EP2551234A1 - Drive device for a crane - Google Patents

Abstract

The drive device has a lower carriage (2) arranged on lower chassis engine of an internal combustion engine. An upper carriage drive is driven by torque or power transmission unit by a drivable lower chassis engine. The torque or power transmission unit has a drive shaft, particularly a vertical shaft, and an angular gear. A clutch is provided, in the torque or power transmission unit, for coupling and uncoupling of the upper carriage drive.

Description

The present invention relates to a drive device for a crane, the crane having an undercarriage and a superstructure, and a crane.

Large cranes often have a large undercarriage engine and a small superstructure engine.

It should be noted that crane construction has been making attempts to optimize the weight distribution for years, thus working to increase the load capacity of the cranes. Since the permissible axle loads of a maximum of 12 tonnes are specified on public roads, no jump in performance is to be expected. A crane with, for example, 5 axles can travel a maximum of 60 tons on the road. Thus, the performance of a 5-axis crane is similar for all crane manufacturers.

The crane superstructure is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis of rotation about the undercarriage. To the axis of rotation is usually mounted a rotary union, which represents a connection between the uppercarriage and lowercarriage. This connection may be, for example, hydraulic or electrical type.

An internal combustion engine has its highest power at its maximum speed and can be operated in this area.

Alternatively, a larger, and thus more powerful engine could have been used. This motor could then be run at a lower speed. Thus, the engine would not have to be operated in crane operation in the power-optimized area, but could be operated in the consumption-optimized area. In contrast, there is the extra weight.

This is a higher fuel consumption of a larger internal combustion engine to face. Each cylinder of an engine has friction losses, churning losses, etc.

Furthermore, mobile cranes are known in Einmotorenausführung. These cranes have a motor in the undercarriage and provide the superstructure with energy via a so-called "hydraulic shaft". Hydraulic oil is fed into the superstructure via the rotary union, which then directly or indirectly supplies the respective crane actuators. However, this is expensive.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to develop a drive device for a crane of the type mentioned in an advantageous manner.

This object is achieved by a drive device with the features of claim 1. Thereafter, it is provided that a drive device for a crane, wherein the crane has an undercarriage and a superstructure, with at least one arranged in the undercarriage undercarriage engine, which is an internal combustion engine, and is provided with at least one superstructure drive, wherein the superstructure drive is driven by means of a drivable by the undercarriage torque and / or power transmission means.

This results in the great advantage that the in the undercarriage for the driving of the crane on the road in its performance large dimensioned Internal combustion engine can also be used for the superstructure drive. Thus, the "smaller" engine, so the superstructure motor for the crane drive omitted. The resulting weight advantage can be invested in the crane lifting capacity and / or in the stability of various assemblies.

Thus, by deliberately omitting a regularly used and heavy component a jump in performance in crane construction can be achieved, d. H. that a crane can be provided with significantly improved performance data. The omission of the superstructure engine with its heavy components such as engine, oil and fuel tank, etc., means that the goal of weight reduction while increasing performance can be achieved particularly advantageous.

The torque and / or power transmission means is a mechanical torque and / or power transmission means and is used in particular for the mechanical transmission of forces, torque and power from the undercarriage engine to the arranged in the uppercar Crane actuators, which are driven by the superstructure drive or are driven.

It also results in the advantage that it is now sufficient to certify only one engine, namely the undercarriage engine, in particular with regard to exhaust gas, noise, etc. In addition, it is advantageous that only the maintenance of a motor, namely the undercarriage engine is to be made, so that the maintenance is reduced. Availability is advantageously increased because there are fewer components that can fail.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the torque and / or power transmission means is at least one propeller shaft, in particular a king shaft, and / or comprises.

It is also possible that the torque and / or power transmission means is at least one angular gear and / or comprises.

In addition, it is conceivable that the torque and / or power transmission means has at least one coupling by means of which the superstructure drive is disengageable and engageable, wherein the clutch is preferably arranged in the undercarriage or in the region of the undercarriage.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the torque and / or power transmission means can be driven directly by a power take-off of the undercarriage engine and / or that the torque and / or power transmission means can be driven by a power take-off of a manual or automatic transmission and / or that the torque - And / or power transmission means is driven by a power take-off of a transfer case.

It is also conceivable that the superstructure drive comprises at least one pump distributor gearbox.

It is possible that the torque, power and power transmission from the undercarriage motor to the superstructure drive takes place exclusively mechanically.

In addition, it can be provided that the undercarriage engine is a powerful and large-sized internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine, wherein the power of the undercarriage motor is preferably dimensioned such that required by the undercarriage engine power required for crane operation at low engine speed, especially in a speed range above Idling speed up to about twice the idle speed, can be provided.

