EP4211069A1

EP4211069A1 - Tower crane, method and control unit for operating a tower crane, trolley and trolley travel unit

Info

Publication number: EP4211069A1
Application number: EP22765858.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Viktor MOSOLF; Alexey Müller
Original assignee: Wolffkran Holding AG
Current assignee: Wolffkran Holding AG
Priority date: 2021-08-23
Filing date: 2022-08-18
Publication date: 2023-07-19
Also published as: WO2023025643A1; JP2024534139A; CN118139808A; DE102021121818A1; AU2022334841A1; CA3229724A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tower crane (2) comprising a control unit (100) which operates a slewing gear (DW), a hoisting gear (HW) and a trolley (KW) in accordance with at least one angle of rotation (θu), in accordance with at least one first angle of deflection (φ_2x, φ_2y), in accordance with at least one second angle of deflection (φ_1y, φ_ux) and in accordance with a difference in angle of rotation (∆θ).

Description

Title: Tower crane, method and control unit for operating a tower crane, trolley and trolley

Description

The invention relates to a tower crane, a method and a control unit for operating a tower crane, a trolley for a tower crane and a trolley for a tower crane.

Advances in the field of tower cranes are described.

The problems of the prior art are solved by a tower crane according to claim 1, by a method and a control unit for operating a tower crane according to independent claims, a trolley for a tower crane according to another independent claim and a trolley for a tower crane according to another independent claim solved. Advantageous developments can be found in the dependent claims, the following description and in the drawing.

A first aspect of the description relates to a tower crane, which comprises: a tower with a vertical axis; a trolley jib projecting from the tower; a slewing gear for rotating at least the trolley jib about the vertical axis; a sensor device for determining a rotation angle of the trolley jib about the vertical axis; a trolley that can be moved along the trolley jib and has at least one first and one second deflection roller for a hoisting rope; a lifting device with at least one deflection pulley for the hoist rope; a sensor device arranged on the load-carrying means for determining at least a first deflection angle of the load-carrying means with respect to the perpendicular running through the load-carrying means; the hoist rope, which, starting from a hoist, is guided at least over the first deflection roller of the trolley, the at least one deflection roller of the load handling device and the second deflection roller of the trolley, and which is fastened to a distal section of the trolley jib; the hoist; one located on the trolley Sensor device for determining at least a second deflection angle of at least one section of the hoisting cable located between the trolley and the load-carrying means with respect to the plumb line running through the trolley; a trolley which is connected by means of a trolley cable to the trolley for its movement along the trolley jib; a sensor device for determining a rotation angle difference between the rotation angle of the trolley jib about the vertical axis and the rotation angle of the trolley about the vertical axis; and a control unit which operates the slewing gear, the lifting gear and the trolley depending on at least the angle of rotation, depending on the at least one first deflection angle, depending on the at least one second deflection angle and depending on the difference in the angle of rotation.

The provided tower crane makes it possible to determine the load position precisely and in real time during crane operation via the provided sensor sizes in order to reduce a swinging movement of the load. The proposed tower crane forms the basis for the merging, preparation and computational processing of sensor data in order to determine a precise picture of the current situation. Estimates of important variables to be controlled, such as angles, are avoided by sensor data fusion, and any errors that may occur in individual sensor data are compensated for by data fusion. For sensor fusion, different data are determined on the trolley, the load handling device and on the jib by means of the sensor devices.

If the crane driver moves the load using a joystick, he no longer has to try manually to reduce the oscillating movements that would otherwise occur. An assistance system can thus be provided which advantageously enables the load to be driven at high speed without the crane operator having to take the load swinging into consideration. With the proposed crane, loads can therefore be lowered more quickly, which has an advantageous time effect on the work processes on the construction site.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the sensor device for determining the difference in the angle of rotation is fixed to the trolley jib, in particular on the trolley jib or on a frame of the trolley chassis.

The rigid connection with the trolley jib improves the measurement of the difference in the angle of rotation. The connection to the frame of the trolley simplifies the construction and assembly of the tower crane.

An advantageous example is characterized in that a sensor signal generated by the sensor device for determining the difference in the angle of rotation represents a distance between the sensor device and a section of the trolley cable, which is located between a deflection roller that is fixed proximal to the trolley jib and the trolley; wherein the difference in angle of rotation is determined by means of the control unit as a function of the sensor signal representing the distance.

Deflections of the trolley jib affect the rotary position of the trolley depending on the position of the trolley along the trolley jib. The position of the section of the trolley cable represents an offset of the trolley to a rotation angle about a vertical axis of the tower. In this way, the specific rotational position of the trolley relative to the vertical axis can be determined without additional sensors. An advantageous example is characterized in that the sensor device for determining the difference in angle of rotation, starting from the tower, is arranged in a first or proximal half, in particular in the first or proximal third, of the length of the trolley jib.

The deflection of the trolley jib plays a greater role the further away the trolley is from the tower. On the other hand, if the trolley is closer to the tower, the bending of the trolley jib plays a subordinate role. The proposed arrangement of the sensor device in the first half or in the first third is therefore advantageous. This also enables integration with the trolley.

An advantageous example is characterized in that a sensor signal generated by the sensor device for determining the at least one second deflection angle represents a distance between the sensor device and the at least one section of the hoist rope; and wherein the at least one second deflection angle is determined by the control unit as a function of the sensor signal representing the distance.

Advantageously, the at least one second deflection angle can be measured in a simple manner by measuring the distance.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the tower crane comprises: a further sensor device arranged on the trolley for determining at least one angle of inclination of the trolley to a horizontal; and wherein the control unit additionally operates the slewing gear, the lifting gear and the trolley gear as a function of the at least one angle of inclination.

Due to the non-linear bending of individual jib segments of the trolley jib, it is difficult to derive the angle of inclination using simple mathematical linearizations. The proposed sensory detection of the angle of inclination improves the accuracy of the downstream control.

A second aspect of the description relates to a method for operating a tower crane, comprising: determining at least a first pendulum angle, which characterizes a deflection of a virtual center of gravity of a multiple pendulum suspended on the trolley relative to a perpendicular running through the trolley in a first spatial plane; Determining at least one second pendulum angle, which characterizes a deflection of the center of gravity of the multiple pendulum to the perpendicular running through the trolley in a second spatial plane; determining at least one angle of rotation of the trolley about the vertical axis of the tower; and determining at least one manipulated variable for operating the tower crane, in particular by means of at least one slewing gear, at least one hoist and at least one trolley, as a function of the at least one first pendulum angle, as a function of the at least one second pendulum angle and as a function of the at least one angle of rotation.

By determining the pendulum angle and the angle of rotation of the trolley, it is possible to deduce the load position and to implement real-time control using a control model that maps the crane and the load movement.

The approach presented advantageously dispenses with the use and derivation of controlled variables. Rather, the actual load situation on the crane and below the crane boom is determined via the pendulum angle and the angle of rotation of the trolley determined. By means of sensor fusion, the influences of the double pendulum, which is usually found in crane operations, on the control of the load movement are reduced or eliminated.

Regardless of the complexity of the mechanical design of the arrangement below the trolley, the proposed method results in a simplified virtual single pendulum system that can be operated with simpler control algorithms that, above all, do not require the determination of torsion and bending moments specific to the crane structure. The proposed method can advantageously be used for a large number of different configurations of tower cranes, without the method having to be adapted to the construction of the crane in a complex manner.

Furthermore, the proposed method or system, in addition to a position-related regulation of the load, ie a specification of a trajectory for the load, enables the simultaneous possibility of a speed-related regulation of the load. As a result, it is comparable with the currently common speed-related crane control using PLC and is more accessible for the crane driver. With the PLC control, the crane drivers specify a speed for the respective drives via joystick commands. With the speed-related control of the load, the crane driver would specify a speed for the load via joystick command. This means that an assistance system can be provided for the crane driver. On the other hand, the proposed method or system enables a fully automated journey. The system proposed here can therefore be used both for a more intuitive manual control and for a semi- or fully automated control and provides the necessary basis for this.

An advantageous example includes: determining a deflection angle lying in the first plane of at least one section of the hoisting rope located between the trolley and the load-carrying means with respect to the plumb line running through the trolley; Determination of a deflection angle lying in the first plane of the load-carrying means, which hangs on the trolley via the hoist rope, to the perpendicular running through the load-carrying means; wherein the first pendulum angle is determined as a function of the deflection angle of the at least one section of the hoist cable lying in the first plane and depending on the deflection angle of the load handling device lying in the first plane.

