Ballast device and mobile crane equipped with same

Abstract

To provide a mobile crane capable of easily fixing a ballast device.SOLUTION: The present invention is a ballast device to be fixed to a crane, especially, is a superstructure or a superstructure ballast of a mobile crane with first and second ballast elements. The first ballast element has first connection means to removably fasten to the crane. On the other hand, both ballast elements are removably connected to each other via second connection means. The first ballast element includes an assembly device with an abutment element capable of installing abutment means to lift the ballast device. Regarding this point, the abutment element is arranged or possibly arranged so as to be able to selectively attach the abutment means to the assembly device to lift only the first ballast element above a center of gravity thereof or to lift both ballast elements together above the total center of gravity thereof. The present invention further is a mobile crane with at least one such ballast device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ballast device for fastening to a crane, in particular to a superstructure for a mobile crane according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a mobile crane comprising such a ballast device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, mobile or portable cranes are always used when a stationary crane is not available at the deployment site, or when a stationary crane cannot be used for other reasons, or when a stationary crane can only be used with increased effort. Mobile cranes with wheeled undercarriages are operated on public roads and are therefore subject to the regulations that apply to public roads regarding maximum axle loads and allowable dimensions. Smaller cranes are often used as so-called taxi cranes, which carry all of their equipment components for use on construction sites, even on public roads. However, larger mobile cranes cannot do this and therefore require the crane components to be disassembled for transportation on public roads and then assembled on site.

[0003] Ballast is a heavy crane component, as is intuitively apparent from removing ballast from a mobile crane for road transport. It can also be very quickly and independently loaded or attached to a ready-to-operate mobile crane at the deployment site. The removed crane ballast is typically transported to the deployment location in a separate vehicle. Therefore, the approach to the ballast, or the parts / ballast elements that make up the crane ballast, is not optimized for the transport conditions of the mobile crane, but rather for their separate transport as the transported product and for the actual crane deployment.

[0004] Figures 1a and 1b show an example of a larger mobile crane 1 known from the prior art and adapted to remove superstructure ballast for road transport. The mobile crane 1 comprises an undercarriage 2 with a multi-axle wheel chassis, a superstructure 3 pivotally supported about a vertical axis on the undercarriage 2, a telescopic boom 4 swingably supported on the superstructure 3 and hoistable via a hoisting cylinder 7, and superstructure ballast supported at the rear of the superstructure 3. The superstructure ballast comprises a ballast mounting device or ballast support plate 5 to which multiple ballast plates can be attached to the stackable superstructure 3.

[0005] The ballast support plates 5 are positioned at their intended positions aft of the undercarriage 2 via the telescopic boom 4, and the individual ballast plates are stacked for independent installation. The maximum stack height is limited here by the ballast device or by the installation height on the superstructure 3 and undercarriage 2. To accommodate larger ballast weights on the superstructure 3, the suspension ballast 9 can be attached laterally to the ballast or ballast stack. However, deployment-oriented ballast configurations must also be provided here. In the solution shown in Figures 1a and 1b, two ballast elements forming the suspension ballast 9 can be attached to the left and right sides of the central ballast stack, respectively. This type of suspension ballast 9 is also referred to as a double suspension ballast. Here, each first ballast element is hung on the ballast stack, and the second ballast element is hung on the first ballast element. Of course, more than two ballast elements can also be attached in this manner.

[0006] Each of the two ballast elements can be hooked from above into a corresponding recess in the other, with matching shapes via a kind of dovetail joint. Gravity then holds each element firmly in place. To separate the two ballast elements, a crane lifts the outer ballast element and guides it away from the connection. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Each ballast element must be lifted above its center of gravity to allow for independent orientation for installation or removal. In the arrangements known from the prior art, the entire center of gravity of the two interconnected ballast elements is located within the outer ballast element, so each ballast element can only be lifted individually, in principle, via a transversely arranged dovetail joint. Therefore, an abutment on the outer ballast element is required for independent orientation, which would destroy the molded suspension connection of the two ballast elements.

