CN114929612A

CN114929612A - Mobile heavy duty crane system

Info

Publication number: CN114929612A
Application number: CN202080092154.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·鲁登伯格; A·范德林德
Original assignee: Itrec BV
Current assignee: Huisman Equipment BV
Priority date: 2020-01-06
Filing date: 2020-12-18
Publication date: 2022-08-19
Also published as: EP4087809A1; WO2021140011A1; NL2024610B1

Abstract

A mobile heavy duty crane system comprising a crane (1) and a rail arrangement configured to be mounted on the ground and comprising: -a circular swing track assembly (100) extending at least one arc of swing around a center of swing and comprising at least a pair of concentric first and second swing tracks, -a linear crane track assembly (120).

Description

Mobile heavy duty crane system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of mobile heavy duty crane systems.

Background

In the field of mobile heavy duty crane systems, systems are known, for example as disclosed in WO2010/121134, WO 2019/050405. One example of a mobile heavy duty crane system is the SK10,000 crane system developed by ALE corporation.

Generally, a mobile heavy-duty crane system is composed of a crane including:

a crane carriage comprising a base and a rail engaging member configured to engage with a respective rail of a crane rail assembly,

a main crane, which pivots relative to the base of the crane carriage about a main crane pivot axis and has a main crane tip,

a rear tower which pivots relative to the base of the crane carriage about a rear tower pivot axis and has a rear tower tip,

an adjustable length device between the rear tower and the main spreader,

-a counterweight suspended on the rear tower,

-a track arrangement configured to be mounted on the ground and comprising a circular revolving track assembly extending around a centre of revolution for at least a section of an arc of revolution, the track arrangement comprising at least a pair of concentric first and second revolving tracks.

Cranes are very large and are often assembled at the site of the lifting operation, e.g. at a refinery, power plant, etc. Typically, the main pylon and the rear pylon are each assembled from modules. The track assembly typically includes a load distribution plate on which the track is mounted to distribute the load according to sustainable ground pressure.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to a mobile heavy duty crane system having enhanced versatility and/or enhanced operating efficiency.

The present invention provides a mobile heavy duty crane system according to claim 1. Herein, the design of the crane carriage in combination with the design of the rail means allows for the operation of the crane to move on the linear rail assembly to a transfer position in which the rail engaging members of the first and second rotating undercarriage are each arranged at an engagement portion of the rail means, wherein the rail engaging members are aligned with the respective circular swing rail, thereby enabling the crane to perform a swing movement around a swing center when supported on the swing rail assembly.

In practice, this may allow to place the swing rail assembly at the site where the actual lifting operation of e.g. a refinery tower is to be performed. Typically, at such sites, there is limited or insufficient space available for assembly of the crane, which typically requires assembly of the main spreader horizontally on the ground before bringing the assembled main spreader (and any booms present) to the elevated position. In practice, the length of the main spreader (possibly with cantilever) may exceed 100 meters. The system of the invention enables a linear crane rail to be extended from the slewing rail assembly to a distal position where there is sufficiently clean ground space for crane assembly, including for example horizontal assembly of a main spreader (possibly with a boom). After assembly, the crane can then be moved on the linear crane rail to the swing rail with the main spreader raised.

Due to the provision of the engagement portion and the pivoting function of the plurality of sets of one or more rail engaging members (e.g. one or more skid members), these rail engaging members may be aligned with the respective circular swing rails, thereby enabling the crane to perform a swing movement about a swing centre when supported on the swing rail assembly. The pivoting may be performed by an actuator, for example a hydraulic actuator, which may be integrated with the carriage, but which may also be implemented as a separate tool for this purpose.

The swivel function of the undercarriage of the carriage allows for a width difference between the linear crane track and the swing track. The swivel function may also allow for other configurations of mobile heavy-duty crane systems, as disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the rail apparatus further comprises a linear counterweight rail assembly configured to be arranged parallel to the linear crane rail assembly, preferably extending to the centre of gyration, wherein the counterweight is configured to move on the linear counterweight rail assembly, for example in line with a crane carriage of a crane moving on the linear rail assembly to the transfer position. The counterweight may thus contribute to keeping the main spreader and possibly the boom in a raised position when travelling on the linear crane rail to the transfer position. For example, during lifting work performed using a crane, the counterweight body is located at or near the center of gyration. The provision of a linear counterweight track assembly enables the assembly of the counterweight at a location remote from the return track, for example, thereby also avoiding restrictions relating to the location where the actual lifting operation is to be performed. In embodiments, the linear counterweight track assembly intersects a circular rotating track assembly, such as an end of the semicircular rotating track assembly.

In an embodiment, the counterweight is configured to be arranged at a centre of gyration when performing the lifting operation, wherein a swivel is provided between the counterweight and the rear tower.

In an embodiment, the crane has a main hoist assembly comprising at least one main hoist load connector (e.g., crane hook), a main hoist cable and a main hoist winch, wherein the main hoist winch is mounted on the crane base.

In an embodiment, the swing rail arrangement has a first swing rail and a second swing rail, wherein the first and second linear crane rails intersect the first swing rail and the second swing rail, respectively, at two junctions.

In an embodiment, the circular turnaround track comprises concentric first, second and third turnaround tracks, wherein the crane track has parallel first and second linear crane tracks, wherein the first crane track intersects the first and second turnaround tracks at least one joint, and wherein the second linear crane track intersects the second and third turnaround tracks at least one joint, such that in operation the crane is movable on the linear track assembly to a transfer position in which the track engagement members of the first and second rotating undercarriages are each arranged at a joint of the track arrangement, wherein the track engagement members are aligned with the respective circular turnaround tracks such that a set of track engagement members of the first rotating undercarriage engages on the first turnaround track, The other set of engagement members of the first rotating chassis is engaged on the second swing track and such that one set of track engagement members of the second rotating chassis is engaged on the second swing track and the other set of engagement members of the second rotating chassis is engaged on the third swing track, thereby enabling the crane to perform a swing movement about a swing center while supported on the swing track assembly.

