A safety control system and method for operating crane outriggers

Abstract

This invention discloses a safety control system and method for crane outrigger operation, comprising a detection unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, and an execution unit. The detection unit includes a turntable lock-up detection subunit, a turntable lock-up / unlock detection subunit, and a vehicle horizontal tilt angle detection subunit. The control unit employs an outrigger operating device. The calculation unit employs an outrigger controller. The execution unit employs an outrigger extension / retraction solenoid valve assembly. This invention further addresses the safety issue caused by operators operating the outriggers without checking the turntable lock-up status by incorporating the turntable lock-up state into the outrigger operation control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cranes, and more particularly to a safety control system and method for operating crane outriggers. Background Technology

[0002] Outriggers are a crucial component of truck cranes. Before operation, the outriggers must be extended. Once the outriggers are in the appropriate position and the crane body is at the designed level, the crane can then be mounted for lifting operations. After the lifting operation is completed, the outriggers must be retracted, and the crane switched to driving mode for relocation.

[0003] The extension and retraction of the outriggers are controlled by an outrigger control device that adjusts the length of the outrigger cylinders via an outrigger solenoid valve. While traditional cranes offer some safety controls for outrigger operation, they primarily rely on the operator's experience. If the operator misoperates the outriggers, causing them to move in a dangerous direction, or if the turntable lock pin is not checked before operating the outriggers, the crane is highly susceptible to tipping over.

[0004] Existing technology 1, such as patent "Safety Control Method, Device and Crane for Outrigger Operation" (CN106006415B), discloses a safety control method, device and crane for outrigger operation. The technical solution controls the operation of the crane's outriggers by using an upper carriage energization signal that indicates whether the upper carriage is in a working state. When the upper carriage is not energized, it is considered to be in a non-working state, and operation of the outriggers is permitted. The outrigger controller makes the control of the outrigger operating device on the working state of the outriggers effective. When the upper carriage is energized, it is considered to be in a working state, and the outrigger controller makes the control of the outrigger operating device on the working state of the outriggers ineffective. That is, when the upper carriage is in a working state, no matter how the operator operates the outrigger operating switch or if the operating switch malfunctions, the outriggers cannot be put into a working state.

[0005] However, simply using whether the upper crane is powered on as a criterion for judging the safe operation of the outriggers cannot fully reflect the safety requirements for operating the crane's outriggers. For example, whether the vehicle's tilt angle is too large or whether the upper crane's turntable is locked still depends on the operator's observation.

[0006] Prior art, such as patent "A method, device, system, and electronic device for outrigger control" (CN115402951B), discloses an outrigger control method, device, system, and electronic device. In this technical solution, before sending the outrigger control command corresponding to the outrigger control operation to the engineering vehicle, it is first determined whether the status information of the engineering vehicle meets the safety conditions corresponding to the outrigger control operation. The vehicle's status information includes the outrigger's extension length, current pressure, and the vehicle's vehicle body level. Only when the engineering vehicle's status information meets the safety conditions corresponding to the outrigger control operation will the outrigger control command be sent.

[0007] However, using the outrigger extension length, current pressure, and vehicle tilt angle as safety conditions for outrigger control operation achieves a certain degree of safe control of outrigger operation and avoids potential safety problems due to misoperation. However, this technical solution does not consider the locking status of the upper turntable. If the upper turntable is not locked by the locking pin, and the operator forgets to check before operating the outriggers, the turntable is very likely to rotate due to changes in the vehicle tilt angle, causing a shift in the vehicle's center of gravity and potentially leading to a rollover accident.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to develop new safety control systems and methods for crane outrigger operation to overcome the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Purpose of the invention: In view of the shortcomings and defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a safety control system and method for crane outrigger operation. By incorporating the locking status of the turntable lock pin into the outrigger operation control, the safety problem caused by the operator operating the outrigger without checking the turntable lock status is further solved.

