System controls energy chain
An
Igus UK product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Nov 2, 2007
Each part of the energy chain is automatically fixed in place by the rocking mechanism as it runs through the groove.
Igus has developed the Guidelok system, designed to keep an energy chain inside a guide trough, even at heights of 80m.
Guidelok is designed for energy chains supplying power and data vertically, such as to lifts, escalators, or materials handling equipment.
The system is compact and easy to install, even as a retrofit system.
It can be used to transfer power reliably in factories, crane systems, or even wind power plants.
The heights, speeds and accelerations which energy chains must travel are increasing all the time.
This means the vertically hanging energy chain can swing out to the side, especially where strong transverse accelerations are involved.
If the chain then hits metal brackets or pallets in a shelving system, for example, damage to the chain is inevitable.
Previously, the suspended energy chain would have to be vertically guided using an expensive, completely enclosed solution.
Now the chain can be confined inside the Guidelok system.
The chain is suspended in a stainless steel or galvanised steel guide trough.
Then a push button and catch button, both automatically triggered by the radius, fix the chain into place.
The two buttons are part of the same rocking mechanism, which forms a positive offset locking device: if the lower run of the energy chain is not in the groove, the mechanism remains in an idle position.
If, however, the lower run moves over the push button inside the groove, the catch button is activated.
This then extends and holds the energy chain in place, so that it cannot swing out to the side or hit anything.
Each part of the energy chain is automatically fixed in place by the rocking mechanism as it runs through the groove.
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