device 10 according to the present invention in a transport position, additionally showing the lower part of the crawler 14 with the crawler track 15. The access device 10 pivots completely open about the fifth axis of rotation 65 of the crawler 14. Additionally, the step 30 pivots about the first axis of rotation 61.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 11, the folding staircase 10 is swiveled into its transport position so that its outer contour does not protrude beyond the base plate of the crawler tracks 15 .

[0061] It should be noted that the telescopic crawler crane 1 is transported as a complete transport unit in road traffic. Therefore, only the outer sides of the crawlers 14 are relevant to the transport width for road transport. Therefore, in the transport position, the access device 10 does not increase the actual transport width of the telescopic crawler crane 1.

[0062] In the transport position, the folding staircase 10 is fixed by the first locking device 51 and by the two second locking devices 241. Therefore, the folding staircase 10 is also firmly fixed in two rotations (around the rotation axes 61 and 65) in the transport position of the folding staircase during transport.

[0063] The steps of the access device 10 are preferably configured to comply with the minimum required stair step dimensions (in particular FEM5.022, 1st edition, 28 May 2015: effective width ≥ 400 mm, riser height = 250 mm, tread depth ≥ 300 mm).

[0064] The folding swing staircase 10 according to the present invention has many advantages over conventional access solutions: - Access to the crane cab is possible in all crane positions (360°).

[0065] - Easy and simple handling.

[0066] - Fixed access (not a removable solution that needs to be transported separately).

[0067] - Handles / handrails on both sides are required, no rungs or ladder access is required.

[0068] - Access via stairs where the minimum dimensions of the stair steps can comply with (FEM5.022, 1st edition, 28 May 2015). [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. Work equipment (telescopic crawler crane) 2 Upper running body 3 Undercarriage 4. Driver's cab or crane cab 5. Telescopic Jib 10 Access Device 100 ground 11 Upper body ballast 12. Drilling drive device (drilling cylinder) 14 Crawler 15 Crawler Track 20 Hand Grips 21 Guide bar 211 Connection Elements 22 Folding section 221 Stopper 23 Swivel section 231 Plate 232 recess 233 Plate 24 String girder 25 Carrier (swivel frame) 241 Second locking device 30 steps 50 Connection Methods 51 First locking device 511 recess 512 recess 61 First rotation axis 62 Second rotation axis 63 Third rotation axis 64 4th rotation axis 65 5th rotation axis 70 Fixed Elements 80 Pedestrian Area 90 Doorway carrier 91 Entrance / Exit α angle

Claims

1. 1. An access device (10) for a work device (1), comprising: at least two steps (30) with stringers (24), offset laterally and longitudinally relative to one another and pivotally supported on the stringers (24) about a first longitudinal axis of rotation (61); and a guide bar (21) connecting the steps (30), the guide bar (21) pivotally connected to each step (30) via a connecting element (211) at an end of the step opposite the stringers (24), such that the steps (30) can be moved together about their first axis of rotation (61) from an access position in which the steps (30) protrude laterally from the stringers (24) and can be walked on the access device to a transport position in which the steps (30) are placed on the stringers (24), and vice versa.

2. 2. The access device (10) of claim 1, wherein in the access position, the transport position and any intermediate position, the longitudinal axes of the individual steps (30) extend parallel to one another and / or the longitudinal axes of the side beams (24) and the guide bars (21) extend parallel to one another.

3. 3. The access device (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide bar (21) is pivotally connected to every step (30) via each of the connecting elements (211) about second and third rotation axes (62, 63) that are not parallel to each other, and the second rotation axis (62) is perpendicular to the third rotation axis (63) and / or perpendicular to the first rotation axis (61) of each of the steps (30).

4. In the access device (10) described in claim 3, the connection element (211) is rotatably attached to the end face of the step (30) about the second rotation axis (62) and is pivotally connected to the guide bar (21) about the third rotation axis (63), and the connection element (211) is formed in a clip shape and configured to at least partially engage with the circumference of the guide bar (21) in the access position.

5. 2. The access device (10) of claim 1, wherein the steps (30) are configured to be foldable, and each step (30) includes a pivoting portion (23) supported on the side beam (24) so ​​as to be pivotable around the first rotation axis (61), and further includes a folding portion (22) pivotally connected to the pivoting portion (23) so as to be pivotable around a fourth rotation axis (64), the fourth rotation axis (64) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the step (30) and / or perpendicular to the first rotation axis (61) of the step (30).

6. 6. The access device (10) of claim 5, wherein the swiveling section (23) and the folding section (22) each have a walking area (80) that forms a common walking area in a first open position and is positioned one above the other in a second folded position, and the swiveling section (23) and the folding section (22) are provided with a stopper (221) that prevents the folding section (22) from swiveling beyond the first position.

7. 7. An access device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the guide bar (21) is in each case rotatably connected to the folding portions (22) about a rotation axis parallel to the fourth rotation axis (64) so ​​that the folding portions (22) rotate together about their respective fourth rotation axes (64).

8. 2. The access device (10) of claim 1, wherein each step (30) is provided with at least one fixing element (70) arranged below each step (30) in the lateral direction of the stringer (24) and to which each step (30) is pivotally connected about the first rotation axis (61), and wherein each step (30) is provided with two fixing elements (70), the fixing elements being arranged above and below each step (30).

9. 2. The access device (10) of claim 1, further comprising a carrier (25) connected to or formed on the stringer (24) and having connection means (50) for connecting or being able to connect the carrier (25) to a single structure, the connection means (50) forming a fifth longitudinal axis of rotation (65), around which the carrier (25) and therefore the entire access device (10) can pivot.

10. 10. An access device (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the carrier (25) is provided with a first locking device (51) by means of which the carrier (25) can be releasably locked in the folded position and the open position, and is rotatable about the fifth axis of rotation (65), and wherein the first locking device (51) is configured to automatically snap into the folded position and the open position and to be unlocked again only manually.

11. 2. The access device (10) of claim 1, further comprising a second locking device (241) by which the access device (10) can be releasably locked in the access position and / or the transport position, the second locking device (241) being configured to automatically snap into the access position and / or the transport position and to be unlocked again only manually.

12. 2. The access device (10) of claim 1, wherein at least three steps (30) are provided.

13. The access device (10) of claim 1 further comprises a hand grip or handrail (20), the hand grip or handrail (20) being provided on the stringer (24), or the access device (10) of claim 9 or 10 has been developed, the hand grip or handrail (20) being provided on a carrier (25).

14. A work device (1) comprising an access device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the access device (10) is permanently attached to the work device (1).

15. 15. The working device (1) according to claim 14, further comprising a lower running body (3) having two crawlers (14) and an upper running body (2) supported on the lower running body (3) so as to pivot about a vertical axis, wherein at least one of the crawlers (14) has an access device (10) on its outer side, and the access device (10) does not protrude beyond the outer contour of the crawler (14) in the transport position.

Images