EP1721862A2 - Lattice-boom crane for lifting heavy loads - Google Patents

Abstract

The mobile crane has two individual mobile cranes (1,11) with a superstructure (3,13) mounted on chassis (2,12). Mobile extension arm (4,14) is arranged on superstructure, derricked, and its derrick angle is adjustable over derrick work (5,15). Extension arms are aligned parallel to each other and connected with each other. Derrick works are synchronized such that extension arms are synchronously derricked.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a lattice boom crane for lifting heavy loads such as reactors, generators, distillation columns or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cranes are always designed for a specific payload range. The lifting of heavier loads is with such a crane then u.U. not possible. For lower loads such a crane is not economical, since the acquisition and operating costs are higher than those of a smaller crane. In order to lift higher loads without having to purchase a larger crane, it is already known to lift a load with several cranes at the same time. In such so-called tandem or multiple lifts but is usually due to the problematic load distribution or the fact that the cranes are equipped with individual control, the necessary security guaranteed only under very specific conditions. For example, with such tandem or multiple lifts, the load to be lifted may only be so high that a maximum of 60 to 80 percent of the load capacity of a single crane is used. But this is not the load capacity gain by the use of a second crane when lifting the load satisfactory and often not economical.

From the GB 1,162,405 A It is already known to connect two cranes via a gantry to be attached to the free ends of the respective outriggers in order to lift heavy loads. The problem with this arrangement is that the position of the two cranes to each other is not fixed and it comes to constraining forces, whereby the load capacity must be reduced.

A twin gantry crane for bulky loads, especially container crane, is from the AT 28 28 76 known. This twin gantry crane consists of two separately movable crane gantries. Each crane gantry carries a crane trolley, preferably designed as an angled cat, with its hoist. The two crane gantries can be locked together at certain intervals. The cats are in a conventional manner independent of each other and synonymous with each other movable from an operating position. According to one embodiment, only one of the crane gantries may have a travel drive.

The Indian US 6,516,961 B1 shown ring lift crane has in one embodiment, a parallel connection of two lattice boom on a common undercarriage. The cantilevers stabilize each other, whereby the achievable loads are more than twice a single cantilever. Otherwise, the crane, like a conventional crane, comprises a single basic unit designed for the load capacities of the double jib. With only one boom, it can not be operated economically. In addition, a ring lift crane is usually not movable and thus severely limited in his work area, since this is possible only with a relatively high technical complexity.

In the DE 27 45 059 A1 is a double-turn crane described, which finds particular use as a ship crane. The double-pivot crane described here has two cranes arranged at the same distance from a common vertical pivot axis. The two cranes each have a boom and can be operated individually. Both cranes rest on a common stand tree, which is anchored, for example, in a ship's hull. On this stand tree, a sprocket is arranged, which is both part of the slewing of a crane and part of the slewing gear of the other crane.

Finally, in the DE 30 26 850 A1 discloses a ring lift crane, which should also be movable under load.

The good order is still on a hoist, especially in the manner of a crane according to the DE 29 02 767 A1 to point. On a self-propelled vehicle or a stationary plane, a main ring is attached, which is rotatably mounted. At the main ring is stiff and rigid with this the rotary motion mitmachende horizontal platform, which protrudes like a cantilever over the main ring on one side. Furthermore, two tower-like, rotatably mounted carrier are provided, which are mounted on the horizontal platform on the opposite to the main ring projecting part. At the tower-like carriers are two expandable, obliquely adjustable in any position boom available, which are independently operable. Similar to the ring lift crane according to the US 6,516,961 B1 is here So again a common chassis available, are arranged on the two independently operable boom.

In the DE 1 531 631 OS is a ship crane device with several independently rotatable luffing crane jibs known. Two of the crane jibs can be coupled together and in the coupling position about the central axis rotatable together and pivotable about horizontal axes together. The horizontal pivot axes of the crane boom are arranged on separately arranged annular, box-like concentric slewing rings. At least two crane jibs can be coupled to one another in a position which is approximated in the vertical and horizontal planes.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The technical problem underlying the invention is to provide a lattice boom crane, which is on the one hand suitable for lifting particularly heavy loads and on the other hand also for lifting less heavy loads is economically used.

