Stacker crane is the most important equipment for handling, lifting, and stacking in automated three-dimensional warehouses, which has a significant impact on the efficiency of inbound and outbound warehousing. It is one of the key equipment for three-dimensional warehouses to meet design requirements and reflect their advantages.

Stacker crane function

After receiving computer instructions, the stacker crane can shuttle back and forth in the high-level shelf aisle, transporting goods from the entrance and exit of the aisle to the designated storage location, or transporting the required goods from the warehouse to the entrance and exit of the aisle, and then equipped with corresponding transfer and conveying equipment to achieve automatic inbound and outbound of goods through computer control. 

The handling equipment in the three-dimensional warehouse includes high-level forklifts, industrial robots, bridge stackers, and rail mounted single and double column stackers. Due to its high efficiency, the double column stacker crane with rails can reach a height of 30-40 meters, making it easy to achieve unmanned operation, stable walking, large cargo capacity, and low noise. It is widely used in current three-dimensional warehouses.

The working principle of a stacker crane is based on the principles of static and dynamic balance of objects, and precise positioning and stacking of goods are achieved through computer control. The stacker crane is mainly composed of mechanical frame, lifting mechanism, horizontal drive mechanism, fork grasping mechanism, sensors, and control system. The specific workflow is as follows:

1. Lifting mechanism: It realizes the vertical movement of the stacker crane, usually driven by a motor chain or steel wire rope.

2. Horizontal driving mechanism: It realizes the horizontal movement of the stacker crane, usually driven by a motor to drive gears or synchronous belts.

3. Fork grabbing mechanism: used to grab goods and perform stacking operations, driven by a motor hydraulic cylinder or mechanical arm.

4. Sensor: used to detect the position, weight, size and other information of goods, and achieve precise control of the stacker crane through sensor feedback.

5. Control system: Adopting a PLC control system to achieve automated operation and real-time monitoring of the stacker crane.

During operation, the lifting mechanism and horizontal drive mechanism of the stacker crane first transport the goods to the designated position, then the fork grasping mechanism accurately grasps the goods and lifts them, and finally places the goods in the designated position.

Characteristics and advantages

1. High precision: The stacker crane adopts sensor feedback and control, which can achieve precise positioning and stacking of goods.

2. High efficiency: Stacker cranes can significantly improve the loading and transportation efficiency of goods, significantly reducing labor costs.

3. Safety: The stacker crane adopts automated operation to reduce manual operation errors and improve production safety performance.

4. Plasticity: The mechanical frame of the stacker crane can be customized according to different needs to adapt to different usage scenarios.

Application scenarios

Stacker cranes are widely used in various fields such as manufacturing, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. For example, in the automotive manufacturing industry, a stacker crane three-dimensional warehouse can be used to store automotive parts, achieving efficient and accurate supply and inventory management; In the express delivery industry, stacker cranes can be used to store various types of packages, achieving fast and accurate sorting and distribution. In addition, stacker cranes are widely used in industries such as tobacco, books, retail, as well as various e-commerce warehouses, self pickup points, logistics distribution centers, and other places.