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Modern design to manage crane operations




Crane pulpits have become more and more technologically advanced in recent years. Modern pulpits are totally digitalized and programmable, with new seats and joystick devices that provide higher comfort and better control precision.
With specific reference to the manipulators, Danieli Centro Cranes applies to all cranes a modern and flexible standard highly appreciated by all operators worldwide for its perfect balance between accuracy, ergonomics and ease of use.

The main joystick features are:

• Profinet interface: consolidated industrial Ethernet communication standard (IEC 61158/61784) that allows a homogeneous communication throughout all the plant levels. The same communication protocol is applied for the entire machine (e.g., PLC, frequency converters), unless differently required by the customer, so that programming is easy and reliable.

• Ergonomic handle: the handle type has been chosen based on feedback from thousands of drivers. The shape was selected to avoid wrist fatigue and to improve arm relaxation. Specific handles can be chosen and customized when the position of crane driver is not perfectly aligned with the seat (for example, when a crane driver needs to bend forward to have a better view of the working area). In general, for this particular case, the appropriate handle is chosen together with the customer to reach the best results in terms of driver comfort.

• Capacitive dead man: new generation of capacitive sensors is used inside every handle to increase the safety at the maximum level. Sensor location is studied basing on the driver's hand position during working time.When multiple driving positions are needed, a double dead-man sensor can be provided (for example on both the side and top of the joystick). 

• Accurate speed control: speed control is achieved by direct connection to the PLC. Indeed, the driver is able to perform the smallest speed steps to increase movement precision. Based on the request, it can be possible to provide joysticks with or without the steps feeling, customizing the speed set points as per customer preferences.Moreover, if the choice is to maintain the control of the crane separate from the network, joysticks can be equipped with an analogic output card that directly controls the frequency converters. 

• Hall technology: a magnet beneath the actuator modifies the electromagnetic field when it is moved by the shaft of the joystick. An electric transducer measures the variation of flux and determines the actuator position in a very accurate way. It is a contactless technology with an expected life of about 10 million cycles without precision loss.

• Digital inputs / outputs integration: every manipulator is equipped with digital inputs or outputs. Such ports also can be used to take-over other signals coming from the push-buttons installed on the pulpit, thus eliminating the need for remote I/O typically installed in the pulpit armrest. Wires are minimized as well.