This problem is solved by a lattice boom crane, which is formed by parallel connection of at least two individual lattice boom cranes. The single cranes each consist of a base crane, on which a luffing lattice boom is arranged. The respective basic crane comprises an undercarriage and a superstructure rotatably mounted thereon. In such a lattice boom crane according to the invention, the lattice boom of the respective individual lattice boom cranes are aligned side by side aligned with each other and the luffing mechanisms of the individual lattice boom cranes are so synchronized that the at least two lattice boom are synchronously rockable.

For the sake of good order, it should be noted that the term "basic crane" describes a lower part of a crane without the boom resting thereon. A basic unit or basic crane thus comprises an undercarriage, a superstructure and the rotary connection connecting the undercarriage and the superstructure. An undercarriage of a basic crane can include wheels or caterpillars or caterpillar tracks for locomotion.

The invention is based on the idea to couple at least two individual lattice boom cranes, which are actually intended for lifting less heavy loads, for lifting very heavy loads in the manner described above. Since according to the invention at least two individual lattice boom cranes are releasably coupled to a unit, only minor modifications to the individual lattice boom cranes are necessary in order to be able to lift the carrying capacity of a single lattice boom crane heavy loads. At the same time it remains possible to continue to use the individual lattice boom cranes for their originally intended purposes. This modular concept requires no disproportionately high conversions and also allows the economic use of each lattice boom cranes in the originally intended use areas. In particular, it is possible with little additional parts and thus costs to combine the carrying capacity of the individual lattice boom cranes in such a way that even higher loads can be lifted than the sum of the individual loads of the individual cranes.

An exemplary further embodiment of the present invention comprises two or more parallel side by side arranged basic cranes, which are connected to at least one basic crane component, with each other, to ensure an exact positioning of the single cranes to each other. For example, the base cranes may thus be connected to one another at a part of the undercarriage, the superstructure or the rotary connection. The basic cranes can be mechanically connected to one another, for example, by one or more rods, connecting beams or the like. But it is also possible, for example, rigidly connect the crawler carrier of the undercarriage at one or more points. Another alternative may be that two side by side basic cranes are connected by a common crawler. This allows the cranes to stand closer together.

As an alternative to a mechanical connection of the base cranes can also be provided that a control with a corresponding measuring device is present, which monitors the position of the base cranes to each other and optionally controls the drives of the base cranes so that they remain aligned parallel to each other. However, if the positional deviation still increases to a certain extent, the control automatically shuts off the crane to avoid an unsafe condition.

The optional training with crawler under a lattice boom crane according to the invention, the method with heavy loads is possible, whereby the working range of the crane is extended. In contrast to the above-mentioned prior art, therefore, even with such an advantageous Ausftihrungsbeispiel a lattice boom crane according to the invention a large work area given, although the rotatable on itself superstructure can not rotate by the rigid connection of the lattice boom.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides that the individual lattice boom cranes each comprise an undercarriage with laterally mounted caterpillars. The single cranes are placed side by side with the caterpillars aligned in parallel. The right caterpillar of the left crane is connected to the left caterpillar of the right crane. Furthermore, the jibs of the single cranes are connected to each other. Turning the single crane is therefore no longer possible. However, the entire crane can move forward and drive curves conditionally, whereby a rotation of the entire crane can be achieved.

A further alternative embodiment of the present invention may provide that the beads are arranged not parallel, but one behind the other, to allow a transverse method. The connection of the single cranes can be done in this case on the tracks or the two undercarriage. A compound of caterpillars is particularly advantageous if the caterpillars are already divided in the middle, as is already common in large equipment for transport logistical reasons. Then an adapter piece between two caterpillar halves can be attached, the chain runs around all three parts.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides that the two undercarriages are rigidly connected to one another and in each case at least one bead is arranged on all outer sides of the two undercarriages. As a result, the crane is well able to turn on the spot. A lateral or longitudinal method is very limited but may be facilitated by lifting an opposing pair of tracks off the ground.

The main function of each connection is to ensure the position of the single cranes to each other. This can also be done by a connecting element that connects the two superstructure of the single cranes with each other. This would have the advantage that the rotary connection of the single cranes can continue to be used to align the beads either in the longitudinal or transverse direction or intermediate positions. The connection of the connecting element with the superstructure can be done for example by means of bolting or screwing. Also a quick connection, as in the DE 19549244 C2 is described, can be used advantageously.

