Mobile work machine and driving system for the same machine

Abstract

To provide a mobile work machine that enables rapid and easy separation of an upper structure body from a lower carriage during transportation and enables on-site installation by connecting the upper structure body to the lower carriage.SOLUTION: The present invention is a mobile work machine, particularly a mobile crane, comprising: a movable lower carriage; an upper structure body that is rotatably attached to the lower carriage and separably connected to the lower carriage via a coupling device 20; and mechanical power transmission means 30. The lower carriage includes a power device and a first shaft 51 that is mechanically driven by the power device and mechanically connected to a second shaft 52 of the upper structure body via the power transmission means 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile working machine described in the preamble of claim 1, in particular a mobile crane, and a drive system for such a machine.

Background Art

[0002] Mobile working machines often comprise a mobile undercarriage and a superstructure rotatably mounted thereon, such as a rail crane, a crawler crane, or a mobile crane. Mobile cranes are generally movable on public roads and are equipped with a wheeled chassis, and on public roads, it is necessary to consider a specific maximum axle load defined in that country with respect to the axles of their wheels. For example, in Germany, a mobile crane can move with a maximum load of 12 tons per axle. This limits the mass that can be used to increase the payload of this mobile crane.

[0003] One way to increase the maximum payload of a mobile crane is to remove certain assembly parts from the mobile crane when driving on public roads. However, this method increases the labor required to assemble the mobile crane and make it operational. However, since this labor is offset by the fact that the achievable payload is larger, this method may be justified in some cases. Removable assembly parts include the superstructure and the boom, which is configured as a telescopic boom in most mobile cranes. These assembly parts can be transported to the site as large-mass individual transport units. The mobile crane can drive alone on public roads to the work site by means of the undercarriage. However, these considerations regarding assembly parts that can be disassembled and transported individually apply not only to mobile cranes but also to other mobile machines that can be disassembled into individual transport units.

[0004] Large mobile cranes generally have two power units: a power unit for the lower carriage (engine, motor) mounted on the lower carriage and a power unit for the upper structure mounted on the upper structure. The power unit for the lower carriage is generally used to drive the entire crane, and the power unit for the upper structure generally drives a hydraulic motor used for the normal functions of the crane (such as boom raising and lowering, upper structure slewing, cable winch operation, etc.).

[0005] Also known are mobile cranes with a single-engine configuration in which only an engine is mounted on the lower carriage. Since the power unit and its weight of the upper structure are excluded, that weight can be allocated to improving the lifting capacity of the crane and / or the stability of various assembled parts. Therefore, the consumer equipment of the upper structure needs to be supplied from the lower carriage. For this purpose, a so-called "hydraulic shaft" that sends hydraulic oil to the upper structure through a rotary joint between the lower carriage and the upper structure and supplies it directly or indirectly to each crane actuator is often used. However, these hydraulic shafts not only have a complex structure but also make it difficult to remove the upper structure from the lower carriage for transportation.

[0006] Alternatively, a mechanical link driven by the engine of the lower carriage can be led to the upper structure through a rotary joint and drive, for example, a pump transfer gear box there. However, since disconnecting the mechanical link is costly with conventional solutions, such solutions have so far been used only for small mobile cranes that do not remove the upper structure during transportation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Against such a background, an object of the present invention is to provide this type of mobile working machine that can quickly and easily separate the upper structure from the lower carriage during transportation and connect and install it to the lower carriage at the site. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0008] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a working machine having the features of claim 1 and a drive system having the features of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] Therefore, a mobile working machine, in particular a mobile crane, is proposed, which comprises a movable undercarriage, a superstructure rotatably mounted on the undercarriage, and mechanical power transmission means. The superstructure is detachably connected to the undercarriage via a coupling device so that it can be removed from the undercarriage and the undercarriage and the superstructure can be transported separately. In this example, the detachable connection between the superstructure and the undercarriage refers to a connection configured for the regular removal and attachment of the superstructure.

[0010] This separation can be carried out frequently and without significant wear, and in particular does not apply to the separation with the extension bolts of the roller and cage assembly. The reason is that these bolts need to be replaced after at least several separations. Therefore, the detachable connection between the superstructure and the undercarriage described above does not include the separation with the extension bolts of the roller and cage assembly usually provided. Instead, in order to enable the assembly and disassembly of the superstructure to be carried out quickly and easily, the working machine according to the present invention preferably comprises a quick-release coupling device for separating the superstructure and the undercarriage. The quick-release coupling device can include a bolt connection.

