阅读说明：本技术 起重机、用于组装起重机的方法和用于拆卸起重机的方法 (Crane, method for assembling crane and method for disassembling crane ) 是由 韦塞尔·赫尔门斯 尼古拉斯·兰菲恩 安东·阿德里安·约阿希姆·范登布罗克 于 2019-07-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于组装和拆卸起重机(1)的方法,该起重机(1)包括第一桅杆(10)和接收设备(30),该第一桅杆(10)能围绕第一桅杆枢转轴线(16)相对于起重机底座(2)倾斜到倾斜的桅杆操作位置,该接收设备(30)适于接收第一桅杆的桅杆段。(Method for assembling and disassembling a crane (1), the crane (1) comprising a first mast (10) and a receiving apparatus (30), the first mast (10) being tiltable about a first mast pivot axis (16) to a tilted mast operating position relative to a crane base (2), the receiving apparatus (30) being adapted to receive mast sections of the first mast.)

1. A crane, the crane (1) comprising:

-a crane base (2),

a first mast (10) having a central mast axis (15),

wherein the first mast (10) comprises mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) and the first mast (10) is tiltable relative to the crane base (2) about a first mast pivot axis (16) within a range of angular positions, the range of angular positions comprising a mast construction position and a tilted mast operating position, wherein the first mast pivot axis (16) extends perpendicular to the central mast axis (15),

-a receiving device (30) adapted to receive the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10),

the receiving device (30) having a receiving device central axis (35) and a mast section guide (31), the receiving device central axis (35) being perpendicular to the first mast pivot axis (16) and parallel to the central mast axis (15), the mast section guide (31) being adapted to guide a movement of the mast section (11, 12, 13, 14) relative to the receiving device (30) in the direction of the receiving device central axis (35),

-a transfer device (40) adapted to move the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) relative to the receiving device (30) in the direction of the receiving device central axis (35) from a receiving position to a transfer position,

-a locking device (50) adapted to releasably lock the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) in the transfer position relative to the position of the receiving device (30),

-a first mast securing device (60) adapted to releasably secure the first mast (10) in the mast construction position.

2. Crane according to claim 1, wherein the crane (1) further comprises a second mast (20), wherein optionally the first mast (10) is a main boom and the second mast (20) is a back mast.

3. A crane according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the transfer apparatus is provided with one or more cables to move the mast sections from the receiving position to the transfer position.

4. Crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the crane is a high capacity crane.

5. Crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein an imaginary assembly space is defined extending vertically upwards above the crane base and having an outer boundary in a horizontal direction extending vertically upwards from the outer boundary of the crane base, wherein the first mast is configured to be completely within the assembly space when the first mast is in the mast construction position, and wherein preferably the first mast is configured to be completely within the assembly space during assembly of the first mast.

6. The crane according to claim 5, wherein the receiving device, the transferring device and the locking device are configured to be completely within the assembly space when the first mast is in the mast build position and during assembly of the first mast.

7. Crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (30) is connected to the crane base (2) and can be tilted together with the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) relative to the crane base (2).

8. Crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first mast (10) comprises a lower mast section (14) connected to the crane base (2) and tiltable relative to the crane base (2) about the first mast pivot axis (16).

9. Crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) extends vertically when the first mast (10) is in the construction position.

10. Crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mast sections of the first mast (10) are provided with at least a part of a hoisting system (70).

11. Crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mast (10) comprises a tilt member (17) allowing an upper portion (18) of the first mast (10) to be tilted away from the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10).

12. A method for assembling a crane, comprising the steps of,

the crane comprising a first mast (10) having a central mast axis (15), wherein the first mast (10) comprises mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) and the first mast (10) is tiltable relative to a crane base (2) about a first mast pivot axis (16) over a range of angular positions, the range comprising a mast construction position and a tilted mast operating position, wherein the first mast pivot axis (16) extends perpendicular to the central mast axis (15),

the method comprises the following steps:

-connecting a receiving device (30) adapted to receive mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) and having a receiving device central axis (35) to the crane base (2),

wherein the first mast pivot axis (16) extends perpendicular to the receptacle central axis (35),

-fixing the receiving apparatus (30) in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis (35) is parallel to the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) in the mast construction position,

-arranging mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of a first mast (10) of the crane (1) in the receiving apparatus (30),

-moving the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) relative to the receiving apparatus (30) in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis (35) from a receiving position to a transfer position, wherein the mast sections of the first mast (10) are in an angular position corresponding to the mast construction position of the first mast (10),

-locking the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) in the transfer position with respect to the position of the receiving apparatus (30) to build the first mast (10).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each mast section of the first mast remains within an imaginary assembly space at least from a time the mast section is disposed in the receiving apparatus until the first mast is assembled in the mast construction position, wherein the assembly space is defined as extending vertically upward above the crane base and having a horizontally outer boundary extending vertically upward from an outer boundary of the crane base.

14. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising the step of releasing the fixing of the receiving device and removing the receiving device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein after assembling the first mast and removing the receiving apparatus, the method comprises the steps of:

-connecting the receiving device to the crane base at a position where a second mast is to be assembled, said position being offset from the first mast, wherein the receiving device is adapted to receive mast sections of the second mast,

wherein optionally the receiving apparatus is tiltably connected to the crane base, thereby enabling the receiving apparatus to be tilted relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis extending perpendicular to the receiving apparatus central axis,

-fixing the receiving apparatus in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the second mast in the mast construction position,

-arranging mast sections of the second mast of the crane in the receiving device,

-moving the mast section of the second mast relative to the receiving apparatus in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis from a receiving position to a transfer position, wherein the mast section of the second mast is in an angular position corresponding to the second mast construction position,

-locking the mast sections in the transfer position relative to the position of the receiving apparatus to build the second mast,

-optionally releasing the fixing of the reception apparatus and tilting the second mast, optionally together with the reception apparatus, about the second mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein after assembling the first mast and removing the receiving apparatus, the method further comprises the steps of:

-connecting the receiving device to a further crane base, wherein the receiving device is adapted to receive mast sections of a further first mast,

wherein optionally the receiving apparatus is tiltably connected to the further crane base, thereby enabling the receiving apparatus to be tilted relative to the further crane base about a further first mast pivot axis extending perpendicular to the receiving apparatus central axis,

-fixing the receiving apparatus in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the further first mast in the mast construction position,

-arranging mast sections of the further first mast of the crane in the receiving device,

-moving the mast section of the further first mast relative to the receiving apparatus in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis from a receiving position to a transfer position, wherein the mast section of the further first mast is in an angular position corresponding to the further first mast construction position,

-locking the mast sections in the transfer position relative to the position of the receiving apparatus to build the further first mast,

-optionally releasing the fixing of the reception apparatus and tilting the further first mast, optionally together with the reception apparatus, about the further first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

17. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the step of connecting the receiving device (30) to the crane base (2) comprises: -tiltably connecting the receiving device (30) to the crane base (2), thereby enabling tilting of the receiving device (30) relative to the crane base (2) about the first mast pivot axis,

wherein the method further comprises:

-releasing the fixation of the receiving apparatus (30) and tilting the receiving apparatus (30) together with the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

18. Method according to one or more of claims 12 to 17,

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

-arranging a further mast section (13, 14) of a first mast (10) of the crane (1) in the receiving apparatus (30) after the step of locking the mast section (11, 12, 13, 14) in the transfer position relative to the position of the receiving apparatus (30) and before the step of releasing the fixing of the receiving apparatus (30) and optionally tilting the receiving apparatus (30) together with the mast section (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to a tilted mast operating position,

-connecting the further mast section (13, 14) of the first mast (10) to the mast section (11, 12, 13) of the first mast (10) locked in the transfer position,

-unlocking the mast sections (11, 12, 13) of the first mast (10) in the transfer position,

-moving the further mast section (13, 14) of the first mast (10) relative to the receiving apparatus (30) in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis (35) from a receiving position to the transfer position, wherein the mast section of the first mast (10) is in an angular position corresponding to the mast construction position of the first mast, and thereby moving the mast section (11, 12, 13) in the transfer position away from the transfer position in a direction parallel to the central mast axis (15) to further build the first mast (10),

-locking the position of the further mast section (13, 14) relative to the receiving apparatus (30) in the transfer position.

19. The method of any one of claims 12 to 18,

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

-arranging a lower mast section (14) of the first mast (10) of the crane in the receiving apparatus after the step of locking the mast section in the transfer position relative to the position of the receiving apparatus (30) and before the step of releasing the fixing of the receiving apparatus (30) and optionally tilting the receiving apparatus (30) together with the mast section of the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to a tilted mast operating position,

-connecting the lower mast section (14) of the first mast (10) to the mast section of the first mast (10) locked in the transfer position or to another mast section to further build the first mast (10),

-connecting the lower mast section (14) of the first mast (10) to the crane base (2) and enabling tilting of the lower mast section (14) of the first mast (10) relative to the crane base (2) about the first mast pivot axis (16).

20. The method according to any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the mast sections are intermediate mast sections, wherein optionally a plurality of intermediate mast sections and/or at least one intermediate mast section and a lower mast section are assembled together, wherein the method further comprises the step of arranging a top mast section on top of the middle section or the highest middle section, for example with an external crane.

21. The method of any one of claims 12 to 20,

wherein at least one mast section of the first mast (10) comprises at least a part of a hoist system (70), the method further comprising the steps of:

-connecting a hoisting cable (73) of the at least part of the hoisting system connected to the mast section of the first mast (10) to a mast section (21, 22, 23, 24) of a second mast (20),

-connecting the mast sections (21, 22, 23, 24) of the second mast to the crane base (2) to build the second mast (20) and enable the second mast (20) to tilt relative to the crane base (2) about a second mast pivot axis (26) parallel to the first mast pivot axis (16).

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

wherein the step of connecting the at least part of the hoisting cable (73) of the hoisting system (70) connected to the mast section of the first mast (10) to the mast section (21, 22, 23, 24) of the second mast (20) occurs before releasing the fixing of the receiving device (30) and optionally tilting the receiving device (30) together with the mast of the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

wherein the method further comprises the step of tilting the second mast (20) to a tilted second mast operating position.

24. The method of any one of claims 12 to 23,

wherein in the step of fixing the receiving apparatus (30) in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis (35) is parallel to the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) in the mast construction position, the receiving apparatus (30) is fixed in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis (35) extends vertically.

25. The method of any one of claims 7 to 24,

wherein the method further comprises the step of tilting an upper portion (18) of the first mast (10) away from the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10).

26. A method for disassembling a crane, in particular a crane,

the crane is a crane (1) according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:

-tilting the first mast (10), optionally together with the reception apparatus (30), about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to the mast construction position,

-fixing the receiving apparatus (30) in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis (35) is parallel to the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) in the mast construction position,

-removing mast sections of the first mast (10) present in the receiving apparatus (30) from the receiving apparatus (30).

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first and second portions are different,

the method further comprises the steps of:

-after the step of fixing the reception apparatus (30) in a position in which the reception apparatus central axis (35) is parallel to the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) in the mast construction position and before the step of removing the mast sections of the first mast (10) present in the reception apparatus (30) from the reception apparatus (30), releasing the locking of the mast sections in the transfer position and moving the mast sections from the transfer position to the reception position in the reception apparatus (30),

-then, still before the step of removing the mast sections of the first mast (10) present in the receiving apparatus (30) from the receiving apparatus, locking the position of subsequent mast sections relative to the receiving apparatus (30) in the transfer position.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of hoisting cranes and hoisting devices, in particular to large cranes of modular design, wherein the crane is transported in disassembled state to the site where the hoisting operation is to be performed and then assembled.

Background

On site, large lattice-boom cranes are used, which are assembled at the operating site. Usually, the main boom and/or the back mast of the crane are assembled while on the ground and then hoisted and/or pulled up to their operating position. A very common problem is that the space available on site for installing the crane is limited, for example, when a new reactor vessel is to be installed in an existing petrochemical plant.

Several solutions to this problem have been proposed.

For example, EP3301064 describes a device for lifting heavy loads. In this arrangement, a ground-standing erection facility is provided which allows the mast of the crane to be installed in a vertical direction rather than on the ground (i.e. in a horizontal direction). EP3301064 requires a special floor-standing erection installation with a base on which an assembly frame is mounted, which forms an essential part of the described invention.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a crane which is suitable for efficient assembly and disassembly in locations where the available space is limited. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a practical method for assembling and disassembling such a crane.

