Vehicle crane having a telescoping jib, and vehicle crane system and method for mounting a bracing device onto the telescoping jib of the vehicle crane

Abstract

To provide an installation method that simplifies the assembling and disassembling work of a bracing device for a vehicle crane that has a telescopic jib and the bracing device that can be mounted on the telescopic jib.SOLUTION: There is provided a vehicle crane with a telescopic jib (2) and a lifting cable with load pickup means (7), in which a bracing device (9) can be fixed on a head end of the telescopic jib (2) by a connecting end (9j). In order to allow the assembling and disassembling work of the vehicle crane for the bracing device (9) to be performed in a simpler manner, a fastening area for mounting the bracing device (9) on the telescopic jib (2) is suspended freely on the lifting cable, and the load pickup means (7) is raised and lowered by extending and retracting the telescopic jib (2) using the connecting end (9j) and / or the bracing device (9) is connected to the fastening area by luffing the telescopic jib (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle crane having a telescopic jib with a basic box having a linearly displaceable inner box and having a lifting cable with load pick-up means, where on the basic box or on the head end of the inner box a fastening area is arranged to which a bracing device can be fixed by a connection end. The invention also relates to a method for mounting a bracing device to a telescopic jib of a vehicle crane. [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, factors that determine how a vehicle crane, specifically a mobile crane, can be used are set by its structural design. Variables such as load-bearing capacity, working radius and lifting height are largely determined by the design of the individual telescopic jib. By using a bracing device that can be connected to the telescopic jib, the vehicle crane's variables can sometimes be modified, for example, to increase its load-bearing capacity and reduce the elastic deflection of the telescopic jib. Such a bracing device can be, for example, a so-called lateral superlift, the arrangement of which can serve to effectively shorten the lever arm of the telescopic jib. The load increase that this allows is mainly produced by the combination of an additional counterweight on this bracing device and a corresponding deflector.

[0003] Due to the often considerable weight of these vehicle cranes, the cranes often arrive at their respective places of use only partially disassembled in order to be able to comply with the maximum values ​​of axial load and vehicle weight established for driving on public roads. In this context, EP 1 342 692 B1 discloses a vehicle crane system which comprises, in addition to the vehicle crane, a transport unit formed for the transport of bracing devices. The vehicle crane itself comprises a telescopic jib with a basic box and a linearly displaceable inner box. The vehicle crane and the telescopic jib are configured in such a way that temporary storage areas for the bracing devices are provided on both sides of the roughed-down telescopic jib. The bracing devices, transported separately, are lifted from the transport unit by the telescopic jib on site and stored intermediately in the storage area of ​​the vehicle crane. The telescopic jib is then roughed down to an approximately horizontal assembly position in which the bracing devices can be fixed to fastening areas positioned on the basic box of the telescopic jib.

[0004] DE 102009020338 A1 and EP 2248754 B1 disclose similarly designed vehicle crane systems. In particular, in these cases the bracing device is also brought to the place of use in a separate transport unit and lifted by the telescopic jib of the vehicle crane. However, the bracing device is then partly supported on the ground and partly supported in a small storage area of ​​the vehicle crane. To this end, the bracing device is equipped with a foldable support device. The free space thus left between the ground and the bracing device is used to position the telescopic jib, which is correspondingly luffed down, by moving the vehicle crane under the bracing device, and then to connect the vehicle crane to the basic box of the telescopic jib.

[0005] These known designs necessarily require intermediate storage devices for the bracing devices to be stored on the ground or on a storage area formed therefor, so that the bracing devices can be assembled / disassembled on the vehicle crane. Moreover, they always require the telescopic jib to be precisely oriented against the direction of travel and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle crane, so that the bracing device can be stored and stored so that it is at least partially supported in the storage area. In particular, if the ground is uneven or unstable, the support of the bracing device at least at the ends thereon can be difficult. The formation of additional storage areas on the vehicle crane likewise entails the disadvantage that the necessary installation space must be left free, which therefore cannot be used for other purposes, or cannot be used without difficulty. Overall, the embodiments of the prior art disclosed so far still leave room for improvement in this respect.

[0006] Also known from DE 102018115632 B3 is a further telescopic jib bracing unit for a mobile crane. The telescopic jib bracing unit consists of two bracing supports which are connected by a substantially U-shaped holding frame to form a structural unit. The U-shaped holding frame comprises two frame parts which are connected to each other in a pincer-like manner and can be swiveled from a wide storage position to a narrow fastening position. To fasten the telescopic jib bracing unit onto the telescopic jib of the mobile crane, the telescopic jib is lowered from above into the holding frame in the storage position, and then the frame parts are swiveled into the fastening position and connected to the basic box of the telescopic jib.

