A CRANE FOR MOVING LOADS

Abstract

 A crane (10) for moving loads, in particular mounted on a respective movable transport vehicle, preferably in the form of a vehicle movable on the road, in particular the vehicle being in the form of a truck (11) which has a respective box for supporting the load in which is positioned the crane (10). The crane (10) comprises an arm (12) for supporting the load (13) which is telescopically movable in a plurality of extended positions, included between a retracted position and a position of maximum extension and comprises a plurality of sliding members (121); The sliding members of the arm are in the form of the respective bodies (121), in particular tubular and which can be inserted one inside the other, the tubular bodies (121) being respectively slidable relative to each other, in particular between a retracted, or withdrawn, position inside the adjacent sliding member (121), and an elongated, or extended, position outside the adjacent sliding member (121); The crane (10) comprises means (16) for longitudinal extension of the arm of the crane (10), the longitudinal extension means (16) comprising respective means (18) for engaging and disengaging the arm (12), in particular with the free sliding member at the end or tip (121') of the arm (12) of the crane (10).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a crane for moving loads.

[0002] More specifically, the crane is mounted on a respective movable transport vehicle, preferably in the form of a vehicle movable on the road, in particular the vehicle being in the form of a truck which has a respective box for supporting the load in which is positioned the crane.

[0003] There are prior art cranes for moving loads, in particular mounted on a corresponding truck for transporting the crane and comprising an arm for supporting the load which is telescopically movable in a plurality of positions of extension included between a retracted position and a position of maximum extension and comprising a plurality of sliding members, wherein the sliding members of the arm are in the form of respective tubular bodies which can be inserted one inside the other and slidable relative to each other, in particular between a retracted, or withdrawn, position inside the adjacent sliding member and an elongated, or extended, position outside the adjacent sliding member.

[0004] In the construction sector there is sometimes the problem of reaching of particularly great heights, which the cranes available to the company carrying out the works is unable to reach. In these cases, it would be necessary for the companies to resort to types of crane other than those available to the company, however in this case having to sustain unwanted additional costs.

[0005] For this reason, the need is felt in the sector to provide a crane which is particularly flexible to operate or use.

[0006] Moreover, the need is felt in the sector to provide a crane which operates in a particularly effective manner.

[0007] Also, the need is felt in the sector to provide a crane which is particularly reliable.

[0008] In addition, the need is felt in the sector to provide a crane which can be set up in an operating configuration in a particularly fast manner.

[0009] Moreover, the need is felt of providing a crane which is particularly simple, easy and convenient to use.

[0010] The present invention therefore proposes a new and/or alternative solution to the solutions known up to now and, more specifically, proposes to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs felt in the trade or inferable from the above.

[0011] A crane is therefore provided for moving loads, in particular mounted on a respective movable transport vehicle, preferably in the form of a vehicle movable on the road, in particular the vehicle being in the form of a truck which has a respective box for supporting the load in which is positioned the crane; the crane comprising an arm for supporting the load which is telescopically movable in a plurality of positions of extension included between a retracted position and a position of maximum extension and comprises a plurality of sliding members; the sliding members of the arm being in the form of the respective bodies, in particular tubular and which can be inserted one inside the other, the bodies being respectively slidable relative to each other, in particular between a retracted, or withdrawn, position inside the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member, and an elongated, or extended, position outside the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member; the crane being characterised in that there are means, or apparatus for longitudinal extension of the arm of the crane, the longitudinal extension means comprising respective means for engaging and disengaging the arm, in particular with the free sliding member at the end or tip of the arm of the crane.

[0012] In this way, if necessary, an advantageous elongation of the arm of the crane can be obtained.

[0013] This and other innovative aspects, or specific advantageous embodiments, are set out in the appended claims and its technical features are apparent from the detailed description which follows of preferred, advantageous embodiments which must, however, be considered purely as a non-limiting example of the invention; the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the crane according to the invention, in a condition of use;

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the preferred embodiment of the crane according to the invention, in the condition of engaging or attaching longitudinal extension means of the arm of the crane;

Figure 3A is a schematic perspective view of the end part of the preferred embodiment of the crane according to the invention;

Figure 3B shows an enlarged detail from Figure 3A;

Figure 4A is a perspective schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the crane according to the invention;

Figure 4B shows an enlarged detail from Figure 4A;

Figure 5A is a longitudinal perspective cross section of the preferred embodiment of the crane according to the invention;

Figure 5B shows an enlarged detail from Figure 5A;

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the supporting stand of the longitudinal extension means of the preferred embodiment of the crane according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing auxiliary or joining means which act as a support for the longitudinal extension means of the preferred embodiment of the crane according to the invention.

