Mobile crane with counterweight device

Abstract

To ensure that a counterweight device can be fastened to the upper structure in an easy and safe manner.SOLUTION: A mobile crane has a lower traveling body that can run, an upper structure supported by the lower traveling body in a swiveling manner, and a counterweight device that can be connected to the upper structure. The counterweight device comprises a counterweight base plate, and at least one connection means for raising the counterweight device and coupling it to the upper structure. The connection means is connected to the counterweight base plate and extends substantially perpendicular to the counterweight base plate. The connection means includes at least an arrangement area where the counterweight base plate rests on the connection means without tilting of the mobile crane, centering means by which the counterweight device can be placed on the upper structure in the installed position, and fastening means by which the counterweight device can be removably connected to the upper structure in the installed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the preamble part recited in claim 1 and also relates to a mobile crane and its counterweight device.

Background Art

[0002] A mobile crane generally has a lower traveling body equipped with a wheeled chassis or a crawler chassis, an upper structure supported so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis on the lower traveling body, a boom swingably attached to the upper structure, and a counterweight device also called an upper structure ballast. The counterweight generates a counter torque against the load torque via a lever arm at any position of the upper structure and rotates together with the upper structure.

[0003] Smaller mobile cranes often transport all equipment items together in order to be deployed at construction sites on general roads, but larger mobile cranes cannot do this, so it is necessary to disassemble the components of the crane, especially the counterweight device completely or partially for transportation on public roads and assemble them on site. Also, usually, the counterweight device is disassembled for transportation and must be installed on the upper structure at the deployment location using a crawler crane.

[0004] Therefore, it is known from the prior art to provide a carrier plate or a counterweight base plate having connecting means for releasable connection to an upper structure on which a plurality of counterweight elements can be stacked. The upper structure is provided with a ballast device capable of removing a counterweight device composed of a base counterweight plate and counterweight elements stacked thereon by connecting means from the ground or from an arrangement area on the lower traveling body and lifting it onto the upper structure for installation. The counterweight base plate having counterweight elements can be placed on the ground or on the lower traveling body again for disassembly.

[0005] For this purpose, the ballast system typically comprises one or more hydraulic ballast cylinders that extend downward, engage with connecting means for the counterweight system, and retract to lift the counterweight system onto the superstructure.

[0006] A cylindrical receiving pipe, welded to the base plate of the counterweight and projecting vertically upward from there, is used, in particular, as a connecting means in the prior art. The counterweight element has a corresponding recess through which the receiving pipe protrudes, thereby allowing the ballast cylinders to be brought into contact with the receiving pipe from above in a stacked state, for example, in combination with the slewing motion of the superstructure. Such a receiving pipe is exposed to high loads and, in some cases, subjected to considerable shear forces during crane operation, and therefore typically has reinforcing elements in the form of metal reinforcing plates welded to the base plate of the counterweight and the receiving pipe. Instead of a cylindrical receiving pipe, a flat connecting means can also be used, which similarly often has corresponding reinforcing portions, to ensure that it can reliably withstand the shear forces that occur during inclination or cornering.

[0007] Connecting counterweight devices to the superstructure generally presents challenges, particularly due to the considerable weight of the counterweight devices and the dynamic forces that occasionally arise during crane operation. On the one hand, the counterweight devices must thus be held securely and stably within the superstructure. For this purpose, for example, ballast cylinders are known to hold counterweight devices within the superstructure during crane operation. On the other hand, the connection of counterweight devices to the superstructure should be simple and quick. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] As a result of this need, the fundamental objective of the present invention is to provide a counterweight device for a mobile crane that can be fastened to a superstructure in a simple and safe manner. In this regard, it is particularly important to ensure the smooth and rapid positioning of the counterweight device on the superstructure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This objective is achieved by the invention of a mobile crane having the features of claim 1, and by the invention of a counterweight device having the features of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are obtained from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] On the one hand, a mobile crane has been proposed comprising a movable lower vehicle, a superstructure pivotably supported on the lower vehicle, and a counterweight device that can be coupled to the superstructure. The boom, for example, a telescopic boom, is further articulated and, in particular, coupled to the superstructure. The counterweight device comprises a counterweight base plate and at least one connecting means for raising the counterweight device and coupling the counterweight device to the superstructure. The at least one connecting means is connected to the counterweight base plate and extends substantially perpendicular to the counterweight base plate.

[0011] According to the present invention, at least one connecting means includes a placement area on which a counterweight base plate rests when the mobile crane is not tilted, and introduces its weight force to the connecting means. The placement area can be a continuous area or a plurality of sub-areas. The placement area or any plurality of sub-areas can include flat and / or chamfered and / or curved areas. Preferably, two placement areas are provided on opposing sides of the connecting means. This allows the counterweight base plate to be supported on the connecting means in a stable manner.

[0012] According to the present invention, at least one connecting means further comprises a centering means that can position the counterweight device on the superstructure at the installation position. The centering means herein interacts with the countercentering means in particular on the superstructure of a mobile crane and provides automatic positioning of the counterweight device, especially during ascent onto the superstructure. By centering the counterweight device at the installation position provided on the superstructure, its installation is facilitated.

[0013] According to the present invention, at least one connecting means further comprises a fastening means, via which the counterweight device can be detachably connected to the superstructure in its installation position. Thus, the counterweight device is not held to the superstructure by one or more ballast cylinders, for example, during crane operation, but rather a dedicated, detachable connection on the superstructure is provided, established via the fastening means of at least one connecting means, particularly via the corresponding fastening means on the superstructure. This allows the counterweight device to be fastened to the superstructure in a secure and stable manner, and as a result, any ballast cylinders provided are released after being lifted and fastened.

[0014] Therefore, the connecting means according to the present invention satisfies multifunctionality. On the one hand, it plays the role of lifting and lowering the entire counterweight device, and on the other hand, it provides the correct positioning of the counterweight device on the superstructure for the purpose of establishing a releaseable connection. At least one connecting means also takes over the latter function, namely fastening the counterweight device to the superstructure, through its fastening means. Thus, at least one connecting means performs the tensioning element, centering element, and fastening element in one, which reduces the number of components and simplifies operation. All of these functions are here preferably combined within a single unit, and in particular, any assembly is assembled without welding in a complex manner.