[0008] For this reason, two lifts are conventionally required for the installation of double-suspended ballast, one for each side (i.e., the left and right sides of the ballast stack), one for the inner and outer ballast elements. This additional work is not only time-consuming and therefore costly, but also increases the risk of accidents during installation, since work must be performed on connections located further outward from the base on the ballast stack on the fastening of the outer ballast elements.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to simplify the aforementioned ballasting procedure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a ballast arrangement having the features of claim 1. It is therefore proposed that a ballast arrangement for fastening to the superstructure of a crane, in particular a mobile crane, comprises first and second ballast elements, wherein the first ballast element has first connection means for releasable fastening to the crane, while both ballast elements are releasably connected to each other via second connection means.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, the first ballast element includes an assembly device having an abutment element to which abutment means can be attached for lifting the ballast device, and in this regard, the abutment element is arranged or arrangeable so that the abutment means can be selectively attached to the assembly device to lift only the first ballast element above its center of gravity, or to lift both ballast elements together above their overall centers of gravity.

[0012] The present invention therefore provides the possibility of lifting and assembling both ballast elements in a reliable and simple manner. Because one abutment point is located above the center of gravity, the connected first-order ballast elements orient themselves independently. This reduces the number of lifts required. For example, when using a conventional ballast stack in a superstructure as a double-suspended ballast on both sides, the number of lifts required is halved from four to two. Furthermore, only the first ballast element can be selectively attached, and the corresponding abutment elements are also available, ensuring automatic orientation.

[0013] It is conceivable in principle that the adjacent points allowing a single lift (only the first ballast element) and a full lift (both ballast elements together) can be performed by different abutment elements spaced apart from each other. However, alternatively, the same abutment element can be used for both the single lift and the full lift, and the abutment element must then be movable between positions above the corresponding center of gravity (for example by extending, retracting, folding, pivoting, etc., of the corresponding component of the assembled device containing the abutment element).

[0014] The two ballast elements can be attached together already in the connected state, so the required work step is transferred further inwards towards the base on the ballast stack, which in addition to simplifying the stabilisation procedure also reduces the risk of accidents.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and from the following description.

[0016] In one embodiment, the assembly device has a first abutment element for lifting only the first ballast element and the second abutment element for a common lifting of both ballast elements, the distance between the first ballast element and the second abutment element corresponding in particular to the distance between the center of gravity of the first ballast element and the overall center of gravity of the interconnected ballast elements.

[0017] In another embodiment, the first abutment element is arranged above the center of gravity of the first ballast element, and the second abutment element is arranged in an assembly position of the assembly device above the overall center of gravity of the interconnected ballast elements. The assembly device can thus be moved from a mooring position, where the second abutment element is not arranged above the overall center of gravity, to the assembly position. The assembly device can be supported in a space-saving manner, for example, on the ballast device in the mooring position. Preferably, the first abutment element for a single lift does not have to be moved separately to the assembly position. However, solutions are also conceivable in which both the first and second abutment elements are in each case movable, together or individually, between the mooring position and the assembly position.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the first and / or second connection means are means for establishing a suspension connection. In other words, the ballast element is a suspension ballast or a suspension ballast element. Here, the first ballast element can be hooked, in particular, to a corresponding mount in the ballast mounting device or to a ballast element supported on the ballast mounting device. If necessary, the second ballast element can be hooked to the first ballast element via the second connection means. The connection means can be configured in a known manner as a nose or protrusion and a corresponding mount, in particular to form a dovetail connection or a similar connection.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the assembly device is a non-separable component of the first ballast element, i.e. it always remains on the first ballast element and is not removed for transportation or during installation. The assembly device is preferably movable relative to the first ballast element, in particular allowing it to be moved back and forth between the mooring position and the assembly position.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the ballast elements are configured such that the center of gravity of all of the interconnected ballast elements is within the second ballast element. The two ballast elements may generally be the same or different in shape.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the assembly device comprises an elongated, in particular cylindrical, section and a head arranged at the end of the elongated section, the head comprising abutment elements and being rotatable, foldable, and / or telescoping or displaceable relative to the first ballast element. Preferably, first and second abutment elements, to which abutment means are selectively attached, are arranged on the head for a single lift or for a total lift. Here, it may be necessary to move the first and / or second abutment elements from a standby position to an assembly position by rotating, folding, and / or displacing the head, its individual components, or the entire assembly device. Alternatively, the same abutment elements can be used for a single lift and a total lift, in which case they must be correspondingly arranged relative to the first ballast element or its center of gravity.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the head is configured as an arm protruding from the elongated portion, with the first abutment element located in the region of the elongated portion and the second abutment element located at the opposite end of the arm. The second abutment element can be positioned above the full center of gravity, for example, by rotating the arm, thus enabling full lift. Due to their positioning in the region of the elongated portion, the position of the first abutment elements does not change upon such rotation, so that they always remain substantially above the center of gravity of the first ballast element.

