Slip Ring for Elevating Work Platform
Elevating work platform (EWP) is a device used to lift people and equipment to different heights for work. It is most commonly used in construction, warehousing, logistics, maintenance and other fields. Slip rings are used in it to continuously supply power, transmit signals and communicate data. The following are the main types of EWP that use slip rings:
- Boom lifts (articulated and telescopic boom lifts)
- Truck-Mounted Lifts
- Vertical Mast Lifts
- Scissor Lifts
- Rotating Aerial Platforms
- Cranes with Work Platforms
While Designing An Elevating Work Platform, Which Portion Is Perfect For Installing Slip Rings?
In an EWP, slip rings are installed in parts such as the fixed base and the platform, as follows:
Rotating Turret/Base Joint
The turret/base joint is located at the joint between the bottom of the platform and the support column. This part usually has a reserved installation space or installation interface, such as a cylindrical connection structure with a larger diameter. We can bolt the slip ring to the inner or outer edge of the structure using steel angle brackets.
Rotating Platform
The rotating platform is the working area of the EWP, which is used to transport goods or personnel. There are raised structures or reserved mounting holes near the center of rotation of the platform. We can use welding or bolting to install the slip ring so that it is concentric with the rotation axis.
Articulating Joints
The articulated joint is a movable connection part in the EWP, which is used for multi-angle adjustment and folding operation. We usually use elastic mounting brackets or flexible connection structures to install the slip ring near the rotation axis of the joint (inside the joint). In addition, flexible connection cables and swivel joints can also connect slip rings to articulated joints.
Special Requirements
Slip rings used in elevating work platform may have some specific requirements:
Protection level
Lifting work platforms are usually used in outdoor environments, so the slip rings must have a high protection level. We usually require it to reach IP65 or above to prevent the intrusion of solid particles and water spray with a diameter greater than 1 mm.
Carrying capacity
Lifting work platforms will generate varying degrees of vibration and shock during operation. For a lifting work platform with a load weight of about 1 ton, the slip ring may need to withstand at least 500 Newtons of axial and radial forces.
Long-life design
Considering the operating frequency and strength of the lifting work platform, the design life of the slip ring should be greater than 5 years, or be able to withstand at least 100,000 rotation operations.
High-precision rotation
When the lifting work platform is adjusted in position, the slip ring needs to provide precise positioning. Its operating error is best controlled within ±0.05 degrees.