[0010] Technical solution: The present invention provides a safety control system for crane outrigger operation, characterized in that it includes a detection unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, and an execution unit; the detection unit includes a turntable lock-up detection subunit, a turntable lock-up / unlock detection subunit, and a vehicle horizontal tilt angle detection subunit; the control unit adopts an outrigger operating device; the calculation unit adopts an outrigger controller; and the execution unit adopts an outrigger extension and retraction solenoid valve assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the turntable locking detection subunit is a locking detection switch installed on the turntable locking cylinder. When the turntable is locked, that is, when the turntable and the frame are locked together by the locking pin, the detection switch is in state 1. When the turntable locking pin is lifted, that is, when the turntable is disengaged from the frame, the detection switch is in state 0.

[0012] Preferably, the turntable locking / unlocking detection subunit is an unlocking detection switch installed on the turntable locking cylinder. When the turntable locking pin is lifted, the detection switch is in state 1, and when the turntable is locked, the detection switch is in state 0.

[0013] Preferably, the vehicle horizontal tilt angle detection subunit is an analog or bus-type electronic level, used to measure the horizontal tilt angle of the crane body in four directions: left, right, front, and rear, and transmit the data to the calculation unit for logical judgment.

[0014] Preferably, the outrigger control device is a wireless remote control or a wired button panel, which controls the extension and retraction of the outrigger and can provide turntable locking status and vehicle tilt angle alarm indication.

[0015] Preferably, the outrigger controller receives signals from the detection unit and the control unit, performs logical judgments, and outputs electrical signals to control the corresponding actions of the outrigger.

[0016] Preferably, the outrigger extension solenoid valve assembly receives an electrical signal from the outrigger controller to perform outrigger extension and retraction actions.

[0017] The present invention provides a method for safe control of crane outrigger operation, characterized in that: the extension and retraction of the outrigger is limited by the state of the turntable locking signal. When the outrigger controller detects that the turntable locking signal is 0 or the turntable locking unlock signal is 1, it indicates that the upper turntable is not in a locked state, and no matter how the outrigger control device is operated, the outrigger will not respond. When the outrigger controller detects that the turntable lock signal is 1 and the turntable lock unlock signal is 0, it indicates that the upper turntable is in a locked state and the vehicle can perform outrigger operation. Press the outrigger enable switch and operate the corresponding outrigger action button on the outrigger control device. The outrigger controller reads the vehicle's tilt angles in the left, right, front, and rear directions in real time. If any angle exceeds the preset value, the outrigger movement is restricted to the dangerous direction, and only the safe direction of outrigger movement is responded to. For example, if the left vertical outrigger extends too much, causing the vehicle to be higher on the left and lower on the right, and the vehicle's horizontal tilt angle exceeds the preset safe value, the left vertical outrigger can be retracted or the right vertical outrigger can be extended.

[0018] Preferably, a turntable lock pin unlock status indicator is provided on the outrigger operating device. When the turntable lock is locked (0) or unlocked (1), the turntable lock pin unlock status indicator flashes after the outrigger enable switch is energized, reminding the operator to lock the upper turntable before operating the outrigger.

[0019] Preferably, an outrigger movement limit indicator light is provided on the outrigger control device. When the operation of the outrigger in a certain direction causes the vehicle's horizontal tilt angle to exceed a preset value, the indicator light flashes to remind the operator that the outrigger cannot continue to move in that dangerous direction.

[0020] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: By introducing safety controls into the outrigger operation, the present invention ensures that the outrigger operation process is always safe and reliable, reduces reliance on operator experience, and improves safety. It is applicable to electrically controlled outrigger cranes, requires no additional hardware, and is easy to promote. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a crane outrigger in the prior art; Figure 2 The circuit diagram of the outrigger operation safety control device in prior art 1; Figure 3 Flowchart of the outrigger operation safety control method in prior art 1; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the outrigger control system structure of prior art 2; Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the composition of the crane outrigger operation safety control system of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the crane outrigger operation safety control method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] The crane of this invention refers to a multi-action lifting machine that vertically lifts and horizontally moves heavy objects within a certain range, also known as a crane. Outriggers: Support devices installed on the crane frame, used to expand the crane's support area and ensure operational stability; they can be further divided into horizontal outriggers and vertical outriggers according to the direction of movement. Electronic level: Also known as a tilt sensor, a sensor used to detect the tilt angle of the crane body in the left-right and front-back directions; it outputs analog or bus signals to the controller for display, logic judgment, etc. Turntable: A platform installed between the crane chassis and the superstructure, with a rotation function.

