Telescopic triflex® TRX - space-saving installation with a retraction length of up to 36%
Winner: iF Design Award 2022 and Red Dot Design Award 2022
The telescopic triflex® R TRX combines the triflex® R energy chain and a retraction system in one. The combination enables a space-saving installation with compensation of up to 36% of the e-chain's length. The length compensation also prevents loop formation at the robot. The round shape of the 'easy' design is highly resilient and makes it possible to insert and remove harnessed cables easily.
The TRX complements the functions of the triflex R series and now also makes them telescopic
Due to their patented design, the chain links of the TRX allow a length compensation of up to 36% to one another without losing the connection or the torsional ability.
The rubber band inside the TRX retracts the links back to their starting point and the retraction force can be adjusted via the rubber band
Weight reduction of up to 83% compared to a solution with a retraction system (RSP)
The TRX design study is currently 100% compatible with the TRE.60.087.0.B, other chain sizes will follow.
Functional sample of the TRX e-chain®
The best way to explain the function and benefits of the TRX e-chain® is to use a functional sample. With this sample, you can experience the function of this special e-chain both haptically and by means of digital animation. If, after pulling the rubber band, you would like to know what is happening inside the TRX and what makes the telescopic movement possible, scan the QR code on the banderole. This will start an animation on your mobile phone/tablet: By means of X-ray vision, you will be able to see inside the TRX and how it works. Try it! You will be amazed.
Start animation with the Play button and change the viewing angle with the mouse
Tech up
Up to 36% length compensation possible
Minimises loop formation
Space-saving design
Compatible with the triflex® R portfolio of the TRE range
Easy to retrofit
Cost down
Minimisation of bought-in parts
Shorter cable lengths
All components are individually replaceable
Minimisation of installation times thanks to the 'easy' design
Proof
The telescopic TRX is being tested for different characteristics in current tests in the igus® test laboratory.
Sustainability
Considerably less material and fewer parts are needed compared to conventional retraction systems, as a result of which resources are conserved.
Have your energy chain recycled in the igus Chainge recycling program at the end of its life cycle. Irrespective of the manufacturer. You will receive a voucher for the Chainge recycling program.
igus supports the circular economy of plastics and is investing in chemical recycling.
Cable guidance in the TRX
As cables or hoses cannot be elongated to the same extent as the e-chain, they are placed in the TRX according to a specific principle. (see picture on the right) In addition, the cables and hoses are fastened in place in the middle of the TRX so that they do not leave their position when the chain is pulled. Thanks to the special arrangement of the cables/hoses, as well as the additional tension relief system in the centre of the TRX, the cables/hoses can cope with the length compensation of the e-chain without any problems.
Upper chain: cables/hoses wound onto a reel as much as possible Middle chain: cables/hoses half unwound from reel Lower chain: cables/hoses are completely elongated in the TRX
Matthias Meyer explains the TRX on the igus trade show stand
3D movement as with all triflex R e-chains
Torsion resistance as with all triflex R e-chains
Can be lengthened and shortened, like all triflex R e-chains
The TRX is in its final testing phase in our in-house test laboratory at the moment. The picture shows the TRE.60.B size, in which the TRX will be available first. The first 7-8 chain links (starting from axis 6) are normal links of TRE.60.087.0.B. The rest of the e-chain is made of the new telescopic TRX e-chain.
Would you like to see it live? Just make a virtual appointment for our digital trade show stand.
The compact connection TR.920.237.60.01 in combination with the angled tube TR.912.099 offers the greatest possible degree of freedom when connecting to the robot. The elongated holes in the adapter consoles of the angled tube enable direct installation on a large number of robot models without additional adapters. The compact connection also impresses with its space-saving design, generating an optimum connection point even in confined cells.