[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of a crane 10 for moving loads, in particular mounted on a respective movable transport vehicle, preferably in the form of a vehicle movable on the road, in particular the vehicle being in the form of a truck 11 which has a respective box for supporting the load in which is positioned the crane 10. As illustrated, the crane 10 comprises an arm 12 for supporting the load 13 which is telescopically movable in a plurality of positions of extension included between a retracted position and a position of maximum extension and which comprises a plurality of sliding members 121, the sliding members of the arm being in the form of respective bodies 121, in particular tubular and which can be inserted one inside the other.

[0015] The sliding members or bodies 121 are respectively slidable relative to each other, in particular between a retracted, or withdrawn, position inside the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member 121, and an elongated, or extended, position outside the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member 121. Advantageously, as illustrated, the crane comprises means, or apparatus 16 for longitudinal extension of the arm of the crane 10, the longitudinal extension means, or apparatus, 16 comprising respective means 18 for engaging and disengaging the arm 12, in particular with the free sliding member at the end or tip 121' of the arm 12 of the crane 10. The longitudinal extension means 16 may be considered to be an apparatus of longitudinal extension. The longitudinal extension means 16 are for the longitudinal extension of the arm of the crane.

[0016] In this way, if necessary, an advantageous elongation of the arm of the crane can be obtained.

[0017] Moreover, advantageously, as shown in the drawings, the longitudinal extension means 16 of the arm 12 of the crane 10 are, in turn, in the form of respective telescopic means.

[0018] In any case, advantageously, as shown in the drawings, the longitudinal extension means 16 of the arm 12 of the crane 10 comprise at least one longitudinally extendible sliding member, and in particular, preferably, a first 161 and a second 162 sliding member extendable longitudinally, which are, especially, in the form of respective bodies, preferably tubular and which can be inserted one inside the other, which are respectively slidable, in particular between a retracted, or withdrawn, position inside the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member 180, 161, and an elongate, or extended, position outside the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member 180, 161.

[0019] Advantageously, as shown in the drawings, the longitudinal extension means 16 can be engaged with and disengaged from the arm of the crane 12 by means of a respective member 180 for engaging and disengaging the arm 12 of the crane, in particular with the end sliding member 121', preferably tubular, of the arm 12 of the crane 10. The engagement and disengagement means 18 comprise the engagement and disengagement member 180.

[0020] More specifically, as shown in the drawings, the longitudinal extension means 16 can be engaged with and disengaged from the arm of the crane 12 by inserting a respective member 180 for engaging and disengaging, in particular inside the end tubular sliding member 121' of the arm 12 of the crane 10.

[0021] The engagement and disengagement means 18 are configured to define a condition for engaging the extension means 16 with the arm of the crane. In this engaging condition, the engagement member 180 is preferably engaged with the end sliding member 121' of the arm of the crane, and even more preferably by insertion of the engagement member in the end sliding member 121'.

[0022] The engagement and disengagement means 18 are configured to define a condition for disengaging the extension means 16 relative to the arm of the crane.

[0023] The engagement and disengagement means 18 are configured to allow the passage of the extension means 16 from the engaging condition to the disengaging condition and vice versa.

[0024] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Figure 5A, the tubular member 180 for engaging and disengaging has a length substantially corresponding to the sliding member 121' of the arm 12 of the crane in which it is inserted and/or a transversal section which is designed for the inserting and engaging, in particular which can be disengaged, with the inner surface of the tubular sliding member 121' of the arm 12 of the crane 10.

[0025] More specifically, as shown in the drawings, the first sliding member 161 is extendible longitudinally relative to the member 180 for engaging with and disengaging from the arm of the crane 12 inside, that is to say, with the tubular member the end tubular sliding member 121' thereof, in particular between a retracted, or withdrawn, position, in particular inside, of the member 180 for engaging with and disengaging rom the arm of the crane 12, and an elongate, or extended, position, in particular outside, of the member 180 for engaging with and disengaging from the arm of the crane 12.

