Electrically driven mobile crane

Abstract

To equip a mobile crane with an alternative drive device that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional internal combustion engines.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a mobile crane with a drivable lower traveling body, a superstructure supported swivelably on the lower traveling body, and an electric motor for driving the mobile crane. The superstructure comprises a boom system having a boom swingable about a horizontal axis and a superstructure ballast comprising at least one ballast laminate. The ballast laminate comprises one or more ballast elements especially formed as a ballast plate. Electrical energy to drive the electric motor can be provided by at least one energy generation module that can be attached to the ballast laminate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile crane as described in the preamble of claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] A mobile crane typically has a lower traveling body and an upper structure that is rotatably supported on the lower traveling body and has a boom and an upper structure ballast. For example, for driving the crane or operating individual crane functions, the supply of energy required by the mobile crane is typically performed via one or more internal combustion engines. In principle, they are typically diesel engines arranged within the frame structure of the upper structure.

[0003] Due to the environmental and health problems of conventional internal combustion engines, the use of alternative, more environmentally friendly drive methods would be desirable.

[0004] One problem that leads to the search for alternative drive forms is that, here, the diesel engine, as a classical and proven drive form, has many advantages that cannot be easily achieved by alternative drives. Diesel fuel, for example, has a high energy density, is in a liquid state during normal storage under normal environmental conditions, and has only slight non-volatility. Storage does not require any special temperature or other complex conditions provided in normal fields of use. Under extreme conditions (especially low temperatures), appropriate methods for safe operation are known, tried, and tested. The fuel is also easy to store, and the technology for this is mature. Similarly, it is also easy to transport, for example, in pipes or hoses, and pumps can be used. These aspects also naturally apply to other internal combustion engines, and gasoline engines exceed the matters listed.

[0005] However, even classic internal combustion engines as crane drive systems have many more drawbacks in addition to the environmental aspects already discussed. For example, combustion drive systems require complex and space-intensive systems for exhaust gas regulations. The media for exhaust gas regulations also have stringent requirements, partly in terms of storage and supply. Engine components can become extremely hot during operation, so additional measures are needed in areas where there is a risk of explosion. If the internal combustion engine takes in special gases, further measures must be taken to ensure that the engine can be shut down again.

[0006] Electric motor drive is an environmentally friendly alternative to classic internal combustion engines. However, the energy sources that can be used to generate the power required by electric motors have a substantially lower energy density than the fuels used for internal combustion engines and require space- and weight-intensive storage with additional means to control safety risks. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Against this backdrop, the fundamental objective of the present invention is to equip the first type of mobile crane with an alternative drive system that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This objective is achieved by an apparatus having the features of claim 1, according to the present invention. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention can be obtained from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention proposes a mobile crane, such as a crawler crane with a support, comprising a drivable lower traveling body, a superstructure rotatably supported on the lower traveling body, and an electric motor for driving a mobile crane, wherein the superstructure comprises a boom system having a boom pivotable about a horizontal axis and two superstructure ballast elements having at least one ballast stack. The ballast stack comprises one or more ballast elements formed particularly as ballast plates. According to the present invention, the electrical energy for driving the electric motor can be supplied by at least one energy generation module that can be attached to the ballast stack.

[0010] The integration of energy generation modules in superstructure ballast allows their weight to be used simultaneously as ballast, thereby creating synergistic effects related to space and weight. Furthermore, particularly in the field of superstructure ballast, there is often sufficient space to accommodate the energy generation modules without impairing crane movement. Especially in large mobile cranes, very high ballast stacks are used, depending on their height and therefore their weight to suit each crane configuration. Thus, one or more ballast stacks of superstructure ballast are generally not limited to at least one direction (particularly in terms of their height, but often also rearward and / or forward). Moreover, existing and mature connection and fastening systems for ballast elements can be used for fixing the energy generation modules.