The object of the invention is achieved by a crane comprising:

-a crane base, which is provided with a crane,

a first mast having a central mast axis,

wherein the first mast comprises mast sections and the first mast is tiltable relative to the crane base about a first mast pivot axis over a range of angular positions including a mast build position and a tilted mast operating position, wherein the first mast pivot axis extends perpendicular to the central mast axis,

a receiving device adapted to receive mast sections of the first mast,

the reception apparatus having a reception apparatus central axis which is perpendicular to the first mast pivot axis and parallel to the central mast axis, and a mast section guide which is adapted to guide a movement of the mast section relative to the reception apparatus in the direction of the reception apparatus central axis,

a transfer device adapted to move the mast sections of the first mast relative to the receiving device in the direction of the receiving device central axis from the receiving position to the transfer position,

a locking device adapted to releasably lock the position of the mast sections of the first mast relative to the receiving device in the transfer position,

-a first mast securing apparatus adapted to releasably secure the first mast in a mast build position.

The crane according to the invention comprises a crane base. The crane base may be, for example, the undercarriage of a crawler crane, and/or the base assembly of a ring crane, for example. The crane base may be a conventional crane base. The crane base may for example be a base, for example comprising three, four, six or eight legs. For example, the crane base is arranged on a support surface of the working area. For example, the support surface is a part of the ground, which is provided with a movable steel plate for better consistency. For example, the crane according to the invention may be a jib crane.

The crane according to the invention has a first mast comprising mast sections. Optionally, the first mast comprises a plurality of mast sections.

The first mast has a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the first mast. The first mast is tiltable relative to the crane base about a first mast pivot axis over a range of angular positions. The first mast pivot axis extends perpendicular to the central mast axis. The first mast pivot axis extends, for example, in a horizontal direction.

The range of angular positions includes a mast build position and a tilted mast operating position. The mast construction position is the angular position of the first mast when the first mast is assembled. The mast operating position is the angular position that the first mast has or can have when lifting a load by the crane during a hoisting operation.

In the tilted mast operating position, the central axis of the first mast extends in a direction at an angle other than 0 ° and other than 90 ° to the vertical. For example, in the inclined mast operating position, the central axis of the first mast extends downwardly and at an angle of between 5 ° and 75 ° relative to the vertical. The crane according to the invention is adapted to operate with the first mast in the tilted mast operating position. In exceptional cases the mast operating position may be vertical, for example during part of the hoisting operation, but as long as the crane is adapted to operate with the first mast in the tilted mast operating position, the first mast still has a tilted mast operating position. Optionally, the angular position range comprises a plurality of tilted mast operating positions in which the central axis of the first mast extends in different directions at an angle other than 0 ° and other than 90 ° to the vertical direction. That is, the crane may be adapted to operate with the first mast in one of the plurality of tilted mast operating positions.

This inclined mast operating position distinguishes the crane according to the invention from, for example, a tower crane or a rotating tower crane, in which the vertical mast is always in the vertical position during operation of the crane. Although it is known to vertically assemble the upright mast of a tower crane, for example from US3491897 and WO2014048516a1, this is very different from the present invention. The vertical mast in a tower crane remains substantially vertical throughout operation. The system for erecting the upright mast holds a portion of the upright mast once erected by being disposed between the crane base and the lowermost mast section. They do not allow the upright mast to pivot relative to the crane base, i.e., there is no tilted mast operating position. The forces occurring in the first mast of the crane according to the invention are very different from the forces occurring in the upright mast of the tower crane, purely because the upright mast of the tower crane remains vertical. Systems for erecting a vertical mast in a tower crane are not suitable for carrying the load of tilting the mast, or even for allowing the mast to be tilted to a tilted (mast operating) position.

Moreover, the tower crane does not achieve the intended advantages of the present invention. Although the vertical mast can be erected vertically, there is also a horizontal mast extending from the top of the vertical mast. The horizontal mast is assembled horizontally on the ground before entering the functional position for hoisting. Therefore, a large amount of space is required for assembling the tower crane, which is avoided by the present invention.

The crane according to the invention further comprises a receiving device adapted to receive the mast sections of the first mast. During assembly of the first mast, the receiving apparatus receives mast sections to be added to the first mast. In embodiments where the first mast comprises a plurality of mast sections, the receiving apparatus receives the plurality of mast sections sequentially.

The receiver has a receiver central axis that is perpendicular to the first mast pivot axis and parallel to the central mast axis.

The receiving device further comprises a mast section guide adapted to guide movement of the mast section relative to the receiving device in the direction of the receiving device central axis. For example, the mast section guide extends in a direction parallel to the central mast axis and the receiving apparatus central axis.

The crane according to the invention further comprises a transfer device. The transfer device is adapted to move the mast sections of the first mast relative to the receiving device in the direction of the receiving device central axis from the receiving position to the transfer position.

The receiving position of the mast section of the first mast is the position which the mast section has relative to the receiving apparatus when the mast section is arranged in the receiving apparatus and before but ready for transfer to the transfer position. Generally, the mast sections are engaged (directly or indirectly) by mast section guides in the receiving position.

The transfer position of a mast section of the first mast is the position which the mast section has when the receiving apparatus is ready to receive a subsequent mast section of the first mast in the receiving position.

The receiving position and the transferring position are offset from each other in the direction of the central axis of the receiving apparatus.

For example, the transfer apparatus is provided with one or more hydraulic cylinders and/or one or more cables to move the mast sections from the receiving position to the transfer position.

Optionally, the transferring device is mounted on the receiving device. Alternatively, the transfer device is mounted on a crane base, for example.

Optionally, the transfer apparatus directly or indirectly engages the mast sections.

The crane according to the invention further comprises a locking device adapted to releasably lock the position of the mast section of the first mast relative to the receiving device in the transfer position. The locking device thereby prevents the mast sections from sliding back from the transfer position to the receiving position. When the locking device locks the mast section in the transfer position, the subsequent mast section can be safely placed in the receiving position in the receiving device.

For example, the locking device may comprise a moveable pen which prevents movement of the mast section from the transfer position towards the receiving position. For example, the pen may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated.

Optionally, the locking device is mounted on the receiving device. Alternatively, the locking device is mounted on the crane base, for example.

For example, during further assembly of the first mast, the locking device may release the mast section from the transfer position when a subsequent mast section pushes the mast section further in a direction parallel to the receiving device central axis.

The crane according to the invention further comprises a first mast securing device adapted to releasably secure the first mast in the mast construction position. The first mast fixture holds the first mast in a mast build position during assembly of the first mast and optionally during disassembly of the first mast. When the first mast is tilted to the tilted mast operating position, the first mast fixture releases the first mast to allow the first mast to tilt.

In an embodiment, the crane is a high capacity crane, such as a high capacity mobile crane. For example, high capacity may be construed as being able to hoist a load of at least 200 tonnes, preferably at least 300 tonnes, optionally at least 500 tonnes. These types of cranes are often required in specific hoisting locations where the space for assembling the crane is limited, for example in petrochemical or other industrial plants, or in areas where buildings are dense. Advantageously, the crane according to the invention can be assembled in such a position. It is noted that tower cranes are not suitable for lifting such loads.

In an embodiment, the crane further comprises a second mast. For example, when the crane is a high capacity crane, the second mast enables the crane to hoist heavy loads.

For example, the first mast is the main boom and the second mast is the back mast. Alternatively, the first mast is a back mast and the second mast is a main boom.

Optionally, the second mast has a second central mast axis and is tiltable relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis extending perpendicular to the second central mast axis. Optionally, the second mast is tiltable relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis over a range of angular positions, the range including a second mast build position and a tilted second mast operating position.

Optionally, the second mast comprises mast sections. Optionally, the second mast comprises a plurality of mast sections.

Optionally, the second mast pivot axis and the first mast pivot axis are parallel to each other.

Optionally, the second mast pivot axis and the first mast pivot axis are movable relative to each other in a direction towards and away from each other.

Optionally, the first mast pivot axis and the second mast pivot axis are located close to each other. For example, the distance between the first mast pivot axis and the second mast pivot axis is less than 5 meters, optionally less than 3 meters. This allows a small footprint for the crane, which is advantageous when the crane has to be used in a hoisting position where the space for the crane is small.

Optionally, the second mast is configured to be connected to the ballast.

In an embodiment, the crane comprises a second mast having a central mast axis,

wherein the second mast comprises mast sections and the second mast is tiltable relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis over a range of angular positions, the range of angular positions comprising a mast construction position and a tilted mast operating position, wherein the second mast pivot axis extends perpendicular to the central mast axis,

in this embodiment, the crane further comprises a second mast receiving apparatus adapted to receive mast sections of a second mast. The second mast receiving apparatus has a second mast receiving apparatus central axis perpendicular to the second mast pivot axis and parallel to the second mast central axis and a second mast section guide adapted to guide movement of a mast section of the second mast relative to the second mast receiving apparatus in a direction of the second mast receiving apparatus central axis.

In this embodiment, the crane further comprises a second mast transfer device adapted to move the mast sections of the second mast relative to the second mast receiving apparatus in the direction of the second mast receiving apparatus central axis from the receiving position to the transfer position.

In this embodiment, the crane further comprises a locking device adapted to releasably lock the position of the mast sections of the second mast relative to the second mast receiving device in the transfer position.

In this embodiment, the crane further comprises a second mast securing apparatus adapted to releasably secure the second mast in the mast construction position.

In this embodiment, the second mast receiving apparatus is connected to the crane base and is tiltable together with the second mast about a second mast pivot axis relative to the crane base.

Optionally, the second mast securing apparatus is adapted to releasably secure the second mast of the crane in the mast build position by engaging the second mast receiving apparatus and/or the second mast.

Optionally, the second mast fixture is adapted to act as a boom stop when the second mast is in the tilt operating position.

In an embodiment, the crane base is pivotable about a substantially vertical crane base pivot axis. Optionally, the vertical crane base pivot axis coincides with a central axis of the crane base.

In an embodiment, the first mast is pivotable relative to the crane base about a substantially vertical pivot axis. Preferably, when the crane comprises a second mast, the second mast is furthermore pivotable relative to the crane base about said vertical pivot axis. Optionally, the vertical pivot axis coincides with a central axis of the crane base.

Advantageously, the above-described embodiments allow the crane base and the first mast and (when present) the second mast to pivot. For example, after the load is lifted, the crane base may be pivoted and then the load released at another location.

In an embodiment, wherein the second mast has a second central mast axis and is tiltable relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis extending perpendicular to the second central mast axis, and the second mast is also configured to be connected to a ballast, the crane is configured to move the ballast closer to and further from the crane base. Optionally, the second mast is configured to move the ballast. Optionally, the crane is configured to move the ballast between and/or during the hoisting operation, e.g. after picking up the load and before releasing said load.

In this embodiment, the ballast may be moved closer to and further from the crane base. This allows the physical space occupied by the crane to be reduced when required. For example, during a first lifting operation, the ballast may be arranged relatively far from the crane base. If the crane needs to rotate around its crane base, the ballast can be arranged closer to the crane base. In this way less space is required during rotation, advantageously enabling the crane to be manoeuvred between obstacles. This embodiment can be implemented according to a ballast, for example also known under the name "superlift ballast".

For example, the ballast may be moved closer to or further from the crane base in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface on which the crane base is arranged. Optionally, during such movement of the ballast weight, the distance to the support surface in the vertical direction also changes, e.g. because the distance between the ballast weight and the upper end of the second mast remains substantially constant, e.g. because the ballast weight is connected to the second mast by means of a wire or cable.

In an embodiment, the imaginary assembly space may be defined as extending vertically upwards above the crane base and having an outer boundary in a horizontal direction extending vertically upwards from the outer boundary of the crane base. Thus, in the horizontal direction, the outer boundary of the assembly space corresponds to the outer boundary of the crane base. In this embodiment, the first mast is configured to be completely within the assembly space when the first mast is in the mast construction position. Preferably, the first mast is configured to be completely within the assembly space during assembly of the first mast.

In an embodiment, the second mast is configured to be completely within the assembly space when the second mast is in the second mast configuration position. Preferably, the second mast is configured to be completely within the assembly space during assembly of the second mast.

In an embodiment, the receiving device and/or the transferring device and/or the locking device are configured to be completely within said assembly space when the first mast is in the mast construction position and/or during assembly of the first mast.

In an embodiment, during assembly of the crane, the crane is completely within the assembly space.