[0015] There may also be embodiments in which at least one connecting means is formed from a single component. This simplifies the production process by eliminating the need for welding connections that would otherwise be established in a complex manner to other components. The placement region, in this case, is part of the connecting means of a single component, as are the centering means and fastening means.

[0016] Preferably, at least one connecting means is configured as a single-piece metal plate structure having a substantially flat shape. Such a metal plate design can be manufactured more simply than, for example, a cylindrical receiving pipe and can be manufactured with an appropriate thickness to withstand different loads acting along the longitudinal axis and laterally. At least one connecting means can be manufactured as a frame-cut part from a thick metal plate that is readily available, inexpensive, and provides large tolerances, if necessary. The contour can be frame-cut and machined in several parts.

[0017] Most mobile cranes operate in a supported state. In this respect, the tilt of the pivot axis around the lower running body of the superstructure is typically defined and very small. However, mobile cranes also operate in an unsupported state. Those on wheeled chassis or crawler cranes, here referred to as rough terrain cranes, move very freely, for example, on poorly maintained tracks, and the load is shifted by the movement of the entire mobile crane. If tilting occurs in such a mobile crane, at least one connecting means of the counterweight device is subjected to a lateral or shear force at that time.

[0018] Cornering also needs to be observed here. Therefore, the counterweight device is subjected to dynamic loads during operation. These forces act on the counterweight base plate and the elements of the counterweight that are stacked on it during cornering and transmitted to the superstructure via connecting means. The resulting loads are sometimes very large due to the typically large distance between the ballast center of gravity (the mass of the counterweight base plate and counterweight elements) and the support points (i.e., the connections of the connecting means in the superstructure and / or the connections of the connecting means to the counterweight base plate).

[0019] Therefore, mobile cranes known from the prior art require reinforcing sections that support the connecting means with a metal plate structure. These supports result in complex geometric shapes of the counterweight base plate and / or counterweight elements, and these shapes must include corresponding recesses from which the connecting means protrude together with the reinforcing sections or supports when connected. If the connecting means are welded to the upper side of the counterweight base plate, the welded connection must be additionally established in a correspondingly complex load-bearing manner.

[0020] In the counterweight device according to the present invention, it is advantageous that the counterweight base plate and at least one connecting means are located on the placement area. This allows for a very stable connection between the connecting means and the counterweight base plate, which is less complex than a reinforcing solution. This connection can be designed in various ways.

[0021] Accordingly, in a further possible embodiment, at least one connecting means is provided, in particular by welding, fixedly connected to the base plate of the counterweight. The connecting means is here preferably supported fixedly, i.e., immovably, within a recess of the counterweight base plate, and the placement area of ​​the connecting means is located within the recess and in contact with the counterweight base plate. Thus, the base plate of the counterweight also exists above the connecting means via the placement area in a fixedly connected state. The connection between the connecting means and the counterweight base plate, in particular the welded seam, is here configured to be able to bear sufficient load with respect to shear forces that may occur, particularly on the inclination or cornering of the mobile crane.

[0022] An alternative embodiment is provided in which at least one connecting means has a base, an intermediate, and a coupling. Herein, the base is received in a recess of the counterweight base plate, the intermediate protrudes through an opening in the recess, and the coupling serves to connect to the superstructure (particularly to the ballast device of the superstructure), and herein particularly comprises a centering means and a fastening means. The coupling preferably forms the end of the connecting means positioned opposite the base plate of the counterweight.

[0023] The base portion is provided with a placement area, preferably having a width greater than the intermediate portion and the opening of the recess. This ensures that the counterweight base plate rests on at least one connecting means via the placement area, and this connecting means cannot slip through the opening because the intermediate portion protruding through the opening has a width smaller than the base portion. The intermediate portion can have a substantially constant width, and for example, a tapered shape toward the joint is also conceivable.

[0024] In a further possible embodiment, the recess opens towards the underside of the counterweight base plate and is closed by a cover that can be connected to the counterweight base plate. The cover can be a cover plate or a metal plate. The cover can be attached to the counterweight base plate from below, for example, by screws. The cover forms at least a partially closed space that at least partially covers the notch of the counterweight base plate in the connected state and supports the base part of the connecting means inside.

[0025] The recess here preferably enables longitudinal movement of the base of the connecting means within the recess, and this recess is delimited on one side (upper surface) by attaching the placement area to the wall of the recess and on the other side (bottom surface) by attaching the base to the cover.

[0026] In particular, the cover does not have a connection part to the connecting means, but rather is only connectable or connected to the base plate of the counterweight.

[0027] The base plate of the counterweight (similarly, all counterweight elements that can be stacked on it) is completely placed on at least one connecting means, and the connecting means does not contact the cover in a raised state due to the certain displaceability of the base within the recess, i.e., this degree of freedom of movement. Therefore, no load is applied to the cover in this state. The weight of the connection part is only loaded on the cover when placed on the floor or the placement area. The cover is preferably screwed to the base plate of the counterweight from below such that the screw only receives tensile load.

[0028] Preferably, the recess of the counterweight base plate is configured to transmit shear forces generated by a part of the lateral surface of the recess, the lateral surface of the base part, and / or the middle part of the connecting means arranged at the opening of the recess.

[0029] Due to the mobility of the connecting means within the recess and their not being connected to the cover, the latter (the cover) is not laterally loaded by the inclination or shear force generation of the counterweight device. Instead, it is applicable only in cases where at most a slight frictional connection or frictional load is applied. This means that the screws are tensioned only in accordance with their purpose and only when the connection loads the cover, which is particularly advantageous when the cover is fastened to the counterweight base plate by screws. However, no shear force that would apply a lateral load to the screws occurs so that the screws are not constantly subject to bending strain.

[0030] The cover preferably forms a defined placement area for placing the counterweight device, for example, on a placement device that can lower it onto the undercarriage of a mobile crane. The counterweight device can preferably be lowered onto the placement device for installation and can also be picked up from there by a ballast device.

[0031] In a further possible embodiment, a ballast device that can raise and lower the counterweight device is provided on the superstructure. The counterweight device can in particular be lifted from the placement area of the undercarriage and lowered onto the placement area. The counterweight device is in particular releasably connectable to the ballast device, that is, the ballast device preferably undertakes the dual function of raising and lowering the counterweight device and fastening it to the superstructure.

