Crane with a load erecting device

Abstract

To provide an erecting device for a crane.SOLUTION: A crane with a boom (16) and two separately operable lifting cable winches, each lifting cable (21,22) being provided with a load suspension means (23,24) for securing a load, has a raising device (20) with an upper part (30) which has a first deflection pulley (31) and is rotatably mounted on the boom, and a lower part (40) which has a second deflection pulley (41) and is connected to the upper part about a pivot axis (32) and whose axis of rotation is parallel to the pivot axis. Each lifting cable 21,22 is guided by a first direction conversion pulley 31 and a second direction conversion pulley 41, and the free end is attached to the lower part. The deflection pulley 31,41 and the pivot axis 32 are configured such that, by means of an asynchronous drive of the cable winches, a load connected to both load carrying means can be rotated about a load pivot axis extending parallel to the pivot axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane according to the preamble of claim 1, to an erecting device for said crane and to a method for erecting a load by means of said crane. [Background technology]

[0002] To erect (i.e. rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation from a horizontal position to an upright position) long, narrow loads such as tower sections, two cranes are typically used in a tandem lift. However, such lifts require precise coordination of the crane movements, which makes them difficult to carry out. Furthermore, as two cranes are not available on all construction sites, a second crane may have to be specially arranged for such erection operations, increasing the cost of operations on the construction site. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that allows elongated loads to be erected by a single crane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a crane having the features of claim 1, a raising device having the features of claim 13, and a method having the features of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0005] Therefore, a crane is proposed that includes a boom and two lifting cable winches. The lifting cable winches support two lifting cables that can be operated independently of each other. Each lifting cable supports a load-hanging means for attaching a load, such as a hook block through which the respective lifting cable passes. This allows a load to be attached to the two attachment points of the two load-hanging attachments (load-hanging means) on the lifting cables and then lifted and moved by operating the lifting cable winches.

[0006] According to the present invention, a crane includes a load-raising device having an upper section with a first diverting pulley for guiding a lifting cable and a lower section with a second diverting pulley for guiding the lifting cable. While the upper section is attached to the boom, the lower section is not directly connected to the boom but is pivotally connected to the upper section. As the name suggests, the lower section is located below the upper section and therefore closer to the load than the upper section. Preferably, the upper section is pivotally connected to the boom, particularly around a horizontal pivot axis extending parallel to the luffing axis of the boom, so that the raising device automatically aligns itself by gravity. The second diverting pulley of the lower section has a rotation axis extending parallel to the horizontal pivot axis of the articulation between the lower section and the upper section. When referring only to the pivot axis below, this refers to the pivot axis between the lower section and the upper section.

[0007] The two lifting cables are guided by a first diverting pulley and a second diverting pulley, respectively. It is conceivable to provide a plurality of first diverting pulleys in the upper section and / or a plurality of second diverting pulleys in the lower section. The lifting cables are attached at their free ends to the lower section, for example via a cable lock, with suitable fixing means for this purpose provided on the lower section, preferably on the underside facing away from the upper section.

[0008] According to the invention, the lifting device, or the diverting pulley and the pivot shaft, are configured such that a load connected to both load support means can be rotated, i.e., lifted, about a load pivot axis running parallel to the pivot axis by asynchronously operating the lifting cable winch while the lower part pivots relative to the upper part. In other words, when the lifting cable winch is operated asynchronously, the load is lifted while the lower part pivots.

[0009] Here, asynchronous operation of lifting cable winches refers to a control system in which the load-supporting means of the lifting cable do not rise and fall at the same speed. This can be achieved by driving only one of the two lifting cable winches to pay out or reel in the lifting cable, while the other lifting cable winch is not driven. This results in only one of the load-supporting means moving. Asynchronous operation of lifting cable winches can also be achieved by both lifting cable winches operating or driving, but rotating at different speeds in one direction or the other, or in different directions. In the latter case, one load-supporting means will descend while the other load-supporting means will rise.