In these embodiments, the space in the horizontal direction required for assembling the first mast and/or the second mast and/or the entire crane does not extend beyond the crane base. Since the crane base itself already requires an amount of space in the horizontal direction, the first mast and/or the second mast and/or the entire crane are assembled in as little space as possible. Of course, the mast sections of the first mast and/or the second mast may be provided from outside the assembly space before they are arranged in the receiving apparatus. For example, the mast sections may be disposed on the ground or support surface adjacent the base frame.

In an embodiment, the first mast may be tiltable in a first direction in a tilted mast operating position relative to a mast construction position, wherein the crane further comprises at least one winch and/or pulley for hoisting the cable. The winch and/or the pulley are arranged on a first side of the first mast corresponding to the first direction. The hoisting cable may for example be part of a hoisting system, which may for example be arranged on a mast section (e.g. a top mast section). For example, when the first direction is to the left, the first side of the first mast is the left side of the first mast. For example, when the first direction is to the right, the first side of the first mast is the right side of the first mast.

Optionally, the winch and/or the pulley are arranged on the receiving device.

Optionally, when the crane comprises a second mast, the first direction is away from the second mast.

Advantageously, in this embodiment, the assembly of the crane can be done with minimal obstruction to the winch and/or the pulley. Components (such as cables and/or wires and/or boom stops) must typically be attached to the first mast at a second side of the first mast opposite the first side. In particular, when the crane comprises a second mast arranged at the second side, a cable and/or a pull wire may be provided between the first mast and the second mast.

In an embodiment, the receiving apparatus is connected to the crane base and optionally tiltable together with the first mast about a first mast pivot axis relative to the crane base.

Thus, when the first mast is tilted to the tilted mast operating position, the receiving apparatus moves with the first mast. The receiver central axis remains parallel to the central mast axis. Both the receiving apparatus and the first mast are tilted about the same pivot axis.

The mast section guide forms part of the receiving apparatus and is thus also tilted together with the first mast. In this way, the mast section guide does not have to be disconnected from the first mast and moved away from the first mast before the first mast is tilted to the tilted mast operating position. This allows a simpler and smaller construction and also saves time and effort during assembly and disassembly of the crane.

In an embodiment, the first mast may be tiltable about the first mast pivot axis relative to the crane base without the receiving apparatus. In other words, the first mast may be tilted relative to the receiving apparatus. Optionally, the receiving apparatus is configured to remain substantially upright when the first mast is tilted.

Thus, the receiving apparatus does not move with the first mast when the first mast is tilted to the tilted mast operating position. The receiver central axis does not remain parallel to the central mast axis.

In an embodiment, the receiving apparatus is configured to be removable from the crane after assembly of the first mast, for example when the first mast is in the mast construction position or in the inclined mast operating position. Optionally, the receiving apparatus is further configured to be arranged at a second location on the crane base for assembling the second mast. Optionally, the receiving apparatus is configured to be arranged on a further crane base for assembling a further first mast or a further second mast.

Advantageously, this embodiment allows the use of a single receiving apparatus to assemble multiple masts.

In an embodiment, the first mast comprises a lower mast section connected to the crane base and tiltable relative to the crane base about a first mast pivot axis. Optionally, the lower mast section tapers in the direction of the crane base, i.e. the cross section of the lower mast section closer to the crane base is smaller than the cross section of the lower mast section further away from the crane base.

In this embodiment, the mechanical load exerted on the first mast during operation of the crane is taken up by the first mast and not, or only to a limited extent, by the receiving apparatus. This allows a relatively light design of the receiving apparatus including the mast section guide.

In an alternative embodiment, the lowest mast section of the first mast is not directly connected to the crane base, but is connected to the crane base via a receiving device. In this embodiment, for example, the lowest mast section is fixed in the transfer position.

In an embodiment, the central mast axis of the first mast extends vertically when the first mast is in the build position.

"vertical" means perfectly vertical or with a small deviation from perfectly vertical, for example, a maximum deviation of 5 degrees.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the first mast is not or hardly subjected to bending forces during assembly and disassembly of the first mast, and that relatively little space is sufficient for assembling the crane at the hoisting site.

In an alternative embodiment, the central mast axis of the first mast extends at an angle other than 0 ° and not 90 ° to vertical when the first mast is in the build position.

In an embodiment, the mast section of the first mast is provided with at least a part of a hoisting system. For example, the mast section may be provided with at least a part of a hoisting system, e.g. with pulleys for hoisting cables and/or hoisting trolleys and/or hoisting hooks or other connectors. For example, the top mast section or the middle mast section may be provided with at least a part of the hoisting system. During operation of the crane, the hoisting system may be used for hoisting a load. Alternatively or additionally, the hoisting system may comprise a cable forming a wire between the first mast and the second mast in the assembled crane.

This is advantageous because the hoisting system can also be used for assembling the second mast of the crane.

In an embodiment, the first mast comprises a plurality of mast sections. For example, the first mast may comprise a top mast section, a plurality of intermediate mast sections and optionally a lower mast section.

The top mast section may be provided with at least a part of the hoist system. The lower mast section may be tiltably connected to the crane base.

In this embodiment, the receiving apparatus is optionally adapted to receive a plurality of mast sections in succession.

In an embodiment, the first mast comprises a tilt member allowing an upper portion of the first mast to tilt away from a central mast axis of the first mast.

In embodiments where the crane comprises a second mast, optionally the second mast comprises a tilt member allowing an upper portion of the second mast to tilt away from a central mast axis of the second mast. Optionally, the first mast or the second mast is provided with a tilt member. Alternatively, the first mast and the second mast are provided with a tilt member.

For example, the tilting member described in NL2019511 can be used. NL2019511 is incorporated herein by reference.

This allows the crane to be used in a limited area, where limited space is available for the crane and/or for operating the crane.

Optionally, the inclined member may be provided with at least a part of the hoist system. This is an additional hoisting system, which can be used for assembling and/or disassembling the second mast of the crane, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the tilting member may be provided with a cable system which forms a pull wire between the first mast and the second mast in the assembled crane, and which optionally may also be used for assembly and/or disassembly of the second mast of the crane.

In an embodiment, the first mast securing apparatus is adapted to releasably secure the first mast in the mast build position by engaging the receiving apparatus and/or the first mast.

In an embodiment, the first mast fixture is adapted to act as a boom stop when the first mast is in the tilt operating position.

In an embodiment, the crane is provided with a cable system having a plurality of pulleys, and wherein at least one pulley in the cable system is arranged on the receiving device.

For example, the cable system may be part of a hoisting system and/or a rigging of a crane.

In an embodiment, the crane is provided with a winch arranged on the receiving device.

For example, the winch may be part of a hoisting system and/or a rigging of a crane.

In an embodiment, the crane is provided with a cable system having a plurality of pulleys, and wherein the pulleys of the cable system are arranged on the crane base.

For example, the cable system may be part of a hoisting system and/or a rigging of a crane.

In an embodiment, the crane is provided with a winch arranged on the crane base.

For example, the winch may be part of a hoisting system and/or a rigging of a crane.

The invention further relates to a method for assembling a crane,

the crane comprising a first mast having a central mast axis, wherein the first mast comprises mast sections and the first mast is tiltable relative to the crane base about a first mast pivot axis over a range of angular positions, said range comprising a mast construction position and a tilted mast operating position, wherein the first mast pivot axis extends perpendicular to the central mast axis,

the method comprises the following steps:

connecting a receiving device adapted to receive the mast sections of the first mast and having a receiving device central axis to the crane base,

wherein the first mast pivot axis extends perpendicular to the receiver central axis,

-fixing the receiving apparatus in a position in which the receiving apparatus central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the first mast in the mast construction position,

-arranging the mast sections of the first mast of the crane in the receiving device,

-moving the mast sections of the first mast relative to the receiving apparatus in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis from the receiving position to the transfer position, wherein the mast sections of the first mast are in an angular position corresponding to the first mast construction position,

-locking the mast sections in the transfer position relative to the position of the receiving apparatus to build the first mast.

The crane assembled according to the method of the invention is a crane comprising a first mast having a central mast axis, wherein the first mast comprises mast sections and the first mast is tiltable relative to the crane base about a first mast pivot axis in a range of angular positions, said range comprising a mast construction position and a tilted mast operating position, wherein the first mast pivot axis extends perpendicular to the central mast axis.

For example, the crane assembled by the method according to the invention is a crane according to the invention, although the method is not limited thereto. However, the features explained with reference to the crane according to the invention should be explained in the same way with reference to the method according to the invention. Furthermore, features explained with reference to the crane according to the invention may be added to or combined with the method according to the invention and vice versa.

In the method according to the invention, a receiving device adapted to receive a mast section of a first mast and having a receiving device central axis is connected to a crane base. The first mast pivot axis extends perpendicular to the receiver central axis.

The receiver is then fixed in a position where the receiver central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the first mast in the mast build position. At this stage of the method, the first mast is not present or not present at all, but the receiving device is fixed in the following position: when the first mast is in the mast build position, the receiver central axis is parallel to the direction in which the central mast axis of the first mast will be.

The mast section of the first mast of the crane is then arranged in the receiving device.

The mast sections of the first mast are then moved, for example by the transfer device, relative to the receiving device in the direction of the central axis of the receiving device from the receiving position into the transfer position. When used, the transfer apparatus may directly or indirectly engage the mast sections.

The receiving position of the mast section of the first mast is the position which the mast section has with respect to the receiving apparatus when the mast section is arranged in the receiving apparatus and before being transferred to the transfer position but before being ready for transfer to the transfer position. Generally, the mast sections are engaged (directly or indirectly) by mast section guides in the receiving position.

The transfer position of a mast section of the first mast is the position which the mast section has when the receiving apparatus is ready to receive a subsequent mast section of the first mast in the receiving position. The receiving position and the transferring position are offset from each other in the direction of the central axis of the receiving apparatus.

The mast sections of the first mast are in an angular position corresponding to the first mast build position when the transfer apparatus moves the mast sections from the receiving position to the transfer position.

The position of the mast sections relative to the receiving apparatus is then locked (e.g., by a locking tool) in the transfer position to establish the first mast. When the mast section is locked in the transfer position, subsequent mast sections can be arranged in the receiving apparatus if desired.

The fixing of the receiving device is then optionally released.

In an embodiment, the crane assembled with the method according to the invention is a high capacity crane, e.g. a high capacity mobile crane.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the assembled crane comprises a second mast. For example, the first mast is the main boom and the second mast is the back mast. Alternatively, the first mast is a back mast and the second mast is a main boom.

Optionally, the second mast has a central mast axis, wherein the second mast comprises mast sections, and the second mast is tiltable relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis over a range of angular positions including a mast build position and a tilted mast operating position, wherein the second mast pivot axis extends perpendicular to the central mast axis.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: the securing of the receiving apparatus is released and the first mast is tilted about the first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

In an embodiment, the step of connecting the receiving device to the crane base comprises: the receiving device is tiltably connected to the crane base, whereby the receiving device is tiltable relative to the crane base about the first mast pivot axis.

In this embodiment, the method optionally further comprises the step of tilting the receiving apparatus together with the first mast about the first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

In this embodiment, the receiving apparatus is tiltable about the first mast pivot axis relative to the crane base.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: the first mast is tilted about the first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position, wherein the receiving apparatus is maintained in a substantially upright position.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the crane is assembled, wherein at least one mast section of the first mast comprises at least a part of the hoisting system. This part of the hoisting system can then be used to build a second mast of the crane, said second mast comprising mast sections.

In this embodiment of the invention, the hoist cables of at least a portion of the hoist system connected to the mast sections of the first mast are connected to the mast sections of the second mast.

The mast sections of the second mast are connected to the crane base (either directly or via one or more mast sections between the particular mast section and the crane base) to establish the second mast, and the second mast is tiltable relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis that is parallel to the first mast pivot axis.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of connecting the hoisting cable of at least a part of the hoisting system connected to the mast section of the first mast to the mast section of the second mast takes place before releasing the fixing of the receiving apparatus and tilting the mast section of the first mast, optionally together with the receiving apparatus, about the first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the step of moving the second mast pivot axis and the first mast pivot axis relative to each other in a direction towards each other.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the step of tilting the second mast into a tilted second mast operating position. This occurs, for example, before the first mast is optionally tilted with the receiving apparatus to a tilted mast operating position.

Alternatively, this embodiment of the method according to the invention may be performed as follows: first, the first mast is built to its desired length by connecting a desired number of mast sections.

The top mast section of the second mast is then connected to the hoist system, for example by lowering a hook or connector of the hoist system and connecting the hook or connector to the top mast section of the second mast.