[0024] The crane outrigger operation safety control system of the present invention includes a detection unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, and an execution unit.

[0025] The detection unit includes a turntable lock-up detection subunit, a turntable lock-up / unlock detection subunit, and a vehicle horizontal tilt angle detection subunit.

[0026] The turntable locking detection subunit is a locking detection switch installed on the turntable locking cylinder. When the turntable is locked, that is, when the turntable and the frame are locked together by the locking pin, the detection switch is in state 1. When the turntable locking pin is lifted, that is, when the turntable is disengaged from the frame, the detection switch is in state 0.

[0027] The turntable locking and unlocking detection subunit is an unlocking detection switch installed on the turntable locking cylinder. When the turntable locking pin is lifted, the detection switch is in state 1, and when the turntable is locked, the detection switch is in state 0.

[0028] The vehicle horizontal tilt angle detection subunit is an analog or bus-type electronic level used to measure the horizontal tilt angle of the crane body in four directions: left, right, front, and rear, and transmit the data to the arithmetic unit for logical judgment.

[0029] The control unit uses an outrigger control device; the outrigger control device is a wireless remote control or a wired button panel, which controls the extension and retraction of the outriggers and can provide turntable locking status and vehicle tilt angle alarm indication.

[0030] The processing unit uses a leg controller; the leg controller receives signals from the detection unit and the control unit, performs logical judgments, and outputs electrical signals to control the corresponding actions of the leg.

[0031] The actuator uses an outrigger extension solenoid valve assembly. The outrigger extension solenoid valve assembly receives electrical signals from the outrigger controller and executes the extension and retraction of the outriggers.

[0032] The crane outrigger operation safety control method of the present invention is such that the extension and retraction of the outrigger is limited by the state of the turntable locking signal. When the outrigger controller detects that the turntable locking signal is 0 or the turntable locking unlock signal is 1, it indicates that the upper turntable is not in the locked state. No matter how the outrigger control device is operated, the outrigger will not respond. When the outrigger controller detects that the turntable lock signal is 1 and the turntable lock unlock signal is 0, it indicates that the upper turntable is in a locked state and the vehicle can perform outrigger operation. Press the outrigger enable switch and operate the corresponding outrigger action button on the outrigger control device. The outrigger controller reads the vehicle's tilt angles in the left, right, front, and rear directions in real time. If any angle exceeds the preset value, the outrigger movement is restricted to the dangerous direction, and only the safe direction of outrigger movement is responded to. For example, if the left vertical outrigger extends too much, causing the vehicle to be higher on the left and lower on the right, and the vehicle's horizontal tilt angle exceeds the preset safe value, the left vertical outrigger can be retracted or the right vertical outrigger can be extended.

[0033] An indicator light for the turntable lock pin unlocking status is installed on the outrigger control device. When the turntable lock is locked (0) or unlocked (1), the turntable lock pin unlocking status indicator light flashes after the outrigger enable switch is energized, reminding the operator to lock the upper turntable before operating the outrigger.

[0034] An outrigger movement limit indicator light is installed on the outrigger control device. When the operation of the outrigger in a certain direction causes the vehicle's horizontal tilt angle to exceed the preset value, the indicator light flashes to remind the operator that the outrigger cannot continue to move in that dangerous direction.