[0011] In this example, a screw connection is not regarded as a quick-release coupling or a quick-release coupling device.

[0012] The lower carriage has a power unit and a first shaft that can be mechanically driven by the power unit. The upper structure has a second shaft that drives, in particular, one or more consumer devices of the upper structure, such as a pump, a transfer gear box. The second shaft is mechanically connected or connectable to the first shaft via a power transmission means. Thus, the power unit of the lower carriage mechanically drives the second shaft via the first shaft and the power transmission means. This eliminates the need for a separate power unit for the upper structure and reduces the weight. Since energy is transmitted mechanically from the lower carriage to the upper structure rather than hydraulically, a complex and leak-prone "hydraulic shaft" is not required.

[0013] According to a first alternative, in the present invention, the power transmission means is rotatably attached to the lower carriage and detachably connected to the second shaft via a mechanical connection. In this case, the power transmission means can be regarded as part of the lower carriage and can be left on the lower carriage when the lower carriage is moved individually. In this case, preferably, the power transmission means always remains connected to the lower carriage, particularly also in the working state where the upper structure is rotatably connected to the lower carriage. In order to be able to remove the upper structure from the lower carriage, it is necessary to separate the second shaft from the power transmission means. This can be done quickly and easily, in particular by a mechanical connection provided for that purpose, which can include, in the simplest example, a screw connection, preferably a quick-release coupling.

[0014] According to the second alternative example, in the present invention, the power transmission means is non-rotatably attached to the upper structure and can be detachably connected to the first shaft via a mechanical connection portion. In this case, the power transmission means can be regarded as a part of the upper structure and can be left on the upper structure when the lower bogie is moved individually. In this case, preferably, the power transmission means always remains connected to the upper structure, particularly also in the working state where the upper structure is rotatably connected to the lower bogie. In order to be able to remove the upper structure from the lower bogie, it is necessary to separate the first shaft from the power transmission means. This can be done quickly and easily, particularly by a mechanical connection portion provided for that purpose, and the mechanical connection portion can include, in the simplest example, a screw connection, preferably a quick-release coupling.

[0015] Therefore, the separation of the lower bogie and the upper structure is carried out at the aforementioned mechanical connection portion between the power transmission means and the second shaft or between the power transmission means and the first shaft (particularly the slewing ring between the lower bogie and the upper structure).

[0016] When the power transmission means is rotatably attached to the lower bogie, when the working machine is in the working state, that is, when the upper structure is attached to the lower bogie, the power transmission means can rotate together with the upper structure. As a result, the mechanical power transmission from the lower bogie to the upper structure becomes independent of the rotational position of the upper structure relative to the lower bogie. This also applies to the alternative example where the power transmission means is non-rotatably connected to the upper structure, because in this example the power transmission means is preferably not connected to the lower bogie (excluding the first shaft). Therefore, according to the solution means according to the present invention, regardless of the size of the working machine, mechanical energy or power can be transmitted from the lower bogie to the upper structure, and thus, particularly for a device (such as a large mobile crane) where the upper structure is regularly removed for transportation, operation by a single power unit becomes possible.

[0017] When the power transmission means is rotatably attached to the lower carriage, it is preferably arranged on the upper surface of the lower carriage so that the connection to the upper structure or the second shaft can be easily carried out. In particular, the power transmission means can be arranged in the area of the slewing ring between the upper structure and the lower carriage.

[0018] The first alternative (where the power transmission means is rotatably attached to the lower carriage) may be preferred, for example, when there is not enough space for the power transmission means above or inside the upper structure.

[0019] The lower carriage may have a wheeled chassis, and other chassis such as a rail-type chassis or a crawler (endless track) type chassis are also conceivable. In particular, the upper structure is attached to the lower carriage so that it can rotate about a vertical axis.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the power transmission means is an angular gear device or has an angular gear device. The angular gear device laterally displaces a mechanical link extending between the lower carriage and the upper structure and, in an alternative embodiment, can also have a fixed torque ratio or an adjustable torque ratio. This angular gear device preferably comprises a first mechanical connection part to which or to which the angular gear device can be mechanically detachably connected to the second shaft, and / or a second mechanical connection part to which or to which the angular gear device can be mechanically detachably connected to the first shaft.