[0032] At least one connecting means preferably has a coupling area at an end arranged opposite the counterweight base plate (that is, opposite the superstructure or the ballast device) where a mechanical coupling to the ballast device can be established. The coupling area may comprise a mount or may be a mount that can establish a connection for moving a lifting device, in particular a ballast cylinder, to lift the counterweight device.

[0033] In further possible embodiments, the ballast system comprises at least one hydraulic ballast cylinder that can be releasably engaged with the coupling region of at least one connecting means. The ballast cylinder has a piston rod that is particularly extendable downward from the ballast system and can be coupled with the coupling region of the connecting means. Preferably, two or more ballast cylinders and a corresponding number of connecting means are provided.

[0034] The ballast system preferably comprises a ballast frame connectable to the superstructure via one or more fastening means (particularly bolt connections). The ballast frame preferably has ballast cylinders. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the ballast frame may include, for example, a winch structure that can be detachably fastened to the ballast frame. The ballast frame is removably connectable to the frame structure of the superstructure via corresponding fastening elements such as bolt mounts, so that it can also be dismantled from the superstructure for transport, for example. Installation of the ballast frame on the superstructure can be done via ballast cylinders (which lift the ballast frame by extending from the substructure to the superstructure) or via a lifting device (for example, via the boom of the mobile crane itself or by an auxiliary crane).

[0035] In a further possible embodiment, the coupling region of at least one connecting means is provided to include a recess into which a coupling component of a ballast cylinder can be introduced, particularly by the rotation of the superstructure about its pivot axis. The coupling component may be part of the piston rod of the ballast cylinder, or a component connected thereto. The coupling component may be lockable in the recess, for example, by a separately provided locking unit. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the lock may be generated simply by a mechanical contact portion that blocks further movement of the coupling component relative to the coupling region.

[0036] The recess in the coupling region can be constructed in a manner known to itself, thereby allowing lateral pushing of the ballast cylinder (e.g., following circular motion) and preventing the movement of the ballast cylinder out of the recess in a shape adapted to the vertical direction in the connected state (i.e., in an installation position where the counterweight device can be raised by traveling through the ballast cylinder or within the cylinder). In the raised state, the counterweight device can be rested on the coupling component of at least one ballast cylinder or suspended therefrom via the recess of at least one connecting means.

[0037] In further possible embodiments, at least one counterweight element is provided which can be positioned on or stacked on a counterweight base plate and has at least one recess from which at least one connecting means protrudes in the lowered position. The at least one counterweight element is particularly plate-shaped. Preferably, there are a plurality of further counterweight elements or counterweight plates which can be stacked on the counterweight base plate. Here, the counterweight base plate particularly represents the lowest counterweight element of the counterweight device, and further counterweight elements, all optionally provided in addition, can be stacked on top of it. Here, the recesses of all counterweight elements overlap at least partially so that at least one connecting means can protrude through the stack and be accessed from above.

[0038] In this context, at least one connecting means protrudes in particular from the apex counterweight element, thereby positioning the fastening means and the centering means above and accessible from the apex counterweight element. A releaseable connection to the superstructure can thus be established via the fastening means after the raising of the counterweight device and the alignment or positioning of the counterweight device, including the counterweight base plate, at least one connecting means, and all counterweight elements stacked on the counterweight base plate.

[0039] In a further possible embodiment, it is shown that the recess of at least one counterweight element is configured such that the coupling component of the ballast cylinder can be positioned within the recess aside the coupling region of the connecting means and can move into the coupling region (or its recess) by pivoting the superstructure about its vertical pivot axis. Here, the ballast cylinder follows a circular path and moves laterally into the coupling region. Thus, at least the recesses of those counterweight elements are at the level of the coupling region and, in relation thereto, must be correspondingly wider on the coupling between the ballast cylinder and the connecting means in order to enable such circular motion. Counterweight elements below them, in contrast, can be configured differently so that only the connecting means can substantially pass through them.

[0040] The recess preferably has a mechanical contact portion to which the coupling component of the ballast cylinder is mounted in the locked position, and the ballast cylinder and the connecting means are properly coupled to each other, so that the counterweight device can be lifted by at least one ballast cylinder. The contact portion can be formed by the wall of the recess itself, thereby obtaining a particularly simple embodiment. Alternatively, the contact portion can be implemented by a separate component located in the recess.

[0041] For stable support of the counterweight element and connection of the counterweight device to the superstructure, it is preferable to provide multiple connecting means. In a further possible embodiment, the counterweight device thus comprises at least two connecting means, spaced apart from each other and connected to the counterweight base plate. There may be just two connecting means or more than two connecting means.

[0042] The connecting means are preferably positioned at the same distance from the center of gravity, or from the centerline of the counterweight base plate (preferably aligned parallel to the vertical axis of the superstructure). This results in an overall axially symmetric arrangement of the counterweight base plate and the connecting means.

[0043] Alternatively, or in addition to this, the connecting means can be arranged to pivot relative to each other (around a vertical axis in each case), i.e., their coupling regions do not directly face each other. This may result from a situation where the pivoting of the superstructure causes the ballast cylinders to move along a circular path and establish coupling with the connecting means. In this case, the connecting means can be designed, in particular, as flat metal plate structures that are not aligned parallel to each other, but rather inclined at a specific angle to each other.

[0044] However, the connecting means are preferably not pivoted relative to each other, but rather arranged parallel to each other. The manufacture of the counterweight base plate and the counterweight elements that can be stacked thereon is thereby simplified.

[0045] Counterweight base plates and counterweight elements are formed, in particular, by boxes, especially steel boxes, on which weights, especially solid metal blocks, are placed during manufacturing. The boxes are then filled with a binder to increase the weight to the desired value. Counterweights manufactured in this way are inexpensive, strong, and heavy. The binder can have a lower intrinsic density than the metal of the container. Therefore, large, solid metal parts are advantageous. The more complex the shape of the counterweight base plate or counterweight element, and the more bulges and obstructions there are, the more difficult it becomes to manufacture or design the steel box with the solid weight or block.

[0046] The connecting means are preferably arranged parallel to each other, and in particular parallel to the side edges of the counterweight base plate, so that a geometrically ideal area of ​​the counterweight base plate and, optionally, the fabrication of counterweight elements for filling each steel box with solid weights can be realized.

