Container crane

Abstract

Ship to shore container crane (1) comprising a rigid frame structure with a bridge frame (2) which has a left side beam (30), a right side beam (40), and a common center beam (50), parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end (15) and a land side end (16) of the bridge frame. The crane has a left transfer system (60) and a right transfer system (70), each for moving shipping containers between a ship (19) and a shore (20), wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system are both supported by the bridge frame and are positioned so close together that they are able to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel. The left transfer system and the right transfer system each comprise a seaside hoisting assembly (61, 71) for lifting and lowering a container above a vessel, and a shoreside hoisting assembly (62, 72) for lifting and lowering a container above the shore, e.g. a quay, wherein each hoisting assembly comprises a trolley track (63a, 63b, 73a, 73b), and a trolley (74, 75) supporting a hoisting winch (68, 78) and an associated hoisting wire (69, 79), and a spreader (102) supported by the hoisting wire; and a shuttle assembly (80, 90) for moving a container between the seaside hoisting assembly and the shoreside hoisting assembly.

Description

[0001] Title: container crane

[0002] The invention relates to a ship to shore container crane. This type of crane, also referred to as container gantry cranes, are used to load and unload container vessels. These container vessels are configured to support truck size international containers, typically a mix of 20-foot and 40-foot ISO-standard containers that are set up in bays, i.e. rows of containers, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vessel.

[0003] A ship to shore container crane typically comprises a rigid frame having a base frame, a bridge frame and a top frame.

[0004] The base frame is mobile, for example is mounted on tracks provided on a the quay, and supports the bridge frame and the top frame. Typically, the track runs parallel to the quay. Thus, the container crane can be positioned relative to a container bay of a vessel docked adjacent the quay, for loading containers onto and for unloading containers from the vessel.

[0005] The bridge frame is the part of the frame that supports a hoisting assembly. The hoisting assembly comprises a track mounted trolley with a hoisting winch and a hoisting wire, the hoisting wire supporting a spreader for engaging containers. With ship to shore container cranes the bridge frame extends on opposite sides of the base frame, having a seaside section on one side of the base frame, a shore side section on an opposite side of the base frame and a base section vertically above the base frame. The trolley of the hoisting assembly can move along the bridge frame between a position above the vessel and a position above the quay.

[0006] The top frame is mounted vertically above the base frame and above the bridge frame, preferably is mounted at the seaside of the base frame, and serves as an anchor point for stays supporting the bridge frame of the crane.

[0007] The bridge frame supports the track for the trolley. The bridge frame can be of a single beam design, or of a double beam design. The beams, or beam, of the bridge frame extend in a longitudinal direction of the bridge frame. A single beam design may comprise two or more longitudinal beams that are connected at regular intervals by crossbeams that extend between the longitudinal beams, thus in essence forming a single beam. With a double beam design, cross beams may be provided between the beams at the outer ends thereof, to provide the bridge frame with structural rigidity. The beams can for example be a steel plate box-type structure, a truss structure or a combination of a box-type structure and a truss structure. A single beam design allows for a single row of stays, while a double beam design requires at least one row of stays for each beam.

[0008] Furthermore, in the single beam design, the single beam supports both rails of the trolley track. In the double beam design each beam supports a rail of the trolley track. With a single beam design the trolley is supported below the beam, while with a double beam design the trolly may be supported on top of the beams.

[0009] Modern container vessels may hold 24.000 containers. To efficiently load and unload these vessels, multiple container cranes are set up on the quay adjacent a vessel. Each container crane is aligned with a container bay of the vessel to transfer containers from that bay to a vehicle on shore, and vice versa. The containers in a container vessel may be separated by guide frames, e.g. cell guides, for positioning the containers in place. However, the containers are always stacked closely adjacent to each other to allow for a maximum of containers to be transported by a vessel.

[0010] Due to their width, two container cranes cannot be positioned close enough together to work two container bays that are directly adjacent to each other. Typically, at least one container bay should be present between the two bays being worked by two adjacent container cranes. To circumvent this problem, it has been proposed to combine multiple bridge frames in a single container crane. See for example W02009118637 and CN1850575. However, this requires relatively narrow bridge frames. Therefore, in the prior art typically use is made of the single beam design, with the trolley supported below the beam, and the beams having a width much more narrow than the length of the containers to be supported by the trolleys.

[0011] In order to enable a fast turnaround time for the container vessel, it is necessary that the container cranes can work at a high capacity, i.e. can move many containers in a limited amount of time, and / or can work the bays of the vessel efficiently, i.e. do not have to wait for other cranes to be moved for working on an adjacent bay.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a ship to shore container crane with an improved capacity, i.e. that enables faster loading and unloading of a container vessel, so that the container vessel can be released as soon as possible. It is a further object of the invention provide a ship to shore container crane that can efficiently operate on two adjacent container bays of a vessel, preferably at least one of the container bays comprising 40 ft containers. Therefore the invention provides a ship to shore container crane according to claim 1 . A container crane according to the invention comprises a left transfer system and a right transfer system, the left transfer system and the right transfer system each comprising a seaside hoisting assembly, a shoreside hoisting assembly, and a shuttle assembly, the left transfer system and the right transfer system sharing the center beam of the bridge frame.

[0013] Providing each transfer system with a shuttle assembly for moving containers between the seaside hoisting assembly and the a shore side hoisting assembly provides the container crane with an increased capacity. Due to this configuration, for example the seaside hoisting assembly does not have to carry a lifted container to shore, lower the container onto a vehicle and return to a position above the vessel before it can lift another container from the vessel. Once the seaside hoisting assembly has lowered a container onto the shuttle it can start with unloading another container from the vessel. In the same manner, the shoreside hoisting assembly is directed solely to transferring containers between the shuttle and for example a vehicle on the quay. Therefore, this configuration with a seaside hoisting assembly, a shuttle assembly and a shore side hoisting assembly increases the capacity of the crane compared to known cranes that have a single hoisting assembly.

[0014] Also, by providing a shuttle that moves the containers form the seaside hoisting assembly to the shoreside hoisting assembly, the trolleys can stay stationary. For example, the trolley of the seaside hoisting assembly lifts a container from a vessel. After the shuttle is parked below the trolley, the container is lowered onto the shuttle, and the shuttle is moved towards the shoreside hoisting assembly. Once the shuttle has moved away from below the trolley, the trolley can lift a second container, stacked below the previous container. Because the trolley has not been moved, it does not need to be positioned correctly for engaging the second container.

[0015] Furthermore, a container crane according to the invention comprises a bridge frame supporting a left transfer system and a right transfer system, the left transfer system and the right transfer system sharing the center beam of the bridge frame. By providing the bridge frame with a center beam that is shared by the left transfer system and the right transfer system, essentially two double beam designs are integrated. Thus, the tracks of the left transfer system and the right transfer system can be positioned closely adjacent to each other, while the trolley tracks can be mounted on top of the longitudinal beams of the bridge frame, with their hoisting wires extending downward between the beams, and the shuttle tracks can be mounted below the bridge frame in a position for supporting at least part of the containers between the beams of the bridge frame.

[0016] In an embodiment, the center beam cross section has a wide, preferably box shaped, top section and a narrow bottom section. The wide top section provides the bridge frame with structural rigidity, in particular in the horizontal plane, and the narrow bottom section allows for positioning the shuttle track of the left transfer system and the shuttle track of the right transfer system, and thus for the left transfer system and the right transfer system, to be positioned closely adjacent to each other, while allowing for the shuttle to support a container at least partially between the longitudinal beams of the bridge frame. This allows for a compact configuration of the transfer systems, with the shuttle tracks positioned closely below the trolley tracks mounted on top of the beams of the bridge frame.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the center beam cross section has a wide, box shaped, top section that supports a rail or rails of the trolley track or trolley tracks of the left transfer system and a rail or rails of the trolley track or trolley tracks of the right transfer system and has a narrow bottom section that supports a rail of the shuttle track of the left transfer system and a rail of the trolley track of the right transfer system.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the wide, box shaped top section of the center beam has a rectangular shape, and the bottom section has a triangular or trapezium shape. In a further embodiment, the wide, box shaped top section of the center beam has a rectangular shape, the bottom section has a triangular or trapezium shape, and the cross beam as a trapezium shaped midsection that connects the box shaped top section with the triangular or trapezium shaped bottom section. The mid section thus forms an intermediate between the top section and the bottom section.

[0019] In an embodiment, the top section is a hollow box frame, and the bottom section is an open truss frame. In an embodiment, the truss frame may comprise triangular or trapezoidal plates having a base that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the beams of the bridge frame.

[0020] Thus, in an embodiment, the invention provides a container crane that comprises a bridge frame, wherein the bridge frame has a left side beam, a right side beam, and a common center beam, parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame wherein the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame have a same height, and have a same vertical position relative to the center beam of the bridge frame, and wherein the center beam of the bridge frame has a cross section that has a wide, preferably box shaped, top section and a narrow bottom section.

[0021] Providing a bridge frame with a shared center beam having a wide top section and a narrow bottom section allows for a rigid bridge frame that supports two transfer systems closely adjacent to each other. This configuration of the bridge frame and transfer systems provides the three beam bridge frame with an improved rigidity while it at the same time allows for the transfer systems to be positioned close enough to enable them to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel. The wide top section of the center beam provides the bridge frame with structural rigidity, in particular in the horizontal plane, and thus provides a bridge frame that is able to cope with strong cross winds. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom section of the center beam comprises a truss frame, to further improve the resistance against cross winds. Thus, the invention provides a rigid bridge frame that allows for a container crane with an increased capacity.

[0022] In an embodiment, the center beam has a height that is largerthan the height of each of the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame, and the left transfer system and the right transfer system are so close together that they are able to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel.

[0023] Providing a bridge frame that on three beams supports two transfer systems closely adjacent to each other, the transfer systems sharing the main beam that has a height that is larger than the height of the two side beams of the bridge frame, provides the container crane with an increased efficiency.

[0024] The configuration of the bridge frame and transfer systems according to the invention provides the three beam bridge frame with an improved rigidity while it at the same time allows for the transfer systems to be positioned close enough to enable them to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel. The improved structural rigidity of the bridge frame prevents the actions of one transfer system, for example lifting a container using the seaside hosting assembly, or moving a container using the shuttle assembly, from being transferred to the other assembly, for example via bending or oscillating of the shared center beam, to an extend that may hamper the actions of the other transfer system, for example because it is not possible to accurately position a spreader frame on top of a container. This furthermore allows for hoisting and shuttling the containers with relatively high hoisting speeds and / or high shuttle speeds. These problems do not arise with prior art cranes, that are provided with multiple bridge frames, each bridge frame supporting a single transfer system. In the prior art the transfer systems are isolated from each other and the actions of one transfer system do not influence the actions of the other transfer system.

