A method for implementing a transfer platform competition mechanism of a double-trolley shore crane

Abstract

The application discloses a method for realizing a transfer platform competition mechanism of a double-trolley shore-based bridge, three safety levels, i.e., a relaxed level, a strict level and a most strict level, are defined through a single-machine automatic control system; a main trolley and a gantry trolley are sent with operation instructions for the transfer platform by an upper-layer software system; and the single-machine automatic control system dynamically adjusts the application, unlocking and acquisition of the transfer platform by the main trolley and the gantry trolley. The application realizes efficient utilization of the transfer platform by the double trolleys, provides multiple-level safety protection strategies for a locking pin worker, and improves the safety of the double-trolley shore-based bridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to automated control technology for container terminal cranes, and more specifically, to a method for implementing a competition mechanism for transfer platforms of dual trolley quay cranes. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the competition mechanism for platform resources between the two gantry cranes is implemented by the upper-level software system (ECS). The ECS sends operation commands to the main gantry crane or the gantry crane at different times through reasonable allocation, avoiding simultaneous entry of the main gantry crane and the gantry crane onto the platform. However, due to a time lag in the upper-level software system's acquisition of the dual gantry crane status, it cannot obtain real-time crane status, preventing the main gantry crane and the gantry crane from utilizing platform resources most efficiently, resulting in a reduction in operational efficiency. Furthermore, since the upper-level ECS implements platform competition through command allocation, there are certain safety hazards when the main gantry crane and the gantry crane are operated entirely manually by the driver. Previously, in manual mode, the ACCS, a stand-alone automation control system running in a PLC, implemented the competition for platform resources between the main gantry crane and the gantry crane, but this only reached the most basic strategy: only one crane was allowed to enter the platform at a time, and the other crane had to stop. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned defects in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method for implementing the transfer platform competition mechanism of a dual-trolley quay crane, which realizes the efficient utilization of the transfer platform by the two trolleys, and at the same time provides multiple levels of safety protection strategies for the locking pin operator, thereby improving the safety of the dual-trolley quay crane.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A method for implementing a competition mechanism for a transfer platform in a dual-trolley quay crane:

[0006] Three safety levels are defined through the stand-alone automated control system: the lenient level, the strict level, and the most strict level.

[0007] The upper-level software system can send operation instructions from the main gantry trolley to the transfer platform at will, and the stand-alone automated control system can dynamically adjust the application, unlocking, and acquisition status of the main gantry trolley to the transfer platform accordingly.

[0008] Preferably, the relaxation level is specifically:

[0009] Locking pins are not allowed to be used in the trolley's running path.

[0010] Preferably, the stringency level is specifically:

[0011] The lifting equipment must not be lowered onto the work platform adjacent to the locking pin operator.

[0012] Preferably, the most stringent level is specifically:

[0013] If a lock-pin operator is present on the transfer platform, the lifting equipment will not be allowed to enter any work platform.

[0014] If the lifting device has already entered the area of ​​the transfer platform, and the locking operator then enters the transfer platform, the operation of the trolley and the hoisting mechanism will be immediately suspended.

[0015] Preferably, the stand-alone automated control system dynamically adjusts the application and unlocking status of the main gantry trolley and the transfer platform, including the main trolley applying for the transfer platform, the main trolley unlocking the transfer platform, the gantry trolley applying for the transfer platform, and the gantry trolley unlocking the transfer platform.

[0016] Preferably, the specific steps of the single-machine automated control system to dynamically adjust the acquisition status of the main and gantry trolleys regarding the transfer platform are as follows:

[0017] The standalone automated control system defines three states for both the main trolley and the gantry trolley: "apply for platform," "release platform," and "acquire platform." Through a specific logical relationship, it determines whether the main trolley or the gantry trolley acquires the transfer platform resources. Only trolleys that have acquired transfer platform resources are allowed to enter the transfer platform for operation. The main trolley can only acquire a platform if it "applies for a platform" and the gantry trolley has not yet "acquired a platform." The "acquire platform" state is released only when the main trolley "releases the platform."

[0018] Preferably, the triggering conditions for the main vehicle to apply for the transfer platform are as follows:

[0019] The main trolley receives the operation instruction for the transfer platform; or

[0020] The main trolley moves towards the transfer platform; or

[0021] The estimated stopping position of the main trolley is within the transfer platform; or

[0022] The locksmith is not on the transit platform.

[0023] Preferably, the triggering conditions for the transfer platform when the main vehicle unlocks are as follows:

[0024] The main trolley is leaving the transfer platform, and its estimated stopping position is outside the transfer platform; or

[0025] The main trolley stops outside the transfer platform for more than 2 seconds; or

[0026] The locksmith is inside the transfer platform.

[0027] Preferably, the triggering conditions for the gantry trolley to apply for the transfer platform are as follows:

[0028] The gantry trolley receives an operation instruction for the transfer platform; or

[0029] The gantry trolley moves towards the transfer platform; or

[0030] The estimated stopping position of the gantry trolley is within the transfer platform; or

[0031] The locksmith is not on the transit platform.

