Benefits at a glance:
The LinearChain push/pull actuator is able to move large loads horizontally and vertically with high positioning accuracy. The LinearChain series consists of specially designed links, whose geometry prevents them from being kinked under pressure loads. As a result, the LinearChain can be used as a conventional linear drive.
The chain is driven using a special housing with integrated chain sprocket to which a drive motor, such as a shaft-mounted Compacta drive motor, can be flange-mounted.
Besides the standard LinearChain range that is sold since 2014 by the Company Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik, Framo Morat has developed in the past years many projects based on special LinearChain designs. Customer-specific variants of LinearChain are for example used in drives for dental or medical technology.
Its many years of experience in the drive technology field make Framo Morat your reliable development partner with system competence who will offer you a technically and economically mature solution.
In the industry, the market offers to the user several usual systems to create linear motion.
Generally, these systems include hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, or electro-mechanical spindle drives. Also cam, disk or redirection systems are often used.
The thrust chain is a novelty among these systems. A special chain that, unlike the known traction chain, becomes rigid in the thrust direction. It nevertheless can be redirected with sprockets.
The classical power transmission element, the endless chain with at least two sprocket wheels (drive and return) and a tensioning element becomes a “finished” chain with two free ends. The drive can be positioned at any point.
The thrust ability is ensured by specially formed chain links that interlock and support each other with minimum play. The load is attached to one end of the chain, e.g. by means of a latch or of a hook. To that purpose, the chain ends are provided with transversal holes for screws or bolts.
During the move, this latch / hook interlocks with the pushed load or its support.
The other free chain end can be guided according to the needs. To save space, it is rolled in a magazine. This space-saving design is one of the main advantages of the system.
LinearChain’s main task is to move average and large loads in any direction (also vertically).
A sprocket wheel integrated in a drive housing actuates the chain.
According to the thrust power, the stroke length and the speed (all individually definable), LinearChain can perform its task running on a sliding surface or in a guide rail.
The LinearChain is made from precision-manufactured chain links of a special design which enable the chain to push and pull heavy loads. The chain links have a special profile allowing them to interlock. The links can be rolled up in one direction; in the other, they form a rigid unit that is able to perform push and pull linear motion of a load with low backlash and high positioning accuracy. The links can be stored in tightest space. Even long strokes require only very little storage space.
The LinearChain is an alternative to standard systems such as rack and pinion, hoists, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, etc. It often represents the only possible solution where space is too tight for any other system.
The LinearChain allows transmitting thrusting or pulling power from a few kilograms to several tons – even where longer strokes are required. The chain can also be protected against bending by means of guide rails. It is also possible to couple several chains in parallel if this is made necessary by the thrust load and the stroke.
The chain drive system comprises a special housing with internal chain guides, spocket drive wheel and a keywayed drive shaft. This can be connected to a standard gear motor. Alternatively a Framo Morat COMPACTA slip-on Rotary Actuator -a gear motor with integral multi-turn limit switches and optional reversing contactors or potentiometer can often be used (see separate catalogue). To prevent the Push-Chain from folding during the linear thrust motion a special front end link is provided. This ensures that the force-line is off-center to the chain pins creating a bending moment which forces the chain fingers to lock tightly. The Push-Chain can be used for reciprocating push and pull movement, horizontally or vertically. Where possible chain guide rails should be used to support and guide the chain.
The Guide Rail is unnecessary when:
– The Push-Chain runs across a flat surface (eg. steel plate)
– The linear travel (stroke) is within prescribed limits
– There is no danger of radial loads occurring along the thrust axis
The selection of the correct chain size and type will depend on the application, the required performance and operating criteria.
The following information is required:
– Thrust force
– Working stroke
– Linear speed
– Operating frequency
– Temperature
Framo Morat Push-Pull Chains are manufactured from treated alloy steels. The chain can withstand temperatures of up to 180°C and for short periods even higher temperatures.
The LinearChain has been sucessfully used in the following sectors: Industrial furnaces, cold sheet metal working, casting shops, rolling mills, machine tools, automotive manufacturing, warehousing, internal works transport systems, chemical industry, nuclear industry.
