To ensure that no loops are created during the movement of the energy chain system that could hinder the robot, retraction systems were previously used on the third axis. "However, the axes on the robots offer less and less space, so a new solution was needed," says Jörg Ottersbach, head of the e-chains business unit at igus GmbH. No sooner said than done, the triflex TRX system was developed on the basis of the triflex R energy chain. This is a four-dimensional energy chain in which the retraction system is already integrated. "With TRX, we have created a space-saving chain that can be fixed directly and compactly to the third axis. The cable carrier twists, lengthens and shortens in a spiral like a telescopic extension by up to 40 percent," says Ottersbach. To achieve this, igus relies on a screw connector system and an integrated return strap in the unique mechanism. The band always brings the chain links back to their starting point and the retraction force is adjustable. The cables are inserted into the chain in the form of a helix and guided safely in their movement with the help of the chain. In addition, the cables and hoses are secured in the middle of the TRX so that they do not leave their position when the chain is pulled.

83 percent weight saving

Compared to other retraction systems, the user saves up to 83 percent in weight and requires less than half the space. This further improves the performance of the robot. Furthermore, the costs are significantly reduced as there is no need for an additional retraction system. TRX can be easily connected to existing triflex R chains from the TRE series. As with triflex R, the cables can be quickly filled into the energy chain from the outside.