[0035] This invention uses the turntable locking detection signal as a safety control condition. When the system detects that the turntable is not locked, the outriggers cannot be operated. The turntable locking status is determined by the combined use of turntable lock and unlock signals, ensuring accurate detection. The vehicle's horizontal tilt angle is monitored in real time during the outrigger extension and retraction process. A preset safety value for the tilt angle is established in the outrigger controller. When the vehicle's horizontal tilt angle exceeds the preset safety value, the outriggers are restricted from moving in the dangerous direction to prevent tipping. The outrigger operating device is equipped with a turntable lock pin unlock status indicator and an outrigger movement limit indicator to promptly alert the operator.

[0036] This invention introduces safety controls into outrigger operation, ensuring that the entire outrigger operation process is always safe and reliable, reducing reliance on operator experience and improving safety. It is applicable to electrically controlled outrigger cranes, requires no additional hardware, and is easy to implement.

Claims

1. A safety control system for operating crane outriggers, characterized in that: It includes a detection unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, and an execution unit; the detection unit includes a turntable lock-up detection subunit, a turntable lock-up / unlock detection subunit, and a vehicle horizontal tilt angle detection subunit; the control unit adopts an outrigger control device; the calculation unit adopts an outrigger controller; and the execution unit adopts an outrigger extension and retraction solenoid valve assembly.

2. The crane outrigger operation safety control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turntable locking detection subunit is a locking detection switch installed on the turntable locking cylinder. When the turntable is locked, that is, when the turntable and the frame are locked together by the locking pin, the detection switch is in state 1. When the turntable locking pin is lifted, that is, when the turntable is disengaged from the frame, the detection switch is in state 0.

3. The crane outrigger operation safety control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turntable locking and unlocking detection subunit is an unlocking detection switch installed on the turntable locking cylinder. When the turntable locking pin is lifted, the detection switch is in state 1, and when the turntable is locked, the detection switch is in state 0.

4. The crane outrigger operation safety control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle horizontal tilt angle detection subunit is an analog or bus-type electronic level, used to measure the horizontal tilt angle of the crane body in four directions: left, right, front, and rear, and transmit the data to the calculation unit for logical judgment.

5. The crane outrigger operation safety control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outrigger control device is a wireless remote control or a wired button panel, which controls the extension and retraction of the outrigger and can provide turntable locking status and vehicle tilt angle alarm indication.

6. The crane outrigger operation safety control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outrigger controller receives signals from the detection unit and the control unit, performs logical judgments, and outputs electrical signals to control the corresponding actions of the outrigger.

7. The crane outrigger operation safety control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outrigger extension and retraction solenoid valve assembly receives electrical signals from the outrigger controller and executes the outrigger extension and retraction actions.

8. A method for safe control of crane outrigger operation, characterized in that: The extension and retraction of the outriggers are limited by the turntable locking signal status. When the outrigger controller detects that the turntable locking signal is 0 or the turntable locking unlock signal is 1, it indicates that the upper turntable is not in a locked state. No matter how the outrigger control device is operated, the outriggers will not respond. When the outrigger controller detects that the turntable lock signal is 1 and the turntable lock unlock signal is 0, it indicates that the upper turntable is in a locked state and the vehicle can perform outrigger operation. Press the outrigger enable switch and operate the corresponding outrigger action button on the outrigger control device. The outrigger controller reads the vehicle's left, right, front, and rear tilt angles in real time. If any angle exceeds the preset value, the outrigger is restricted from moving in the dangerous direction and only responds to outrigger movements in the safe direction.

9. The crane outrigger operation safety control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: An indicator light for the turntable lock pin unlocking status is installed on the outrigger control device. When the turntable lock is locked (0) or unlocked (1), the turntable lock pin unlocking status indicator light flashes after the outrigger enable switch is energized, reminding the operator to lock the upper turntable before operating the outrigger.

10. The crane outrigger operation safety control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: An outrigger movement limit indicator light is installed on the outrigger control device. When the operation of the outrigger in a certain direction causes the vehicle's horizontal tilt angle to exceed the preset value, the indicator light flashes to remind the operator that the outrigger cannot continue to move in that dangerous direction.

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