In an embodiment, the weight carriage includes a plurality of sets of one or more rail engagement members, such as one or more slide members, each set of rail engagement members configured to engage with a respective rail of the weight rail assembly, wherein each rail engagement member pivots about a respective vertical pivot axis, the linear weight rail assembly intersecting the circular turnaround rail assembly at an interface such that, in operation, the weights are movable to a transfer position in which the rail engagement members of the weight carriage are each disposed at the interface, wherein the rail engagement members are aligned with the respective circular weight rail.

The present invention also provides a dual mobile heavy duty crane system including two cranes, and a track set configured to be installed on the ground to support the two cranes. Herein, each of the two cranes includes:

a crane carriage comprising a base, a first rotating undercarriage and a second rotating undercarriage adapted to support the base, each undercarriage rotating relative to the base about a respective first vertical undercarriage rotation axis and second vertical undercarriage rotation axis,

wherein each undercarriage has a set of one or more rail engaging members, such as skid members, at opposite sides of the respective axis of rotation, each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of the crane rail assembly, wherein each rail engaging member pivots relative to the respective undercarriage about a respective vertical pivot axis.

The track arrangement comprises a circular revolving track assembly extending around a centre of revolution for at least a section of an arc of revolution, wherein the circular revolving track comprises at least a concentric first, second and third revolving track, wherein the second track is intermediate the first and third track, and wherein the crane base is configured such that one set of track engaging members of the first rotating chassis engages on the first revolving track and another set of engaging members of the first rotating chassis engages on the second revolving track, and wherein the crane base is configured such that one set of track engaging members of the second rotating chassis engages on the second revolving track and another set of engaging members of the second rotating chassis engages on the third revolving track.

This double crane arrangement allows to perform lifting jobs in which two cranes are used to handle the load. Since the two cranes are located on at least the first, second and third concentric swing tracks, the ground pressure is relatively limited.

In a practical advantageous embodiment, the main crane pivot axes of the two cranes are aligned with each other in at least one relative position of the cranes with respect to each other on the circular swivel track. This enables, for example, the main spreaders of two cranes to perform the same and synchronized lifting movement.

In an embodiment, the rail apparatus further comprises a circular counterweight rail assembly configured to be arranged concentrically with the crane rail assembly and to extend around the centre of gyration, wherein each counterweight is configured to move on the circular rectilinear counterweight rail assembly, for example in line with a crane base of a crane moving on the slewing rail assembly during a crane slew.

In an embodiment, the counterweight body carrier includes a plurality of sets of one or more rail-engaging members, such as one or more slide members, each set of rail-engaging members configured to engage with a respective rail of the counterweight body rail assembly, wherein each rail-engaging member pivots about a respective vertical pivot axis,

wherein the linear weight body rail assembly intersects the circular swing rail assembly at a junction such that, in operation, the weight body is movable to a transfer position in which the rail engaging members of the weight body carrier are each disposed at the junction, with the rail engaging members aligned with the respective circular weight body rails.

It is to be understood that the crane and/or counterweight design as described in connection with the double crane system may also be used in case a straight crane rail as discussed above is provided, and vice versa.

The invention also relates to a dual mobile heavy duty crane system comprising two cranes and two track sets, each track set being configured to be mounted on the ground to support one of the two cranes, wherein each of the two cranes comprises:

a crane carriage comprising a base, a first rotating chassis and a second rotating chassis adapted to support the base, each chassis being rotatable relative to the base about a respective first vertical chassis rotation axis and second vertical chassis rotation axis,

wherein each undercarriage has a set of one or more rail engaging members, such as skid members, at opposite sides of the respective axis of rotation, each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of the crane rail assembly, wherein each rail engaging member pivots relative to the respective undercarriage about a respective vertical pivot axis,

a main crane pivotable about a main crane pivot axis relative to the base of the crane carriage and having a main crane tip,

a rear tower pivotable relative to the base of the crane carriage about a rear tower pivot axis and having a rear tower tip,

an adjustable length device between the rear tower and the main spreader,

-a counterweight suspended on the rear tower,

wherein each track set is configured to be mounted on the ground and comprises:

-circular swivel track assemblies extending around a centre of swivel for at least one arc of swivel, wherein the circular swivel track assemblies are spaced apart.

The invention also relates to a mobile heavy-duty crane system comprising:

-a crane, comprising:

an adjustable length device between the rear tower and the main spreader,

-a counterweight suspended on the rear tower,

-a rail arrangement configured to be mounted on the ground and comprising:

a circular revolving track assembly extending around a centre of revolution over at least one arc of revolution,

and includes at least a pair of concentric first and second turnaround tracks.

The invention also relates to a method for lifting a load, wherein a crane system as described herein is used.

The invention also relates to a method for installing a crane system as described herein at a hoisting site for hoisting a load, wherein the method comprises:

-installing a circular revolving track assembly at the lifting site,

-installing a linear crane rail assembly extending from the lifting site to a crane assembly site,

assembling the crane at an assembly site, for example comprising assembling the main spreader in a horizontal direction and raising the assembled main spreader to a raised position,

-moving the assembled crane on the linear crane rail assembly to a transfer position in which the rail engaging members of the first and second rotating chassis are each arranged at the joint of the rail arrangement, aligning the rail engaging members with the respective circular swing rail, thereby enabling the crane to perform a swing movement about a swing centre while supported on the swing rail assembly.

