What are the main types of stacker cranes in a high-rise storage warehouse?

The monorail stacker crane is a specialized crane that has developed with the emergence of automated storage and retrieval systems, commonly abbreviated as AS/RS.Automated Vertical WarehouseThe core equipment, also a vital lifting and handling device, operates primarily within the aisles of high-rack storage in multi-story warehouses. It moves back and forth, loading goods from the aisle entrance into storage bins on the shelves or retrieving items from the bins and transporting them to the aisle exit. Its performance directly impacts the overall efficiency and economic benefits of the warehouse operation.

The stacker is mainly composed of several key components, including the lower crossbeam, load platform, fork mechanism, column, upper crossbeam, horizontal movement mechanism, lifting mechanism, electrical control cabinet, safety protection devices, and electrical control system.

There are various classifications for rail-mounted forklifts, commonly categorized in three-dimensional warehouse applications by structure, picking method, and operational path. By structure, they can be divided into single-column and double-column forklifts; by picking method, they can be single-extend or double-extend forklifts; and by operational path, they can be straight-line or curved-path forklifts.

Straight-running stacker cranes can only operate on straight tracks within the aisles and cannot switch tracks autonomously. They can only be maneuvered through other means.Conveying EquipmentReversing alleys, such as stacker transport vehicles. Linear stackers can achieve high-speed operation, catering to the frequent in-and-out activities of high-frequency storage and retrieval in three-dimensional warehouses, and are widely applicable.

The curve-running stacker's wheels and lower transverse beam are connected by a vertical axis hinge, allowing it to operate on circular or other curved tracks, enabling it to navigate curves and transfer between aisles without the need for additional conveying equipment. Such stackers are commonly referred to as transfer track stackers. The curve-running stackers have limitations in use, being suitable only for high-rise warehouses with low frequency of in-and-out operations. This is because not only are the turning radii restricted by the site, but the speed during turns is particularly slow, which cannot meet the high frequency of in-and-out operations in warehouses.