This sensor fusion improves the precise determination of the pendulum angle. Undesirable fluctuations in the sensor signals are reduced by sensor fusion.

An advantageous example includes: determining a first weighting factor as a function of a pendulum length; wherein the first pendulum angle is determined by weighting the deflection angle of the section of the hoist rope in the first plane as a function of the first weighting factor and by weighting the deflection angle of the lifting device in the first plane as a function of the first weighting factor.

Advantageously, the pendulum length is used to reduce the vibrations caused by the construction of the trolley and the load handling device with different pendulum lengths for the determination of the manipulated variables.

An advantageous example includes: determining an angle of inclination of the trolley to the horizontal; determining a first-plane compensated deflection angle as a function of the inclination angle of the trolley and as a function of the first-plane deflection angle of the at least one section of the hoisting rope; wherein the first pendulum angle is a function of the compensated deflection angle lying in the first plane of the at least one section of the hoist rope and is determined as a function of the deflection angle of the load handling device lying in the first plane.

This sensor fusion precisely takes into account the deflection of the trolley jib, which differs depending on the position of the trolley, the load and the construction of the trolley jib.

An advantageous example comprises: determining a deflection angle, lying in the second plane, of the at least one section of the hoisting rope located between the trolley and the load-carrying means with respect to the plumb line running through the trolley; Determination of a deflection angle lying in the second plane of the load-carrying means, which hangs on the trolley via the hoist rope, to the perpendicular running through the load-carrying means; and wherein the second deflection angle is determined as a function of the deflection angle in the second plane and as a function of the deflection angle of the load handling device in the second plane.

An advantageous example includes: determining a second weighting factor as a function of the pendulum length; and wherein the second deflection angle is determined by weighting the deflection angle lying in the second plane of the at least one section of the hoist rope as a function of the second weighting factor and by weighting the deflection angle lying in the second plane of the lifting device depending on the second weighting factor.

An advantageous example includes: determining a length of one of the sections of the hoist rope between the trolley and the lifting device; and determining the pendulum length as a function of the length of one of the sections of the hoist rope and a previously specified length of a load rope between the load suspension device and the load, which in particular can be predetermined manually during operation.

The inaccuracy in determining the total length of the multiple pendulum is compensated by the specified length of the load rope. This reduces the overall error. Sufficiently damped control is ensured as long as the total error remains in the range of approx. ±10% of the total length of the multiple pendulum. This behavior of the load fastened to the load-carrying means by means of slings was empirically proven by tests.

If the length of the section of hoist rope is 40m and the length of the load rope is 5m, the total length is 45m. The controller can therefore easily tolerate an inaccuracy of ±4.5m. In the majority of cases, this leads to the desired control behavior. Exceeding this tolerance leads to a slight overshoot, but this is still smaller than would be the case without the proposed regulation.

An advantageous example includes: determining a rotation angle of the trolley jib about the vertical axis; Determination of a rotation angle difference between the rotation angle of the trolley jib around the vertical axis and the rotation angle of the trolley around the vertical axis; and wherein the angle of rotation of the trolley around the vertical axis of the tower is determined as a function of the angle of rotation of the trolley jib and as a function of the difference in angle of rotation.

This sensor fusion improves the precise determination of the rotation angle of the trolley.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the determination of the at least one manipulated variable is activated when at least one of the following conditions occurs: the presence of at least one setpoint variable that is not equal to zero; Presence of a manual activation of the determination of the at least one manipulated variable originating from an operating unit; and existence of a request for readjustment.

An advantageous example includes: Updating a model, in particular matrices characterizing the model, depending on the pendulum length, a position of the trolley and depending on the mass associated with the multiple pendulum, determined in particular by means of a sensor device; and wherein the at least one manipulated variable is determined as a function of the updated model.

Advantageously, the position of the trolley, the measured mass and the pendulum length allow the model to be updated.

An advantageous example comprises: updating a controller, in particular gain factors, depending on the model, in particular on the matrices characterizing the model, and depending on the pendulum length; and wherein the at least one manipulated variable is determined as a function of the updated controller.

A third aspect of the description relates to a control unit for operating a tower crane, comprising: means for determining at least a first pendulum angle, which characterizes a deflection of a virtual center of gravity of a multiple pendulum suspended on a trolley relative to a perpendicular running through the trolley in a first spatial plane; Means for determining at least one second pendulum angle, which characterizes a deflection of the center of gravity of the multiple pendulum to the perpendicular running through the trolley in a second spatial plane; Means for determining at least one angle of rotation of the trolley about the vertical axis of the tower; and means for determining at least one manipulated variable for operating the tower crane, in particular by means of at least one slewing gear, at least one hoist and at least one trolley of the tower crane, as a function of the at least one first pendulum angle, as a function of the at least one second pendulum angle and as a function of the at least one angle of rotation.

A fourth aspect of the description relates to a trolley for a tower crane, comprising: a chassis for moving the trolley along a trolley jib; at least two deflection pulleys, which are fixed to the chassis, for deflecting a hoisting cable in the direction of a load handling device; and a sensor device arranged fixed to the chassis for determining at least one deflection angle of a section of the hoisting cable located between the trolley and a load-carrying means with respect to the plumb line running through the trolley.

Determining the at least one deflection angle of the hoist rope on the trolley makes it possible to precisely determine the load situation.

An advantageous example is characterized in that at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor device represents a distance between the sensor device and at least one section of the hoist rope. By determining the distance, the deflection angle can be determined more precisely - especially compared to a camera measurement.

An advantageous example is characterized in that at least two sensors are assigned to the at least one section of the hoisting rope, which are directed at the section of the hoisting rope from different angles.

Two sensors that are spaced apart improve both the measurement itself and enable error handling in the event of inconsistent sensor signals.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the sensor device is arranged at least in part between the at least two sections of the hoist rope.

This provides a more compact sensor device. Furthermore, it is arranged in a protected manner in a proximal area of the trolley. In addition, individual sensors can be integrated into one unit.

An advantageous example includes: at least one additional sensor device arranged in a stationary manner relative to the chassis for generating at least one additional sensor signal which characterizes an inclination of the trolley to a horizontal.

In this way, sensor fusion can advantageously improve the precise determination of the deflection angle lying in a plane that spans the tower and trolley jib.

A fifth aspect of the description relates to a trolley for arrangement on a trolley jib of a tower crane, comprising: a frame; a drive unit arranged fixed to the frame for winding and unwinding a trolley cable; and a sensor device arranged fixed to the frame for determining a rotation angle difference between a rotation angle of the trolley jib about a vertical axis of a tower of the tower crane and a rotation angle of the trolley about the vertical axis.

The sensor device for determining the difference in the angle of rotation is advantageously integrated into the trolley. The sensor device therefore does not have to be arranged separately on the trolley jib. Consequently, the structure of the crane is simplified.

An advantageous example is characterized in that a sensor signal generated by the sensor device for determining the difference in the angle of rotation represents a distance between the sensor device and a section of the trolley cable.

Deflections of the trolley jib affect the rotary position of the trolley depending on the position of the trolley along the trolley jib. The position of the section of the trolley cable represents an offset of the trolley to a rotation angle about a vertical axis of the tower. In this way, the specific rotational position of the trolley relative to the vertical axis can be determined without additional sensors.

Show in the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows a tower crane in schematic form;

FIGS. 2, 3, 16 and 19 each show a pendulum system; FIG. 4 a feedback of sensor signals;

FIGS. 5 and 6 each show a determination of manipulated variables;

FIGS. 7 and 10 each show a trolley in schematic form;

FIGS. 8 and 11 each show a determination of the position of a section of a hoist rope by means of a sensor device;

FIG. 9 shows the trolley and various positions of a deflection roller

lifting device;

FIG. 12 shows the trolley and parts of a sensor device;

FIG. 13 shows an angle of inclination of the trolley to a horizontal generated by bending of the trolley jib;

FIG. 14 shows a rotation angle difference between a rotation angle of the trolley and a rotation angle of the trolley jib, produced by bending of the trolley jib;

FIGS. 15 and 17 each show a signal flow chart;

FIG. 18 shows the tower crane in a plan view; and

Figure 20 shows a control unit for operating the tower crane.