[0010] This lifting device allows large loads to be lifted safely, quickly, and at low cost using just one crane, while saving space. The lifting device functions regardless of the shape of the load. By dividing it into an upper and lower section, the diverting pulleys, especially the second diverting pulley, can be positioned to lift large loads. In particular, the greater the horizontal distance between the second diverting pulleys, the larger the loads that can be rotated. Furthermore, the lifting device's multi-component structure allows for a modular design, and the lower section, in particular, can be replaced to adapt it to the size of the load to be rotated.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the upper section is detachably connected to the lower section and, like the lower section, is provided with a fixing element for fixing the free end of the lifting cable. This makes it possible to remove the lower section from the upper section and, in the first configuration, guide the lifting cable only through the first diverting pulley before fixing the free end of the lifting cable to the upper section. This allows the upper section to function alone as a lifting device and to be used, in particular, for rotating short loads. To rotate larger loads, the upper section is used in the second configuration with the attached lower section, and the lifting cable is attached to the fixing means of the lower section. The ability to rotate larger loads with the attached lower section is particularly due to the fact that the distance between the second diverting pulleys is wider than the distance between the first diverting pulleys.

[0012] In another possible embodiment, the upper part has exactly two first rotation shafts with first diverting pulleys. Each first rotation shaft can be fitted with exactly one diverting pulley or with multiple diverting pulleys for passing (winding) the lifting cable multiple times. Preferably, the upper part has exactly two first diverting pulleys, and the lifting cable is passed (wound) between the second diverting pulley and the load lifting means.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the lower part may have exactly two second rotation shafts with second diverting pulleys, each of which may be fitted with exactly one second diverting pulley or with second diverting pulleys for multiple loops of the lifting cable.

[0014] Preferably, the second rotation axes are spaced further apart than the first rotation axes, which increases the distance between the lifting cables as soon as they pass the second diverting pulley. This allows for lifting larger horizontally aligned loads without exceeding the maximum cable angle. Preferably, the first and second rotation axes form the corners of a trapezoid with parallel upper and lower sides in the unloaded state.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the upper part has exactly two first diverting pulleys and the lower part has exactly two second rotation shafts, each of which has multiple diverting pulleys attached to it, so that the lifting cable can be wound multiple times between the second diverting pulleys and each load lifting means (in particular a hook block with multiple diverting pulleys).

[0016] In another possible embodiment, the lifting device comprises at least one limit switch configured to output a signal when the maximum cable angle of the lifting cable is reached. This at least one limit switch is preferably arranged in the lower section and detects in particular the cable angle of the lifting cable extending from the lower section, i.e., the cable angle of the section of the lifting cable between the lower section and the load. By limiting the maximum lateral deviation or spread of the lifting cable, damage to the lifting cable can be avoided and safe lifting operations can be ensured. The maximum permissible cable angle depends in particular on the configuration and dimensions of the lifting device and can be less than 45°.

[0017] The maximum cable angle, which particularly refers to the angle of deviation (deflection) of the lifting cable relative to the vertical, is preferably 20° to 40°, particularly preferably 25° to 35°. In one embodiment, the maximum cable angle can be approximately 30°. The maximum cable angle can be referenced to a vertical plane located midway between the second direction-changing pulleys and passing through the pivot axis.

[0018] In another possible embodiment, the crane includes a control system capable of controlling the lifting cable winch, the control system being connected to at least one limit switch and configured to receive signals from the limit switch. When the control system receives a signal from the at least one limit switch indicating that the lifting cable has reached a maximum cable angle, the control system outputs a control signal to the at least one lifting cable winch to activate the lifting cable winch. In particular, the control system is configured to stop the current operation of the at least one lifting cable winch and / or to only allow the at least one lifting cable winch to pay out the lifting cable, thereby allowing the cable angle to be reduced again. Alternatively or additionally, the control system may be configured to issue an alarm, e.g., shown on a display in the cabin and / or an audible alarm, to the crane operator when the control system receives a signal from the at least one limit switch.

[0019] In another possible embodiment, the at least one limit switch is arranged on the lower section such that its orientation relative to the vertical plane remains constant regardless of the pivot position of the lower section, and by maintaining the orientation of the at least one limit switch, the angle of the cable being paid out can be effectively monitored as the orientation of the lower section changes due to the pivoting movement about the pivot axis during erection of the load.

