e-chain® Cable Carriers for RTG Cranes (Rubber Tired Gantry Cranes)

e-rover - automatic coupling system for RTG's

The e-chain® e-rover system supplies mobile container bridges via an extendible telescopic arm. With the e-rover, igus® has further developed a system that quickly and automatically couples rubber-tired gantry cranes with an energy chain system. A telescopic arm connects the energy-supplying chain, which is guided through a trough, with the RTG. This ensures a reliable energy supply and good data transmission – including via FOC cables. Rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) are mobile container bridges. You can switch between the container aisles. These RTGs are generally powered by diesel. To reduce energy costs and be kinder on the environment, in recent years developers have focused on electrically operated vehicles that can be coupled to an energy supply system once they are in a lane.

Benefits:

Secure and quick data transfer, e.g. with fiber optic cables
Flexible choice of power, data and control cables, including fiber optic cables for data transfer
Two RTGs can be used in a container aisle with one trough system. With three or four RTGs per aisle, a second trough is required
Reduces RTG operating costs. The potential savings are in comparison to conventional systems
Protects the environment
Dirt-repellant
Less maintenance required, no wear parts that have to be replaced at set intervals
Travel distances up to 1,640 ft and more are possible

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Structure of the e-rover clutch system

The e-rover basically consists of three parts:

A lifting unit with telescopic arm, coupling unit and plug on the RTG
Special floating driver with barbed hook for mechanical attachment of the coupling and the mating plug
e-rover station with trolley (station car) for coupling and disconnecting the RTG

Coupling

RTG enters the e-rover train station
Crane operator gives the signal to dock
Telescopic arm is extended and automatically finds the distance to the guide trough as well as the correct height to the lower edge of the channel
The signal is then automatically given to the station car to position the floating driver at the level of the telescopic arm
The coupling is now mechanically attached to the floating driver and centered
A pilot contact detects the successful connection and releases the power supply for the RTG
The crane operator receives a signal that the docking has been carried out successfully
Telescopic telescope moves up to the driving position and lifts the floating driver with it

Decoupling

RTG enters the e-rover train station
Crane operator gives the signal to uncouple
The telescope is aligned, the station car moves into position, the telescopic arm lowers and hooks the floating driver back into the station car
It is electrically disconnected and mechanically unlocked
Railway station car moves back to the parking position with the floating driver
Telescopic arm is retracted
In the driver's cab, the signal appears that the vehicle has been successfully disconnected

How the igus® coupling works.

The RTG is coupled with the electrical supply system during operation.

he RTG is coupled with the electrical supply system during operation.

The igus® e-rover coupling securely transmits all energy, data and signals (including FOC)

Once the coupling process is complete, the RTG is electrically operated and has low emissions.

Horizontal compensation

Vertical offsetting

The igus® e-rover coupling reduces costs and reduces environmental impact.

Discuss your project with an expert

Whether you're interested in end-to-end, fully assembled solutions or looking to build your own customizable project, let us assist you with a solution based on your specific application and requirements. Contact us via the form below or call us at (800) 521-2747 to discuss your project today!

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