[0011] Therefore, the advantage of an electric drive system for a mobile crane is that it can be used without having to accept the disadvantages arising from storage and fixing. Electric drive by electric motor and energy generation module according to the present invention can be performed in place of or in addition to drive via a classic internal combustion engine.

[0012] The mobile crane is driven by an electric motor. This can relate to the operation or driving of the entire mobile crane via the travel gears of the lower chassis (particularly the crawler chassis or wheeled chassis), and / or the operation or driving of individual or all crane functions, such as adjusting the boom system, operating the hoisting winch, and supplying electricity for crane control via a generator located downstream. A hydraulic system that hydraulically controls the actuators may be provided to control individual or all of the aforementioned functions, using an electric motor that helps drive the hydraulic system, particularly one or more hydraulic pumps.

[0013] However, the energy provided by the energy generation module can be used not only to supply energy to the electric motor, but also to directly electrically drive individual or multiple crane functions.

[0014] Since the height of the ballast stack in the superstructure ballast is limited by the height of the ballast stack's overall center of gravity, it is advantageous to mount the energy generation module at the top of the ballast stack. However, different types of attachments are also possible depending on the crane configuration. For example, the energy generation module can be fastened to the side ballast stack, for example, via hook connections or below the base plate / ballast mount that carries the ballast elements.

[0015] The term "module" is used below as an abbreviation for the names of energy generation modules and / or tank modules. Furthermore, the characteristic that modules can be attached to ballast stacks should always be understood below, and as a result, modules can also be attached to different modules (therefore, a module attached to a ballast stack can be considered part of the ballast stack).

[0016] In possible embodiments, the ballast stack and / or energy generating module are provided to be positioned laterally outside the outer contour of the boom system when viewed from the rear of the superstructure. This means that the ballast stack and the energy generating module attached thereto are located outside the range of motion of the boom system, since the boom system only swings (i.e., can move along only one degree of freedom) in particular within the vertical luffing plane (with respect to the swivelable superstructure). This ensures that the movement of the boom system or crane function is not impaired.

[0017] The superstructure ballast preferably comprises two ballast stacks positioned on both outer sides of the outer contour of the boom system. At least one energy generation module is preferably mountable to both ballast stacks. A single energy generation module can be provided, mounted to one of the two ballast stacks. It is equally possible to mount energy generation modules to each of the ballast stacks. They can be associated with one or more electric motors, or they can power one or more electric motors together. Similarly, it is possible to keep one of the energy generation modules available as an alternative energy source in case of malfunction or failure of another energy generation module. Furthermore, the weight of the superstructure ballast is more evenly distributed when modules are mounted to each of the ballast stacks.

[0018] In further possible embodiments, the energy generation module is provided with a fuel cell having a fuel tank, particularly a hydrogen tank, to supply fuel, particularly hydrogen, to the fuel cell. Herein, of course, this can be a stack of interconnected fuel cells. In addition to hydrogen, other fuels such as methane, butane, or natural gas can also be used.

[0019] The fuel tank can be located together with the fuel cell within the same energy generation module. However, it is equally possible to have the fuel tank in an energy generation module that also supplies fuel cells to different energy generation modules. A further possibility is to house the fuel tank in a separate tank module, which can also be attached to the ballast stack or energy generation module.

[0020] In the latter two cases, corresponding tank lines must be provided to connect different modules. It is advantageous here if the modules connected by tank lines are located adjacent to each other or directly connected to each other. Modules can be stacked on top of each other, for example. This eliminates the need for long hoses, but rather modules can have corresponding tank connections in their housings that can be connected to each other directly or by short connecting pieces. In particular, in hydrogen storage, storage should be carried out as close as possible to the fuel cell to minimize safety hazards. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide tank connections on the outside of the fuel-containing module so that fuel can be easily replenished. The entire fuel-containing module is also designed to be replaceable with a replenished module.

