YOUR REQUIREMENTS – OUR SOLUTIONS
ZIMM drive technology for intralogistics | Lifting, positioning and adjusting
| Movement tasks: | Lifting · Positioning · Adjusting · Rotating · Redirecting |
| Product groups: | Screw jacks · Electromechanical actuators · ZK Bevel gearboxes |
| Lifting force ranges: | Screw jacks: 2.5 to 1,000 kN per jack · Electromechanical actuators: 25 to 200 kN |
| Application examples: | Conveyor belt adjustment · AGV top modules · Turntables in carton conveyor lines |
| Areas of use | Conveyor systems · Transfer stations · AGV modules · Sorting and diverting systems · Packaging lines |
| Project types: | New OEM design · Retrofit |
Material flows in intralogistics must be continuously monitored, adjusted and kept efficient. Stable transfers, repeatable positions and robust mechanics are crucial – so cycle processes run reliably and coordination effort remains low.
ZIMM provides a modular system kit for this: electromechanical actuators and screw jacks generate precise linear motion – including matching parts – for lifting, positioning and adjusting loads in conveyor systems and system modules. ZK bevel gearboxes handle power transmission and 90° redirection when drives need to be arranged compactly and integrated cleanly. Within the ZIMM modular system, screw jacks, electromechanical actuators and ZK bevel gearboxes can be combined with matching spindles, motors, connecting shafts, couplings and add-on parts. This creates coordinated drive systems for conveyor systems, transfer stations and system modules. The sizing depends on the load, stroke or adjustment travel, speed, duty cycle, number of drive points, installation situation, ambient conditions and the safety concept of the overall system.
ZIMM GmbH develops and manufactures screw jacks, bevel gearboxes, electromechanical actuators and matching add-on parts for industrial lifting, positioning and drive tasks at Millenniumpark 3, 6890 Lustenau, Austria.
Electromechanical actuators
ZIMM electromechanical actuators generate controlled linear movements for lifting, lowering, supporting, positioning and adjusting components or loads. Depending on the version and the system design, they are available for lifting forces from 25 to 200 kN.
The screw enclosed in the housing and the sealed gear support use in demanding environments. Degree of protection, corrosion protection, temperature range, lubrication and sealing design are defined according to the actual operating and ambient conditions. Matching flanges, rod ends, support plates, bearings, limit switches and further add-on parts support both mechanical integration and integration into the control system.
Several actuators can be moved together in two ways. A mechanical coupling via connecting shafts enforces the same stroke at all coupled drive points, provided the ratio and the screw lead are identical; the synchronisation is therefore defined kinematically and does not depend on the control system. Where drive points are driven separately, different strokes are possible; in this case the synchronisation is established by the control system and position sensors and has to be monitored. Both variants can be combined within one installation.
ZK Bevel gearboxes
ZIMM ZK bevel gearboxes redirect an input rotary motion through 90° and transmit the torque to one or two output shafts. Four sizes are available with output torques from 18 to 200 Nm and the ratios 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1.
Size and ratio are selected on the basis of the required output torque, the input speed, the axial and radial forces at the shafts, the mounting orientation and the operating mode. Type and version result from the number and the position of the required output shafts and from the type of shaft connection. The types 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 and the versions WE-FN and HW-FN are available.
Matching add-on parts are available for ZK bevel gearboxes: connecting shafts VWZ, pedestal bearings STL, shaft extensions WZ, couplings KUZ and three-phase AC motors. Integration into the overall system, the alignment and support of the shafts and the higher-level safety concept are defined within the respective system.
Extract from our industry expertise
Adjust conveyor belts | Stabilise transfers reliably
In intralogistics, conveyor belts often need to be readjusted – for clean transfers and stable belt tracking. ZIMM provides electromechanical actuators as a robust basis: precise adjustment and positioning in a compact installation space. This allows belt height, side guides and angle of inclination to be set repeatably – even with changing loads and cycle times.
Benefits
- Repeatable settings for stable transfers and belt tracking
- High stiffness and positioning accuracy under load
- Compact integration with clear interfaces to the control system
Operating principle
- Rotary motion -> linear motion via electromechanical actuators
- Synchronisation of multiple actuators possible to prevent jamming
- Design based on stroke, load and duty cycle (ED) for stable cycle processes
Application scenarios
- Height adjustment of conveyor belts at transfer stations
- Readjustment of side guides for stable product guidance
- Positioning of transfer and diverter modules within the conveyor layout
This video shows how conveyor belts in intralogistics can be precisely adjusted and positioned. With electromechanical actuators from ZIMM, belt height, side guides and the angle of inclination can be set repeatably.
AGV top modules | Automate transfers reliably
AGVs (automated guided vehicles) enable flexible material flows – the critical point is the transfer at stations. ZIMM supplies screw jack systems as a robust basis for top modules: precise lifting and positioning in a compact installation space. This enables repeatable load pick-up, centring and locking at transfer stations.
Benefits
- Repeatable transfers thanks to defined lifting positions
- High stiffness and load capacity for stable processes
- System design as a multi-screw solution possible (e.g. 4-screw systems)
Operating principle
- Rotary motion -> linear motion via screw jacks
- Synchronous lifting in multi-screw systems to prevent jamming
- Designed for accuracy and efficiency (with DC motors as required)
Application scenarios
- Transfer stations to conveyor systems & transfer modules
- Lifting/positioning units for load carriers
- Centring & locking in the top module
How can transfers at stations in AGV applications be implemented repeatably and stably? This video shows how ZIMM screw jack systems in the top module enable precise lifting, positioning and centring. For compact, high-load-capacity solutions at transfer stations and transfer modules.
Turntables | Redirect cartons reliably
In carton conveyor lines, a change of direction is a cycle-critical point: only when the turntable reaches its position repeatably do transfer and onward transport remain stable. ZIMM supports turntable modules with ZK bevel gearboxes as a compact drive stage for torque transmission and 90° redirection. This aligns cartons in a defined way at line transitions and transfers them safely to the next conveyor section.
Benefits
- Repeatable rotary positions for clean carton transfers
- Compact drive thanks to integrated 90° redirection
- Robust torque transmission for stable cycle processes
Operating principle
- Motor -> ZK: transmit torque, redirect the drive direction by 90°
- Ratio matched to cycle time and carton weight (speed/torque)
- End positions define the transfer to the downstream conveyor line
Application scenarios
- 90° direction changes in carton conveyor lines
- Transfers to sorting/diverting modules with defined alignment
- Alignment upstream of scanner, scale or labelling
In carton conveyor lines, a change of direction is a sensitive cycle point. This video shows how ZIMM supports turntable modules with ZK bevel gearboxes: for defined rotary positions, compact 90° redirection and stable transfers to the next conveyor section.
Frequently asked questions about ZIMM drive technology for intralogistics applications
Enquire now
Are you planning an intralogistics module or want to stabilise transfers? Send us a short description of the application, load, stroke/adjustment travel, cycle time or duty cycle (ED), and the installation situation – we will support you in selecting electromechanical actuators, screw jacks or ZK bevel gearboxes.