The invention also relates to a mobile heavy-duty crane comprising:

a crane carriage comprising a base, a first rotating undercarriage and a second rotating undercarriage arranged and configured to support the base thereon, each undercarriage being rotatable relative to the base about a respective first vertical undercarriage rotation axis and second vertical undercarriage rotation axis,

wherein each undercarriage has a set of one or more rail engaging members, such as one or more skid members, at opposite sides of the respective axis of rotation, each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of the crane rail assembly, wherein each rail engaging member pivots relative to the respective undercarriage about a respective vertical pivot axis,

an adjustable length device between the rear tower and the main spreader,

-a counterweight suspended on the rear tower.

The second aspect of the invention also relates to such a mobile heavy duty crane system comprising:

-a crane, comprising:

a crane carriage comprising a base, a first undercarriage and a second undercarriage arranged and configured to support the base thereon, e.g. each undercarriage is rotatable relative to the base about a respective first vertical undercarriage rotation axis and second vertical undercarriage rotation axis,

a main crane pivotable relative to the base of the crane carriage about a main crane pivot axis and having a main crane tip,

an adjustable length device between the rear tower and the main spreader,

-a counterweight suspended on the rear tower,

-a rail arrangement configured to be mounted on the ground and comprising:

a circular revolving track assembly extending around a centre of revolution for at least one arc of revolution and comprising at least a pair of concentric first and second revolving tracks,

-a linear crane rail assembly comprising at least a first and a second linear crane rail in parallel pairs,

wherein the rail arrangement is embodied such that the linear rail assembly intersects the circular swing rail assembly, each linear crane rail intersecting at a joint of the rail arrangement with at least one circular swing rail, such that in operation the crane is movable on the linear rail assembly to a transfer position in which the rail-engaging members of the first and second rotating undercarriage are each arranged at the joint of the rail arrangement, wherein the rail-engaging members are aligned with the respective circular swing rail, such that the crane is capable of performing a swing movement about a swing center when supported on the swing rail assembly.

Preferably, each chassis is embodied to rotate relative to the base about a respective first vertical chassis rotation axis and second vertical chassis rotation axis, respectively. However, in embodiments, the first chassis and the second chassis cannot rotate relative to the base of the carriage. It will be appreciated that this limits the versatility of the crane system, but that this embodiment is still more versatile than existing heavy duty crane systems.

It will be appreciated that the crane system of the second aspect may include one or more of the features discussed herein, for example as set out in the appended claims.

Drawings

The invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows an example of a mobile heavy-duty crane system according to the invention, wherein the crane is arranged on a circular revolving track assembly,

figure 2 shows the crane of figure 1 from a different angle,

fig. 3a shows a plan view of the crane system of fig. 1, with the crane in a position on the linear crane rail and in a transfer position,

figure 3b shows aligning a plurality of sets of rail engaging members with a swing rail,

figure 3c shows an embodiment of an actuator for aligning a plurality of sets of track engaging members with a swing track,

figure 4 shows in plan view the carriage of the crane of figure 1 when on a straight crane rail,

figure 5 shows in plan view the carriage of the crane of figure 1 when on a circular revolving track,

figure 6 shows a part of the crane of figure 1 in a front view,

figure 7 shows lifting and lowering a load using the crane system of figure 1,

figure 8 shows the situation of figure 7 from a different angle,

fig. 9 shows the lifting of fig. 7 in a schematic side view, with enlarged details showing a possible embodiment of the modules of the main spreader,

figure 10 shows in plan a variant of the crane system of figure 1,

figure 11a shows a possible embodiment of a die set of a main spreader assembly for forming a section of a leg of a main spreader,

figure 11b shows the module of the embodiment of figure 11a,

figure 12 shows the module of figure 11b transported by truck,

figure 13 shows the counterweight of the crane system of figure 1,

figure 14 shows a part of the crane system of figure 1,

figures 15a to 15i show step by step the assembly of the main spreader of the crane of figure 1,

figure 16 shows an example of a double mobile heavy crane system according to the invention, where two cranes are arranged on a three-track circular revolving track assembly,

figure 17 shows the crane system of figure 16 in plan view,

figure 18 shows the crane system of figure 16 from a different angle,

figure 19 shows a part of the crane system of figure 16 in a substantially front view,

figure 20 shows a part of the crane system of figure 16 in a substantially rear view,

fig. 21 shows the crane system of fig. 16 in a plan view, in a different swivel position than in fig. 17,

figure 22 schematically shows in plan view an example of a double mobile heavy crane system according to the invention with a three-rail circular revolving rail assembly and with a straight crane rail assembly, where two cranes are shown on the crane rail assembly,

fig. 23 shows the crane system of fig. 22, where the crane has been moved to the transfer position,

figures 24, 25 show the alignment of a plurality of sets of rail-engaging members of the crane of figures 22, 23 with respective circular revolving rails,

figure 26 shows the crane system of figure 22 in plan view during a lifting operation,

fig. 27 shows another example of a crane system according to the invention during lifting of a load, an

Figure 28 shows the crane system of figure 27 from a different angle.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 15 show an example of a mobile heavy duty crane system according to the invention. In fig. 1, a crane 1 is arranged on a circular revolving track assembly 50.

The crane 1 includes:

a crane carriage comprising a base 10, a first rotating undercarriage 11 and a second rotating undercarriage 12 arranged and configured to support the base 10 thereon, each

undercarriage

11, 12 being rotatable relative to the base about a respective first and second vertical

undercarriage rotation axis

13, 14, respectively,

wherein each

undercarriage

11, 12 has a set of one or more rail engaging members, such as one or

more skid members

15, 16, 17, 18, at opposite sides of the

respective rotation axis

13, 14, each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of a crane rail assembly, wherein each

rail engaging member

15, 16, 17, 18 pivots relative to the respective undercarriage about a respective

vertical pivot axis

15a, 16a, 17a, 18a,

a main crane 20 pivotable relative to the base 10 of the crane carriage about a main crane pivot axis 21 and having a main crane tip 22,

a rear tower 30 pivotable relative to the base 10 of the crane carriage about a rear tower pivot axis 31 and having a rear tower tip 32,

an adjustable length device 40 between the rear tower 30 and the main pylon 20,

a counterweight 50 suspended on the rear tower 30.

