Crane with alternate drive units

Abstract

The present invention relates to a crane, particularly a crawler crane, whereby at least two different drive units can be alternately connected with the crane. The invention is additionally directed at corresponding drive units.

Claims

1. A crane (1), particularly a crawler crane, comprising at least two different drive units (2) configured to be alternately connected with the crane (1), wherein the drive units 2 each include at least one internal combustion engine (22) and at least one hydraulic pump (23) and/or at least one generator (23), the internal combustion engines (22) differ from the drive units (2) in regard to the emissions standards the meet and/or the operating materials they require, the crane (1) comprises at least an undercarriage and a superstructure (11), with the undercarriage and/or superstructure (11) not including a permanently installed drive unit (2), and the superstructure (11) comprises a separate pump (15), a separate hydraulic motor (13) and a pump transfer casing (14) all situated thereon, with the separate pump (15) arranged to be driven by the separate hydraulic motor (13) through the pump transfer casing (14).

2. A crane (1) in accordance with claim 1, wherein the drive units (2) are connectable with the undercarriage and/or with the superstructure (11) of the crane (1).

3. A crane (1) in accordance with claim 1, wherein the drive units (2) are connectable with the crane (1) instead of common ballast and/or as additional ballast.

4. A crane (1) in accordance with claim 1, wherein in one mode of operation of the crane (1) in which the crane (1) is not movable or is only movable to a limited degree, the drive units (2) are placeable on the ground close to the crane (1).

5. A drive unit (2) connectable with a crane (1) in accordance with claim 1.

6. A crane (1) in accordance with claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine (22) of one drive unit (2) is a diesel engine and the internal combustion engine (22) of the other drive unit (2) is a gas engine.

7. A crane (1) in accordance with claim 1, wherein said two different drive units (2) are additionally configured to be alternately connected with the undercarriage of the crane (1) as ballast, and additionally comprising connecting elements (21) configured for replaceably connecting the two different drive units (2) to the undercarriage of the crane (1).

8. A crane (7) in accordance with claim 7, wherein each said drive unit (2) additionally comprises a compressor (27), an oil tank (24) and additional controls or storage units (28).

9. A crane (1) in accordance with claim 1, wherein each said drive unit (2) additionally comprises a compressor (27), an oil tank (24) and additional controls or storage units (28).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Additional details and advantages of the invention now be illustrated by means of the figures.

(2) These depict the following:

(3) FIG. 1: A schematic representation of a drive unit that is connected with the superstructure of a crane; and

(4) FIG. 2: A detailed representation of a drive unit that is connected to a crane.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(5) The drive unit 2 depicted in FIG. 1 is connected to the superstructure 11 of a crane 1 by means of a connecting element 21. In the embodiment depicted, the crane 1 has no other drive unit.

(6) FIG. 2 depicts a crane 1, or the superstructure 1 of a crane 1, as the case may be. The superstructure 11 can thereby be connected with an undercarriage, not depicted, by means of a rotating connection 12. The superstructure 11 can thereby be pivoted by means of a mechanism drive unit 16 that rotates relative to the undercarriage. A transmission of power and/or information between the undercarriage and superstructure 11 may thereby provided by means of a rotatable connection 29.

(7) In the embodiment depicted, at least one hydraulic motor 13 for driving a pump 15 or several pumps 15 are additionally provided on the superstructure 11. The pumps 15 can thereby be driven by means of a pump transfer casing 14. In the case of a heavy-lift crane, it is also conceivable for several hydraulic motors 13, such as two, for example, to be provided for the operation of a possibly still greater number of pumps 15. Additional units 28, such as controls and/or storage units, can be provided on the superstructure 11.

(8) The superstructure 11 can be connected with one or more drive units 2 by means of a connection 26, such as a hydraulic connection 26, for example, as in the embodiment depicted. The drive units 2 can thereby include at least one internal combustion engine 22, which can be constructed as a diesel engine, for example. The internal combustion engine 22 can thereby be connected, such as in the embodiment depicted, with at least one hydraulic pump 23, which has corresponding connection points 25 for the connection of the connection 26.

(9) The drive unit 2 can additionally have one or more air conditioning compressor units or air conditioning compressors 27, as the case may be, by means of which a climate control can be provided inside a work booth. In the case of a heavy-lift crane, it is additionally conceivable for two or more air conditioning compressors 27 to be provided in the drive unit 2.

(10) Furthermore, devices such as oil tanks 24, fuel tanks, or other additional units 28, such as controls and/or storage units or the like, can be provided on the drive unit 2.

(11) It is thereby conceivable to provide the drive unit 2 with an internal combustion engine 22 which supplies approx. 350 kW at 1200 revolutions/minute. Internal combustion engines 22 with other dimensions are obviously equally conceivable.

(12) The drive unit 2 is thereby suitable for all crawler cranes that are currently available. Heavy-lift cranes 1 can use several similar drive units 2 simultaneously,

(13) In order to start the internal combustion engine 22, the hydraulic pump 23 can be set to zero output, through which an easier start-up of the internal combustion engine 22 is ensured, even at low temperatures.

(14) Since the idling portion in vehicle cranes or cranes 1, as the case may be, amounts to 80%, the pump 23 can, during the idling phases, be to switched over to zero lift, through which a considerable fuel savings can be achieved. In such a case, the air conditioning compressor 27 must be provided on the drive unit 2 in order to maintain the function of the air conditioning unit of the crane 1. Consequently, all hydraulic motors 13 and pumps 15 come to a stop. Only the pump 23 and, possibly, the air conditioning compressor 27 as well, are brought into operation during idling operation. The lower efficiency in normal crane operation caused by the hydraulic shaft that is thereby necessary contrasts with the savings that are thereby brought about. Since the normal crane operation constitutes only approx. 20% of the running time of the internal combustion engine 22, however, fuel savings are brought about over the total running time of the crane 1.

(15) It is conceivable to provide two or more versions of the drive units 2. One unit may thereby be designed for use in Europe and the USA, whereby the emission regulations in accordance with EPA TIER 4 or emission levels in accordance with 97/68/EU IV, respectively, are met, for example. Another drive unit 2 may be designed for use in other parts of the world, such as when meeting emission regulations in accordance with 97/68/EU IIIA, for example.

(16) If two drive units 2 are present on a large crane 1, for example, then it is conceivable for a complete and automatic emergency operation to be possible.

(17) In the event of the failure of one drive unit 2, another drive unit 2 can be transported to the place of use of the crane 1 as a replacement for the failed unit. The defective drive unit 2 can then be brought to a maintenance hangar for maintenance, for example. The crane 1 itself can be brought into operation relatively faster by means of the second replacement drive unit 2, and the better working conditions at the maintenance hangar increase the quality of maintenance of the defective drive unit 2.

(18) On the whole, the considerable logistical advantages for the crane manufacturer stand in contrast to the minor additional expenses for the separation of the drive units from the crane 1 or from the superstructure 11, as the case may be. In addition, it is now possible to construct and to manufacture only one or two drive units 2 for more crane types. Through this, savings result upon manufacturing the drive units 2.