[0007] Furthermore, a method for attaching bracing supports to a telescopic jib of a mobile crane is known from DE 10 2017 000 389 A1. To this end, the bracing supports are arranged on the undercarriage of the mobile crane so that, when the telescopic jib is luffed down, they are arranged next to the telescopic jib on both longitudinal sides, parallel and at the same height. The bracing supports are then each connected to the telescopic jib via a hinged connection, so that a working position of the bracing supports protruding from the telescopic jib can be achieved. The individual storage elements of the bracing supports are brought to their storage position in which they protrude from the telescopic jib, so that the means for aligning the bracing supports cooperate with the storage elements to prevent lateral swinging by the bracing supports. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1342692B1 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Publication No. 102009020338A1 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 2248754B1 [Patent Document 4] German Patent No. 102018115632B3 [Patent Document 5] German Patent Publication No. 102017000389A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved vehicle crane having a telescoping jib and a bracing arrangement for a vehicle crane that can be mounted onto the telescoping jib, and a method of mounting the bracing arrangement onto the telescoping jib of a vehicle crane in such a way that assembly / disassembly of the vehicle crane relative to the bracing arrangement is generally simpler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The device part of this object is achieved by a vehicle crane having the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle crane system having the features of claim 10. The method part of this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 11. The dependent claims each describe advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0011] According to the invention, in a vehicle crane having a telescopic jib with a basic box with a linearly displaceable inner box and having a lifting cable with a load pick-up means, in which a fastening area is arranged on the basic box or on the head end of one of the inner boxes, to which a bracing device can be fixed by means of a connection end, a simplified assembly / disassembly of the vehicle crane to the bracing device is achieved by the fact that the fastening area for attaching the bracing device on the basic box or on one of the inner boxes is formed in such a way that it is freely suspended on the lifting cable and that by means of retraction and extension of the inner box using the connection end to raise and lower the load pick-up means and / or luffing the telescopic jib, the bracing device, which is brought closer to the fastening area by the movement of the vehicle crane, is connected to the fastening area.

[0012] The core idea of ​​the invention is to steer the bracing device, which is freely suspended on the load pick-up means of the vehicle crane to which it is to be attached, by its connection end into the fastening area via the aforementioned possibility of moving the vehicle crane. To connect the bracing device to the fastening area, mechanical elements are arranged on the basic box or on the head end of the associated inner box and on the opposite side, on the connection end of the bracing device. These mechanical elements engage towards each other via linear, arcuate and / or circular joint movements. The following possibilities can be considered for the design of the mechanical elements: hooks that grip the pins in their openings and / or pin- or bolt-shaped plug elements that are moved into corresponding complementary plug openings. Once the connecting process is completed, the completed connection is fixed in place in a subsequent step via the mechanical elements by means of bolts or equivalent elements. This fixing process is preferably carried out automatically or semi-automatically, since the fixing positions are typically located in an area of ​​5-10 m above the ground where the vehicle crane is located. Furthermore, in the area where the mechanical elements are to be moved towards one another, and thus also in the fastening area, guide elements in the form of flat, approximately funnel-shaped deflectors can be provided which facilitate the movement of guiding the bracing device towards the fastening area.

[0013] This newly invented method of approaching the bracing device to the fastening area further has the great advantage that, since the actual orientation of the bracing device suspended on the load pick-up means with respect to the telescopic jib occurs substantially automatically, the transport unit which transports the bracing device separately from the vehicle crane only needs to be roughly oriented with respect to the vehicle crane prior to the bracing device being accommodated on the transport unit by the vehicle crane. With this aim, the load pick-up means is then selected such that it is formed rigidly with respect to a vertical axis of rotation which typically coincides with the longitudinal direction of the lifting cable, and such that the guidance of the load pick-up means over the cable reeving of the lifting cable is sufficient to automatically orient the bracing device with its longitudinal direction in the luffing plane of the telescopic jib for the joining process. If the load pick-up means comprises a load hook rotatable about a vertical axis and a load suspension for picking up the bracing device, it is typical to provide a freely hanging guide cable on the bracing device, via which the assistant personnel can orient the bracing device in the desired position relative to the telescopic jib. It also seems feasible to equip the load pick-up means with a rotation device, in particular a remotely controlled rotation device, in order to determine the orientation of the bracing device relative to the telescopic jib prior to the coupling about the vertical axis. The required exact orientation between the bracing device and the telescopic jib can be performed through the design of the mechanical elements for the coupling process and thus also by the coupling process. By omitting a storage area for the bracing device on the vehicle crane that would otherwise be necessary, said crane can also be constructed more efficiently overall. For example, an area that would otherwise have to be kept available can now be used for other purposes or can be at least partially omitted due to an overall narrower design in order to reduce the size.

[0014] Preferably, the invention proposes a vehicle crane in which a first plug connection is arranged on the basic box or on one of the inner boxes in the fastening area. Said plug connection is configured to form a mechanical plug connection with the bracing device, i.e. for this purpose the first plug connection of the telescopic jib is formed in such a way that it can be coupled to a corresponding respective second plug connection on the connection end of the bracing device. In other words, the inventive design provides a releasable connection in the area, in particular a plug-in connection and / or bolting between the bracing device and the telescopic jib, in order to achieve a load-bearing connection between them.

[0015] The advantage resulting from this is that when establishing the plug connection between the telescopic jib and the bracing device, the actual orientation of the telescopic jib relative to the bracing device is initially irrelevant. The design as a plug connection allows the bracing device to be fastened in a very simple manner to the telescopic jib, since a load-bearing connection is already established at that point when the elements are plugged in. Furthermore, no intermediate storage during assembly and disassembly is basically required. For example, on the one hand, the telescopic jib can be directly coupled to the bracing device after its stowage. On the other hand, the bracing device can be removed from the telescopic jib after unplugging and can be stored, for example, on a transport unit. Overall, the design as a plug connection allows for a fast and at the same time simple assembly and disassembly to enable the bracing device to be fastened to and released from the telescopic jib.