The crane system further comprises a rail arrangement configured to be mounted on the ground and comprising:

a circular orbit of revolution assembly 100 extending for at least one arc of revolution around a centre of revolution 101 and comprising at least pairs of concentric first and second orbit of

revolution

102, 103, and

a linear crane rail assembly 120 comprising at least pairs of parallel first and second linear crane rails 121, 122.

The rail arrangement is embodied such that the linear rail assembly 120 intersects the circular swing rail assembly 100, wherein each

linear crane rail

121, 122 intersects at least one circular swing rail at an

engagement

131, 132, 133, 134 of the rail arrangement, so that in operation the crane 1 can be moved on the linear rail assembly 120 into a transfer position in which the

rail engagement members

15, 16, 17, 18 of the first and second

rotating chassis

11, 12 are each arranged at the

engagement

131, 132, 133, 134 of the rail arrangement, wherein the rail engagement members are aligned with the respective

circular swing rail

102, 103, so that the crane 10 can perform a swing movement about the swing center 101 when supported on the swing rail assembly.

The rail arrangement further comprises a linear counterweight rail assembly 140, said linear counterweight rail assembly 140 being configured to be arranged parallel to the linear crane rail assembly 120, preferably extending to the centre of gyration 101, wherein the counterweight 50 comprises a counterweight carrier 51, said counterweight carrier 51 being configured to move on the linear counterweight rail assembly 140 in line with a crane carrier of the crane 1 moving on the linear counterweight rail assembly 120 to the transfer position.

The circular swivel track assembly 100 is semi-circular and extends on a half circle around the centre of swivel 101.

The linear counterweight track assembly 140 intersects the circular swivel track assembly 100 where it intersects the ends of the semicircular swivel track assembly.

The actual rails of the circular swing rail assembly 100, the linear crane rail assembly 120, the linear counterweight rail assembly 140, etc., may be disposed on a load distribution plate 70 placed on the ground, as is known in the art. For example, a strong steel plate 70 is used.

As is known in the art, the rails of the circular swing rail assembly 100, the linear crane rail assembly 120, the linear counterweight rail assembly 140, etc. may preferably be implemented for skidding. For example, the

rail engaging members

15, 16, 17, 18 are implemented as sliding members configured to slide on a sliding surface of the rail. For example, each rail comprises a sliding surface arranged between two sliding rails, wherein a sliding actuator may be engaged with one or both of said sliding rails and with the carriage to advance the crane or counterweight on the respective rail.

In another embodiment, the

rail engaging members

15, 16, 17, 18 are implemented as wheels configured to roll on a rolling surface of a rail similar to, for example, a railway rail.

Preferably, the weight body 50 is configured to be disposed in the gyration center 101 at the time of performing the elevating work. A swivel 52 is provided between the counterweight 50 and a connector 53 extending to the rear tower 30, as is known in the art.

The embodiment of fig. 1 provides for the slewing rail arrangement to have a first and a

second slewing rail

102, 103, wherein the first and the second

linear crane rail

121, 122 intersect the first and the second slewing rail at two junctions, respectively.

The crane 1 has a main hoist assembly comprising at least one main hoist load connector (e.g. crane hook 200), a main hoist cable 201 and a main hoist winch 202, wherein the main hoist winch is mounted on the crane base 10. As is known in the art, the crane 1 here has a plurality of main hoisting winches and associated main cables, all of which support a crane hook 200 in a multiple-windlass arrangement, said crane hook 200 having a hoisting capacity of, for example, over 1000 tons, for example in the example shown about 5000 tons.

For example, the crane 1 has a boom 25 as known in the art, said boom 25 being pivotally connected to the tip of the main spreader 20. The boom 25 is held in its desired orientation by a guy mechanism comprising a boom strut 26, a lower guy 27 and an upper guy 28. As is known in the art, the strut 26 is connected at its inner end to the tip of the main spreader, the lower stay 27 extends from the outer end of the strut 26 to the inner or lower end of the main spreader 20, and the upper stay extends from said outer end of the strut 26 to the tip of the cantilever arm 25, with the main hoist cable depending from the pulley assembly.

The main hanger 20 is preferably modular, and more preferably has one or two lattice legs, such as the A-frame shown here.

The rear tower 30 is preferably modular, more preferably having one or two lattice legs, such as the A-frame shown here.

The counterweight 50 may consist of a steel element arranged in a support, which is supported on a carriage 51.

Fig. 1 and 2 show that the counterweight carrier 50 remains on the linear counterweight rail assembly 140 even though the crane 1 has moved onto the swing rail. The swivel 52 then enables the crane 1 to perform a swiveling movement about the swivel centre 101.

The crane system shown in fig. 1 and 2 can be installed in a lift yard so that the load can be lifted and lowered using the following method:

installing a circular revolving track assembly 100 at the lifting site,

installing a linear crane rail assembly 120, the linear crane rail assembly 120 extending from the lifting site to a crane assembly site,

assembling the crane 1 at an assembly site, for example comprising assembling the main spreader in a horizontal direction and raising the assembled main spreader to a raised position (see e.g. fig. 15a to 15i),

moving the assembled crane 1 on the linear crane rail assembly 120 to a transfer position in which the

rail engaging members

15, 16, 17, 18 of the first and second rotating chassis are each arranged at the

joints

131, 132, 133, 134 of the rail arrangement, aligning the rail engaging members with the respective circular swing rails, thereby enabling the crane to perform a swing motion about a swing center while supported on the swing rail assembly.