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a tower crane 2 for lifting, moving and setting down a load L. The tower crane 2 comprises a tower T which is at least partially fixed to a base G with an imaginary vertical axis H and a trolley jib KA protruding from the tower T . The trolley jib KA is not designed to be luffable in FIG. In an example that is not shown, the trolley jib KA can also be designed to be luffing, with the luffing trolley jib KA being moved by means of a luffing drive.

The tower crane 2 comprises a slewing gear DW arranged, for example, on a counterjib GA for rotating at least the trolley jib KA around the vertical axis H. The tower crane 2 comprises a sensor device 510, embodied, for example, as a rotation angle sensor, for determining a rotation angle θ_u of the trolley jib KA around the vertical axis H in a yx -Level.

A trolley LK that can be moved along the trolley jib KA includes a first and a second deflection roller 202, 204 for deflecting a hoist rope HSL in the direction of a load handling device UF, which can also be referred to as a bottom block or hook block. The load handling device UF includes at least one deflection pulley 302 for the hoist rope HSL, but can also include a plurality of deflection pulleys for the hoist rope HSL.

A sensor device 310 arranged on the load-carrying device UF, for example designed as a gyroscope, is set up to determine a first deflection angle φ_ 2x, φ_2y of the load-carrying device UF relative to the perpendicular running through the load-carrying device UF. The hoist rope HSL is guided from a hoist HW for winding and unwinding the hoist rope over the first deflection roller 202 of the trolley LK, the one deflection roller 302 of the load handling device UF and the second deflection roller 204 of the trolley LK. The hoist rope HSL is attached to a distal section 4 of the trolley jib KA.

The HW hoist includes a brake, an electric motor, a gearbox and a cable winch. On the winch of the hoist HW, the hoist rope HSL is wound up to lift the load L, and it is unwound to lower the load L. The hoist rope HSL is, for example, guided from the hoist via two deflection rollers 20 and 22 arranged at or near the vertical axis H to the deflection roller 202 of the trolley LK.

According to FIG. 1, a sensor device 620 is coupled to the deflection roller 22 and detects its deflection in the xy plane, which changes depending on the mass m of the suspended load L or the multiple pendulum below the trolley LK. The sensor device 620 measures, for example, a tensile force that is exerted on the deflection roller 22 . A sensor signal determined by sensor device 620 represents mass M.

A sensor device 210 arranged on the trolley LK is set up to determine a second deflection angle φ _1 y, φ _ux of a section HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoist rope HS located between the trolley LK and the load handling device UF with respect to the perpendicular running through the trolley LK. A sensor signal generated by the sensor device 210 to determine the second deflection angle φ _1y, φ _ux represents a distance between the sensor device 210 and the section HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoist rope HSL. The second deflection angle φ _1y, φ _ux is determined by the control unit 100 as a function of the sensor signal of the sensor device 210 which represents the distance.

A trolley KW fixed to the trolley jib KA is connected by means of a trolley cable KSL to the trolley LK for its movement along the trolley jib KA. The KW trolley chassis includes a brake, an electric motor, a gearbox and a double cable winch, with the double cable winch comprising two sections connected via a common axis, which when the double cable winch rotates in one direction of rotation rolls up part of the KSL trolley cable and unrolls the other part and so on the trolley LK moves.

Fixed to the frame 402 is a sensor device 420, for example a rotation angle sensor that counts the revolutions, which generates a sensor signal that characterizes the position x of the trolley LK.

A sensor device 410 is set up to determine a rotation angle difference Δθ between the rotation angle θ_u of the trolley jib KA about the vertical axis H and the rotation angle of the trolley LK about the vertical axis H. The sensor device 410 for determining the rotational angle difference Δθ is fixed to the trolley KA, in particular on the trolley KA or on a frame 402 of the trolley KW. A sensor signal generated by sensor device 410 to determine the rotational angle difference Δθ represents a distance between sensor device 410 and a section KSL#1 of trolley rope KSL, which is located between a proximal to trolley jib KA fixed deflection roller 6 and trolley LK. A deflection pulley 8 arranged distally to the trolley jib KA deflects the trolley cable KSL from the trolley KW to the trolley LK. The rotational angle difference Δθ is determined by the control unit 100 as a function of the sensor signal representing the distance. Starting from the tower T, the sensor device 410 is arranged in a first or proximal half, in particular in the first or proximal third, of the length of the trolley jib KA. The arrangement of the sensor device 410 for determining a rotational angle difference Δθ is shown in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity, parallel to the vertical axis z, at a distance from the trolley cable KSL. In the embodiment explained in the previous paragraph, the sensor device 410 is arranged perpendicular to the plane of the drawing at a distance from the trolley part KSL. Of course, other embodiments of the sensor device 410 are also conceivable, for example a sensor arranged as shown, which observes the deflection of the trolley cable KSL from vertically above or from vertically below, for example optically, and determines the signal representing the rotational angle difference Δθ.

The trolley KW comprises the frame 402 and a drive unit, which is fixed to the frame 402, for winding and unwinding a trolley cable KSL. The sensor device 410 fixed to the frame 402 is designed to determine the rotation angle difference Δθ between a rotation angle θ_u of the trolley jib KA around a vertical axis H of a tower T of the tower crane 2 and a rotation angle θ of the trolley LK around the vertical axis H. The sensor signal generated by sensor device 410 for determining the difference in angle of rotation Δθ represents a distance between sensor device 410 and a section KSL#1 of trolley rope KSL.

A control unit 100 operates the slewing gear DW, the hoist HW and the trolley KW depending on the rotation angle θ_u, depending on the first deflection angle φ _2x, φ _2y, depending on the second deflection angle φ _1 y, φ _ux and depending on the rotation angle difference Δθ.

A further sensor device 220, for example designed as a gyroscope, fixedly arranged on the trolley LK, in particular on its chassis, serves to determine an angle of inclination Δφ of the trolley LK to a horizontal. The sensor device 220 determines a sensor signal which characterizes an inclination of the trolley LK to a horizontal, in particular an angle of inclination to a horizontal plane in an xh plane which is spanned by the vertical axis and longitudinal axis of the trolley jib. The control unit 100 also operates the slewing gear DW, the hoisting gear HW and the trolley KW as a function of the angle of inclination Δφ.

The multiple pendulum suspended on the trolley LK is explained in the following Figures 2 and 3 and comprises the two sections HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoist rope HSL, the load suspension device UF hanging on the hoist cable HSL, a load rope LSL arranged on the load suspension device UF and the load L arranged on the load cable LSL. The same applies to two-trolley operation, with the multiple reeving of the hoist cable giving the pendulum underneath three or more deflection rollers on the trolleys as reference points on the boom side. In this context, a multiple or double pendulum means the arrangement located below the trolley or below the deflection rollers of the trolley.

A length l_1 is determined by means of a sensor 610, for example a rotation angle sensor that counts revolutions, which is assigned to the hoist HW. For example, by detecting the rotational position of the hoist HW, the distance between the load handling device UF and the trolley LK can be inferred.

A length l_k of the load rope LSL between the load handling device UF and the load L can be specified via an operating unit 900, for example. The operating unit 900 is, for example, a control panel or a radio remote control. Target values S_soll are implicitly transmitted to the control unit 100 by means of a joystick of the operating unit 900 . FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of the double pendulum present in the tower crane from FIG. In this double pendulum, which consists of all components below the trolley LK, there are two angles φ ₁ , φ ₂ of the cables to the respective vertical and two lengths l ₁ , l ₂ of the cables.

While l ₁ and the angle φ ₁ can be measured relatively easily, the length l ₂ between the load handling device UF and the load L and the mass m of the load and a center of gravity S of the mass of the load always remain variable during operation. The angle φ ₁ is also not trivial to record as a measured variable. And even if one were to estimate the length l ₂ , there would be a not insignificant control inaccuracy, which would continue to cause the system to oscillate when the drives were actively controlled.

FIG. 3 shows the proposed simplification of the consideration of the multiple pendulum in this description in order to prevent or reduce a pendulum movement. The multiple pendulum of Figure 2 is considered a single pendulum. One size is the angle of deflection of the load relative to the trolley. This cannot be detected with simple sensors such as cameras or ultrasonic sensors or laser-based distance measurement systems, since in reality an actual pendulum angle φ cannot be found on any of the objects that are physically present in crane operation. This pendulum angle φ is approximately determined on the basis of sensor measurements. The regulation described below is based, among other things, on the consideration of the following variables: φ pendulum angle between the straight line pointing to the virtual center of gravity S of the load and the perpendicular L#LK in the middle of the trolley LK; l Distance between the trolley and the virtual center of gravity S of the virtual load L;

S Virtual center of gravity of the virtual load L; and m mass of the virtual load L.