[0016] Furthermore, it is an advantage that the fact that the releasable connection of the bracing device with the telescopic jib occurs in the lower area of ​​the respective inner box or basic box provides space for attaching the cable drum to the basic box.

[0017] According to a preferred development of the basic inventive concept, the first plug connection may comprise an open channel provided for at least partially receiving the second plug connection. Its extension defines the orientation of a plug axis along which the two plug connections can be joined and separated. To this end, the plug axis can run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basic box, i.e. the entire telescopic jib, in order to ensure as simple a connection as possible. In one particularly advantageous manner, the open channel can be configured to allow at least partially form-fitting reception of the second connection of the bracing device.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the first plug connection of the basic box may comprise at least one plug element provided to be placed at least partially into the open channel of the second plug connection of the bracing device. The extension of the plug element defines the orientation of a plug axis along which the two plug connections can be joined and separated. To this end, the plug axis can run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basic box, i.e. along the entire telescopic jib, in order to ensure a connection as simple as possible. In one particularly advantageous manner, the plug element can be configured to allow an at least partially form-fitting placement of the second connection of the bracing device in the open channel.

[0019] As regards the basic box and each inner box of the telescopic jib, it has an upper side and a lower side. The lower side is taken to be the side of the basic box or the inner box, respectively, that faces the ground when the telescopic jib is oriented horizontally. The upper side is therefore the side of the basic box or the inner box opposite to the lower side. In this context, it is considered particularly advantageous for the first plug connection to be located on the lower side of the basic box or the inner box. In this way, when fixing the bracing device, it is not necessary to first lift the bracing device above the basic box or the inner box. Rather, the connection occurs in that the bracing device has to be approached from approximately below to the basic box or the inner box of the telescopic jib.

[0020] The vehicle crane of the present invention with a telescoping jib presents a very simple assembly / disassembly of the bracing device. As part of the vehicle crane, on whose superstructure the telescoping jib is typically luffably articulated, the bracing device can also be connected and disconnected independently of the orientation of the telescoping jib relative to the rest of the vehicle crane. In known designs, the superstructure, which is usually rotatable with the telescoping jib relative to the undercarriage of the vehicle crane, must in this connection first be oriented so that the longitudinal axis of the telescoping jib runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle crane. The superstructure is rotated relative to the undercarriage so that the telescoping jib runs towards or even beyond the rear end of the vehicle crane. Only in this orientation can the otherwise required storage area of ​​the vehicle crane be utilized for the purpose of supporting at least part of the bracing device. Thus, particularly in combination with a transport unit that transports the bracing device separately, the assembly / disassembly requires a more complex orientation and alignment of all the relevant parts relative to each other. In this case, the design according to the invention requires at least one less work step due to the omission of intermediate storage of the bracing device, and furthermore offers a substantially simpler use which is independent of the relative orientation of the undercarriage to the superstructure and of the entire vehicle crane to the transport unit.

[0021] In one advantageous manner, the bracing device has a second plug connection which corresponds to the first plug connection of the telescopic jib, thereby allowing a simple coupling by forming a plug connection.

[0022] Basically, the second plug connection can be articulated in a particularly preferred manner onto the bracing device such that it is at least partially pivotable relative to the rest of the bracing device, the mobility thus created allowing the second plug connection to be oriented by the first plug connection of the telescopic jib even before the bracing device is fastened to the telescopic jib, and in particular independently of the spatial alignment of the rest of the bracing device.

[0023] The invention provides that the bracing device may have two articulated bracing supports and at least one drive. The articulated attachment of the bracing support allows its swiveling, in particular relative to the second plug connection. At least one drive, in particular a hydraulic drive, is used to at least partially swivel the two bracing supports. Thus, when the bracing device is coupled to one of the basic or inner boxes of the telescopic jib, the bracing support can be swiveled from the attached position to the working position and vice versa. The attached position is understood to mean the specific orientation of the bracing support that is assumed during assembly and disassembly, and in this respect the specific orientation that is assumed before the connection and separation of the bracing device and the telescopic jib. In contrast, the working position is understood to mean the specific orientation of the bracing support that is rotated relative to the attached position and that is used to actually brace the telescopic jib with the bracing device. The drive may be electric. Rotating mechanisms or linear drives can also be used.

[0024] According to a preferred development of the vehicle crane according to the invention, the first plug connection and / or the second plug connection can be equipped with an insertion aid, in particular to facilitate their mutual coupling. In one advantageous manner, said insertion aid can be implemented in the form of at least one inclined surface arranged on the first plug connection and / or the second plug connection. This inclined surface should be configured in such a way that at least one of the areas of the two plug connections that first come into contact with each other during coupling has a narrowed or widened portion. In other words, such an inclined surface can be used, for example, to widen the front part of the open channel of the plug connection, which facilitates the insertion of a corresponding plug element into the open channel. Alternatively or additionally, the inclined surface can be used, for example, to narrow the front part of the plug element, which facilitates the insertion of such a plug element into the corresponding open channel. In any case, the inclined surface allows a certain tolerance in the mutual orientation of the two plug connections before the actual plug connection is formed by the mutual proximity of said connections.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle crane system comprising a vehicle crane according to the invention having a telescopic jib as previously discussed and a transport unit manufactured for transporting a bracing device for the telescopic jib.