[0032] Preferably, the triggering conditions for the transfer platform when the gantry trolley unlocks are as follows:

[0033] The gantry trolley is leaving the transfer platform, and its estimated stopping position is outside the transfer platform; or

[0034] The gantry trolley stops outside the transfer platform for more than 2 seconds; or

[0035] The locksmith is inside the transfer platform.

[0036] The present invention provides a method for implementing a competition mechanism for the transfer platform of a dual-trolley quay crane. The competition mechanism of the dual-trolley quay crane transfer platform is implemented in a single-machine automatic control system (ACCS). Since the ACCS can obtain more real-time status of the quay crane, the communication delay can be ignored. This allows for timely allocation of transfer platform resources, reduces the waiting time of the main and gantry trolleys, minimizes the time that the main and gantry trolleys occupy the transfer platform, and provides the highest level of safety guarantee for the locking pin operator. This greatly improves the operating efficiency and safety of the dual-trolley quay crane. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a relaxed level of safety protection for the locking pin operator when the hollow lifting device enters the transfer platform in the method of this invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stringent level of safety protection for the locking pin operator when the hollow lifting device enters the transfer platform in the method of this invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the most stringent level of safety protection for the locking pin operator when the hollow lifting device enters the transfer platform in the method of this invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a relaxed level of safety protection for the locking pin operator when the lifting device with the box enters the transfer platform in the method of this invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stringent level of safety protection for the locking pin operator when the lifting device with the box enters the transfer platform in the method of this invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the most stringent level of safety protection for the locking pin operator when the lifting device with the box enters the transfer platform in the method of this invention;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a logical diagram illustrating the competition between the main trolley or the gantry trolley to acquire transfer platform resources in the method of this invention.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a logical diagram illustrating how the main vehicle acquires resources from the transfer platform in the method of this invention.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a logical schematic diagram of the gantry trolley acquiring transfer platform resources in the method of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the system framework in the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To better understand the above-mentioned technical solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0048] This invention provides a method for implementing a competition mechanism on a transfer platform for a dual-trolley quay crane. Regarding the protection of lock-locking operators on the transfer platform, since different user terminals employ different protection strategies, a single-machine automated control system (ACCS) defines three security levels: lenient, strict, and most strict. When a lock-locking operator is within the transfer platform's passageway, the main and gantry trolleys decide whether to enter the transfer platform based on their respective strategies.

[0049] The upper-level software system (ECS) can send operation instructions from the main gantry trolley to the transfer platform at any time. The single-machine automated control system dynamically adjusts the application, unlocking, and acquisition (ApplyLP, ReleaseLP, GetLP) status of the main gantry trolley to the transfer platform to achieve the purpose of collision avoidance.

[0050] Combination Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the specific levels of leniency are:

[0051] When this safety protection level is activated, locking pins are not allowed to be used during the operation of the main and gantry trolleys.

[0052] The strict level is as follows:

[0053] When this safety protection level is activated, the lifting equipment is not allowed to fall onto the work platform adjacent to the locking pin operator.

[0054] The strictest level is as follows:

[0055] When this safety protection level is activated, if a lock-pin operator is present on the transfer platform, the lifting equipment will not be allowed to enter any work platform.

[0056] If the spreader has already entered the transfer platform area, and the locking operator then enters the transfer platform, the operation of the trolley and hoisting mechanism will be immediately suspended.

[0057] The single-machine automated control system (ACCS) dynamically adjusts the application and unlocking status of the main gantry trolley and the transfer platform, including the main trolley applying for the transfer platform (PtApplyLp), the main trolley unlocking the transfer platform (PtReleaseLp), the gantry trolley applying for the transfer platform (StApplyLp), and the gantry trolley unlocking the transfer platform (StReleaseLp).

[0058] The stand-alone automated control system (ACCS) dynamically adjusts the status of the main and gantry trolleys on the transfer platform as follows:

[0059] Combination Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the stand-alone automated control system (ACCS) determines, through a specific logical relationship, whether the main trolley or the gantry trolley should acquire (GetLP) the transfer platform resources. Only trolleys that acquire transfer platform resources are allowed to enter the transfer platform for operation. When the transfer platform is not acquired, the stand-alone automated control system (ACCS) will control the corresponding main or gantry trolley to move to a waiting position outside the transfer platform until the platform is "acquired," at which point the main or gantry trolley can continue to move into the platform.

[0060] The triggering conditions for the main vehicle to apply for the transfer platform (PtApplyLp) are as follows:

[0061] The main trolley receives the operation instruction for the transfer platform; or

[0062] The main trolley moves towards the transfer platform; or

[0063] The estimated stopping position of the main trolley is within the transfer platform; or

[0064] The locksmith is not on the transit platform.

[0065] The triggering conditions for the transfer platform (PtReleaseLp) when the main trolley unlocks are as follows:

[0066] The main trolley is leaving the transfer platform, and its estimated stopping position is outside the transfer platform; or

[0067] The main trolley stops outside the transfer platform for more than 2 seconds; or

[0068] The locksmith is inside the transfer platform.