[0026] In turn, the second sliding member 162 is extendible longitudinally relative to the first sliding member 161, in particular between a retracted, or withdrawn, in particular inside, of the first member 161 and an elongated, or extended, position in particular outside, of the first sliding member 161. More specifically, as shown in the drawings, the engagement and disengagement means 18 comprise respective coupling means 181, in particular in a way which can be disengaged, with the arm 12 of the crane. More specifically, as shown in the drawings, the attachment means 181, comprise respective pin means, or pins, which are not illustrated in detail in the drawings, for insertion in corresponding hole means 121f, the hole means 121f are particular defined by corresponding sockets 121o, which are provided on the arm 12 of the crane, in particular at the free end of the end sliding member 121', as well as in corresponding hole means 181f, in turn defined by corresponding sockets 181o, on the extension means 18, in particular provided on the engaging and disengaging member 180, preferably at the end of the engaging and disengaging member 180 which remains outside of the end sliding member 121' of the arm 12, after insertion of the engaging and disengaging member 180 inside this of the end sliding member 121' of the arm 12 of the crane.

[0027] More specifically, as illustrated, there are four perforated sockets 181o, two above and two below, at corresponding opposite lateral edges, on the extension member, and four perforated sockets 121o, two above and two below, at opposite lateral edges, at the end of the end sliding member of the arm 12. More specifically, as illustrated, the sockets 181o of the longitudinal extension means are, in the coupling condition, inside the sockets 121o which are on the arm 12 of the crane.

[0028] More specifically, as shown in particular in Figure 2, there are means 14for driving the sliding members 121 of the arm, the one relative to the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member, between a respective retracted position, relative to this, and a respective extended position relative to the adjacent sliding member.

[0029] In particular, the drive means 14 are in the form of corresponding jack means, in particular hydraulic, preferably comprising a plurality of hydraulic jacks 141, each jack 141 being especially designed to drive a respective sliding member 121 of the arm 12 of the crane.

[0030] Advantageously, as shown in the drawings, the longitudinal extension means 16 comprise respective drive means 19, in particular the drive means 19 being designed to drive the respective sliding member 161, 162 relative to the adjacent, or upstream, member 180, 161, respectively between a respective retracted position, relative to this, and a respective extended position relative to the adjacent, or upstream, member 180, 161. Preferably, the drive means 19 are in the form of corresponding jacks, especially of the hydraulic type, 191, 192.

[0031] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Figure 5A, the means 19 for driving the respective sliding member 161, 162 of the longitudinal extension means are inside the longitudinal extension means 16, in particular inside the sliding members 161, 162 of the longitudinal extension means 16, and/or inside the member 180 for engaging with and disengaging from the arm 12 of the crane, especially the engaging and disengaging member 180 being housed, in use, inside the end tubular sliding member 121' of the sliding telescopic members 121 of the arm 12 of the crane 10.

[0032] In this way, the assembly of the longitudinal extension means 16 on the arm of the crane is facilitated.

[0033] Advantageously, the means 19 for driving the respective sliding member 161, 162 of the longitudinal extension means 16 are connected hydraulically to the means 14 for driving the sliding members 121 of the arm of the crane 12.

[0034] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Figure 5A, the means 19 for driving the longitudinal extension means 16, that is, the respective sliding member 161, 162 of these, comprise means 22 for connecting, in particular quick coupling means, with the means 14 for driving the sliding members 121 of the arm of the crane 12, in particular the connecting means being provided at the end of the means 221 for the passage of an operating fluid of the means 19 for driving the longitudinal extension means 16 and they are designed to be connected, in particular with quick coupling means, to corresponding means for passage of the operating fluid of the means 14 for driving the sliding members 121 of the arm of the crane 12.

[0035] More specifically, as shown in the drawings, the longitudinal extension means 16 of the arm 12 of the crane 10 comprise means 20 for engaging and disengaging auxiliary means 21, in particular illustrated in Figure 1, which are mounted on the end of the longitudinal extension means 16, and in particular in the form of corresponding extension means 21 which are jointed or articulated, that is, rotatable, relative to a respective axis, relative to the longitudinal extension means 16, that is, in other words, with respect to the longitudinal part 12, 16 of the crane 10.

[0036] More specifically, as shown in the drawings, the means of the longitudinal extension means 16 which can be engaged with and disengaged from the auxiliary means 21 of the crane 10 comprise respective means 20 for coupling, in particular in a way which can be disengaged, with the auxiliary means 21.

[0037] Advantageously, as shown in the drawings, the means 20 for coupling of the auxiliary means 21 comprise corresponding hole means (200f), in particular defined by corresponding sockets 200o, provided in particular at the end of the longitudinal extension means 16, preferably at the end of the respective end sliding member 162.