[0026] The vehicle crane system according to the invention also provides, in its entirety, the advantages detailed above in relation to the telescopic jib and / or telescopic jib system according to the invention, so that, at this point, and without repetition, reference is again made to the corresponding description in this connection.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for attaching a bracing device to a telescoping jib of a vehicle crane, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a transport unit in the area of ​​the vehicle crane, the transport unit having a bracing device housed therein; - moving, in particular linearly displacing, at least one inner box of the telescopic jib and / or luffing the telescopic jib and / or rotating the superstructure of the vehicle crane carrying the telescopic jib, until the load pick-up means of the telescopic jib are located in the area above the bracing device; - connecting the load pick-up means of the vehicle crane to the bracing device, in particular incorporating the suspension; - lifting the bracing device from the transport unit by means of a vehicle crane; - moving the bracing device, which is freely suspended at its connection end on the lifting cable, relative to the fastening area by retracting and extending the inner box, raising and lowering the load pick-up means and / or luffing the telescopic jib relative to the fastening area on the basic box or on the head end of one of the inner boxes; - connecting a bracing device to a fastening area of ​​one of the basic box or the inner box; - releasing the load pick-up means of the vehicle crane from the bracing device.

[0028] The method according to the invention allows a very simple relocation of the bracing device from the transport unit to the telescopic jib of the vehicle crane. For this purpose, only a few steps are required, which make an automatic assembly of the vehicle crane possible. In particular, the resulting independent orientation of the superstructure carrying the telescopic jib to the bracing device and, on the other hand, the support-free fastening of the bracing device on the basic box of the telescopic jib or on one of the inner boxes in the storage area of ​​the vehicle crane, which would otherwise have to be kept available, greatly facilitates and reduces the measures that have to be carried out to assemble the vehicle crane on site.

[0029] In one advantageous manner, a kind of automatic, i.e. simple connection is achieved by the fact that the bracing device is connected to the fastening area by moving the bracing device, which is freely suspended on the lifting cable.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the connection process is completed by the fact that the bracing device is mechanically fixed after connection with the fastening area.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the second plug connection is connected to the bracing device by a first plug connection which corresponds to the second plug connection.

[0032] In one advantageous manner, the orientation of the first plug connection part and the second plug connection part is selected such that the first plug connection part can be coupled to the second plug connection part by retracting at least one of the inner boxes.

[0033] The present invention provides that the two bracing supports articulated on the bracing device are pivoted from an attached position to an operating position after assembling the telescopic jib with the bracing device. In one advantageous manner, the bracing supports may be pivoted at least partially by at least one drive device.

[0034] In one particularly effective manner, it is provided that the bracing device is oriented with its longitudinal extension parallel to the longitudinal extension of the telescopic jib before the connection. The orientation of the bracing device relative to the telescopic jib is performed substantially automatically, since the bracing device is suspended on the load pick-up means. To this end, the load pick-up means is then selected such that it is formed rigidly with respect to a vertical axis of rotation, which typically coincides with the longitudinal direction of the lifting cable, and such that the guidance of the load pick-up means over the cable reeving of the lifting cable is sufficient to automatically orient the bracing device with its longitudinal direction lying in the luffing plane of the telescopic jib for the connection process. If the load pick-up means comprises a load hook rotatable about a vertical axis and a load suspension for picking up the bracing device, it is typical to provide a freely hanging guide cable on the bracing device, via which the assistant personnel can orient the bracing device in the desired position relative to the telescopic jib. It also seems feasible to equip the load pick-up means with a rotation device, in particular a remotely operated rotation device, in order to determine the orientation of the bracing device relative to the telescopic jib prior to the connection about the vertical axis. The required precise orientation between the bracing device and the telescopic jib can be carried out through the design of the mechanical elements for the connection process and thus also by the connection process.

[0035] The advantages achieved by the method according to the invention have incidentally already been disclosed or at least similarly discussed in connection with the inventive vehicle crane with telescopic jib, so that at this point, without repeating, reference is also made to the previous description which relates generally thereto.

