WarehousingIreland.ie – Jungheinrich at CeMAT 2011

Jungheinrich at CeMAT 2011

May 07, 2011 Warehousing Ireland Materials Handling 0

Jungheinrich presents for the first time an electric pedestrian truck with lithium ion technology to the trade at CeMAT 2011. This truck solution will, for example, make the classical “chain store application” and taking the truck along on a lorry even more efficient.

The Hamburg intralogistics experts present for the first time a series truck with lithium ion technology on the Jungheinrich AG exhibition stand (Pavilion 33/34 and open air area, Hanover). The truck is actively involved in the process of unloading lorries during the material flow show on the Jungheinrich exhibition stand. “The presented lithium ion truck is the consequential further development of a technology trend from our concept truck presented to the trade at CeMAT 2008. I am very pleased about the speedy implementation of this drive technology. First field tests are already running”, says Hans-Georg Frey, Chairman of the Board of Management at Jungheinrich. These lithium ion trucks can already be ordered from summer 2011.

The presented truck is an electric pedestrian truck of the type EJE 112i. The significant advantage of using the lithium ion technology is the design of the battery. It only weights just over 14 kg and reduces the weight of the truck about 150 kg compared with the Jungheinrich EJE 116 it is based on. Due to the higher efficiency ratio of a lithium ion battery and the lower mass of the truck, energy consumption is considerably improved.

The use of the smaller and lighter battery also results in a smaller battery compartment and consequently to respectively smaller dimensions of the truck. The L₂dimension, i.e. the length including back of forks is only 425 mm. For comparison: The L₂ dimension of the EJE 116 is 494 mm.

EJE 112i: Utilisation in a very confined space and in weight-sensible areas

The weight of the new Jungheinrich lithium ion truck including the battery is only 289 kg. This is a weight reduction of more than 30 percent. This makes using the truck easier not only in very confined spaces but also in weight-sensible areas such as on lorry tailboards. “This truck solution links the robustness and economic efficiency of our electric pedestrian trucks with the advantages of the future-oriented lithium ion technology“, says Dr. Klaus-Dieter Rosenbach, Member of the Board of Management, Engineering, at Jungheinrich.

Another advantage of using the lithium ion technology in electric pedestrian trucks is simple and intuitive battery handling. The battery is in the shape of an attaché case with integrated carrying straps. Due to its light weight, it can easily be handled manually. Charging is quick with a specially developed charger. It is based on the high frequency charging technology. With charging characteristic curves adapted especially for EJE 112i applications, short charging times can be realised easily. This facilitates flexible truck utilisation, also in multi-shift operations. The battery is fully charged within 80 minutes. An interim charge is possible at any time. About 50 percent of battery capacity can thus be accumulated within 30 minutes.

The battery is also completely maintenance-free. Personnel costs for necessary maintenance on lead acid batteries and also the costs for a charging infrastructure no longer arise. The interplay of individual battery cells is monitored by the integrated Jungheinrich battery management. This ensures the truck’s unproblematic operation.

EJE 112i: 3-phase AC technology combined with lithium ion technology

The new lithium ion truck is based on the well-tried Jungheinrich truck technology of the pedestrian stacker type EJE 116. The use of the latest 3-phase AC technology generation combined with the energy efficiency of the lithium ion technology is consequential on a reduction of operating costs. The energy consumption is also reduced and this contributes further towards lowering CO₂ emissions. The drive motor is maintenance-free, the controls are protected against dust and moisture through encapsulation according to IP 54. Like many Jungheinrich pedestrian trucks, the EJE 112i is fitted with the coupling rocker ProTracLink. A level adjustment takes place on slanted approaches to ramps. Both support wheels are always at the same height through a mechanical connection and this leads to less support wheel wear.

The EJE 112i has a tiller head that is adjusted to the ergonomic requirements of the user. A clear colour system and buttons with abrasion-resistant symbols ensure intuitive operation. The crawl speed button is installed at the underside of the tiller head. This can be easily reached by the user when travelling with the tiller in a vertical position. Rocker switches ensure perfect and safe operation of the EJE 112i in any tiller position.

Jungheinrich ranks among the world’s leading companies in the material handling equipment, warehousing and material flow engineering sectors. The company is a service provider with manufacturing operations as well as an intralogistics solution provider, which offers its customers a comprehensive range of forklift trucks, shelving systems, services and consulting. Jungheinrich shares are traded on all German stock exchanges.