What is an electric hoist? Electric hoist for vertical lifting of loads

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Load lifting mechanisms have been improved for centuries, undergoing changes in contraction and increasing power potential. Today, advanced developers manage to create compact and simple devices. The most common system is a winch, but its principle of operation imposes some restrictions on operation. In turn, the electric hoist as an upgraded version of the winch mechanism has a higher load capacity and reliability. Although the sophisticated hoist design also requires a number of installation specifications to be met, there is little to no alternative to this equipment in terms of performance and ease of use.

Design

In general terms, an electric hoist is a drum unit equipped with a motor, a brake (electromagnetic or shoe), a lifting cable and a movement device (rails). If we consider in more detail the features of some models, then we should also note the presence of a lifting gearbox, a hook suspension and an electronic control system for the mechanism. The last item is either optional or included.

The main component of the design is the trolley, on which the hoist is moved with the load. The electric motor is responsible for the operation of the lifting gear and is controlled by the remote control. The presence of a hoist allows not only to diversify lifting methods in certain room conditions, but also to carry out more complex lifting schemes, which also involve jib and overhead cranes.

Operating parameters

Among the key performance characteristics of any hoist stands out the load capacity, the maximum distance of action and the speed of the trolley. The range of weight of cargo allowed for lifting varies from 250 to 10 thousand kg. At the same time, the most popular is electric hoist 1 t, which is the best option in terms of speed and lifting capabilities. The maximum lifting distances can exceed 30 m, and the minimum is 5-6 m. As you can see, the technical capabilities of electric units are an order of magnitude superior to manual mechanisms that are difficult to control at high altitudes.

The average speed for vertical lifting by electric hoist is 8m per minute, and the same operation in the horizontal direction is 20m per minute. Again, these are average figures, and on the market you can find modifications that operate at micro speeds. For example, an electric hoist 0.5 t is capable of performing a large number of responsible and precise lifting operations at low speed - models with a higher carrying capacity will not cope with such tasks.

Application areas

The fields of use of electric hoists cover construction, manufacturing, industry and private households. Wherever work with cargo is required, use of this unit is possible. However, the introduction of hoists and high-tech motors into the design also determined the technical requirements for operating conditions and installation. That is, in a small room, even a 1 t electric hoist, modest in terms of technical characteristics, can cause installation problems. On the other hand, the ability to work with different speeds, a variety of lifting characteristics and a rail system of movement allow the introduction of such mechanisms on complex production lines and warehouses, where precision and stability in lifting operations are required.

Working principle

Despite the introduction of a number of additions to the design compared to the classic winch device, the hoist has retained a simple working principle. To begin with, it is installed and connected to the network. Next, the operator hooks the cargo object on the hook, fixes it with a special carabiner and turns on the lifting mechanism through the control panel. From this moment on, the electric hoist starts the rotation of the drum and the winding of the rope (or chain). When the load rises to the required level, the user presses "stop". The brake system locks the lifting cable in its current position, allowing further handling of the load.

Modern electric hoists have specialrecommendations for working conditions. This applies to the time intervals of direct rise and rest. By following these instructions, you can eliminate the risks of overloading the electric motor and other violations in the functions of individual elements.

Differences between a chain hoist and a cable hoist

The fact that chain models are more often used in large-scale production undoubtedly speaks in their favor. The benefits of electric chain hoists include:

• Reliability.
• High maintainability (it is enough to replace the damaged element).
• Durability.
• High load limits.

Rope analogues, due to the characteristics of the material itself, are not able to compete in many criteria with units equipped with metal chains. However, they also have advantages. For example, electric wire rope hoist is smaller and cheaper. It is advisable to use such equipment at small warehouse and production facilities.

Mobile and Stationary

Almost all modern models of vertical lifting electric hoists can be installed with the ability to move. For this, even at the installation stage, a carriage with rails is provided, along which movement is carried out. In this case, it is not necessary to use a mechanism for horizontal lifting. The mobility that an electric hoist is endowed with often serves to perform operations at different points.premises.

Stationary models are designed for vertical lifting at one point. Usually, it focuses on the preparation of cargo for movement to the place of subsequent logistics procedures. Fastening in this case is provided by high-strength metal staples or other fixation elements.

Additional equipment

Minor optional usually includes security features. A typical representative of such systems is overheating protection - when the electric motor enters the peak operating phase, the device automatically turns off the power supply, preventing damage. Of course, with such equipment, a higher cost is also assumed, at which the electric hoist is sold. The price can reach 50-60 thousand per model in a wide configuration. For comparison, standard counterparts, devoid of high performance and additional options, are available for 10-15 thousand. In addition, the hoists can be equipped with a limit switch for automatically fixing the cable and an emergency button for an unplanned stop of the lift - in case of preventing a load break and other dangerous situations.