[0023] In a further embodiment, provision is made that the first ballast element has a guide channel in which the elongated part of the assembly device is supported so as to be displaceable along its longitudinal axis and preferably so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The guide for the elongated part here can be formed, for example, by a continuous hole, by a channel, or by a plurality of spaced guides. The guide channel can extend through the entire ballast element or can terminate within the ballast element.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the first ballast element has a first recess on its upper side, in which the head of the assembly device can be brought or lowered in a fully anchored position. In the anchored position, no area or part of the assembly device or head protrudes beyond the first ballast element, so that no additional space is occupied and the assembly device is fully protected. Provision can be made that the tensioned assembly device will independently lower due to gravity until the head or another abutment is adjacent to the first recess or another opposing abutment.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the assembly device has an abutment that cooperates with a counter abutment provided on or in the first ballast element to limit the upward displacement of the assembly device relative to the first ballast element, so that the assembly device can be withdrawn from the first ballast element or the guide channel to a defined height. The abutment is preferably located at the end of the elongated portion located opposite the head.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the first ballast element has a second recess at its upper border or top edge that forms a counter abutment for the abutment of the assembly device, i.e., the abutment moves upward until it abuts above the second recess, thus maximally extending the assembly device. The abutment and the second recess further have at least two lateral abutments and counter abutments, respectively, that cooperate in the azimuth direction and limit the rotation of the assembly device about its longitudinal axis in the fully extended position to a certain angular range.

[0027] The term "cooperating in the azimuth direction" means that the lateral abutments and opposing abutments abut one another at a specific angle upon rotation of the assembly device about the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. Here, at least two pairs of lateral and opposing abutments are bounded within a finite angular range of rotation of the assembly device. However, more than two lateral abutments may be provided, for example, if the abutments are configured as pins protruding from both elongated portions or as triangular plates, with two respective pairs of lateral and opposing abutments provided for each pin or each side of the plate.

[0028] The assembly device is preferably in an assembly position with contact points available above the total center of gravity of both ballast elements on the contact points of the abutments at the opposing abutments, i.e. when maximally extended, and on the contact points of the lateral abutments at the laterally opposing abutments, i.e. in the maximum angular position. The assembly device can therefore be moved from the lower anchoring position to the assembly position and vice versa, in particular by lifting or extension and rotation.

[0029] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the abutment is configured as a pin projecting laterally from the elongated portion or as a plate. The pin can project from the elongated portion on one or both sides. In the configuration as a plate, the plate has, in particular, a polygonal shape, preferably an equilateral triangular shape. The second recess is further preferably formed on the underside of the first ballast element, i.e., it is open at the bottom or completely enclosed and located in the lower region.