In all the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, furthermore, the turning and moving of the load is at least possible to a limited extent by moving the crawler tracks in the same direction or in opposite directions, which in the latter case leads to a turning of the lattice boom cranes assembled into one unit.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the crane controls are connected. It is expedient to synchronize or coordinate the movements of the hoists, luffing gears and caterpillar drives, so that the function and safety of the crane can be ensured. This can be done by a communication between the controllers or by a controller, which is connected upstream of the individual controls in a master-slave circuit. The master control can be operated in one of the two cranes or outside the cranes. Alternatively or in addition to a synchronization of the drives via the controller, a mechanical or hydraulic coupling can also take place.

It should be noted that according to a further aspect of the present invention in the case of establishing a connection of the crane controls of the two or more single cranes may also be possible to dispense with a mechanical connection of the lattice boom of the single cranes; Condition should then be, however, that a synchronous rocking of the lattice boom and / or a synchronous method or moving the base cranes is ensured by the communication of the individual controls. Such a lattice boom crane according to the invention can thus consist of at least two individual lattice boom cranes, each comprising a base crane with superstructure, arranged on the a luffing lattice boom is, whose rocking angle is adjustable via a luffing mechanism. There is a control device for controlling all luffing mechanisms of the individual lattice boom cranes available. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the lattice boom are parallel aligned side by side and the luffing mechanisms of each lattice boom cranes are controlled by the controller so that the at least two lattice boom are synchronously rockable.

A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention according to the aforementioned further aspect provides that the control device for controlling all luffing mechanisms of the individual lattice boom cranes is connected upstream of the respective controls of the individual lattice boom cranes in master-slave circuit.

A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention according to the aforementioned further aspect provides that the control device upstream of the respective controls of the individual lattice boom cranes in the master-slave circuit is also designed for the synchronous control of the base cranes, that is to say a synchronous method or movement of the Undercarriage of the individual lattice boom cranes is ensured.

Also, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention according to the aforementioned further aspect, the parallel juxtaposed lattice boom may be rigidly connected together to a boom unit, whereby the boom are joined together to an even stronger overall unit and thus heavier loads can be lifted. The connection can be made both in a lattice boom crane according to the first aspect and in the second aspect by one or more connecting elements such as rods, tubes or grid connection elements. The latter can be designed as lattice mast sections. The connection can be made for example by bolting.

For the sake of good order, it should be understood that individual features of embodiments described herein may be combined with other features of other embodiments. In addition, connections between cantilevers, tracked carriers, lower or upper carriages can be designed as detachable connections. But it is also readily possible to produce all or only certain compounds by per se permanent connections such as welding or the like. Nevertheless, such connections may possibly be destroyed again after the use of a lattice boom crane formed from a plurality of individual lattice boom cranes. The term compound in the present case therefore includes both non-destructively releasable compounds and only by destruction releasable compounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Gittermastkrans, der aus zwei einzelnen Gittermastkranen besteht,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf zwei miteinander gekoppelte Unterwagen mit parallel geschalteten Raupen eines erfindungsgemäßen Gittermastkranes,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Draufsicht auf zwei miteinander gekoppelte Unterwagen eines erfindungsgemäßen Gittermastkrans, bei dem die zwei Unterwagen über eine gemeinsame Raupe miteinander gekoppelt sind,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Draufsicht auf zwei Unterwagen eines erfindungsgemäßen Gittermastkrans mit hintereinander geschalteten Raupen, und

Fig. 5

eine schematische Draufsicht einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Krans mit nebeneinander angeordneten Unterwagen und an den Außenseiten der miteinander gekoppelten Unterwagen angeordneten Raupen.

In the following, for further explanation and for better understanding, several embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a lattice boom crane according to the invention, which consists of two individual lattice boom cranes,

Fig. 2

a schematic plan view of two mutually coupled undercarriage with parallel caterpillars of a lattice boom crane according to the invention,

Fig. 3

a schematic plan view of two mutually coupled undercarriage of a lattice boom crane according to the invention, in which the two undercarriages are coupled together via a common bead,

Fig. 4

a schematic plan view of two undercarriages of a lattice boom according to the invention with caterpillars connected in series, and