[0020] In particular, at least one limit switch is attached to the lower portion via a parallelogram linkage, and the placement or connection of the limit switch to a component of the parallelogram mechanism ensures that the orientation of the limit switch does not change when the lower portion pivots about the pivot axis.

[0021] In another possible embodiment, at least one limit switch is arranged on a mount rotatably attached to the lower part, and the mount is connected to the upper part via a connecting element. The connecting element is pivotally connected to the upper part via a first articulation connection and to the bracket (mount) via a second articulation connection, forming a component (link) of the parallelogram guide. The lower part can be provided with a frame, and a part of the frame, particularly a part of the frame extending between the pivot axis and the second diverting pulley, can be part of the parallelogram guide extending parallel to the connecting element. The first articulation connection, the second articulation connection, the pivot axis of the bracket (mount), and said pivot axis form a joint of the parallelogram guide. Preferably, the rotation axis of the mount coincides with the rotation axis of the second diverting pulley. This mount can be a pulley mount for at least the second diverting pulley rotatably attached to the lower part.

[0022] In another possible embodiment, at least one contact unit is pivotally mounted on the lower part, which contact unit is configured to contact the lifting cable at its maximum cable angle and press against a switching element of the limit switch, thereby switching the limit switch and sending a signal to the control system. Preferably, the contact unit contacts and turns or pivots the lifting cable before reaching the maximum cable angle, and switches the limit switch when the maximum cable angle is reached.

[0023] The contact unit preferably has a rotatably mounted roller arm having a roller contactable by the lifting cable. The roller arm pivots upon contact with the roller. Preferably, the roller arm rotates about the second rotation axis of the second direction-changing pulley. In particular, the contact unit has a contact plate connected to the roller arm, which contacts or switches the switching element of the assigned limit switch at the maximum cable angle.

[0024] The roller arm can be provided with a plate with a recess in which a guide pin that cannot be rotated relative to the limit switch is attached. When the roller arm is rotated by the lifting cable that applies pressure to the roller, the recess moves relative to the guide pin. The recess can be shaped as an oblong hole, in particular a curved oblong hole, and serves the function of guiding and holding the roller arm or contact plate.

[0025] In another embodiment, two limit switches are arranged in the lower section, each defining a maximum cable angle for one of the lifting cables. This allows the cable angles of both lifting cables to be monitored with one limit switch each. Preferably, the same maximum cable angle is defined for both lifting cables. Preferably, the limit switches are arranged in the area of ​​the second diverting pulley, in particular on the mount of the rotatably mounted second diverting pulley.

[0026] In another possible embodiment, the lower part has a substantially triangular frame, the second diverting pulley being arranged at a lower corner thereof and the pivoting shaft being arranged at an upper corner thereof. In particular, the connection lines between the frame or the pivoting shaft and the rotation axes of the second diverting pulleys form an isosceles triangle. When no load is suspended from the load suspension means, the base of the triangular frame (or the connection line between the second rotation axes) is preferably horizontal.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the upper section may be configured to be attached to the boom about an axis of rotation extending parallel to the boom luffing axis of the boom, thereby maintaining the same orientation of the erector regardless of the luffing position of the boom. Preferably, the upper section is attached to the boom head and is hinged to an axis on which a plurality of direction-changing rollers for changing the direction of the lifting cable are rotatably mounted.

[0028] In another possible embodiment, the lower part has a multi-part frame that can be disassembled for transport. The frame parts can be assembled in a reduced-size transport position. The frame parts can be detachably connected to each other using connecting means, for example bolted connections. In the simplest case, the frame has two frame parts, preferably a first frame part supporting the pivot shaft and a second frame part supporting the second diverting pulley.

[0029] The multi-part frame also comprises fastening means (retention means) for connecting the frame parts in the transport position. For example, a retention means for a bolted connection can be arranged on the second frame part, and the disassembled first frame part can be bolted to the retention means of the second frame part by means of its connection means. In this way, the two frame parts remain connected even in the transport position. Naturally, the frame can also consist of more than two frame parts. Other retention means are also conceivable, such as screw connections and / or hookbolt connections.