[0021] Optionally, the power transmission means may have two mechanical connection parts respectively connected to the first and second shafts. Preferably, when the upper structure and the lower carriage are separated, the separation is carried out by only one of the mechanical connection parts. Both mechanical connection parts can each have a quick-release coupling (i.e., the connection or disconnection is not carried out by a simple screw connection). Alternatively, one of the mechanical connection parts can have a quick-release coupling and the other mechanical connection part can have, for example, a screw connection part.

[0022] In yet another possible embodiment, the power transmission means is rotatably attached to the lower carriage and detachably connected to the second shaft via a mechanical connection portion, and it is proposed that the working machine includes a bearing device that supports the power transmission means and rotatably connects it to the lower carriage. The bearing device preferably includes a first swivel ring connected to the lower carriage. This is particularly formed as a rolling bearing. Preferably, the first swivel ring of the bearing device is not actively rotatable, and the bearing device or the power transmission means is connected to the upper structure so as to rotate passively with the upper structure. The first swivel ring preferably forms a rotary feed-through (rotary through portion, rotary introduction portion) for the first shaft, and this rotary feed-through is led to the power transmission means through the swivel ring from the inside to the outside of the lower carriage.

[0023] In yet another possible embodiment, the coupling device is configured to have a swivel ring (herein referred to as the "second swivel ring" for distinction from the first swivel ring provided in the bearing device). This is preferably formed as a rolling bearing, particularly a live ring (large rolling bearing). Preferably, the upper structure has a rotation drive device for actively rotating the upper structure via the swivel ring, and this rotation drive device can be, for example, hydraulic. The first and second swivel rings may be concentric.

[0024] The second slewing ring preferably includes a first slewing ring portion connected to the lower carriage and a second slewing ring portion connected to the upper structure, and these ring portions are detachably connected to each other by a quick release coupling device ("quick connection portion"). This enables, for example, the separation or connection of the upper structure from the lower carriage to be relatively quick and easy for transporting the lower carriage and the upper structure as individual transport units. The quick release coupling device can be based on one type of tongue & groove connection (rabbet connection) between the aforementioned slewing ring portions and can be releasably locked to each other by a plurality of bolts. However, other embodiments that enable the quick and easy mechanical assembly or disassembly of the upper structure are also conceivable and are configured for this purpose.

[0025] In yet another possible embodiment, the bearing device is arranged within the second slewing ring. The two slewing rings are preferably configured to rotate independently of each other. Each slewing ring can include a rolling bearing, and the rolling bearing can be arranged concentrically with the rotation axis of the upper structure.

[0026] In yet another possible embodiment, the bearing device includes at least one damping element, and the power transmission means is connected to the lower carriage via the damping element in a manner that dampens vibrations. The at least one damping element can be an elastic component such as a spring or an elastomeric bearing. The at least one damping element equalizes vibrations or relative movements between the lower carriage and the upper structure, thereby protecting the mechanical drive system between the lower carriage and the upper structure. The bearing device preferably has a plurality of damping elements arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the power transmission means. For example, an arrangement of four damping elements forming the corners of a rectangle or a square is conceivable, but it is of course also possible to arrange fewer than four (e.g., three) damping elements or more than four damping elements.

[0027] In yet another possible embodiment, it is conceivable that the aforementioned bearing device includes a drive device that interacts with the slip ring device of the coupling device and transmits the rotational movement of the bearing device to the slip ring transmission device of the slip ring device. This means that it is only necessary to adjust the drive device once, and it is possible to leave the drive device on the carriage even when the superstructure is removed.

[0028] In yet another possible embodiment, it is proposed that the first shaft and / or the second shaft be provided with a universal joint shaft. The first shaft and / or the second shaft may comprise, for example, a plurality of universal joint shafts connected (articulated) to each other via a Cardan joint. The first shaft can be provided with a king shaft and an angular gear device, whereby the first shaft can guide the power transmission means downward, particularly parallel or substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the superstructure. The first shaft is guided through a rotary feed-through between the lower carriage and the superstructure via the king shaft. The power transmission means are preferably arranged on the upper surface of the lower carriage.