It is possible that an auxiliary motor is provided on the superstructure or in the region of the superstructure, by means of which the superstructure drive can be driven.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a crane with the features of claim 10. Thereafter, it is provided that a crane is provided with at least one drive device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the crane is preferably a mobile crane, in particular a large mobile crane.

Further details of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Seitenansicht auf einen Kran;

Figur 2:

eine schematische Ansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Antriebsvorrichtung in einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Figur 3:

ein Diagramm betreffend den Vergleich der Verbrauchskennlinien eines großen und kleinen Verbrennungsmotors; und

Figur 4:

eine schematische Ansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Antriebsvorrichtung in einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

Show it:

FIG. 1:

a schematic side view of a crane;

FIG. 2:

a schematic view of the drive device according to the invention in a first embodiment;

FIG. 3:

a diagram relating to the comparison of the consumption characteristics of a large and small internal combustion engine; and

FIG. 4:

a schematic view of the drive device according to the invention in a further embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a crane 1 with a drive device according to the invention. The crane 1 is a mobile crane. 1

FIG. 2 further shows a schematic view of the drive device according to the invention in a first embodiment.

According to the invention, the drive to the superstructure 3 of the crane 1 via propeller shafts 16 to the center of the turntable, the rotation axis 4. Here, an angle gear 13, which is preferably designed with 90 ° angle, used in the vehicle frame centered and the drive to the superstructure 3 forwarded. In the superstructure 3, another angle gear 13 is realized with performance continuation to a pump distributor gear 14. If necessary, a suitable position of the pump distributor 14 can also be achieved by means of a further angular gear 13, not shown. Namely, it should be noted that in the uppercarriage 3, the boom 7 and the luffing cylinder 8 occupy the area of the center of rotation and about the longitudinal axis. Thus, another bevel gear 13 may be necessary to get out of this area.

• direkt von einem Nebenantrieb 10a dieses Dieselmotors 10, wobei das Getriebe umgangen wird;
• von einem Nebenantrieb am Schalt- bzw. Automatikgetriebe 11; oder
• an einem Nebenantrieb von einem Verteilergetriebe 12, wobei am besten die Welle einfach durch das Verteilergetriebe 12 direkt durchgeführt wird.

The superstructure drive can be diverted in various ways and places from the existing and known drive train, namely

• directly from a power take-off 10a of this diesel engine 10, with the transmission being bypassed;
• from a power take-off on the manual or automatic transmission 11; or
• on a power take-off from a transfer case 12, and it is best to carry out the shaft directly through the transfer case 12 directly.

Since a further object of the invention is the fuel economy, it is very advantageous that the superstructure drive, regardless of where it is located, for example, via a clutch 18 is switched off. Further, a clutch 50 is provided in the undercarriage, which actively decouples the undercarriage drive and close to the branch for the superstructure drive and thus reduces the friction losses.

The translation of the superstructure drive can be freely selected as needed. When arranged on the transfer case 12, the gear ratio can be determined depending on the gear as needed. Preferably, however, an optimum ratio to the diesel engine 10 is set. This ratio can either be equal to the engine speed, or increased to fast. The same applies to the angle gear 13, which can either have a translation of 1: 1 or a translation into the fast.

Understandably, torque and power are transmitted to the superstructure drive. This torque causes a disturbing torque 3. If this moment is above the friction losses of the roller slewing connection 9, then further measures are to be provided. Thus, the necessary support torque can be calculated by the controller and then suitably absorbed by the slewing gear.

The large-sized undercarriage engine 10 has sufficient power for crane operation. It is designed for driving performance. So far, the superstructure engine was rather smaller from the maximum power, as this weight and cost were saved. However, this saving was associated with the disadvantage of operating in the higher speed range, which caused a higher fuel consumption. The undercarriage engine 10 can thus be operated in the superstructure operation preferably in a consumption-optimized range at a reduced speed.

For crane operation, it is important to operate the diesel engine 10 in the optimal fuel consumption map. In a performance comparison of the required power to the power provided, the engine speed is correspondingly assigned to operate the engine in the optimum fuel economy map.

Another problem with using only one diesel engine 10 is the exhaust routing. The undercarriage 2 is stationary and the superstructure 3 rotates about the rotation axis 4. Depending on the lifting task of the superstructure 3 and thus the crane cab 5 occupy a position in the 360 ° circle. Thus - even with an unfavorable position of the superstructure 3 and unfavorable wind conditions, the exhaust gases do not get into the crane cab 5 immediately, the exhaust system is designed appropriately. This can be achieved by displacing the exhaust gases from the muffler 80 as far forward as possible to the driver's cab 6 and, in addition, realizing the exhaust gas outlet 81 upwards or to the side.