[0025] Thus, the invention provides a container crane that has an improved capacity in combination with an improved efficiency compared to known container cranes.

[0026] In an embodiment according to the invention, the trolley track of the seaside hoisting assembly is an extension of the trolley track of the shoreside hoisting assembly and vice versa. In such an embodiment, the seaside hoisting assembly and the shoreside hoisting assembly share a single trolley track, the shared trolley track extending from the seaside end of the bridge frame to the shoreside end of the bridge frame. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the trolley of the seaside hoising assembly can be positioned above the quay and the trolley of the shoreside hoisting assembly can be positioned above the vessel. Such an embodiment allows for each of the trollies to transport a container between the shore and the vessel, without using the shuttle track.

[0027] In an embodiment, a ship to shore container crane according to the invention comprises:

[0028] - a rigid frame structure having a seaside and a land side, the rigid frame structure comprising:

[0029] - a base frame, configured to be moveable supported on a quay, wherein the base frame comprises at least four legs, extending between a bottom end and a top end of the base frame;

[0030] - a bridge frame supported on the base frame, the bridge frame extending relative to the base frame in a horizontal direction on the seaside and the land side of the base frame, the bridge frame having a sea section at the seaside of the base frame, a base section vertically above the base frame, and a land section at the landside of the base frame, wherein the bridge frame has a left side beam, a right side beam, and a common center beam, parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame;

[0031] - a top frame, vertically above the base frame and above the bridge frame, preferably at the seaside of the base frame, wherein the top frame comprises a horizontal roof beam, a left side vertical support beam, a right side vertical support beam, and a center vertical support beam, the latter extending between the roof beam and the center beam of the bridge frame;

[0032] - multiple stays, extending between the top frame and the bridge frame; and

[0033] - a left transfer system and a right transfer system, each for moving shipping containers between a ship and a shore, wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system are both supported by the bridge frame and are positioned so close together that they are able to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel, wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system each comprise: - a seaside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above a vessel, and a shoreside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above the shore, wherein each hoisting assembly comprises:

[0034] - a trolley track, the trolley track having an inside guide rail mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame; and

[0035] - a trolley, wherein the trolley is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the trolley track, the trolley supporting a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire, and a spreader supported by the hoisting wire; and

[0036] - a shuttle assembly for moving a container between the seaside hoisting assembly and the shoreside hoisting assembly, wherein each shuttle assembly comprises:

[0037] - a shuttle track, the shuttle track having an inside guide rail mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame; and

[0038] - a shuttle, wherein the shuttle is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the shuttle track, the shuttle comprising a container support platform, wherein the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame have a same height, and have a same vertical position relative to the center beam of the bridge frame, and wherein the center beam of the bridge frame has a height that is larger than the height each of the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame.

[0039] It is submitted that providing the bridge frame with a center beam that has a height that is larger than the height each of the left side beam and the right side beam and that is shared by two transfer systems, allows for the bridge frame to support the trolleys and shuttles of the two transfer systems in a way that allows for the transfer systems to operate independently from each other while still being close enough together to enable the transfer systems to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel.

[0040] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame are spaced relative to the center beam such that a 40 ft container can be supported by the left transfer system and the right transfer system between respectively the left side beam and the center beam and between the right side beam and the centre beam with a longitudinal axis of the container extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the center beam of the bridge frame.

[0041] Providing a container crane with a bridge frame according to the invention enables for the shuttle assembly to support, and thus transfer, the containers at least partially between the beams of the bridge frame, and thus to keep the center of gravity of the container in a vertical direction close to the center of gravity of the bridge frame, while at the same time keeping the distance between the spreader of the hoisting assemblies and the shuttle small. Positioning the center of gravity of the shuttle is beneficial because to allows for a simple and light shuttle that can still be accelerated quickly when supporting a container.

[0042] A shuttle that supports a container below the beams of the bridge frame, requires a frame that bridges the distance between the shuttle track and the shuttle supporting the container. This results in a heavy shuttle. The frame also has to tolerate bending forces caused by accelerating and slowing down the shuttle, in particular when the shuttle supports a container. This further increases the mass of the shuttle and in turn makes it harder to quickly accelerate and decelerate the shuttle, in particular when the shuttle supports a container. Thus, providing a bridge frame that enables containers to be supported by the shuttle at least partially between the beams, allows for a relatively quick transport of the container by the shuttle between the seaside hoisting assembly and the shoreside hoisting assembly.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the shuttle of the shuttle assemblies and / orthe trollies of the hoisting assemblies, preferably with the spreader of the hoisting assemblies in a fully raised position, are configured to support a container at least partially between the beams of the bridge frame.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the shuttle of the shuttle assemblies and / or the trollies of the hoisting assemblies, each comprise a symmetrical gantry. I such an embodiment, the inside rails and the outside rails of the respective tracks are level with each other, and the gantries have legs on opposite sides that are of the same length. In a further embodiment, the shuttles comprise a platform for supporting a container, which platform is supported below the bridge frame, i.e. below the bottom surfaces of the beams of the bridge frame, and a container that is supported on a shuttle is supported partially between the beams of the bridge frame.

[0045] A container crane with a bridge frame according to the invention enables for the hoisting assemblies, preferably with the spreader in a fully raised position, to support a containers at least partially between the beams of the bridge frame. Such a configuration allows for the shuttle to be parked below the container supported by the hoisting assembly, and for the container to be lowered onto the shuttle, while the length of the hoisting wire extending between the trolley and the spreader is limited and therefore the lateral movement of the spreader and container relative to the trolley are limited, i.e. any swing of the container supported by the hoisting assembly is reduced or even prevented. Thus the container can be landed on, or lifted from, the shuttle quickly and with precision.

[0046] In an embodiment, for each transfer system the shuttle tracks extend below, preferably extend along the entire length of, the trolley tracks of the seaside hoisting assembly and / or the trolley tracks of the shoreside hoisting assembly, such that for each transfer system the shuttle can be parked under the shuttle can be parked under the trolley of the seaside hoisting assembly and / or the shoreside hoisting assembly without the seaside hoisting assembly and / or the shoreside hoisting assembly having to be moved along the respective trolley track.

[0047] It is preferred to position the shuttle below a container supported by a hoisting assembly by moving only the shuttle, and thus without moving the trolley because the trolley can be of a simple and therefore light design compared to the trolleys supporting a hoisting winch and spreader. Thus, it costs less energy to move the shuttle, and the shuttle can be moved relatively quickly and with high precision, compared to the trolleys. Therefore, such a configuration allows for a quick transfer of a container from the seaside hoisting assembly and the shoreside hoisting assembly or vice versa.

[0048] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the left side beam, the center beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame each have a hight and a width, and the left side beam, the center beam, and the right side beam have the same height; the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame have the same width, and wherein the width of the left side beam and the right side beam is larger, for example is at least 15% larger, than the width of the center beam of the bridge frame, and preferably, the left side beam, the center beam and the right side beam have the same vertical position relative to each other.

[0049] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, for each of the transfer systems the trolley tracks of the hoisting assemblies are positioned above the shuttle tracks of the shuttle assemblies. Thus, the shuttles can be kept compact, and therefore light, and can be parked below a container supported by the seaside hoisting assembly or by the shore side hoisting assembly.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the trolley tracks are positioned above the shuttle tracks and are spaced relative to the shuttle tracks, and the trolleys and or shuttles are dimensioned such that the spreaders of the trolleys can support a shipping container above, and lower the shipping container onto, the shuttle of the shuttle track.

[0051] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the bridge frame has and end beam at the seaside end and / or has an end beam at the shoreside end, and the end beams are, or the end beam is, connected to an end of the left side beam, the center beam and the right side beam. In such an embodiment, the end beam, preferably the end beams, in combination with the left side beam and the right side beam form a perimeter of the bridge frame, and the end beams provide the bridge frame with further rigidity. In a further preferred embodiment, the end beam has, or end beams each have, a height that is similar to, preferably is identical to, the height of the left side beam and the right side beam.

[0052] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, for the left transfer system and for the right transfer system the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks are mounted to the centre beam at a vertical position and the outside guide rails of the trolley tracks are mounted to the outside beam at a vertical position, wherein the vertical position of the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks differs from the vertical position of the outside guide rails of the trolley tracks. In such an embodiment, for example, the inside guide rails are mounted on top of the center beam, and the outside guide rails are mounted on top of the center beam, and a lower end of the side beams is level with a lower end of the center beam.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the trolleys of the transfer systems each comprise an asymmetrical gantry, the asymmetrical gantry having a long leg that is supported by a lower guide rail of the trolley track and a short leg that is supported by the high guide rail of the trolley track, and wherein the length of the legs for each trolley is such that they support a bridge, the bridge connecting the two legs, in a horizontal position.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the vertical height of the inside and outside rails of the trolley track is similar, i.e. the inside and outside rails of the trolley tracks are level, and the trollies do not have any legs or have legs of similar length at their opposite ends.

[0055] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, for the left transfer system and for the right transfer system the inside guide rail of the shuttle track is mounted to the centre beam at a vertical position and the outside guide rail of the shuttle tracks is mounted at a vertical position to the outside beam, wherein the vertical position of the inside guide rail of the shuttle track differs from the vertical position of the outside guide rail of the shuttle track.

[0056] In a further embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the shuttles each comprise an asymmetrical gantry, the asymmetrical gantry having a long leg that is supported by a higher guide rail of the trolley track and a short leg that is supported by the lower guide rail of the trolley track, and wherein the length of the legs for each shuttle is such that they support a bridge, the bridge connecting the two legs, in a horizontal position.

[0057] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system and the right transfer system are mounted at the top end of the center beam of the bridge frame.

[0058] In a further embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system and the right transfer system are mounted on top of the center beam of the bridge frame, preferably are mounted on top of the center beam and are aligned with a left side wall and a right side wall of the center beam respectively. Thus, in such an embodiment, the load forces transferred from the trolleys to the beam are transferred, in a vertical direction, onto the side walls of the center beam.

[0059] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the outside guide rails of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system and the right transfer system are mounted at the top end of the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame respectively.

[0060] In a further embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the outside guide rails of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system and of the right transfer system are mounted on top of the left side beam or the right side beam of the bridge frame respectively, preferably are mounted on top of the left side beam or the right side beam and are aligned with a side wall of the left side beam and the right side beam respectively.

[0061] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the inside guide rail of the shuttle track of the left transfer system and of the right transfer system is mounted at the bottom end of the center beam of the bridge frame.

[0062] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the outside guide rail of the shuttle track of the left transfer system and of the right transfer system is mounted at the bottom end of the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame respectively.

