Container electric control lifting appliance based on PLC control system

The container electric spreader controlled by the PLC system, combined with container sensors, rotation positioning sensors and cameras, solves the shortcomings of traditional spreaders in positioning detection and real-time video display, thus improving the safety and reliability of lifting operations.

CN121553840APending Publication Date: 2026-02-24HULUDAO TIANLI IND
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511695821.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-19
Publication Date
2026-02-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional container spreaders lack positioning detection functions and real-time video display, leading to frequent container falling accidents during lifting operations and insufficient safety performance.

Method used

The container electric spreader, which adopts a PLC control system, is equipped with a container loading sensor, a rotation positioning sensor, a camera, and a worm gear transmission mechanism. It can realize real-time monitoring of the container loading status and the position of the turnlock, prevent the turnlock from rotating on its own, and display the status through signal lights.

Benefits of technology

It enables real-time monitoring and enhances safety of hoisting operations, preventing containers from slipping and reducing the probability of safety accidents.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a container electric control lifting appliance based on a PLC control system, relates to the technical field of container electric control lifting appliances, and aims to solve the problem of insufficient safety. The container electric control lifting appliance comprises a main body frame and lifting lugs, the main body frame is of a rectangular structure, and the lifting lugs are installed at the four corners of the upper portion of the main body frame; locking devices are arranged at the four corners of the lower portion of the main body frame, an anti-falling plate is arranged on one side of each locking device, and a signal lamp is installed on the upper portion of the main body frame and is in signal connection with the locking devices. According to the scheme, through the arrangement of the container landing sensor, the rotary positioning sensor and the camera, the container landing state of the lifting appliance, the spin lock position and the surrounding scene are monitored in real time, an operator can accurately master all links of lifting operation, and safety accidents caused by undefined information are effectively avoided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of container electric control spreaders based on PLC control systems, specifically a container electric control spreader based on a PLC control system. Background Technology

[0002] In container transportation and handling operations, spreader arms are crucial equipment connecting gantry cranes or hoists to containers. Traditional container spreader arms mostly use mechanical or hydraulic mechanisms to drive the rotation of a rotary lock to lock and unlock the container. However, this type of spreader arm has many drawbacks:

[0003] Lack of positioning and detection function: Operators have difficulty accurately judging whether the spreader has accurately landed on the container and whether the turnlock has rotated into place. If the lifting operation is carried out under unclear information, it is very easy to cause the container to fall.

[0004] No real-time video display: It is impossible to observe the surrounding scene of the lifting equipment in real time, making it difficult to detect and handle some emergencies in a timely manner, which increases the risk of operation.

[0005] Insufficient safety performance: During hoisting, the rotary lock may rotate on its own due to vibration or other factors, causing the container to slip off, resulting in serious consequences such as cargo damage, personal injury, and equipment damage. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, specifically those raised in the background section, this invention proposes a container electric control spreader based on a PLC control system. The spreader includes a main frame and lifting lugs. The main frame is rectangular, with lifting lugs installed at the four upper corners and locking devices at the four lower corners. An anti-detachment plate is provided on one side of each locking device. A signal light is installed above the main frame and is connected to the locking device via a signal signal connection.

[0007] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the locking device includes a drive motor, a rotary lock head, a worm gear, and a worm. The drive motor is installed in the main frame, and the worm gear and worm are rotatably installed in the main frame. The worm gear and worm are meshed and connected. The drive motor is connected to the worm via a coupling. The rotary lock head is rotatably installed below the main frame, and the main shaft of the worm gear passes through the main frame and is connected to the rotary lock head.

[0008] A further configuration of the present invention includes: a box sensor mounted above the worm gear; a rotation positioning sensor mounted above the box sensor; a box probe rod disposed inside the main frame, with the bottom end of the box probe rod extending through the main frame to one side of the rotary lock head; a box trigger baffle fixedly sleeved on the upper outer wall of the box probe rod, with the edge of the box trigger baffle located below the box sensor; a spring sleeved on the top of the outer wall of the box probe rod, with the spring abutting against the inner wall of the main frame; and the box sensor connected to a signal light.

[0009] A further feature of the present invention is that: a slot is provided around the main frame, a limiting plate is slidably engaged inside the slot, and a plurality of bolt holes for mounting bolts are provided on the outer wall of the limiting plate, and the limiting plate is mounted in the slot through bolts and bolt holes.

[0010] A further feature of the present invention is that cameras are installed on both sides of the main frame.

[0011] The beneficial technical effects of this invention are as follows: This solution, through the setting of container-mounting sensors, rotation positioning sensors, and cameras, realizes real-time monitoring of the container-mounting status of the spreader, the position of the rotary lock, and the surrounding scene. Operators can accurately grasp each stage of the lifting operation, effectively avoiding safety accidents caused by unclear information. The rotary lock is driven to rotate by a worm gear transmission mechanism, and its self-locking characteristic prevents the rotary lock from rotating on its own when not driven. At the same time, the design of the anti-derailment plate further enhances the safety of the spreader and prevents the container from slipping off. The status of the spreader can be displayed in real time through signal lights, and the signal lights are set on the spreader, making it convenient for operators to observe the status of the spreader while lifting. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of this solution is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the main structure of this scheme is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 A top view of the structure of this design is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the main frame of this scheme is shown.

[0016] Figure 5 A perspective structural schematic diagram of the locking device of this scheme is shown.

[0017] Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of the locking device in this design is shown.

