Also known as a single-column lift or single-arm vertical lift, the single-arm lifting machine is one of the core pieces of equipment in modern intelligent logistics systems for achieving automated cross-floor and cross-height conveyance. Its unique structure and working principles give it irreplaceable advantages in specific application scenarios.
Definition: A single-arm lifting machine is a mechanical device that uses a single column (or frame) for support and guidance. A lifting mechanism (such as a chain, belt, or wire rope driven by a servo motor) installed on the column drives a load-bearing platform (fork, pallet, conveyor belt, etc.) to move vertically up and down in a reciprocating motion.
Working Principle: Upon receiving an instruction, the control system activates the drive motor. The transmission system then moves the load-bearing platform precisely along the column's guide rails to the target floor. Once arrived, goods on the platform can be automatically loaded or unloaded via its own conveying device (e.g., rollers, belt) or by external equipment (e.g., shuttle cars, AGVs, robots), enabling continuous vertical material flow.
Advantages: Compact structure, small footprint (typically only about 1-2 square meters), low requirement for site layout, facilitating "plug-and-play" installation in existing factories.
Disadvantages: Compared to dual-arm (dual-column) lifts, its load capacity and platform size are usually somewhat limited, and stability is slightly inferior to the dual-column structure.
Can be customized according to the form of goods. Common types include:
Roller Platform: For carrying pallets or totes, enabling seamless connection with floor-level conveyor lines.
Belt Platform: For conveying loose items, parcels, cartons.
Non-Powered Platform: Requires AGVs or forklifts for loading/unloading.
Customized Fixture Plate: For handling parts in specific industries (e.g., automotive, appliances).
Drive: Typically uses servo motors or frequency conversion motors to achieve smooth start/stop and precise positioning (positioning accuracy can reach ±1mm).
Safety: Equipped with multiple safety devices, such as:
Fall Prevention Device: Mechanical safety gear to prevent platform fall in case of power failure or malfunction.
Multiple Limit Stops: Upper/lower limit switches, photoelectric sensors, etc.
Door Interlock: Prevents machine operation if safety doors on any floor are not closed.
Safety Light Curtains/Guardrails: Prevent personnel from entering hazardous areas.
High Space Utilization: Single-column design, minimal footprint, especially suitable for space-constrained retrofit projects.
High Efficiency: Fast vertical lifting speed (up to 1-2 m/s), high acceleration, enabling quick response to system commands.
High Automation Integration: Easy integration with WMS (Warehouse Management System) and WCS (Warehouse Control System) for fully automated, unmanned operation.
Good Flexibility: Can be flexibly customized based on floor height, load capacity, speed, inlet/outlet direction, etc.
High Cost-Effectiveness: For medium load and throughput requirements, its cost is usually lower than large freight elevators or complex continuous vertical conveyors.
Multi-Story Warehouses or Distribution Centers: Connects conveyor lines on different floors for automatic inbound/outbound of pallets/totes.
Production Workshops: Transports materials between upstream/downstream processes (e.g., assembly on 1st floor, packaging on 2nd, shipping on 3rd).
E-commerce Fulfillment Centers: Handles vertical tote movement in "Goods-to-Person" picking systems.
Airport Baggage Handling: Vertical sorting/diversion in baggage handling systems.
Hospital Logistics: Quiet, smooth transportation of pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, linens, etc.
Factory Line-Side Logistics: Feeding and unloading materials for automated production lines.
Key parameters to focus on during selection
| length (L） | L=200mm-300mm |
| width (W) | 300mm≤W≤800mm |
| height (H) | 300mm≤H≤2500mm |
| lifting speed (V) | ≤40 M/min |
| loading capacity | ≤100 KGS |
The single-arm lifting machine is an efficient, flexible, and space-saving vertical handling solution in logistics automation systems. It perfectly resolves the conflict between "limited space" and "automation upgrade," serving as a key "vertical bridge" connecting two-dimensional planar conveyor lines with three-dimensional storage space. When planning a logistics system, selecting a suitable single-arm lifting machine based on specific throughput, load, space, and budget can significantly enhance the flow and efficiency of the entire system.
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