[0030] In yet another possible embodiment, the rotation axes of the first and second diverting pulleys run parallel to each other, in particular perpendicular to the luffing axis of the boom. Since the pivot axis is horizontal, in this case the rotation axes of all diverting pulleys of the lifting device also run horizontally.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the raising device may be configured to have a symmetrical structure with respect to a vertical plane extending through the axis of rotation, which is particularly relevant when the lower part does not pivot without a load attached to the load suspension means.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a lifting device for a crane according to the present invention. This lifting device has all the features of the present invention already described for the crane according to the present invention. In other words, the lifting device according to the present invention comprises an upper part with a first diverting pulley, which is pivotally mounted, in particular, on the boom, and a lower part with a second diverting pulley, which is pivotally connected to the upper part around a horizontal pivot axis, the axis of rotation of the lower part being parallel to the pivot axis. The lifting cables are guided by the first and second diverting pulleys, respectively, and their free ends are attached to the lower part (to which suitable fasteners are attached). The diverting pulleys and the pivot axis are arranged so that a load connected to both load support means can be rotated, in particular, around a load rotation axis extending parallel to the pivot axis, by asynchronously driving the lifting cable winch and performing a pivoting movement of the lower part relative to the upper part. This results in the same characteristics, features, and advantages as already described for the crane according to the present invention. Therefore, a redundant description will be omitted here. In particular, the raising device of the present invention can be configured in any combination according to any of the above-described embodiments.

[0033] The invention further relates to a set (combination, assembly) of the inventive lifting device with at least one further lower part having a different arrangement of the second diverting pulleys, in particular a different spacing between the second diverting pulleys. The lower part of the lifting device is detachably connected to the upper part. This makes it possible to exchange the lower part as needed, and a different arrangement of the second diverting pulleys makes it possible to rotate larger or smaller loads. The modular design of the lifting device and the possibility of providing any number of lower parts with different dimensions and adjusting the lower part used to the load to be rotated allow for high flexibility and a wide range of loads that can be lifted with the crane.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a method for erecting a load using the inventive load crane, which again provides the same characteristics, features and advantages as those already described for the inventive load crane. In the erection method according to the present invention, the lifting cable winches are driven asynchronously (in particular, one lifting cable winch can rotate while the other is stationary, or the two lifting cable winches can rotate in the same direction but at different speeds, or even in different directions), so that the load support means move vertically apart from each other and the load is erected about a load pivot axis running parallel to the pivot axis. During the erection process, the lower part rotates relative to the upper part about a horizontal pivot axis.

[0035] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a raising device according to the present invention in a state where no load is suspended. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the erection device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the lower portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the second direction changing pulley of the embodiment in a state where the limit switch is disposed. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a is a side view of an embodiment of a crane according to the present invention with a load suspended therefrom. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a front view of an embodiment of a crane according to the present invention with a load suspended therefrom. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a shows a front view of the crane in the erecting position. [Figure 6b] Figure 6b shows a front view of the crane in the erecting position. [Figure 6c]FIG. 6c shows a front view of the crane in the erecting position. [Figure 6d] Figure 6d shows a front view of the crane in the erecting position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing another embodiment of the erection device according to the present invention in a state where no load is suspended. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Figure 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a crane 10 according to the present invention, showing a cross section of the boom tip. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the elevating device 20. In this embodiment, the crane 10 is a crawler crane, and Figures 5a and 5b show overall views (Figure 5a is a side view, and Figure 5b is a front view). The crane 10 comprises a movable lower carriage 12 and an upper carriage 14 rotatably attached to the lower carriage 12. A lattice boom 16 is attached to the upper carriage 14 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal luffing axis (luffing axis).

[0038] However, the present invention or the erection device 20 of the present invention can also be used with other cranes, such as mobile cranes with telescoping booms, mobile cranes with lattice booms, or fixed cranes with luffing booms. While the crane equipment and boom type are not particularly relevant to the following description of the present invention, the crane 10 of the present invention is equipped with two lifting cable winches, to which a first lifting cable 21 and a second lifting cable 22 are attached so as to be able to be wound and unwound. In particular, the lifting cable winches are independently controlled by a control system.