[0021] In further possible embodiments, a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery (e.g., a storage battery), may be provided by means capable of storing energy generated by the energy generation module and / or supplying energy to an electric motor. The battery is preferably arranged together with energy generation means or power generation means provided for energy generation within the energy generation module. The battery may be equally arranged in different energy generation modules or in separate battery modules that can be attached to a ballast stack or energy generation module.

[0022] The battery can be charged, for example, by an energy generating means, such as a fuel cell located within an energy generation module. Alternatively or additionally, it may be externally rechargeable, and a corresponding charging connector may be provided in the energy generation module or battery module so that a charging cable can be connected.

[0023] The battery can be used, for example, to maintain power for cooling the fuel cell for lighting, sensor operation and control, air conditioning or cooling, or as a short-term energy storage device for the time lag after the fuel cell is switched off, to cover the energy requirements of a mobile crane when idling.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the battery may also perform the operation of crane functions such as those described above while supplying power to the electric motor by the energy generation module. Thus, the fuel cell typically has a specific storage time, usually within a range of several seconds. When the crane operator enters a control command to control the crane or crane actuator, the energy supply from the battery during this setup time may allow the movement to have already begun and the fuel cell to switch in (summate connection) or to be fully taken over after the start time.

[0025] In a further possible embodiment, the energy generation module is provided to comprise an internal combustion engine and a generator that generates energy for an electric motor which can be driven by the internal combustion engine. It may be a single energy generation module, or there may be two or more energy generation modules having different operating modes. For example, one energy generation module may comprise an internal combustion engine with a fuel cell, and another energy generation module may comprise an internal combustion engine with a generator. Preferably, a fuel tank is provided to supply fuel (in particular hydrogen, diesel, or gasoline) to the internal combustion engine.

[0026] The fuel tank is preferably arranged together with an internal combustion engine in an energy generation module. The fuel tank can be arranged equally in a different energy generation module or a separate tank module that can be attached to the ballast laminate or the energy generation module. In the latter two cases, corresponding tank lines must be provided to connect the different modules, and what has been described above applies equally to the fuel tank for a fuel cell.

[0027] In a further possible embodiment, it is provided that the energy generation module and / or the tank module and / or the battery module have connection means for a ballast element and / or a releasable connection to different modules. The module may be arranged on top of the ballast laminate or within the ballast laminate (e.g., at the bottom or on the right side in the center). The connection means can comprise protrusions and recesses that engage with the ballast element on the module attachment. The connection means may further be lockable, or separate locking means may be provided to reversibly lock the module to the ballast element.

[0028] In a further possible embodiment, it is provided that all modules and all ballast elements have the same connection means and can be stacked on top of each other in any desired order. Thereby, a modular design for the ballast elements and the modules results, so that they can be arranged flexibly, for example according to the modular principle. Alternatively or additionally, the battery elements and the modules can have the same installation area, for example like a rectangular installation area. The ballast laminate combined with one or more modules always has the same lateral dimensions such that only its height (and its weight) varies depending on the arrangement of the ballast elements and the modules.

[0029] The ballast element can have a design or shape according to the German Utility Model No. 202008006356, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in this specification.

[0030] In further possible embodiments, it is provided that the energy generation module and / or battery module are connected to or connectable to an electric motor via an electrical line. Furthermore, depending on the interconnection of the modules, for example, if a battery that can be charged by the fuel cell of the energy generation module is located in a separate battery module, the individual modules can be connected to each other connectably via an electrical line.

[0031] In further possible embodiments, the electrical lines are provided to include power cables that can be connected to the superstructure and / or the energy supply connections of each module. These may be retractable or storable in the module or superstructure after the removal of each module, such as in an energy generation module. Special guides or retaining elements, such as hooks, may be provided on the ballast elements to allow the power cables to be laid in an appropriate procedure so as not to obstruct them.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, electrical lines may be located in or within ballast elements positioned between each module and the superstructure. Thus, these electrical lines can, for example, be integrated within the ballast elements, resulting in all ballast elements having line portions extending externally or internally. By connecting the ballast elements, the line portions are electrically connected to one another, preferably via special electrical contacts that can be provided in the connecting means, thereby establishing a conductive connection or electrical line between the module and the superstructure. The lines of the bottommost ballast element are then preferably directly connected to the superstructure, or to electronic equipment provided in the superstructure, or to an electric motor. Furthermore, modules have corresponding contacts for connecting their line portions to the line portions of subsequent ballast elements.

