MX2008014122A

MX2008014122A - Mobile lift crane with lift enhancing attachment.

Info

Publication number: MX2008014122A
Application number: MX2008014122A
Authority: MX
Inventors: David J Pech
Original assignee: Manitowoc Crane Co Inc
Priority date: 2006-05-12
Filing date: 2007-05-11
Publication date: 2008-11-14
Also published as: EP2018341A2; RU2008149047A; WO2007134211A3; RU2445251C2; JP2009536909A; JP5331682B2; CN101460386A; CN101460386B; KR20090018034A; EP2018341B1; BRPI0711454A2; WO2007134211A2; EP2018341A4

Abstract

A mobile lift crane includes a central crane unit, a boom unit and a counterweight unit. The central crane unit has a carbody, moveable ground engaging members and a rotating bed mounted to the ground engaging members with a rotatable connection such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members. The boom unit has a support member, at least one moveable ground engaging member, and a boom pivotally mounted on the support member. The counterweight unit has counterweight on a support member. Rigging connects the boom and counterweight unit such that a load lifted by the boom can be counterbalanced by the counterweight. The boom unit and counterweight unit are connected to the central crane unit by structural members that carry compressive loads and maintain the boom unit, the rotating bed and the counterweight unit in lateral alignment with each other, but allow relative vertical movement between the boom unit, the rotating bed and the counterweight unit. A main mast is pivotally mounted on the combination of the central crane unit, the boom unit and the structural member between the central crane unit and the boom unit. In another embodiment, a counterweight unit with a swing axis and boom unit are connected directly together with a structural member. Ground engaging members on the boom unit can be rotated relative to a boom unit support member such that the boom unit i) can travel in an arc around the swing axis of the counterweight unit and ii) travel in direction in line with the structural member.