[0047] In the case of parallel arrangement, particular attention must be paid to the fact that the ballast cylinder moves along a circular path, especially when installing the counterweight device. This situation must be appropriately considered in the design of the connecting means or the coupling area of ​​the connecting means. This can be done, for example, through a sufficiently large recess in the coupling area. Arc-shaped recesses or other solutions can also be considered as alternatives or additional measures.

[0048] In further possible embodiments, the counterweight device can be positioned on a positioning area of ​​the lower travel body, and is provided to include at least one positioning centering means for positioning the counterweight device on the positioning area. The positioning area preferably has at least one corresponding counter positioning centering means that can be engaged with the positioning centering means to correctly position the counterweight device on the lower travel body. This allows the counterweight device or counterweight base plate, together with the connecting means, to be aligned in the correct position required for smooth lifting or coupling with the ballast, particularly for smooth coupling of the ballast cylinders. The positioning centering means is located, in particular, below the counterweight base plate and / or below at least one connecting means.

[0049] The positioning centering means may be a notch, and the counter positioning means may be a projection, bolt, or another protruding element that can be introduced into the notch. For simpler introduction, the positioning centering means and / or counter positioning means may have a corresponding chamfered surface or at least one introduction chamfer.

[0050] The notch acting as a positioning centering means may include an elongated region and a deeper region. In this case, with respect to the alignment of the counterweight base plate, the counter positioning centering means protruding in the direction of the counterweight base plate is first introduced into the elongated region of the notch. Here, one degree of freedom is already reduced for correct positioning. Next, the counter positioning centering means is guided within the elongated region until it reaches the deeper region of the notch and the counterweight base plate descends into its correct position.

[0051] Reverse coupling configurations (where the centering mechanism is a projection, bolt, or similar, and the counter-centering mechanism is a notch) are also possible, of course.

[0052] In a further possible embodiment, the fastening means may include a fastening portion having a bolt mount for establishing a bolt connection to the superstructure. The fastening portion may correspond to or be part of the aforementioned joint of the connecting means. The corresponding fastening means, in particular the fastening means for establishing the bolt connection, is also arranged in the superstructure.

[0053] The superstructure preferably includes a stabilizing metal plate located below the fastening means of the superstructure, i.e., below the bolted connection in a bolted state, and having an opening into which the fastening means of the fastening means can be pushed to establish a bolted connection. When the counterweight device is raised onto the superstructure or onto the ballast device, the fastening means of at least one fastening means moves into the opening of the stabilizing metal plate until the fastening means of the fastening means and the superstructure are positioned above the stabilizing metal plate at their respective positions for establishing the connection, particularly until they are facing each other or overlapping. The connection, particularly the bolted connection, can then be installed. The opening has a geometric shape complementary to the fastening means, and preferably has a slit shape.

[0054] The stabilizing metal plate is configured, in particular, to absorb shear forces in the inclined, bolted state of the mobile crane, thereby mitigating the connections, especially bolted connections, that are positioned on it. In the inclined state, the connections are supported, in particular, by fasteners on the walls of the openings in the stabilizing metal plate. The connections, especially bolted connections, are positioned above them so that forces must be absorbed substantially only along the longitudinal direction of the connections. With bolted connections, the fasteners can move along the bolts in the inclined state, in particular, until the fasteners contact the stabilizing metal plate or the corresponding side of the opening. After this contact, horizontal forces are directly introduced to the stabilizing metal plate by the connections. The bolted connections leave a load substantially in the vertical direction.

[0055] In further possible embodiments, the superstructure may include a countercentering means configured to automatically position the counterweight device as it rises, in an installation position connectable to the superstructure (particularly the ballast device), through interaction with a centering means of the connecting means. The centering means is preferably configured as an element extending substantially upward in the longitudinal direction of the connecting means (i.e., away from the base plate of the counterweight), for example, as a projection. Accordingly, the countercentering means forms a recess to which the centering means moves as the counterweight device rises. The reverse is also possible (centering means as a recess and countercentering means as a projection projecting downward from the superstructure, or similar).

[0056] The centering means here preferably comprises at least one chamfered surface or one chamfered surface, that is, for example, one or more chamfered surfaces in one or two directions, facilitating the centering means and countercentering means to enter each other. A conical shape having a peripheral chamfered portion of the centering means or countercentering means is also possible.

[0057] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the centering means is preferably located at the end of the connecting means positioned opposite the counterweight base plate, i.e., in particular, in the area of ​​the fastening means at the joint of the connecting means.

[0058] In further possible embodiments, at least one connecting means comprises at least one contact element for fastening a lifting device attachment means (e.g., a chain or rope) for raising the counterweight base plate. The counterweight base plate, together with one or more connecting means, can be lifted by an auxiliary crane or by a mobile crane to which it is to be equipped, and can be positioned, for example, on a placement area on the lower traveling body of a mobile crane. The attachment element is preferably formed by a recess in the connecting means. Hook elements, projections, etc., may also be provided to fasten the attachment means.

[0059] In further possible embodiments, upper and particularly plate-shaped counterweight elements are provided having at least one fastening means for directly fastening to a superstructure or ballast device. Fastening is performed via screw and / or bolt connections. Therefore, the top counterweight element (and optionally, a second counterweight element lockable with it) can be transported, transported separately, or rather, fixedly connected to the steel structure of the superstructure or ballast device to change the axial load on the travel of a mobile crane in public road traffic, or to make better use of them (using a mobile crane with a wheeled chassis). Thus, when the counterweight device is removed, the top ballast element does not return to the lower travel body, from which the remaining counterweight device placed below is removed and placed in a separate transport vehicle. Selectively, one, two or more counterweight elements (in this case, connectable to the top counterweight element via a separate locking mechanism) can better accommodate the country's permissible axial load because they do not remain on the superstructure during public road travel.

[0060] In further possible embodiments, the counterweight base plate, along with one or more connecting means, has a structure symmetrical in the axial direction with respect to a central axis extending through the center of the counterweight device.

[0061] In further possible embodiments, the counterweight base plate and / or at least one counterweight element that can be positioned thereon has a swept shape, i.e., a shape different from a rectangle, in plan view.

[0062] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a counterweight device for a mobile crane according to the present invention. In this respect, the same advantages and characteristics as those of the mobile crane according to the present invention are clearly obtained, so a repetition of the description will be omitted. The counterweight device preferably comprises at least one counterweight element that can be arranged on or stacked on a counterweight base plate. The counterweight element preferably has a recess for guiding through connecting means.