[0033] Alternatively, radio energy transfer, particularly inductive energy transfer, can be considered between individual segments, for example, between an energy-generating module and the nearest ballast element, and between individual ballast elements. Thus, the module and each (or all) ballast element can have corresponding transmitting / receiving elements (e.g., antennas or coils) for energy transfer. This minimizes the bridging distance and maximizes efficiency.

[0034] In further possible embodiments, the energy generation module is provided to include a power generation unit (e.g., a fuel cell or generator) for supplying power to an electric motor, a control unit for controlling / regulating the power supply to the electric motor, preferably an energy storage unit connected to the power generation unit (e.g., a battery or fuel tanks for the internal combustion engine and fuel cell, respectively), and air conditioning for cooling, heating, and / or ventilation. Furthermore, devices for dehumidification and / or extraction of gases such as sulfur may be provided. All these units are integrated into a single module, which only needs to be attached to the ballast stack and the connected corresponding lines (in the simplest case, only power cables). Thus, the energy supply of the mobile crane is configured in a simple manner and can be optionally modified.

[0035] In a further possible embodiment, a hydraulic circuit may be provided having a hydraulic pump that can be driven by an electric motor. The mobile drive and / or crane actuator can be controlled via the hydraulic circuit. A typically used hydraulic drive system can thus continue to be used, for example, in a crawler crane. Conversion of the mobile crane would not be necessary, especially if the electric motor is not integrated into the superstructure but rather can be fastened to the superstructure as a drive module. Only connecting lines are laid accordingly, and the necessary connections are provided. The electric motor can further serve only to drive the hydraulic pump, or it can further provide direct power for one or more crane functions.

[0036] In further possible embodiments, the electric motor is provided to be located within the frame structure of the superstructure, or, in particular, externally, in a drive module that can be removably connected to the superstructure.

[0037] In a further possible embodiment, at least two electric motors driving the mobile crane are provided to be able to receive energy from a common and / or separate energy generation module, and the electric motors are preferably configured to drive the mobile crane together or to drive the mobile crane by one of the electric motors, and the other electric motor may be able to act as a backup motor.

[0038] In further possible embodiments, the boom system is provided to include a derrick boom and / or guy frame that can swing within the boom's luffing plane. In particular, in smaller mobile cranes, the boom can thus swing via a guying frame (A-frame) that is pivotably supported in the superstructure about a horizontal pivot axis. Alternatively, in particular, in larger mobile cranes, the boom can be guyed by a derrick boom that is pivotably supported in the superstructure about a horizontal pivot axis, and an A-frame may also be provided. As a result, all these components of the boom system move within a common luffing plane. The energy generation module is preferably positioned entirely outside the range of motion of the boom system and so as not to collide with the boom system during its movement.

[0039] In further possible embodiments, energy generation modules and / or ballast elements have container dimensions and are preferably configured to be releasably connected to one another by container connecting elements. The container dimensions are at least the length of a standard container, but preferably the footprint or base dimensions of a standard container. The weight of ballast plates having the same footprint as container dimensions can be fixed through their height. Since the modules and ballast plates have the same connections as commercially available standard containers, they can be transported together. Furthermore, these are demonstrated and robust connecting means that the assembly of ballast elements and modules or the desired configuration can be performed quickly and easily. Modules can have full standard container dimensions with respect to length, width, and height.

