With the column lift shown, loads of up to 2 tons are transported to an intermediate level 4,500 mm high. The conveyed goods are then pumped into a silo for further mixing and can be conveniently retrieved on the ground floor.
The installation situation of the simplified goods lift
Our column lift serves as the basis for this simplified goods lift. Since loading and unloading take place on both narrow sides, our two-column lift variant is suitable. Compared to a single-sided lifting frame, this variant offers the advantage that, with correct loading, almost no torques are transmitted to the guide.
Two stops
The hydraulic lift serves two stops: The first stop is on the ground floor and the second is approximately 4,500 mm higher on a customer-constructed platform.
Installation without a pit
For this project, the integrity of the concrete floor was crucial for environmental reasons. Therefore, we opted against using a pit and instead installed a ramp in front of the column lift's platform. Additionally, we used adhesive anchors instead of the usual expansion anchors for the anchoring. This solution ensures that the concrete floor remains in pristine condition even after the anchoring.
Securing the ceiling break
The images show that the column lift does not travel in a shaft but is secured at the lower and upper stops by a guardrail.
Special attention is given to the ceiling break: As the lift platform passes through the ceiling, a dangerous pinch and shear edge is created. To ensure safety, we have installed light barriers along the ceiling break. These safety measures ensure that if the light beam is interrupted, the lifting movement of the column lift is immediately stopped.
Smooth commissioning
Since the customer provided us with the exact installation and usage situation during the quotation phase, it was easy to determine the necessary safety measures. As a result, we were able to install all required guardrails, safeguards and sensors during our assembly and have the system ready for operation in just 1.5 days.
Control of the simplified goods lift
Electromechanically locked doors
The doors on each floor can only be opened when the platform of the column lift is at the same level. This is ensured by a combination of inductive sensors and electromechanical door locks.
Since the lift does not travel in a completely enclosed shaft, a guardrail with a secured door has been installed on the platform. This prevents loads from falling off the platform.
Safe loading and unloading in the upper position
Since the column lift is also loaded and unloaded in the upper position, the following aspects had to be considered:
- Pressure build-up in the upper position
During load transfer, hydraulic systems tend to bounce. The degree of this bouncing depends on the pressure difference: the lower the system pressure before load transfer, the greater the bounce. For this reason, our control system is designed to intentionally increase the pressure in the upper position, almost completely eliminating bouncing. - Pressure switch for overload protection
If a lift table or column lift is only loaded in the lower position, a pressure relief valve is sufficient to secure the mechanical system. However, if loading occurs in the raised position, this protection is not enough. Therefore, we use an electronic pressure switch within the hydraulic system that continuously monitors the mechanical load and shuts down the column lift if necessary. In this case, an appropriate warning is displayed so that the cause of the malfunction can be quickly resolved.
Smooth docking at stops
The shown freight elevator is operated with a 5.2 kW unit. If the platform were to enter the stops at full speed, it would result in an unpleasant noise level. To provide a more pleasant working environment for the customer's employees, the elevator automatically reduces its speed shortly before reaching the stops and docks quietly into the desired final position.
Being prepared for external inspections
From time to time, the goods lifts undergo external inspections. To always be prepared for this, we have integrated a ball valve for a hose rupture test into the hydraulic circuit. This provides the inspector with a simple way to determine if the hydraulic lift behaves correctly in the event of a hose rupture.
