Lifting mechanisms have been improved for centuries, undergoing changes in contraction and increasing power potential. Today, advanced developers are able to create compact and simple in design devices. The most common system is a winch, but its operating principle imposes some restrictions on operation. In turn, the electric hoist as a modernized version of the winch mechanism has a higher carrying capacity and reliability. Although the complicated design with the presence of hoists also requires compliance with a number of technical conditions during installation, such equipment has practically no alternative in terms of performance and ease of use.
Design
In general, an electric hoist is a drum unit equipped with a motor, brake (electromagnetic or block), a hoisting cable and a device for movement (rails). If we consider in more detail the features of some models, then we must also note the presence of a lifting gear, a hook suspension and an electronic control system for the mechanism. The last element comes either optionally or in the kit.
The main component of the design is the trolley, on which the hoists are 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 the lifting methods in certain room conditions, but also to carry out more complex load-lifting schemes, in which console and bridge cranes are also involved.
Operating parameters
Among the key operational characteristics of any hoist, the payload, the maximum distance of action and the speed of movement of the cart stand out. The range of the mass of cargo, permissible for lifting, varies from 250 to 10 thousand kg. At the same time, the electric hoist 1 t belongs to the most popular, which is the best option for speed and lifting capabilities. The maximum lifting distances can exceed 30 m, and the minimum is 5-6 m. As can be seen, the technical capabilities of electrical units are an order of magnitude superior to manual mechanisms that are difficult to control at high altitudes.
The average speed for vertical hoisting with electric hoist is 8 m per minute, and the same operation in the horizontal direction is 20 m per minute. Again, these are average indicators, and on the market you can find modifications that operate at micro speeds. For example, an electric hoist of 0.5 t is capable of performing a large number of responsible and accurate lifting operations at low speed - models with a higher carrying capacity can not cope with such tasks.
Fields of application
Fields of use of electric hoists cover construction, manufacturing, industry and private households. Wherever work with cargo is required, the use of this unit is possible. However, the introduction of hoists and high-tech motors into the design also led to technical requirements for operating and installation conditions. That is, in a small room, even a modest electric hoist of 1 t, modest in technical characteristics, can cause installation problems. On the other hand, the ability to work at different speeds, a variety of lifting characteristics and a rail system of movement allow you to implement such mechanisms on complex production lines and in storage rooms, where the accuracy of lifting operations and stability in their execution are required.
Principle of operation
Despite a number of additions to the design compared to the classic winch device, the hoist retained a simple working principle. To begin, it is installed and connected to the network. Next, the operator hooks the cargo object onto the hook, fixes it with a special carbine and turns on the lifting mechanism through the control panel. From this moment, the electric hoist starts the rotation of the drum and winding the rope (or chain). When the load rises to the desired level, the user clicks “stop”. The brake system fixes the hoisting cable in the current position, allowing further cargo operations.
Modern electric hoists have special recommendations for operating modes. This applies to the time intervals of direct ascent and rest. Following these instructions, you can eliminate the risks of overloading the electric motor and other violations in the functions of individual elements.
Differences between chain hoist and cable hoist
The fact that chain models are more often used in large industries undoubtedly speaks in their favor. The benefits that electric chain hoists have include the following:
- Reliability.
- High maintainability (just replace the damaged element).
- Durability.
- High payload limits.
Rope analogues, in view of the characteristics of the material itself, are not able to compete by many criteria with units equipped with metal chains. Nevertheless, they have pluses. For example, electric wire rope hoists are smaller and cheaper. It is advisable to use such equipment in small storage and production facilities.
Mobile and stationary
Almost all modern models of electric hoists for vertical lifting can be installed with the ability to move. For this, at the installation stage, a carriage with rails is provided, along which the movement is carried out. It is not necessary to use a mechanism for horizontal lifting. Mobility, which is endowed with electric hoist, often serves to perform operations at different points in the room.
Stationary models are designed for vertical lift at one point. Usually it focuses on the preparation of the goods for moving to the place of subsequent logistics procedures. The fastening in this case is provided by high-strength metal brackets or other fixing elements.
Additional equipment
A minor option usually includes security features. A typical representative of such systems is protection against overheating - when the electric motor enters the peak working phase, the device automatically turns off the power supply, preventing breakage. 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 analogs, 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 cargo stalling and other dangerous situations.