[0030] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the assembly device has a latch mechanism that is releasably latchable in the assembly position, whereby the assembly device can be locked in the assembly position to ensure that the connected ballast elements can be raised. The latch mechanism preferably includes a latch element supported by the head, in particular a latch pin, that is pressed into a notch in the first ballast element by a spring element in the assembly position, whereby the latch mechanism automatically latches as soon as the assembly position is reached.

[0031] The latch mechanism may comprise a lever element or a handle, the actuation of which releases the latch connection, thereby allowing the assembly device to be moved again from the assembly position. Furthermore, the lever element / handle itself may be formed with an indicator element that visually indicates to the operator that the assembly device is in the assembly position. This may be achieved, for example, in that the indicator element points to a specific element, such as a part, a notch, a marking, etc., attached to the ballast element in the assembly position.

[0032] The invention further relates to a mobile crane having an undercarriage, a superstructure rotatably supported on the undercarriage, a ballast attachment device arranged on or connectable to the superstructure for attaching crane ballast, and at least one ballast device according to the invention releasably, in particular hookably, fastenable to the ballast attachment device and / or to a ballast stack element arranged thereon, In this respect the same advantages and properties as the ballast device according to the invention are clearly obtained, so that a repeated description here will not be given.

[0033] Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the embodiments described below with reference to the drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1a] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile crane known from the prior art; FIG. [Figure 1b] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile crane known from the prior art; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a ballast device according to the present invention in accordance with one embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ballast device according to FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first ballast element. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the first ballast element. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view through the head of the assembly device according to FIG. 6 latched to the first ballast element. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a superstructure ballast with two laterally assembled ballast devices according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] 1a and 1b show two views of a mobile crane 1 which is known from the prior art and which has already been described in detail at the beginning, and therefore will not be repeated here. However, it should be noted that in general the ballast system according to the invention can also be used for other cranes, for example mobile cranes with crawler undercarriage.

[0036] An embodiment of the ballast arrangement 10 according to the invention can be attached laterally to the superstructure ballast of the mobile crane 1 or to the ballast plates 6 forming it, as shown in the perspective view of Figure 2, as the suspension ballast 9 shown in Figures 1a and 1b. The ballast arrangement 10 according to the invention therefore represents a double suspension ballast.

[0037] The ballast arrangement 10 according to the invention comprises a first ballast element 12 which can be hooked from above to the superstructure ballast of the mobile crane 1 via first connection means 46 configured as a lug. For this purpose, for example, a ballast plate 6 supported on the ballast attachment arrangement 5 has mounts 47 for forming a conformal dovetail connection. Alternatively or additionally, such mounts 47 can be provided directly on the ballast attachment arrangement 5. The ballast arrangement 10 further comprises a second ballast element 14 which can be hooked from above to the first ballast element 12. For this purpose, the ballast elements 12, 14 have corresponding second connection means 48, 49 in the form of lugs 48 and mounts 49. The two ballast elements 12, 14, respectively, are held firmly in place by gravity via the suspension connection.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the two ballast elements 12, 14 have different shapes. The first ballast element 12 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, while the second ballast element 14 has a generally conical or trapezoidal shape when viewed from above. However, different shapes are also contemplated, as are identical designs for the two ballast elements 12, 14.

[0039] The first ballast element 12 comprises an assembly device 16 configured as an assembly mandrel that is not removed therefrom for transport or installation, but rather remains there as an element of the first ballast element 12. The ballast device 10 can be raised via abutment means of the mobile crane 1 for self-installation via a plurality of abutment elements 18, 20 arranged in the upper region of the assembly device 16.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a vertical central section through the ballast system 10 according to the present invention according to FIG. 2, i.e., through both ballast elements 12, 14 and through the assembly device 16. The center of gravity S1 of the first ballast element 12 and the overall center of gravity S2 of the entire ballast system 10, i.e., the overall center of gravity S2 of the connected ballast elements 12, 14, are also depicted in FIG. 3, with the overall center of gravity S2 located outside the first ballast element 12. Therefore, lifting of the entire ballast system 10 (total lift) is impossible, since abutments above the center of gravity S1 would tilt. For a stable orientation, the abutment means must be mounted above the respective centers of gravity S1, S2. Since the stop connections of the second connecting means 48, 49 are released, lifting of the abutment means of the second ballast element 14 is also impossible.