[0036] It is self-evident that the advantages mentioned above in connection with the mounting of the bracing device on the telescopic jib of the vehicle crane are also achieved in connection with the removal of the bracing device from the telescopic jib. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle crane. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle crane system of the present invention with the vehicle crane of FIG. 1 reduced to the telescoping jib of the present invention and the bracing device positioned on a transport unit. [Diagram 3] 3 shows the vehicle crane system of FIG. 2 in a turned, uncoupled state. [Figure 4] 4 shows the vehicle crane system of FIG. 3 in a coupled state. [Diagram 5] 5 shows the vehicle crane system of FIG. 4 with the telescopic jib and bracing device reoriented. [Figure 6] 6 shows the vehicle crane system of FIG. 5 with the bracing device and telescopic jib reoriented; [Figure 7] 7 shows the vehicle crane system of FIG. 6 with a further change in orientation of the bracing device relative to the telescoping jib. [Figure 8] 8 shows the vehicle crane system of FIG. 7 with the telescopic jib luffed up. [Figure 9] 9 shows the vehicle crane system of FIG. 8 with the bracing rod extended. [Figure 10] 9 illustrates the vehicle crane system of FIG. 8 with an alternative design of the bracing rod connection. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the articulation of bracing supports on a basic box. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a side view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle crane 1 parked on the ground U and extending in a transport position along its longitudinal direction X1, in this case parallel to the horizontal direction X. The telescopic jib 2 with its telescopic jib head 2f is illustrated purely in a schematic manner and is therefore not formed according to the invention. The vehicle crane 1 has a lower carriage 3, which in the example shown in the figure comprises a wheeled running gear unit 4 including a total of six axles 4a-4f, each having at least two wheels 5 rotatably mounted on an axis and spaced apart from one another parallel to the vertical direction Y. On the lower carriage 3 is arranged a superstructure 6 on which the telescopic jib 2 is mounted and which can be rotated relative to the lower carriage 3 about a rotation axis Z1 extending parallel to the upward direction Z. The telescopic jib 2 extending in its longitudinal direction X1 is articulated on the upper structure 6 via a horizontal luffing axis Y1.

[0039] The telescopic jib 2 has a basic box 2a luffably articulated onto the superstructure 6 and includes a number of inner boxes 2b-2e. The inner boxes 2b-2e are arranged concentrically with one another and within the basic box 2a such that, due to their stepped cross sections aligned with one another, they can be linearly displaced accordingly in the longitudinal direction X1 of the telescopic jib 2, in particular hydraulically retracted and extended. The telescopic jib 2 can be luffed accordingly via at least one linear drive designed as a luffing cylinder 6a acting between the basic box 2a and the superstructure 6. A load pick-up means 7 is arranged on the free end of the telescopic jib 2 via a lifting cable (see FIG. 2) so as to be able to pick up a load. The load pick-up means 7 is typically formed as a load hook with a lower block for cable reeving.

[0040] Figure 2 shows the vehicle crane 1 of Figure 1 reduced to its telescopic jib 2 with a bracing device 9 stored in a transport position on a transport unit 8, only part of which is shown in the figure. The telescopic jib 2 shown in Figure 2 is of a design according to the invention. The transport unit 8 is formed, for example, as a semi-trailer, but can also be a trailer.

[0041] Such a bracing device 9 is known and essentially consists of two bracing supports 9b, only one of which, the front or left one, is shown in Fig. 2. The two bracing supports 9b are connected to one another at their respective inner ends via a connecting frame, which is also hidden, so that the two bracing supports 9b can be pivoted from a mutually parallel transport position oriented approximately V-shaped relative to one another into an operating position.

[0042] The telescopic jib 2 and the bracing device 9 form a telescopic jib system 10 according to the invention. The vehicle crane 1 of Fig. 1 equipped with the telescopic jib system 10 and a transport unit 8 formed for transporting the bracing device 9 of the telescopic jib system 10 form a vehicle crane system 11 according to the invention.

[0043] From the view of the telescopic jib 2, which is separated from the vehicle crane 1 in Fig. 2, it is clear that the jib has a fastening area in which the first plug connection 12 is arranged. In comparison, the bracing device 9 has at its connection end 9j a second plug connection 13 corresponding to the first plug connection 12 of the telescopic jib 2, the two plug connections 12, 13 being able to be connected to each other to fasten the bracing device 9 to the basic box 2a and form a plug connection. The telescopic jib 2 has an upper side S1 and a lower side S2 opposite to the upper side S1 and substantially facing the ground U, the first plug connection 12 being visibly arranged on the lower side S2 of the telescopic jib 2 between the head of the basic box 2a and the receptacle of the luffing cylinder 6a.

[0044] In the design of the two plug connections 12, 13, shown here purely by way of example, the first plug connection 12 has an open channel 12a that is open at least in the direction of the head of the basic box 2a, while the second plug connection 13 has a plug element 13a that is articulated at the inner end of the bracing device 9. The extension of the open channel 12a defines a plug axis X2 that runs parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the basic box 2a, i.e. the telescopic jib 2. The two plug connections 12, 13 are formed in a form-fitting manner to one another, at least in the region. In the design shown here purely by way of example, it can be seen that the two plug connections 12, 13 each have at least one inclined surface F1, F2, F3, of which two inclined surfaces F1, F2 are arranged on the second plug connection 13, while one inclined surface F3 is positioned on the first plug connection 12. The two inclined faces F1, F2 of the second plug connection part 13 are oriented relative to each other such that the plug element 13a narrows towards its free end. The single inclined face F3 of the first plug connection part 12 is positioned such that the open channel 12a widens in a wedge-like manner against the insertion direction. The inclined faces F1, F2, F3 are used as insertion aids to allow the two plug connections 12, 13 to be more effectively connected to each other.

