In the realm of crane operations, the end stop of the track plays a crucial and indispensable role. It serves as a vital safety measure, preventing potential disasters and ensuring the smooth and safe operation of cranes. The end stop is essentially a blocking device, designed to safeguard the crane from various hazardous situations that could occur due to track inclination, strong winds, or other factors.
Track inclination can pose a significant threat to crane stability. As cranes operate on tracks that may not always be perfectly level, the incline can cause the crane to slide by itself. This is especially concerning when combined with external forces such as gravity and the weight of the crane and its load. Without an effective end stop, the crane could gradually slide down the incline, potentially leading to loss of control and accidents. Strong winds can also have a powerful impact on a crane. High winds can push the crane, causing it to move along the track or even risk derailing and overturning. The end stop acts as a barrier, preventing the crane from being blown off the track by strong winds and ensuring that it remains in a safe and stable position.
In addition to track inclination and strong winds, the inertia of lifting operations can also pose a serious risk. When a crane is in the process of lifting a heavy load, there is a significant amount of inertia involved. If not properly controlled, this inertia can cause the crane to slide out of the end of the track. This can lead to derailing and overturning, which can have catastrophic consequences for both the crane and the surrounding area. The end stop is designed to prevent such incidents by providing a physical barrier that stops the crane from overshooting the end of the track.
There are several different types of end stops available, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. One common type is the steel stop. Steel stops are typically made of strong and durable steel materials, capable of withstanding significant forces. They are designed to be firmly attached to the track and provide a solid barrier to prevent the crane from sliding or derailing. Another type is the earth stop, which involves piling up earth mounds at the end of the track. Earth stops are a simple and cost-effective solution, but they may require more maintenance and may not be as reliable as steel stops in some situations.
A particular kind of track end stop on tower cranes is a highly effective and practical design. This end stop is clamped on the rail by two poles of channel steel with bolts. The use of channel steel provides a sturdy and reliable connection to the track. The bolts ensure that the end stop is securely fastened and can withstand the forces exerted by the crane. The upper end of the channel steel is equipped with a buffer rubber ring. This rubber ring serves several important purposes. Firstly, it provides a cushioning effect, reducing the impact force when the crane comes into contact with the end stop. This helps to protect the crane and the end stop from damage and extends their lifespan. Secondly, the rubber ring helps to absorb vibrations and shocks, further enhancing the stability and safety of the crane.
The lower end of the channel steel is equipped with a trapezoidal buffer plate composed of three steel plates of different lengths. This unique design provides additional cushioning and impact resistance. The trapezoidal shape helps to distribute the force evenly and prevent excessive stress on any one point. The combination of the buffer rubber ring and the trapezoidal buffer plate makes this end stop capable of withstanding a large inertial impact force. This is particularly important in situations where the crane is operating at high speeds or lifting heavy loads, as the inertia can generate significant forces that need to be absorbed and dissipated.
This kind of end stop has several advantages. Firstly, it has a simple structure, which makes it easy to install and disassemble. This is beneficial for maintenance and repair work, as it allows technicians to quickly and easily access the end stop when needed. Secondly, its effectiveness in preventing crane accidents makes it an essential safety feature for tower cranes. By providing a reliable barrier at the end of the track, it helps to ensure the stability and safety of the crane and protects both the equipment and the operators.
At the end of the running track of bridge cranes, tower cranes, and electric hoists of portal cranes, track end stops should be installed. This is a crucial safety requirement that cannot be overlooked. Bridge cranes, with their long spans and heavy loads, need end stops to prevent them from sliding off the track or derailing. Tower cranes, which operate at heights and are subject to various forces, rely on end stops to maintain their stability and prevent accidents. Electric hoists of portal cranes also benefit from end stops, as they help to ensure the safe movement of the hoist along the track and prevent it from overshooting the end.
For example, in a construction site where tower cranes are in operation, the track end stop plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of the workers and the integrity of the construction project. If there were no end stop in place, a strong wind or a sudden movement of the crane could cause it to slide off the track and potentially collapse, endangering the lives of those on the site and causing significant damage to the surrounding area. However, with the end stop in place, the crane is prevented from overshooting the end of the track and is kept in a safe and stable position.
In conclusion, the stopping device at the end of crane tracks is a crucial safety feature that cannot be ignored. It serves as a barrier to prevent cranes from sliding, derailing, and overturning due to track inclination, strong winds, and inertial forces. The various types of end stops available, such as steel stops and earth stops, offer different solutions depending on the specific needs and circumstances. The particular design of the track end stop for tower cranes, with its channel steel poles, buffer rubber ring, and trapezoidal buffer plate, provides a highly effective and reliable solution. Installing track end stops at the end of the running tracks of bridge cranes, tower cranes, and electric hoists of portal cranes is essential for ensuring the safety and stability of these important pieces of equipment.