[0041] To this end, the assembly device 16 has two separate, spaced-apart pairs of abutment elements 18, 20 so that only the first ballast element 12 or only both ballast elements 12 and 14 together can be selectively lifted, nevertheless always ensuring a stable orientation. The assembly device, visually shown individually in Figure 6, comprises for this purpose a cylindrical elongated portion 22 displaceably supported along its longitudinal axis and rotatably supported about its periphery in a guide channel 26 formed in the first ballast element 12 and extending substantially through the entire ballast element 12. A head 24 is located at the upper end of the elongated portion 22 and is formed by an arm or cantilever projecting from the elongated portion 22 to one side.

[0042] The head 24 has two first abutment elements 18 in the manner of laterally projecting bollards and is thus substantially always positioned above the center of gravity S1 of the first ballast element 12 in the region of its connection to the elongated portion 22. The head 24 has two second abutment elements 20 also projecting as lateral bollards at the end of the arm remote from the elongated portion 22, where the distance between the first and second abutment elements 18, 20 corresponds to the distance between the centers of gravity S1 and S2. The second abutment elements 20 can be positioned above the overall center of gravity S2 (assembly position) by rotating the assembly device 16.

[0043] To install the superstructure ballast of the mobile crane 1, the operator stacks ballast plates 6 onto the ballast mounting arrangement 5 arranged on the undercarriage 2, as known from the prior art. If the mounting condition of the mobile crane 1 requires more suspension ballast, the mounting arrangement 16 can be removed with different abutment elements 18, 20 as required by the abutment means and telescopic boom.

[0044] When used as a simple installation (single lift), only the first ballast element 12 is connected at the first abutment element 18 and is already connected to the ballast stack 6 via the lugs 46 or hooked to a corresponding mount 47. When used as a double-suspended ballast (full lift), the packet of first and second ballast elements 12, 14 already connected via the second connection means 48, 49 is lifted at the second abutment element 20 placed in the assembly position and is likewise connected to the ballast stack 6 via the lugs 46 of the first ballast element 12.

[0045] The first ballast element 12 has on its upper side a first recess 28 which is connected to the guide channel 26 and which is open at the top. Before releasing the abutment means from the respective abutment element 18, 20, the assembly device 16 or its head 24 can be lowered into the first recess 28 (mooring position), so that the assembly device 16 does not protrude beyond the outer contour of the first ballast element 12. In this way, after releasing the abutment means, the assembly device 16 is lowered independently by gravity until the head 24 is adjacent to the underside of the first recess 28. Further ballasting (stabilization) is then carried out via the ballast cylinder 8 in a known manner.

[0046] At its (lower) end located opposite the head 24, the elongated part 22 has an abutment 30 that limits its withdrawal from the assembly device 16 to a certain height. In the embodiment shown here, the abutment 30 is formed as a (latch) plate in the form of an equilateral triangle, but other shapes are possible as well, such as a pin or a different disk-shaped plate. The guide channel 26 opens towards the underside of the first ballast element 12 and merges in its lower region into a second recess 34 in which the plate 30 is located. The assembly device 16 can be pulled upwards until the upper side of the plate 30 abuts against the upper boundary of the second recess 34, thereby forming a counter abutment 32. This situation is shown in Figure 3.