The top mast section is then moved upwards to a position allowing the connection of another mast section to the top mast section of the second mast, in particular to the lower edge of this top mast section. This further mast section is then arranged below the top mast section of the second mast and connected to this top mast section of the second mast.

If the desired length of the second mast requires more further mast sections to be added, the top mast section and the further mast section connected thereto are lifted higher and further mast sections are added and connected to the mast sections of the second mast already suspended from the hook or connector of the hoisting system.

Optionally, the last mast section added is the lower mast section of the second mast. The lower mast section is connected to the lowest mast section of the mast sections suspended from the hook or connector of the hoisting system, and the lower mast section of the second mast is connected to the crane base and tiltable relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the crane comprises a second mast, the method comprises the steps of:

connecting a second mast receiving apparatus adapted to receive mast sections of a second mast and having a second mast receiving apparatus central axis to the crane base,

wherein optionally the second mast receiving apparatus is tiltably connected to the crane base, thereby enabling the second mast receiving apparatus to be tiltable relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis extending perpendicular to the receiving apparatus central axis,

-fixing the second mast receiver in a position in which the second mast receiver central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the second mast in the mast construction position,

-arranging mast sections of a second mast of the crane in a second mast receiving apparatus,

-moving the mast sections of the second mast relative to the second mast receiving apparatus in the direction of the second mast receiving apparatus central axis from the receiving position to the transfer position, wherein the mast sections of the second mast are in an angular position corresponding to the second mast construction position,

locking the position of the mast sections relative to the second mast receiving apparatus in the transfer position to build the second mast,

optionally releasing the fixing of the second mast receiver and tilting the second mast, optionally together with the second mast receiver, about the second mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

Thus, the second mast can be constructed in the same way as the first mast.

Optionally, in the step of fixing the second mast receiver in a position in which the second mast receiver central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the second mast in the mast build position, the second mast receiver is fixed in a position in which the second receiver central axis extends vertically.

In an alternative embodiment, the central mast axis of the second mast extends at an angle other than 0 ° and not 90 ° to the vertical when the second mast is in the build position.

In a variation of this embodiment, the second mast is built before the first mast is completed. For example, intermediate mast sections are added to both the first mast and the second mast. Alternatively, the middle mast sections are added to the first mast and the second mast in an alternative manner, e.g., first the middle mast sections are added to the first mast, then the middle mast sections are added to the second mast, then optionally the middle mast sections are added again to the first mast.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one mast section, preferably each mast section, of the first mast is kept within the imaginary assembly space at least from the moment the mast section is arranged in the receiving apparatus until the first mast is assembled in the mast construction position. The assembly space may be defined as extending vertically upwards above the crane base and having an outer boundary in a horizontal direction extending vertically upwards from the outer boundary of the crane base.

Thus, in the horizontal direction, the outer boundary of the assembly space corresponds to the outer boundary of the crane base. In this embodiment, the first mast is configured to be completely within the assembly space during assembly of the first mast and when the first mast is in the mast construction position.

In an embodiment, each mast section of the second mast is held within the assembly space during assembly of the second mast. For example, the mast sections can be in the assembly space at least from the moment the mast sections are arranged in the receiving device until the second mast is assembled in the mast construction position. For example, the mast section may be in the assembly space at least from the moment the mast section is connected to a hoisting cable that is part of a hoisting system of the mast section of the first mast until the second mast is assembled in the mast construction position.

In an embodiment, during the assembly of the first mast, for example at least starting from the moment the first mast section is arranged in the receiving section, until the first mast is arranged in the mast construction position, the receiving and/or transfer and/or locking device remains within the assembly space.

In an embodiment, during assembly of the crane, the crane is completely within the assembly space.

In these embodiments, the space in the horizontal direction required for assembling the first mast and/or the second mast and/or the entire crane does not extend beyond the crane base. Since the crane base itself already requires an amount of space in the horizontal direction, the first mast and/or the second mast and/or the entire crane are assembled in as little space as possible. In other words, the crane is assembled above its own footprint. Of course, the mast sections of the first mast and/or the second mast may be provided from outside the assembly space before they are arranged in the receiving apparatus. For example, the mast sections may be arranged on the ground adjacent to the base frame.

Optionally, the cross-section of the assembly space in the horizontal plane is less than 50 square meters, preferably less than 30 square meters, for example less than 20 square meters.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, a first mast is constructed comprising a plurality of mast sections.

In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, after the step of locking the position of the mast section relative to the receiving apparatus in the transfer position, and when applicable, before the step of releasing the fixing of the receiving apparatus and tilting the mast section of the first mast, optionally together with the receiving apparatus, about the first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position, the other mast section of the first mast of the crane is arranged in the receiving apparatus.

The further mast section of the first mast is connected to the mast section of the first mast which is locked in the transfer position. The mast sections of the first mast in the transfer position are then unlocked. It rests on the other mast section.

The other mast section of the first mast is then moved relative to the receiving device (for example by means of a transfer device) in the direction of the central axis of the receiving device from the receiving position into the transfer position. The mast sections of the first mast are in an angular position corresponding to the first mast build position when the transfer apparatus moves the mast sections from the receiving position to the transfer position. The mast sections in the transfer position are thus moved away from the transfer position in a direction parallel to the central mast axis to further build the first mast.

The position of the other mast section relative to the receiving apparatus is then locked in the transfer position (e.g., by a locking apparatus).

Optionally, the steps of this embodiment are repeated as often as necessary to achieve the desired length of the first mast.

In a variant of this embodiment, the top mast section is arranged in the transfer position by means of an external crane. It is then locked in the transfer position so that a further mast section can be added by the receiving apparatus and optionally the transfer apparatus to further build the first mast. This variant may be advantageous if the top mast section has equipment attached to it (e.g. part of a hoisting system) which makes it difficult, complicated or even impossible to handle by the receiving apparatus.

In another variant, first, the middle mast section is arranged in the transfer position, as explained above. The top mast section is then arranged on top of the middle mast section, for example by means of an external crane. Preferably, the top mast section is then attached to the middle mast section.

In yet another variant, a plurality of mast sections are assembled together according to the method according to the invention. For example, the multi-mast section may comprise a plurality of intermediate mast sections, or at least one intermediate mast section and a lower mast section. The top mast section is then arranged on top of the highest intermediate mast section, for example by means of an external crane. Preferably, the top mast section is then attached to the middle mast section.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, a lower mast section is added to the first mast. The lower mast section is connected to the crane base and tiltable relative to the crane base about a first mast pivot axis. In this embodiment, the mechanical load exerted on the first mast during operation of the crane is taken up by the first mast and not, or only to a limited extent, by the receiving apparatus. This allows a relatively light design of the receiving apparatus including the mast section guide.

In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, the lower mast section of the first mast of the crane is arranged in the receiving apparatus after the step of locking the position of the mast section relative to the receiving apparatus in the transfer position and before the step of releasing the fixing of the receiving apparatus and tilting the mast section of the first mast, optionally together with the receiving apparatus, about the first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

The lower mast section of the first mast is connected to the mast section of the first mast or to another mast section locked in the transfer position to further build the first mast.

The lower mast section of the first mast is connected to the crane base and tiltable relative to the crane base about a first mast pivot axis.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the step of fixing the receiver apparatus in a position in which the receiver apparatus central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the first mast in the mast construction position, the receiver apparatus is fixed in a position in which the receiver apparatus central axis extends vertically.

In an alternative embodiment, the central mast axis of the first mast extends at an angle other than 0 ° and not 90 ° to vertical when the first mast is in the build position.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the step of tilting the upper part of the first mast away from the central mast axis of the first mast.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the step of tilting the upper part of the second mast away from the central mast axis of the second mast.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of releasing the fixation of the receiving device and removing the receiving device.

Optionally, the step of removing the receiving apparatus is completed before the first mast is tilted about the first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

Optionally, the method also includes the step of removing the transfer device.

Optionally, the step of removing the receiving apparatus comprises disengaging the receiving apparatus from the crane base.

In these embodiments, the receiving apparatus is removed after it has completed its function, for example when the first mast and/or the second mast are assembled. Advantageously, the first mast and/or the second mast can be freely pivoted without being obstructed by the receiving apparatus.

In an embodiment, after assembling the first mast and removing the receiving apparatus, the method comprises the steps of:

-connecting a receiving device to the crane base at a position where the second mast is to be assembled, said position being offset from the first mast, wherein the receiving device is adapted to receive mast sections of the second mast;

wherein optionally the receiving device is tiltably connected to the crane base, thereby enabling the receiving device to be tiltable relative to the crane base about a second mast pivot axis, said second mast pivot axis extending perpendicular to the receiving device central axis,

-fixing the receiving apparatus in a position in which the receiving apparatus central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the second mast in the mast construction position,

-arranging the mast sections of the second mast of the crane in the receiving device,

moving the mast sections of the second mast relative to the receiving apparatus in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis from the receiving position to the transfer position, wherein the mast sections of the second mast are in an angular position corresponding to the second mast construction position,

locking the position of the mast section relative to the receiving apparatus in the transfer position to establish the second mast,

optionally releasing the fixing of the receiving device and tilting the second mast, optionally together with the receiving device, about the second mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

Thus, the second mast can be built in the same way as the first mast using the same receiving device. Optionally, the same transfer device and locking device are also used. Advantageously, only one receiving device is required to assemble multiple masts.

In an embodiment, after assembling the first mast and removing the receiving apparatus, the method comprises the steps of: connecting a receiving device to the other crane base, wherein the receiving device is adapted to receive a mast section of the other first mast,

wherein optionally the receiving device is tiltably connected to the further crane base, whereby the receiving device is tiltable relative to the further crane base about a further first mast pivot axis extending perpendicular to the receiving device central axis,

-fixing the receiving apparatus in a position in which the receiving apparatus central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the further first mast in the mast construction position,

-arranging the mast sections of the other first mast of the crane in the receiving device,

moving the mast sections of the further first mast relative to the receiving apparatus in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis from the receiving position to the transfer position, wherein the mast sections of the further first mast are in an angular position corresponding to the further first mast construction position,

locking the mast sections in the transfer position relative to the position of the receiving apparatus to build a further first mast,

optionally releasing the fixing of the receiving device and tilting the further first mast, optionally together with the receiving device, about the further first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

Thus, another first mast can be constructed in the same way as the first mast using the same receiving device. Optionally, the same transfer device and locking device are also used. Advantageously, only one receiving device is required to assemble multiple masts. The further first mast and the further crane base may be arranged near the first mast, e.g. at the same hoisting site, or at a remote location. For example, the receiving device may be moved by road, train, water or air to another lifting location, such as in another country or another continent.

The invention further relates to a method for dismantling a crane, said crane being a crane according to the invention.

The method comprises the following steps:

tilting the first mast, optionally together with the receiving apparatus, about a first mast pivot axis to an angular position corresponding to the mast construction position,

-fixing the receiving apparatus in a position in which the receiving apparatus central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the first mast in the mast construction position,

-removing the mast sections of the first mast present in the receiving apparatus from the receiving apparatus.

In an embodiment of the method for disassembling a crane according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of:

after the step of fixing the reception apparatus in a position in which the reception apparatus central axis is parallel to the central mast axis of the first mast in the mast construction position and before the step of removing the mast sections of the first mast present in the reception apparatus from the reception apparatus, unlocking the mast sections in the transfer position and moving the mast sections from the transfer position to the reception position in the reception apparatus,

then, still before the step of removing the mast section of the first mast present in the receiving apparatus from the receiving apparatus, the position of the subsequent mast section relative to the receiving apparatus is locked in the transfer position.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in a non-limiting manner. The figures show:

FIG. 1 a: a first embodiment of a crane according to the invention is schematically shown,

FIG. 1 b: a second embodiment of the crane according to the invention is schematically shown,

FIG. 2: a third embodiment of the crane according to the invention is schematically shown,

FIG. 3: a side view of a first stage of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention is schematically shown.

FIG. 4: the front view of the stage in figure 3,

FIG. 5: a side view of a subsequent stage of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention is schematically shown.

FIG. 6: the front view of the stage in figure 5,

FIG. 7: as a side view of the first mast assembled according to the first embodiment of the method of the invention,

FIG. 8: as an elevation view of the first mast assembled according to the first embodiment of the method of the invention,

FIG. 9: according to the subsequent stages in the first embodiment of the method of the invention,

FIG. 10: according to a further subsequent stage in the first embodiment of the method of the invention,

FIG. 11: according to another subsequent stage in the first embodiment of the method of the invention.