[0038] More specifically, as illustrated, there are four perforated sockets 200o, two above and two below, at opposite lateral edges, of the longitudinal extension means 16, that is to say, of the respective end sliding member 162.

[0039] Advantageously, the fluid for driving the means 19 for activating the respective sliding member 161, 162 of the longitudinal extension means 16 passes through the jack 192 for driving the second sliding member 162 of the longitudinal extension means 16 and reaches the jack 191 for activating the first sliding member 161. More specifically, the second sliding member 162 is only activated after the first sliding member 161 has been activated.

[0040] In this way, the construction of the longitudinal extension member is less complex from the point of view of the conduits for the hydraulic fluid.

[0041] For that purpose, as shown in particular in Figure 5B, there are braking means 25, in particular in the form of a hydraulic brake, which prevent operation of the jack 192, for driving the second sliding member (162) of the longitudinal extension means 16, before operation of the jack 191, for driving the first sliding member 161 of the longitudinal extension means 16.

[0042] Advantageously, there are means 23 for controlling the drive of the longitudinal extension means 16, that is, of the respective sliding member 161, 162 of the longitudinal extension means 16, the control means 23 being designed to drive the longitudinal extension means 16, that is, the respective sliding member 161, 162, only after that all the sliding members 121 of the arm of the crane 12 are in the extended condition.

[0043] In this way, the operations are performed with greater safety, since the loads bear completely on the more robust sliding members 121 of the arm 12 of the crane.

[0044] More specifically, the means 23 for controlling the drive of the longitudinal extension means 16, that is, the respective sliding member 161, 162 of the longitudinal extension means 16, are designed to drive, or to open the passage for the operating fluid, or hydraulic oil, towards, the longitudinal extension means 16 and/or the corresponding auxiliary means 21, in particular which are mounted at the end of the longitudinal extension means 16, and in particular which are in the form of corresponding extension means 21 which are jointed or articulated, that is, rotatable, relative to a respective axis, relative to the longitudinal extension means 16.

[0045] More specifically, as illustrated, the crane also has means 24 which are designed to stabilise the crane 12, that is, the vehicle on which it is mounted, to avoid the risk of overturning during the working operations of the arm 12, the stabilising means 24 preferably being configurable in a plurality of stabilising configurations of the crane 12.

[0046] More specifically, the supporting arm 12 is rotatable angularly, in particular horizontally, relative to a respective axis of rotation of the crane 12 and it can be positioned in different angular positions of rotation.

[0047] More specifically, there are means for actuating the rotation of the telescopic arm 12 relative to an axis perpendicular to the crane, in particular perpendicular to a horizontal plane, which are not illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0048] More specifically, as illustrated, are also means 26 for activating the inclining of the telescopic arm 12, in respective inclined positions, in particular relative to a horizontal plane.

[0049] Also, advantageously, may be seen in particular in Figures 2, 6 and 7, there are means, in particular in the form of a tool 50, for the association of the longitudinal extension means 16 to the telescopic arm 12 of a crane 10.

[0050] As may be seen from the drawings, the means or tool 50, for the association define means which are designed to support the apparatus, or means, 16 of longitudinal extension in a respective position of engagement by the arm 12 of the crane, that is to say, of the end sliding member 121' of the arm 12 of the crane 1.

[0051] The engaging position means a position of the extension means 16 relative to the association means 50, in which may be obtained the condition for engaging the extension means 16 with the arm of the crane, and/or in which can be carried out the passage of the extension means 16 from the disengaging condition to the engaging condition. Advantageously, as shown in the drawings, the position of engagement of the apparatus, or means, 16 of longitudinal extension,- is an inclined position of the apparatus, or means, of longitudinal extension 16, in particular relative to the horizontal, the inclined position being designed to allow the facilitated insertion of the member 180 for engaging and disengaging longitudinal extension means 16 inside the respective tubular sliding member 121, in particular of the end tubular sliding member 121', of the arm 12 of the crane 10.

[0052] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the same tool, for the association of an apparatus, or means, 16 of longitudinal extension to the telescopic arm 12 of a crane 10, is in the form of a stand 50 for supporting the longitudinal extension means 16 in a condition for engaging or for inserting by the arm 12 of the crane, that is to say, by the end sliding member 121' of the arm 12 of the crane 10. More specifically, as illustrated, the condition for engaging or for inserting provided by the stand 50 is defined by the inclined position of the apparatus, or means, of longitudinal extension 16.