Fig. 5

a schematic plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a crane according to the invention with adjacent undercarriage and arranged on the outer sides of the coupled together undercarriage caterpillars.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a lattice mast crane according to the invention with crawler tracks in a perspective view. In this embodiment, the lattice boom crane according to the invention comprises two individual lattice boom cranes 1, 11, each having an undercarriage 2, 12 and an upper carriage 3 rotatably mounted thereon, 13 include. At the respective uppercarriage 3, 13 each have a lattice boom 4, 14 is mounted tiltable. The rocking angle of the two lattice boom 4, 14 is adjustable via a here shown only schematically luffing 5 and 15. Here, the luffing mechanisms 5, 15, not shown, include rocking winches on which a rope is unrolled, which is attached to the respective upright stand 23, 24. By winding or unwinding the two ropes, the respective rocking angle can be adjusted. Characterized in that according to the present invention, the luffing gears 5, 15 are synchronized, which can be done by electronic means or by mechanical coupling of the winds, the tilting of the lattice boom 4, 14 is synchronized.

As shown in Fig. 1, the two lattice boom are connected via grid connection elements 21, 22 rigidly connected. In the embodiment of the present invention shown here, a first lattice mast connection element 21 is mounted in the upper third of the two lattice boom 4, 14. Another lattice mast connection element 22 is present in the lower third of the two lattice boom 4, 14. Of course, in order to improve the rigidity, it is also possible to provide further lattice mast connecting elements in further sections of the two lattice boom 4, 14. Due to this rigid coupling of the two lattice boom 4, 14, the carrying capacity is possibly even higher than the sum of the individual load capacities.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the two undercarriages 2, 12 of the individual lattice boom cranes are arranged side by side and each have their own caterpillars 6, 7 and 16, 17. Preferably, the two undercarriages are also rigidly connected to each other in this embodiment via connecting elements to avoid relative movement between the two undercarriage 2, 12 upon actuation of the caterpillars 6, 7 and 16, 17. In this embodiment of the present invention, the newly formed lattice boom crane can be controlled from a service stand 8 or 18. For this purpose, a control of a crane is designed as a slave relative to the master of the other crane. The coupling of the two controllers via a not shown here cable. It should be noted that the coupling of the two controllers comprises in particular that of the luffing mechanisms 5, 15. However, it is also possible to electronically couple the drives of the tracks 6, 7 and 16, 17 in the required manner, so that the operation of the tracks 6, 7 and 16, 17 is controlled such that one method of turning the lattice boom crane is possible, but only in one operator level 18 or 8 the necessary actuators are actuated. The same then applies to the Hubseilbetätigungseinrichtungen not shown here and their control.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a coupling of two undercarriages 2, 12 of a lattice boom crane according to the invention. Here are the tracks 41, 42 of a sub-carriage 2 and the tracks 43, 44 of the other sub-carriage 12 is not connected as shown in FIG. 1 in series, but arranged in parallel. Via a connecting element 32, the two beads 42, 43, which are opposite to each other in this arrangement, coupled together. It should be noted that here the turntables 30 and 31 of the two superstructure 3, 13 are indicated.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, the tracks 41-44 may be moved simultaneously to laterally move the lattice boom crane according to the present invention. By opposite movement of the beads 41, 42 relative to the beads 43, 44, despite the rigid connection of the two lattice boom 4, 14 shown in Fig. 1, a rotation of the coupled together lattice boom cranes done.

FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the parallel arrangement of two undercarriages 2, 12 with respect to FIG. 2. Here are only three caterpillars 41, 44, 45 available. Compared with the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, the beads 42, 43 are combined to form a bead 45. As a result, the individual cranes are closer to each other and the transport of a caterpillar is eliminated.

FIG. 4 shows a further modified embodiment of the present invention, similar to that already described in FIG. In the plan view shown here of two parallel arranged side by side undercarriage 2, 12, the caterpillars are similar to one another shown in Fig. 1 connected in series. However, the individual beads 6, 16 and 7, 17 shown in FIG. 1 are combined to form a bead 50 and 51, respectively.

A final exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in plan view in FIG. Here again, the two undercarriages 2, 12 are rigidly coupled together. On the respective outer sides of the rigidly interconnected undercarriage caterpillars 61, 64 are attached. Through this "square" arrangement, at least one rotation of the mutually coupled undercarriage 2, 12 are made possible. A lateral or longitudinal method is only possible to a very limited extent, but can be facilitated by lifting respective opposite caterpillars off the ground.