FIG. 12: according to the steps in the first variant of the first embodiment of the method of the invention,

FIG. 13: according to subsequent steps in the first variant of the first embodiment of the method of the invention,

FIG. 14: according to the steps in the second variant of the first embodiment of the method of the invention,

FIG. 15: steps in a second embodiment of the method according to the invention.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components of the various embodiments of the crane.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1a schematically shows an embodiment of a crane 1 according to the invention.

The crane 1 in fig. 1a comprises a crane base 2. The crane base 2 may be, for example, the undercarriage of a crawler crane and/or the bottom assembly of, for example, a ring crane. The crane base 2 is arranged on a support surface 3 of the working area. The crane base 2 is pivotable about a substantially vertical crane base pivot axis (not shown).

The crane according to the invention has a first mast 10, which first mast 10 comprises a plurality of mast sections 11 in the embodiment in fig. 1 a. In this embodiment there is a top mast section 12, a plurality of intermediate mast sections 13 and a lower mast section 14. It can be seen that the lower mast section 14 tapers in the direction of the crane base 2.

The first mast 10 has a central axis 15 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first mast 10. The first mast 10 is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a first mast pivot axis 16 over a range of angular positions. The first mast pivot axis 16 extends perpendicular to the central mast axis 15. In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the first mast pivot axis 16 extends in a horizontal direction.

The range of angular positions of the first mast 10 includes a mast build position and a tilted mast operating position. The mast construction position is the angular position of the first mast when the first mast is assembled. The mast operating position is the angular position that the first mast has or can have when lifting a load by the crane during a hoisting operation. Fig. 1a shows a crane 1 with a first mast 10 in a mast operating position. The crane 1 according to fig. 1a is suitable for hoisting a load when the first mast 10 is in the inclined mast operating position shown in fig. 1 a.

In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the first mast 10 is the main boom of the crane 1.

In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the lower mast section 14 is connected to the crane base 2 and tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a first mast pivot axis 15. Thus, the mechanical load exerted on the first mast 10 during operation of the crane 1 is completely or almost completely taken up by the first mast 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the crane 1 further comprises a second mast 20. In this embodiment, the second mast 20 is a back mast.

The second mast 20 has a second central mast axis 25 and is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a second mast pivot axis 26 extending perpendicular to the second central mast axis 25. The second mast 20 is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a second mast pivot axis 26 over a range of angular positions, which range optionally includes a second mast build position and a tilted second mast operating position.

In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the first mast pivot axis 16 and the second mast pivot axis 26 are positioned proximate to each other. This allows the footprint of the crane 1 to be small, which is advantageous when the crane 1 has to be used in a hoisting position where the space for the crane 1 is small.

The second mast 20 comprises a plurality of mast sections 21, the plurality of mast sections 21 comprising a top mast section 22, a plurality of intermediate mast sections 23 and a lower mast section 24. The lower mast section 24 is tiltably connected to the crane base 2.

In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the crane 1 further comprises a receiving apparatus 30, which receiving apparatus 30 is adapted to receive the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10. During assembly of the first mast 10, the receiving apparatus 30 receives mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 to be added to the first mast 10. In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the receiving apparatus 30 receives a plurality of mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 in succession.

The receptor 30 has a receptor central axis 35, the receptor central axis 35 being perpendicular to the first mast pivot axis 16 and parallel to the central mast axis 15. In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the central mast axis 15 and the receiving apparatus mast axis 35 are coaxial with each other.

The receiving arrangement 30 further comprises a mast section guide 31, which mast section guide 31 is adapted to guide the movement of the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 relative to the receiving arrangement 30 in the direction of the receiving arrangement central axis 30. In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the mast section guide 31 extends in a direction parallel to the central mast axis 15 and the receiving apparatus central axis 35.

The crane according to fig. 1a further comprises a transfer device 40. The transfer apparatus 40 is adapted to engage (directly or indirectly) the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10 and to move the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10 from the receiving position to the transfer position relative to the receiving apparatus 30 in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis 35.

For example, the transfer apparatus 40 is provided with one or more hydraulic cylinders and/or one or more cables to move the mast sections from the receiving position to the transfer position.

In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the transferring device is mounted on the receiving device 30.

The crane 1 according to fig. 1a further comprises a locking device 50, which locking device 50 is adapted to releasably lock the position of the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10 relative to the receiving device 30 in the transfer position. The locking device 50 thus prevents the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 from sliding back from the transfer position into the receiving position. When the locking device 50 locks the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 in the transfer position, the subsequent mast sections 11, 13, 14 can be safely placed in the receiving position in the receiving device 30.

For example, the locking device 40 may comprise a movable pen which prevents movement of the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 from the transfer position towards the receiving position. For example, the pen may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated.

In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the locking device 50 is mounted on the receiving device 30.

The crane 1 according to fig. 1a further comprises a first mast fixing device 60, which first mast fixing device 60 is adapted to releasably fix the first mast 10 in the mast construction position. The first mast fixture 60 holds the first mast in the mast construction position during assembly of the first mast 10 and optionally also during disassembly of the first mast 10. When the first mast 10 is to be tilted to the tilted mast operating position, the first mast fixture 60 releases the first mast 10 to allow the first mast 10 to be tilted. In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the first mast securing apparatus 60 engages the receiving apparatus 30 when the first mast 10 is in the mast build position.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the first mast fixture 60 is adapted to act as a boom stop when the first mast 10 is in the tilt operating position.

In the crane 1 of fig. 1a, the receiving device 30 is connected to the crane base 2. Fig. 1a further shows that, optionally, the receiving device 30 can be tilted together with the first mast 10 about the first mast pivot axis 16 relative to the crane base 2.

Thus, when the first mast 10 is tilted to the tilted mast operating position, the receiving apparatus 30 moves with the first mast 10. The receiver central axis 35 remains parallel to the central mast axis 15 and coaxial with the central mast axis 15. Both the receiving apparatus 30 and the first mast 10 are tilted about the same pivot axis 16.

The mast section guide 31 forms part of the receiving apparatus 30 and is thus also tilted together with the first mast 10. In this way, the mast section guide 31 does not have to be disconnected from the first mast 10 nor removed from the first mast 10 before the first mast 10 is tilted to the tilted mast operating position.

In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the top mast section 12 of the first mast 10 is provided with at least a part of a hoist system 70. During operation of the crane 1, the hoisting system is used for hoisting a load, and it may also be used for assembling the second mast 20 of the crane 1.

In the embodiment of fig. 1a, the hoist system 70 of the crane 1 is provided with a cable system having a plurality of pulleys. The pulley 71 of the cable system is arranged on the receiving device 30. The lifting device 70 further comprises a winch 72. Further, a winch 72 is arranged on the reception apparatus 30.

In the tilted mast operating position, the first mast 10 is tilted in a first direction relative to the mast construction position. In the embodiment shown, the first mast 10 is inclined away from the second mast 20 in a first direction, which is to the right in fig. 1 a. The pulley 71 and the winch 72 are arranged on a first side of the first mast 10 corresponding to a first direction (i.e. to the right in fig. 1 a).

Fig. 1b shows a second embodiment of the crane 1 according to the invention. In fig. 1b, the same reference numerals are used as in fig. 1 b. The crane 1 of fig. 1b comprises a crane base 2. The crane base 2 may be, for example, the undercarriage of a crawler crane, and/or the base assembly of, for example, a ring crane. The crane base 2 is arranged on a support surface 3 of the working area. The crane base 2 is pivotable about a substantially vertical crane base pivot axis (not shown).

The crane according to the invention has a first mast 10, which first mast 10 comprises a plurality of mast sections 11 in the embodiment of fig. 1 b. In this embodiment there is a top mast section 12, a plurality of intermediate mast sections 13 and a lower mast section 14. It can be seen that the lower mast section 14 tapers in the direction of the crane base 2.

The first mast 10 has a central axis 15 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first mast 10. The first mast 10 is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a first mast pivot axis 16 over a range of angular positions. The first mast pivot axis 16 extends perpendicular to the central mast axis 15. In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the first mast pivot axis 16 extends in a horizontal direction.

The range of angular positions of the first mast 10 includes a mast build position and a tilted mast operating position. The mast construction position is the angular position of the first mast when the first mast is assembled. The mast operating position is the angular position that the first mast has or can have when lifting a load by the crane during a hoisting operation. Fig. 1b shows the crane 1 with the first mast 10 in the mast operating position. The crane 1 according to fig. 1b is suitable for hoisting a load when the first mast 10 is in the inclined mast operating position shown in fig. 1 b.

In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the first mast 10 is the main boom of the crane 1.

In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the lower mast section 14 is connected to the crane base 2 and tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a first mast pivot axis 15. Thus, the mechanical load exerted on the first mast 10 during operation of the crane 1 is completely or almost completely taken up by the first mast 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the crane 1 further comprises a second mast 20. In this embodiment, the second mast 20 is a back mast.

The second mast 20 has a second central mast axis 25 and is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a second mast pivot axis 26 extending perpendicular to the second central mast axis 25. The second mast 20 is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a second mast pivot axis 26 over a range of angular positions, which range optionally includes a second mast build position and a tilted second mast operating position.

In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the first mast pivot axis 16 and the second mast pivot axis 26 are positioned close to each other. This allows the footprint of the crane 1 to be small, which is advantageous when the crane 1 has to be used in a hoisting position where the space for the crane 1 is small.

The second mast 20 comprises a plurality of mast sections 21, the plurality of mast sections 21 comprising a top mast section 22, a plurality of intermediate mast sections 23 and a lower mast section 24. The lower mast section 24 is tiltably connected to the crane base 2.

In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the crane 1 further comprises a receiving apparatus 30, which receiving apparatus 30 is adapted to receive the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10. During assembly of the first mast 10, the receiving apparatus 30 receives mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 to be added to the first mast 10. In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the receiving apparatus 30 receives a plurality of mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 in succession.

The receiving device 30 has a receiving device central axis 35. In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the central mast axis 15 and the receiver mast axis 35 are coaxial with each other during assembly of the first mast 10, but not in the case shown in fig. 1 b.

The receiving arrangement 30 further comprises a mast section guide 31, which mast section guide 31 is adapted to guide the movement of the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 relative to the receiving arrangement 30 in the direction of the receiving arrangement central axis 30. In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the mast section guide 31 extends in a direction parallel to the central mast axis 15 and the receiving apparatus central axis 35.

The crane 1 according to fig. 1b further comprises a transfer device 40. The transfer apparatus 40 is adapted to engage (directly or indirectly) the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10 and to move the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10 from the receiving position to the transfer position relative to the receiving apparatus 30 in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis 35.

For example, the transfer apparatus 40 is provided with one or more hydraulic cylinders and/or one or more cables to move the mast sections from the receiving position to the transfer position.

In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the transferring means are mounted on the receiving device 30.

The crane 1 according to fig. 1b further comprises a locking device 50, which locking device 50 is adapted to releasably lock the position of the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10 relative to the receiving device 30 in the transfer position. The locking device 50 thus prevents the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 from sliding back from the transfer position into the receiving position. When the locking device 50 locks a mast section 11, 12, 13, 14 in the transfer position, a subsequent mast section 11, 13, 14 can be safely placed in the receiving position in the receiving device 30.

For example, the locking device 40 may comprise a movable pen which prevents the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 from moving from the transfer position towards the receiving position. For example, the pen may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated.

In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the locking device 50 is mounted on the receiving device 30.

The crane 1 according to fig. 1b further comprises a first mast fixing device 60, which first mast fixing device 60 is adapted to releasably fix the first mast 10 in the mast construction position. The first mast fixture 60 holds the first mast in the mast construction position during assembly of the first mast 10 and optionally also during disassembly of the first mast 10. When the first mast 10 is to be tilted to the tilted mast operating position, the first mast fixture 60 releases the first mast 10 to allow the first mast 10 to be tilted. In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the first mast securing apparatus 60 engages the receiving apparatus 30 when the first mast 10 is in the mast build position.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the first mast fixture 60 is adapted to act as a boom stop when the first mast 10 is in the tilt operating position.

In the crane 1 of fig. 1b, the receiving device 30 is connected to the crane base 2. Fig. 1b further shows that, unlike the embodiment shown in fig. 1a, optionally the receiving apparatus 30 is not tilted with the first mast 10 about the first mast pivot axis 16 relative to the crane base 2.