Based on FIG. 1, FIG. 4 shows the determination of manipulated variables or manipulated speeds u by a determination unit 110. The respective manipulated speed is specified, for example, as a percentage of the maximum speed for the respective drive. At least the sensor data and setpoint values S′_soll are supplied to determination unit 110 in order to determine drive speeds u. A determination unit 120 determines the target variables S'_target as a function of target variables S_target coming from the operating unit 900, the individual target variables S_target being multiplied by an amplification factor.

Furthermore, it is possible to send a signal ACT to determination unit 110 via operating unit 900, which signal activates the determination unit and the closed-loop control that has been carried out. For example, raised loads can be shifted by hand, with the control unit 100 controlling the tower crane in such a way that it prevents the load from oscillating during manual shifting.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the determination unit 110 from FIG. 4. Means 1002 are set up to determine a first pendulum angle φ _x, which indicates a deflection of the virtual center of gravity of the multiple pendulum suspended on the trolley to a perpendicular running through the trolley in a first imaginary spatial plane xh, which is spanned by the vertical axis of the tower of the tower crane. Means 1004 are set up to determine a second pendulum angle φ _y, which is a deflection of the center of gravity of the multiple pendulum to the perpendicular running through the trolley in a second imaginary spatial plane, which is a perpendicular plane of the first spatial plane xh and runs parallel to the vertical axis H. Means 1006 determine the rotation angle θ of the trolley around the vertical axis of the tower as a function of the rotation angle θ_u of the trolley jib and as a function of the rotation angle difference Δθ.

Further means 1010 are used to determine the manipulated variable u for operating the tower crane, in particular the slewing gear, the hoisting gear and the trolley, as a function of the first pendulum angle φ _x, as a function of the second pendulum angle φ _y and as a function of the rotation angle θ.

Means 1024 are set up to determine the pendulum length I as a function of the length l_1 of the sections of the hoist rope and the previously specified length l_k of the load rope between the load handling device and the load, which in particular can be specified manually during operation.

Means 1012 are set up to calculate a first weighting factor kx as a function of the pendulum length I, the first pendulum angle φ _x being calculated by weighting the deflection angle φ _ux in the first plane of section HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoist rope HSL as a function of the first weighting factor kx and by weighting the deflection angle φ _2x of the load handling device UF lying in the first plane as a function of the first weighting factor kx.

Means 1014 are set up to determine a compensated deflection angle φ _1 x in the first plane xh as a function of the angle of inclination Δφ of the trolley and as a function of the deflection angle φ _ux of the section of the hoist rope in the first plane, with means 1002 are set up to determine the first pendulum angle φ _x by weighting the compensated deflection angle φ _ux in the first plane as a function of the first weighting factor kx and by weighting the deflection angle φ _2x of the load handling device in the first plane as a function of the first weighting factor .

Means 1022 are set up to determine a second weighting factor ky as a function of the pendulum length I, with means 1004 being set up to calculate the second deflection angle φ _y by weighting the deflection angle φ _1 y of the section of the hoist cable in Depending on the second weighting factor ky and by weighting the lying in the second plane yh deflection angle φ _2y of the load handling device UF as a function of the second weighting factor ky to determined.

Means 1030 are set up to update a model, in particular of matrices A, B characterizing the model, depending on the pendulum length I, the position x of the trolley and depending on the mass m associated with the multiple pendulum. Means 1032 serve to update a controller, with a matrix of amplification factors K′ being determined as a function of the model, in particular of the matrices A, B characterizing the model, and as a function of the pendulum length I. The manipulated variable u_LK, u_DW, u_HW is determined as a function of the updated controller.

According to a respective block 1040, 1042, 1044, 1046 and 1048, a respective derivation x′, I′, θ′, φ _x′, φ _y′ of the respectively supplied variable is determined. Alternatively, the variable x' can also be supplied directly. The means 1010 determines the manipulated variables u as a function of the matrix K', the target variables S'_soll, the pendulum length I', the pendulum angles, the angle of rotation of the trolley, and as a function of the derivatives x', I', θ' , φ _x', φ _y'.

FIG. 6 shows a further example of the determination unit 110. In contrast to FIG. 5, the determination unit 110 includes an observer 130 to which the determined set drive speeds u and measurement signals Z are supplied. The observer determines the state vector Z~. A state controller 132 and an addition point 134 determine the drive speeds u to be set as a function of the state vector Z˜ and the setpoint values S_setpoint. For example, a transposed gain vector K' is generated by pole placement method:

A state vector for the trolley where x' corresponds to the actual speed of the LK results in

The actuating speed u_LK then results, for example, in:

In other words, actual-setpoint differences are formed in the state vector, Phi_setpoint and Phi_dot_setpoint are equal to zero, and then it is multiplied by the gain vector K', which results in the scalar control speed. The unit of

FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic example of a construction of the trolley LK. A chassis 206 is provided for moving the trolley LK along a travel axis 207 of the trolley jib. For example, the chassis 206 includes a plurality of wheels 212a-d, which are movably mounted on rails of the trolley jib. At least two deflection pulleys 202, 204 fixed to the chassis 206 are set up to deflect the hoist rope in the direction of a load handling device UF.

The sensor device 210 fixed to the chassis 206 is set up to determine the deflection angles φ _1y, φ _ux of the sections HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoisting rope located between the trolley LK and a load handling device with respect to the perpendicular running through the trolley LK. A sensor signal generated by the sensor device 210 represents a distance between the sensor device 210 or parts thereof and the respective section HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoist rope, which is between the deflection rollers 202, 204 of the trolley LK and the deflection roller or the deflection rollers of the load handling device located.

Two or more sensors 214#1, 216#1; 214#2, 216#2, which are directed at the section HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoist rope HSL from different angles. In an example that is not shown, the sensor device 210 is arranged at least in part between the two sections HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoist rope.

The sensors 214#1, 216#1, 214#2, 216#2, for example as ultrasonic sensors, LIDAR sensors or other sensors for measuring the distance between the respective sensor 214#1, 216#1, 214#2, 216#2 and the associated section HSL#1, HSL#2. In the example shown, the sensors are 214#1, 216#1; 214#2, 216#2 on the sections HSL#1, HSL#2 in the respective axis direction X or Y in pairs aligned perpendicular to each other. The rope deflection is therefore measured in relation to the position of the sensor.

Since the sensors 214 and 216 are mutually aligned on the same or parallel axis, all non-parallel cable deflections can be eliminated. The deflections of the ropes against each other are thus compensated for by measurement. These are, for example, the different formations of a trapezoidal arrangement of the two sections HSL#1, HSL#2 between the trolley LK and the load handling device during lifting and lowering operations. This effect can be calculated using the determinable cable length between trolley and load handling device.

FIG. 8 shows in schematic form the calculation of the distance between the sensors and section HSL#1 of the hoisting rope, using the example of the two sensors 214#1, 216#1. The sensors 214#1, 216#1 assigned to the respective rope section HSL#1 are aligned in pairs with one another in such a way that a resulting distance C_1 is at a 45° angle to the coordinate system of the crane.

The following equations can be derived from the measured values U ₁ and U ₂ , which represent a respective distance of the rope section HSL#1 from the respective sensor 214#1, 216#1:

(1) U ₁ ² = X ₁₀ ² + Y ₁₀ ²

(2) U ₂ ² = Y ₁₀ ² + (C ₁ - X ₁₀ ) ²

Equations (1) and (2) solved for Y ₁₀ ² and X ₁₀ ² result in:

(3) X ₁₀ ² = U ₁ ² - Y ₁₀ ²

(4) Y ₁₀ ² = U ₂ ² - (C ₁ - X ₁₀ ) ²

Substituting equation (4) into equation (3) gives X ₁₀ as follows:

X ₁₀ ² = U ₁ ² - ( U ₂ ² - (C ₁ - X ₁₀ ) ² ) X ₁₀ ² = U ₁ ² - U ₂ ² + (C ₁ - X ₁₀ )(C ₁ - X ₁₀ ) X ₁₀ ² = U ₁ ² - U ₂ ² + (C ₁ ² - 2 . C ₁ . X ₁₀ + X ₁₀ ² ) X ₁₀ ² = U ₁ ² - U ₂ ² + C ₁ ² - 2 . _C1 . _x10 + _x10 ²

0 = U ₁ ² - U ₂ ² + C ₁ ² — 2 . _C1 - _X10

_-U12 + _U22 - _C12 ⁼ ^-2 ^. _C1 - _X10 Now, Equation (5) is substituted into Equation (4). Thus Y ₁₀ results in:

Now ΔX ₁ and ΔY ₁ can be calculated using trigonometric functions and the result from equation (6):

Analogously to equations (7) and (8), ΔX ₂ and ΔY ₂ are determined for the opposite side, ie the other pair of sensors.