Description

CRANE FOR ELEVATION OF MOBILE LOAD WITH ADAPTER TO INCREASE THE ELEVATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present application relates to cranes for lifting of load, and particularly with cranes for mobile lifting of load that have attachments to increase the load lifting capacity of the crane. Improving the lifting capabilities of mobile lifting cranes has been the subject of many improvements in the art of crane lifting for many years. Even with these improvements, there is still a need for additional improvements, especially where the particular load to be lifted is very heavy, and other restrictions associated with the load are at stake, such as the need for the crane to be able to move about the ground while lifting the load. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A crane has been invented for mobile load lifting which is capable of lifting very heavy loads and is still mobile while raising the load. In a first aspect, the invention is a crane for mobile load lifting comprising a central crane unit having a body, movable ground engaging elements and a rotating platform mounted to the ground engaging elements with a rotating connection of such that Ref. : 197492 Rotating platform can oscillate with respect to the ground coupling elements; an arm unit having a support element, at least one movable earth coupling element, and an arm rotatably mounted on the support member; a counterweight unit having counterweight on a support element; and cordage connecting the arm and counterweight unit in such a way that a load lifted by the arm can be balanced by the counterweight. The arm unit and the counterweight unit are connected to the central crane unit by structural elements that carry compressive loads and maintain the arm unit, the turntable and the counterweight unit in lateral alignment with each other, but allow relative vertical movement between the arm unit, the turntable and the counterweight unit. A main mast is mounted rotatably on the combination of the central crane unit, the arm unit and the structural element between the central crane unit and the arm unit. In a second aspect, the invention is a mobile load lifting crane comprising a counterweight unit having a support member, counterweight, and at least two mobile ground engaging elements, the support element is mounted to the Grounding elements with a connection that can be rotated in such a way that the support element may oscillate with respect to the ground engaging elements about an oscillation axis; an arm unit having a support member, at least two movable earth engaging elements, an arm rotatably mounted on the support member, and a main mast rotatably mounted on the support member; a structural element between the arm unit and the counterweight unit that can carry compressive loads and keeps the arm unit and the counterweight unit in lateral alignment with each other, but allows relative vertical movement between the arm unit and the counterweight unit; and cordage connecting the arm, mast and counterweight unit in such a way that a high load on the arm can be counterbalanced by the counterweight. The grounding elements of the arm unit can be rotated relative to the support member of the arm unit such that the arm unit i) can travel in an arc about the axis of oscillation and ii) travels in the direction in line with the structural element. With one embodiment of the crane for lifting the load of the present invention, the crane with a short arm and short radius will be capable of lifting approximately 2,000 tons (2,000,000 kg). Metrics In a configuration similar to that shown in annexed Figures 1-3, the capacity is approximately 800 metric ton (8000, 000kg). Even with the ability to lift these large loads, the crane is still mobile. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more readily understood in view of the appended figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a crane for lifting mobile load with attachments that increase the elevation. Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the mobile load lifting crane of Figure 1 with some elements removed for the purpose of clarity. Figure 3 is a top plan view of the mobile load lift crane of Figure 1 with some elements removed for clarity. Figure 4 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a mobile load crane of the present invention. Figure 5 is a top plan view of the crane of Figure 4 with some elements removed for clarity. Figure 6 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of a mobile load crane of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the crane of Figure 6 with some elements removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be further described. In the following paragraphs, different aspects of the invention are defined in greater detail. Each aspect thus defined can be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated otherwise. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other characteristic or characteristics indicated as being preferred or advantageous. Three embodiments of the invention are shown in the appended figures. In the first embodiment, shown in Figures 1-3, the mobile load lifting crane 10 comprises three main units: a central crane unit 20, an arm unit 40 and a counterweight unit 60. The arm unit 40 and the counterweight unit 60 are connected to the central crane unit 20 by structural elements 82 and 84. The arm unit 40 and its structural element 82 are similar to an attachment for increasing the elevation sold under the registered trademark "X -Tender "by Manito oc Cranes of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The counterweight unit 60 and its structural element 84 are similar to another addition to increase the elevation that is sold under the trademark "MAX-ER" by Manito or Cranes. However, until the present invention, it is believed that no one has combined the two attachment concepts to achieve a crane with very high lifting capacity. Having the oscillation axes located longitudinally between the combined enhancement devices is unique and not obvious. Because many features of the arm unit, center crane unit and counterweight unit are the same as in the cranes and these attachments, these will not be described in detail in this document. The central crane unit 20 includes a digger 22, a rotating platform 23 and mobile ground engaging elements in the form of tracks 24. The turntable 23 is mounted to the excavator 22 with a rotatable connection, which may be running rollers. on a roller path or a rotation ring, such that the turntable 23 can rotate about a vertical axis with respect to the ground engaging elements 24. On the crane 10, the ground engaging elements on the Central crane unit comprise at least two caterpillars. The central crane unit further includes a secondary mast 26 rotatably connected to the turntable 23. This mast is used mainly during installation to raise the main mast. The Central crane unit 20 also includes other found elements commonly found in a crane for mobile load lifting, such as a connected mast 28, rear stops 30 and an operator's cab 32. The arm unit 40 includes a support member 42 and at least one mobile ground engaging element. The ground engaging element on the arm unit will typically comprise at least two tracks. In the embodiment shown, the arm unit has four moving ground elements in the form of tracks 44, in two sets of two tracks each. Each of the tracks (or in this case, each set of tracks) on the arm unit can be rotated around a vertical axis in such a way that the arm unit can travel on both i) an arc around the axis of the connection of rotatable oscillation of the central crane unit 20 (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) and ii) a lateral direction corresponding to a linear travel direction of the central crane unit (as shown in Fig. 1) . The arm unit also includes an arm 46 rotatably mounted on the support member 42, and a main mast 48 rotatably mounted on the support member 42. The arm 46 may comprise a main arm and a crane arm. variable range 50 rotatably mounted to the upper part of the main boom.