[0063] Further features, details, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from embodiments described below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0064] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing one embodiment of the mobile crane according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the counterweight device according to the present invention, without a counterweight element. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of one of the connecting means, fractured along its short side in the area of ​​the counterweight base plate. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of one of the connecting means, fractured along its long side in the area of ​​the counterweight base plate. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the underside of the counterweight base plate, without the connection means and cover. [Figure 6] This figure shows the counterweight base plate of Figure 5, equipped with a connecting means and an installed cover. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the counterweight device shown in Figure 2, which is positioned on the lower traveling body's mounting device. [Figure 8]This is a cross-sectional view passing through a counterweight device fastened to the superstructure and bolted to the superstructure in the area of ​​the connecting means. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged view showing one of the fastening points of the connection means for the counterweight device shown in Figure 8, which is bolted to the superstructure. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the counterweight device according to the present invention, which does not include a counterweight element. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view passing through one of the connecting means of the counterweight device shown in Figure 10, along the long side of the connecting means located in the area of ​​the counterweight base plate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0065] Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the mobile crane 10 according to the present invention, such as a crawler crane. The mobile crane 10 has a lower traveling body 12 having a crawler chassis and a superstructure 14 supported on the lower traveling body 12 which is rotatable via a slewing gear about a vertical slewing axis 13. The superstructure 14 includes a telescopic boom 16 which is supported so as to be luffable about a horizontal axis and a counterweight configuration also called superstructure ballast.

[0066] In this embodiment, the superstructure ballast comprises a ballast frame 21 that is connected to the steel structure of the superstructure 14 via bolt connections and can be removed from the superstructure 14 for transport. Two hydraulic ballast cylinders 23, having connecting components and with a piston rod that can be extended downward, are housed in the ballast frame 21. The counterweight device 20 can be lifted from the placement area to the superstructure 14 and connected to the superstructure 14 via the ballast cylinders 23. In this embodiment, the placement area is formed by a foldable placement device 18, shown in detail in Figure 7, at the rear of the lower travel body 12. However, the placement area can also be placed above or on the floor of the lower travel body 12. Conversely, the counterweight device 20 can again be placed below on the placement device 18 by extending the ballast cylinders 23, and from there it can optionally be loaded onto a transport vehicle by the boom 16 of an auxiliary crane or mobile crane 10.

[0067] The counterweight device 20 comprises a counterweight base plate 22 on which a plurality of counterweight elements 24 can be stacked. The superstructure ballast can thus be configured variably and adapted to the desired deployment. The counterweight device 20 is connected to the ballast cylinder 23 via a connecting means 30 having a coupling region 38 for reversible coupling with coupling pieces of the ballast cylinder 23 and a fastening means 36 for fastening the counterweight device 20 to the ballast frame 21, which protrudes vertically upward from the counterweight base plate 22. Alignment or positioning of the counterweight device 20 at the installation position on the ballast frame 21 to establish the connection via the fastening means 36 is performed via a centering means 34 of the connecting means 30.

[0068] The counterweight base plate 22, along with the connecting means 30 of the counterweight device 20 according to the present invention, is shown in a perspective view of Figure 2 according to the first embodiment. The counterweight base plate 22 has a recessed shape and is connected to two connecting means 30 that project vertically upward from the counterweight base plate 22. Counterweight elements 24, not shown here, are formed in a plate shape and have corresponding recesses through which the connecting means 30 project. Thus, the counterweight elements 24 are stacked on the counterweight base plate 22, and "threads" are cut into the connecting means 30 until only the end regions of the connecting means 30 project over the highest counterweight element 24 (see Figure 1).

[0069] The terms "upward" and "downward" used herein refer to the case where the counterweight base plate 22 (and the mobile crane 10) is standing on a horizontal base and the connecting means 30 are aligned vertically.

[0070] The connecting means 30, also called a connecting blade or simply a blade, is a one-piece manufactured metal plate structure having a flat base shape and connected to the counterweight base plate 22. Since the connecting means 30 is formed as a single unit rather than being composed of multiple interconnected parts, it eliminates the need for complex manufacturing and correspondingly high-load welded connections.

[0071] In the first embodiment shown herein, the connecting means 30 is not fixedly connected to the counterweight base plate 22, but rather is displaceably supported within the recess 40 of the counterweight base plate 22 along the longitudinal direction of the connecting means 30 (i.e., in the vertical direction having a planar base).

[0072] A cross-section passing through one of the connecting means 30 and the counterweight base plate 22 without the counterweight element 24 is shown in Figure 3 along the short side of the connecting means 30, and in Figure 4 along the long side of the connecting means 30.

[0073] Each connecting means 30 has a lower base 50 that merges with an intermediate section 52 having a substantially constant width (defined here as the range along the long side of the connecting means 30). The connecting section 54 that connects the connecting means 30, and thus the counterweight device 20, to the ballast cylinder 23 of the ballast device of the mobile crane 10, is located above the intermediate section 52. The connecting means 30 has its full width at the base 50. Hereafter, even when one connecting means 30 is mentioned for simplicity, it naturally means both connecting means 30.

[0074] The connecting means 30 is supported via its base 50 within a recess 40 of the counterweight base plate 22. The recess 40 opens toward the lower side of the counterweight base plate 22, allowing the connecting means 30 to be pushed into the recess 40 from below to manufacture the counterweight device 20. When viewed from below, the recess 40 merges with a smaller width portion that opens toward the upper side of the counterweight base plate 22, forming an opening 41.

[0075] As can be seen in Figure 4, the base 50 of the connecting means 30 merges with an intermediate portion 52 having a reduced width within the recess 40, and as a result, the central axis extends through the reduced-width region of the recess 40 and finally protrudes from the counterweight base plate 22 through the upper opening 41. In the transition between the base 50 and the intermediate portion 52, the connecting means 30 has two placement regions 32 that form the surface of the base 50 adjacent to the intermediate portion 52. The (partial) placement regions 32 in this embodiment form a flat, horizontal surface and can together be referred to as the “placement regions 32” of the connecting means 30.

