Flexible cable routing in stacker system for stocking warehouses

The plant manufacturer IMV metalomecânica in Portugal specializes in the production of machines for the corrugated cardboard, ceramics and wood industries.

As part of a project for an automated warehouse for a supplier of cardboard boxes, a crane system was developed that can stack building materials in three dimensions.

All movements of the crane system can be carried out independently of each other. The translatory movement is driven by two geared motors. The lifting platform (orange structure in the picture above) is also driven separately by a geared motor. 

There are also two rows of telescopic forks inside the lifting platform, which place the load securely in the racking systems. The opening movement of these forks is also driven by two geared motors. In order for the motors to work in the system, a power supply must be guaranteed. At the same time, data cables that transmit signals from the photocells to the control unit must be routed safely.

Today, igus® e-chains are used in the forklift system. Specifically, E2/000 e-chains were installed in the system, which allow a travelling speed of 20 m/min. with an acceleration of 0.3 m/s2. They cover a travel of 6 meters and allow a particularly small bend radius as requested by the system manufacturer.

The particularly flexible chainflex® power cables, Ethernet cables and signaling cables are all routed safely in the e-chain. The cheinflex cables were chosen because they can easily cope with the high travelling speeds and accelerations and are designed to bend at a tight radius.

The additional copper used in the cables also reduced the noise level, which was amplified by the metal structure of the forklift truck.