[0029] In yet another possible embodiment, it is proposed that the mechanical connection for removably connecting the power transmission means to the first and / or second shaft is a quick-release coupling or includes a quick-release coupling. As a result, the corresponding shaft can be quickly and easily detached from the power transmission means, facilitating the easy and rapid assembly and disassembly of the superstructure. The quick-release coupling preferably can include a first quick-release coupling part with profile pins and a second quick-release coupling part with a receiving part formed in a shape adapted to the pins, which can be releasably connected to each other in a friction-engaging manner and / or a shape-conforming manner by inserting one into the other or vice versa. The connection can optionally be reversibly locked by locking means, such as bolts or split pins. For example, the aforementioned pin can be provided at the end of the rotatable shaft of the power transmission means, and the receiving part can be provided at the end of the first shaft and / or the second shaft on the side of the power transmission means (or the opposite side).

[0030] In yet another possible embodiment, it is proposed that the working machine includes a holding device that can releasably connect the disconnected shaft in a supported position (bearing position) when separated from the power transmission means. When the superstructure is removed from the lower bogie, thereby separating the corresponding shaft from the power transmission means, the power transmission means can be fixed or held by the holding device. Preferably, the connection between the holding device and the shaft also forms a quick-release coupling as described above.

[0031] When the power transmission means is rotatably attached to the lower bogie, the holding device can be arranged on the superstructure. This means that the second shaft separated from the power transmission means can be removably connected to the holding device of the superstructure in the supported position. In an alternative example where the power transmission means is attached so as to be rotatable with the superstructure, the holding device can be arranged on the lower bogie to receive the disconnected first shaft.

[0032] In yet another possible embodiment, it is proposed that the power transmission means is rotatably attached to the lower bogie, and the working machine is provided with a locking device capable of reversibly and fixedly locking the power transmission means in the rotational direction to either the lower bogie or the upper structure. Preferably, in the working state where the upper structure is connected to the lower bogie, the power transmission means can be connected to the upper structure in a state of being fixed in the rotational direction via the locking device so that the power transmission means rotates together with the upper structure when the upper structure rotates relative to the lower bogie. In the transport state where the upper structure is separated from the lower bogie, the power transmission means can be connected to the lower bogie in a state of being fixed in the rotational direction via the locking device so as to prevent the power transmission means from rotating unintentionally when, for example, the lower bogie moves.

[0033] The locking device can preferably be remotely operated, for example, by a Bowden cable. When manually operated, an operating element (such as a lever) for locking to the lower bogie or the upper structure can be arranged, for example, in the region of the power transmission means (such as in the region of the bearing device of the power transmission means) or at another point on the lower bogie. The operating element should be easily accessible from the outside. Operation by an actuator is also conceivable, for example, the operation can be performed in the lower bogie cab or with a portable device.

[0034] In yet another possible embodiment, it is proposed that the locking device includes a first locking element, and the first locking element is connected to the bearing device and can be selectively engaged with a second locking element arranged on the lower bogie or a third locking element arranged on the upper structure. The first locking element can be, for example, a safety latch and can lock to the second locking element or the third locking element according to its position (and the position of the upper structure).

[0035] In yet another possible embodiment, a configuration in which the superstructure does not have a driving power unit is conceivable (operation of a single power unit by supply from the lower carriage to the superstructure). Instead of or in addition to this, the superstructure may comprise at least one consumer device (for example, a pump transfer gear box), and all consumer devices of the superstructure are directly or indirectly driven via a second shaft.

[0036] In other possible embodiments, the working machine is formed as a mobile crane, the lower carriage has a wheeled chassis, and the superstructure has a boom, in particular a telescopic boom. The superstructure can be removed from the lower carriage by a coupling device and transported individually, and the lower carriage can preferably be moved alone without the superstructure. The lower carriage preferably comprises a lower carriage cab, whereby the lower carriage can be moved on the road without the superstructure attached. The superstructure may have a superstructure ballast and / or a superstructure cab.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a drive system of the working machine according to the present invention. As described above, the drive system comprises a power unit, a first shaft that can be mechanically driven by the power unit, a second shaft, and power transmission means that is detachably connected to the first shaft and / or the second shaft via at least one mechanical connection and mechanically connects the first shaft and the second shaft to each other. According to the first alternative described above, the drive system can rotatably connect the power transmission means to the lower carriage of the working machine or has a slewing ring for rotatably connecting it, and the power transmission means is detachably connected to the first shaft via a mechanical connection. Alternatively, the power transmission means can be non-rotatably connected to or is non-rotatably connected to the superstructure.