It should also be mentioned that the hitherto often used hydraulic rotary feedthrough can be omitted. The energy becomes mechanical or essentially exclusive mechanically transmitted. It is only a small slip ring 20 for transmitting the electrical signals and energy necessary.

To further save fuel, it is advantageous to make the pumps 17 for the auxiliary consumers in the undercarriage also via a coupling 19 selectively decoupled. However, this clutch must also be selectively switchable, for example, to allow driving from the superstructure 3 out (eg, crab). According to the prior art, the pumps 17 were not switchable.

Another aspect of fuel economy can be taken from the FIG. 3 taken with the consumption characteristics for a large and a small engine. This diagram presented a simplified diagram of the speed dependent fuel consumption of a combustion engine. The large diesel engine 10 may be operated _{in size} at a low idle speed nL. The previous small diesel engine had to be operated at a higher idle speed nL _small . Next fuel savings from the low operating speed nB may be _large in comparison to the higher - operating speed can be achieved nB _small - explained previously.

The efficiency of each bevel gear 13 is about 0.99 to 0.98. Thus, sufficient power is still available at the pump distributor 14 in the uppercarriage 3.

Another positive aspect is the lower noise, since the diesel engine 10 is operated at a low speed. This aspect can also have an impact on fuel consumption. Since the diesel engine 10 is very large, it can be operated at low speed and generates accordingly little heat. Thus, the engine cooling fans 53 may be operated at low speed or even not at all.

Observing now the typical crane operation, then it is found that the diesel engine 10 usually more than 50% of its time - even so far - operated at idle has been. The reason for this is, for example, that the diesel engine 10 was required for the air conditioning of the crane cab 5. So the crane driver could not turn off the diesel engine 10.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an auxiliary motor 31 may be provided on the uppercarriage 3. The auxiliary motor 31 may be made variable in size. This auxiliary motor 31 may include a starter 33 and a generator 32. The generator 32 could then take over the supply of electrical consumers, such as lighting, during the standby time. At night, if the crane stands upright with a boom height greater than 100 m, this auxiliary engine 31 can also operate the flight warning light. By means of a separable coupling 30, the air conditioning system 52 or a preheating of selected components could also be operated by the auxiliary engine 31. In case of failure of the diesel engine 10, an emergency operation could also take place via a propeller shaft 16 to the pump distributor 14. Of course, this compound also has a separable coupling 51. Even in case of failure of the battery in the undercarriage, the auxiliary motor 31 could be used for charging purposes.

Of course, the auxiliary motor 31 could also be a separate unit from the superstructure 3.

Another embodiment not shown in the drawings preferably relates to large cranes, in which the distance between the engine and rotary feedthrough is very large. Here would be a solution according to the FIG. 2 lead to a very long drive shaft 12 to the angle gear 13. Therefore, in this application, alternatively, the drive shafts 16 of the axes can be used. Thus, the angle gear 13 (see. Fig. 2 ) are driven by an output shaft which is branched off at a final drive. In this solution, a clutch must be provided on each axis, so that the respective axis can be decoupled from the drive train, to prevent the wheels rotate during crane operation.

Claims (10)

Driving device for a crane (1), the crane (1) having an undercarriage (2) and a superstructure (3) with at least one undercarriage (2) arranged undercarriage motor (10), which is an internal combustion engine, and with at least one Uppercarriage drive, wherein the uppercarriage drive can be driven by means of a torque and / or force transmission means which can be driven by the undercarriage motor (10). Drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that the torque and / or power transmission means at least one articulated shaft (16), in particular a king shaft, is and / or comprises. Drive device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the torque and / or power transmission means is at least one angular gear (13) and / or comprises. Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torque and / or force transmission means comprises at least one coupling (18) by means of which the superstructure drive disengageable and engageable, wherein the coupling (18) preferably in the undercarriage (2) or in Area of the undercarriage (2) is arranged. Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torque and / or power transmission means directly from a power take-off (10a) of the undercarriage motor (10) is drivable and / or that the torque and / or power transmission means of a power take-off of a switching or Automatic transmission (11) is drivable and / or that the torque and / or power transmission means of a power take-off of a transfer case (12) is drivable. Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the superstructure drive comprises at least one pump distributor gearbox (14). Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torque, power and power transmission from the undercarriage motor (10) to the superstructure drive takes place exclusively mechanically. Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the undercarriage motor (10) is a powerful and large-sized internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine, wherein the power of the undercarriage motor (10) is preferably dimensioned such that by the undercarriage motor (10) for the Crane operation required power at low engine speed, especially in a speed range above the idle speed up to about twice the idle speed, can be provided. Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an auxiliary motor (31) is provided on the superstructure (3) or in the region of the superstructure (3), by means of which the superstructure drive can be driven. Crane (1) with at least one drive device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the crane (1) is preferably a mobile crane, in particular a large mobile crane.

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