[0076] The counterweight base plate 22 is located via a wall 46 of the recess 40 on the placement area 32 of the connecting means 30, which forms a transition area between the larger and smaller widths of the recess 40. Thus, this wall 46 simultaneously forms a contact area for the base 50, preventing the connecting means 30 from sliding upward from the counterweight base plate 22. When the counterweight device 20 is raised or fastened to the superstructure 14, the counterweight base plate 22, and therefore all the counterweight elements 24 stacked on it, directly introduce their weight forces to the connecting means 30 via contacts on the placement area 32.

[0077] The recess 40 is covered on the underside of the counterweight base plate 22 by a metal cover plate 42 to prevent the connecting means 30 from sliding downward from the recess 40. The metal cover plate 42 is fastened directly to the counterweight base plate 22 via several screws 44 (four in this case) and forms a removable cover for the recess 40.

[0078] In Figure 5, the counterweight base plate 22 is shown viewed from below, without the metal cover plate 42. Figure 6 shows the counterweight base plate 22 with the connecting means 30 inserted into the recess 40 and the installed metal cover plate 42. The metal cover plate 42 is located in or housed within the lower notch 48 of the counterweight base plate 22 so as not to protrude.

[0079] The metal cover plate 42 is not connected to the connecting means 30 at all, but rather is installed only on the counterweight base plate 22. As can be seen in Figure 6, the rectangular metal cover plate 42 does not completely cover the recess 40, allowing the peripheral area of ​​the connecting means 30 to be visible. However, the metal cover plate 42 can, of course, completely cover the recess 40.

[0080] The base 50 of the connecting means 30 can move slightly within the recess 40 along the longitudinal direction of the connecting means 30, that is, the connection between the connecting means 30 and the counterweight base plate 22 has some degree of play or freedom of movement. Since the metal cover plate 42 is not connected to the connecting means 30, the counterweight base plate 22 rests on the placement area 32 of the connecting means 30 in a raised state or placed on the superstructure 14, and the connecting means 30 does not press against the metal cover plate 42. In this state, the metal cover plate 42 is thus relieved (of the load). The connecting means 30 sits on the metal cover plate 42 only by the force on the counterweight base plate 22 in a downward position, oriented upward relative to the connecting means 30, and therefore exerts a downward force on the metal cover plate 42. This corresponds to the tensile load of the screw 44.

[0081] The recess 40 acts on the connecting means 30 and is shaped to absorb shear forces that may occur, for example, on the inclined portion (inclined base) or cornering of the mobile crane 10. For this purpose, the recess 40 has machined sides corresponding to a reduced width region that is contacted by the sides of the intermediate portion 52 of the connecting means 30 when a shear force occurs. As can be seen from Figures 3 and 5, the recess 40 has projections 45 that form the lateral contact surface of the connecting means 30 in a smaller width region. Thus, the shear force (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting means 30) is fully introduced through the machined sides of the recess 40 and through the arrangement region 32 along the longitudinal axis of the connecting means 30.

[0082] Therefore, the connection between the metal cover plate 42 and the connecting means 30 is a maximum compression connection, and a slight friction connection with shear force, where applicable. The screw 44 can transmit compressive force forward according to its purpose (tensile load). The shear force is minimal and therefore always within acceptable limits. The screw 44 is not always subjected to bending strain due to the degrees of freedom of the base 50 in the recess 40.

[0083] The metal cover plate 42 also forms a predetermined support point for the counterweight device 20. The counterweight base plate 22 can be placed on the lower traveling body 12 for installation, and the counterweight element 24 can be introduced through the recess around the connecting means 30 and placed on the counterweight base plate 22.

[0084] Figure 7 shows a possible embodiment of the placement device 18 for the lower running body 12, in which a central ballast 82, which can be directly installed on the lower running body 12 via fastening elements, is extended by a foldable mount for a counterweight device 20. In this regard, two oscillating components 80 are foldably fastened to the side walls of the central ballast 82 and have support surfaces on which the counterweight device 20 can be positioned above them. These support surfaces of the oscillating components 80 correspond to the metal cover plate 42 of the counterweight base plate 22.

[0085] Alternatively, the counterweight device 20 can be placed directly on the area where the lower traveling body 12 is positioned or on the ground.

[0086] As described earlier, the connecting means 30 simultaneously provides lifting and raising of the counterweight device 20, and centering and fastening it to the ballast device (or ballast frame 21). For this purpose, the connecting means 30 has a coupling portion 54 at its end, positioned opposite the base portion 50 (see Figure 4).

[0087] The coupling portion 54 includes, on one hand, a coupling region 38 having an upwardly opening bracket-shaped recess 39, within which a particularly shaped (particularly mushroom-shaped) end or coupling component of the corresponding ballast cylinder 23 can move laterally. In the final position (=locked position) in which the counterweight device 20 can be reliably raised, the coupling component of the ballast cylinder 23 is fully positioned within the recess 39 (as a second ballast cylinder 23 associated with the second connecting means 30) so that the coupling component cannot slide upward from the recess 39, and its shape allows for a shape-matched raising of the counterweight device 20 by retracting the ballast cylinder 23.

[0088] The coupling of the ballast cylinder 23 with the connecting means 30 is performed, in particular, by the rotation of the superstructure 14 about its pivot axis 13. The recess of the counterweight element 24, which is stacked on the counterweight base plate 22 and through which the connecting means 30 protrudes, is therefore formed at least at the level of the coupling region 38. Thus, at least the counterweight element 24, positioned at the level of the coupling region 38 in the stacked state, is particularly wide in the rotational direction of the superstructure 14, allowing the ballast cylinder 23 to be retracted downward beside the connecting means 30 until the coupling component is at the level of the recess 39 of the coupling region 38. The coupling can then be established by rotating the superstructure 14.

[0089] The recesses of the corresponding counterweight elements 24 are preferably configured such that their side walls form corresponding mechanical contact points with the coupling components of the ballast cylinder 23, so that the coupling components of the ballast cylinder 23 do not move through the recesses 39 but rather reach the correct locked position. This easily and effectively prevents overextension of the ballast cylinder 23.

[0090] After the counterweight device 20 is raised onto the superstructure 14 or ballast frame 21, the connecting means 30 is bolted to the ballast frame 21. This releases the ballast cylinder 23 during crane operation. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view through the counterweight base plate 22 and connecting means 30 with the counterweight device 20 installed on the ballast frame 21 without additional counterweight elements 24. Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the single (bolted) connection between the connecting means 30 and the ballast frame 21.

