Igus Energy Chain Retraction System Increases Service Life

If the energy chain of a robotic arm falls below the minimum bending radius of the supply hoses, a rivet or screw can jam – and with it, the entire production line.

The triflex RSE system prevents the energy chain from looping as it moves, stopping tube blockages and allowing materials to be safely delivered to the end of the robot arm, ultimately increasing its service life.

Concept art for the triflex RSE-System. (Image courtesy Igus.)

The triflex R series, developed by Igus, was designed for highly dynamic industrial robotic applications as a multi-axis energy chain capable of movement in every direction. Additionally, the triflex RSE retraction system requires no curve, spring rods or deflecting rollers.

The system is based on the maintenance- and lubrication-free drylin linear guide from Igus. With this system, a moving carriage transports the chain on a retraction distance of up to 600 millimeters (23.6 inches). A heavy-duty elastic band pulls the extended chain back automatically to prevent energy chain loops from forming.

1)600mm retraction length. 2) Igus Drylin linear module lubricant- and maintenance-free. (Image courtesy Igus.)

A self-guiding retraction system is designed for the enclosed or snap-open triflex chain version TRC, TRE and TRCF in sizes from 60 to 125mm in diameter. These are retained by a mounting bracket and a glidethrough bracket, which can be connected by adjustable fastening plates to integrate with a variety of robot types.

Additionally, the required length of the cable and chain for the triflex RSE is reduced.

1) Drylin linear guide with carriage. 2) Elastic cord for retraction. 3) Fastening plates for connection to various robot types. 4) Mounting bracket without strain relief for the repsective e-chain size. 5) Gliding feed-through for respective e-chain size. (Image courtesy Igus.)

“Because the triflex RSE enables the energy chain to connect directly to the robot, no unnecessary loops are needed, which reduces chain length," added Justin Leonard, director of Igus UK. "For this reason, triflex RSE is not only space-saving and light, but also a cost-effective solution."

Igus is a motion plastics specialist company. For more information on the triflex RSE, visit their website at www.igus.com.