[0045] In the situation seen in figure 2, the bracing device 9 stored on the loading surface 8a of the transport unit 8 is already connected to the load pick-up means 7 of the telescopic jib 2 incorporating a suspension 14. The suspension 14 is connected to the bracing device 9 in such a way that the bracing device 9 is suspended approximately horizontally above the load pick-up means 7.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows the bracing device 9 being completely lifted by the load pick-up means 7 from the transport means 8, which is no longer visible in this view. The lifting takes place in the conventional manner by winding a lifting cable onto the load pick-up means 7. The luffing of the telescopic jib 2 or the extension of the inner boxes 2a-2e can also perform the raising and lowering of the load pick-up means 7. Any combination of these three movements is also possible for this purpose. Furthermore, the telescopic jib 2 is luffed up about the luffing axis Y1 (see black curved arrow) and is thus aligned more steeply than in the illustration of FIG. 2. Simultaneously or subsequently, the inner box 2e, which is positioned at the free end of the telescopic jib 2, is linearly displaced, so that the telescopic jib 2 is at least partially extended (see black straight arrow). As can be seen from the figure, due to the combination of luffing and extension of the telescopic jib 2 and the raising and lowering of the load pick-up means 7 via the lifting cable, the two plug connections 12, 13 are oriented relative to each other such that the plug element 13a of the second plug connection 13 faces approximately in the direction of the open channel 12a of the first plug connection 12. Preferably, the plug element 13a is oriented such that its longitudinal extension is parallel to the plug axis X2. Furthermore, at the end of the plug element 13a, a supply plug part 13b is arranged, via which the bracing device 9 can be electrically and hydraulically connected to the vehicle crane 1. As a counterpart of the supply plug part 13b, the figure shows a supply connection part 12c of the first plug connection 12 in its base area.

[0047] This mutually adjacent arrangement of the two plug connections 12, 13 can be achieved in this manner because the luffing angle of the telescopic jib 2, the extension length of the telescopic jib 2, and the mounting positions of the two plug connections 12, 13, respectively on the basic box 2a of the telescopic jib 2 and on the inner end of the bracing device 9, are appropriately adapted relative to each other.

[0048] Prior to the coupling, the bracing device 9 is oriented with its longitudinal extension parallel to the longitudinal extension of the telescopic jib 2. The orientation of the bracing device 9 relative to the telescopic jib 2 is performed substantially automatically, since the bracing device 9 is freely suspended on the load pick-up means 7. To this end, the load pick-up means 7 is then selected such that it is formed rigidly with respect to a vertical axis of rotation, which typically coincides with the longitudinal direction of the lifting cables, and such that the guidance of the load pick-up means 7 over the cable reeving of the lifting cables is sufficient to automatically orient the bracing device 9 for the coupling process with its longitudinal direction lying in the luffing plane of the telescopic jib 2 and thus parallel to its longitudinal direction for the longitudinal extension of the telescopic jib 2. If the load pick-up means 7 comprises a load hook for picking up the bracing device 9 which is rotatable about a vertical axis, it is possible to provide a guide cable which is freely suspended on the bracing device 9, via which the assistant personnel can orient the bracing device 9 in the desired position relative to the telescopic jib 2. It also seems feasible to equip the load pick-up means 7 with a driven rotating device, in particular a remotely controlled rotating device, in order to determine the orientation of the bracing device 9 relative to the telescopic jib 2 prior to the coupling about the vertical axis. The required precise orientation between the bracing device 9 and the telescopic jib 2 can also be performed via the design of the mechanical elements for the coupling process and thus by the coupling process itself.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows the bracing device 9 already fixed onto the basic box 2a of the telescopic jib 2. As can be seen, the first and second plug connections 12, 13 are connected to one another by retraction of the telescopic jib 2 or its inner box 2e (see black straight arrow). By retraction of the inner box 2e, the plug element 13a of the second plug connection 13 is displaced into the open channel 12a of the first plug connection 12, thus forming a plug connection. The second plug connection 13 is then automatically or manually locked into the first plug connection 12 via the bolt-like locking element 12b on the first plug connection 12. In this achieved mounting position, the bracing device 9 is further connected manually or automatically to the telescopic jib 2 or the vehicle crane 1 in the area of ​​the first and second plug connections 12, 13 via hydraulic and / or electrical supply lines, not shown in detail.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows the next step in the assembly of the telescopic jib 2 and the bracing device 9 for removing the suspension 14 from the load pick-up means 7 and the bracing device 9. Compared to the position shown in FIG. 4, the telescopic jib 2 is luffed down quite far from FIG. 4 (see black curved arrow) and the bracing device 9 is fully aligned about the pivot axis Y2 onto the erection cylinder 9d shown for the first time in FIG. 12 (see black curved arrow). In this state, the bracing device 9 is already fully mounted by the basic box 2a of the telescopic jib 2. This allows the suspension 14, which can be released from the previous tension and is thus relaxed at this point, to be removed. The bracing device 9 suspended on the telescopic jib 2 is floating above the ground U with its free end 9a and the rotatably arranged deflection roller 9c.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows the vehicle crane system 11 of FIG. 5, in which the orientation of the telescopic jib 2 and the bracing device 9 has been changed from that of FIG. 5. The telescopic jib 2 is further luffed down, so that its longitudinal direction X1 is oriented approximately horizontally, making it easier to reach the head 2f of the telescopic jib. The two bracing supports 9b are further uprighted, so that the free end 9a of the bracing device 9 is positioned above the telescopic jib 2. Furthermore, the fourth inner box 2e, together with the head 2f of the telescopic jib, is sufficiently extended so that the free end 9a of the bracing device 9 is positioned almost above the head 2f of the telescopic jib. Then, from the tension frame 9f arranged on each of the two bracing supports 9b, a front tension cable 9g is fed out and in each case guided along the bracing support 9b in the direction of the respective free end 9a to the deflection roller 9c at its location, below which it is freely suspended in the direction of the head 2f of the telescopic jib. The tension cable 9g is then fastened with its free end to the top of the head 2f of the telescopic jib. In this case, the tension frame 9f is articulated in the area of ​​the lower third of the bracing support 9b in each case. From Fig. 6 it can also be seen that in each case the rear bracing rod 9h is articulated to the free end 9a of each of the bracing supports 9b. The bracing rod 9h is shown in a rest position above the bracing support 9b.