[0040] The module cannot slide due to the container connection between the ballast element and the module. Safety-related behavior regarding load breakage and the sudden release of large amounts of energy is even more important. The module is also held firmly in place in this case. The container connection element is preferably a torsion lock connector so that the ballast element and the module can be locked together.

[0041] Further features, details, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from embodiments described below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of one embodiment of a mobile crane according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a rear view of the mobile crane. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the ballast superstructure of a mobile crane according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a superstructure and superstructure ballast according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of an energy generation module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a schematic diagram of an energy generation module according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an overall embodiment of a mobile crane 10 according to the present invention. The mobile crane 10 comprises two crawler chassis 13 and a lower traveling body 12 that is supported on the lower traveling body 12 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis and has a single superstructure 14 including a boom system and superstructure ballast 20.

[0044] The boom system comprises a boom 16 (here, a main boom with an adjustable fly boom), which is articulately swingable (or lubricably lubricated) to the superstructure 14 and swings via a derrick boom 17 and a guiding frame (A-frame 18). The derrick boom 17, preferably the A-frame 18, is also supported in the superstructure 14 so as to be swingable about a horizontal axis and swingable within the same luffing plane. The components of the boom system are connected in a partially adjustable manner via an integrated guiding system within the boom plane. Furthermore, at least the boom 16 and the derrick boom 17 are tensible elements. This means that the luffing planes of these elements are held free in their entire width from the other components of the mobile crane 10.

[0045] Figure 2 is a rear view of the mobile crane 10, i.e., a view from the rear. The superstructure ballast 20 is located in the rear region or rear of the superstructure 14 and is positioned on the side of the luffing surface of the boom system. It comprises two ballast stacks 22, 23, each having a rectangular footprint and comprising multiple plate-shaped ballast elements, i.e., ballast plates. The ballast stacks 22, 23 are positioned here so that they are completely outside the moving area of ​​the boom system components. This can be easily seen in the rear view of Figure 2, where the A-frame 18 and boom 16 of the derrick boom 17 have substantially the same width and therefore have a constant overall width. Here, the minimum distance between the ballast stacks 22, 23 is greater than this overall width. In other words, the A-frame 18, derrick boom 17 and boom 16 can move freely without colliding with the ballast stacks 22, 23. Therefore, the ballast stacks 22, 23 do not obstruct the movement of the boom system.

[0046] The ballast stacks 22 and 23 are positioned on ballast mounts connected to a frame structure projecting from the rear of the superstructure 14. Furthermore, the superstructure 14 houses a number of crane actuators, such as hoisting winches and / or gaining winches. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the derrick boom 17 is additionally connected to a separate derrick ballast 21, separate from the superstructure 14, but this is not important to the present invention.

[0047] Since the boom system always has only one degree of freedom, the height of the stacked ballast plates 24 is of little relevance. In any case, that space must be kept free by the rotation of the superstructure 14 together with the boom system, and the rotational movement always occurs together with the boom system.

[0048] The mobile crane 10 is driven according to the present invention via at least one electric motor supplied with energy or power by an energy generation module 30. The energy generation module 30 is preferably stacked on or attached to stacked ballast plates 24, preferably as the end of ballast stacks 22, 23. Thus, the energy generation module 30 acts as a normal ballast weight, i.e., it is part of the superstructure ballast 20, and therefore its spatial extent or height is not important. This is also true of its weight, as it functions as a ballast weight and is required as a counterweight in any case. The energy generation module 30 can also be naturally introduced below the ballast plates 24 or in the middle of the ballast stacks 22, 23. This would reduce the distance of the superstructure 14 from the steel structure where the electric motor is housed. However, the overall center of gravity of the superstructure ballast 20, i.e. the overall center of gravity of the mobile crane 10, would be raised as a result.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the superstructure ballast 20, which has two lateral ballast stacks 22, 23, where energy generation modules 30 are provided, with one module 30 of each of these modules positioned on one of the ballast stacks 22, 23. One or more electric motors are positioned within the frame structure of the superstructure 14 in the embodiment shown herein and connected to each module 30 via electrical lines, not shown, such as power cables. The path that electrical energy must cover on the line is very short due to the arrangement of the energy generation modules 30. This can be done very simply for each module 30, for example, via power cables extending over plug-in connections between the energy generation modules 30 and the steel structure of the superstructure 14. Line losses are small. Depending on space requirements, the power cables can be stored within the energy generation modules 30 or within the steel structure during transport. Alternatively, they can be transported separately.

