Vertical energy chains possible up to 80 metres high
November 22nd 2007 igus has now developed the "Guidelok" system, designed to keep a cable carrying energy chain inside a guide trough, even at heights of 80 metres.
The heights and speeds which energy chains must travel at are ever increasing. This means a 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 due to the dynamics involved. 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 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 forming 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 the lower run moves over the push button inside the groove, the catch button is activated.
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