YOUR REQUIREMENTS – OUR SOLUTIONS
ZIMM drive technology for STS and container cranes | Locking, positioning, adjusting and tensioning
| Movement tasks: | Locking · Positioning · Adjusting · Tensioning |
| Product groups: | ZA-I series actuators · ZA series actuators · ZE series screw jacks |
| Lifting force ranges: | Screw jacks: 2.5 to 1,000 kN per jack · Electromechanical actuators: 25 to 200 kN |
| Application examples: | Bogie locking on gantry cranes · Locking and adjustment functions in the spreader · Rope tensioning systems at backreach |
| Areas of use: | Ship-to-shore cranes · Container and gantry cranes · Spreaders · Container terminals · Port equipment |
| Operating conditions: | Outdoor installation · Salt-laden atmosphere · Varying temperatures · Multi-shift and continuous operation |
| Project types: | New OEM design · Retrofit · Replacement of hydraulic actuators |
| Quality management: | ISO 9001:2015 · Requirements from crane and terminal specifications on a project-specific basis |
Ship-to-shore and container cranes must perform locking, positioning, adjusting and tensioning functions reliably during terminal operation. Robust mechanics, clearly defined interfaces and repeatable movements are essential so that gantry travel modes, spreader functions and rope-guided systems operate without disruption and can be integrated cleanly into the crane logic.
ZIMM provides a modular solution kit for this: ZA-I and ZA series electromechanical actuators as well as screw jacks perform linear motions for locking, positioning, adjusting and tensioning. This creates robust solutions for STS/container cranes, port equipment and retrofit tasks where function, integrability and continuous operation are the priority. Within the ZIMM modular system, electromechanical actuators and screw jacks can be combined with matching screws, motors, connecting shafts, couplings and add-on parts. The sizing depends on the actuating or lifting force, stroke, 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.
ZA-I-Series | Actuator
The ZA-I series actuators from ZIMM are coaxial electromechanical linear drives for locking, positioning and adjustment movements. Motor, gearbox and spindle are arranged on a common axis. This coaxial design keeps the drive slim and allows installation even where space is limited.
Available in four sizes from 25 to 200 kN, optionally with single-stage or two-stage planetary gearbox or as direct drive, matched to the duty cycle and system design. The spindle located inside the housing is protected against dirt, dust and water. Matching flanges, rod ends, bearings and limit switches come from the ZIMM modular system.
ZE-Series | Screw jack
The ZE series screw jacks from ZIMM convert an input rotary motion into a linear lifting or positioning movement, for lifting, positioning, adjusting and clamping tasks.
Available in 13 sizes from 5 to 1,000 kN, optionally with trapezoidal screw drive or ball screw drive and with rotating (R) or translating (S) spindle. The increased lubricant volume improves heat dissipation and permits high duty cycles. Via connecting shafts, couplings and bevel gearboxes, several ZE screw jacks can be combined into mechanically coupled multi-spindle systems with synchronous lift. Matching add-on parts come from the ZIMM modular system.
Typical motion tasks in the STS/container crane environment
Safe-Lock | Locking the gantry bogies on gantry cranes
Depending on the operating mode, gantry cranes must be able to switch between normal travel, cross-travel, rotate mode and parking mode. For this purpose, the bogies are swivelled into alternative positions and then locked reliably. The locking function must release the selected position and hold it stably under load. At the same time, the upward and downward movement of the locking pin must be clearly controlled.
Benefits
- Clear locking motion for controllable gantry travel modes
- Repeatable pin positions for reliable locking of the selected bogie position
- Robust electromechanical solution with clear end-position logic
- Easy integration into crane control and gantry travel logic
Operating principle
- A ZA-I series electromechanical actuator actuates the locking pin device
- The motor-driven mechanism releases or locks the pin depending on the selected bogie position
- End-position monitoring controls the lifting motion of the pin
- After swivelling, the pin engages in the new position in a controlled manner
Application scenarios
- Switching between normal travel and cross-travel mode
- Locking function in rotate mode
- Locking of defined parking positions
- Gantry travel logic on gantry cranes in OEM or retrofit environments
Gantry cranes switch between normal travel, cross-travel, rotate mode and parking mode. For this, bogie components must be swivelled in a controlled manner and locked reliably.
Spreader | Actuate locking and adjustment functions
Locking and adjustment functions in the spreader must be actuated precisely and controlled in a mechanically traceable manner. Especially in intermodal operation, repeatable motion sequences and full integration into the crane solution are essential. Continuous access by the crane management system to the respective function must remain possible at all times.
Benefits
- Precise electromechanical adjustment motion for locking and adjustment functions
- Full integrability into crane management and control systems
- High functional traceability due to direct mechanical coupling
- Suitable for clearly structured motion sequences with increased integration requirements
Operating principle
- ZA series electromechanical actuators perform the adjustment motion
- Opposing functional elements can be mechanically coupled via a direct shaft
- This allows motions to be transmitted and synchronized in a controlled manner
- The mechanical design of the overall system supports a traceable functional logic
Application scenarios
- Spreader functions in container handling
- Intermodal operating modes with high requirements for motion control
- Fully electrically and mechanically integrated crane solutions
- Retrofit or new design of locking and adjustment functions
Locking and adjustment functions in the spreader must be actuated precisely and controlled in a mechanically traceable manner. Especially in intermodal operation, repeatable motion sequences are essential.
Backreach | Maintain rope tension on the container crane
In the landside area of the container crane, rope tension must be kept constant so that no slack rope occurs and the catenary trolley can be guided stably and precisely. At the same time, vibrations should be reduced and smoother rope running with lower wear should be achieved. The tensioning function therefore supports operational safety, guiding quality and ease of maintenance.
Benefits
- Constant rope tension
- Reduction of slack rope and vibration-related effects
- More precise guidance and positioning of the catenary trolley
- Lower wear due to smoother rope running and fewer bending cycles
Operating principle
- Screw jacks generate the linear tensioning motion
- The rope tensioning system at backreach keeps the ropes under controlled preload
- This allows rope guidance and tension level to be adjusted repeatably
- Fewer bending cycles support longer rope service life and more stable rope running
Application scenarios
- Rope tensioning systems at backreach on container cranes
- Retrofit of existing tensioning solutions
- Crane applications focused on rope service life and smooth rope running
- Systems where vibration reduction and precise guidance of the catenary trolley are relevant
In the landside area of the container crane, rope tension must be kept constant so that no slack rope occurs and the catenary trolley can be guided stably.
Frequently asked questions about ZIMM drive technology for STS and container cranes
Submit an inquiry for your application now
Are you planning a locking, positioning, adjustment or tensioning function in the STS and container crane environment? Then send us a brief description of the technical task together with the key boundary conditions such as load, stroke, installation situation, motion sequence and control requirements. ZIMM supports you in selecting ZA-I and ZA series electromechanical actuators as well as screw jacks for motion tasks in OEM and retrofit environments.