[0050] Another embodiment is shown in Figure 4, in which one or more electric motors are not located within the frame structure of the superstructure 14, but are located outside the superstructure 14 in a drive module 31 that can be laterally fastened. The drive module 31 may also include secondary components of the electric motor, such as cooling.

[0051] The ballast plate 24 has an installation area that conforms to standard container dimensions in all embodiments shown herein. The energy generation module 30 has the same installation area and is preferably sized by a corresponding height that conforms perfectly to standard container dimensions. This allows the energy generation module 30 to be transported together with commercially available containers. The height of the ballast plate 24 can be sized such that a certain number of ballast elements 24 stacked on top of each other generate the height of the energy generation module 30.

[0052] All ballast plates 24 and energy generation modules 30 preferably have standardized container connector means or connecting means, and can therefore be connected and locked to each other in known ways. This allows ballast stacks 22,23 to be configured or assembled simply and quickly with a certain number of ballast elements 24 and modules 30, and in a certain arrangement (energy generation modules 30 at the top, bottom, or center of the ballast stacks 22,23). The energy generation modules 30 and ballast plates 24 cannot slip due to the connecting means. This connecting means is a torsion lock container, which is conventionally used with standard containers, and is therefore securely fixed to the ballast stacks 22,23.

[0053] Two different embodiments of the energy generation module 30 are shown in Figures 5 and 6, with their internal structures schematically illustrated. The energy generation module 30 according to Figure 5 has a power generation means 32 that can generate power and make it available for use in an electric motor. The power generation means may be a fuel cell (or a stack of one or more fuel cells) that generates power by supplying a fuel such as hydrogen. Alternatively, the power generation means 32 may comprise an internal combustion engine having a generator connected downstream.

[0054] In addition to the power generation means 32, preferably, a battery 34 is provided that can be charged via a charging connector located in the housing of the energy generation module 30. The battery 34 can store energy generated by the power generation means 32 and supply it to the electric motor as needed (for example, during the build-up time of the fuel cell or after it has been switched off to maintain power). However, the connection between the power generation means 32 and the battery 34 is not absolutely necessary.

[0055] The energy generation module 30 further comprises a control unit 36 ​​that can control and / or regulate the supply of energy generated by the power generation means 32 and / or stored in the battery 34 to the electric motor. Power electronics can be provided here. All these components are combined together within the energy generation module 30. The power generation means 32 (provided with the respective fuels in the case of a fuel cell and an internal combustion engine) is supplied via tanks located outside the energy generation module 30 (not shown herein) and which may be located in tank modules situated in or within the ballast stacks 22, 23.

[0056] The tank module preferably has the same dimensions and connection means as the energy generation module 30. Ideally, the energy generation module 30 and the tank module are directly connected to each other or placed adjacent to each other to avoid lengthening and interfering with their respective fuel lines. Therefore, a tank connector corresponding to the container cover of module 30 can be provided, and this connector can be interconnected directly or via short line components.

[0057] Two modules 30 on a single ballast stack 22, 23 are also conceivable. In this case, one module 30 can be designed as an energy generation module and the other module 30 as a fuel storage module. In this case, the two are connected via corresponding lines.

[0058] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, the tank 38 for supplying the power generation means 32 is similarly integrated within the energy generation module 30. However, one or more tank modules may be provided to increase the available fuel or total fuel capacity.