Fig. 3a to 3c show the above method, where the crane 1 is assembled at site a and then moved on the rails 120 to the transfer position shown in fig. 3 a. Here, the

rail engaging members

15, 16, 17, 18 are moved out of alignment with the rail 120 and into alignment with the rail 100. This can be done quite easily, in particular for the sliding

type members

15, 16, 17, 18, since the joints actually need only branch points on the slide rail and extended sliding surfaces at the joints to enable the

members

15, 16, 17, 18 to be realigned. Due to the load, e.g. due to the weight of the crane, during this alignment the actuator 170 is arranged to perform a pivoting movement (see fig. 3 c). Preferably, a coasting actuator, such as a hydraulic coasting actuator 170, is used for this alignment. In an embodiment, the same actuator 170 is used to slide a crane or counterweight of the associated track.

Fig. 4 and 5 show that the crane 1 can be used not only in conjunction with a two-track linear crane assembly or a two-track swing track assembly, but also in conjunction with a three-track swing track assembly, the use of the crane 1 in conjunction with which is discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 16-26. This is due in particular to the combination of the rotating function of the

undercarriage

11, 12 of the carriage on which the crane 1 is arranged and the pivoting function of the

members

15, 16, 17, 18.

In fig. 5 it is shown that the circular revolving track assembly 100 is a three-track with concentric circular first 101, second 102 and third 103 revolving tracks.

The carriage is able to position the crane 1 on the swing rails such that one set of rail engaging members 15 of the first rotating undercarriage 11 engages on the first swing rail 101, another set of engaging members 16 of the first rotating undercarriage 11 engages on the second swing rail 102, and one set of rail engaging members 17 of the second rotating undercarriage 12 engages on the second swing rail 102 and another set of engaging members 18 of the second rotating undercarriage 12 engages on the third swing rail 103. This enables the crane to perform a slewing motion about the slewing center 101 while supported on the slewing rail assembly. The load is spread more evenly than if the crane was supported on only two slewing rails.

Fig. 7 to 9 show the lifting of a load, such as a column of a refinery or other chemical plant.

Fig. 10 shows a variant in which the other straight crane rail 160 adjoins as an extension thereof a circular revolving rail at an angle to the crane rail 120, for example, perpendicular to the crane rail 120 as shown here.

Fig. 10 shows another linear counterweight rail 145 extending from the center of gyration 101 parallel to another linear crane rail 160, at an angle relative to the rail 140, e.g., perpendicular to the rail 140 as shown herein.

Fig. 11a, 11b and 12 show a possible embodiment of a module 300 of legs of the main spreader 20. Each module 300 forms half of a section of a leg and has two

longitudinal chords

301, 302 interconnected by a lattice web 303 in one plane (preferably the top or bottom plane of the module). The side planes of the modules are formed by

diagonal trusses

304, 305 that are serrated on the respective chords. The trusses abut in pairs at connection points 306 remote from the chords. The attachment points 306 are provided with tabs that enable two modules to be engaged through their attachment points 306, for example by providing pins or bolts that pass through aligned holes in the tabs as shown herein.

For example, one module 300 may be transported on the trailer of a truck.

Fig. 13 shows a counterweight 50 and an associated carriage 51, the carriage 51 having a base 51a and four sets of one or more

rail engaging members

55, 56, 57, 58, e.g., one or more slide members. Each set of rail engaging members is configured to engage with a respective rail of the counterweight body rail assembly, and each rail engaging member pivots relative to the base 51a about a respective vertical pivot axis 55a, 56a, 57a, 58 a.

Fig. 15a to 15i show the horizontal assembly of the main spreader 20 and the jib 25 of the crane 1 at an assembly site at a location remote from the swing rail 100 (e.g. at the end of the rail 120).

A conventional road transport mobile telescopic crane 400 is used to carry the modules 300 of the spreader 25, as well as the modules of the boom 25 and other components such as the boom guy mechanism of the boom during assembly of the spreader 25.

The carriage of the crane 1 is placed (e.g. assembled from parts) on a rail 120 at the assembly site, and the main spreader 25 is then built horizontally from the carriage towards the tip of the main spreader. The boom 25 and associated guy wire mechanism are then assembled.

Fig. 15f shows the assembly of the rear tower 30, again from the module using the mobile crane 400. Preferably, the rear tower 30 is also assembled in a horizontal direction.

Fig. 15g to 15i show further assembly of the crane 1. An adjustable length assembly 40 (also referred to as a pitch assembly) is provided between the tip of the rear tower 30 and the tip of the main pylon 20, for example comprising a winch-operated cable assembly 41 and a pendant 42 at the tip of the pylon 20.

As shown in fig. 15g, the counterweight body 50 may still be assembled slightly offset from the rear tower in the horizontal direction.

Once the main components of the main pylon 20, rear pylon 30, assembly 40, main lift, etc. are assembled, the rear pylon 30 is first raised and connected to a counterweight 50 that is moved into position below the tip of the pylon 30. The assembly 40 is then used to bring the main spreader 20 and boom 25 into the raised position, for example to enable the crane hook 200 to be fitted first.

Fig. 16 shows a double mobile heavy duty crane system comprising two cranes 1 as discussed above and a track set configured to be mounted on the ground to support the two cranes 1.

The track set comprises a circular revolving track assembly extending around a centre of revolution for at least one arc of revolution, wherein the circular revolving track comprises at least a first 101, a second 102 and a third 103 revolving track which are concentric.

As discussed with reference to fig. 5, the crane base is configured such that one set of rail engagement members of the first rotating undercarriage engages on the first swing rail and another set of engagement members of the first rotating undercarriage engages on the second swing rail, and wherein the crane base is configured such that one set of rail engagement members of the second rotating undercarriage engages on the second swing rail and another set of engagement members of the second rotating undercarriage engages on the third swing rail.

