e-rover - automatic coupling system for RTGs

Rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) are mobile container cranes used in ports. They can switch between the container aisles. As a rule, these RTGs are fuelled with diesel. However, to save energy costs and protect the environment, there has been a trend in recent years towards electrically powered vehicles that are coupled to an energy supply system as soon as they are in a lane.

igus has developed the e-rover system to enable automatic coupling to and de-coupling from the energy chain system and to ensure safe energy supply and data transmission - also via fibre optic cables. For fast coupling to the RTG, the system uses a telescoping arm that can be extended and retracted, ensuring uninterrupted data transfer. The coupling process can be completed in around one minute and there are no restrictions on the travelling speed of the RTG.

Coupling

• RTG drives into the e-rover station
• Crane operator gives the coupling signal
• Telescopic arm is extended and automatically finds the distance to the guide trough and the correct height to the lower edge of the trough
• The signal is then automatically sent to the station carriage to position the floating moving end at the height of the telescopic arm
• The coupling is now mechanically attached to the floating moving end and centred
• A pilot contact recognises the successful connection and releases the power supply for the RTG
• The crane operator receives a signal indicating successful docking
• Telescope moves up to travelling position and lifts the floating moving end with it

Decoupling

• RTG drives into the e-rover station
• Crane operator gives the decoupling signal
• Telescope is aligned, station carriage moves into position, telescopic arm moves down and hooks the floating moving end back into the station carriage
• It is electrically disconnected and mechanically unlocked
• Station carriage returns to the parking position with the floating moving end 
• Telescopic arm is retracted 
• In the driver's cabin, a signal indicates the successful uncoupling of the vehicle