[0059] Alternatively, the control or power electronics for controlling / regulating the power supply to the electric motor can also be housed in a separate control module that can be equally mounted on the ballast stacks 22, 23. Similarly, the battery 34 (or additional battery) can be located in a separate battery module.

[0060] However, all essential components of the energy generation module 30, such as the energy storage / battery 34, the energy generation module 30, and optional secondary elements such as a unit for cooling the fuel cell via a fan, temperature control, dehumidification, and sulfur extraction, are housed within a single housing / container. The entire energy generation module 30 can be considered a power supply means that functions as a power source for an unlimited lifespan at a defined maximum level.

[0061] The mobile crane 10 according to the present invention preferably has at least one energy generation module 30 having a fuel cell, and may also have a further energy generation module 30 which may be an internal combustion engine having either a fuel cell and / or a generator. It is advantageous to have at least two electric motors. Thus, redundancy exists and, in principle, emergency operation can be maintained.

[0062] The module housings (i.e., the energy generation module 30, the tank module, and / or the battery module) can be standard containers. Multiple modules can also be arranged vertically for flexible height.

[0063] In the classic drive system of a mobile crane via an internal combustion engine, the continuously supplied power is, in most cases, not needed at all. The internal combustion engine operates in idle mode for much of the time. In the solution according to the present invention, which uses an energy generation module 30 having a fuel cell, the fuel cell or at least multiple interconnected fuel cells can be switched off when not needed. Herein lies a substantial energy saving potential.

[0064] The control device 36 can take over power management. A short-term energy storage device (e.g., battery 34 or a separate battery module) can also be integrated into this power management. Energy requirements of the mobile crane 10 during idling, such as delays for cooling the fuel cell, lighting, sensor operation, control, and air conditioning, can be considered in this regard. Short-term energy storage that can directly control the crane functions (without going through an electric motor) could also be considered.

[0065] Fuel cells have a start-up time, which generally amounts to several seconds (e.g., about 5 seconds). If the crane operator inputs a request for the crane actuator, it can already begin moving at this point. This may, optionally, be powered by the sum of electrical energy from an already operating fuel cell and a short-term energy storage circuit.

[0066] The mobile crane may be available or configurable with different drive systems. Selectable operating modes may be conventional and / or electric. The energy generation module 30 (and other possible modules) can be attached to the ballast layers 22, 23 without issue, as can the electrical connections to the electric motors.

[0067] The water produced during the use of the fuel cell is perfectly pure. Therefore, it can be evaporated at the deployment site. This can also be done on the floor of the deployment site. The function of the mobile crane 10 is the same as that of known ones with conventional drive systems. In particular, there is no cable connecting the mobile crane 10 to the main power supply at the deployment site.

[0068] Each fuel tank is preferably cylindrical in shape to better withstand pressures of several hundred bar (e.g., about 700 bar).

[0069] - Observation or estimation of possible space requirements for fuel cell fuel - The energy contained in the diesel tank is considered to be 1. If this energy is stored in a battery, approximately 25 times the space (volume) is required. For hydrogen, approximately 16 times the space must be provided. The energy generation module 30 is 5.898 × ​​2.352 × 2.390 m 3 A 20-foot container with an internal dimension of 33.1m can be used. However, a cylindrical tank housed within such a container can hold a maximum of 22,000 liters of diesel fuel, which is approximately 22m², equivalent to 22,000 liters / 16 = 1,377 liters. 3Only one can be used. Therefore, three modules are also conceivable, one of which forms the energy generation module 30 and the other two form the tank modules.