[0052] Figure 7 shows the vehicle crane system 11 with the bracing support 9b aligned substantially vertically compared to Figure 6. The tension cables 9g are correspondingly routed further from the tension frame 9f.

[0053] Figure 8 shows the vehicle crane system 11 of Figure 7 with the telescoping jib 2 luffed up from that of Figure 7 about luffing axis Y1 such that the bracing rod 9h is freely suspended vertically on the foot 2g of the telescoping jib through its fixed point. As a result of gravity, the bracing rod 9h has pivoted from its rest position on the bracing support 9b to a vertical mounted position.

[0054] Figure 10 shows the vehicle crane system 11 of Figure 8, in which, in comparison with Figure 9, the bracing rod 9h is fixed in an alternative way to the foot 2g of the telescopic jib. To this end, the bracing support 9b is swung beyond the 90° position towards the foot 2g of the telescopic jib until the free end of the bracing rod 9h can be fixed, in particular bolted, in the region of the foot 2g of the telescopic jib. Then, the bracing rod 9h, which can also be extended or expanded by the inner rod, is unlocked via the fixing element 9i, so that in a next step the bracing support 9b can be swung back to the 90° position and the bracing rod 9h is extended to its maximum extendable position.

[0055] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the articulation of the bracing support 9b on the basic box 2a of the telescopic jib 2. It can be seen that the bracing support 9b can be pivoted about an upright axis Y2 between a number of mounting positions (see Figures 3 to 6) and an operating position (see Figures 7 and 8). Furthermore, the bracing support 9b may be pivoted out laterally about a pivot axis X3 into a V-shaped operating position. A hydraulic pivot cylinder 9e is provided for this pivoting movement.

[0056] Figure 12 shows a side view of Figure 11. In this view the upright axis Y2 and the pivot axis X3 are also visible. Furthermore, a hydraulic uprighting cylinder 9d for movement about the upright axis Y2 is shown.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment described so far, the mechanical elements for connecting the bracing device 9 to the fastening area of ​​the basic box or the inner box are formed as first and second plug connections, but it is self-evident that other structural designs are also possible. Essentially, these mechanical elements can be engaged with each other via linear, circular and / or spherical joint movements relative to each other. Thus, a hook that grips the bolt with its opening is realizable as another possible design of the mechanical elements. The connecting direction in which the two mechanical elements move towards each other and engage with each other does not have to be from top to bottom and parallel to the longitudinal extension of the telescopic jib as described in the illustrated embodiment, but can be from bottom to top, front to back, back to front or at any inclined position relative to the longitudinal direction of the telescopic jib. Thus, the fastening area may be arranged on the underside of one of the basic boxes or the inner boxes, and also on the side. It may also be provided that the first plug connection is arranged not only on the bottom of the telescopic jib, but also on the side or top. In one conventional scheme, the transport unit of the bracing device is a semi-trailer. The transport may also be performed on the loading surface of a heavy load vehicle or an associated trailer. Other components of the mobile crane, such as the counterweight or the jib section of the lattice mast, are mostly transported together with the bracing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Vehicle crane 2. Telescopic Jib 2a Basic Box 2b First inner box 2c Second inner box 2d 3rd inner box 2e 4th inner box 2f Telescopic jib head 2g Telescopic jib foot 3 Lower Carriage 4 Running gear unit with wheels 4a axis 4b axis 4c axis 4d axis 4e axis 4f axis 5 Tires 6 Superstructure 6a Roughing cylinder 7. Load pick-up means 8 Transport Units 8a Loading surface 9 Bracing device 9a Free end 9b Bracing Support 9c deflection roller 9d Upright cylinder 9e Pivot cylinder 9f Tension Frame 9g tension cable 9h bracing rod 9i Fixed element 9j Connection end 10. Telescopic Jib System 11 Vehicle Crane System 12 First plug connection 12a Opening Channel 12b Rock Element 12c Supply connection 13 Second plug connection 13a Plug element 13b Supply plug section 14 Suspension F1 slope F2 slope F3 Slope S1 upper side S2 lower side U ground X Horizontal X1 Longitudinal direction X2 Plug shaft X3 upright axis Y vertical direction Y1 Roughing axis Y2 pivot axis Z upward direction Z1 Rotation Axis