[0038] Thus, since it is obvious that the same characteristics and advantages as those of the working machine according to the present invention can be obtained, repeated description is omitted. In particular, as long as the above-described embodiments relate to the components of the drive system (the first shaft, the second shaft, the power transmission means, the power device, the bearing device, the first slewing ring, the locking device, etc.), the drive system can be configured according to any of the above-described embodiments, or any combination thereof.

[0039] Still other features, details, and effects of the present invention can be found in the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a work machine 10 according to the present invention in the form of a mobile crane. The following description of the exemplary embodiment is made with respect to this mobile crane, but the drive system according to the present invention is not limited to this mobile crane and can be used in various work machines having a lower carriage and an upper structure.

[0042] The mobile crane 10 has a lower carriage 12 having a plurality of axles and a lower carriage cab 15, and an upper structure 14 having a boom 16 attached to the lower carriage 12 via a coupling device 20 with a vertical rotation axis and capable of rising and falling about a horizontal turning axis. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper structure 14 may have an upper structure cab 17. In this exemplary embodiment, the boom 16 is configured as a telescopic boom and can be rotated around the horizontal turning axis using one or more lifting cylinders 18.

[0043] The coupling device 20 has a ring-shaped slewing ring 23, which is common in larger mobile cranes (large roller bearings). The coupling device 20 is configured such that the upper structure 14 can be removed from the lower carriage 12. This makes it possible to transport the upper structure 14 with a considerable self-weight as an individual transport unit independent of the lower carriage 12 to the place of use. The lower carriage 12 can travel on a public road with the upper structure 14 removed, and the allowable axle load is maintained by weight reduction. To enable the regular attachment and removal of the upper structure 14, the coupling device 20 is specifically configured for this purpose and preferably has a special quick-release coupling device 26 that enables the quick and easy attachment and removal of the upper structure.

[0044] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the rotary joint 23. In this variant, the quick-release coupling device 26 is based on a tongue & groove connection. The swivel ring 23 has a first quick coupling part 21 which is connected, in particular screwed, to the lower bogie 12 and a second quick coupling part 22 which is connected, in particular screwed, to the upper structure 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first quick coupling part 21 has an annular circumferential groove and the second quick coupling part 22 has a corresponding annular circumferential rib which is located in the groove during connection. Both quick coupling parts 21, 22 are provided with a plurality of bolt receptacles distributed around them and can releasably lock the lower bogie 12 and the upper structure 14 by means of corresponding lock bolts 24 inserted therein.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the second quick coupling part 22 comprises the aforementioned live ring and this can alternatively be attached to the first quick coupling part 21. Similarly, conversely, the first quick coupling part 21 could have ribs and the second quick coupling part 22 could have grooves.

[0046] The lower carriage 12 has a power unit (engine, motor) for driving one or more consumer devices of the upper structure 14, such as a pump transfer gear box for supplying the lifting cylinder 18 and other hydraulic equipment. This is done via a mechanical drive system that extends from the lower carriage 12 through the slewing ring 23 between the lower carriage and the upper structures 12, 14 to the upper structure 14. The drive system has a first shaft 51 in the lower carriage 12 and a second shaft 52 in the upper structure 14, which are mechanically connected to each other by power transmission means 30. The power unit of the lower carriage rotationally drives the first shaft 51, and its rotation is transmitted to the second shaft 52 via the power transmission means 30. The two shafts 51, 52 may be formed as universal joint shafts and may have a plurality of individual shafts that are articulated to each other. The first shaft 51 is guided substantially vertically, that is, in the direction of the upper structure 14 through the slewing ring 23, substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the upper structure 14. For this purpose, the first shaft 51 may have a king shaft and an angular gear device arranged in the lower carriage 12 for redirecting this shaft 51 in the direction of the upper structure 14.

[0047] To remove the upper structure 14, the mechanical drive system must be separated or disconnected. So that this can be done quickly and easily, the power transmission means 30 connecting the first shaft 51 and the second shaft 52 to each other has a mechanical connection 40 at which the disconnection takes place.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a preferred exemplary embodiment of the drive system or power transmission means 30 according to the present invention, together with the slewing ring 23 between the lower bogie 12 and the upper structure 14, in a perspective view. Here, a part of the upper structure 14 is hidden to show the power transmission means 30 located within the slewing ring 23. In this exemplary embodiment, the power transmission means is configured as an angular gear device 30 and is mechanically connected to the first shaft 51 on the lower side and the second shaft 52 on the side via the aforementioned mechanical connection portion 40. The shafts 51, 52 may be provided with cardan joints as shown in Figure 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the power transmission means 30 is rotatably connected to the lower bogie 12 and remains on the lower bogie 12 even when the lower bogie 12 moves independently (i.e., without the upper structure 14).