[0063] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, a bottom end of the center beam is level with a bottom end of the left side beam and with a bottom end of the right side beam.

[0064] Preferably, in such an embodiment, the bottom ends of the beams of the bridge frame define the bottom end of the bridge frame. In a further embodiment, the bridge frame comprises an end beam at the sea end and an end beam at the shore end, and these end beams have a bottom end that is also level with the bottom end of the center beam.

[0065] In a further embodiment, the rails of the shuttle track are mounted at the bottom end of the left side beam, the right side beam and the center beam, and preferably are level with each other. In a further embodiment, the shuttles are dimensioned such that they are level with, or are above the shuttle tracks. In such an embodiment, the shuttles do not extend below the bottom surface of the bridge frame, and the containers are shuttled above the bottom end of the bridge frame. Thus, the bridge frame does not have to be positioned at an additional height to allow for enough space below the sea section of the bridge frame to allow a vessel to safely pas below the bridge frame, and therefore allows for a lower, and therefore lighter, base frame, and thus for a lighter rigid frame of the container crane. A light rigid frame is beneficial because it requires less effort to move it along the quay.

[0066] Also, because in such a configuration the containers are shuttled above the bottom end of the bridge frame, the base frame can have one or more cross beams or joists up to or just below the bridge frame, because there is no space needed between the top ends of the legs of the base frame to allow for containers to be transferred from the seaside section of the bridge frame to the base section of the bridge frame and / orthe shore side of the bridge frame.

[0067] In an embodiment, the inside rails of the trolley tracks are mounted against an inside surface of the center beam and the inside rails of the shuttle track are mounted against the bottom surface of the center beam, and the outside rails of the trolley tracks and the shuttle tracks are mounted against an inside surface of the left side and right side beams. In such an embodiment preferably the rails of the shuttle tracks are level with each other, and the rails of the trolley tracks are level with each other.

[0068] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, each transfer system comprises a cable system for pulling the shuttle along the shuttle track, the cable system comprising at least one shuttle winch and an associated shuttle wire. By providing the shuttle assembly with a cable system for moving the shuttle along the shuttle track, the winch for moving the shuttle can be mounted on the bridge frame. By mounting the drive for the shuttle on the bridge frame instead of on the shuttle, the shuttle can be kept light and compact. Preferably, the cable, or cables for puling the shuttle along the shuttle track are mounted along the side, or the sides, of the shuttle track, such that the area between the rails of the shuttle track is free from cables, to allow for containers to be lifted and lowered between the rails of the track.

[0069] In a further embodiment, the cable system is provided on one side of the shuttle track only, and the cable of the wire for pulling the shuttle extends along the center beam. In such an embodiment, the container crane comprises two cable systems, on for the left transfer assembly and one for the right transfer assembly, both having one or more cables for puling the respective shuttles, which cables extend along the centre beam.

[0070] In a further embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the cable system comprises a winch at each end of the shuttle track such that there is always a direct wire between the winch and the shuttle for pulling the shuttle. In such an embodiment, a seaside winch is mounted at the seaside end of the shuttle track, to pull the shuttle towards the seaside end of the shuttle track and towards a parking position below the seaside hoisting assembly, and a shoreside winch is mounted at a shoreside end of the shuttle track, to pull the shuttle towards the shoreside end of the shuttle track and towards a parking position below the shore side hoisting assembly. In such an embodiment, the cable wire pulling the shuttle has a length that is not substantially longer than the length of the shuttle track. Keeping the length of the cable wire pulling the shuttle limited is beneficial because the total elongation of the wire when loaded is kept minimal as well. This facilitates quickly pulling the shuttle, more in particular quickly accelerating the shuttle, when loaded with a container. When long cable wires are sued for quickly pulling a loaded shuttle, the may act as a spring, which makes it more difficult to control the position and acceleration of the shuttle

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, a winch is mounted at one end of the shuttle track and the cable wire is looped, i.e. is guided back to the winch via one or more sheeves at an opposite end of the shuttle track, so the sinch is able to pull the shuttle in a direction away from the winch. In this embodiment, the winch is used for pulling the shuttle towards a seaside end of the shuttle track and for pulling the shuttle towards a shoreside end of the shuttle track. In certain conditions the cable wire pulling the shuttle has a length of twice the shuttle track.

[0072] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the seaside hoisting assembly each have a trolley track that covers at least part of the seaside section of the bridge frame and optionally part of the base section of the base frame.

[0073] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the shoreside hoisting assembly each have a trolley track that covers at least part of the shoreside section of the bridge frame and optionally part of the base section of the base frame.

[0074] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, for each transfer system the shuttle track extends from vertically below the trolley track of the seaside hoisting assembly to vertically below the trolley track of the shoreside hoisting assembly, and the shuttle can be parked below the trolley of the shore side hoisting assembly and can be parked below the trolley of the seaside hoisting assembly for receiving a container. In a further embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, for each transfer system the seaside hoisting assembly is located on a seaside of the top frame and the shoreside hoisting assembly is located on the shoreside of the top frame. Thus, the trolley tracks of the hoisting assemblies do no pass the top frame, which preferably is mounted at a seaside end of the base frame.

[0075] In a further embodiment, the top frame comprises a horizontal base beam, that preferably is parallel to the roof beam of the top frame, and the base beam comprises two sections, one section that is with one end connected to the flank of the center beam and with an opposite end to the left side beam, and one section that is with one end connected to an opposite flank of the center beam and with an opposite end to the right side beam, and wherein the two sections are aligned with each other and have a similar cross section. Thus, the sections of the horizontal base beam act as spacers for positioning the main beam relative to the left side beam and the right side beam. Furthermore, the rigidity of the top frame is used to fix the position of the center beam relative to the left side beam and the right side beam.

[0076] In a further embodiment, for each transfer system the shuttle track passes vertically below the base beam, and the space between the shuttle and the base beam is sufficient for the trolley to transfer a container from one side of the base beam to an opposite side of the base beam.

[0077] In an embodiment, the base beam provides the only cross connection between the left side beam, the center beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame, except for a possible seaside end beam and / or a shoreside end beam respectively connecting the seaside ends and the shore side ends of the left side beam, the center beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame.

[0078] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the center beam of the bridge frame is suspended from the top frame, and is not directly supported by the base frame. In such an embodiment, preferably a vertical beam extends between the top frame and the center beam.

[0079] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the base frame is provided with an energy storage system, which energy storage system comprises a weight for storage of energy, e.g. energy in the form of potential or kinetic energy, and a winch for lifting and lowering the weight, and wherein the energy storage system is located on shore side of the base frame, preferably on one of the legs of the base frame positioned farthest away from the seaside so that the weight of the energy storage system serves as a counterweight of the crane. Thus, the stability of the crane is improved by the energy storage system. Preferably, a vertical guide track for guiding the weight of the energy storage system is mounted along a leg of the base frame. The energy generated by the hoisting systems, when lowering a container can be harvested by, and be stored in, the energy storage system . The stored energy may for example be used for driving the shuttles.

[0080] In a further embodiment, the crane comprises two energy storage systems, one for each transfer system, both provided on the shore side of the base frame, preferably each on a leg of the base frame.

[0081] In a further embodiment, each energy storage system is coupled to both the seaside and shore side hoisting assembly of the respective transfer system. Thus, the energy generated by the hoisting systems when lowering a container can be harvested and stored.

[0082] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the base frame is provided with a buffer unit, for buffering multiple containers provided by the shore side hoisting assemblies, and for lowering these containers onto a vehicle, e.g. a trailers towed by a prime-mover or tractor, positioned below the buffer station.

[0083] In a further embodiment, the buffer unit comprises a frame that provides for each transfer system multiple buffer locations for each supporting a container, preferably up to 4 or more buffer locations for each transfer system.

[0084] In a further embodiment, the buffer is provided with a lift system for each buffer location for lowering a container from the buffer location onto a vehicle parked below the buffer location and / or for lifting a container from a vehicle parked below the buffer location into a the buffer location.

[0085] The inventio furthermore provides a method for moving containers between a container vessel and a quay, using a container crane according to the invention, wherein the method comprises:

[0086] - lifting a container out of, or lowering a container into, a first bay of the container vessel using the hoisting assembly of the left transfer system, while

[0087] - lifting a container out of, or lowering a container into, a second bay of the container vessel using the hoisting assembly of the right transfer system, wherein the first bay is located adjacent the second bay.

[0088] The invention furthermore provides a ship to shore container crane, the container crane comprising:

[0089] - a rigid frame structure having a seaside and a land side, the rigid frame structure comprising:

[0090] - a base frame, configured to be moveable supported on a quay, wherein the base frame comprises legs, extending between a bottom end and a top end of the base frame;

[0091] - a bridge frame supported on the base frame, the bridge frame extending relative to the base frame in a horizontal direction on the seaside and the land side of the base frame, the bridge frame having a sea section at the seaside of the base frame, a base section vertically above the base frame, and a land section at the landside of the base frame; and wherein the bridge frame has a left side beam, a right side beam, and a common center beam, parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame; wherein the left side beam and the right side beam have a same height, and have a same vertical position relative to the center beam of the bridge frame, wherein the center beam has a height that is larger than the height of each of the left side beam and the right side beam, and wherein the center beam has a top end that is above a top end of the left side beam and above a top end of the right side beam, and preferably the center beam has a bottom end that is level with a bottom end of the left side beam and a bottom end of the right side beam,

[0092] - a left transfer system and a right transfer system, each for moving shipping containers between a ship and a shore, wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system are both supported by the bridge frame and are positioned so close together that they are able to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel, wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system each comprise:

[0093] - a seaside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above a vessel, and a shoreside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above the shore, e.g. a quay, wherein each hoisting assembly comprises:

[0094] - a trolley track, the trolley track having an inside guide rail mounted on top of the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail mounted on top of the left side beam or on top of the right side beam of the bridge frame; and

[0095] - a trolley, comprising an asymmetrical gantry having a long leg that is supported by the outside guide rail of the trolley track, i.e. the rail mounted on the left side beam or the right side beam, and a short leg that is supported by the inside guide rail of the trolley track, i.e. the rail mounted on the center beam, and wherein the length of the legs is such that they support a bridge, the bridge connecting the two legs, in a horizontal position, the bridge supporting a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire, and a spreader supported by the hoisting wire; and

[0096] - a shuttle assembly for moving a container between the seaside hoisting assembly and the shoreside hoisting assembly, wherein each shuttle assembly comprises:

[0097] - a shuttle track, the shuttle track having an inside guide rail mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame; and

[0098] - a shuttle, wherein the shuttle is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the shuttle track, the shuttle comprising a container support platform, wherein the shuttle track is enables allows for the shuttle to be parked in a position below the trollies of the respective hoisting assemblies to enable the hoisting assemblies to lower a container onto, or lift a container from, the shuttle.