[0069] The triggering conditions for the gantry trolley to apply for the transfer platform (StApplyLp) are as follows:

[0070] The gantry trolley receives an operation instruction for the transfer platform; or

[0071] The gantry trolley moves towards the transfer platform; or

[0072] The estimated stopping position of the gantry trolley is within the transfer platform; or

[0073] The locksmith is not on the transit platform.

[0074] The triggering conditions for the transfer platform (StReleaseLp) when the gantry trolley unlocks are as follows:

[0075] The gantry trolley is leaving the transfer platform, and its estimated stopping position is outside the transfer platform; or

[0076] The gantry trolley stops outside the transfer platform for more than 2 seconds; or

[0077] The locksmith is inside the transfer platform.

[0078] Combination Figure 10 As shown, the automated control system (ACCS) is integrated into the standalone PLC. Various peripheral position sensors provide the positions of the main gantry and trolley, while the spreader signals are fed into the control program. Sensors monitored by platform personnel also provide the system with information on the status of the locking devices within the passageway. Simultaneously, the quay crane management system (ECS-QCMS) sends operation instructions from the main gantry and trolley to the ACCS. The ACCS, considering various operating conditions and different safety levels, provides signals indicating whether the spreader is permitted to enter the platform, with the control program ultimately providing interlocking protection.

[0079] In summary, the transfer platform is the most frequently used area for dual-trolley quay crane operations. It is the relay area for the main and door trolleys to grab and place containers, and also the work area for the locking operator to dismantle the container twist locks. Safety and efficiency are the two most important evaluation indicators. This invention provides a method for implementing a competition mechanism for the transfer platform of dual-trolley quay cranes. This mechanism is implemented in the single-machine automatic control system (ACCS). Because ACCS can obtain more real-time status of the quay cranes, communication latency is negligible. This allows for timely allocation of transfer platform resources, reducing the waiting time of the main and door trolleys, minimizing the time the main and door trolleys occupy the transfer platform, and providing the locking operator with the highest safety guarantee. This significantly improves the efficiency and safety of dual-trolley quay crane operations.

[0080] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any variations or modifications to the above embodiments that are within the spirit and essence of the present invention will fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for implementing a competition mechanism for a transfer platform of a dual-trolley quay crane, characterized in that: Three safety levels are defined through the stand-alone automated control system: the lenient level, the strict level, and the most strict level. The upper-level software system can arbitrarily send operation instructions from the main gantry trolley to the transfer platform, and the stand-alone automated control system will dynamically adjust the application, unlocking, and acquisition status of the main gantry trolley to the transfer platform accordingly. The specific level of leniency is as follows: Locking pins are not allowed to be present along the vehicle's operating path. The specific level of stringency is as follows: The lifting equipment must not be lowered onto the work platform adjacent to the locking pin operator. The most stringent level specifically refers to: If a lock-pin operator is present on the transfer platform, the lifting equipment will not be allowed to enter any work platform. If the lifting device has already entered the area of ​​the transfer platform, and the locking operator then enters the transfer platform, the operation of the trolley and hoisting mechanism will be immediately suspended. The single-machine automated control system dynamically adjusts the application and unlocking status of the main gantry trolley and the transfer platform, including the main gantry applying for the transfer platform, the main gantry unlocking the transfer platform, the gantry trolley applying for the transfer platform, and the gantry trolley unlocking the transfer platform. The specific steps of the stand-alone automated control system to dynamically adjust the status of the main and gantry trolleys regarding the transfer platform are as follows: The single-machine automated control system determines, through a certain logical relationship, whether the main trolley or the gantry trolley acquires the resources of the transfer platform. Only trolleys that acquire the resources of the transfer platform are allowed to enter the transfer platform for operation.

2. The method for implementing the competition mechanism of a transfer platform for a dual-trolley quay crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering conditions for the main vehicle to apply for the transfer platform are as follows: The main trolley receives the operation instruction for the transfer platform; or The main trolley moves towards the transfer platform; or The estimated stopping position of the main trolley is within the transfer platform; or The locksmith is not on the transit platform.

3. The method for implementing a competition mechanism for a transfer platform of a dual-trolley quay crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering conditions for the transfer platform when the main vehicle unlocks are as follows: The main trolley is leaving the transfer platform, and its estimated stopping position is outside the transfer platform; or The main trolley stops outside the transfer platform for more than 2 seconds; or The locksmith is inside the transfer platform.

4. The method for implementing the competition mechanism of a transfer platform for a dual-trolley quay crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering conditions for the gantry trolley to apply for the transfer platform are as follows: The gantry trolley receives an operation instruction for the transfer platform; or The gantry trolley moves towards the transfer platform; or The estimated stopping position of the gantry trolley is within the transfer platform; or The locksmith is not on the transit platform.

5. The method for implementing the competition mechanism of a transfer platform for a dual-trolley quay crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering conditions for the transfer platform when the gantry trolley unlocks are as follows: The gantry trolley is leaving the transfer platform, and its estimated stopping position is outside the transfer platform; or The gantry trolley stops outside the transfer platform for more than 2 seconds; or The locksmith is inside the transfer platform.

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