The alignment of the main crane pivot axis 21 of the main cranes 20 of two cranes 1 in at least one relative position of the cranes 1 with respect to each other on the circular swivel track 100 is shown.

The track device also includes a circular counterweight body track assembly 180 extending about the swivel center 101, the circular counterweight body track assembly 180 configured to be disposed concentrically with the circular swivel track assembly 100. Each counterweight 50 is provided with a carriage 51, said carriage 51 being configured to move on the circular counterweight track assembly 180, for example in line with a crane base of the crane 1 moving on the swing track assembly 100 during crane swing.

Fig. 22 to 26 show that the triple-track swing track assembly 100 is equally suitable for use in conjunction with a crane track assembly 120 having parallel first and second linear crane tracks 121, 122, for example to enable assembly of the crane 1 away from the location of the swing track assembly 100.

As shown, the first crane track intersects the first and second turnaround tracks at least one joint and the second linear crane track intersects the second and third turnaround tracks at least one joint, such that in operation the cranes 1 are each movable on the linear track assembly to a transfer position in which the track engagement members of the first and second rotating chassis are each arranged at a joint of the track arrangement, wherein the track engagement members are aligned with the respective circular turnaround tracks such that one set of track engagement members of the first rotating chassis engages on the first turnaround track, the other set of engagement members of the first rotating chassis engages on the second turnaround track, and such that one set of track engagement members of the second rotating chassis engages on the second turnaround track, The other set of engagement members of the second rotating undercarriage engages on the third swing track, thereby enabling the crane to perform a swing motion about a swing center while supported on the swing track assembly.

Fig. 17, 28 show a double mobile heavy-duty crane system comprising two cranes 1 and two rail devices, each configured to be mounted on the ground to support one of the two cranes 1. The crane 1 is shown here without the jib 25.

Here, each track device is configured to be mounted on the ground and comprises circular swivel track assemblies 100 extending around a centre of swivel for at least one arc of swivel, wherein the circular swivel track assemblies are spaced apart, for example in the manner of semi-circular swivel tracks having a central area close to each other and end areas facing away from each other. The lifting of the load can then be done by two cranes 1 as shown herein.

Claims

1. A mobile heavy duty crane system comprising:

-a crane (1) comprising:

-a crane carriage comprising a base (10), a first and a second rotating chassis (11, 12) arranged and configured to support the base (10) thereon, each chassis (11, 12) being rotatable relative to the base about a respective first and second vertical chassis rotation axis (13, 14), respectively,

wherein each chassis has a set of one or more rail engaging members, such as one or more slide members (15, 16, 17, 18), at opposite sides of the respective axis of rotation (13, 14), each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of a crane rail assembly, wherein each rail engaging member (15, 16, 17, 18) pivots relative to the respective chassis about a respective vertical pivot axis (15a, 16a, 17a, 18a),

a main crane (20) which pivots relative to the base of the crane carriage about a main crane pivot axis (21) and has a main crane tip (22),

a rear tower (30) which pivots relative to the base (10) of the crane carriage about a rear tower pivot axis (31) and has a rear tower tip (32),

-an adjustable length device (40) between the rear tower (30) and the main pylon (20),

-a counterweight (50) suspended on the rear tower,

-a track arrangement configured to be mounted on the ground and comprising:

-a circular orbit of revolution assembly (100) extending at least one arc of revolution around a centre of revolution (101) and comprising at least pairs of concentric first and second orbit of revolution (102, 103),

-a linear crane rail assembly (120) comprising at least a pair of parallel first and second linear crane rails (121, 122),

wherein the rail arrangement is embodied such that a linear rail assembly (120) intersects a circular revolving rail assembly (100), each linear crane rail (121, 122) intersects at least one circular revolving rail at a joint (131, 132, 133, 134) of the rail arrangement, so that, in operation, the crane (1) can be moved on the linear track assembly (120) to the transfer position (figure 3b), in which the rail engaging members (15, 16, 17, 18) of the first and second rotating chassis (11, 12) are each arranged at an engaging portion (131, 132, 133, 134) of the rail arrangement, wherein the rail engaging members are alignable with the respective circular swing rails (102, 103) such that the crane is capable of performing a swing movement about a swing center (101) when supported on the swing rail assembly.

2. The mobile heavy lift crane system of claim 1 wherein the rail arrangement further comprises a linear counterweight rail assembly (140), the linear counterweight rail assembly (140) being configured to be arranged parallel to the linear crane rail assembly (120), preferably extending to a centre of gyration (101); wherein the counterweight (50) comprises a counterweight carrier (51), the counterweight carrier (51) being configured to move on the linear counterweight rail assembly (140), for example in line with a crane carrier of a crane (1) moving on the linear rail assembly (120) to a transfer position.

3. A mobile heavy duty crane system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the circular slew track assembly (100) is semi-circular and extends on a half circle around a slew centre (101).

4. A mobile heavy lift crane system according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the linear counterweight rail assembly (140) intersects a circular swing rail assembly (100), such as an end of the semicircular swing rail assembly.

5. The mobile heavy duty crane system of any one or more of claims 1-4, wherein the counterweight body (50) is configured to be arranged at a centre of gyration (101) when performing a lifting operation; a swivel (52) is arranged between the counterweight body and the rear pylon (30).

6. A mobile heavy duty crane system according to any one or more of claims 1-5, wherein the crane (1) has a main hoisting assembly comprising at least one main hoisting load connector, such as a crane hook (200), a main hoisting cable (201) and a main hoisting winch (202), wherein the main hoisting winch is mounted on a crane base (10).