[0099] In such an embodiment, the trolley tracks are stepped tracks, i.e. the inside rail of the track is positioned above the outside rail of the track. The height difference between the rails is compensated for by providing the trolley with an asymmetrical gantry, thus allowing for the top end, i.e. the top side, of the center beam to be located above the top end, i.e. the top side, of the left side beam and the right side beam, and thus allowing for the transfer systems to be positioned so close together that they are able to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel.

[0100] Preferably the center beam has a bottom end that is level with a bottom end of the left side beam and a bottom end of the right side beam, and the rails of the shuttle tracks are level, i.e. the shuttle tracks are not stepped tracks.

[0101] In an embodiment, the height of the center beam of the bridge frame is such that, when the inner rail of the trolley frames is mounted on top of the center beam and the inner rail of the shuttle track is mounted at the bottom end of the center beam, the space between these two rails allows for a shuttle with a container, which shuttle is substantially level with the inner rial of the shuttle track, to move below the trolley of a hoisting assembly, which trolly has a bridge that is substantially level with inside rail of the trolley track.

[0102] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the beams of the bridge frame have a similar width. In a further embodiment, the rigid frame of the container crane further comprises a top frame, vertically above the base frame and above the bridge frame, preferably at the seaside of the base frame. The top frame comprises a horizontal roof beam, a left side vertical support beam, a right side vertical support beam, and a center vertical support beam, the latter extending between the roof beam and the center beam of the bridge frame. The rigid frame may further comprise multiple stays, extending between the top frame and the bridge frame.

[0103] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, for each transfer system the track of the seaside hoisting assembly is level with the track of the shore side hoisting assembly, and a left cross beam extends between the center beam and the left side beam and a right cross beam extends between the center beam and the right side beam, wherein the left cross beam and the right cross beam are level with track of the seaside hoisting assembly and the track of the shore side hoisting assembly of the left transfer system and the right transfer assembly respectively. Thus in such an embodiment, the track of the seaside hoisting assembly and the track of the shore side hoisting assembly only extend along a section of the bridge frame.

[0104] In an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the rigid frame of the container crane further comprises a top frame, vertically above the base frame and above the bridge frame, preferably at the seaside of the base frame. The top frame comprises a horizontal roof beam, a left side vertical support beam, a right side vertical support beam, and a center vertical support beam, the latter extending between the roof beam and the center beam of the bridge frame. The rigid frame may further comprise multiple stays, extending between the top frame and the bridge frame.

[0105] In an embodiment, the transfer systems of a container crane according to the invention comprise a stationary shore side hoisting assembly, i.e. a hoisting assembly without a trolley and a trolley track. I such an embodiment the shuttle assembly is configured for parking the shuttle below the stationary hoisting assembly to enable the shore side hoisting assembly to lower a container onto, or lift a container from, the shuttle.

[0106] In an embodiment, the top frame is effectively an upwards extension of a seaside frame section of the base frame, for example the base frame comprises two corner legs at the seaside side thereof, and the left side vertical support beam and the right the side vertical support beam of the top frame form a vertical extension of said left and right corner legs respectively. It is submitted that when herein is referred to a top end, or to a bottom end, of the left side beam, of the right side beam or of the center beam, this refers to the top side or down side of the respective beam, i.e. this refers to the surface of the respective beam that faces upwards or downwards.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the rails of the trolley tracks are mounted on the top side, i.e. on the top surface, of the beams, i.e. the left side beam, the center beam and the right side beam, of the bridge frame. In such an embodiment, the trolleys of the hoisting assemblies run along the top side of the bridge frame, on top of the beams of the bridge frame.

[0108] Furthermore, when herein is referred to left or right of the crane, e.g. to the left transfer assembly or the right side beam, left and right is seen from a position facing the sea and with a back towards the shore.

[0109] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a ship to shore container crane comprising a bridge frame supporting a left transfer system and a right transfer system, the left transfer system and the right transfer system sharing the center beam of the bridge frame. According to this aspect of the invention, the ship to shore container crane comprises:

[0110] - a rigid frame structure having a seaside and a land side, the rigid frame structure comprising:

[0111] - a base frame, configured to be moveable supported on a quay, wherein the base frame comprises at least four legs, extending between a bottom end and a top end of the base frame;

[0112] - a bridge frame supported on the base frame, the bridge frame extending relative to the base frame in a horizontal direction on the seaside and the land side of the base frame, the bridge frame having a sea section at the seaside of the base frame, a base section vertically above the base frame, and a land section at the landside of the base frame, wherein the bridge frame has a left side beam, a right side beam, and a common center beam, parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame;

[0113] - a top frame, vertically above the base frame and above the bridge frame, preferably at the seaside of the base frame, wherein the top frame comprises a horizontal roof beam, a left side vertical support beam, a right side vertical support beam, and a center vertical support beam, the latter extending between the roof beam and the center beam of the bridge frame; and

[0114] - multiple stays, extending between the top frame and the bridge frame; and

[0115] - a left transfer system and a right transfer system, each for moving shipping containers between a ship and a shore, wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system are both supported by the bridge frame and are positioned so close together that they are able to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel, wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system each comprise:

[0116] - a hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above a vessel and for lifting and lowering a container above the shore, e.g. a quay, wherein the hoisting assembly comprises:

[0117] - a trolley track, the trolley track having an inside guide rail mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame; and

[0118] - a trolley, wherein the trolley is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the trolley track, the trolley supporting a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire, and a spreader supported by the hoisting wire, wherein the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame have a same height, and have a same vertical position relative to the center beam of the bridge frame, and preferably wherein the center beam of the bridge frame has a height that is larger than the height each of the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame and / or wherein the center beam cross section has a wide, preferably box shaped, top section and a narrow bottom section.

[0119] In this embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, each transfer system comprises a single trolley track, the trolley track extending along the length of the bridge frame, an no shuttle track.

[0120] According to the invention, the container crane comprises a bridge frame, wherein the bridge frame has a left side beam, a right side beam, and a common center beam, parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame. By providing the bridge frame with a center beam that is shared by the left transfer system and the right transfer system, essentially two double beam designs are integrated. Thus, the trolley tracks of the left transfer system and the right transfer system can be positioned closely adjacent to each other.

[0121] The three beam configuration, with the bridge frame having a shared center beam, according to the invention provides a frame that has structural rigidity and at the same allows for the transfer systems to be positioned close enough to enable them to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel.

[0122] Furthermore, three beam configuration of the bridge frame in combination with the top frame according to the invention allows for the trolley tracks to be mounted on top of the longitudinal beams of the bridge frame, with their hoisting wires extending downward between the beams. The bridge frame according to the invention is therefore in particular beneficial when used in combination with transfer systems that each comprise a seaside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above a vessel, a shoreside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above the shore, and a shuttle assembly for moving a container between the seaside hoisting assembly and the shoreside hoisting assembly.

[0123] In an embodiment, the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame have a same height, and have a same vertical position relative to the center beam of the bridge frame, and wherein the center beam of the bridge frame has a cross section that has a wide, preferably box shaped, top section and a narrow bottom section.

[0124] In an embodiment, the center beam cross section is a wide, preferably box shaped i.e. the center beam is a box type structure. In such an embodiment, the wide top section provides the bridge frame with structural rigidity, in particular in the horizontal plane.

[0125] The beams of the bridge frame can for example be a steel plate box-type structure, a truss structure or a combination of a box-type structure and a truss structure.

[0126] In an embodiment, the center beam cross section is box shaped, i.e. the centre beam is a box-type structure. In another embodiment, the center beam cross section has a wide, box shaped, top section and a narrow bottom section. In this embodiment, the centre beam is a box-type structure having a wide top section and a narrow bottom section. In a further embodiment, the wide, box shaped top section of the center beam may have a rectangular shape, and the bottom section a triangular or trapezium shape.

[0127] It is submitted that a bridge frame according to the invention comprising box type beams is in particular suitable for supporting trolley tracks on top of the longitudinal beams of the bridge frame. According to yet a further aspect, the invention provides a container crane, preferably a container crane comprising a bridge frame according to the invention, wherein the crane comprises a base frame that is provided with an energy storage system, which energy storage system comprises a weight for storage of energy, e.g. energy in the form of potential or kinetic energy, and a winch for lifting and lowering the weight, and wherein the energy storage system is located on a shore side of the base frame, preferably on one of the legs of the base frame positioned farthest away from the seaside so that the weight of the energy storage system serves as a counterweight of the crane.

[0128] In an embodiment the container crane is a ship to shore container crane, the container crane comprising:

[0129] - a rigid frame structure having a seaside and a land side, the rigid frame structure comprising:

[0130] - a base frame, configured to be moveable supported on a quay, wherein the base frame comprises at least four legs, extending between a bottom end and a top end of the base frame;

[0131] - a bridge frame supported on the base frame, the bridge frame extending relative to the base frame in a horizontal direction on the seaside and the land side of the base frame, the bridge frame having a sea section at the seaside of the base frame, a base section vertically above the base frame, and a land section at the landside of the base frame, wherein the bridge frame has a left side beam, a right side beam, and preferably has a common center beam, parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame , and wherein the base frame is provided with an energy storage system, which energy storage system comprises a weight for storage of energy, e.g. energy in the form of potential or kinetic energy, and a winch for lifting and lowering the weight, and wherein the energy storage system is located on the shore side of the base frame, preferably on one of the legs of the base frame positioned farthest away from the seaside so that the weight of the energy storage system serves as a counterweight of the crane.

[0132] In such an embodiment of a container crane according to the invention, the base frame is provided with an energy storage system, which energy storage system comprises a weight for storage of energy, e.g. energy in the form of potential or kinetic energy, and a winch for lifting and lowering the weight. The energy generated by the hoisting systems, when lowering a container can be harvested by, and be stored in, the energy storage system. The stored energy may for example be used for hoisting loads or for driving a shuttle supporting a hoisting assembly.. According to the invention, the energy storage system is located on shore side of the base frame, preferably on one of the legs of the base frame positioned farthest away from the seaside so that the weight of the energy storage system serves as a counterweight of the crane. By thus providing a container crane with an energy storage system, the stability of the crane is improved by the energy storage system.

[0133] In an embodiment, a vertical guide track for guiding the weight of the energy storage system is mounted along a leg of the base frame. In a further embodiment, the crane comprises two energy storage systems, both provided on the shore side of the base frame, preferably each on a leg of the base frame.

