Smarter GIS two-carrier upper belt running crane for upkeep RV trains

Innovative safety concept with laser scanner

At the Biel service facility, trains inside and outside are cleaned and components are replaced. Regional transport vehicles, or RV vehicles for short, are also to be maintained here. On the one hand, a required crane system must be able to operate the respective track area in its entire length and, on the other hand, it has to meet strict safety requirements. GIS AG, which is based in Schötz, Lucernh, celebrated its sixtieth anniversary in 2017. The know-how in lifting and conveying technology is constantly being developed. This ultimately leads to the win of the tender with a technically high-quality yet inexpensive solution of a special double-carrier upper belt crane.

Safety first!

The constructive finding phase between the project managers of SBB and GIS produces an innovative security concept to prevent collisions with people and material. The core task is to meet the high security requirements. Two laser scanners attached to the crane carriers continuously monitor the driving area. A security software specially developed by GIS evaluates the data in such a way that the crane system can approach or remove obstacles at different speeds. This ensures a gain in flexibility with very high security.

Smart solution through and through

GIS plans and integrates the new crane system perfectly into a challenging environment. The crane system continuously communicates with the control of the line via a secure interface. If the 15kV transmission line is voltage-free and panned to the side, a green-shining LED band along the entire perron signals the safe state. Only after the crane is in a supervised basic position can the overhead line be swung back in and put under tension. Previously, the cat must be fixed in its lateral end position and the hook with its cover in the upper end position. Thus, even with the transfer line switched on, the crane bridge can be longitudinally and provided for the next task.

Safe working on the roof of the vehicle

In order to be able to replace, for example, the main switch of a railcar, its numerous connections in the interior of the vehicle have to be loosened. After that, the bulky load can be extended with the help of the upper belt crane and replaced with a new switch. An operator equipped with crash protection stands on the roof and conducts every movement that the crane performs precisely using radio remote control. All functions are electric, frequency-controlled, with a gentle start: Lifting, lowering and crane and cat driving. A predetermined key actuation sequence prevents unwanted commands.

Everything on equal potential

The new two-carrier bridge crane, with modern, intermediate electric chain train, allows optimal utilization of the available hall height. Both crane tracks rely on both freestanding and consoles firmly connected to the hall construction. An extensive grounding concept connects all senior investment and building parts and thus fixes them to the same potential. In addition to the energy supply via power rail in longitudinal direction and energy chain across the other, four green grinding contacts ensure the permanent grounding of the crane carriers.

For the maintenance of RV and ICN trains, another 200m long GIS crane system will be installed in the SBB service facility Biel. The successful, partnership-based cooperation thus leads to the future.