For the sake of good order, it should be noted that in all the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, the attachment of the detachable beads to the respective undercarriage can be carried out, for example, by hydraulic bolting, as is already known in the case of single cranes.

Thus, in particular the applicability of the single cranes is not impaired by the present invention, in particular their construction is not or only slightly to modify in terms of a possible coupling with another crane. The merging of several single lattice boom cranes can be carried out by taking advantage of the previous characteristics and the caterpillar designs of the single cranes. Thus, with minor modifications and thus quite cost and the lifting of very heavy loads economically possible, since for the first time continues the applicability of such crawler crane masts as a single crane remains possible.

Claims (19)

Lattice boom crane, which is composed of at least two individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11), each comprising a on an undercarriage (2, 12) mounted uppercarriage (3, 13) on which a luffing lattice boom (4, 14) is arranged, whose Rocking angle on a luffing mechanism (5, 15) is adjustable, wherein the lattice boom (4, 14) are aligned parallel to each other aligned with each other and the luffing mechanisms (5, 15) of the lattice boom cranes (1, 11) are connected in such a way that the at least two lattice boom (4, 14) are synchronously tiltable. Lattice boom crane according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual basic cranes are rigidly connected to one another on at least one basic crane component (2, 12; 3, 13). Lattice boom crane according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a control is provided which monitors the relative position of the base cranes to each other and optionally corrects their position to each other or possibly prevents crane operation when the positions of the basic cranes differ too much from each other. Lattice boom crane according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the luffing mechanisms (5, 15) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) each comprise a winch and the winches are mechanically synchronized. Lattice boom crane according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the luffing mechanisms (5, 15) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) each comprise a winch and the winches are electronically synchronized with each other. Lattice boom crane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective controls of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) in a master-slave circuit is preceded by a control that ensures a synchronous rocking of the respective lattice boom (4, 14) and / or Reason the relative position of the base cranes monitored each other and, where appropriate, their position corrected each other. Lattice boom crane comprising: at least two individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) each comprising a base crane (2, 12) with superstructure (3, 13) on which a luffing lattice boom (4, 14) is arranged, the luffing angle of which via a luffing gear (5, 15) is adjustable, a control device for controlling all luffing mechanisms (5, 15) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11), - Wherein the lattice boom (4, 14) are aligned parallel to each other and the luffing mechanisms (5, 15) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) are controlled by the controller so that the at least two lattice boom (4, 14) are synchronously tiltable. Lattice boom crane according to claim 7, characterized in that the control device for controlling all luffing mechanisms (5, 15) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) is connected in front of the respective controls of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) in master-slave circuit. Lattice boom crane according to claim 8, characterized in that the respective controls of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) in master-slave circuit upstream control device for synchronous control of the base cranes (2, 12) is formed. Lattice boom crane according to one of claims 7-9, characterized in that the parallel juxtaposed lattice boom (4, 14) are rigidly connected together to form a boom unit. Lattice boom crane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) in each case comprise an undercarriage (2, 12) on which caterpillars (6, 16; 41-44; 41, 44, 45; 52, 61-64) are releasably fastened, and the undercarriage (2, 12) are rigidly interconnected. Lattice boom crane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the undercarriages (2, 12) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) are aligned parallel to one another and the respective beads (6, 16; 41-44; 41, 44, 45; 51, 52) of the undercarriage (2, 12) are arranged in parallel Lattice boom crane according to claim 12, characterized in that the mutually facing, parallel adjacent crawler beams (42, 43) of two undercarriages (2, 12) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) are rigidly interconnected. Lattice boom crane according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that those sides of the parallel adjacent undercarriage (2, 12) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11), which face each other, are rigidly connected to each other via a common crawler support (45). Lattice boom crane according to one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the undercarriages (2, 12) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) are aligned parallel to each other and the caterpillars (6, 16, 50, 51) are arranged one behind the other. Lattice boom crane according to claim 15, characterized in that on one side of the undercarriage (2, 12) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) successively arranged beads are combined to form a common bead (50, 51). Lattice boom crane according to one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the undercarriages (2, 12) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) are connected to each other in parallel lying side by side and on all outer sides of the interconnected undercarriage (2, 12) caterpillars (61 -64) are arranged. Lattice boom crane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the superstructure (3,13) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) are interconnected. Lattice boom crane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both a connection between the superstructure (3, 13) and the undercarriage (2, 12) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) is present.

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