[0039] The crane 10 has an erection device 20 attached to the boom 16 and guiding both lifting cables 21, 22. This erection device 20 allows a load 1 (e.g. a length of pipe, or a tower or tower component of a wind turbine) to be erected from a horizontal position to a vertical position using only the crane 10. The two lifting cables 21, 22 each have load suspending means 23, 24 for attaching the load 1, which may in particular be hook blocks.

[0040] The raising device 20 comprises an upper part 30 connected to the boom 16 and a lower part 40 rotatably connected to the upper part 30 about a horizontal pivot axis 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot axis 32, which may in particular be formed by a bolted connection, extends perpendicular to the luffing axis of the boom.

[0041] The upper section 30 is pivotable on a roller axis of the boom head 18 that extends parallel to the luffing axis of the boom, such that the upper section 30, or erector 20, pivots relative to the boom 16 about a pivot axis that extends parallel to the luffing axis of the boom.

[0042] The upper section 30 has first direction diverting pulleys 31 mounted adjacent to each other to rotate about two first rotation axes, and the two lifting cables 21, 22 are guided by the first direction diverting pulleys 31. Preferably, the upper section 30 has exactly two first direction diverting pulleys 31. The lower section 40 has second direction diverting pulleys 41 mounted to rotate about second rotation axes extending parallel to the first rotation axes. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple second direction diverting pulleys 41 are provided on each second rotation axis. The lifting cables 21, 22 extend from the boom head 18 through the first direction diverting pulleys 31 and then through the second direction diverting pulleys 41 to the load support means 23, 24, with the free ends of the lifting cables 21, 22 returning to the erection device 20 and attached to the fixing means 48 of the lower section 40. In the embodiment shown, the lifting cables 21, 22 are wound several times between the second diverting pulley 41 and the load support means 23, 24 or hook block (alternatively, the hook block may have only one diverting pulley).

[0043] By operating each lifting cable winch, the load support means 23, 24 of the lifting cables 21, 22 move up or down. Because the horizontal distance between the second rotation axes of the second direction-changing pulleys 41 is longer than the horizontal distance between the first rotation axes, the lifting cables 21, 22 are guided outward at the lower portions 40. The greater the horizontal distance between the second direction-changing pulleys 41, the larger the load 1 that can be lifted horizontally.

[0044] The lifting cables 21, 22 must not exceed the maximum diagonal tension. For this reason, the lifting device 20 of the present invention preferably has a device that limits the maximum angle of the lifting cables 21, 22 with respect to the vertical direction to a predetermined maximum cable angle αmax. Such a diagonal tension occurs when the load 1 is positioned horizontally and exceeds a certain lifting height (see Figure 6b) or when the cables are too long compared to the distance between the second direction-changing pulleys 41.

[0045] For this purpose, limit switches 60 are preferably provided in the area of ​​the second diverting pulley 41, which limit switches are connected to the control system of the lifting cable winch and emit a signal when one of the lifting cables 21, 22 has reached the maximum cable angle αmax (see Figure 6b). The control system is preferably configured such that, when one of the limit switches receives such a signal, it only allows the lifting cables 21, 22 to be unwound or the load support means 23, 24 to be lowered, thereby reducing the cable angle again.

[0046] A possible embodiment of the arrangement of the limit switch in the lower part 40 is shown in Figure 4, which is a perspective view of the second diverting pulley 41 that guides the first lifting cable 21 on one side of the lower part 40. In this embodiment, the limit switch 60 is arranged on a mount (bracket) 53 that is rotatably attached to the frame 42 of the lower part 40 about a second axis of rotation. The fixing means 48 of the lifting cable 21 can be arranged on or formed in a mount 54 (see Figure 2). The mount 54 can be a roller mount (roller holder) of the second diverting pulley 41.

[0047] A roller arm 54 is also attached to the lower part 40 so as to be rotatable relative to the mount 53 around the second rotation axis. A roller 49 is arranged on the roller arm 54, beside one of the second direction-changing pulleys 41, and this roller 49 is adapted to contact one of the strands of the lifting cable from diagonally below at a specific cable angle. A plate having a slot-shaped recess 57 is arranged on the roller arm 54, and a guide pin 56 is housed in this recess 57. The guide pin 56 has its longitudinal axis extending particularly parallel to the second rotation axis, is fixed to the mount 53, and is movably mounted in the recess 57. When the lifting cable 21 is pulled diagonally and pressed against the roller 49, the roller arm 54 rotates around the second rotation axis, and the metal plate attached to it is pushed upward. The guide pin 56 moves downward along the recess 57 relative to the plate.

