Energy chain reduces maintenance intervals of construction machinery and mobile cranes

: Released: 01.10.2018; Last updated: 27.05.2023; Hits: 5129

With the new E2 hoop chain from Igus, there is now an energy and media supply in one system even for tight installation spaces on support legs. Stable, space-saving and easy to assemble, the e-chain not only carries power and control lines but also two hydraulic hoses. The E2 shackle chain saves maintenance in special machine construction and significantly reduces downtimes.

Support feet on many construction machines, such as concrete pumps or mobile cranes, are characterized by a large variety of variants - not least in the components. The safe guidance of hydraulic hoses is of crucial importance here, because they are to provide the machines permanently and reliably even under high mechanical stress and strong weather conditions. The E2 ironing chain here not only protects the internal pipes, but also prevents torsion and kinking of the hoses through the predefined minimum bending radius.

Proven technology for heavy construction machinery

The Motion Plastics Spazialist has long been relying on the principle of the ironing chain when it comes to creating more interior space for the guidance of hoses. Since the E2 / 000 series and the E4.1 and E4.1L systems, stirrups, in addition to normal opening webs, can be used with high holding power to additionally accommodate hoses with larger diameters. So the entire energy and media management can take place in one system. With the new E2 ironing chain, the concept was applied to the space-specific conditions of support feet on concrete pumps and mobile cranes.

The whole world of igus robots

A one-piece, very solid bracket design and the high-load bolt-hole connection ensure high stability, even with large cantilevered lengths. The brackets are sprayed directly on the side panel and thus offer optimal hose guidance and stability. It is also possible to place two hoses safely one above the other. Since energy and hydraulics can be guided within a single chain, the space requirement is greatly reduced. The ironing chain has only an outside width of 41,2 mm and an outside height of 57,5 m. The predefined bending radius is 75 m. The total required installation height for the chain is only 255 m. Thus, the E2 ironing chain can be integrated into almost any application, such as close to the foot or on the side wall of support feet, a concrete pump or a mobile crane.

Gentle hose guide

Because hydraulic hoses, which are usually operated at extremely high pressure, have to endure a lot in dynamic applications, they are very maintenance-intensive. The E2 ironing chain meets the same two-fold: The bow and the E-chain are made of tribologically optimized plastic. This reduces the abrasion and protects the hoses. In addition to this material advantage of Tribo polymers, it is also the special design that reduces wear to a minimum. Both the temples and the interior of the chain are designed to protect the hose. Rounded contours and wide and smooth bearing surfaces keep abrasion and wear of the hydraulic hoses low.

The segmentation of the cable types also reduces the strain on the cables. Electrical and hydraulic control are completely separated by chambers. This follows the principle that cables with very different diameters should always be laid separately. While the ironing chain for power or control cables is designed for a maximum of 5 mm, the hydraulic hoses can be up to 20 mm thick at most. Considered was the practical experience that also a space reserve of 20% must be planned, since hydraulic hoses expand when being pressurized transversely and in length. Coordinated to the last detail, the E2 ironing chain can fulfill its purpose: freedom from maintenance.