e-rover - automatic clutch system for RTGs

Rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) are mobile container gantry cranes that are used in ports. They are able to move between container aisles. As a rule, these RTGs are diesel-powered. However, in order to save energy costs and protect the environment, developments in recent years have increasingly favoured electrically powered vehicles, which are connected to an energy supply system as soon as they are in a lane.

igus® has developed the e-rover system to enable automatic coupling and uncoupling to the energy chain system and to ensure secure energy supply and data transmission - also via fibre optic cable. The system couples quickly to the gantry crane via a telescopic arm that can be extended and retracted, thus ensuring uninterrupted data transmission. The coupling process takes around one minute and there are no restrictions on the travelling speed of the RTG.

The system works via a telescopic arm on the RTG, which can be extended and retracted. This has two advantages: Firstly, it enables automatic coupling and the energy chain, in which all media can be routed simultaneously, is pulled along by the RTG. This ensures the supply of energy and data. Secondly, horizontal and vertical unevenness and offsets in the travel path can be compensated for. The system is suitable for long travel distances - 500 metres and more are conceivable, depending on customer requirements in the container port.

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Advantages of the e-rover

Secure and fast data transmission, e.g. with fibre optic cables
Saves operating costs of RTGs. The savings potential is comparable with conventional systems
Protects the environment
Low maintenance costs, no wear-resistant parts that have to be replaced at specified intervals
Travelling distances of up to 500 m and more possible

Structure of the e-rover coupling system

The e-rover basically consists of three parts:

A lifting unit with telescopic arm, coupling unit and connector on the RTG
A special floating moving end with barbs for mechanical attachment of the coupling and the mating connector
e-rover station with trolley (station wagon) for coupling and uncoupling the RTG

Coupling

RTG drives into the e-rover station
Crane operator gives the signal for coupling
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 wagon 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 that the docking was successful
The telescope moves up to the travelling position and lifts the floating moving end with it

Decoupling

RTG drives into the e-rover station
Crane operator gives the signal to uncouple
Telescope is aligned, station wagon moves into position, telescopic arm moves down and hooks the floating moving end back into the station wagon
It is uncoupled electrically and unlocked mechanically
Station wagon moves back into the parking position with the floating moving end
Telescopic arm is retracted
The signal appears in the driver's cab to indicate that it has been successfully uncoupled

Are you interested in e-rover, the automatic coupling system, and are looking for secure and fast data transmission in addition to low maintenance? Then reach out to us and enquire about a project with the e-rover.

Enquire about a project with e-rover now