[0091] The connecting portion 54 of the connecting means 30 is positioned above the connecting region 38 and includes an upwardly projecting fastening portion 35 that comprises both a centering means 34 and a fastening means 36 in the form of a bolt mount 37 (see Figure 4). More precisely, the recess 39 of the connecting region 38 is located in the center of the connecting means 30 (viewing the long side), while the two fastening portions 35, each having a centering means 34 and a bolt mount 37, are positioned above and on either side of the recess 39. Thus, two bolt connections are provided for each connecting means 30 to fasten the counterweight device 20 to the ballast frame 21.

[0092] In this embodiment, the fastening portion 35 has a thickness thinner than the intermediate portion 52 of the connecting means 30 (defined here as the area along the short side of the connecting means 30), but this is not necessarily required.

[0093] As can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the ballast frame 21 has a stabilizing metal plate 70 with a cross section at least horizontally extending, having a corresponding (and particularly slit-shaped) opening 71 into which the fastening portion 35 of the connecting means 30 moves. Further bolt-mounted corresponding counter fastening means are located above the stabilizing metal plate 70. When the counterweight device 20 is fully lifted onto the ballast frame 21 via the ballast cylinder 23, i.e., when the counterweight device 20 is in its installation position, the bolt mounts 37 of the connecting means 30 overlap with the bolt mounts of the ballast frame 21, so that the corresponding bolts 72 can be positioned (and particularly subsequently secured) to establish a bolted connection.

[0094] In the case of dynamic load inclination, or when the mobile crane 10 is tilted, forces are generated in the vertical and horizontal directions. These forces are undesirable for a single bolt connection. For this reason, the connecting means 30 are guided through stabilizing metal plates 70 located at their fastening portions 35. Thus, the bolt mount 37 can move along the inclination of the bolt mount 37 due to the dynamic load on the bolt 72 until the fastening portion 35 contacts the corresponding side of the opening 71 in the stabilizing metal plate 70. After this contact, the horizontal force is directly introduced by the connecting means 30 to the stabilizing metal plate 70 of the superstructure 14. The connection via the bolt 72 leaves a load substantially vertical (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal bolt axis).

[0095] The installation position can be determined in the longitudinal direction of the connecting means 30, and in the ballast frame 21, via the corresponding mechanical contact portion.

[0096] The connecting means 30 is provided with a projection or mandrel-type centering means 34 that protrudes upward in the longitudinal direction and is tapered, and is additionally provided on each of the fastening portions 35 via which the counterweight device 20 is brought to the desired installation position when the ballast cylinder 23 is pulled back to the desired installation position. The centering means 34 cooperates with a countercentering means, which is not shown in more detail here, in the ballast frame 21, and their chamfered contours or insertion chamfers provide automatic alignment of the counterweight device 20 as it rises in the ballast frame 21.

[0097] The centering means 34 is inclined in two directions, along the long side and along the short side of the connecting means 30. That is, the centering means 34 can of course have any other desired shape that causes the fine positioning or alignment of the counterweight device 20 on the rise to the ballast frame 21 to act on the installation position in a shape such as a cone.

[0098] The counterweight base plate 22 has the following particular purpose: - Positioning the connecting means 30 for mounting the counterweight device 20 by the ballast cylinder 23 on the superstructure 14. The counterweight device 20 is positioned on the lower traveling body 12, for example, on a positioning device 18 as shown in Figure 7. The coupling components of the ballast cylinder 23 can therefore be engaged within the coupling region 38 of the connecting means 30. This positioning must be performed with great precision, especially since it is done by the pivoting motion of the superstructure 14 around the pivot axis 13 on the lower traveling body 12. Furthermore, the counterweight base plate 22 must firmly hold the connecting means 30 in place even when shear forces are generated. Such shear forces may be generated, for example, when the ballast cylinders 23 pivot within the connecting areas 34 and come into contact or rub against each other within them. Shear forces may also be generated during inclination or cornering.

[0099] The connecting means 30 has a lateral recess 31 in an intermediate portion 52 that acts as a mounting element for fastening a crane mounting means (e.g., a chain or rope) for handling the carrier plate (base plate) 22.

[0100] In the embodiment shown herein, the connecting means 30 are arranged parallel to each other and aligned with the side edges of the counterweight base plate 22. This provides a particularly preferred arrangement that facilitates the manufacture of the counterweight base plate 22. This is done, in particular, by filling a steel box with solid metal blocks and then filling it with a binder. This parallel arrangement creates geometrically ideal areas for filling the steel box with metal blocks, thereby enabling a simple and inexpensive manufacturing process. The same applies to the counterweight elements 24 and their recesses for passing through the connecting means 30.

[0101] The circular notch 60 on the underside of the counterweight base plate 22, recognized in Figures 5 and 6, adjacent to the recess 40 within the area of ​​the notch 48, functions as a positioning centering means for correctly positioning the counterweight base plate 22 on the positioning area of ​​the lower traveling body 12. The lower traveling body 12 preferably has a corresponding projection as a counter positioning centering means 62 that moves within the notch 60. This ensures that the connecting means 30 is always in the correct position, particularly for mounting the counterweight device 20 recognized by the crane control device.

[0102] Figure 7 shows a specific example in which the counter placement centering means 62 is positioned on a platform that is installed laterally on the side wall of the central ballast 82.

[0103] To enable positioning of the counterweight base plate 22 at different distances from the pivot axis 13 (for example, in combination with a ballast cylinder 23 of the superstructure that is adjustable in its position relative to the pivot axis 13), more than two positioning centering means 60 can be provided, such as those described in German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2015 013 488.

[0104] Figures 10 and 11 show a second embodiment of the counterweight device 20 according to the present invention, in a perspective view along its long side (Figure 10) and a cross-sectional view through one of the connecting means 30 (Figure 11). Unlike the first embodiment, the connecting means 30 here is not displaceably supported within the recess 40 of the counterweight base plate 22, but is covered via a metal cover plate 42, rather than being fixedly welded to the counterweight base plate 22. Therefore, the connection by the above solution, which has degrees of freedom of the base portion 50 within the recess 40, is not required here. The welded connection can withstand sufficient load.