Claims

1. A vehicle crane (1) having a telescopic jib (2) with a basic box (2a) having linearly displaceable inner boxes (2b-2e) and having a lifting cable with a load pick-up means (7), A fastening area is arranged on the basic box (2a) or on the head end of one of the inner boxes (2b-2e), to which a bracing device (9) can be fixed by a connecting end (9j), characterised in that on the basic box (2a) or on one of the inner boxes (2b-2e) the fastening area for mounting the bracing device (9) is formed in such a way that the bracing device (9) is connected to the fastening area, which is freely suspended on the lifting cable and is brought closer to the fastening area by the movement of the vehicle crane (1) by means of the retraction and extension of the inner boxes (2b-2e) to raise and lower the load pickup means (7) and / or luffing the telescopic jib (2) by means of the connection end (9j). Vehicle crane (1).

2. characterised in that in the fastening area, a first plug connection (12) configured to form a plug connection is arranged on the basic box (2a) or on one of the inner boxes (2b-2e) and can be coupled to a corresponding second plug connection (13) arranged on the connection end (9j) of the bracing device (9), A vehicle crane (1) according to claim 1.

3. said first plug connection part (12) comprises an open channel (12a) adapted to at least partially accommodate said second plug connection part (13), in particular said second plug connection part (13) comprising a plug element (13a), the extension of said open channel defining a plug axis (X2) running parallel to a longitudinal axis (X1) of said basic box (2a), A vehicle crane (1) according to claim 2.

4. characterised in that the first plug connection (12) comprises a plug element provided for at least partial, in particular form-fitting, placement in an open channel of the second plug connection (13), the extension of which defines a plug axis running parallel to a longitudinal axis (X1) of the basic box (2a), A vehicle crane (1) according to claim 2.

5. characterised in that the basic box (2a) and each of the inner boxes (2b-2e) have an upper side (S1) and a lower side (S2) opposite to the upper side, and the first plug connection part (12) is arranged on the lower side (S2) of the basic box (2a) or of the inner boxes (2b-2e) at their head ends, A vehicle crane (1) according to claim 2.

6. the bracing device (9) has a second plug connection (13) which corresponds to the first plug connection (12) of the telescopic jib (2) and is specifically articulated onto the bracing device (9), A vehicle crane (1) according to claim 2.

7. the bracing device (9) comprises two articulated bracing supports (9b) and at least one drive device, characterized in that when the bracing device (9) is connected to the basic box (2a), the bracing supports (9b) can be pivoted from an attached position to an operating position and vice versa at least in part by the drive device. A vehicle crane (1) according to claim 1.

8. characterised in that the first plug connection part (12) and / or the second plug connection part (13) are provided with an insertion aid in the form of at least one inclined surface (F1-F3), A vehicle crane (1) according to claim 2.

9. characterised in that at the free end (9a) of the bracing device (9) there is arranged at least one, in particular rotatably mounted, deflecting roller (9c), A vehicle crane (1) according to claim 1.

10. A vehicle crane (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 and a transport unit (8) formed for transporting the bracing device (9) of a telescopic jib system (10), A vehicle crane system (11).

11. A method for attaching a bracing device (9) to a telescopic jib (2) of a vehicle crane (1), comprising the steps of: The vehicle crane (1) has a lifting cable with a load pick-up means (7), the telescopic jib (2) comprises a basic box (2a) with linearly displaceable inner boxes (2b-2e), - providing, in the area of ​​said vehicle crane (1), a transport unit (8) containing and carrying said bracing device (9); - connecting the load pick-up means (7) of the vehicle crane (1) to the bracing device (9), in particular by incorporating the suspension (14); - lifting said bracing device (9) from said transport unit (8) by means of said vehicle crane (1); - moving the bracing device (9), which is freely suspended at its connection end (9j) on a lifting cable, relative to the fastening area by retracting and extending the inner boxes (2b-2e), raising and lowering the load pick-up means (7) and / or luffing the telescopic jib (2) relative to the fastening area on the basic box (2a) or on the head end of one of the inner boxes (2b-2e); - connecting said bracing device (9) to said fastening area of ​​said basic box (2a) or one of said inner boxes (2b-2e); - releasing the load pick-up means (7) of the vehicle crane (1) from the bracing device (9), method.

12. characterised in that the bracing device (9) is connected to the fastening area by moving the bracing device (9) which is freely suspended on the lifting cable, The method of claim 11.

13. characterised in that the bracing device (9) is mechanically fixed after being connected to the fastening area, The method according to claim 11 or claim 12.

14. a second plug connection (13) on the bracing device (9) is connected to a first plug connection (12) corresponding to the second plug connection (13), A method according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 13.

15. characterised in that the first plug connection part (12) is coupled to the second plug connection part (13) by retracting at least one of the inner boxes (2b-2e). The method of claim 14.

16. characterised in that two bracing supports (9a, 9b) articulated on the bracing device (9) are pivoted from an attached position to an active position, in particular at least partially by one drive device, A method according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 15.

17. characterised in that, prior to connection, the bracing device (9) is oriented with its longitudinal extension parallel to the longitudinal extension of the telescopic jib (2), A method according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 16.

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