[0134] In an embodiment, the bridge frame has a left side beam, a right side beam, and a common center beam, parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame, and the the rigid frame structure comprises a top frame, vertically above the base frame and above the bridge frame, preferably at the seaside of the base frame, wherein the top frame comprises a horizontal roof beam, a left side vertical support beam, a right side vertical support beam, and a center vertical support beam, the latter extending between the roof beam and the center beam of the bridge frame; and multiple stays, extending between the top frame and the bridge frame

[0135] In an embodiment, the bridge frame has a left side beam, a right side beam, and a common center beam, parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame, and the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame have a same height, and have a same vertical position relative to the center beam of the bridge frame, and preferably wherein the center beam of the bridge frame has a height that is larger than the height each of the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame

[0136] In an embodiment, the container crane comprises a left transfer system and a right transfer system, each for moving shipping containers between a ship and a shore, wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system are both supported by the bridge frame and are positioned so close together that they are able to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel.

[0137] In a further embodiment, the left transfer system and the right transfer system each comprise:

[0138] - a seaside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above a vessel, and a shoreside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above the shore, e.g. a quay, wherein each hoisting assembly comprises: - a trolley track, the trolley track having an inside guide rail mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame; and

[0139] - a trolley, wherein the trolley is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the trolley track, the trolley supporting a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire, and a spreader supported by the hoisting wire; and

[0140] - a shuttle assembly for moving a container between the seaside hoisting assembly and the shoreside hoisting assembly, wherein each shuttle assembly comprises:

[0141] - a shuttle track, the shuttle track having an inside guide rail mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame; and

[0142] - a shuttle, wherein the shuttle is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the shuttle track, the shuttle comprising a container support platform.

[0143] In a further embodiment, the crane comprises an energy storage systems for each transfer system, wherein each energy system is provided on the shore side of the base frame, and preferably each are mounted on a leg of the base frame.

[0144] In a further embodiment, the transfer systems each comprise a seaside and a shore side hoisting assembly and the transfer systems each are coupled to an energy storage system. Thus, the energy generated by one of the hoisting assemblies lowering a container can be harvested and stored to be used by the other hoisting assembly for lifting a container. It is beneficial to let the two hoisting assemblies share one energy storage system because when moving containers from the container vessel to the shore, or vice versa, one of the hoisting assemblies is used for lifting containers, while the other is used for lowering containers. Thus it is the latter hoisting assembly that will generate most of the energy to be stored.

[0145] It is submitted that the invention also provides a bridge frame that combines three or more transfer systems, wherein each two adjacent transfer systems share a center beam. In such a configuration the center beam, the left side beam and the right side beam have a similar cross section and are positioned at the same vertical position. Whilst primarily presented for illustrative purposes with reference to one or more of the figures, any of the technical features addressed below may be combined with any of the independent claims of this application either alone or in any other technically possible combination with one or more other technical features.

[0146] Advantageous embodiments of the container crane according to the invention and the method according to the invention are disclosed in the sub claims and in the description, in which the invention is further illustrated and elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments, of which some are shown in the schematic drawing.

[0147] In the drawing,

[0148] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the ship to shore container crane according to the invention;

[0149] Fig. 2 shows a front end view of the ship to shore container crane;

[0150] Fig. 3 shows a rear end view of the ship to shore container crane;

[0151] Fig. 4 shows a right side front end view of the ship to shore container crane;

[0152] Fig. 5 shows a left side front end view of the ship to shore container crane; and

[0153] Fig. 6 shows a schematic frontal view of the buffer unit;

[0154] Fig. 7 shows a schematic side view of the buffer unit;

[0155] Fig. 8 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the ship to shore container crane;

[0156] Fig. 9 shows an oblique view of a second embodiment of the ship to shore container crane;

[0157] Fig. 10 shows a lower oblique view of a second embodiment of the ship to shore container crane;

[0158] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the ship to shore container crane; and

[0159] Fig. 12 shows a close-up of a cross-sectional view of the ship to shore container crane.

[0160] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the ship to shore container crane 1. The crane comprises a rigid frame structure 2 having a land side 3 and a seaside 4. The rigid frame structure comprises a base frame 5 which is configured to be movable supported on a quay 6. For example a moving assembly in the form of a rail 7a and wheels 7b at the bottom of the base frame 5, allowing the crane to transfer over the quay. The base frame comprises at least four legs 8. The legs extend between a bottom end 9 and a top end 10 of the base frame. The frame further comprises horizontal support beams and cross-beams.

[0161] The rigid frame structure further comprises a bridge frame 11 . The bridge frame 11 is supported on the base frame 5 and extends relative to the base frame in a horizontal direction on the seaside and land side of the base frame. The bridge frame has a sea section 12 at the seaside of the base frame, a base section 13 vertically above the base frame and a land section 14 at the land side of the base frame. The bridge frame has a left side beam 30, a right side beam 40 and a common center beam 50. The three beams are clearly shown in figure 3. The left side beam, right side beam and common center beam are arranged parallel to each other and extend between a seaside end 15 and a land side end 16 of the bridge frame.

[0162] The rigid frame structure further comprises a top frame 17. The top frame is arranged vertically above the base frame 5 and above the bridge frame 11 . Preferably the top frame is placed at the seaside of the base frame. The top frame comprises a horizontal roof beam 18, a left side vertical support beam 31 , a right side vertical support beam 41 and a central vertical support beam 51 . The central vertical support beam extends between the roof beam 18 and the center beam 50 of the bridge frame.

[0163] The rigid frame structure further comprises multiple stays 32, 33, 42, 43, 52, 53 which extend between the top frame and the bridge frame. These stays provide support to the frame structure.

[0164] The crane further comprises a left transfer system 60 and a right transfer system 70. Each transfer system is configured for moving shipping containers between a ship 19 and a shore 20. The left transfer system and the right transfer system are both supported by the bridge frame 11 .

[0165] Both the left transfer system 60 and the right transfer system 70 comprise a seaside hoisting assembly 61 , 71 for lifting and lowering a container 101 above a vessel 19 and a shoreside hoisting assembly 62, 72 for lifting and lowering a container above the shore 20.

[0166] Each hoisting assembly comprises a trolley track. In the figures seaside trolley tracks 63a, 73a and land side trolley tracks 63b, 73b and respective seaside trolleys 64, 75 and landside trolleys 74, 75 are shown. Each trolley track has an inside guide rail 66,76 mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail 67, 77 mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame. Each trolley is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the respective trolley track. Each trolley supports a hoisting winch 68, 78 and an associated hoisting wire 69, 79. A trolley furthermore comprises a container grasping means, e.g. a spreader 102, to grab onto and control a shipping container 101. In figures 2-4, above the grasping means a headblock 23 is shown, having a chain connection to the spreader.

[0167] The left transfer system 60 and the right transfer system 70 further comprises a shuttle assembly 80, 90 for moving a container between the seaside hoisting assembly 61 ,71 and shoreside hoisting assembly 62, 72. Each shuttle assembly comprises a shuttle track 83, 93 and a shuttle 84, 94. The shuttle track has an inside guide rail 86, 96 mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail 87, 97 mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame. The shuttle is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the shuttle track. The shuttle comprises a container support platform 85 ,95.

[0168] As is shown in figure 2, the container support platform may comprise grippers or holders 88, 98. Said grippers or holders are configured to support and secure a container positioned onto the container support platform and provides a safe transfer of a container from the seaside 12 to the land side 14 or vice versa.

[0169] The left side beam 30 and right side beam 40 have a same height, and have a same vertical position relative to the center beam 50 of the bridge frame 11 . The center beam 50 of the bridge frame has a height that is larger than the height of each of the left side beam 30 and right side beam 40 of the bridge frame 1 1 .

[0170] In figure 2 it is shown that the trolley tracks 63a, 63b, 73a, 73b are positioned above the shuttle track 83, 93. This allows the shuttle tracks to move underneath the hoisting assemblies on both the seaside and land side to hoist shipping containers onto the container support platforms. The trolley tracks are spaced relative to the shuttle tracks and the shuttles are dimensioned such that the spreaders 102 of the trolleys can support a shipping container above, and lower the shipping container onto the shuttle 84, 94.

[0171] In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the left side beam 30 and right side beam 40 of the bridge frame 11 are spaced relative to the center beam 50 such that a 40ft container can be received between the left side beam and the center beam and between the right side beam and the center beam. The longitudinal axis of the container 101 extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the center beam of the bridge frame.

[0172] In the embodiment shown, the bridge frame has an end beam 35 at the seaside end and has an end beam 36 at the shoreside end. Each end beam beams is connected to an end of the left side beam 30, and end of the center beam 50 and an end of the right side beam 40.

[0173] In the embodiment shown, the guide rails 66, 67, 76, 77 of the trolley tracks 63a, 63b, 73a, 73b of the left transfer system 60 and right transfer system 70 are mounted to the center beam at a vertical position and the outside guide rials of the trolley tracks are mounted at a vertical position to the outside beam, i.e. the left side beam 30 or the right side beam 40. The vertical position of the inside guide rails 66, 76 of the trolley tracks 63a, 63b, 73a, 73b differs from the vertical position of the outside guide rails 67, 77 of the trolley tracks. In the shown embodiment the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks are at an elevated position compared to the outside guide rails. Configurations where the outside guide rails are at an elevated position compared to the inside guide rails are also possible.

[0174] In the shown embodiment the trolleys 64, 65, 74, 75 comprise an asymmetrical gantry 164, 165, 174, 175. In figures 3 and 4 it is shown that said gantries comprise wheels 161 , 171 used for the longitudinal movement along the beams. At the outside beams, the left side beam and right side beam, the gantries comprise an end track 163, 173.

[0175] In the embodiment shown, for the left transfer system 60 and right transfer system 70 the inside guide rail 86, 96 of the shuttle track 83, 93 is mounted to the center beam 50 at a vertical position. The outside guide rail 87, 97 of the shuttle tracks is mounted at a vertical position to the outside beam, i.e. the left side beam 30 or the right side beam 40. The vertical position of the inside guide rail of the shuttle track differs from the vertical position of the outside guide rail of the shuttle track. In the shown embodiment the inside guide rails 86, 96 and outside guide rails 87, 97 of the shuttle track are at an equal vertical position.

[0176] In the embodiment shown, the shuttles comprise an asymmetrical gantry. This asymmetrical gantry is used when the vertical position between the inner guide rail and outer guide rail of the shuttle track differs in the vertical position.

[0177] In the embodiment shown, the inside guide rails 66, 76 of the trolley tracks 63a, 63b, 73a, 73b of the left transfer system and right transfer system are mounted at the top end of the center beam 60 of the bridge frame 1 1. The inside rails can be mounted on a side of the center beam near the top end.