7. The mobile heavy crane system according to any one or more of claims 1-6, wherein the swing rail arrangement has a first and a second swing rail (102, 103), the first and the second linear crane rail (121, 122) intersecting the first and the second swing rail, respectively, at two junctions.

8. The mobile heavy duty crane system of any one or more of claims 1 to 6 wherein the circular swing track assembly (100) comprises concentric first, second and third swing tracks (101, 102, 103), wherein the linear crane track assembly (120) has parallel first and second linear crane tracks (121, 122), wherein the first crane track (121) intersects the first swing track (101) and the second swing track (102) at least one junction, and wherein the second linear crane track (122) intersects the second and third swing tracks (102, 103) at least one junction,

so that in operation the crane (1) is movable on a linear crane rail assembly (120) to a transfer position in which the rail engaging members (15, 16, 17, 18) of the first and second rotating chassis (11, 12) are each arranged at a joint of the rail arrangement, wherein the rail engaging members are alignable with the respective circular turnaround rails (101, 102, 103) such that one set of rail engaging members (15) of the first rotating chassis (11) engages on the first turnaround rail (101), another set of rail engaging members (16) of the first rotating chassis (11) engages on the second turnaround rail (102), and such that one set of rail engaging members (17) of the second rotating chassis (12) engages on the second turnaround rail (102), another set of rail engaging members (18) of the second rotating chassis (12) engages on the third turnaround rail (103), thereby enabling the crane to perform a slewing motion about a slewing center (101) while supported on the slewing rail assembly (100).

9. The mobile heavy crane system according to claim 4, preferably also claim 8, wherein the rail arrangement further comprises a circular counterweight rail assembly (180), the circular counterweight rail assembly (180) being configured to be arranged concentrically with the circular swing rail assembly (100) and to extend around the center of swing (101), the carriage (51) being configured to move on the circular counterweight rail assembly (180), for example in line with a crane base (10) of a crane (1) moving on the swing rail assembly (100) during a crane swing,

wherein the weight carriage (51) comprises a plurality of sets of one or more rail engaging members (55, 56, 57, 58), such as one or more sliding members, each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of a linear weight rail assembly (140) and a circular weight rail assembly (180), wherein each rail engaging member (55, 56, 57, 58) of the weight carriage (51) pivots about a respective vertical pivot axis (55a, 56a, 57a, 58a),

wherein the linear weight rail assembly (140) intersects the circular weight rail assembly (180) at a junction such that, in operation, the weight (50) is movable to a transfer position in which rail engagement members (55, 56, 57, 58) of the weight carrier (51) are each arranged at the junction, wherein the rail engagement members are alignable with respective rails of the circular weight rail assembly (180).

10. A dual mobile heavy duty crane system comprising two cranes (1) and a track set configured to be mounted on the ground to support the two cranes,

wherein each of the two cranes (1) comprises:

-a crane carriage comprising a base (10), a first and a second rotating undercarriage (11, 12), the first and second rotating undercarriage (11, 12) being arranged and configured to support the base (10) thereon, each undercarriage being rotatable relative to the base about a respective first and second vertical undercarriage rotation axis (13, 14), respectively,

wherein each chassis has a set of one or more rail engaging members, such as skid members (15, 16, 17, 18), at opposite sides of the respective axis of rotation (13, 14), each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of the crane rail assembly, wherein each rail engaging member pivots relative to the respective chassis about a respective vertical pivot axis,

-a counterweight (50) suspended on the rear tower,

wherein the rail device comprises:

a circular orbit assembly (100) extending around a centre of revolution (100) for at least one arc of revolution,

wherein the circular revolving track assembly (100) comprises at least concentric first, second and third revolving tracks (101, 102, 103), wherein the second track (102) is intermediate the first track (101) and the third track (103), and wherein the crane base (10) is configured such that one set of rail engaging members (15) of the first rotating chassis (11) engages on the first swing rail (101) and another set of engaging members (16) of the first rotating chassis (11) engages on the second swing rail (102), and wherein the crane base (10) is configured such that one set of rail engaging members (17) of the second rotating chassis (12) engages on the second swing rail (102) and another set of engaging members (18) of the second rotating chassis (12) engages on the third swing rail (103).

11. The dual mobile heavy crane system according to claim 10, wherein the main crane pivot axis (21) of the crane (1) is aligned in at least one relative position of the crane with respect to each other on a circular swing rail assembly (100).

12. The dual mobile heavy crane system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the rail arrangement further comprises a circular counterweight body rail assembly (180), the circular counterweight body rail assembly (180) being configured to be arranged concentrically with the circular revolving rail assembly (100) and to extend around the centre of revolution (101), and wherein each counterweight body (50) is configured to move over the circular counterweight body rail assembly, for example in line with a crane base (10) of a crane (1) moving over the circular revolving rail assembly (100) during a crane revolution.

13. The dual movement heavy crane system of any one or more of claims 10 to 12, wherein the circular swing track assembly (100) comprises concentric first, second and third swing tracks (101, 102, 103), wherein the linear crane track assembly (120) has parallel first and second linear crane tracks (121, 122), wherein the first linear crane track (121) intersects the first and second swing tracks (101, 102) at least one junction, and wherein the second linear crane track (102) intersects the second and third swing tracks (102, 103) at least one junction,

so that in operation the crane (1) is movable on a linear crane rail assembly (120) to a transfer position in which the rail engaging members (15, 16, 17, 18) of the first and second rotating chassis (11, 12) are each arranged at a joint of the rail arrangement, wherein the rail engaging members (15, 16, 17, 18) are alignable with the respective swing rail (101, 102, 103) such that one set of rail engaging members (15) of the first rotating chassis (11) engages on the first swing rail (101), another set of engaging members (16) of the first rotating chassis (11) engages on the second swing rail (102), and such that one set of rail engaging members (17) of the second rotating chassis (12) engages on the second swing rail (102) and another set of engaging members (18) of the second rotating chassis (12) engages on the third swing rail (103), thereby enabling the crane to perform a slewing motion about a slewing center (101) while supported on the circular slewing ring assembly (100).

