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

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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igus® has further enhanced its e-rover, a system that enables automatic coupling and decoupling to/from the energy chain system. Energy and data can therefore be securely supplied by cable – including via FOC cables at Gigabit speed. The coupling process only takes about a minute and there are no restrictions on the RTG’s speed. Once the RTG has been ‘plugged in’ to the energy chain system, the diesel-based energy supply stops. Cables with a cross section of 180 mm² per phase can currently be used. Compensation of horizontal and vertical differences.

The system works using a telescopic arm on the RTG, which can extend and retract. This has two benefits: firstly, it enables automatic coupling with the energy chain, in which all media are simultaneously guided, is moved with the RTG. This guarantees the supply of energy and data. Secondly, horizontal and vertical differences and misalignment's in the travel can be balanced out. The system is suitable for long travels – with 1,640 feet and more being conceivable depending on customer requirements in the container port.