Energy chain solutions for fast rotational movements, from stock

Standard modular RBR systems achieve up to 360 degrees per second for reliable rotary movements

For several years igus has been developing customised systems for circular movements with energy chains, so-called 'rotating modules'. As a result, rotating assemblies can be supplied with energy, for example, on machine tools, robots up to bucket wheel excavators.

In order to provide solutions for such applications even more quickly to customers, the motion plastics specialist has now developed a standard range of rotary modules and offers a complete installation-friendly kit system for fast rotating applications.

We have developed the standard based on customised solutions!

The standard rotary module

Additional information about the standard rotary module

What is RBR?

"RBR" is "reverse bend radius" and means that the e-chain® can bend in two directions. Designs with RBR can be manufactured for many igus® e-chains®. The RBR is not necessarily identical to the normal bend radius (BR) of an e-chain®. Most rotary motions can be achieved with the RBR option. Angles of rotation up to 900° have been realized. Please consult igus® for your particular application.

Standardised divided guide trough

For rotary modules with high speeds and many motion cycles a two-tiered guide channel is used. Using the divided guide trough minimises the relative movements of cables and the energy chain. This increases the service life of the system thanks to minimised levels of friction for the chain and cables.

RBR trough with inner section rotating

RBR trough with outer section rotating

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Fewer interfaces with static rotary modules

More information about the static rotary module

In addition to our standard rotary modules, we also offer static rotary modules.

These rotary modules consist of a static guide trough. The fixed end of the e-chain® is attached to the guide trough and the moving end to the rotating part of the machine. The e-chains® from the E4.1 series are used for the rotary modules. Static rotary modules are ideally suited for easy installation in narrow spaces.

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RBR guide trough options

The e-chains® slide mostly on surfaces made of plastic, stainless steel or steel and are guided through baffle plates into a rotary movement.

With brackets:

Flexible mounting to the customer structure

With cover:

Weather and UV protection are easily integrated

Integrated guidance:

Tube trough:

Open, weight-reducing structure that provides protection from coarse dirt

Space-saving with reversing e-chains®:

Symmetrical interior separation of the system and the filling

Real-world examples

Single RBR in a port crane

rotation angle: 470°

Speed: 1.82°/s

e-chain®: 4040C.40/40.300/3792.0

chainflex® cable: CF27, CF11, CF14, CF Koax, CFLG

Further information

Single RBR with double e-chain® in a reclaimer in Alabama, USA

Angle of rotation: 340° m

Speed: 1°/s

Acceleration: 0,4 m/s²

e-chain®: E4.80.25/30.200/3850.0

chainflex®: CF300, CF34, CF9, CFLG

Guide trough: stainless steel tube trough, 1.4301

Further information

MRM 900° in a jack-up vessel

Location of use: the North Sea

rotation angle: 900°

e-chain®: E4.56.60.200/6000.0, E4.56.60.300.6000.0

chainflex® cable: CF300, CF34, CF10 CFPE, CFLG, CFBUS

Further information

Preferred products for the rotary movement installation type: all RBR e-chains®

System E4.1

Huge, modular kit. Snap-open along both sides, affordable. Sideways and with travel paths of more than 200 m; lightweight.

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chainflex® cables

The igus® chainflex® product range includes everything from control cables, servo cables, motor cables and robot cables to bus cables, data cables, encoder cables and fibre optic cables.

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readycable®

Find your assembled cable quickly and easily. Choose from among more than 3,200 assembled motor cables, servo cables, signal cables and encoder cables in accordance with 22 manufacturers' standards.

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readychain®

Ready-to-install systems, from connectors and assembled cables to complex energy supply modules. Everything from a single source, according to your specifications and without a surcharge: configured, manufactured and delivered within 1-10 days*, guaranteed.

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The alternative to rotary modules

1. Rotary movement with twisterchain®

Circular movements can be implemented with several solutions from the igus® e-chains® range. The twisterchain® product line offers the biggest selection for rotary movements. twisterchain® solutions are particularly recommended for spacerestricted applications such as articulated robots, revolving tables, etc.

Further information

2. Rotary movement with twisterband

Cost-effective and low wear/maintenance circular motions can be implemented with the igus® twisterband in confined spaces, while reliably guiding energy, data and media.

Further information

3. Rotary motion with standard energy chains®

The video opposite shows an application that was solved with standard e-chains®. Such solutions are possible if a great deal of space is available and if the angles of rotation are limited to a maximum of 450°. All igus® e-chains® / E-Tubes and Chainflex® cables are appropriate for this situation.

Further information

iglidur® PRT slewing ring and e-chain® from the E2 Series in "RBR" design

More application examples

Bucket wheel reclaimer

This bucket wheel reclaimer also has to be equipped with a assembling of +/-180° which can move in a circle. The e-chains® have to acced this movement.

Bucket wheel reclaimer

Excavator

Difficult environmental conditions such as dirt, lubricants, steel wool and temperatures between -30° and +50°C in particular make maximum demands on energy chains.

Excavator