plastic storage technology for reliable return conveyor belt for fire protection

Profile

• What was needed: iglidur ® plain bearing, drylin®linear bearing
• Requirements: Safety-relevant system for the event of fire requires reliable functioning of all components, maintenance-free with low-vibration running of the conveyor chain
• Industry: Automation technology, mechanical engineering
• Success for the customer: Linear bearings enable low vibration and smooth running of the conveyor chain, drylin® T automatic guide carriages and slides are completely maintenance-free and perform their work self-adjusting

Problem
ASH GmbH & Co KG, which specialises in automation technology, has newly developed a so-called retraction conveyor belt. It provides fire protection measures in the event of an alarm. This is because at certain fire protection sections, which represent critical points within systems, products are transported through a so-called fire protection wall. In the event of an alarm, it must then be ensured that this area of the fire damper is free for compartmentalisation. Specifically, the conveyor belt transports the picked-up product during processing, simultaneously shortening its own length and thus freeing up the area for the fire door. As this is a safety-relevant element within every system, all components used in it must function reliably at all times and enable proper operation. It was equally important to the automation specialist that all parts function as maintenance-free as possible. Finally, the conveyor chain should run as smoothly and with as little vibration as possible.

Solution
The current implementation of this retracting conveyor belt makes it possible to drive clear of the danger zone in a controlled manner. The mechanical extension and retraction is simple so that no complicated adjustment and maintenance work can have a negative impact on operation.
ASH GmbH & Co. KG has achieved this with various components from the igus® range. 
The retraction element itself is guided with plain bearings from igus®.
And to ensure low vibration and smooth running of the conveyor chain, the machine manufacturer uses a linear bearing from igus® at this point. The linear bearings form the guidance of the telescopic extension and retraction of the conveyor belt.
Drylin® T automatic guide carriages and slides run on the linear bearings, rounding off the simple but robust concept. The advantage: they are completely maintenance-free and perform their work in the retracting conveyor belt in a self-adjusting, invisible and reliable manner. Even hidden corrosion and hard grease cannot stop the products and therefore the entire system.