[0053] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the stand 50 for supporting the apparatus, or means, of longitudinal extension 16 comprises a respective portion, in particular inclined, 501 for retaining the apparatus, or means, of longitudinal extension 16.

[0054] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the retaining portion 501 comprises coupling means 503 for the means, or apparatus, of longitudinal extension 16, in particular for the end of these, that is, for the end of the second sliding member 162 of these, to which it is attached through the respective engaging and disengaging means 20 for the auxiliary means 21.

[0055] As illustrated, the means of coupling the apparatus, or means, of longitudinal extension 16 are in the form of corresponding holes 503 provided in opposite side walls 501p of the retaining portion 501 and which are designed receive corresponding coupling pins, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, preferably for inserting in corresponding holes of the engaging and disengaging means 20 for the auxiliary means 21. Advantageously, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the stand 50 for supporting the apparatus, or means, of longitudinal extension 16 comprises a respective base 502 for resting on the ground, from which extends, in particular in height, the portion 501 for retaining the apparatus, or means, of longitudinal extension 16.

[0056] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Figure 7, according to a second preferred embodiment, the tool for the association of an apparatus, or means, 16 of extension of the arm 12 of the crane, that is to say, to the end sliding member 121' of the arm 12 of the crane 10, is defined by auxiliary means 21 of the crane, that is, of the arm of the crane, the auxiliary means being in particular in the form of corresponding extension means 21 which are jointed or articulated to the longitudinal part 12, 16 of the crane 10.

[0057] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Figure 7, according to a second preferred embodiment, the auxiliary means 21 of the crane, that is to say, of the arm of the crane, are designed to support the apparatus, or means, of longitudinal extension 16 in a condition for engaging or for inserting by the arm 12 of the crane, that is to say, by the end sliding member 121' of the arm 12 of the crane 10, preferably the condition for engaging or for inserting being in the form of a corresponding inclined position of the apparatus, or means, of longitudinal extension 16.

[0058] In practice, as is evident, the technical features described above allow the present invention, individually or in respective combination, to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:

• it is possible to obtain an advantageous elongation of the arm of the crane, in particular it is possible to reach greater heights without having to incur excessively high costs;
• it is possible to provide a crane which is particularly flexible to operate or use;
• it is possible to provide a crane which is particularly fast to set up;
• it is possible to provide a crane which is easily adaptable to the characteristics and requirements of the users;
• it is possible to provide a crane which is particularly simple, easy and convenient to use.

[0059] The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. It is also easy to imagine further embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. Moreover, it will be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted for technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A crane (10) for moving loads, comprising an arm (12) for supporting the load which is telescopically movable in a plurality of positions of extension included between a retracted position and a position of maximum extension and a plurality of sliding members (121); the sliding members of the arm being in the form of the respective bodies (121), in particular tubular and which can be inserted one inside the other, the bodies (121) being respectively slidable relative to each other, in particular between a retracted, or withdrawn, position inside the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member (121), and an elongated, or extended, position outside the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member (121); wherein:

there are means, or apparatus (16) for longitudinal extension of the arm of the crane (10), the longitudinal extension means (16) comprising respective means (18) for engaging and disengaging with the free sliding member at the end or tip (121') of the arm (12) of the crane (10);

the longitudinal extension means (16) of the arm (12) of the crane (10) are in the form of respective telescopic means;

the longitudinal extension means (16) of the arm (12) of the crane (10) comprise a first (161) and a second (162) sliding member extendable longitudinally, especially in the form of respective tubular bodies and which can be inserted one inside the other, which are respectively slidable, in particular between a retracted, or withdrawn, position inside the adjacent sliding member (161), and an elongate, or extended, position outside the adjacent sliding member (161);

the longitudinal extension means (16) can be engaged with and disengaged from the arm of the crane (12) by means of a respective member (180) for engaging and disengaging the arm (12) of the crane, in particular with the end sliding member (121') of the arm (12) of the crane (10);

the first sliding member (161) is extendible longitudinally relative to the member (180) for engaging and disengaging between a retracted, or withdrawn, position, in particular inside the member (180) for engaging and disengaging the arm of the crane (12), and an elongated, or extended, position;

there are means (14) for driving the sliding members (121) of the arm, the one relative to the adjacent, or upstream, sliding member, between a respective retracted position, relative to this, and a respective extended position relative to the adjacent sliding member, the drive means (14) being in the form of corresponding hydraulic jack means and comprising a plurality of hydraulic jacks (141), each jack (141) being designed to drive a respective sliding member (121) of the arm (12) of the crane (10);