FIG. 9 illustrates how the movement of the load handling device in the h direction causes an additional deflection ΔX ₁ or ΔX ₂ of the hoist rope HSL in the x direction, depending on the position of the load handling device relative to the deflection rollers 202, 204 of the trolley LK . Although this movement is calculated out of the measurement, depending on the configuration, it can happen that the rope runs out of the detection range of the sensors from a certain proximity of the load handling device to the deflection rollers 202, 204 as a result of this movement. In particular when using the load handling device with only one deflection roller 302, the cable angle changes very significantly. This would cause the hoist rope

HSL moved out of the range of the sensors 214#1 and 214#2 shown in FIG. Sensors 214, 216 can be arranged in pairs in a V-shape in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows the aforementioned V-shaped arrangement of the sensors 214#1 and 216#1 or 214#2 and 216#2 of the sensor device of the trolley LK. The other features of the trolley LK can be found in FIGS.

The V-shaped arrangement results in a larger measuring range 218#1, 218#2 in the x-direction, while the measuring range in the y-direction does not change significantly.

In the example shown, sections HSL#1 and HSL#2 of the hoist rope are located between sensors 214, 216. In an alternative example not shown, sensors 214, 216 are located at least partially, in particular entirely, between sections HSL#1 and HSL #2 of the hoist rope. Figure 11 illustrates the calculation rules for determining the position of the respective section HSL#1 or HSL#2 of the hoist rope HSL using the example of the arrangement in Figure 10.

The angles are calculated according to equations (9) and (10):

(9) U ₁ ² = X ₁₀ ² + Y ₁₀ ²

(10) U ₂ ² = X ₁₀ ² + (C ₁ - Y ₁₀ ) ²

Equations (9) and (10) solved for Y ₁₀ ² and X ₁₀ ² result in:

(11) Y ₁₀ ² = U ₁ ² - X ₁₀ ²

(12) X ₁₀ ² = U ₂ ² - (C ₁ - Y ₁₀ ) ²

Substituting equation (11) into equation (12), Y ₁₀ results in: Y ₁₀ ² = U ₁ ² - (U ₂ ² - (C ₁ - Y ₁₀ ) ² ) Y ₁₀ ² = U ₁ ² - U ₂ ² + (C ₁ - Y ₁₀ ) ² Y ₁₀ ² = U ₁ ² - u ₂ ² + C ₁ ² - 2 . _C1 . _Y10 + _Y10 ²

⁰ ⁼ _U12 - _U22 + _C12 - 2 ^. _C1 . _Y10

Solved for Y ₁₀ we get:

The calculated quantity Y ₁₀ is substituted into equation (12) to calculate X ₁₀ :

In order to be able to calculate ΔX ₁ , the height H of the associated isosceles triangle will be calculated.

For ΔX ₁ this results in:

Analogous to equations (14) and (17), ΔX ₂ and ΔY ₂ are calculated for the opposite section of the hoist rope. FIG. 12 illustrates that different lengths and L ₂ of the sections HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoisting rope up to a sensor axis 222 arise as a result of the rolling behavior of the hoisting rope over the deflection rollers 202, 204. Equation (18) compensates for this. The mean cable length L thus remains constant.

The distances ΔX ₁ and ΔY 1 or ΔX ₂ and ΔY 2 determined using equations (7) and (8) or ( ₁₄ ) and ( ₁₇ ) are now over the known and constant cable length from (18) to the deflection pulley 202, 204 converted to angles.

The uncompensated angle φ _ux according to equation (19) describes the deflection of the load in relation to the trolley in the x-direction. Due to the inclination of the trolley LK, there is a deviation from the absolute angle of the sections HSL#1, HSL#2 of the hoist rope in relation to the perpendicular through the trolley LK. The therefore uncompensated angle φ _ux is therefore compensated.

In the same way, the angle φ _1y is determined according to equation (20). Analogously to the angle φ _ux, this describes the deflection of the load in the y-direction. However, compensation is not necessary here.

FIG. 13 illustrates the compensation of the angle φ _ux for which the angle of inclination of the trolley is used. The angle of inclination Δφ resulting from the bending of the trolley jib KA during load movements is determined by sensors on the trolley LK. This angle of inclination Δφ covers the absolute angle of the trolley LK to the horizon in the imaginary hx plane that is spanned by tower T and trolley jib KA. The angle of inclination Δφ results between a perpendicular L_LK through the middle of the trolley and an axis A_LK which is perpendicular to the current axis of travel of the trolley LK.

With the calculated angle of inclination Δφ, the angle φ _ux can now be compensated for φ _1x :

(21) φ _1x = φ _ux - Δφ

Thus, the two deflection angles or cable angles φ _1x and φ _1y are recorded using equations (20) and (21).

The deflection angles measured from the different sensor devices 210 and 310 from FIG. 1 are weighted with the factors k _x : (0≦k _x ≦1) and k _y : (0≦k _y ≦1). The aforementioned factors weight the influence of the respective angle on the result of the sensor fusion. The respective factor is adjusted depending on the pendulum length I in order to minimize unwanted oscillations in the sensor data in extreme ranges. In the case of long rope lengths (>50m), the sensor data from the sensor device on the trolley are superimposed by the natural vibration of the rope sections of the hoist rope. The sensor data of the sensor device on the load handling device, on the other hand, are affected by the pronounced rocking of the bottom block with short rope lengths (<10m) - especially when it is empty Hacking - superimposed by the natural vibration. Accordingly, the pendulum angles, which correspond to a virtual cable angle up to the virtual load (see Figures 2 and 3, are determined according to equations (22) and (23):

(22) φ _x = k _x φ _1x + (1 - k _x )φ _2x

(23) φ _y = k _y φ _1y + (1 - k _y )φ _2y

The pendulum length l results from the definable length l _K as follows:

(24) l — l ₁ + l _K

The fusion of the individual sensor data carried out in equations (22) and (23) reduces or eliminates undesired phase-shifted oscillations.

The vibrations caused by the load handling device are each detected out of phase on the trolley and the load handling device and advantageously eliminated by the addition in equations (22) (23). This is important because it often happens that the two end points of the double pendulum (in this case the trolley and the load) do not move and only the middle part of the double swing (in this case the bottom block or the load handling device) still swings.

The pendulum angles φ _x and φ _y now recorded in this way are included in the control described as controlled variables. The virtual length or pendulum length l is added to the model of the crane as a parameter. In other words, the load position determined by the aforementioned parameters is introduced into the control system as a control parameter.

The angle of rotation θ of the trolley LK around the vertical axis H of the tower T in the xy plane is determined by detecting the deflection of the section KSL#1 of the trolley cable, which is connected to the trolley, relative to the longitudinal axis A_KA of the trolley jib KA.

FIG. 14 shows how the elastic movement of the trolley KA causes a difference between the rotation angle θ of the trolley LK and thus the load to the longitudinal axis A_KA of the trolley KA compared to the rotation angle θ _u of the tower T to the trolley KA.

According to FIG. 14, the sensor device 410 for determining a rotational angle difference Δθ includes the two sensors 412a and 412b, which are arranged fixed to the trolley jib in the imaginary plane xy, and between which the section KSL#1 of the trolley cable is located. The sensors 412a and 412b determine the respective distance to section KSL#1 of the trolley cable. The rotation angle difference Δθ can be determined from the known distance between the sensor device 410 and the vertical axis of the tower. The sensors 412a and 412b are designed, for example, as ultrasonic sensors, LIDAR sensors or other sensors for measuring the distance between the sensors 412a, 412b and the section KSL#1 of the trolley cable.

Alternatively, the rotation angle difference Δθ is conceivable with the help of additional sensors such as an electronic

Compass, GPS or other geometric measuring methods etc. to record.

