If the unsupported length of cable drag chains is exceeded, they are usually used in a version that slides on top of each other. In this arrangement, it is advisable to reduce the height of the carrier connection - this reduces the mechanical load in push operation for long travel distances and increases the service life of the systems. At the same time, the energy chain or the arc projection is extended. In this case, Tsubaki Kabelschlepp uses so-called rKR links at the driver connection, which ensure a minimum arc length thanks to their S-shaped arrangement. This also ensures that the minimum bending radius of the guided cables is maintained in every position.

Tsubaki Kabelschlepp has developed the GO module for this problem, which guarantees a minimum arc length in the push end position on the one hand and ensures optimum gliding operation of the energy chain with minimum wear behavior, particularly in the driver area, on the other. The GO module is a standardized arrangement of chain links that are specially designed for an optimum attachment of flights at a fixed connection height. In the push end position, the chain links are designed so that they enter the guide channel as early as possible.

The GO module distributes the load caused by abrasion over a larger wear volume at the start of sliding operation, thereby extending the overall service life of the cable carrier.

© Tsubaki cable towing

The special design of the GO module ensures vibration-free operation and also prevents punctual abrasion of the cable carrier due to slack. This is achieved by the lower run of the chain plunging into the guide channel over a large area - at a very shallow angle. The load caused by abrasion is thus distributed over a larger wear volume, which increases the service life at this point many times over.

Another advantage of the GO module comes into play, particularly at high accelerations and long travel distances: the special arrangement ensures optimum transmission of the drive force in the direction of the upper run without additional auxiliary measures, thus minimizing the necessary thrust of the chain. The reduced and firmly defined driver connection height also significantly minimizes the bending load on the cable carrier.

Applications with high travel speeds

Thomas Ameis is Senior Product Expert Cable Carrier Systems at Tsubaki Kabelschlepp in Wenden-Gerlingen.

© Tsubaki cable towing

Due to its improved service life properties, the GO module is particularly suitable for applications with high travel speeds of over 3 m/s and a high number of travel cycles. Practical long-term tests have shown a service life of up to 150,000 sliding kilometers. This makes the module equally suitable for automation systems, gantry robots and system installations as well as for crane technology and applications in the field of storage and handling technology.

The GO module can be used universally in all sizes for 'Basic' and 'Vario-Line' cable drag chains. The range covers internal heights from 26 mm to 87 mm with widths from 25 mm to 800 mm. The cable drag chains with GO module can be designed and dimensioned using the 'OnlineEngineer' online tool.