[0178] In the shown embodiment the inside guide rails 66, 76 of the trolley tracks 63a, 63b, 73a, 73b of the left transfer system and right transfer system are mounted at the top end of the center beam 60 of the bridge frame 11 . The inside rails are shown to be mounted on a top portion of the center beam. Preferably the inside guide rails 66, 76 are mounted on top of the center beam and are aligned with a side wall of the center beam.

[0179] In the embodiment shown, the outside guide rails 67, 77 of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system 60 and the right transfer system 70 are mounted at the top end of the left side beam 30 or the right side beam 40 of the bridge frame respectively.

[0180] In the shown embodiment the outside guide rails 67, 77 of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system 60 and the right transfer system 70 are mounted at the top end of the left side beam 30 or the right side beam 40 of the bridge frame respectively. The outside rails are shown to be mounted along a top portion of the outside beam, i.e. the left side beam or right side beam. Preferably the outside guide rails 67, 77 are mounted on top of the left side beam orthe right side beam and are aligned with a side wall of the left side beam or right side beam respectively.

[0181] In the embodiment shown, the inside guide rial 86, 96 of the shuttle track 83, 93 of the left transfer system 60 and the right transfer system 70 is mounted at the bottom end of the center beam 50 of the bridge frame 11 .

[0182] In the embodiment shown, the outside guide rial 87, 97 of the shuttle track 83, 93 of the left transfer system 60 and the right transfer system 70 is mounted at the bottom end of the left side beam 30 or the right side beam 40 of the bridge frame 11 respectively. The outside rail of the left transfer system is mounted to the left side beam and the outside rail of the right transfer system is mounted to the right side beam.

[0183] In the shown embodiment a combination is shown where the guide rails of trolley tracks 63a, 63b, 73a, 73b of the left transfer system 60 and right transfer system 70 are mounted at a top portion or on top of the center beam and outer beams and where the guide rails of the shuttle tracks 83, 93 of the left transfer system 60 and right transfer system 70 are mounted at the bottom end of the outer beams. This allows the shuttle track to be at a lower elevation than the trolley tracks and provides sufficient height for the hoisting assemblies to hoist a shipping container 101 onto the container support platform 85, 95 of a shuttle. As is shown in the figures, the hoisting assemblies comprise one or more sheave blocks and / or pulleys

[0184] In the shown embodiment the bottom end of the center beam 50 is level with a bottom end of the left side beam 30 and with a bottom end of the right side beam 40. Preferably, the bottom ends of the beams of the bridge frame 11 define the bottom end of the bridge frame.

[0185] In the shown embodiment the bridge frame comprises an end beam 35 at the seaside and an end beam 36 at the land side. These end beams have a bottom end that is level with the bottom end of the center beam 50.

[0186] In the embodiment shown, the rails of the shuttle track 83, 93 are mounted at or above the bottom end of the left side beam 30, the right side beam 40 and the center beam 50. The shuttles 84, 94 are dimensioned such that they are level with, or above the shuttle tracks. The shuttles doe not extend below the bottom below the bridge frame 11 . In the embodiment shown, the trolleys 64, 65, 74, 75 each comprise a drive 37. The drive is configured to move the trolleys along the respective trolley tracks. The drive is for example mounted onto the trolleys.

[0187] In other embodiments the drive is mounted onto the beams, for example the center beam 60.

[0188] In the embodiment shown, each transfer system comprises a cable system 45, 46 for pulling the shuttle along the shuttle track 83, 93. In the shown embodiment in the figures the cable system is a looped cable system. Here the left side cable wire 47 and right side cable wire 48 are looped around a portion of the center beam 50, e.g. looped around the shuttle track 83, 93. At the end portions of the center beam sheaves 49 are used to guide the wire around the corners of the structure. A system with one or more winches can be used to pull the cable system in order to instigate movement of the shuttle.

[0189] In the embodiment shown, the seaside hoisting assemblies 61 , 72 have a trolley track 63a, 73a which covers at least part of the seaside section of the bridge frame 11 and optionally part of the base section 13 of the base frame 5.

[0190] In the embodiment shown, the shoreside hoisting assemblies 62, 72 have a trolley track 63b, 73b which covers at least part of the shoreside section of the bridge frame 1 1 and optionally part of the base section 13 of the base frame 5.

[0191] In the embodiment shown, the shuttle tracks 83, 93 extend from vertically below the trolley tracks 63a, 63b, 73a, 73b of the seaside hoisting assembly to vertically below the trolley track of the shoreside hoisting assembly. The trolleys of the seaside hoisting assemblies 61 , 71 and the shore side 62, 72 hoisting assemblies can be positioned above the shuttle assembly 80, 90.

[0192] In the shown embodiment the seaside hoisting assemblies 61 , 71 are located on a seaside 12 of the top frame and the shoreside hoisting assemblies 62 ,72 are located on a shoreside 14 of the top frame.

[0193] In an embodiment the top frame 17 comprises a horizontal base beam 21. In the shown embodiment the horizontal base beam is parallel to the roof beam 18 of the top frame 17. The horizontal base beam comprises two sections. A section a 21 a which is connected with one end to a flank of the center beam 50 and with an opposite end to the left side beam 30. A section 21 b which is connected with one end to a flank of the center beam 50 and with an opposite end to the right side beam 40. The two sections 21 a, 21 b are aligned with each other and have a similar cross section.

[0194] In the embodiment shown the shuttle track 83, 93 passes below the base beam 17. The space between the shuttle 84 ,94 and the base beam 17 is sufficient for the trolley 64, 65 ,74 ,75 to transfer a container from one side of the base beam to an opposite side of the base beam. In the shown embodiment the center beam 50 of the bridge frame 11 is suspended from the top frame 17. The center beam is directly supported by the base frame 5.

[0195] In the embodiment shown, the base frame 5 is provided with an energy storage system 1 10. The energy storage system comprises a weight 111 for storage of energy, e.g. energy in the from of potential or kinetic energy. The energy storage system comprises a winch 112 for lifting and lowering of the weight 111. The energy storage system is located on the shore side of the base frame 13. Preferably, the energy storage system is provided on one of the legs of the base frame positioned farthest away from the seaside so that the weight of the energy storage system servers as a counterweight of the crane 1 .

[0196] In the embodiment shown, the crane comprises a second energy storage system, and the crane 1 thus comprises two energy storage systems 110, one for each transfer system. Both energy storage systems are provided on the shore side of the base frame, preferably on the legs 8 of the base frame 5.

[0197] In an embodiment each energy storage system is coupled to both the seaside and shore side hoisting assemblies 61 , 62, 71 , 72 of their respective transfer systems

[0198] In figure 6 and figure 7 a buffer unit 120 is shown provided in the base frame 5. The buffer unit is to be mounted in the base frame at a bottom end thereof. The buffer unit is not shown in the figures 1-5. The buffer unit is configured for buffering of multiple shipping containers 101 provided by the shore side hoisting assemblies 62, 72. The buffer unit 120 is further provided for lowering buffered containers onto a vehicle 124, e.g. an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or a truck, positioned below the buffer unit.

[0199] The buffer unit comprises a frame 121 . For each transfer system 60, 70 the frame provides multiple buffer locations 122. Each buffer location is enabled to support a container. Preferably up to 4 or more buffer locations for each transfer system are present.

[0200] The buffer locations for each transfer system 60, 70 are positioned adjacent to each other and along a longitudinal axis of the bridge frame 11 .

[0201] The buffer unit 120 is suspended by the base frame 5, not hsown in figures 6 and 7) at a bottom end thereof.

[0202] The buffer unit 120 is provided with a lift system 123 for each buffer location. The lift system is configured for lowering a container 101 from the buffer location 122 into a vehicle parked below the buffer location and / or for lifting a container from a vehicle parked below the buffer location into the buffer location. In the shown embodiment the buffer locations 122 are at an elevated level compared to the quay 6 and at a lower level than the bridge frame 1 1 , such that the trolleys 64, 65, 74, 75 and shuttles 84, 94 can operate without interference of the buffered containers 101 . The containers are lowered from above onto a buffer location 122. When a vehicle 124 for transporting the container to a dedicated storage location on the quay is available, the container is lowered by means of a lift assembly, for example a hydraulic cylinder hand over system, onto a vehicle, e.g. an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or a truck, without the need for a separate crane or one of the shoreside hoisting assemblies 62, 72 for moving the container from a buffer location onto a vehicle.

[0203] Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the ship to shore container crane 200. The crane comprises a rigid frame structure 202 having a land side 203 and a sea side 2044. The rigid frame structure comprises a base frame 205. The base frame comprises at least four legs 208. The frame further comprises horizontal support beams and cross-beams.

[0204] The rigid frame structure further comprises a bridge frame 211 . The bridge frame 211 is supported on the base frame 205 and extends relative to the base frame in a horizontal direction on the seaside and land side of the base frame. The bridge frame has a sea section 212 at the seaside of the base frame, a base section 213 vertically above the base frame and a land section 214 at the land side of the base frame. The bridge frame has a left side beam 230, a right side beam 240 and a common center beam 250. The three beams according to the second embodiment are clearly shown in figure 9. The left side beam, right side beam and common center beam are arranged parallel to each other and extend between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame.

[0205] The rigid frame structure further comprises a top frame 217. The top frame is arranged vertically above the base frame 205 and above the bridge frame 21 1 . The top frame comprises a horizontal roof beam 218. Preferably the top frame is placed at the seaside of the base frame. The sea section 214 of the base frame 211 is hingeable with respect to the base frame 205. On the sea side the crane comprises multiple stays 232, 242, 252 connected between the sea side beams of the bridge frame and the top frame 217. The multiple stays comprising folding means [number]. The stays of left side beam 230 and right side beam 240 comprise a hoisting means [number] for raising of the sea section 212 of the base frame 211 . The rigid frame structure further comprises multiple stays 233, 243, 253 which extend between the top frame and the bridge frame. The stays provide support to the frame structure.

[0206] The crane further comprises a left transfer system 260 and a right transfer system 270. Each transfer system is configured for moving shipping containers between a ship and a shore. The left transfer system and the right transfer system are both supported by the bridge frame 211 . Both the left transfer system 260 and the right transfer system 270 comprise a seaside hoisting assembly 261 , 271 for lifting and lowering a container 101 above a vessel and a shoreside hoisting assembly 262, 72 for lifting and lowering a container above the shore 20.