[0048] A contact plate 55, preferably forming a slope, is arranged on the side of the metal plate facing the limit switch 60. The limit switch 60 has a rotating switching element 62 arranged above the contact plate 55. The switching element 62 can be provided with a roller that rolls on the sloped contact plate. When the lifting cable 21 is pulled obliquely and pressed against the roller 49, the contact plate 55 is pushed upward against the switching element 62. When the maximum cable angle αmax is reached, the contact plate 55 rotates the switching element 62, causing the limit switch 60 to switch and transmit a corresponding signal to the control system.

[0049] In order to monitor the oblique tension in both directions, this limit switch arrangement is also made in particular on the opposite side, i.e. on the second diverting pulley of the second lifting cable 22.

[0050] The limit switch 60 must maintain a constant orientation relative to the vertical direction so that it can always switch at the same maximum cable angle αmax regardless of the position of the rotating lower part 40. For this reason, the lower part 40 is preferably provided with a parallelogram mechanism (parallelogram link mechanism) 50 that keeps the orientation of the limit switch 60 constant. For this purpose, the lower part 40 has a connecting element 51 on its upper side, which is rotatably connected to the upper part 30 at a first articulation connection part (not shown, hidden by the first direction-changing pulley 31 in FIG. 2) and rotatably connected to a mount 53 at a second articulation connection part 52 shown in FIG. 4.

[0051] As shown by dashed lines in Figure 2, the two articulations, the pivot axis 32 between the upper and lower parts 30 and 40, and the respective second rotation axes form the four articulation parts of the parallelogram guide, which are formed by the mounts 53 that support the limit switches 60, which maintain their orientation when the lower part is pivoted, as well as the limit switches 60.

[0052] The lower portion 40 may have a triangular frame 42 as shown. In this case, the second direction-changing pulley 41 or the second rotation shaft is located at the lower corner of the triangle, and the pivot shaft 32 is located at the apex of the triangle, preferably forming an isosceles triangle. The frame 42 may be formed in one piece, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

[0053] Alternatively, the frame 42 can be constructed from multiple parts. One possible embodiment is shown in the perspective view of FIG. 3. In this case, the frame 42 is constructed from two parts, comprising a first frame part 43 supporting the second deflection pulley 41 and a second frame part 44 detachably connected to the first frame part 43 via connecting means 45 (in particular a bolted connection) and having a pivot 32. This configuration has the advantage that the frame parts 43, 44 can be disassembled for transportation and then connected to each other in the reduced-sized transport position, as shown in FIG. 3. For this purpose, the first frame part 43 can be provided with corresponding holding means 48, e.g., in the form of a bolt socket, which can be connected to the connecting means 45 of the second frame part 44. The connecting element 51 can also be accommodated in a corresponding mount.

[0054] Figures 5a and 5b show a side view and a front view of the crane 10 with the load 1 already erected. The load support means 23, 24 are connected to the ends of the load 1 via suspending means 2, 3 (see Figure 6a) of different lengths, so that the lifting cable 21 connected to the lower end of the load 1 (after erection) does not need to be paid out long. These suspending means 2, 3 can be chains or cables, and can be selected appropriately. When the load 1 is erected, the lower part 40 pivots laterally relative to the upper part 30. Figure 5b shows the end position of the lower part 40.

[0055] The erection process is shown in Figures 6a to 6d when the load 1 is in various positions. The crane 10 is shown in a front view. In Figure 6a, the load 1 is placed horizontally on the floor, and the load hoisting means 23, 24 are connected to the ends of the load 1 (via the hoisting means 2, 3). In this unloaded state, the lower part 40 is not rotating relative to the upper part 30, so the lower support parts of the frame 42 connecting the second direction-changing pulleys 41 to each other extend horizontally.