[0047] When the assembly device 16 is fully extended, the head 24, which is now positioned above the upper side of the first ballast element 12, can be rotated into the assembly position. To ensure that the second abutment element 20 is also positioned practically above the overall center of gravity S2, three laterally opposing abutments 37 are formed in the second recess 34 against which the three sides of the plate 30 abut, and in which corresponding lateral abutments 36 are formed as soon as the correct assembly position is reached. This can be seen in FIG. 5, which shows a plan view of the underside of the first ballast element 12. The first ballast element 12 and the section through the guide channel 26 can be seen in FIG. 4, where the assembly device 16 has been lowered and the head 24 has been moved completely into the first recess 28.

[0048] The angular positions of the assembly device 16, in which the head 24 can be lowered within the first recess 28, are further defined by three corresponding opposing abutments 37. Thus, each of the two pairs of opposing abutments 37 defines an angular range through which the assembly device 16 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion 22. The side surfaces of the plate 30 and the opposing abutments 37 cooperate in the azimuthal direction. Instead of the second recess 34 opening to the bottom, it may also be provided so as to be formed in the first ballast element 12.

[0049] To secure or lock the assembly device 16 in the assembled position, a form-fitting latching connection is provided by a latching mechanism, as shown with reference to the embodiment in FIG. 7 in a cross-sectional view through the latched head 24. The latching mechanism includes a latch pin 40 held on / in the head 24 and connected to a lever element or handle 34. A spring 42 adjusts the latch pin 40 to return it to its maximum deflected base position. A notch 44 formed as a positioning groove is provided on the upper side of the first ballast element 12. When the latch pin 40 is latched into the positioning groove 44 via the spring 42, the second abutment element 20 is in the correct position above the total center of gravity S2. Furthermore, this specification allows the operator to reliably recognize whether the head 24 is in the correct assembly position, and corresponding markings can be provided for better visibility.

[0050] The operator connects the first abutment means to the first abutment element 18 for a single lift and raises the assembly device 16. The assembly device 16 slides upward in the guide channel 26 until the plate 30 is adjacent to the upper side of the second recess 34. From this moment on, the assembly device 16 takes along the first ballast element 12, allowing it to be attached to the remaining ballast. The head 24 does not need to be further oriented or rotated due to the central position of the first abutment element 18.

[0051] The operator connects the abutment means to the second abutment element 20, performs a full lift, and raises the assembly device 16 from the center. Despite the eccentric abutment, the assembly device 16 slides upward in the guide channel 26 until the head 24 completely leaves the first recess 28. As can be seen in Figure 4, two guides 38 positioned far enough apart can form the guide channel 26. The latch pin 40 must be raised so that the operator can rotate the assembly device 16 into the assembly position (the assembly device 16 is shown in Figures 2-3). The plate 30 rotates along until it is adjacent to the three laterally opposing abutments 37 and is therefore in the desired position. At the same time, the latch pin 40 automatically latches (tightens) the first ballast element 12 in the positioning groove 44. From this moment on, the assembly device 16 is with the entire ballast device 10 during the lift, and the double suspension ballast can be attached to the remaining ballast plates 6.

[0052] FIG. 8 shows an assembly device 16 in which two ballast stacks formed by a plurality of ballast plates 6 as ballast devices 10 according to the invention are mounted as double suspension ballast, each in their lower storage position.

[0053] Of course, it is also possible to use more than two ballast elements 12, 14. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the head 24 of the assembly device 16 is made correspondingly longer or is foldable, telescoping or otherwise adjustable so that the second abutment element 20 can always be positioned above the respective overall center of gravity. It is likewise conceivable to use a suspension ballast that can be assembled in modular form, and thus provide further abutment elements in addition to the first and second abutment elements 18, 20, so that the abutment means can be mounted above the respective overall center of gravity depending on the configuration.

[0054] The mobile crane 1 stacks the entire ballast with all ballast elements using its telescoping boom 4 on the intended point on the undercarriage 2. The superstructure 3 then rotates its ballast mounting device 5 and takes up the entire ballast through the ballast.