[0207] Each hoisting assembly comprises a trolley track 263, 273 extending between the sea side 212 and the land side 214 of the bridge frame 21 1 . Wherein the trolley tracks comprise a seaside trolley 264, 274 and a landside trolley 265, 275. Each trolley track has an inside guide rail 266,276 mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail 267, 277 mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame. Wherein the inside and outside guide rails of the trolley tracks are at an equal height. The trolleys are enabled to move along their respective trolley track from a sea side to a land side and vice versa. Each trolley supports a hoisting means 268, 278 and an associated hoisting wires 269, 279. Wherein the hoisting means comprises one or more winches, e.g. four winches, which are mounted directly on the trolley. The multiple winches of a trolley hoisting means 268, 278 are independent but synchronized winches, and control the angle and / or movement of the spreader. A trolley furthermore comprises a container grasping means, e.g. a spreader 102, to grab onto and control a shipping container 101 .

[0208] The left transfer system 260 and the right transfer system 270 further comprises a shuttle assembly 280, 290 for moving a container between the seaside hoisting assembly 261 , 271 and shoreside hoisting assembly 262, 272. Each shuttle assembly comprises a shuttle track 283, 293 and at least one shuttle 284, 294, wherein the shuttle comprises a container support platform. The shuttle tracks 283, 293 can comprise one or more shuttles. For example a shuttle equal to the amount of trolleys along the respective trolley tracks to speed up the process of transferring the containers from the sea side to the land side of the bridge frame 211. The shuttle tracks comprise an inner guide rail 286, 296 mounted to the center beam and an outer guide rail 287, 297 mounted to the outside beam, i.e. the left side beam or right side beam.

[0209] In one embodiment two trolleys are used next to each along a single trolley track for simultaneously hoisting containers out of adjacent bays of a container vessel. In such a configuration for example a shuttle capable of transporting two or more containers on the container support platform may be used, or two adjacent shuttles along the same shuttle track are used. The configuration may comprise two trolley assemblies 264, 274 on the sea side of the bridge frame 211 and two trolley assemblies 265, 275 on the land side of the frame, and two shuttles along the respective shuttle track 283, 293. Wherein the trolley assemblies are used for vertical movement of the containers and the shuttles are used for horizontal transferring of the containers from the sea side to land side. The left side beam 230, right side beam 240 and center beam 250 have a same height. The left side beam 230, right side beam 240 and center beam 250 have a same vertical position. The equal height and position of the beams enables both the inside guide rails and outside guide rails to be positioned on the same height. This allows for a compact trolley setup, e.g. a trolley having a low height compared to the tracks it is traversing.

[0210] In an embodiment, the center beam cross 250 section has a wide, preferably box shaped, top section 250a and a narrow bottom section 250b. The wide top section provides the bridge frame 211 with structural rigidity in the horizontal plane, and the narrow bottom section allows for positioning the shuttle track of the left transfer system and the shuttle track of the right transfer system, and thus for the left transfer system and the right transfer system, to be positioned closely adjacent to each other, while allowing for the shuttle to support a container at least partially between the longitudinal beams of the bridge frame. This allows for a compact configuration of the transfer systems, with the shuttle tracks 283, 293 positioned closely below the trolley tracks 263, 273 mounted on top of the beams 230, 240, 250 of the bridge frame 21 1.

[0211] In a further embodiment, the center beam cross section has a wide, box shaped, top section 250a that supports a rail or rails of the trolley track or trolley tracks 263 of the left transfer system and a rail or rails of the trolley track or trolley tracks 273 of the right transfer system and has a narrow bottom section 250b that supports a rail of the shuttle track of the left transfer system and a rail of the trolley track of the right transfer system.

[0212] In a further embodiment, the wide, box shaped top section 250a of the center beam has a rectangular shape, and the bottom section 250b has a triangular or trapezium shape. In a further embodiment, the wide, box shaped top section of the center beam 250 has a rectangular shape, the bottom section has a triangular or trapezium shape, and the cross beam as a trapezium shaped midsection 250c that connects the box shaped top section with the triangular or trapezium shaped bottom section. The mid section thus forms an intermediate between the top section and the bottom section

[0213] In an embodiment, the top section 250a is a hollow box frame, and the bottom section 250b is an open truss frame. In an embodiment, the truss frame may comprise triangular or trapezoidal plates having a base that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the beams of the bridge frame. This is especially made clear in Fig. 12.

[0214] The left side beam 230, right side beam 240 and center beam 250 of the second embodiment comprise a truss structure as shown in the figures. This minimizes the side force acting on the structure in windy conditions. The trolley tracks 63, 73 are positioned above the shuttle tracks 83, 93. This allows the shuttle tracks to move underneath the hoisting assemblies on both the seaside and land side to hoist shipping containers onto the container support platforms. The trolley tracks are spaced relative to the shuttle tracks and the shuttles are dimensioned such that the spreaders 102 of the trolleys can support a shipping container above, and lower the shipping container onto the shuttle 84, 94.

[0215] In the second embodiment, the left side beam 230 and right side beam 240 of the bridge frame 211 are spaced relative to the center beam 250 such that a 40ft container can be received between the left side beam and the center beam and between the right side beam and the center beam.

[0216] In the embodiment shown, the bridge frame has an end beam 235 at the seaside end and has an end beam 236 at the shoreside end. Each end beam beams is connected to an end of the left side beam 230, and end of the center beam 250 and an end of the right side beam 240.

[0217] In the embodiment shown, the guide rails 266, 267, 276, 277 of the trolley tracks 63, 73 of the left transfer system 260 and right transfer system 270 are mounted to the center beam at a vertical position and the outside guide rials of the trolley tracks are mounted at a vertical position to the outside beam, i.e. the left side beam 230 or the right side beam 240. In the second embodiment the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks are at an equal position compared to the outside guide rails.

[0218] In the shown embodiment the trolleys 64, 65, 74, 75 comprise a gantry 164, 165, 174, 175. The gantry comprises a bridge that supports the winches, and that is provided with wheels for moving the gantry along the gantry tracks. In figures 3 and 4 it is shown that said gantries comprise wheels 161 , 171 used for the longitudinal movement along the beams. At the outside beams, the left side beam and right side beam, the gantries comprise an end track 163, 173.

[0219] In the embodiment shown, for the left transfer system 260 and right transfer system 270 the inside guide rail 286, 296 of the shuttle track 283, 293 is mounted to the center beam 250 at a vertical position. The outside guide rail 287, 297 of the shuttle tracks is mounted at a vertical position to the outside beam, i.e. the left side beam 230 or the right side beam 240. In the shown embodiment the inside guide rails 286, 296 and outside guide rails 287, 297 of the shuttle track are at an equal vertical position.

[0220] In the embodiment shown, the inside guide rails 266, 276 of the trolley tracks 263, 273 of the left transfer system and right transfer system are mounted at the top end of the center beam 260 of the bridge frame 211 . The inside rails can be mounted on a side of the center beam near the top end. In the shown embodiment the outside guide rails 67, 77 of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system 60 and the right transfer system 70 are mounted at the top end of the left side beam 30 or the right side beam 40 of the bridge frame respectively. The outside rails are shown to be mounted along a top portion of the outside beam, i.e. the left side beam or right side beam. Preferably the outside guide rails 67, 77 are mounted on top of the left side beam or the right side beam and are aligned with a side wall of the left side beam or right side beam respectively.

[0221] In the second embodiment, the inside guide rail 286, 296 is mounted to a lower end of the center beam 250, and the outside guide rial 287, 297 of the shuttle track 283, 293 of the left transfer system 260 and the right transfer system 270 is mounted at the bottom end of the left side beam 230 or the right side beam 240 of the bridge frame 211 respectively. The outside rail of the left transfer system is mounted to the left side beam and the outside rail of the right transfer system is mounted to the right side beam.

[0222] In the shown embodiment a combination is shown where the guide rails of trolley tracks 263, 273 of the left transfer system 260 and right transfer system 270 are mounted at a top portion or on top of the center beam and outer beams and where the guide rails of the shuttle tracks 283, 293 of the left transfer system 260 and right transfer system 270 are mounted at the bottom end of the outer beams. This allows the shuttle track to be at a lower elevation than the trolley tracks and provides sufficient height for the hoisting assemblies to hoist a shipping container 101 onto the container support platform of a shuttle. As is shown in the figures, the hoisting assemblies comprise one or more sheave blocks and / or pulleys

[0223] In the shown embodiment the bottom end of the center beam 250 is level with a bottom end of the left side beam 230 and with a bottom end of the right side beam 240. Preferably, the bottom ends of the beams of the bridge frame 211 define the bottom end of the bridge frame.

[0224] In the shown embodiment the bridge frame comprises an end beam 235 at the seaside and an end beam 236 at the land side. These end beams have a bottom end that is level with the bottom end of the center beam 250.

[0225] In the embodiment shown, the rails of the shuttle track 283, 293 are mounted at or above the bottom end of the left side beam 230, the right side beam 240 and the center beam 250. The shuttles 284, 294 are dimensioned such that they are at a lower level, are level with, or above the shuttle tracks.

[0226] In the second embodiment, the trolleys 264, 265, 274, 275 each comprise a drive. The drive is configured to move the trolleys along the respective trolley tracks. The drive is for example mounted onto the trolleys. This enables the trolleys to operate as individual units wherein the winches and drives are mounted on a trolley frame. In the embodiment shown, the shuttle tracks 83, 93 extend vertically below the trolley tracks 63, 73 of the seaside hoisting assembly. In the second embodiment, the base frame 5 is provided with an energy storage system according to a previous embodiment.

[0227] The crane shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 is provided with a buffer unit 120.