[0056] As the load 1 is lifted, the lifting cable winches move synchronously, thereby maintaining the horizontal orientation of the load 1 as it is lifted. The load 1 rises until it is high enough above ground level for erection. However, as the horizontally positioned load 1 is raised, the lifting cables 21, 22 spread further apart, increasing their angle with respect to the vertical plane 34 passing through the pivot 32 (shown as a thick black line in Figure 6b). The maximum cable angle αmax is preferably limited by the limit switch 60, as described above.

[0057] The asynchronous operation of the lifting cable winches (in particular, the first lifting cable 21 is paid out while the second lifting cable 22 is stationary) lowers one end of the load 1 (the end connected to the first lifting cable 21 in FIG. 6c) and rotates the load 1 about a load pivot axis parallel to the pivot axis 32, thereby erecting it to a vertical position. The lower section 40 pivots laterally. During erection, the lower section 40 may first pivot to one side and then (more significantly) to the other side (see FIGS. 6c and 6d). FIG. 6d shows the load 1 in an erected state. The vertically oriented load 1 can now be lowered to the desired position, and the lifting cable winches are preferably operated synchronously again.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a modified upper section 30' of the lifting device 20, which also includes fastening means 38 for securing the ends of the lifting cables 21, 22. This allows the lower section 40 to be detached from the upper section 30' to lift shorter loads 1, and only the upper section 30, with its closely spaced first diverting pulleys 31, can be used as the lifting device 20. To rotate larger loads 1, the distance between the first diverting pulleys 31 may be too short. In this case, a corresponding lower section 40 can be installed, and the lifting cables 21, 22 can be connected to its fastening means 48. Providing multiple lower sections with different widths or spacings of the second diverting pulleys 41 allows for modular expansion options, greatly expanding the range of applications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 load 2 Lifting means 3 Lifting means 10 Crane 12 Lower bogie 14 Upper bogie 16. Boom 18 Boom Head 20 Standing device 21 First Lifting Cable 22 Second lifting cable 23 First load support means 24 Second load support means 30 Upper part 30' upper part 31 First direction change pulley 32 Swivel axis 34 Vertical plane 36 Connection Methods 38 Fixing means 40 Lower part 40' lower part 41 Second direction change pulley 42 frames 43 First frame section 44 Second frame section 45 Connection Methods 46 Retention means 48 Fixing means 49 Laura 50 Parallelogram Mechanism / Parallelogram Guide 51 Connected Elements 52 Second joint connection part 53 Mount 54 Roller arm 55 Contact plate 56 Guide pin 57 Recess 60 Limit Switch 62 Switching Elements

Claims

1. A crane (10) comprising a boom and two independently operable lifting cable winches, each of which is attached with a lifting cable (21, 22) guided along the boom (16) so as to be capable of being hoisted and unhoisted, each of which is provided with load suspending means (23, 24) for securing a load (1), The lifting device (20) for lifting a load comprises an upper part (30) having a first direction-changing pulley (31), the upper part (30) being rotatably mounted on the boom, and a lower part (40) having a second direction-changing pulley (41), the lower part (40) being rotatably connected to the upper part about a horizontal pivot axis (32) and the rotation axis of the second direction-changing pulley (41) being parallel to the pivot axis (32), and the lifting cables (21, 22) are respectively connected to the first direction-changing pulley (31). a crane (10) guided by a pulley (31) and a second diverting pulley (41), the free ends of which are fixed to the lower part (40), the diverting pulleys (31, 41) and the swivel axis (32) being configured in such a way that, during a rotational movement of the lower part (40) relative to the upper part (30), a load (1) connected to both load support means (23, 24) can be rotated in particular about a load rotation axis extending parallel to the swivel axis (32) by the asynchronous drive of the lifting cable winch.

2. The crane (10) of claim 1, The upper part (30) is detachably connected to the lower part (40) and is provided with a fixing element (34) for fixing the free ends of the lifting cables (23, 24), and the erecting device (20) can be used in a first configuration in which it is usable only with the upper part (30) and the lifting cables (23, 24) fixed to the upper part (30), or in a second configuration in which it has the upper part (30) and the lower part (40) and the lifting cables (23, 24) fixed to the lower part (40).

3. A crane (10) according to claim 1 or 2, The crane (10) has an upper part (30) with exactly two first rotation axes with the first direction-changing pulleys (31) and / or an lower part (40) with exactly two second rotation axes with second direction-changing pulleys (41), the second rotation axes preferably being spaced apart at a greater distance from each other than the first rotation axes.