When a variable reach crane arm 50 is included, struts 51 and 53 are also used. The arm can be fabricated from two independent truss structures which are joined together in both their upper and lower parts by the rotary support mechanism of the support element 42 and the crane arm support variable reach on the upper part of the main arm. The counterweight unit 60 includes a counterweight (which may be in the form of two stacks 62 and 64 of individual counterweight elements as shown) on a support member 66. The counterweight unit 60 further includes ground engaging elements. movable in the form of multiple wheels 68. In the embodiment shown a second counterweight unit 61, designed for use in free suspension, is also included. The grounding elements in the counterweight unit can be rotated about a vertical axis such that the counterweight unit can travel in both i) an arc about the axis of the rotatable oscillation connection of the central crane unit and ii) a lateral direction corresponding to a linear travel direction of the central crane unit. The counterweight unit 61 may include a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) connected between the support member and the rear tie down straps 54 which can be retracted to change the position of the counterweight from the ground to the rear lashing straps when a load is lifted and a counterweight is needed. The crane 10 also includes string connecting the arm 46, main mast 48 and counterweight unit 60 in such a way that a load that is raised by the arm 46 can be counterbalanced by the counterweight. The rigging includes arm lifter string 52 between the main mast 48 and the arm 46, allowing the arm angle with respect to the floor to be changed. The string also includes the rear tie-down straps 54. The rear tie-down straps in the shown embodiment are finally attached to the main mast 48, but can also be connected through the upper part of the secondary pole 26. In the embodiment shown there are two sets of rear tie-down straps 54, one attached to the counterweight unit 60 and one attached to the second counterweight unit 61. Another rear tie-down strap 58 is attached to the rear of the central crane unit 20. This strap is also Attaches the connected mast 28 and is used to erect the secondary mast 26. The string 59 (Figure 1) is used to change the angle between the struts 51 and 53, and thus the angle of the variable reach crane arm 50 compared to the main arm. The structural elements 82 and 84 carry compressive loads and maintain the arm unit 40, the turntable 23 and the counterweight unit 60 in alignment lateral to each other However, these elements are secured to allow relative vertical movement between the arm unit 40, the turntable 23 and the counterweight unit 60. The structural element 82 can support one or more drums 86, 87 and 88 containing a hoist line load, variable reach crane arm line 59 and arm lift line, as well as a motor module 90. Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of a crane 110 of the present invention. Similar to the crane 10, the crane 110 includes three main units: a central crane unit 120, an arm unit 140 and a counterweight unit 160. The arm unit 140 and the counterweight unit 160 are connected to the unit central crane 120 by structural elements 182 and 184. The rope 159 is used to change the angle between the struts 151 and 153, and thus the angle of the crane arm variable reach 150. The line of load and rope drums of rope, as well as a motor module, are mounted on the structural element 182. The mast rear stop 186 shown in Figure 4 can also be used on the crane 10. The main difference in the crane 110 compared to the crane 10 is that the mobile grounding elements on the counterweight unit 160 comprise at least two tracks 168. Figure 5 shows the tracks 168 and the tracks on the unit of arm in the orientation to swing around the crane unit in the dotted lines. Figures 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of a crane 210. This crane is different from the cranes 10 and 110 in that it has only two main units: a counterweight unit 260 and an arm unit 240. In this embodiment, the The counterweight unit is designed to have a central oscillation axis and the arm unit is configured in such a way that it can move in an arc about the axis of oscillation, or travel in line with the tracks on the counterweight unit. The counterweight unit 260 includes a support member 266, counterweight 262 and at least two mobile ground engaging elements in the form of two tracks 268. The support member 266 is mounted to the ground engaging elements with a connection rotatable in such a way that the support member 266 can oscillate with respect to the ground engaging elements about an oscillation axis. The arm unit 240 includes a support member 242, at least two movable earth engaging elements, in this case four tracks 244, an arm 246 rotatably mounted on the support member 242, and a main mast 248 mounted rotationally on the support element, a structural element 282 is extends between the arm unit and the counterweight unit, and can carry compressive loads and keeps the arm unit and the counterweight unit in lateral alignment with each other, but allows relative vertical movement between the arm unit and the counterweight unit . The crane 210 also includes string connecting the arm, mast and counterweight unit in such a way that a load lifted by the arm can be counterbalanced by the counterweight. The grounding elements 244 of the arm unit can be rotated relative to the support member of the arm unit such that the arm unit i) can travel in an arc about the axis of oscillation of the counterweight unit (as shown in dashed lines in Figure 7) and ii) travels in a direction in line with the structural element 282. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments currently described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. art. For example, instead of the main mast 46 which is mounted on the arm support member 42, it could be rotatably mounted anywhere in the combination of the central crane unit 20, the arm unit 40 and the structural element 82 between the central crane unit and the arm unit. The drums for the line of hoists and cordage could mounted on the turntable of the central crane unit. Such changes and modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. Therefore, it is intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the present invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the contents of the following claims are claimed as property: 1. A crane for mobile load characterized in that it comprises: a) a central crane unit having a digger, movable earthing elements and a platform rotary mounted to the excavator with a connection rotatable in such a way that the rotating platform can oscillate with respect to the elements of ground coupling; b) an arm unit having a support member, an arm rotatably mounted on the support member, and at least one movable earth engaging element mounted on the support element such that the weight of the arm it is supported by the movable arm-drive ground engaging element, and whereby the arm, the arm bracket and the movable arm-drive ground engaging member all travel together as a single unit; c) a counterweight unit having a counterweight on a support element; and d) rope that connects the arm and the counterweight unit in such a way that a load is raised by the arm it can be counterbalanced by the counterweight; e) wherein the arm unit and the counterweight unit are connected to the central crane unit by structural elements carrying compressive loads and maintain the arm unit, the turntable and the counterweight unit in lateral alignment with each other, but allow relative vertical movement between the arm unit, the turntable and the counterweight unit, and wherein the crane further comprises a main mast rotatably mounted on the combination of the central crane unit, the arm unit and the element structural between the central crane unit and the arm unit.