the longitudinal extension means (16) comprise respective drive means (19), the drive means (19) being designed to drive the respective sliding member (161, 162) relative to the adjacent, or upstream, member (180, 161), respectively between a respective retracted position, relative to this, and a respective extended position relative to the adjacent, or upstream, member (180, 161);

the drive means (19) are in the form of corresponding jacks (191, 192) of the hydraulic type;

the means (19) for driving the respective sliding member (161, 162) of the longitudinal extension means are inside the sliding members (161, 162) of the longitudinal extension means (16) and inside the engaging and disengaging member (180), the engaging and disengaging member (180) being housed, in use, inside the end tubular sliding member (121') of the sliding telescopic members (121) of the arm (12) of the crane (10);

the means (19) for driving the respective sliding member (161, 162) of the longitudinal extension means (16) are connected hydraulically to the means (14) for driving the sliding members (121) of the arm of the crane (12);

the means (19) for driving the longitudinal extension means (16) comprise means (22) for connecting with the means (14) for driving the sliding members (121) of the arm of the crane (12), the connecting means being provided at the end of the means (221) for the passage of an operating fluid of the means (19) for driving the longitudinal extension means (16) and are designed to be connected to corresponding means for passage of the operating fluid of the means (14) for driving the sliding members (121) of the arm of the crane (12);

the fluid for driving the means (19) for activating the respective sliding member (161, 162) of the longitudinal extension means (16) passes through the jack (192) for driving the second sliding member (162) of the longitudinal extension means (16) and reaches the jack (191) for activating the first sliding member (161); the second sliding member (162) is only activated after the first sliding member (161) has been activated;

there are braking means (25), in the form of a hydraulic brake, which prevent operation of the jack (192), for driving the second sliding member (162) of the longitudinal extension means (16), before operation of the jack (191), for driving the first sliding member (161) of the longitudinal extension means (16).

2. The crane according claim 1, wherein the longitudinal extension means (16) can be engaged with and disengaged from the arm of the crane (12) by inserting a member (180) for engaging and disengaging inside the end tubular sliding member (121') of the arm (12) of the crane (10).

3. The crane according to claim 1 or 2, wherein member (180) for engaging and disengaging has a length substantially corresponding to that of the sliding member (121') of the arm (12) of the crane in which it is inserted and/or a transversal section which is designed for the inserting and engaging with the inner surface of the tubular sliding member (121') of the arm (12) of the crane (10).

4. The crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (18) for engaging with and disengaging from the arm of the crane (12) of the longitudinal extension means (16) comprise respective attachment means (181) with the arm (12) of the crane.

5. The crane according to claim 4, wherein the attachment means (181) comprise respective pin means for insertion in corresponding hole means (121f), defined by corresponding sockets (121o), provided on the arm (12) of the crane, at the free end of the end sliding member (121'), and in corresponding hole means (181f), defined by corresponding sockets (181o), provided at the end of the engaging and disengaging member (180) which remains outside of the end sliding member (121') of the arm (12), after insertion of the engaging and disengaging member (180) inside the end sliding member (121') of the arm (12) of the crane.

6. The crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal extension means (16) of the arm (12) of the crane (10) comprise means (20) for engaging and disengaging auxiliary means (21), which are mounted on the end of the longitudinal extension means (16), in the form of corresponding extension means (21) which are jointed or articulated, that is, rotatable, relative to a respective axis, relative to the longitudinal extension means (16).

7. The crane according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal extension means (16) comprise respective means (20) for coupling with the auxiliary means (21).

8. The crane according to claim 7, wherein the means (20) for coupling of the auxiliary means (21) comprise corresponding hole means (200f) defined by corresponding sockets (200o), provided at the end of the respective end sliding member (162).

9. The crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises means (23) for controlling the drive of the longitudinal extension means (16), that is, of the respective sliding member (161, 162) of the longitudinal extension means (16), the control means (23) being designed to drive the longitudinal extension means (16), that is, the respective sliding member (161, 162), only after that all the sliding members (121) of the arm (12) of the crane are in the extended condition.

10. The crane according to claim 9, wherein the control means (23) are designed to actuate, or to open the passage for the working fluid towards the longitudinal extension means (16) and/or the corresponding auxiliary means (21).

Drawing