Thus, the receiving apparatus 30 remains substantially upright in the same position as during assembly of the first mast 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the top mast section 12 of the first mast 10 is provided with at least a part of a hoist system 70. During operation of the crane 1, the hoisting system is used for hoisting a load, and it may also be used for assembling the second mast 20 of the crane 1.

In the embodiment of fig. 1b, the hoist system 70 of the crane 1 is provided with a cable system having a plurality of pulleys. The pulley 71 of the cable system is arranged on the receiving device 30. The lifting device 70 further comprises a winch 72. Further, a winch 72 is arranged on the reception apparatus 30.

In the tilted mast operating position, the first mast 10 is tilted in a first direction relative to the mast construction position. In the embodiment shown, the first mast 10 is inclined away from the second mast 20 in a first direction, which is to the right in fig. 1 b. The pulley 71 and the winch 72 are arranged on a first side of the first mast 10 corresponding to a first direction (i.e. to the right in fig. 1 b).

Fig. 2 schematically shows a third embodiment of the crane according to the invention. In fig. 2, the same reference numerals as in fig. 1a and 1b are used for the same or similar parts of the crane 1.

The crane 1 in fig. 2 comprises a crane base 2. The crane base 2 may be, for example, the undercarriage of a crawler crane and/or the bottom assembly of, for example, a ring crane. The crane base 2 is arranged on a support surface 3 of the working area. The crane base 2 is pivotable about a substantially vertical crane base pivot axis (not shown).

The crane according to the invention has a first mast 10, which first mast 10 comprises a plurality of mast sections 11 in the embodiment in fig. 2. In this embodiment there is a top mast section 12, a plurality of intermediate mast sections 13 and a lower mast section 14.

The first mast 10 has a central axis 15 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first mast 10. The first mast 10 is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a first mast pivot axis 16 over a range of angular positions. The first mast pivot axis 16 extends perpendicular to the central mast axis 15. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the first mast pivot axis 16 extends in a horizontal direction.

The range of angular positions of the first mast 10 includes a mast build position and a tilted mast operating position. The mast construction position is the angular position of the first mast when the first mast is assembled. The mast operating position is the angular position that the first mast has or can have when lifting a load by the crane during a hoisting operation. Fig. 2 shows the crane 1 with the first mast 10 in the mast operating position. The crane 1 according to fig. 2 is suitable for hoisting a load when the first mast 10 is in the inclined mast operating position shown in fig. 2.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the first mast 10 is the main boom of the crane 1.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the first mast 10 comprises a tilt member 17, which tilt member 17 allows the upper portion 18 of the first mast 10 to be tilted away from the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the upper portion 18 of the first mast 10 comprises a top mast section 12 and one intermediate mast section 13, but a different number of intermediate mast sections 13 is also possible. It is also possible that the upper mast section 18 comprises only the top mast section 12.

The tilting member 17 is, for example, a tilting member as described in NL 2019511.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the lower mast section 14 is connected to the crane base 2 and tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a first mast pivot axis 16. Thus, the mechanical load exerted on the first mast 10 during operation of the crane 1 is completely or almost completely taken up by the first mast 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the crane 1 further comprises a second mast 20. In this embodiment, the second mast 20 is a back mast.

The second mast 20 has a second central mast axis 25 and is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a second mast pivot axis 26 extending perpendicular to the second central mast axis 25. The second mast 20 is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a second mast pivot axis 26 over a range of angular positions, which range optionally includes a second mast build position and a tilted second mast operating position.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the first mast pivot axis 16 and the second mast pivot axis 26 are positioned proximate to each other. This allows the footprint of the crane 1 to be small, which is advantageous when the crane 1 has to be used in a hoisting position where the space for the crane 1 is small.

The second mast 20 comprises a plurality of mast sections 21, the plurality of mast sections 21 comprising a top mast section 22, a plurality of intermediate mast sections 23 and a lower mast section 24. The lower mast section 24 is tiltably connected to the crane base 2.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the crane 1 further comprises a receiving apparatus 30, which receiving apparatus 30 is adapted to receive the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10. During assembly of the first mast 10, the receiving apparatus 30 receives mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 to be added to the first mast 10. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the receiving apparatus 30 receives a plurality of mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 in succession.

The receptor 30 has a receptor central axis 35, the receptor central axis 35 being perpendicular to the first mast pivot axis 16 and parallel to the central mast axis 15. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the central mast axis 15 and the receiver mast axis 25 are coaxial with one another.

The receiving arrangement 30 further comprises a mast section guide 31, which mast section guide 31 is adapted to guide the movement of the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 relative to the receiving arrangement 30 in the direction of the receiving arrangement central axis 30. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the mast section guide 31 extends in a direction parallel to the central mast axis 15 and the receiving apparatus central axis 35.

The crane 1 according to fig. 2 further comprises a transfer device 40. The transfer apparatus 40 is adapted to engage (directly or indirectly) the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10 and to move the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10 from the receiving position to the transfer position relative to the receiving apparatus 30 in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis 35.

For example, the transfer apparatus 40 is provided with one or more hydraulic cylinders and/or one or more cables to move the mast sections from the receiving position to the transfer position.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the transfer device is mounted on the receiving device 30.

The crane 1 according to fig. 2 further comprises a locking device 50, which locking device 50 is adapted to releasably lock the position of the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast 10 relative to the receiving device 30 in the transfer position. The locking device 50 thus prevents the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 from sliding back from the transfer position into the receiving position. When the locking device 50 locks the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 in the transfer position, the subsequent mast sections 11, 13, 14 can be safely placed in the receiving position in the receiving device 30.

For example, the locking device 40 may comprise a movable pen which prevents the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 from moving from the transfer position towards the receiving position. For example, the pen may be hydraulically operated or pneumatically operated.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the locking device 50 is mounted on the receiving device 30.

The crane 1 according to fig. 2 further comprises a first mast securing device 60, which first mast securing device 60 is adapted to releasably secure the first mast 10 in the mast construction position. The first mast fixture 60 holds the first mast in the mast construction position during assembly of the first mast 10 and optionally also during disassembly of the first mast 10. When the first mast 10 is to be tilted to the tilted mast operating position, the first mast fixture 60 releases the first mast 10 to allow the first mast 10 to be tilted. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the first mast securing apparatus 60 engages the receiving apparatus 30 when the first mast 10 is in the mast build position.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the first mast fixture 60 is adapted to act as a boom stop when the first mast 10 is in the tilt operating position.

In the crane of fig. 2, the receiving apparatus 30 is connected to the crane base 2 and is tilted together with the first mast 10 about the first mast pivot axis 16 relative to the crane base 2.

Thus, when the first mast 10 is tilted to the tilted mast operating position, the receiving apparatus 30 moves with the first mast 10. The receiver central axis 35 remains parallel to the central mast axis 15 and coaxial with the central mast axis 15. Both the receiving apparatus 30 and the first mast 10 are tilted about the same pivot axis 16.

The mast section guide 31 forms part of the receiving apparatus 30 and is thus also tilted together with the first mast 10. In this way, the mast section guide 31 does not have to be disconnected from the first mast 10 and removed from the first mast 10 before the first mast 10 is tilted to the tilted mast operating position.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the top mast section 12 of the first mast 10 is provided with at least a portion of a hoist system 70. During operation of the crane 1, the hoisting system is used for hoisting a load, and it may also be used for assembling the second mast 20 of the crane 1.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the hoist system 70 of the crane 1 is provided with a cable system having a plurality of pulleys. The pulley 71 of the cable system is arranged on the receiving device 30. The lifting device 70 further comprises a winch 72. Further, a winch 72 is arranged on the reception apparatus 30.

Note that although in fig. 1a, 1b and 2 the second mast 20 is connected to the crane base 2, in practice the second mast 20 may be connected to a ballast (not shown) during operation. Optionally, the crane 1 is configured to move the ballast closer to or further away from the crane base 2. The tilt of the second mast 20 allows the second mast 20 to be connected to the ballast in any of those configurations.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of a first stage of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. 4 shows a front view of the stage in fig. 3.

In the stage of the embodiment of the method according to the invention as shown in fig. 3 and 4, the crane base 2 has been arranged on the support surface 3 of the working area. The crane base 2 may be, for example, the undercarriage of a crawler crane, and/or the base assembly of, for example, a ring crane.

A receiving device 30 adapted to receive mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of a first mast 10 of a crane, for example a crane according to the invention, and having a receiving device central axis 35, is tiltably connected to the crane base 2. The receiving apparatus 30 is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about the first mast pivot axis 16. The first mast pivot axis 16 extends perpendicular to the receptor central axis 35.

The transfer device 40, the locking device 50, the pulley 71 of the hoist system 70 and the winch of the hoist system 70 are arranged on the receiving device 30. The transfer apparatus 40 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 41.

The receiver 30 is fixed at a position where the receiver central axis 35 is parallel to the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10 in the mast build position. At this stage of the method the first mast 10 is not completely present, but the receiving apparatus 30 is fixed in the following positions: the receiver central axis 35 is parallel to the direction of the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10 when the first mast is in the mast build position. The first mast securing apparatus 60 engages the receiving apparatus 30 to secure the receiving apparatus 30 in this position.

In this embodiment, the mast construction position is vertical, i.e. the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10 extends vertically when the first mast 10 is in the mast construction position. Thus, in this embodiment, the receiving device 30 is fixed in a position in which the receiving device central axis 35 extends vertically.

Fig. 3 and 4 further illustrate that an imaginary assembly space 100 may be defined. The assembly space 100 extends vertically upwards above the crane base 2. The outer boundary 101 of the assembly space 100 extends vertically upwards from the outer boundary of the crane base 2. It can be seen that in the stage of fig. 3 and 4, the first mast 10 is arranged completely within the assembly space 100. Although the assembly space 100 is not shown in all figures for the sake of clarity, it is clear that the first mast 10 remains within the assembly space 100 until the first mast 100 is assembled in the mast construction position.

In the stages of fig. 3 and 4, the mast sections 11 of the first mast 10 of the crane are arranged in the receiving apparatus 30. In this example, mast section 11 is a top mast section 12.

The top mast section 12 comprises a portion of the hoist system 70. Hoist system 70 further includes a pulley 71 and a winch 72. The hoist cable 73 runs on a winch 71, pulley 71 and is connected to the components of the hoist system 70 on the top mast section 12.

Fig. 3 and 4 show the top mast section 12 in the receiving position. The top mast section 12 is engaged by mast section guides 31.

In the embodiment of the method shown in fig. 3 to 11, there is sufficient space in the receiving apparatus 30 to arrange the middle mast section 13 below the top mast section 12 in the receiving position. However, this is not essential. In other embodiments, the receiving location may be closer to the crane base 2.

In the example of fig. 3 and 4, in the receiving position, the mast section guide 31 (which in this example comprises two guide elements arranged on opposite sides of the receiving apparatus 30) engages the top mast section 12 arranged in the receiving apparatus 30.

Fig. 5 shows a side view of a subsequent stage of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. 6 shows a front view of the stage in fig. 5.

In this stage of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the top mast section 12 of the first mast 10 is moved relative to the receiving apparatus 30 in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis 35 from the receiving position to the transfer position by means of the transfer apparatus 40. Fig. 5 and 6 show the top mast section 12 in the transfer position. In this example, the top mast section 12 extends from the receiving apparatus 30. Transfer apparatus 40 including hydraulic cylinders 41 directly engage the top mast section 12. In an alternative embodiment, the transfer apparatus may indirectly engage the top mast section 12, for example by engaging a portion of the first mast 10 connected to the top mast section 12.

When the transfer apparatus 40 moves the top mast section 12 from the receiving position to the transfer position, the top mast section 12 of the first mast 10 is in an angular position corresponding to the first mast build position, which in this embodiment is vertical.

When the top mast section 12 is in the transfer position, the position of the top mast section 12 relative to the receiving apparatus 30 is locked in the transfer position by the locking apparatus 50 to establish the first mast 10.

In this embodiment, the subsequent mast section (in this case the intermediate mast section 13) is connected to the top mast section 12 before the top mast section 12 is moved from the receiving position to the transfer position. In this way, when the top mast section 12 is moved to the transfer position, the middle mast section 13 attached to the top mast section 12 is simultaneously moved to the receiving position in the receiving apparatus 30.

When the middle mast section 13 is held in the receiving position, the top mast section can be released by the locking apparatus 50 so that it can be moved further upwards when more mast sections are added to the first mast 10.

The middle mast section 13 is then moved from the receiving position to the transfer position. This movement takes place in the direction of the receiving device central axis 35. The position of the middle mast section 13 is then locked by the locking device 50 in the transfer position relative to the receiving device 30.