[0055] During this rotation, no components must protrude within the turning radius of the superstructure 3 and ballast attachment device 5. The high ballast elements of Figures 1a and 1b are further out and therefore do not interfere. If the assembly device 16 were to remain in the raised position according to Figure 3, a collision would occur with the rotation of the superstructure 3.

[0056] Consequently, the assembly device 16 must ensure that after the hanging ballast has been hooked, it is moved back to its lower position (FIG. 4). This is done by skillful selection of the upper end of the second ballast element 14. The hanging ballast should only be spaced from the second abutment element 20 so that the load suspension means used cannot be removed. In its standby position, i.e. in the recess 28, by contrast, a great deal of space is provided so that the abutment means can be freely removed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Mobile crane 2 Chassis (undercarriage) 3 Superstructure 4 Telescopic boom 5 Ballast mounting device 6 ballast plates 7. Drilling cylinder 8 ballast cylinders 9. Suspension ballast 10 Ballast equipment 12 First Ballast Element 14 Second Ballast Element 16 Assembly equipment 18 First abutment element 20 Second abutment element 22 Elongated part 24 Head 26 Guide channel 28 First recess 30 Abutment 32 Opposing abutment 34 Second abutment 36 Lateral abutment 38 Guide 40 Latching Elements 42 Spring elements 43 Lever element 44 Notch 46 Suspended nose (first connection means) 47 Mount (first connection means) 48 Suspended nose (second connection means) 49 Mount (secondary connection means) S1 Center of gravity of first ballast element S2 Total center of gravity of the two ballast elements

Claims

1. a first ballast element (12) having a first connection means (46) for releasably securing the first ballast element (12) to the crane (1); A ballast device (10) for fastening to a superstructure or superstructure ballast of a crane (1), wherein the first and second ballast elements (12, 14) are releasably connectable to one another via second connection means (48, 49), the first ballast element (12) includes an assembly device (16) having abutment elements (18, 20) to which abutment means for lifting the ballast device (10) can be attached; the abutment elements (18, 20) are arranged or arrangable such that the abutment means is selectively attachable to an assembly device (16) to lift only the first ballast element (12) above a center of gravity (S1) of the first ballast element (12) or to lift the first and second ballast elements (12, 14) together above a total center of gravity (S2) of the interconnected ballast elements (12, 14); the assembly device (16) has a first abutment element (18) for lifting only the first ballast element (12) and the second abutment element (20) to lift the first and second ballast elements (12, 14) together; The distance between the first abutment element (18) and the second abutment element (20) corresponds to the horizontal distance between the center of gravity (S1) of the first ballast element (12) and the center of gravity (S2) of all the interconnected ballast elements (12, 14). A ballast device (10) characterized in that:

2. The first abutment element (18) is disposed above the center of gravity (S1) of the first ballast element (12); The second abutment element (20) is placed in an assembled position above the overall center of gravity (S2) of the interconnected ballast elements (12, 14). Ballast device (10) according to claim 1.

3. At least one of the first and second connection means (46, 47, 48, 49) is a means for establishing a suspension connection. Ballast device (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the assembly device (16) being a non-separable element of the first ballast element (12); movable relative to said first ballast element (12) Ballast device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A crane system comprising first and second ballast elements (12, 14), the first ballast element (12) having first connection means (46) for releasably securing the first ballast element (12) to the crane (1); A ballast device (10) for fastening to a superstructure or superstructure ballast of a crane (1), wherein the first and second ballast elements (12, 14) are releasably connectable to one another via second connection means (48, 49), the first ballast element (12) includes an assembly device (16) having abutment elements (18, 20) to which abutment means for lifting the ballast device (10) can be attached; the abutment elements (18, 20) are arranged or arrangable such that the abutment means is selectively attachable to an assembly device (16) to lift only the first ballast element (12) above a center of gravity (S1) of the first ballast element (12) or to lift the first and second ballast elements (12, 14) together above a total center of gravity (S2) of the interconnected ballast elements (12, 14); The ballast elements (12, 14) are configured such that the center of gravity (S2) of all the interconnected ballast elements (12, 14) is located within the second ballast element (14). A ballast device (10) characterized in that:

6. A crane system comprising first and second ballast elements (12, 14), the first ballast element (12) having first connection means (46) for releasably securing the first ballast element (12) to the crane (1); A ballast device (10) for fastening to a superstructure or superstructure ballast of a crane (1), wherein the first and second ballast elements (12, 14) are releasably connectable to one another via second connection means (48, 49), the first ballast element (12) includes an assembly device (16) having abutment elements (18, 20) to which abutment means for lifting the ballast device (10) can be attached; the abutment elements (18, 20) are arranged or arrangable such that the abutment means is selectively attachable to an assembly device (16) to lift only the first ballast element (12) above a center of gravity (S1) of the first ballast element (12) or to lift the first and second ballast elements (12, 14) together above a total center of gravity (S2) of the interconnected ballast elements (12, 14); The assembly device (16) comprises an elongated, cylindrical elongated portion (22) and a head portion (24) disposed at the end of the elongated portion (22); The head (24) comprises the abutment elements (18, 20) and is rotatable and / or foldable and / or telescopic relative to the first ballast element (12). A ballast device (10) characterized in that:

7. The assembly device (16) comprises an elongated, cylindrical elongated portion (22) and a head (24) disposed at an end of the elongated portion (22); the head (24) is provided with the abutment element (18, 20) and is rotatable and / or foldable and / or telescopic relative to the first ballast element (12); The head (24) is configured as an arm projecting from the elongated portion (22), the first abutment element (18) is arranged in the region of the elongated portion (22); The second abutment element (20) is located at the opposite end of the arm. Ballast device (10) according to claim 1.

8. The first ballast element (12) has a guide channel (26) in which the elongated portion (22) of the assembly device (16) is supported so as to be rotatably displaceable along and about its longitudinal axis. Ballast device (10) according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The first ballast element (12) has a first recess (28) on its upper side, which allows the head (24) to be fully lowered in a parking position. Ballast device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. the assembly device (16) has an abutment (30) that cooperates with an opposing abutment (32) provided on or within the first ballast element (12) to limit upward displacement of the assembly device (16) relative to the first ballast element (12); The abutment (30) is disposed at the end of the elongated portion (22) opposite the head (24). Ballast device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. the first ballast element (12) has a second recess (34) whose upper boundary forms a counter abutment for the abutment (30) of the assembly device (16); the abutment (30) and the second recess (34) further include at least two lateral and opposing abutments (36, 37) that cooperate in the azimuthal direction to limit rotation of the elongated portion (22) about its longitudinal axis to a specific angular range at the top position of the assembly device (16); The assembly device (16) is placed in an assembly position on the opposing abutment (32) and the laterally opposing abutment (37) on the adjacent points of the abutment (30). Ballast device (10) according to claim 10.

12. the abutment (30) is configured as a pin projecting laterally from the elongated portion or as a plate having a polygonal shape, The second recess (34) is formed in the lower or lower region of the first ballast element (12). Ballast device (10) according to claim 11.

13. the assembly device (16) having a latch mechanism that is releasably latchable in an assembly position; The latch mechanism includes a latch element (40) supported on the head (24) and pressed into a notch (44) of the first ballast element (12) by a spring element (42) in the assembled position. Ballast device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that it

14. Substructure (2), an upper structure (3) rotatably supported on the lower structure (2); a ballast attachment device (5) arranged on or connectable to the superstructure (3) for lifting crane ballast; at least one ballast device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is releasably securable to the ballast mounting device (5) and / or to a ballast element (6) supported on the ballast mounting device (5); A mobile crane (1) comprising:

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