A driving steel plate shelf area safety protection device and method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of truck steel plate goods shelf area safety protection device and method, it is related to safety protection technical field.The device includes fence main body, protective door, electronic lock module and interlocking control module.Interlocking control module obtains the switch signal and locking state signal of door magnetic sensor to determine real-time safety state: if protective door opens or is not locked, stop signal is sent to truck control system;If close and lock, send permission to run signal.In addition, there are also dual-power emergency unlocking module and audible and visual alarm device.The application realizes physical isolation and the intelligent interlocking of "door open truck stop", has power failure emergency guarantee, effectively eliminates the safety accident caused by personnel misentry, significantly improves operation safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of safety protection technology, and in particular to a safety protection device and method for a crane steel plate rack area. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production and warehousing operations, overhead cranes (bridge cranes) are commonly used material handling equipment, widely used for the transfer and stacking of heavy materials such as steel plates. Steel plate racks, as the core area for steel plate storage, are typically located within the operating radius of the overhead crane and are one of the main target areas for overhead crane operations.

[0003] Currently, safety measures in existing steel plate shelving areas are relatively simple, mostly relying on warning signs and cordon lines for reminders, lacking physical isolation and active protection mechanisms. This type of protection poses significant safety hazards: on the one hand, workers may inadvertently enter areas where overhead cranes are operating, and are easily injured by collisions or falling steel plates; on the other hand, when personnel are performing maintenance or sorting work in the shelving area, if the overhead crane suddenly starts, it will directly pose a fatal threat to personnel in the area.

[0004] In existing technologies, while some overhead cranes are equipped with safety interlocking devices, these devices primarily address the crane's own operating specifications (such as lifting capacity limits) and do not link to personnel access to the steel racking area. Furthermore, traditional mechanical locks or single electronic locks cannot achieve automated interlocking with the crane, and if the interlocking device experiences a power outage or other malfunction, traditional electronic locks often fail to unlock properly, trapping personnel in the danger zone and posing a serious secondary safety hazard. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a safety protection solution that can achieve physical isolation, automatic interlocking, convenient operation, and emergency power outage protection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a safety protection device and method for the area of ​​overhead crane steel plate rack.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: On one hand, the present invention provides a safety protection device for a steel plate rack area of ​​a crane. The device includes: a fence body surrounding the steel plate rack area; a protective door disposed on the fence body as a passage for personnel to enter and exit the steel plate rack area; an electronic lock assembly disposed on the protective door, including a lock body assembly for locking or unlocking the protective door and a door magnetic sensor for acquiring the opening and closing signal of the protective door; and an interlocking control module electrically connected to the electronic lock assembly and the crane control system, for determining the opening and closing state of the protective door based on the opening and closing signal output by the door magnetic sensor, and generating a stop signal and sending it to the crane control system when the protective door is determined to be in the open state; and generating a permission signal and sending it to the crane control system when the protective door is determined to be in the closed state and the electronic lock assembly is in the locked state.

[0007] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a safety protection method for the area of ​​the overhead crane steel plate rack, comprising the following steps: Acquire the opening and closing signals of the security door and the locking status signals of the electronic lock components; The real-time safety status of the protective door is determined based on the switch signal and the locking status signal. Based on the real-time safety status, control signals for the vehicle are generated and sent to the vehicle control system. If the real-time safety status indicates that the protective door is in the open or unlocked state, the control signal is a stop signal to stop the train operation; if the real-time safety status indicates that the protective door is in the closed state and the electronic lock assembly is in the locked state, the control signal is a permit signal to allow the train operation.

[0008] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) This invention achieves physical enclosure of the hazardous area by setting up a fence and protective doors around the steel plate rack area. On this basis, the interlocking control module acquires the switch signals of the door magnetic sensor and the locking status signals of the electronic lock assembly in real time and performs double verification. Only when the door is physically closed and the electronic lock tongue is fully locked will a signal to allow operation be generated. As long as the protective door is in an open or partially locked state, the system immediately generates a stop signal to force the vehicle to engage the brake. This solution completely eliminates the fatal hidden danger of "personnel operating within the area" from two dimensions: physical obstruction and logical interlocking.