When the transfer apparatus 40 moves the intermediate mast section 13 from the receiving position to the transfer position, the intermediate mast section 13 of the first mast 10 is in an angular position corresponding to the first mast build position, which in this example is vertical. The top mast section 12 in the transfer position is thus moved away from the transfer position in a direction parallel to the central mast axis 15 to further build the first mast 10.

From the situation shown in figures 5 and 6, another intermediate mast section 13 can be added to further build the first mast 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 3 to 11, the further intermediate mast section 13 of the first mast 10 is directly connected to the intermediate mast section above it. In the situation shown in fig. 5, a further intermediate mast section 13 is connected to the intermediate mast section 13, which intermediate mast section 13 is located in the first mast 10 directly below the top mast section 12.

The middle mast section 13 is then moved from the receiving position to the transfer position. The other intermediate mast section 13 moves together with the intermediate mast section 13 and is thus arranged in a receiving position in the receiving device 30. The middle mast section 13 is locked in the transfer position.

These steps are repeated as often as necessary to obtain the desired length of the first mast 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 3 to 11, a lower mast section 14 (see fig. 7) is added to the first mast 10. The lower mast section 14 is connected to the crane base 2 and tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a first mast pivot axis 16. In this embodiment, the mechanical load exerted on the first mast during operation of the crane 1 is taken up by the first mast 10 and not, or only to a limited extent, by the receiving apparatus 30.

The lower mast section 14 is the last mast section added to the first mast 10. It is arranged in the receiving device 30 and connected to the lowest mast section of the intermediate mast sections 13 of the first mast. For example, the lowest mast section of the intermediate mast sections 13 of the first mast is then locked in the transfer position. Alternatively, the other mast section is then locked in the transfer position, and the lower mast section is connected to the locking mast section via the lowest middle mast section.

The lower mast section of the first mast is connected to the crane base 2 and is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a first mast pivot axis 16.

This results in the situation shown in fig. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 shows a side view of the first mast. Fig. 8 shows a front view of the first mast.

Fig. 9 shows a subsequent stage in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention.

In the embodiment of fig. 3-11, the first mast 10 comprises at least a portion of a hoist system 70. This part of the hoist system 70 can be used to build the second mast 20 of the crane 1. The hoist system includes a cable 73 and a connector 74. The second mast 20 in this example comprises a plurality of mast sections 21, the plurality of mast sections 21 comprising a top mast section 22, a plurality of intermediate mast sections 23 and a lower mast section 24. The second mast 20 is tiltable about a second mast pivot axis 26 that is parallel to the first mast pivot axis 16.

As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 is connected to the hoist system 70, such as by lowering the connector 74 of the hoist system 70 and connecting the connector to the top mast section of the second mast.

The top mast section 22 is then moved upwardly to a position which allows the intermediate mast section 23 to be attached to the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20, in particular to the lower edge of the top mast section 22. The middle mast section 23 is then arranged below the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 and connected to the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20.

In this embodiment, more intermediate mast sections 23 are added. The top mast section 22 and the intermediate mast section 23 connected thereto are lifted higher and another intermediate mast section 23 is added and connected to the mast sections 21, 22, 23 of the second mast 20 already suspended on the connector 74 of the hoisting system 70.

The last mast section 21 added is the lower mast section 24 of the second mast 20. The lower mast section 24 is connected to the lowest of the middle mast sections 22 suspended from the connectors 74 of the hoist system 70, and the lower mast section 24 of the second mast 20 is connected to the crane base 2 and tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about the second mast pivot axis 26.

Fig. 9 also shows an assembly space 100. It can be seen that the second mast 20 is within the assembly space 100. It is clear that the second mast 20 remains in the assembly space 100 during assembly of the second mast 20. This can also be seen in fig. 9, when the first mast 10 is arranged vertically, i.e. corresponding to the mast construction position in the shown embodiment, the first mast 10 is completely in the assembly space 100.

Fig. 10 shows a further subsequent stage in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention.

At this stage, the second mast 20 is tilted about the second mast pivot axis 26 to its second mast operating position, which is a tilted second mast operating position (i.e., an angular position that is at an angle other than 0 ° and not 90 ° relative to vertical).

The second mast pivot axis 26 is then optionally moved toward the first mast pivot axis 16.

Fig. 11 shows a further subsequent stage in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention.

At this stage, the fixing of the receiving device 30 is released. The receiving apparatus 30 and the first mast 10 together tilt about the first mast pivot axis 16 to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

Fig. 12 and 13 relate to a first variant of the first embodiment of the method according to fig. 3 to 11.

In the variant of fig. 12 and 13, the initial steps of crane assembly are performed according to fig. 3 to 8.

After performing the steps described with respect to fig. 3 to 8, subsequent steps are performed in this variant, which are shown in fig. 12.

In the variant of fig. 12 to 13, the first mast 10 comprises at least a part of a hoist system 70. This part of the hoist system 70 can be used to build the second mast 20 of the crane 1. The hoist system includes a cable 73 and a connector 74. The second mast 20 in this example comprises a plurality of mast sections 21, the plurality of mast sections 21 comprising a top mast section 22, a plurality of intermediate mast sections 23 and a lower mast section 24. The second mast 20 is tiltable about a second mast pivot axis 26 that is parallel to the first mast pivot axis 16.

As shown in fig. 12, in this variant the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 is connected to the hoist system 70, for example by lowering the connector 74 of the hoist system 70 and connecting the connector to the top mast section of the second mast.

The top mast section 22 is then moved upwardly to a position which allows the intermediate mast section 23 to be attached to the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20, in particular to the lower edge of the top mast section 22. The middle mast section 23 is then arranged below the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 and connected to the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20.

In this embodiment, more intermediate mast sections 23 are added. The top mast section 22 and the intermediate mast section 23 connected thereto are lifted higher and another intermediate mast section 23 is added and connected to the mast sections 21, 22, 23 of the second mast 20 already suspended on the connector 74 of the hoisting system 70.

The lower mast section 24 is connected to the crane base 2 and can be tilted about the second mast pivot axis 26 relative to the crane base 2 before, during or after connecting the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 to the hoist system 70 and/or connecting and adding one or more intermediate mast sections 23.

In this embodiment, the second mast pivot axis 26 is already in the position it will be in during operation of the crane 1 with respect to the first mast pivot axis 16.

The lower mast section 24 of the second mast 20 can be arranged in an inclined position, as shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 13 shows a subsequent step in this variant of the first embodiment.

In this step, the first upper portion 24a of the lower mast section 24 is pivotally connected to the first lower portion 23a of the lowermost intermediate section 23. This results in the situation shown in fig. 13.

The top mast section 22 and the middle mast section 23 (which are both connected to each other) are then tilted relative to the lower mast section 24, which results in a tilt of the central mast axis 25 of the second mast 20. This tilting occurs, for example, around the connection between the first upper portion 24a of the lower mast section 24 and the first lower portion 23a of the lowest intermediate section 23.

When this tilting is completed, the second upper portion 24b of the lower mast section 24 and the second lower portion 23b of the lowest intermediate section 23 are connected to each other, preferably in a non-tiltable manner.

This results in the situation shown in fig. 11.

Note that in the variant of fig. 12 and 13, the hoist system 70 of the crane 1 is provided with a cable system having a plurality of pulleys. In this variant, the pulleys 71 of the cable system are arranged on the crane base 2. The lifting device 70 further comprises a winch 72. Furthermore, a winch 72 is arranged on the crane base 2. The positions of the pulleys 71 and winches are not specifically coupled to the variants shown in fig. 12 and 13, the same positions can also be applied to other embodiments of the method and of the crane according to the invention. Also, in the variation of fig. 12 and 13, the pulley 71 and the winch 72 may also be disposed on the reception apparatus 30.

Fig. 14 shows a second variant of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention.

In the variant of fig. 14, the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10 extends at an angle to the vertical when the first mast 10 is in the construction position, which angle is not 0 ° nor 90 °.

Fig. 14 shows an alternative to the stages of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention shown in fig. 3 and 4.

In the variant of fig. 14, the crane base 2 has been arranged on the support surface 3 of the work area. The crane base 2 may be, for example, the undercarriage of a crawler crane, and/or the base assembly of, for example, a ring crane.

A receiving device 30 adapted to receive mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of a first mast 10 of a crane, for example a crane according to the invention, and having a receiving device central axis 35, is tiltably connected to the crane base 2. The receiving apparatus 30 is tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about the first mast pivot axis 16. The first mast pivot axis 16 extends perpendicular to the receptor central axis 35.

The transfer device 40 and the locking device 50 are arranged on the receiving device 30. For example, the transfer apparatus 40 includes a hydraulic cylinder 41. In this example, the pulley 71 of the hoist system 70 and the winch of the hoist system 70 are arranged on the crane base 2, but alternatively they may be arranged on the reception apparatus 30.

The receiver 30 is fixed at a position where the receiver central axis 35 is parallel to the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10 in the mast build position. At this stage of the method, the first mast 10 is not completely present, but the receiving apparatus 30 is fixed in the following positions: the receiver central axis 35 is parallel to the direction of the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10 when the first mast is in the mast build position. The first mast securing apparatus 60 engages the receiving apparatus 30 to secure the receiving apparatus 30 in this position.

In this embodiment, the mast construction position is inclined, i.e. the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10 extends at an angle other than 0 ° or 90 ° to the vertical when the first mast 10 is in the mast construction position. Thus, in this embodiment, the receiver 30 is fixed in a position where the receiver central axis 35 extends at the same angle as the central mast axis 15.

In the stage of fig. 14, the mast sections 11 of the first mast 10 of the crane are arranged in the receiving apparatus 30. In this example, mast section 11 is a top mast section 12.

The top mast section 12 comprises a portion of the hoist system 70. Hoist system 70 further includes a pulley 71 and a winch 72. The hoist cable 73 runs on a winch 71, pulley 71 and is connected to the components of the hoist system 70 on the top mast section 12.

FIG. 14 shows the top mast section 12 in the receiving position. The top mast section 12 is engaged by mast section guides 31.

In a second variant of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention there is sufficient space in the receiving apparatus 30 to arrange the middle mast section 13 below the top mast section 12 in the receiving position. However, this is not essential. In other embodiments, the receiving location may be closer to the crane base 2.

In a second variant of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the receiving position, the mast section guide (which in this example comprises two guide elements arranged on opposite sides of the receiving apparatus 30) engages the top mast section 12 arranged in the receiving apparatus 30.

Fig. 15 shows steps in a second embodiment of the method according to the invention.

In this embodiment, the assembled crane 1 comprises a first mast 10 and a second mast 20.

In this embodiment, at least a part of the first mast 10 of the crane 1 is assembled as shown in fig. 3 to 6. Alternatively, the entire first mast 10 is assembled as shown in fig. 3-8.

Then, the second mast 20 is assembled. This is done in the same way as the assembly of the first mast 10.

In this embodiment, the second mast receiving apparatus 30-2 is pivotably connected to the crane base 2. The second mast receiving apparatus 30-2 is adapted to receive mast sections 22, 23 of the second mast 10 and has a second mast receiving apparatus central axis 35-2. Thus, the second mast receiver 35-2 can be tilted about the second mast pivot axis 26 relative to the crane base 2. The second mast pivot axis 26 extends perpendicular to the receiver central axis 35-2. In this embodiment, the second mast pivot axis 26 extends parallel to the first mast pivot axis 16, i.e., in a horizontal direction.

The second mast receiver 35-2 is then fixed by the second mast fixing apparatus 60-2 at a position where the second mast receiver central axis 35-2 is parallel to the central mast axis 25 of the second mast 20 in the mast construction position. The second mast fixture 60-2 can be connected to the crane base 2, for example, in a manner similar to the first mast fixture 60 shown in fig. 15. Alternatively, the second mast securing apparatus 60-2 connects the second mast receiving apparatus 30-2 to the receiving apparatus 30 associated with the first mast 10.

In this embodiment, the central mast axis 25 of the second mast 20 extends in a vertical direction in the mast construction position. Optionally, the central mast axis 25 of the second mast 20 in the mast configuration position of the second mast 20 extends parallel to the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10 in the mast configuration position of the first mast 10.

The top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 of the crane 1 is then arranged in the second mast receiving apparatus 30-2.

The top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 is moved relative to the second mast receiver 35-2 in the direction of the second mast receiver central axis 35-2 from the receiving position to the transfer position. The top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 is in an angular position corresponding to the second mast configuration position.