14. The dual mobile heavy lift crane system according to claim 12 and optionally 13, wherein the counterweight carrier (51) comprises a plurality of sets of one or more rail engaging members (55, 56, 57, 58), such as one or more skid members, each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of the linear counterweight rail assembly (140) and the circular counterweight rail assembly (180), wherein each rail engaging member pivots about a respective vertical pivot axis (55a, 56a, 57a, 58a),

wherein the linear weight rail assembly (140) intersects the circular weight rail assembly (180) at a junction such that, in operation, the weight (50) is movable to a transfer position in which the rail engagement members (55, 56, 57, 58) of the weight carrier (51) are each arranged at the junction, wherein the rail engagement members are alignable with the respective circular weight rails of the circular weight rail assembly (180).

15. Mobile heavy crane system comprising a crane (1) and a rail arrangement configured to be mounted on the ground to support the crane,

wherein the crane (1) comprises:

-a crane carriage comprising a base (10), a first and a second rotating chassis (11, 12), the first and second rotating chassis (11, 12) being arranged and configured to support the base (10), each chassis (11, 12) rotating relative to the base about a respective first and second vertical chassis rotation axis (13, 14), respectively,

wherein each undercarriage (11, 12) has a set of one or more rail engaging members, such as sliding members (15, 16, 17, 18), at opposite sides of the respective axis of rotation (13, 14), each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of a crane rail assembly, wherein each rail engaging member (15, 16, 17, 18) is pivotal relative to the respective undercarriage about a respective vertical pivot axis (15a, 16a, 17a, 18a),

a main crane (20) which pivots relative to the base (10) of the crane carriage about a main crane pivot axis (21) and has a main crane tip (22),

a rear tower (30) which pivots relative to the foundation (10) about a rear tower pivot axis (31) and has a rear tower tip (32),

-an adjustable length device between the rear tower (30) and the main pylon (20),

-a counterweight (50) suspended on the rear tower (30),

wherein the rail device comprises:

-a circular revolving track assembly (100) extending at least one arc of revolution around a centre of revolution (101),

wherein the circular revolving track assembly (100) comprises at least concentric first, second and third revolving tracks (101, 102, 103), wherein the second track (102) is intermediate the first and third tracks (101, 103),

wherein the crane base (10) is configured such that one set of rail engagement members (15) of the first rotating chassis (11) selectively engages with the first or third swing rail (101, 103) and another set of engagement members (16) of the first rotating chassis (11) engages with the second swing rail (102); and wherein the crane base (10) is configured such that one set of rail engagement members (17) of the second rotating chassis (12) engages with the second swing rail (102) and another set of engagement members (18) of the second rotating chassis (12) engages with the third swing or first swing rail (101, 103) when one set of rail engagement members (15) of the first rotating chassis (11) engages with the first or third swing rail (103).

16. A dual mobile heavy duty crane system comprising two cranes (1) and two track units, each track unit being configured to be mounted on the ground to support one of the two cranes,

wherein each crane (1) comprises:

-a crane carriage comprising a base (10), a first and a second rotating chassis (11, 12), the first and second rotating chassis (11, 12) being adapted to support the base (10), each chassis being rotatable relative to the base about a respective first and second vertical chassis rotation axis (13, 14) respectively,

wherein each undercarriage (11, 12) has a set of one or more rail engaging members, such as sliding members (15, 16, 17, 18), at opposite sides of the respective axis of rotation (13, 14), each set of rail engaging members being configured to engage with a respective rail of a crane rail assembly, wherein each rail engaging member (15, 16, 17, 18) is pivotable relative to the respective undercarriage (11, 12) about a respective vertical pivot axis (15a, 16a, 17a, 18a),

-a rear tower (30) which pivots relative to the base (10) of the crane carriage about a rear tower pivot axis (31) and has a rear tower tip (32),

-a counterweight (50) suspended on the rear tower (30),

wherein each track set is configured to be mounted on the ground and comprises:

wherein the circular swivel track assemblies (100) are spaced apart.

17. A mobile heavy duty crane system comprising:

-a crane (1) comprising:

-a crane carriage comprising a base (10), a first and a second rotating chassis (11, 12), the first and second rotating chassis (11, 12) being adapted to support the base (10), each chassis being rotatable relative to the base (10) about a respective first and second vertical chassis rotation axis (13, 14), respectively,

-a counterweight (50) suspended on the rear tower (30),

-a rail arrangement configured to be mounted on the ground and comprising:

-a circular orbit assembly (100) extending around a centre of revolution (101) for at least one arc of revolution and comprising at least pairs of concentric first and second orbit of revolution (101, 102).

18. A method for lifting a load, wherein a crane system according to any one or more of claims 1-17 is used.

19. A method for installing a crane system at a lifting site for lifting a load, the crane system being a crane system according to any one or more of claims 1-9, wherein the method comprises:

-installing a circular revolving track assembly (100) at a lifting site,

-installing a linear crane rail assembly (120), the linear crane rail assembly (120) extending from the lifting site to a crane assembly site,

-assembling the crane (1) at an assembly site, for example comprising assembling the main spreader (20) in a horizontal direction and raising the assembled main spreader to a raised position,

-moving the assembled crane on the linear crane rail assembly to a transfer position in which the rail engaging members (15, 16, 17, 18) of the first and second rotating chassis (11, 12) are each arranged at an engagement (131, 132, 133, 134) of the rail arrangement,

-aligning the rail engaging members with the respective swing rails (101, 102) such that the crane is capable of performing a swing movement around a swing center (101) when supported on the circular swing rail assembly.