[0049] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the mechanical connection portion 40 is configured as a quick release coupling in order to enable the second shaft 52 to be quickly and easily detached from or coupled to the angular gear device 30.

[0050] Figure 3 shows the angular gear device 30 with the upper structure 14 removed, hiding a part of the slewing ring 23 connected to the lower bogie 12. The angular gear device 30 is fixedly connected to the lower bogie 12 via a bearing device 32, more precisely to the upper surface of the lower bogie 12. The bearing device 32 preferably includes a further slewing ring 33 formed as a rolling bearing. Thereby, the mobile crane 10 is provided with two slewing rings 23, 33 that can rotate independently of each other. To distinguish between them, hereinafter the slewing ring of the bearing device 32 will be referred to as the first slewing ring 33, and the slewing ring of the coupling device 20 will be referred to as the second slewing ring 23. In particular, the first slewing ring 33 is not used to support the upper structure 14, but is used to rotatably support and guide the power transmission means 30 so that it can follow the rotational movement of the upper structure 14. The two slewing rings 23, 33 are arranged concentrically with each other.

[0051] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the bearing device 32 has a bracket 34 connected to the first swivel ring 33. The angular gear device 30 is connected to a holding part 35 connected to the bracket 34 by the arrangement of damping elements 36. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, four damping elements 36, which can be formed, for example, as elastomeric bearings, are symmetrically arranged. It is also conceivable to arrange springs. By elastically mounting the angular gear device 30, the relative movement between the lower bogie 12 and the upper structure 14 can be corrected, and the vibration of the angular gear device 30 is transmitted to the lower bogie 12.

[0052] The bearing device 32 may be configured to have a drive device 38 (see FIG. 3) that can be connected, for example, to the bracket 34 or the holding part 35. The rotational movement of the bearing device 32, and thus the rotational movement of the upper structure 14, can be transmitted via the drive device 38 to the slip ring transmission device of the slip ring device arranged in the rotary feed-through. The slip ring device can annularly surround the first shaft 51.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows a part of a quick-release coupling that forms a mechanical connection part 40 on the angular gear device side. The quick-release coupling comprises a first quick-coupling part 41 in the shape of a profile pin (formed pin, grooved pin) arranged on the angular gear device 30. At the end of the second shaft 52 on the side of the angular gear device 30, a receiving part of a matching shape is provided that can form a second quick-release coupling part by being pushed into the pin 41. As a result, the second shaft 52 can be quickly and easily separated from the angular gear device 30 for the disassembly of the upper structure 14, or can be quickly and easily connected to the angular gear device for the assembly of the upper structure 14.

[0054] Figure 4 shows the disassembled upper structure 14 in a perspective view. In this exemplary embodiment, the second shaft 52 is mounted on the holding device 70. This may be provided with corresponding pins similar to the angular gear device 30, whereby the receiving part of the second shaft 52 (i.e., the second quick release coupling part) can be connected to this pin at the transport position. As a result, the second shaft is fixed at the transport position during the transport of the upper structure 14.

[0055] In the working position where the upper structure 14 is connected to the lower carriage 12, the angular gear device 30 is coupled to the upper structure 14 and both rotate around a common axis of rotation. This is made possible by the two slewing rings 23, 33, which means that the consumer devices of the upper structure can be driven via the mechanical drive system at any rotational position of the upper structure 14. However, in the transport position where the upper structure 14 is removed from the lower carriage 12, the angular gear device 30 should be connected to the lower carriage 12 in a rotationally fixed state so as not to move unexpectedly, for example during road travel.

[0056] For this purpose, the mobile crane 10 can be provided with a locking device as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which show side views of the bearing device 32 with the upper structure 14 removed.

[0057] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the locking device has a Bowden cable that can be manually operated by a lever 64 (= actuating element) arranged on the bracket 34. A first locking element 61 in the form of a safety latch is pivotally attached to a bracket bolted to the first slewing ring 33. On the upper surface of the lower carriage 12, a second locking element 62 in the form of a receiving part is arranged at an appropriately defined position corresponding to the side of the first slewing ring 33, and the locking bolt 61 can be inserted (retracted) into it in the first position (see FIG. 5). In the first position, the bearing device 32, and thus the angular gear device 30, is connected to rotate with the lower carriage 12, and as a result, only one degree of freedom is restricted.

