2008-06-30
Tsubakimoto Chain Introduces the Tsubaki Zip Chain Lifter, a Lifting Device Capable of Achieving High-Speed, High-Frequency Operation
New Zip Chain technology transmits upward and downward thrust directly
Introduction
Tsubakimoto Chain (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan. President: Tatsuhiko Mimoto) has developed the Tsubaki Zip Chain Lifter, a lifting device that enables high-speed, high-frequency operation. Sales of the Zip Chain Lifter will commence from June 25.
The newly developed zip chain leverages Tsubakimoto Chain's global market-leading chain technology and is capable of pushing and pulling. It is has been named "zip chain" because it consists of two chains that interlock in zip-like fashion to form a single, strong column.
The Tsubaki Zip Chain Lifter utilizes zip chains in its lifting mechanism (patent pending). It enables high-speed, high-frequency operation that cannot be achieved with conventional lifting equipment. Tsubakimoto Chain has already successfully delivered over 100 units to automotive manufacturers. Using the knowhow gained from these successes, the company has developed three standard models capable of lifting 750 kg, 1,000 kg, and 2,000 kg respectively. These lifters respond to user needs for faster, higher-frequency lifting, and contribute to productivity improvement, energy efficiency, and environmental improvements in a variety of production line settings.
The Tsubaki Zip Chain Lifter combines Tsubakimoto Chain's Power Transmission and Materials Handling Systems technology. It will be marketed as a new product line under the newly organized department.
We exhibited our Tsubaki Zip Chain Lifter at the 12th Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo at Tokyo Big Sight, beginning June 25.
Features
- Operation three to ten times faster than that of conventional
electrical or hydraulic lifting equipment
Zip chains enable operation on standards models that is three to five times faster than that provided by conventional electrical or hydraulic lifting equipment. Operation is six to ten times faster on high-speed models. - Enables high frequency operation by effective transmission of drive
force
Drive force is transmitted directly because the zip chain mechanism pushes up the platform directly. No excessive load is placed on the hinges or roller bearings of the pantograph (scissor). The Tsubaki Zip Chain Lifter has excellent durability, and has cleared more than one million lift cycles in endurance tests conducted by Tsubakimoto Chain. Its long lifetime and energy-efficient design respond to environmental needs. - Uniform lifting speed proportional to motor speed
With conventional electric or hydraulic lifting equipment, the speed of the platform changes between the starting and stopping points. However, as the Zip Chain Lifter pushes up the platform directly, the platform rises at a speed proportional to that of the motor. This makes position control easy. (Refer to the attached Reference Material for more details.)
Applications
The Zip Chain Lifter is suited to a range of lifting equipment applications.
It is perfect for assembly lines, painting lines, and other production lines that require high-speed lifting and synchronization with adjacent equipment.
Product Lineup
- Standard models: 750 kg, 1,000 kg, and 2,000 kg types
Type (Lifting Weight) Lifting Speed Lifting Stroke Table Size (L x W) 750 kg 30 m/min 1,000 mm 1,600 mm x 800 mm 1,000 kg 1,500 mm 2,350 mm x 900 mm 2,000 kg 1,500 mm 2,350 mm x 2,100 mm - Small-type, large-type, high-speed, and special specification models are available in addition to the standard models listed above.
Release Date
June 25, 2008
Retail Price
From ¥2.5 million
Sales Forecast
First year: ¥500 million
Five years: ¥3 billion
Reference Material
- Zip Chain Interlocking Mechanism
- Zip Chain Lifter Compared to Electric/Hydraulic Lifters
- Changes in Speed from Start to Stop
- Feature Comparison
Zip Chain Lifter Hydraulic Lifter Electric Lifter Speed / Position Control Easy Difficult Possible Lifting Speed Fast Slow Slow Jog Operation Easy Difficult Difficult - Changes in Speed from Start to Stop