[0009] (2) This invention addresses the problem of frequent power outages or electronic malfunctions in industrial environments by configuring an emergency unlocking module that includes a backup power supply and an emergency unlocking button. When the main power supply is interrupted, the backup power supply seamlessly takes over, ensuring the interlocking logic and electronic lock continue to operate. At the same time, emergency unlocking buttons are installed on both the inner and outer sides of the fence, allowing personnel to manually generate an emergency unlocking signal to open the protective door in an emergency. This design completely eliminates the secondary safety hazard of "trapping people" when traditional electronic locks are powered off, ensuring escape and rescue channels under extreme working conditions.

[0010] (3) By integrating an audible and visual alarm device, a warning light, and the status feedback function of a PLC controller, this invention can not only synchronize the opening and locking status of the protective door to the crane operation control console in real time, but also trigger an audible and visual alarm and flashing warning light when the crane attempts to start illegally or when the door is accidentally opened during operation. This multi-dimensional proactive reminder mechanism significantly reduces the probability of human error and improves the overall safety management level of warehousing operations. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the safety protection device for the overhead crane steel plate rack area provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the safety protection method for the overhead crane steel plate rack area provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0013] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0014] Example 1: See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a safety protection device for a crane steel plate rack area, which mainly includes: a fence body, a protective door, an electronic lock assembly, an interlocking control module, an emergency unlocking module, and an audible and visual alarm device.

[0015] Specifically, the main body of the fence adopts a modular assembly structure, which completely surrounds and encircles the perimeter of the steel plate shelving area set on the workshop floor.

[0016] To ensure impact resistance and long-term rigidity, the main body of the fence is constructed from Q235 high-strength carbon structural steel conforming to national standards. Its physical height is limited to 2.0m, effectively preventing adults from attempting to step on or climb over it. The fence wall thickness is 3mm, and the mesh structure uses a dense square grid with a center-to-center spacing (aperture) of 10cm. This design prevents external personnel from accidentally touching the internal lifting equipment by inserting arms or tools through the fence, while also ensuring excellent light transmission and visibility, facilitating direct visual inspection of the steel racking area by external supervisors. The bottom of the fence features a widened carbon steel flange base, rigidly anchored to the workshop's thick concrete floor using multiple high-strength expansion bolts, effectively preventing the fence from tipping over due to accidental collisions from forklifts reversing or overhead cranes swinging and impacting the load.

[0017] Two symmetrical entrances are located on the main body of the fence, each equipped with a protective door. These two doors form the sole access route for personnel to enter and exit the steel plate shelving area. Each protective door is designed to be 1.2m (width) × 2.0m (height) and is constructed with a reinforced Q235 square steel frame and wire mesh. One free end of the protective door is hinged to the door frame of the fence main body via three heavy-duty stainless steel hinges, allowing for smooth horizontal opening and rotation of the door.

[0018] Meanwhile, a layer of highly elastic, wear-resistant rubber sealing strips is firmly adhered to the entire outer edge of the protective door. When the protective door is fully closed, the sealing strips are tightly pressed between the overlapping surfaces of the protective door and the main frame of the fence, achieving a seamless and tight fit.

[0019] In addition, a rectangular observation window is embedded in the upper middle part of each protective door. This observation window measures 0.8m x 0.6m, and its panel is made of double-layered laminated tempered glass with a thickness of no less than 10mm, capable of withstanding high-intensity external impacts. Before reaching to open the door, workers must be able to clearly observe the stable stacking of steel plates on the internal shelves and the physical position of the overhead crane through this observation window, thus avoiding blindly opening the door when the crane is directly overhead lifting equipment.

[0020] Each of the two protective doors is independently equipped with an electronic lock assembly. Each electronic lock assembly includes an electronic lock body, a latch, and a door magnetic sensor. The electronic lock body uses an industrial-grade, high-attraction electromagnetic electronic lock, which is securely fixed to the inside of the free end of the protective door using high-strength, tamper-proof bolts. The latch is installed correspondingly on the door frame of the fence body. When the protective door is rotated around the hinge to the fully closed position, the strong magnetic attraction surface of the electronic lock body and the armature plate of the latch can achieve perfect axial center alignment and zero-distance contact.