The result is the rotation angle θ of the trolley LK and thus the load to the longitudinal axis A_KA of the trolley jib KA:

(25) θ = θ _u + Δθ A state space representation is generally discussed below for the control system previously shown in FIG. 4a. In the state space representation, linear systems of the nth order are broken down into n subsystems of the first order in order to make the mathematical description and the design of the state controller clear. The trolley is, for example, a multi-variable system with four state variables, since it has just as many essential storage functions. Two of these state variables relate to the trolley and to the multiple pendulum, which includes the hoist rope, load handling equipment, sling gear and load. Considered individually, both systems represent a doubly integrating route. They are coupled with one another, since a movement of the trolley always entails a movement of the multiple pendulum. The reaction of the movements of the multiple pendulum will be neglected here, since the frequency converter regulates the speed of the trolley and thus prevents the reaction on the trolley.

The controller design is based on a mathematical description obtained from the system analysis of the multivariable system. The differential equations are put in matrix and vector form and can be transformed by matrix operations. The eigenvalues of the system are obtained, which in this case indicate the instability of the system. With the pole specification method, a desired system is created based on new, selected eigenvalues, which has stable behavior and the desired dynamics. The difference between the real, unstable system and the desired system is then applied by the state controller using the calculated controller coefficients.

The task of the state controller is to calculate the manipulated variable from the state variables and the setpoint. The state variables are multiplied with constant controller factors and the setpoint with the pre-filter value. The sum of these products is then the desired manipulated variable. In simplified terms, one could speak of four superimposed P rules. This immediately shows that the state controller has no I or D components. The latter only exist insofar as a state variable can be the differential of another state variable. In this way, D components are included in the regulation.

FIG. 15 shows a signal flow chart relating to the trolley and resulting from equation (29) below. A speed u_LK of the trolley corresponds to a variable at the controller output and reacts to a sudden change in the manipulated variable with a PT1 behavior. First, the fourth-order linearized process model is described. The four state variables are defined as follows: x LK position x' = v LK velocity φ _x pendulum angle φ _x ' pendulum angular velocity: φ _x ' can be obtained either with an observer or by numerical derivation:

_Ta sampling time. The following process values are required to simulate the process and the design of the state controller:

T _Stell Time constant of the PT1 element that controls the actuator (frequency converter + geared motor + inertia); l Pendulum length as distance to the load center S.

As already mentioned, the transition function of the speed can be approximated with that of a PT1 element. Thus, the transfer function of the trolley speed is:

K and T parameters of the PT1 element and are determined below. The derivation of equation (26) gives the LK acceleration:

Equation (27) becomes after solved and inserted into (26), which results in:

(28) T. x" + x' = K . u _LK

The movement sequence of the pendulum system is examined with reference to FIG. Two forces act on the suspended multiple pendulum (see FIGS. 2 and 3 of the preceding description): the downward weight force F _g and the cable force F _s . The latter transfers the movements of the trolley LK to the load with mass m at the virtual center of gravity of the multiple pendulum. This results in balances of the horizontal and vertical forces, the sums of which each result in the value zero according to Newton's equilibrium of forces. New auxiliary variables are: x_Last horizontal position of the virtual center of gravity of the load or the multiple pendulum; and h_Last vertical position of the virtual center of gravity of the load or multiple pendulum

The horizontal forces and vertical forces result from equations (30) and (31):

(30) meters. x_Last" + F _s . sin(φ _x ) = 0

(31) — m . g + m . h_Last" + F _s . cos(φ _x ) = 0

For the state equations, in which only x, x', φ _x and φ _x ' are contained, all other variables (F _s , x_Last and h_Last) have to be eliminated. If you extend equation (30) with cos(φ _x ) and (31) with sin(φ _x ), you get:

(32)m. x_Last" . cos(φ _x ) + F _s . sin(φ _x ) . cos(φ _x ) = 0

(33) — m . g . sin(φ _x ) + m . h_Last" . sin(φ _x ) + F _s . cos(φ _x ) .s sin{φ _x ) = 0 Subtracting (32) from (33) removes the rod force _Fs . The result is then divided by the load mass m and this is also removed:

(34) x_Last" . cos(φ _x ) — h_Last" . sin(φ _x ) = — g . sin(φ _x )

The coordinates of the load (x_Last and h_Last) are eliminated using the transformation equations:

(35) x_load = x + I . sin(φ _x )

(36) h_load = I • cos(φ _x )

Since the variables x_Last and in are passed:

(37) x_load' = x + I - φ _x . cos(φ _x ) h_Last' = -l . φ _x ' . sin(φ _x )

(38) x_load" = x" + l . φ _x " . cos(Φ) — l . φ _x ' ² . sin(φ _x ) h_Last" = - l .φ _x " .sin(Φ)- l . φ _x ' ² . cos(φ _x )

The equations for x_Last" and h_Last" (38) are used in (39). This is how the non-linear differential equation of the pendulum system is obtained:

(39) x" . cos(φ _x ) + l • φ _x " = —g . sin(φ _x )

In order to linearize this differential equation, the pendulum angle φ _x is assumed to be very small: φ _x « 1 => sin(φ _x ) ≈ φ _x and cos(φ _x ) ≈ 1 and φ _x ' ² ≈ 0

(40) x" + l . φ _x " = -g . _ϕx

The linearized differential equation (40) is solved for φ _x "(41) and is shown as a signal flow chart in FIG.

For x" in the time equation for the pendulum system according to equation (41), the time equation (29) for the trolley can be used. This enables the linking of the signal flow diagrams shown above. Equation (29) used in (41) results in:

In order to describe the system in state space, the linear differential equations are converted into state equations. For this, the variables x, x', φ _x and φ _x ' are replaced by the state variables q = [q0, q1, q2, q3]: Vectors and matrices are introduced for the clearer short form. One obtains the vector differential equation for state variables:

The controller receives the desired speed of the trolley in the range from -100 to 100% of the nominal speed with an accuracy of and controls the speed without amplification of the trolley, resulting in K = K _stg = 1. The actual speed follows the target value with a delay time of T = T _stg = 0.2 s.

In order to enable oscillation-free positioning, a state controller is used, which converts the undamped real system into a sufficiently damped desired system. To do this, numbers are first inserted into the input and system matrix: T = T _stg = 0.2 s; K = _Kstg = 1; Z: variable.

With the assistance control, the speed of the LK is the controlled variable. The controller therefore ensures that the LK follows the specified speed as sway-free as possible. In this case, the position of the trolley is of no interest; the state space representation can be reduced to this state variable. The new matrix representation is:

In order to be able to design a controller, a wire length corresponding to the pendulum length I is assumed: e.g. for l = 5 m, the following matrix representation results:

The system-describing eigenvalues are obtained by determining the zeros of the characteristic polynomial:

(49) det(Λ . I — A) = 0

Alternatively, a simulation tool can be used:

(50) eq(A) = [1.4007i - 1.4007i - 2.5]

The first and second imaginary solution shows that the real system is an undamped oscillating system, since the real part is first 2 poles 0. A discrete representation is required for the digital control, which can be obtained, for example, in Matlab with the following command:

(51) [Ad,Bd, Cd,Dd] = c2d(A,B, C,D, T _a );

For _Ta = 0.1s:

The eigenvalues for discrete representation result in:

The first and second complex poles lie on the unit circle, which also indicates an oscillating system. In order to arrive at the desired system without swaying, the latter is defined by specifying its own values. The poles of the system are therefore specified (pole specification). The poles are placed in such a way that the available acceleration torque is not exceeded. The closer the poles are chosen to the center of the unit circle, the more dynamic the desired system becomes and the larger the maximum deflection angle during the acceleration phase, which has a negative effect on the steel structure. An optimum is thus determined in the sense of a compromise, with both aspects being taken into account. If the cable length or pendulum length I changes, the eigenvalues and the resulting controller are also recalculated or updated.

As an alternative to pole specification, Riccati controllers (LQ controllers) can also be used. This is a state controller for a linear dynamic system whose feedback matrix is determined by minimizing a quadratic cost function. This enables an optimal controller design with given state weightings Q.

A system analysis of the slewing gear is carried out on the basis of FIGS. The four state variables of the slewing gear are defined as follows: θ DW angle θ' DW angular velocity φ _y oscillating angle φ _y ' oscillating angular velocity, which is obtained either by observation or by numerical derivation.

