Safe monitoring of crane positions

Automated crane systems must be controlled reliably and extremely precisely. This is the only way to achieve a fast, safe and efficient material flow. Modern control units frequently use measurement values obtained from Micro-Epsilon laser distance sensors which are designed for large distances and fast distance changes.

Single girder overhead traveling cranes, double girder bridge cranes and overhead traveling cranes are used in numerous logistics and production plants. They combine efficiency and economy. The crane systems are used to support work in the automatic warehouse and the production areas.

For reliable monitoring of crane positions, two optoNCDT ILR2250 laser distance sensors are used. These are positioned at one end of the main girder of an overhead crane and measure to millimeter accuracy on a white target board. The first sensor detects distance changes of the main girder in the range of 0.1 to 100 m in x-direction. This is performed continuously and during crane travel. The second sensor continuously measures the movements of the trolley between 0.1 and 25 m in the y-direction. If the value falls below a certain pre-defined setpoint, for example because the trolley is moved too close to the end position, it stops automatically. The same applies if the main girder comes too close to the wall. In this automated process, the measured values of the sensor are transferred to the control unit of the crane via the integrated serial RS422 interface.

The high-performance optoNCDT ILR2250 laser distance sensors are used wherever large measuring ranges and high accuracy are required. They can be installed at a distance of up to 100 m and with additional reflector film at a distance of up to 150 m. The sensors provide stable results with millimeter accuracy and can be used for measurements on various surfaces.