[0021] The door magnetic sensor uses a high-temperature resistant, waterproof, and dustproof industrial-grade reed switch sensor, which consists of a permanent magnet end and a switching sensing end. The magnet end is installed on the free edge of the protective door, while the sensing end is installed close to the door frame of the fence body. When the door is fully closed, the two ends come together, the internal contacts of the sensing end close, and a 24V DC high-level switching signal is output. Once the protective door is pulled open by more than 5mm, the two ends separate, the internal contacts of the sensing end open instantaneously under the action of spring force, and a 0V low-level switching signal is output.

[0022] In addition, a status lock indicator light is integrated and welded into a conspicuous position on the top of the electronic lock body or the outside of the protective door. This lock indicator light contains a dual-color LED. When the lock body is locked, the indicator light is controlled to light up a stable red; when the lock body is unlocked, the indicator light switches to a stable green, providing a clear status indication for on-site personnel.

[0023] The interlocking control module employs a PLC controller with strong anti-interference capabilities. In this embodiment, the interlocking control module specifically uses a Siemens S7-200 series and is installed on the outside of the fence body. The input terminals of the interlocking control module are electrically connected to the signal output terminals of the door magnetic sensors on the two protective doors and the status feedback terminal of the electronic lock body, respectively, for real-time acquisition of digital switch signals and locking feedback signals. Simultaneously, the output terminals of the interlocking control module are electrically connected to the control loop of the vehicle control system.

[0024] The emergency unlocking module includes a backup power supply and a waterproof emergency unlocking button. The backup power supply is connected in parallel with the system's main power supply line and has an automatic switching function in case of power failure. The emergency unlocking buttons are located on both the inner and outer sides of the fence and are connected to the forced unlocking circuit of the electronic lock body.

[0025] In addition, reflective warning signs are installed on the outside of the main fence structure, and a warning light is installed every 1.5m at the top of the fence structure. An audible and visual alarm device is installed above the protective gate to emit a high-decibel alarm and flashing bright light.

[0026] Example 2: This example provides a safety protection method for a crane-mounted steel plate rack area. This method is executed by an interlocking control module. See [link to example]. Figure 2 Specifically, it includes the following steps: Step S10: Obtain the opening and closing signal of the security door and the locking status signal of the electronic lock component.

[0027] Specifically, the interlocking control module periodically samples the output current / voltage status of the two door magnetic sensors. When the protective door is fully closed, the door magnetic sensor circuit is open, and the input port receives a continuous DC24V high level; if the protective door is opened or partially closed, the circuit is broken, and the input port drops to a 0V low level.

[0028] Meanwhile, the interlocking control module is connected to the physical travel microswitch or Hall current detector inside the electronic lock body to acquire the locking status signal of the electronic lock components in real time. When the lock body coil is normally energized and the mechanical latch or magnetic circuit is fully closed, the microswitch is pressed and conducts; when the coil is de-energized, the coil current disappears, or the latch is not in place due to physical obstruction, the microswitch is opened. The interlocking control module writes the above two sets of signals into the internal data register in real time, completing the real-time acquisition of basic data.

[0029] Step S20: Determine the real-time safety status of the protective door based on the switch signal and the locking status signal.

[0030] Specifically, the interlocking control module has a built-in logic operation unit that performs an AND operation on the two received signals. The real-time safety status is marked as "Safe (Allow Operation)" only if the switch signal indicates "door closed" and the lock status signal indicates "lock locked". If either signal is abnormal (such as a slightly ajar door causing the door magnetic signal to disconnect, or a stuck latch causing the lock signal to fail to trigger), the real-time safety status is marked as "Danger (Prohibit Operation)".

[0031] Step S30: Generate control signals for the vehicle based on the real-time safety status and send them to the vehicle control system.

[0032] Specifically, if the real-time safety status indicates that the protective door is in the open or unlocked state, the interlocking control module immediately cuts off or blocks the starting circuit of the vehicle control system, generates and sends a stop signal, forces the vehicle brake to engage, and controls the vehicle to stop running.

[0033] If the real-time safety status indicates that the protective door is closed and the electronic lock component is locked, the interlocking control module generates an operation permission signal and sends it to the trolley control system to release the trolley start interlock, allowing the operator to perform hoisting operations.

[0034] In addition, the interlocking control module will also acquire the start request signal from the vehicle control system in real time. If a start request is received when the current state is "dangerous", a first alarm signal is generated to trigger the audible and visual alarm device, prompting "Door unlocked, start prohibited"; if the door magnetic sensor suddenly returns a door opening signal during vehicle operation, a second alarm signal is generated to trigger the audible and visual alarm, and the stop signal in step S30 is executed simultaneously to achieve millisecond-level emergency braking.