The rotation of the trolley jib KA can be described with the following equation:

(55) I _A . θ" = M - M _R , where the following quantities are used: I _A moment of inertia acting on slewing gear;

M drive torque of the slewing gear;

M _R counter-torque;

M _R = F _R .x

F _R = sin(φ _y ) .mg

The equations of motion for the load result in:

The equation of motion for the load in the Y-direction is: y _L =y + l. sin(φ _y )

The equations of motion for the load in the Z direction yield isch: z _L = l — l . cos(φ _y )

Equations (55) and (56) add up

Inserting equation (58) into (60) gives:

In order to obtain the 1st differential equation, the conversions from y" to 6" are carried out: y ≈ x - θ y' ≈ x . θ' y ^" ≈ x.θ" Substituting the angle of rotation θ in radians into y" gives:

The differential equation (64) is identical to the differential equation (39) from the modeling of the trolley:

Adapted to the slewing gear, this results in: φ _x → φ _y x" → y” = x . θ"

Results in the 2nd differential equation:

In order to linearize the differential equations, the pendulum angle φ _y is assumed to be very small:

(65) φ _x « 1 => sin(φ _x )≈ φ _x and cos(φ _x ) ≈ 1 and φ _x ^'2 ≈ 0

The control variable corresponds to the drive torque of the slewing gear drive:

(66) M - u _DW

In the state space representation we get:

The controller design for the slewing gear (Y-direction) and the hoist gear essentially follows the same principle. The result is a crane model in the state space consisting of three states for the trolley model, four states for the slewing gear model and two states for the hoist model:

Conditions:

For example, the controller uses the current position of the load in relation to the horizontal tower axes or the speed of the load as a controlled variable.

The respective setpoint values x' _set , θ _set , l _set or S _set are integrated from the joystick inputs of the operating unit. The speed u _LK ,u _DW ,u _HW of the respective drive (trolley, slewing gear and hoist) is used as a specification in order to achieve both the setpoint speed of the load and the setpoint position of the load. The joystick specification can be based on levels or as a percentage of the maximum speed. The following equations refer to the examples in Figures 5 and 6.

In the control loop, the respective future movements of the measured variables x′φ _x θ θ′ φ _yl are calculated using the crane model (72). On this basis, the controlled variable for the subsequent control loop is determined and given to the crane as a target variable.

In contrast to a conventional control system, which only allows damping of the vibration, an optimal trajectory of the movement (while neutralizing an oscillation leading to the pendulum movement) of the load is calculated on the basis of the existing (merged) sensor and model data, so that there is no Crane operator or strong pendulum movement brought about by the crane operation. Subsequent damping of the oscillating pendulum system is therefore not necessary, or a scope of regulation based on this is very limited and can be implemented effectively.

After the activation of the control by specifying the setpoint, the controller goes into the acceleration phase, during which not only the oscillating movement caused by the initial movement, but also the initial swaying movement are eliminated. Then, as long as the target value (level) remains constant, the constant travel phase follows, where the load is moved at a constant speed without oscillating movement. Each setpoint or step change in turn initiates an acceleration or braking phase.

The regulation is also activated after impulse-like actuation of the control panel. In this case, only the initial sway is corrected. It makes sense to limit the time for correction to one oscillation period. As is well known, the pendulum period is only dependent on length and is calculated using the following formula:

FIG. 20 shows the control unit 100 in schematic form. This consists of a first processing unit 150 and a second processing unit 160. The first processing unit 150 is connected to the drives of the crane and provides

Safety functions such as emergency shutdowns and the like already exist. For example, the computing unit 150 is designed as a programmable logic controller, PLC.

The second computing unit 160 is communicatively coupled to the first computing unit 150 . In step 162, the second processing unit 160 waits for a message from the first processing unit. S_1 , thus waiting for a control telegram from the PLC. The first processing unit 150 periodically sends messages with current control commands and sensor data to the second processing unit 160. If the message includes target values, which are specified by the first processing unit 150, for example via the joystick input from the control panel or the radio remote control, then starting from a Step 164 changes to block 110 from FIG. 1 and the regulation is carried out. In step 166 it is checked whether a manual activation of the regulation was requested. If this is the case, block 110 is activated.

In a step 168 it is checked whether a readjustment has to take place. For example, if there is no message from the first processing unit, it is checked whether actual values or values derived from them exceed a predetermined threshold value. If so, then block 110 is activated. The request for readjustment is determined, for example, when the angle of rotation θ of the trolley LK, the first oscillating angle or the second oscillating angle exceeds a respectively assigned threshold value. A readjustment is therefore carried out when the movement of the load has not yet ended after the absence of a control command. In order to avoid the swinging of the load, a follow-up movement of the load is initiated.

Block 110 determines manipulated variables that are transferred to the first processing unit in a step 170 in order to be forwarded to the crane drives. The determination of the manipulated variables u_LK, u_DW, u_HW via the block 110 is activated when at least one of the following conditions occurs: Presence 164 of the setpoint variable S'_soll not equal to zero; Presence 166 of a manual activation of determination 110 of the manipulated variable originating from an operating unit 900; and presence 168 of a request for readjustment.

Claims

patent claims

Claims 1. A tower crane (2) comprising: a tower (T) having a vertical axis (H); a trolley jib (KA) protruding from the tower (T); a slewing gear (DW) for rotating at least the trolley jib (KA) about the vertical axis (H); a sensor device (510) for determining a rotation angle (θu) of the trolley jib (KA) about the vertical axis (H); a trolley (LK) which can be moved along the trolley jib (KA) and has at least one first and one second deflection roller (202, 204) for a hoist rope (HSL); a load handling device (UF) with at least one deflection pulley (302) for the hoist rope (HSL); a sensor device (310) arranged on the load-carrying means (UF) for determining at least a first deflection angle (φ _2x, φ _2y) of the load-carrying means (UF) to the perpendicular running through the load-carrying means (UF); the hoist rope (HSL), which, starting from a hoist (HW), at least has the first deflection roller (202) of the trolley (LK), the at least one deflection roller (302) of the load handling device (UF) and the second deflection roller (204) of the trolley ( LK) is guided, and which is attached to a distal section (4) of the trolley boom (KA); the hoist (HW); a sensor device (210) arranged on the trolley (LK) for determining at least a second deflection angle (φ _1 y, φ _ux) of at least one section (HSL#1, HSL#2) located between the trolley (LK) and the load handling device (UF). ) of the hoisting rope (HS) to the perpendicular running through the trolley (LK); a trolley (KW) which is connected to the trolley (LK) by means of a trolley cable (KSL) for its movement along the trolley jib (KA); a sensor device (410) for determining a rotation angle difference (Δθ) between the rotation angle (θu) of the trolley jib (KA) about the vertical axis (H) and the rotation angle (θ) of the trolley (LK) about the vertical axis (H); and a control unit (100) which controls the slewing gear (DW), the hoisting gear (HW) and the trolley (KW) depending on at least the angle of rotation (θu), depending on the at least one first deflection angle (φ _2x, φ _2y), operates as a function of the at least one second deflection angle (φ _1y, φ _ux) and as a function of the rotational angle difference (Δθ).

2. The tower crane (2) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (410) for determining the difference in rotation angle (Δθ) is fixed to the trolley jib (KA), in particular to the trolley jib (KA) or to a frame (402) of the trolley chassis (KW ), is arranged.

3. The tower crane (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sensor signal generated by the sensor device (410) for determining the rotation angle difference (Δθ) indicates a distance between the sensor device (410) and a section (KSL#1) of the trolley cable ( KSL) which is located between a deflection roller (6) fixed proximal to the trolley jib (KA) and the trolley (LK); wherein the difference in angle of rotation (Δθ) is determined by means of the control unit (100) as a function of the sensor signal representing the distance.

4. The tower crane (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (410) for determining the rotation angle difference (Δθ) starting from the tower (T) in a first or proximal half, in particular in the first or proximal third, of the length of the trolley boom (KA) is arranged.

5. The tower crane (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a sensor signal generated by the sensor device (210) to determine the at least one second deflection angle (φ _1 y, φ _ux) indicates a distance between the sensor device (210) and the at least one represents section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of hoist rope (HSL); and wherein the at least one second deflection angle (φ _1y, φ _ux) is determined by the control unit (100) as a function of the sensor signal representing the distance.

6. The tower crane (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a further sensor device (220) arranged on the trolley (LK) for determining at least one angle of inclination (Δφ) of the trolley (LK) to a horizontal; and wherein the control unit (100) additionally operates the slewing gear (DW), the hoisting gear (HW) and the trolley (KW) as a function of the at least one inclination angle (Δφ ).