[0018] The attached diagram includes the following reference numerals: 1. Main frame; 2. Locking device; 201. Drive motor; 202. Coupling; 203. Rotary lock head; 204. Worm gear; 205. Worm; 206. Rotary positioning sensor; 207. Box-laying probe; 208. Box-laying sensor; 209. Box-laying trigger baffle; 3. Anti-detachment plate; 4. Limiting plate; 5. Lifting lug; 6. Camera; 7. Signal light. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] This invention proposes a container electric spreader based on a PLC control system. It features real-time video display below the spreader, real-time display of container placement status, and real-time display of the twist lock position. The locking and unlocking of the spreader and container can be wirelessly controlled remotely via the PLC control system's screen terminal or remote controller. The spreader has built-in indicator lights to display working status and alarm information. The spreader's PLC control system can provide dynamic signals to the gantry crane or crane system, including prohibiting lifting operations if the spreader is not accurately placed on the container or the twist lock is not fully rotated. The worm gear transmission mechanism driving the twist lock rotation effectively locks the container during lifting, preventing the twist lock from rotating. This container electric spreader features one-button operation, on-site sensing, fault alarm, and reliable performance, effectively preventing safety accidents caused by container falling. It has significant promotional value and market prospects.

[0021] Current status of container spreader technology: The rotary lock is driven by mechanical or hydraulic mechanisms, without positioning detection and real-time video display functions, which has drawbacks: Operators cannot confirm whether the spreader has accurately placed the container or whether the rotary lock has rotated into place when carrying out lifting operations, which can easily lead to container falling, damage to the cargo container, and production safety accidents that injure personnel and equipment.

[0022] In use, the lifting lugs 5 on the four sides of the main frame 1 are attached to the gantry crane or hoist. The main frame 1 is moved above the container, and the rotary lock heads 203 at the four corners of the main frame 1 are inserted into the container corner fittings. After the rotary lock heads 203 are rotated and locked, the container is lifted. After the operation is completed, the rotary lock heads 203 are rotated to unlock and disengage from the container. The rotation of the rotary lock heads 203 is driven by the drive motor 201. The drive motor 201 drives the worm gear 205 to rotate through the coupling 202. The worm gear 205 drives the worm wheel 204 to rotate, thereby causing the worm wheel 204 to drive the rotary lock heads 203 to rotate. The worm wheel and worm gear structure is self-locking and cannot be reversed, preventing the rotary lock heads 203 from rotating on their own without being driven. The rotation positioning sensor 206 is used to transmit rotation status information to the control terminal. The limiting plates 4 around the main frame 1 are used to assist the spreader in positioning on the container. The limiting plates 4 can slide up and down in the slots. The length of the lower extension of the limiting plates 4 can be controlled by bolts and bolt holes.

[0023] The anti-slip plates around the perimeter are used to prevent the container from slipping or falling off after the container is lifted and the cargo is tilted.

[0024] Camera 6 is used to observe the scene on both sides of the lifting device in real time.

[0025] The signal lights are used to indicate power supply, whether the container has been engaged, whether the rotary lock head is locked, and fault alarms. When the spreader is powered on, one light on signal light 7 illuminates, allowing staff to easily determine if the spreader is powered on. When the spreader engages the container, the engagement probe 207 contacts the container and retracts, causing the engagement trigger baffle 209 to contact the engagement sensor 208. The engagement sensor 208 transmits a signal to signal light 7, causing the corresponding light on signal light 7 to illuminate. When the container is unlocked and separated from the spreader, the engagement probe 207 is pushed back to its original position under the pressure of the compression spring, the engagement trigger baffle 209 separates from the engagement sensor 208, and the corresponding light on signal light 7 turns off.

[0026] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0027] In the description of this invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] The term "comprising" or any other similar term is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, article, or apparatus / device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to those processes, articles, or apparatus / devices.

[0030] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container electric control spreader based on a PLC control system, comprising a main frame (1) and lifting lugs (5), wherein the main frame (1) is configured as a rectangular structure, and lifting lugs (5) are installed at the four upper corners of the main frame (1), characterized in that: Locking devices (2) are provided at the four lower corners of the main frame (1). Anti-detachment plates (3) are provided on one side of the locking devices (2). Signal lights (7) are installed on the top of the main frame (1) and are connected to the locking devices.

2. The container electric control spreader based on a PLC control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking device (2) includes a drive motor (201), a rotary lock head (203), a worm gear (204), and a worm (205). The drive motor (201) is installed in the main frame (1). The worm gear (204) and the worm (205) are rotatably installed in the main frame (1). The worm gear (204) and the worm (205) are meshed and connected. The drive motor (201) is connected to the worm (205) through a coupling (202). The rotary lock head (203) is rotatably installed below the main frame (1), and the main shaft of the worm gear (204) passes through the main frame (1) and is connected to the rotary lock head (203).

3. A container electric control spreader based on a PLC control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: A box sensor (208) is installed above the worm gear (204), and a rotation positioning sensor (206) is installed above the box sensor (208). A box probe (207) is provided inside the main frame (1), and the bottom end of the box probe (207) extends through the main frame (1) to one side of the rotary lock head (203). A box trigger baffle (209) is fixedly sleeved on the upper part of the outer wall of the box probe (207), and the edge of the box trigger baffle (209) is below the box sensor (208). A spring is sleeved on the top of the outer wall of the box probe (207), and the spring abuts against the inner wall of the main frame (1). The box sensor (208) is connected to the signal light (7).

4. A container electric control spreader based on a PLC control system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The main frame (1) is provided with slots around its perimeter. A limiting plate (4) is slidably engaged inside the slot (4). Multiple bolt holes for installing bolts are provided on the outer wall of the limiting plate (4). The limiting plate (4) is installed in the slot through bolts and bolt holes.

5. A container electric control spreader based on a PLC control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: Cameras (6) are installed on both sides of the main frame (1).