[0035] Simultaneously, the system monitors the main power supply voltage in real time. When a main power interruption is detected, the backup power supply is switched on to maintain power to the interlocking control module and electronic lock components. At this time, if personnel press the emergency unlock button on the inside or outside, the interlocking control module directly outputs a strong pulse unlock signal to the electronic lock body, ensuring that personnel can quickly push open the protective door and evacuate the danger zone.

[0036] In addition to the above embodiments, the present invention may have other implementation methods; all technical solutions formed by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A safety protection device for a crane-mounted steel plate rack area, characterized in that, include: The main body of the fence is set up around the steel plate shelving area; A protective door is installed on the main body of the fence to serve as a passage for personnel to enter and exit the steel plate shelving area; An electronic lock assembly, disposed on the protective door, includes a lock body assembly for locking or unlocking the protective door and a door magnetic sensor for acquiring the opening and closing signal of the protective door; The interlocking control module is electrically connected to the electronic lock assembly and the vehicle control system, respectively. It is used to determine the open / closed state of the protective door based on the switch signal output by the door magnetic sensor. When the protective door is determined to be in the open state, it generates a stop signal and sends it to the vehicle control system. When the protective door is determined to be in the closed state and the electronic lock assembly is in the locked state, it generates a permission signal and sends it to the vehicle control system.

2. The safety protection device for the overhead crane steel plate rack area according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an emergency unlocking module, which is electrically connected to the electronic lock assembly and is used to generate an emergency unlocking signal to open the protective door.

3. The safety protection device for the overhead crane steel plate rack area according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an audible and visual alarm device electrically connected to the interlocking control module; The interlocking control module is also used to: generate a first alarm signal and send it to the audible and visual alarm device when it is determined that the protective door is not closed or the electronic lock component is not locked, and a start request signal for the vehicle is obtained; and generate a second alarm signal and send it to the audible and visual alarm device when it is determined that the protective door is opened during the operation of the vehicle, and simultaneously generate the stop signal.

4. The safety protection device for the overhead crane steel plate rack area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock assembly includes an electronic lock body and a latch. The protective door is hinged to the fence body. The electronic lock body is installed on the free side of the protective door, and the latch is installed on the fence body. When the protective door is closed, the electronic lock body and the latch are aligned.

5. The safety protection device for the overhead crane steel plate rack area according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electronic lock body is equipped with a lock indicator light to display the status.

6. The safety protection device for the overhead crane steel plate rack area according to claim 2, characterized in that, The emergency unlocking module includes an emergency unlocking button and a backup power supply; the emergency unlocking button is respectively located on the outer and inner sides of the fence body, and is used to generate the emergency unlocking signal; The backup power supply is electrically connected to both the electronic lock assembly and the interlocking control module, and provides temporary power to the electronic lock assembly and the interlocking control module when the main power supply is interrupted.

7. The safety protection device for the overhead crane steel plate rack area according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two protective doors, which are symmetrically installed on opposite sides of the main body of the fence, and each protective door is equipped with an observation window.

8. The safety protection device for the overhead crane steel plate rack area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the fence is equipped with warning signs and warning lights. The warning lights are electrically connected to the interlocking control module. When the interlocking control module sends the permission signal to the vehicle control system or when the vehicle is in operation, it generates a flashing control signal to control the warning lights to flash continuously.

9. The safety protection device for the overhead crane steel plate rack area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interlocking control module is a PLC controller; the interlocking control module is also used to generate status feedback data in real time of the opening and closing status of the protective door and the locking status of the electronic lock component, and send it to the vehicle operation control console.

10. A safety protection method for a crane-mounted steel plate rack area, characterized in that, include: Acquire the opening and closing signals of the security door and the locking status signals of the electronic lock components; Based on the switch signal and the locking status signal, the real-time safety status of the protective door is determined; Based on the real-time safety status, control signals for the vehicle are generated and sent to the vehicle control system. If the real-time safety status indicates that the protective door is in an open or unlocked state, the control signal is a stop signal to control the vehicle to stop running; if the real-time safety status indicates that the protective door is in a closed state and the electronic lock assembly is in a locked state, the control signal is a run-allow signal to allow the vehicle to run.

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