[0070] If the tank modules are mounted or introduced on top of the ballast stacks 22, 23, rapid refueling will also be possible through the replacement of all tank modules. The connections can be designed using components that are already known and tested. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10 Mobile Cranes 12 Lower running body 14 Superstructure 16 Boom 17 Derrick Boom 18 Guyframe 20 Superstructure ballast 21 Derrick ballast 22 Ballast Laminate 23 Ballast Laminate 24 ballast elements 30 Energy Generation Modules 31 Drive Module 32 power generation units 34 batteries 36 Control Unit 38 tanks

Claims

1. A drivable lower traveling body (12), An upper structure (14) is rotatably supported on the lower traveling body (12), It has an electric motor for driving a mobile crane (10), The aforementioned superstructure (14) A boom (16) that is pivotable around a horizontal axis and positioned at the front of the superstructure, The superstructure ballast (20) is located at the rear of the superstructure and has at least one ballast stack (22, 23) of one or more ballast elements (24). The electrical energy to drive the electric motor can be supplied by at least one energy generation module (30) that can be attached to the ballast stack (22, 23). A mobile crane (10) characterized by the following.

2. The ballast stacks (22, 23) and the energy generation module (30) are positioned laterally outside the outer contour of the boom system when viewed from the rear side of the superstructure. The superstructure ballast (20) comprises two ballast stacks (22, 23) positioned on both sides of the outer contour of the boom system in the lateral direction. The mobile crane (10) according to feature 1.

3. The energy generation module (30) is equipped with a fuel cell. A fuel cell tank (38) is provided to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell. The fuel cell tank (38) is located within the same or another energy generation module (30), or within a tank module that can be attached to the ballast stack (22, 23). A mobile crane (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that...

4. A rechargeable battery is provided by means capable of supplying energy generated by at least one of an energy generation module and an electric motor as energy, The battery (34) is located within the same or another energy generation module, or within a battery module that can be attached to the ballast stack. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. The energy generation module, Internal combustion engines and The system comprises a generator that can be driven by the internal combustion engine to generate energy for the electric motor, A fuel tank (38) for supplying fuel to the internal combustion engine is located within the same or another energy generation module, or within a tank module that can be attached to the ballast stack. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

6. At least one of the energy generation module (30), tank module, and battery module has a connecting element for a detachable connection to at least one of the ballast element (24) and another module, and is configurable on top of or within the ballast stack (22, 23). A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

7. All modules and all ballast elements (24) have the same connection means. They satisfy at least one of the following conditions: they can be stacked on top of each other in any desired order, and they have the same footprint. A mobile crane (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it is a mobile crane (10).

8. At least one of the energy generation module (30) and the battery module (34) is connected to or connectable to the electric motor via an electrical line. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

9. The electrical line includes a power cable that can be connected to at least one of the energy supply connection parts of the superstructure (14) and each module (30), The electrical lines are arranged in or within the ballast elements (24) positioned between each module (30) and the superstructure (14), and at least one of the following is true: the line portions of each ballast element (24) are electrically connected to one another by electrical contacts. A mobile crane (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that it is a mobile crane (10).

10. The energy generation module (30) A power generation unit (32) that supplies power to the electric motor, A control unit (36) for controlling or adjusting the power supply to the electric motor, Energy storage devices (34, 38) connected to the power generation unit (32), It comprises an air conditioning system that performs at least one of cooling, heating, and ventilation. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that

11. A hydraulic circuit is provided that has a hydraulic pump that can be driven by the aforementioned electric motor. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that

12. The electric motor is positioned within the frame structure of the superstructure (14) or outside the superstructure (14) in a drive module (31) that is detachably connected to the superstructure (14). A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that

13. At least two electric motors that drive the mobile crane (10) are provided to be able to receive energy from a common and / or separate energy generation module (30), The two electric motors are used to drive the mobile crane (10) together. Alternatively, the mobile crane (10) may be driven by one of the two electric motors, with the other electric motor functioning as a replacement motor. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that

14. The boom system comprises at least one of a derrick boom (17) and a guiding frame (18) that can swing within the luffing plane of the boom (16). The energy generation module (30) is positioned so as to be completely outside the swinging region of the boom system. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that

15. At least one of the energy generation module (30) and the ballast element (24) has container dimensions, The containers can be removably connected to each other by torsion lock connectors, which are the container connection elements. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that

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