[0105] As can be seen from Figure 11, the notch 60, which acts as a positioning centering means, is not located within the counterweight base plate 22, but rather below the connecting means 30, i.e., within its base portion 50. The bolt 62, which is pushed into the notch 60 and acts as a counter positioning centering means 62 for the lower traveling body 12, can also be seen in the same way. A flatter, elongated region 61 is located beside the circular lower region of the notch 60. When aligning the counterweight base plate 22, the entry chamfer of the bolt 62 is first introduced into the elongated region 61 of the notch. Here, one degree of freedom is already missing for the correct positioning of the counterweight base plate 22. The bolt 62 is then guided within the elongated region 61 until it reaches a deeper region of the notch 60, allowing the counterweight base plate 22 to descend to its correct position. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 10 Mobile Cranes 12 Lower running body 13. Swivel axis 14 Superstructure 16 Boom 18 Placement device 20 Counterweight device 21 Ballast Frame 22 Counterweight Base Plate 23 Ballast Cylinders 24 counterweight elements 30 Connection means 31 Mounting means / recess 32 Placement area 34 Centering means 35 Fastening part 36 Fastening means 37 Bolt Mount 38 Combined area 39 Recess 40 recess 41 Aperture 42 Cover (metal cover plate) 44 screws 45 Protrusion 46 Wall 48 Notches 50 base 52 Middle section 54 Joint 60. Arrangement centering means (notch) 61. Elongated region 62 Counter placement centering means 70 Stabilizing metal plate 71 Aperture 72 volts 80 Pivot section 82 Central ballast

Claims

1. a movable undercarriage (12); an upper structure (14) pivotably supported on the undercarriage (12); A mobile crane (10) connectable to the upper works (14) and comprising a counterweight base plate (22) and a counterweight arrangement (20) comprising at least one connection means (30) extending substantially perpendicular to the counterweight base plate (22) and connected thereto for connecting the counterweight arrangement (20) to the upper works (14), The at least one connection means (30) a) a placement area (32) where the counterweight base plate (22) rests on the connection means (30) and introduces the weight force of the counterweight base plate (22) at least when the mobile crane (10) is not tilting; b) centering means (34) by which the counterweight device (20) can be placed in a mounting position on the upper works (14); c) fastening means (36) through which the counterweight device (20) can be removably connected to the upper works (14) in the installed position; A mobile crane (10) comprising:

2. the connecting means (30) is configured as a one-piece, sheet metal structure having a substantially flat shape; The mobile crane (10) of claim 1.

3. The connection means (30) is fixedly connected to the base plate (22) of the counterweight device (20). The mobile crane (10) of claim 1.

4. The connecting means (30) a base portion (50) received in the recess (40) of the counterweight base plate (22); a middle portion (52) protruding through the opening (41) of the recess (40); a coupling portion (54) for coupling to the upper structure (14), the base portion (50) includes the placement region (32) and has a width greater than the intermediate portion (52) and the opening (41) of the recess (40); The mobile crane (10) of claim 1.

5. The recess (40) opens toward the underside of the counterweight base plate (22) and is closed by a cover (42) connectable to the counterweight base plate (22), the recess (40) allows longitudinal movement of the connecting means (30) within the recess (40) to be coupled to one side by the attachment of the placement area (32) to the wall (46) of the recess (40) and to the other side by the attachment of the base part (50) on the cover (42), The mobile crane (10) of claim 4.

6. A ballast system is provided on the upper structure (14), configured to lift the counterweight device (20) from and onto the placement area of ​​the undercarriage (12); the connection means (30) have a coupling area (38) through which a connection can be established with the ballast device at an end located opposite the counterweight base plate (22); The mobile crane (10) of claim 1.

7. the ballast device comprises at least one hydraulic ballast cylinder (23) releasably engageable with the coupling area (38) of the at least one connection means (30); The ballast system further comprises a ballast frame (21) connectable to the superstructure (14) via fastening means. The mobile crane (10) of claim 6.

8. the bonding area (38) comprises a recess (39); The coupling parts of the hydraulic ballast cylinder (23) are located therein. The upper structure (14) is movable by pivoting about its pivot axis (13), The coupling part is lockable in the recess (39). The mobile crane (10) of claim 7.

9. and further comprising at least one counterweight element (24) stackable on said counterweight base plate (22); the counterweight element (24) has at least one recess through which the at least one connecting means (30) protrudes in the lowered position; The mobile crane (10) of claim 1.

10. the recess of at least one counterweight element (24) allows the coupling part of the hydraulic ballast cylinder (23) to be placed in the recess (39) beside the coupling area (38) of the connection means (30), and configured such that the upper structure (14) can be pivoted to enter the coupling area (38); the recess (39) has an abutment against which the coupling part abuts in a locking position in which the counterweight device (20) can be lifted by the at least one hydraulic ballast cylinder (23). The mobile crane (10) of claim 8.

11. The counterweight device (20) is connected to the counterweight base plate (22), at least two mutually spaced connection means (30) arranged at the same distance from the center of gravity of the counterweight base plate (22) and / or parallel to each other or pivoted relative to each other; The mobile crane (10) of claim 1.

12. the counterweight device (20) comprises at least one centering means for positioning the counterweight device (20) on a placement area of ​​the undercarriage (12); the positioning area has at least one corresponding counter positioning and centering means engageable with the positioning and centering means to correctly position the counterweight device (20) on the undercarriage (12); the centering means is arranged below the counterweight base plate (22) and / or below the at least one connecting means (30); The mobile crane (10) of claim 1.

13. the fastening means (36) comprising a fastening portion (35) having a bolt mount (37) for establishing a bolted connection with the superstructure (14); the upper structure (14) has an opening located below the bolt connection through which the fastening portion (35) of the connection means (30) can be pushed to establish the bolt connection; The mobile crane (10) of claim 1.

14. the upper works (14) comprises counter-centering means adapted to automatically place the counterweight device (20) in an installation position connected to the upper works (14) when the counterweight device (20) is raised by cooperating with the centering means (34) of the connection means (30), The centering means (34) includes a chamfered surface; and / or centering means are arranged in the region of said fastening means (36), The end of the connection means (30) is arranged facing the counterweight base plate (22). The mobile crane (10) of claim 1.

15. Further comprising at least one counterweight element (24) stackable on the counterweight base plate (22). A counterweight device (20) for use with a mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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