2. The crane for lifting mobile load according to claim 1, characterized in that the ground coupling elements on the central crane unit comprise at least two tracks.
3. The crane for lifting mobile load according to claim 1, characterized in that the ground coupling element on the arm unit comprises at least two tracks.
The crane for lifting mobile load according to claim 1, characterized in that the counterweight unit further comprises movable ground engaging elements.
5. The crane for mobile load lifting of according to claim 4, characterized in that the movable ground coupling elements in the counterweight unit comprise a plurality of wheels.
6. The crane for lifting mobile load according to claim 4, characterized in that the movable grounding elements in the counterweight unit comprise at least two tracks.
The crane for lifting mobile load according to claim 1, characterized in that the main mast is mounted rotatably on the support element of the arm unit.
The crane for mobile load lifting according to claim 7, characterized in that the central crane unit further comprises a secondary mast rotatably connected to the turntable.
9. The crane for mobile load lifting according to claim 3, characterized in that at least two tracks on the arm unit comprise two sets of two tracks each.
10. The crane for mobile load lifting according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the tracks in the arm unit can be rotated about a vertical axis in such a way that the arm unit can travel in both i) a arc around the axis of the rotatable oscillation connection of the crane unit central and ii) a lateral direction corresponding to a linear travel direction of the central crane unit.
11. The crane for lifting mobile load in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the arm comprises a main arm and a variable reach crane arm rotatably mounted to the upper part of the main arm.
The crane for mobile load lifting according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a drum containing a line of load hoists, the drum is mounted on the structural element connecting the arm unit to the central crane unit .
13. The crane for lifting mobile load according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm comprises two independent lattice structures that are joined together in both their upper and lower parts.
The crane for mobile load lifting according to claim 1, characterized in that the rope comprises i) arm lift rope between the main mast and the arm allowing the arm angle to be changed and ii) rear tie down straps between the main mast and the counterweight unit.
15. The crane for lifting of mobile load of according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a second counterweight unit.
16. The crane for mobile load lifting according to claim 15, characterized in that the second counterweight unit is configured for free-suspension use.
17. The crane for mobile load lifting according to claim 4, characterized in that the ground coupling elements on the counterweight unit can be rotated about a vertical axis in such a way that the counterweight unit can travel on both i) an arc about the rotatable oscillation connection shaft of the central crane unit; and ii) a lateral direction corresponding to a linear travel direction of the central crane unit.
18. A crane for lifting mobile load characterized in that it comprises: a) a counterweight unit having a support element, counterweight, and at least two mobile grounding elements, the support element is mounted to the elements of coupling to ground with a connection rotatable in such a way that the support element can oscillate with respect to the elements of ground coupling around an axis of oscillation; b) an arm unit that has an element of support, at least two movable earthing elements, an arm rotatably mounted on the support element, and a main mast rotatably mounted on the support element; c) a structural element between the arm unit and the counterweight unit that can carry compressive loads and keep the arm unit and the counterweight unit in lateral alignment with each other but allows relative vertical movement between the arm unit and the unit counterweight; and d) rope that connects the arm, mast and counterweight unit in such a way that a load lifted by the arm can be counterbalanced by the counterweight; e) wherein the ground engaging elements of the arm unit can be "rotated" relative to the arm unit support member such that the arm unit i) can travel in an arc about the axis of oscillation of the counterweight unit and ii) traveling in a direction in line with the structural element
19. The crane for mobile load lifting according to claim 18, characterized in that it additionally comprises a drum that contains a load-lifting line, the drum is mounted on the structural element.
20. The crane for mobile load lifting according to claim 18, characterized in that at least two ground-engaging elements on the arm unit comprise two sets of two tracks each. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A crane for mobile load lifting includes a central crane unit, an arm unit and a counterweight unit. The central crane unit has a digger, movable ground engaging elements and a rotating platform mounted to the ground engaging elements with a rotatable connection such that the turntable can oscillate with respect to the ground engaging elements. The arm unit has a support element, at least one movable earth coupling element, and an arm rotatably mounted on the support element. The counterweight unit has counterweight on a support element. Cordage connects the arm and the counterweight unit in such a way that a load lifted by the arm can counterbalance by the counterweight. The arm unit and the counterweight unit are connected to the central crane unit by structural elements that carry compressive loads and maintain the arm unit, the turntable and the counterweight unit in lateral alignment with each other, but allow vertical movement relative between the arm unit, the turntable and the counterweight unit. A main mast is rotatably mounted on the combination of the central crane unit, the arm unit and the structural element between the central crane unit and the arm unit. In other mode, a counterweight unit with an oscillation axis and arm unit are directly connected together with a structural element. Ground engaging elements on the arm unit can be rotated relative to an arm unit support member such that the arm unit i) can travel in an arc about the axis of oscillation of the counterweight unit and ii ) travel in a direction in line with the structural element.