[0058] The upper structure 14 has a third locking element 63 in the form of a receiving part corresponding to the locking bolt 61. In the second position (see FIG. 6), the locking bolt 61 enters into the receiving part 63 of the upper structure 14, and the bearing device 32 is coupled to the upper structure 14 and rotated together. For this purpose, the upper structure 14 must be in a specific angular position relative to the lower carriage 12 so that the locking bolt 61 can be inserted into the receiving part 63. As already explained, the pivoting of the safety catch 61 or the transition between the first and second positions is effected by means of a Bowden cable. However, other mechanisms, for example by means of a piston rod, for actuating the first locking element 61 are also conceivable. Actuation by means of an actuator is also conceivable.

[0059] To determine the working position, the upper structure 14 is placed on the lower carriage 12. By receiving the coupling device 20 with a quick-release coupling device 26 ("quick connection", see FIG. 7), the upper structure 14 is centered and aligned. By remote operation of the locking device, the coupling of the bearing device 32 to the lower carriage 12 is released and it is coupled to the upper structure 14. The locking bolt 61 pivots into the receiving part 63 of the upper structure 14 (see FIG. 6). Thereby, the rotational movement of the upper structure 14 is transmitted to the bearing device 32 and thus to the angular gear device 30. To connect the second universal joint shaft 52 to the angular gear device 30, the shaft must be removed from the holding device 70 and connected to the angular gear device 30 using a quick-release coupling 40 (see FIG. 2).

[0060] The lever 64 must be in a position of connection to the upper structure 14 before the upper structure 14 is rotated. It is considered that the second shaft 52 can only be mounted if the lever 64 is in the correct position. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to monitor by means of one or more sensors arranged, for example, on the upper structure 14 and / or the lower carriage 12, which transmit the correct position of the upper structure 14 relative to the lower carriage 12 (the position enabling connection by means of the lever 64) to the control unit of the working machine 10.

[0061] Regarding the degrees of freedom, the first slewing ring 33 is configured in the same way as the second slewing ring 23. The relevant degrees of freedom here are only rotation. Absorbing the acceleration force is particularly important during driving on a public road and during the operation of the first shaft 51.

[0062] As an alternative to the solutions shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the power transmission means 30 can be connected to the superstructure 14 so as to rotate together, and can be connected or connectable to the first shaft 51 by a mechanical connection part 40 in the form of a quick release coupling shown in particular. In this case, the power transmission means 30 remains on the superstructure 14 and is separated from the first shaft 51 during removal.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0063] 10 Working machine (mobile crane) 12 Lower carriage 14 Superstructure 15 Lower carriage cab 16 Boom 17 Superstructure cab 18 Luffing cylinder 20 Coupling device 21 First slewing ring part (first quick release coupling part) 22 Second slewing ring part (second quick release coupling part with roller slewing ring) 23 Second slewing ring 24 Locking bolt 26 Quick release coupling device 30 Power transmission means (angular gear device) 32 Bearing device 33 First slewing ring 34 Console (bracket) 35 Holding part 36 Damping element 38 Driver 40 Mechanical connection part (quick release coupling) 41 First quick release coupling part 51 First shaft 52 Second shaft 61 First locking element (safety latch) 62 Second locking element 63 Third locking element (receiver) 64 Actuating element 70 Retaining device

Claims

1. A mobile work machine (10), in particular a mobile crane, comprising a movable undercarriage (12), an upper structure (14) rotatably mounted on the undercarriage (12) and detachably connected to the undercarriage (12) via a coupling device (20), and a mechanical power transmission means (30), the undercarriage (12) comprising a power unit and a first shaft (51) mechanically driven by the power unit and mechanically connected to a second shaft (52) of the upper structure (14) via the power transmission means (30), a power transmission means (30) rotatably mounted on the undercarriage (12) and removably connected to the second shaft (52) via a mechanical connection (40); or a power transmission means (30) rotatably mounted on the upper structure (14) and removably connected to the first shaft (51) via a mechanical connection (40).

2. 2. The mobile work machine (10) of claim 1, The power transmission means (30) is or has an angular gear device, preferably having a first mechanical connection part and / or a second mechanical connection part (40), and the angular gear device is mechanically detachably connected to the first shaft (51) and / or the second shaft (52) via the first mechanical connection part and / or the second mechanical connection part (40) of the mobile work machine (10).