4. A crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The raising device (20) comprises at least one limit switch (60), in particular arranged in the lower part (40), which limit switch is configured to output a signal when the lifting cable reaches a maximum cable angle (αmax), the maximum cable angle (αmax) relative to the vertical being preferably in the range of 20° to 40°, particularly preferably in the range of 25° to 35°.

5. A crane (10) according to claim 4, The crane (10) comprises a control system capable of controlling the lifting cable winches, the control system being connected to at least one limit switch (60), and the control system being configured to, upon receiving a signal from the at least one limit switch (60), output a control signal to the at least one lifting cable winch, in particular to stop a current operation of the lifting cable winch and / or to allow the at least one lifting cable winch to only pay out the lifting cable (21, 22).

6. A crane (10) according to claim 4 or 5, The at least one limit switch (60) is arranged on the lower part (40), in particular via a parallelogram mechanism (50), so that its orientation relative to the vertical remains constant regardless of the pivot position of the lower part (40).

7. A crane (10) according to claim 6, The at least one limit switch (60) is arranged on a mount (53) rotatably attached to the lower part (40), the mount (53) being connected to the upper part (30) via a connecting element that is pivotally connected to the upper part (30) via a first articulation connection and to the mount (53) via a second articulation connection (52), the first and second articulation connections, the pivot axis of the mount (53) and the pivot axis (32) forming an articulation of a parallelogram guide, the pivot axis of the mount (53) preferably corresponding to the pivot axis of the second direction-changing pulley (41) of the crane (10).

8. A crane (10) according to claim 7, The lower part (40) comprises at least one rotatably mounted contact unit configured to contact the lifting cable (21, 22) at its maximum cable angle (αmax) and to press against a switching element (62) of a limit switch (60), the contact unit preferably comprising a rotatably mounted roller arm (54) having a roller (49) contactable by the lifting cable (21, 22), in particular a contact plate (55) connected to the roller arm (54) for contacting the switching element (62) at the maximum cable angle (αmax).

9. A crane (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, The crane (10) has two limit switches arranged in the lower part (40), each limit switch defining a maximum cable angle (αmax) of the lifting cables (21, 22), the limit switch (60) being preferably arranged in the area of ​​the second diverting pulley (41), in particular on a rotatably attached mount of the second diverting pulley (41).

10. A crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The lower part (40) has a substantially triangular, in particular isosceles triangular, frame (42) at a lower corner of which the second direction-changing pulley (41) is arranged and the pivot axis (32) at an upper corner of which the pivot axis (32) is arranged, and / or the upper part (30) is attached to the boom (16), in particular the boom head (18), around the pivot axis (32) extending parallel to the luffing axis of the boom (16).

11. A crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The crane (10) has a frame (40) consisting of multiple parts, which can be disassembled for transportation or can be assembled to reduce dimensions at the transportation position, the frame (40) having holding means (46) for connecting the frame parts (43, 44) at the transportation position, preferably a first frame part (43) having the pivot shaft (32) and a second frame part (44) having a second direction-changing pulley (41).

12. A crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The rotation axes of the first and second direction-changing pulleys (31, 41) extend parallel to each other, particularly perpendicular to the rotation axis of the boom (16), and / or the erection device (20) has a structure symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane (34) extending through the rotation axis (32).

13. A raising device (20) for a crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 14. An assembly comprising a lifting device (20) according to claim 13 and at least one additional lower part in which the second diverting pulleys (41) are arranged differently, in particular the spacing between the second diverting pulleys (41), The lower portion (40) of the erector (20) is detachably connected to the upper portion (30) and is interchangeable with at least one additional lower portion for erecting loads of different sizes.

15. A method for erecting a load (1) using a crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: The method comprises asynchronously driving the lifting cable winches to move the load support means (23, 24) vertically away from each other, erecting the load (1) between the upper and lower parts (30) and (40) of the erecting device (20) about a load rotation axis extending parallel to the pivot axis (32), and rotating the lower part (40) relative to the upper part (30) during the erecting process.

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