7. A method for operating a tower crane (2) comprising:

Determining (1002) at least one first pendulum angle (φ _x), which characterizes a deflection of a virtual center of gravity of a multiple pendulum suspended on the trolley (LK) to a perpendicular running through the trolley (LK) in a first spatial plane (xh);

determining (1004) at least one second pendulum angle (φ _y), which characterizes a deflection of the center of gravity of the multiple pendulum relative to the perpendicular running through the trolley (LK) in a second spatial plane (yh);

Determining (1006) at least one angle of rotation (0) of the trolley (LK) about the vertical axis (H) of the tower (T); and

Determining (110; 1010) at least one manipulated variable (u_LK, u_DW, u_HW) for operating the tower crane (2), in particular by means of at least one slewing gear (DW), at least one hoist (HW) and at least one trolley (KW), depending on the at least one first oscillation angle (φ _x), as a function of the at least one second oscillation angle (φ _y) and as a function of the at least one rotation angle (θ).

8. The method of claim 7 comprising:

Determining (210) a deflection angle (φ _ux) in the first plane (xh) of at least one section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) located between the trolley (LK) and the load handling device (UF) for the through the trolley (LK) running perpendicular;

Determination (310) of a deflection angle (φ _2x) lying in the first plane (xh) of the load handling device (UF), which hangs on the trolley (LK) via the hoisting rope (HS), to the perpendicular running through the load handling device (UF); and wherein the first pendulum angle (φ _x) depends on the deflection angle (φ _ux) lying in the first plane of the at least one section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) and depending on that in the first plane (xh) lying deflection angle (φ _2x) of the load handling device (UF) is determined.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 8 comprising:

determining (1012) a first weighting factor (kx) as a function of a pendulum length (I); and wherein the first pendulum angle (φ _x) by weighting the deflection angle (φ _ux) lying in the first plane of the section (HSL#1 , HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) depending on the first weighting factor (kx) and by weighting of the deflection angle (φ _2x) of the load handling device (UF) lying in the first plane is determined as a function of the first weighting factor (kx).

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9 comprising: determining (220) an angle of inclination (Δφ) of the trolley (LK) to the horizontal;

Determining (1014) a compensated deflection angle (φ _1x) lying in the first plane (xh) depending on the inclination angle (Δφ ) of the trolley (LK) and depending on the deflection angle (φ _ux) lying in the first plane of the at least one section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL); the first pendulum angle (φ _x) depending on the compensated deflection angle (φ _ux) lying in the first plane of the at least one section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) and depending on that in the first plane lying deflection angle (φ _2x) of the load handling device (UF) is determined.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10 comprising:

Determination (210) of a deflection angle (φ _1y) in the second plane (yh) of the at least one section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) located between the trolley (LK) and the load handling device (UF) for perpendicular running through the trolley (LK);

determining (310) a deflection angle (φ _2y) lying in the second plane (yh) of the load handling device (UF), which hangs on the trolley (LK) via the hoist rope (HSL), to the perpendicular running through the load handling device (UF); and wherein the second deflection angle (φ _y) is determined as a function of the deflection angle (φ _1y) in the second plane (yh) and as a function of the deflection angle (φ _2y) of the load handling device (UF) in the second plane.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 comprising:

determining (1022) a second weighting factor (ky) as a function of the pendulum length (I); and wherein the second deflection angle (φ _y) is determined by weighting the deflection angle (φ _1y) in the second plane (yh) of the at least one section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) as a function of the second weighting factor ( ky) and is determined by weighting the deflection angle (φ _2y) of the load handling device (UF) in the second plane (yh) as a function of the second weighting factor (ky).

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12 comprising:

Determining (310) a length (l_1) of one of the sections (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) between the trolley (LK) and the load handling device (UF); and Determining (1024) the pendulum length (I) as a function of the length (l_1) of one of the sections (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) and a predetermined length (l_k ) of a load rope (LSL) between the load handling device (UF) and the load (L).

14. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 13 comprising:

determining (510) a rotation angle (θu) of the trolley jib (KA) about the vertical axis (H);

Determining (410) a rotation angle difference (Δθ) between the rotation angle (θu) of the trolley jib (KA) by the

vertical axis (H) and the angle of rotation (θ) of the trolley (LK) around the vertical axis (H); and wherein the rotation angle (θ) of the trolley (LK) about the vertical axis (H) of the tower (T) is determined as a function of the rotation angle (θu) of the trolley jib (KA) and as a function of the rotation angle difference (Δθ).

15. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the determination (110) of the at least one

Manipulated variable (u_LK, u_DW, u_HW) is activated when at least one of the following conditions occurs:

Presence (164) of at least one desired value (S'_soll) not equal to zero;

Presence (166) of a manual activation of the determination (110) of the at least one manipulated variable originating from an operating unit (900); and

Presence (168) of a request for readjustment.

16. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 15 comprising:

Updating (1030) a model, in particular matrices (A, B) characterizing the model, depending on the pendulum length (I), a position (x) of the trolley (LK) and depending on, in particular by means of a sensor device (620) determined mass (m) associated with the multiple pendulum; and wherein the at least one manipulated variable (u_LK, u_DW, u_HW) is determined (1010) as a function of the updated model.

17. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 16 comprising:

Updating (1032) a controller, in particular amplification factors (K'), depending on the model, in particular on the matrices (A, B) characterizing the model, and depending on the pendulum length (I); and wherein the at least one manipulated variable (u_LK, u_DW, u_HW) is determined (1010) as a function of the updated controller.

18. A control unit (100) for operating a tower crane (2) comprising:

Means (1002) for determining at least one first pendulum angle (φ _x), which characterizes a deflection of a virtual center of gravity of a multiple pendulum suspended on a trolley (LK) to a perpendicular running through the trolley (LK) in a first spatial plane (xh);

Means (1004) for determining at least one second pendulum angle (φ _y), which characterizes a deflection of the center of gravity of the multiple pendulum to the perpendicular running through the trolley (LK) in a second spatial plane (yh);

Means (1006) for determining at least one angle of rotation (0) of the trolley (LK) about the vertical axis (H) of the tower (T); and

Means (110; 1010) for determining at least one manipulated variable (u_LK, u_DW, u_HW) for operating the tower crane (2), in particular by means of at least one slewing gear (DW), at least one hoist (Hw) and at least one trolley (KW) of the tower crane (2), depending on the at least one first swing angle (φ _x), depending on the at least one second swing angle (φ _y) and depending on the at least one rotation angle (θ).

19. A trolley (LK) for a tower crane (2) comprising: a chassis (206) for moving the trolley (LK) along a trolley jib (KA); at least two deflection pulleys (202, 204) fixed to the chassis (206) for deflecting a hoisting cable (HSL) in the direction of a load handling device (UF); and a sensor device (210) fixed to the chassis (206) for determining at least one deflection angle (φ _1y, φ _ux) of a section (HSL#1, HSL#2) located between the trolley (LK) and a load handling device (UF). hoist rope (HSL) to the perpendicular running through the trolley (LK).

20. The trolley (LK) according to claim 19, wherein at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor device (210) represents a distance between the sensor device (210) and at least one section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL). .

21. The trolley (LK) according to any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein the at least one section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) has at least two sensors (214#1, 216#1; 214#2, 216#2) which are directed at the section (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL) from different angles.

22. The trolley (LK) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the sensor device (210) is arranged at least in part between the at least two sections (HSL#1, HSL#2) of the hoist rope (HSL).

23. The trolley (LK) according to one of claims 19 to 22, comprising: at least one further sensor device (220) fixedly arranged to the chassis (206) for generating at least one further sensor signal which characterizes an inclination of the trolley (LK) to a horizontal.

24. A trolley (KW) for arrangement on a trolley jib (KA) of a tower crane (2) comprising: a frame (402); a drive unit, fixed to the frame (402), for winding and unwinding a trolley cable (KSL); and a sensor device (410) fixed to the frame (402) for determining a rotation angle difference (Δθ) between a rotation angle (θu) of the trolley jib (KA) about a vertical axis (H) of a tower (T) of the tower crane (2) and a rotation angle the trolley (LK) around the vertical axis (H).

25. The trolley (KW) according to the previous claim, wherein a sensor signal generated by the sensor device (410) for determining the rotation angle difference (Δθ) a distance between the sensor device (410) and a section (KSL # 1) of the trolley cable (KSL) represented.

26. A use of the tower crane (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method according to any one of claims 7 to 17, the control unit (100) according to claim 18, the trolley (LK) according to any one of claims 19 to 23 or of the trolley (KW) according to claim 24 or 25.