3. A mobile work machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, The power transmission means (30) is rotatably mounted on the undercarriage (12) and detachably connected to the second shaft (52) via a mechanical connection (40), and the working machine (10) further comprises a bearing arrangement (32) supporting the power transmission means (30) and rotatably connecting the power transmission means (30) to the undercarriage (12), the bearing arrangement (32) preferably having a first slewing ring (33) connected to the undercarriage (12) and preferably formed as a rolling bearing.

4. A mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The coupling device (20) of the mobile or working machine (10) comprises a first swivel ring part (21), in particular formed as a rolling bearing and preferably connected to the lower bogie (12), and a second swivel ring part (22) connected to the upper structure (14), said ring parts being detachably connected to one another by a quick-release coupling device (26), in particular including a tongue and groove connection which can be screwed.

5. A mobile work machine (10) according to claim 3 or 4, The bearing device (32) is disposed within the second slewing ring (23), and the first slewing ring (33) is preferably configured to be rotatable independently of the second slewing ring (23).

6. A mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The bearing device (32) has at least one damping element (36), and the power transmission means (30) is connected to the undercarriage (12) in a vibration-damping state by the damping element (36), and the bearing device (32) preferably has a plurality of damping elements (36) arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the power transmission means (30).

7. A mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, The bearing arrangement includes a drive arrangement (38) that interacts with a slip ring arrangement of the coupling arrangement (20) and transmits rotational motion of the bearing arrangement (32) to a slip ring transmission arrangement of the slip ring arrangement.

8. A mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The mobile work machine (10), wherein the first shaft (51) and / or the second shaft (52) comprise a universal joint shaft, and / or the first shaft (51) comprises a king shaft and an angular gear arrangement.

9. A mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The mobile work machine (10) is provided with a quick release coupling (40) in which the mechanical connection (40) is or has a quick release coupling, preferably comprising a first quick release coupling part (41) with a profile pin and a second quick release coupling part having a receiving part shaped to fit the pin, the coupling parts being detachably connectable to each other by frictional engagement and / or form-fitting engagement.

10. A mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The mobile work machine (10) further comprises a holding device (70) by means of which the first or second shaft (51, 52) separated from the power transmission means (30) can be releasably connected in a supported position, in particular by a quick release coupling (40), preferably the power transmission means (30) is arranged rotatably mounted on the undercarriage (12) and the holding device (70) is arranged on the upper structure (14).

11. A mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and any one of claims 3 to 7, The mobile work machine (10) is provided with a locking device capable of reversibly and rotationally fixedly locking the power transmission means (30) to either the undercarriage (12) or the upper work (14), and the power transmission means (30) is preferably rotationally fixedly lockable by the locking device to the upper work (14) in a working state in which the upper work (14) is connected to the lower carriage (12), and to the lower car (12) in a transport state in which the upper work (14) is separated from the lower carriage (12).

12. A mobile work machine (10) according to claim 11, A mobile work machine (10) wherein the locking device comprises a first locking element (61), the first locking element (61) being connected to a bearing device (32) and selectively engageable with a second locking element (62) arranged on the undercarriage (12) or a third locking element (63) arranged on the upper structure (14), the locking device preferably having a Bowden cable.

13. A mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A mobile work machine (10) in which the upper work (14) does not have a driving power unit and / or the upper work (14) has at least one consumer equipment, and all of the consumer equipment of the upper work (14) is driven directly or indirectly via the second shaft (52).

14. A mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A mobile work machine (10) formed as a mobile crane, the undercarriage (12) having a wheeled chassis, the upper structure (14) having a boom (16), in particular a telescopic boom, the upper structure (14) being detachable from the undercarriage (12) via the coupling device and transportable separately, the undercarriage (12) being preferably movable alone without the upper structure (14).

15. A drive system for a mobile work machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: A drive system comprising: a power unit; a first shaft (51) mechanically drivable by the power unit; a second shaft (52); and power transmission means (30) detachably connected to the first shaft (51) and / or the second shaft (52) via a mechanical connection (40) and mechanically connecting the first shaft (51) and the second shaft (52) to each other, preferably wherein the power transmission means (30) can be rotatably connected to an undercarriage (12) of the working machine (10) or has a slewing ring (33) rotatably connected thereto.

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