[0228] Reference signs

[0229] 1 Crane

[0230] 2 Rigid frame structure

[0231] 3 land side frame structure

[0232] 4 seaside frame structure

[0233] 5 base frame

[0234] 6 quay

[0235] 7a rail

[0236] 7b wheels

[0237] 8 legs

[0238] 9 bottom of base frame

[0239] 10 top of base frame

[0240] 11 bridge frame

[0241] 12 sea section bridged frame

[0242] 13 base section base frame

[0243] 14 land section base frame

[0244] 15 seaside end

[0245] 16 land side end

[0246] 17 top frame

[0247] 18 horizontal roof beam

[0248] 19 ship / vessel

[0249] 20 shore

[0250] 21 horizontal base beam

[0251] 21a, 21 b horizontal base beam section

[0252] 23 headblock

[0253] 30 left side beam

[0254] 31 left side vertical support beam

[0255] 32 left side seaside stay

[0256] 33 left side land stay

[0257] 35 seaside end beam

[0258] 36 landside end beam

[0259] 37 trolley drive

[0260] 40 right side beam

[0261] 41 right side vertical support beam

[0262] 42 right side seaside stay

[0263] 43 right side land side stay

[0264] 45 left side cable system 46 right side cable system

[0265] 47 left side cable wire

[0266] 48 right side cable wire

[0267] 49 center beam sheaves

[0268] 50 center beam

[0269] 51 central vertical support beam

[0270] 52 central seaside stay

[0271] 53 central land side stay

[0272] 60 left transfer system

[0273] 61 left side seaside hoisting assembly

[0274] 62 left side shoreside hoisting assembly 63a left side seaside trolley track

[0275] 63b left side shoreside trolley track

[0276] 64, 65 trolley

[0277] 66 inside guide rail

[0278] 67 outside guide rail

[0279] 68 hoisting winch

[0280] 69 hoisting wire

[0281] 70 right transfer system

[0282] 71 right side seaside hoisting assembly

[0283] 72 right shoreside hoisting assembly 73a right side seaside trolley track 73b right side shoreside trolley track

[0284] 74, 75 trolley

[0285] 76 inside guide rail

[0286] 77 outside guide rail

[0287] 78 hoisting winch

[0288] 79 hoisting wire

[0289] 80 left side shuttle assembly

[0290] 83 left side shuttle track

[0291] 84 left side shuttle

[0292] 85 left side container support platform

[0293] 86 left side inside guide rial

[0294] 87 left side outside guide rail

[0295] 88 left side container grippers / holders

[0296] 90 right side shuttle assembly

[0297] 93 right side shuttle track 94 right side shuttle

[0298] 95 right side container support platform

[0299] 96 right side inside guide rail

[0300] 97 right side outside guide rail

[0301] 98 right side container gripper / holders

[0302] 101 shipping container

[0303] 102 spreader

[0304] 110 energy storage system

[0305] 111 energy storage weight

[0306] 112 energy storage winch

[0307] 120 buffer unit

[0308] 121 buffer unit frame

[0309] 122 buffer locations

[0310] 123 buffer lift system

[0311] 124 vehicle

[0312] 161 left side trolley wheels

[0313] 162 left side trolley sheaves / pulleys

[0314] 163 left side end track

[0315] 171 right side trolley wheels

[0316] 172 right side trolley sheaves / pulleys

[0317] 173 right side end track

Claims

C L A I M S1 . Ship to shore container crane, the container crane comprising:- a rigid frame structure having a seaside and a land side, the rigid frame structure comprising:- a base frame, configured to be moveable supported on a quay, wherein the base frame comprises at least four legs, extending between a bottom end and a top end of the base frame;- a bridge frame supported on the base frame, the bridge frame extending relative to the base frame in a horizontal direction on the seaside and the land side of the base frame, the bridge frame having a sea section at the seaside of the base frame, a base section vertically above the base frame, and a land section at the landside of the base frame, wherein the bridge frame has a left side beam, a right side beam, and a common center beam, parallel to each other and extending between a seaside end and a land side end of the bridge frame;- a top frame, vertically above the base frame and above the bridge frame, preferably at the seaside of the base frame, wherein the top frame comprises a horizontal roof beam, a left side vertical support beam, a right side vertical support beam, and a center vertical support beam, the latter extending between the roof beam and the center beam of the bridge frame; and- multiple stays, extending between the top frame and the bridge frame; and- a left transfer system and a right transfer system, each for moving shipping containers between a ship and a shore, wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system are both supported by the bridge frame and are positioned so close together that they are able to work on adjacent container bays of a container vessel, wherein the left transfer system and the right transfer system each comprise:- a seaside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above a vessel, and a shoreside hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering a container above the shore, e.g. a quay, wherein each hoisting assembly comprises:- a trolley track, the trolley track having an inside guide rail mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame; and- a trolley, wherein the trolley is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the trolley track, the trolley supporting a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire, and a spreader supported by the hoisting wire; and- a shuttle assembly for moving a container between the seaside hoisting assembly and the shoreside hoisting assembly, wherein each shuttle assembly comprises:- a shuttle track, the shuttle track having an inside guide rail mounted to the center beam of the bridge frame and an outside guide rail mounted to the left side beam or to the right side beam of the bridge frame; and- a shuttle, wherein the shuttle is supported by the inside guide rail and by the outside guide rail of the shuttle track, the shuttle comprising a container support platform, wherein the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame have a same height, and have a same vertical position relative to the center beam of the bridge frame, and preferably wherein the center beam of the bridge frame has a height that is larger than the height each of the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame and / or wherein the center beam cross section has a wide, preferably box shaped, top section and a narrow bottom section.

2. Container crane according to claim 1 , wherein the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame are spaced relative to the center beam such that a 40 ft container can be supported by the left transfer system and the right transfer system between respectively the left side beam and the center beam and between the right side beam and the centre beam with a longitudinal axis of the container extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the center beam of the bridge frame.

3. Container crane according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the left side beam, the center beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame each have a hight and a width, and wherein the left side beam, the center beam, and the right side beam have the same height;wherein the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame have the same width, and wherein the width of the left side beam and the right side beam is larger, for example is at least 15% larger, than the width of the center beam of the bridge frame, and preferably, the left side beam, the center beam and the right side beam have the same vertical position relative to each other.

4. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein for the left transfer system and for the right transfer system the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks are mounted to the centre beam at a vertical position and the outside guide rails of the trolley tracks are mounted to the outside beams at a vertical position, wherein the vertical position of the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks differs from the vertical position of the outside guide rails of the trolley tracks.

5. Container crane according to claim 4, wherein the trolleys of the transfer systems each comprise an asymmetrical gantry, the asymmetrical gantry having a long leg that is supported by a lower guide rail of the trolley track and a short leg that is supported by a higher guide rail of the trolley track, and wherein the length of the legs for each trolley is such that they support a bridge, the bridge connecting the two legs, in a horizontal position.

6. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein for the left transfer system and for the right transfer system the inside guide rail of the shuttle track is mounted to the centre beam at a vertical position and the outside guide rail of the shuttle tracks is mounted at a vertical position to the outside beam, wherein the vertical position of the inside guide rail of the shuttle track differs from the vertical position of the outside guide rail of the shuttle track.

7. Container crane according to claim 6, wherein the shuttles each comprise an asymmetrical gantry, the asymmetrical gantry having a long leg that is supported by a higher guide rail of the trolley track and a short leg that is supported by the lower guide rail of the trolley track, and wherein the length of the legs for each shuttle is such that they support a bridge, the bridge connecting the two legs, in a horizontal position8. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system and the right transfer system are mounted at the top end of the center beam of the bridge frame.

9. Container crane according to claim 8, wherein the inside guide rails of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system and the right transfer system are mounted on top of the center beam of the bridge frame,preferably are mounted on top of the center beam and are aligned with a left side wall and a right side wall of the center beam respectively.

10. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the outside guide rails of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system and the right transfer system are mounted at the top end of the left side beam or the right side beam of the bridge frame respectively.

11. Container crane according to claim 10, wherein the outside guide rails of the trolley tracks of the left transfer system and of the right transfer system are mounted on top of the left side beam or the right side beam of the bridge frame respectively, preferably are mounted on top of the left side beam or the right side beam and are aligned with a side wall of the left side beam and the right side beam respectively.

12. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the inside guide rail of the shuttle track of the left transfer system and of the right transfer system is mounted at the bottom end of the center beam of the bridge frame.

13. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the outside guide rail of the shuttle track of the left transfer system and of the right transfer system is mounted at the bottom end of the left side beam and the right side beam of the bridge frame respectively.

14. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom end of the center beam is level with a bottom end of the left side beam and with a bottom end of the right side beam.

15. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the trolleys each comprise a drive configured to move the trolleys along the respective trolley track.

16. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each transfer system comprises a cable system for pulling the shuttle along the shuttle track, the cable system comprising at least one shuttle winch and an associated shuttle wire.

17. container crane according to claim 16, wherein the cable system comprises a winch at each end of the shuttle track such that there is always a direct wire between the winch and the shuttle for pulling the shuttle.

18. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the seaside hoisting assemblies each have a trolley track that covers at least part of the seaside section of the bridge frame and optionally part of the base section of the base frame.

19. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the shoreside hoisting assemblies each have a trolley track that covers at least part of the shoreside section of the bridge frame and optionally part of the base section of the base frame.

20. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein for each transfer system the shuttle track extends from vertically below the trolley track of the seaside hoisting assembly to vertically below the trolley track of the shoreside hoisting assembly, and the shuttle can be parked below the trolley of the shore side hoisting assembly and can be parked below the trolley of the seaside hoisting assembly for receiving a container.

21. Container crane according to claim 20, wherein for each transfer system the seaside hoisting assembly is located on a seaside of the top frame and the shoreside hoisting assembly is located on the shoreside of the top frame.

22. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the top frame comprises a horizontal base beam, that preferably is parallel to the roof beam of the top frame, and wherein the base beam comprises two sections, one section that is with one end connected to the flank of the center beam and with an opposite end to the left side beam, and one section that is with one end connected to an opposite flank of the center beam and with an opposite end to the right side beam, and wherein the two sections are aligned with each other and have a similar cross section.

23. Container crane according to claim 22, wherein the shuttle track passes below the base beam, and the space between the shuttle and the base beam is sufficient for the shuttle to transfer a container from one side of the base beam to an opposite side of the base beam.

24. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the center beam of the bridge frame is suspended from the top frame, and is not directly supported by the base frame.

25. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the base frame is provided with an energy storage system, which energy storage system comprises a weight for storage of energy, e.g. energy in the form of potential or kinetic energy, and a winch for lifting and lowering the weight, and wherein the energy storage system is located on the shore side of the base frame, preferablyon one of the legs of the base frame positioned farthest away from the seaside so that the weight of the energy storage system serves as a counterweight of the crane.

26. Container crane according to claim 25, wherein the crane comprises two energy storage systems, one for each transfer system, both provided on the shore side of the base frame, preferably each on a leg of the base frame.

27. Container crane according to claim 26, wherein each energy storage system is coupled to both the seaside and shore side hoisting assembly of the respective transfer system.

28. Container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the base frame is provided with a buffer unit, for buffering multiple containers provided by the shore side hoisting assemblies, and for lowering these containers onto a vehicle positioned below the buffer station.

29. Container crane according to claim 28, wherein the buffer unit comprises a frame that provides for each transfer system multiple buffer locations for each supporting a container, preferably up to 4 or more buffer locations for each transfer system.

30. Container crane according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the buffer is provided with a lift system for each buffer location for lowering a container from the buffer location onto a vehicle parked below the buffer location and / or for lifting a container from a vehicle parked below the buffer location into a the buffer location.31 . Method for moving containers between a container vessel and a quay, using a container crane according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises:- lifting a container out of, or lowering a container into, a first container bay of the container vessel using the hoisting assembly of the left transfer system, while- lifting a container out of, or lowering a container into, a second container bay of the container vessel using the hoisting assembly of the right transfer system, wherein the first container bay is located adjacent the second container bay.

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