When the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 is in the transfer position, the position of the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 relative to the second mast receiving apparatus 30-2 is locked in the transfer position by the second mast locking apparatus 50-2 to build the second mast 10.

Optionally, a subsequent mast section (in this case, the middle mast section 23 of the second mast 20) is connected to the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 before the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 is moved from the receiving position to the transfer position. In this way, when the top mast section 22 is moved to the transfer position, the middle mast section 23 attached to the top mast section 22 is simultaneously moved to the receiving position in the receiving apparatus 30-2 of the second mast 20.

When the middle mast section 23 of the second mast 20 is held in the receiving position, the top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 can be released by the locking apparatus 50-2 so that the top mast section 22 can be moved further upward as more mast sections are added to the second mast 20.

The middle mast section 23 of the second mast 20 is then moved from the receiving position to the transfer position. This movement occurs in the direction of the second mast receiver central axis 35-2. The position of the middle mast section 23 is then locked by the locking apparatus 50-2 in the transfer position relative to the second mast receiving apparatus 30-20.

When the transfer apparatus 40-2 associated with the second mast 20 moves the intermediate mast section 23 from the receiving position to the transfer position, the intermediate mast section 23 of the second mast 20 is in an angular position corresponding to the second mast build position, which in this example is vertical. The top mast section 22 of the second mast 20 in the transfer position is thus moved away from the transfer position in a direction parallel to the central mast axis 25 of the second mast 20 to further build the second mast 20.

Another intermediate mast section 23 can be added to further build the second mast 20.

The lower mast sections are then added to the second mast 20. The lower mast section 14 is connected to the crane base 2 and tiltable relative to the crane base 2 about a second mast pivot axis 26.

The second mast receiver 30-2 is then released from being fixed and the second mast receiver 35-2 and the second mast 20 together tilt about the second mast pivot axis 26 to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

Thus, the second mast 20 can be constructed in the same manner as the first mast.

Optionally, in the step of securing the second mast receiver 30-2 in a position where the second mast receiver central axis 35-2 is parallel to the central mast axis 25 of the second mast 20 in the mast build position, the second mast receiver 30-2 is secured in a position where the second receiver central axis 35-2 extends vertically.

In an alternative embodiment, the central mast axis 25 of the second mast 20 extends at an angle other than 0 ° and 90 ° relative to vertical when the second mast 20 is in the build position.

In a variation of this embodiment, the second mast 20 is built before the first mast 10 is completed. For example, the intermediate mast sections 13, 23 are added to the first mast 10 and the second mast 20 simultaneously. Alternatively, the intermediate mast sections 13, 23 are added to the first mast 10 and the second mast 20 in an alternative manner, e.g. first the intermediate mast section 13 is added to the first mast 10, then the intermediate mast section 23 is added to the second mast 20, then optionally the intermediate mast section 13 is added again to the first mast 10.

The crane 1 can then be further assembled, as shown in fig. 10 and 11.

The crane 1 assembled according to the first or second embodiment of the method according to the invention, including the variants of the first embodiment described above, can be dismantled according to the method for dismantling cranes according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the method for dismantling a crane 1 according to the invention, the starting point is the situation shown in fig. 11.

From this situation, the receiving apparatus 30 is tilted together with the first mast 10 about the first mast pivot axis 16 to an angular position corresponding to the mast construction position. The receiving apparatus 30 is fixed at the following positions: the receiver central axis 35 is parallel to (in this example coaxial with) the central mast axis 15 of the first mast 10 in the mast configuration position. This results in the situation in fig. 10.

The second mast 20 then enters the upright position and is disconnected from the second mast pivot axis 26 and/or the crane base 2. The second mast 20 can be brought into the upright position first and then disconnected, or vice versa. This results in the situation of fig. 10.

The second mast can then be removed by disconnecting the mast sections 21, 24, 233, 22 from each other, for example while gradually lowering the connector 74. When the second mast is disassembled, the situation of fig. 7 and 8 results.

Then, if the mast sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the first mast are present in the receiving position of the receiving device 30, the mast sections directly above the mast sections in the receiving position are locked in the transfer position, for example by means of the locking device 50.

The mast sections in the receiving apparatus 30 are then disconnected from the rest of the first mast 10 and removed from the receiving apparatus 30.

The mast section is then unlocked in the position of the transfer position and the mast section is moved from the transfer position to the receiving position, for example by means of the transfer device 40. The mast sections directly above the mast sections in the receiving position are locked in the transfer position, for example by means of a locking device 50.

The mast sections in the receiving apparatus 30 are then disconnected from the rest of the first mast 10 and removed from the receiving apparatus 30.

This process is repeated until the first mast is disassembled.

The receiving device 30 can be disconnected from the crane base 2 if desired.

The invention may be summarized, for example, by the following clauses:

1. a crane, the crane (1) comprising:

-a crane base (2),

a first mast (10) having a central mast axis (15),

wherein the first mast (10) comprises mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) and the first mast (10) is tiltable relative to the crane base (2) about a first mast pivot axis (16) within a range of angular positions, the range of angular positions comprising a mast construction position and a tilted mast operating position, wherein the first mast pivot axis (16) extends perpendicular to the central mast axis (15),

-a receiving device (30) adapted to receive the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10),

the receiving device (30) having a receiving device central axis (35) and a mast section guide (31), the receiving device central axis (35) being perpendicular to the first mast pivot axis (16) and parallel to the central mast axis (15), the mast section guide (31) being adapted to guide a movement of the mast section (11, 12, 13, 14) relative to the receiving device (30) in the direction of the receiving device central axis (35),

-a transfer device (40) adapted to move the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) relative to the receiving device (30) in the direction of the receiving device central axis (35) from a receiving position to a transfer position,

-a locking device (50) adapted to releasably lock the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) in the transfer position relative to the position of the receiving device (30),

-a first mast securing device (60) adapted to releasably secure the first mast (10) in the mast construction position,

wherein the receiving device (30) is connected to the crane base (2) and is tiltable together with the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) relative to the crane base (2).

2. The crane according to clause 1, wherein the crane is a crane,

wherein the first mast (10) comprises a lower mast section (14) connected to the crane base (2) and tiltable relative to the crane base (2) about the first mast pivot axis (16).

3. The crane according to any of the preceding clauses,

wherein the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) extends vertically when the first mast (10) is in the build position.

4. The crane according to any of the preceding clauses,

wherein the mast sections of the first mast (10) are provided with at least a part of a hoisting system (70).

5. The crane according to any of the preceding clauses,

wherein the crane (1) further comprises a second mast (20), wherein optionally the first mast (10) is a main boom and the second mast (20) is a back mast.

6. The crane according to any of the preceding clauses,

wherein the first mast (10) comprises a tilt member (17) allowing an upper portion (18) of the first mast (10) to tilt away from the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10).

7. A method for assembling a crane, comprising the steps of,

the crane comprising a first mast (10) having a central mast axis (15), wherein the first mast (10) comprises mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) and the first mast (10) is tiltable relative to a crane base (2) about a first mast pivot axis (16) over a range of angular positions, the range comprising a mast construction position and a tilted mast operating position, wherein the first mast pivot axis (16) extends perpendicular to the central mast axis (15),

the method comprises the following steps:

-tiltably connecting a receiving device (30) adapted to receive mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) and having a receiving device central axis (35) to the crane base (2),

thereby enabling the receiving apparatus (30) to be tilted relative to the crane base (2) about the first mast pivot axis (16), the first mast pivot axis (16) extending perpendicular to the receiving apparatus central axis (35),

-fixing the receiving apparatus (30) in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis (35) is parallel to the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) in the mast construction position,

-arranging mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of a first mast (10) of the crane (1) in the receiving apparatus (30),

-moving the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) relative to the receiving apparatus (30) in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis (35) from a receiving position to a transfer position, wherein the mast sections of the first mast (10) are in an angular position corresponding to the mast construction position of the first mast (10),

-locking the mast sections (11, 12, 13, 14) in the transfer position with respect to the position of the receiving apparatus (30) to build the first mast (10),

-releasing the fixation of the receiving apparatus (30) and tilting the receiving apparatus (30) together with the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

8. The method according to the method of clause 7,

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

-arranging a further mast section (13, 14) of a first mast (10) of the crane (1) in the receiving apparatus (30) after the step of locking the mast section (11, 12, 13, 14) in the transfer position relative to the position of the receiving apparatus (30) and before the step of releasing the fixing of the receiving apparatus (30) and tilting the receiving apparatus (30) together with the mast section (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to a tilted mast operating position,

-connecting the further mast section (13, 14) of the first mast (10) to the mast section (11, 12, 13) of the first mast (10) locked in the transfer position,

-unlocking the mast sections (11, 12, 13) of the first mast (10) in the transfer position,

-moving the further mast section (13, 14) of the first mast (10) relative to the receiving apparatus (30) in the direction of the receiving apparatus central axis (35) from a receiving position to a transfer position, wherein the mast section of the first mast (10) is in an angular position corresponding to the mast construction position of the first mast, and thereby moving the mast section (11, 12, 13) in the transfer position away from the transfer position in a direction parallel to the central mast axis (15) to further build the first mast (10),

-locking the position of the further mast section (13, 14) relative to the receiving apparatus (30) in the transfer position.

9. The method of any of clauses 7 to 8,

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

-arranging a lower mast section (14) of the first mast (10) of the crane in the receiving apparatus after the step of locking the mast section in the transfer position relative to the receiving apparatus (30) and before the step of releasing the fixing of the receiving apparatus (30) and tilting the receiving apparatus (30) together with the mast section of the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to a tilted mast operating position,

-connecting the lower mast section (14) of the first mast (10) to the mast section of the first mast (10) locked in the transfer position or to another mast section to further build the first mast (10),

-connecting the lower mast section (14) of the first mast (10) to the crane base (2) and enabling tilting of the lower mast section (14) of the first mast (10) relative to the crane base (2) about the first mast pivot axis (16).

10. The method of any of clauses 7 to 9,

wherein at least one mast section of the first mast (10) comprises at least a part of a hoisting system (70),

the method further comprises the steps of:

-connecting a hoisting cable (73) of the at least part of the hoisting system connected to the mast section of the first mast (10) to a mast section (21, 22, 23, 24) of a second mast (20),

-connecting the mast sections (21, 22, 23, 24) of the second mast to the crane base (2) to build the second mast (20) and enable the second mast (20) to tilt relative to the crane base (2) about a second mast pivot axis (26) parallel to the first mast pivot axis (16).

11. The method according to the method of clause 10,

wherein the step of connecting the at least part of the hoisting cable (73) of the hoisting system (70) connected to the mast section of the first mast (10) to the mast section (21, 22, 23, 24) of the second mast (20) occurs before releasing the fixing of the receiving device (30) and tilting the receiving device (30) together with the mast of the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to the tilted mast operating position.

12. The method according to the method of clause 10,

wherein the method further comprises the step of tilting the second mast (20) to a tilted second mast operating position.

13. The method of any of clauses 7 to 11,

wherein in the step of fixing the receiving apparatus (30) in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis (35) is parallel to the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) in the mast construction position, the receiving apparatus (30) is fixed in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis (35) extends vertically.

14. The method of any of clauses 7 to 13,

wherein the method further comprises the step of tilting an upper portion (18) of the first mast (10) away from the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10).

15. A method for disassembling a crane, in particular a crane,

the crane is a crane (1) according to clause 1,

the method comprises the following steps:

-tilting the receiving apparatus (30) together with the first mast (10) about the first mast pivot axis (16) to an angular position corresponding to the mast construction position,

-fixing the receiving apparatus (30) in a position where the receiving apparatus central axis (35) is parallel to the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) in the mast construction position,

-removing mast sections of the first mast (10) present in the receiving apparatus (30) from the receiving apparatus (30).

16. The method according to the clause 15, wherein,

the method further comprises the steps of:

-after the step of fixing the reception apparatus (30) in a position in which the reception apparatus central axis (35) is parallel to the central mast axis (15) of the first mast (10) in the mast construction position and before the step of removing the mast sections of the first mast (10) present in the reception apparatus (30) from the reception apparatus (30), releasing the locking of the mast sections in the transfer position and moving the mast sections from the transfer position to the reception position in the reception apparatus (30),

-then, still before the step of removing the mast sections of the first mast (10) present in the receiving apparatus (30) from the receiving apparatus, locking the position of subsequent mast sections relative to the receiving apparatus (30) in the transfer position.