The Linear Chain plays a crucial role in the assembly on the conveyor belt

The Linear Chain - Unique worldwide for its ability to both push and pull

Linear Chain - a brilliant linear drive. When the car body is joined with the engine in automotive conveyor manufacturing, experts refer to this process as an "assembly" or "marriage." Although there are no wedding bells, it’s still a significant event.

Why "marriage"? In this context, "marriage" refers to the moment when the vehicle body is joined with the engine - they come together.

At exactly this point, the Linear Chain from GROB Antriebstechnik plays a crucial role for a premium automobile manufacturer in England. Through the collaboration of our English representative for Linear Chains, R A Rodriguez (UK) Ltd, with a special machine builder, a unique solution has been developed that plays a vital role in this "wedding."

The focus is on two lift tables that can be lowered and raised. The lifting motion is achieved with the SK35 Linear Chain, which has a stroke force of 35kN and a stroke length of 2,000mm.

Here’s what the unprecedented solution looks like in detail

One of the project managers from the special machine builder explains the function: "On the conveyor belt, the process is as follows: A conveyor system delivers the combustion engine on a pallet to the first lift table. The table is then lowered, and the engine is pushed onto the second lift table via a conveyor belt. The second lift table is then raised. Two workers then take the engine through a guided system and position it at the correct assembly location in the car body. Meanwhile, the empty pallet is returned to the first lift table via a second conveyor belt."

The project manager further explains: "When we compare the lift of the Linear Chain to a conventional lifting element, we need to account for both the stroke of the cylinder and its extended stroke. In contrast, the Linear Chain is a much more compact solution because it can be retracted."

The secret of the Linear Chain - Why it can pull and push

What initially appears to be a contradiction with a chain is, upon closer inspection, a brilliant solution in linear drive technology and perfectly suited for this application. When the lift table is raised, the chain suddenly "becomes" a rod.

This is because the Linear Chain consists of specially shaped, highly precise mechanical chain links. These chain links interlock seamlessly and support each other.

When the lift table is raised, the Linear Chain pushes or "shoves" the load upward. The shoulders of the individual chain links press against each other, forming a rigid unit. Thus, the Linear Chain can lift or push loads.

When the lift table is lowered, the following happens: The unloaded part of the Linear Chain is "rolled up" very compactly in a magazine - like a rope.

Therefore, the Linear Chain can "pull and push" - with only one drive and without wasting space. This makes the Linear Chain truly the first and only chain that can both "push" and pull! A brilliant solution from linear drive technology, which is above all space-saving!

The outstanding advantages of the Linear Chain at a glance

1. Loads can be positioned directly, precisely, and with repeatable accuracy.
2. The chain links can be stored in a very confined space.
3. Very little space is needed to cover long transport distances.
4. Often the only solution when space constraints rule out other drive solutions like Screw Jacks, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, winches, or rack-and-pinion systems.
5. Multiple chains can be coupled in parallel.
6. The Linear Chain can be extended indefinitely.
7. Can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at an incline.
8. Operates purely on a mechanical basis.
9. Robust, compact design suitable for special environments such as clean rooms or high-temperature zones.
10. High reliability, long lifespan, and low maintenance requirements.
11. Standard stroke speed up to 250mm/s, with special cases reaching up to 1,000mm/s.
12. Can withstand temperatures up to 250°C, with special designs handling continuous temperatures up to 560°C.
13. With an energy efficiency of 80-90%, the Linear Chain is both an ecologically and economically sustainable investment.
14. Maximum lifting load of 35,000N per Linear Chain possible.

Typical applications for the Linear Chain

If you're wondering where the linear chain can be used, there are numerous possible applications. For example:

1. In general mechanical engineering
2. In medical technology
3. In vehicle technology
4. Industrial furnaces
5. Sheet metal cold processing
6. Foundries
7. Rolling mills
8. Steel mills
9. Automotive industry
10. The drive in a lift table
11. Stage platforms
12. For tool and material handling
13. In warehouse logistics
14. For loading hardening furnaces
15. In cooling systems
16. In modern building technology
17. In conveyor systems
18. For tool changing on metal processing presses
19. In automated guided vehicles
20. For moving freight containers

The uniqueness of the Linear Chain

From the classic power transmission element of the endless chain, with at least two sprockets (drive and idler) and a tensioning element, an "finite" chain with two free ends is created. The drive can be positioned anywhere. How is the push capability enabled? Through specially shaped chain links that interlock seamlessly and support each other with minimal play. At one end of the chain, the load is attached, for example, to a pawl or a hook. The end links are equipped with transverse holes for screws or bolts.

This pawl or hook engages seamlessly with the push load or its mount during movement.

The other, free end of the chain can be guided as needed. To minimize space requirements, it's rolled up in a spiral in a magazine. This space-saving design is one of the system's most important advantages.

The Linear Chain is an interesting alternative to conventional systems like rack-and-pinion, winches, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. It often provides the only possible solution in cases where space constraints cause other solutions to fail.

Do you want to learn more about the unique Linear Chain?

You'll be amazed. Linear Chains are incredibly space-saving and prove effective in very confined spaces. For more details, please click here.

Are you a designer and need CAD data quickly? Click here to find CAD data in various formats.

By the way, the entire drive system was implemented by our representative RA Rodriguez in the UK.

You can find our worldwide representatives at a glance here

You can find more applications of the Linear Chain here:

1. How the Linear Chain works in a freezer
2. The Linear Chain handles heat regulation

Perhaps you also have an application in the high-temperature range?

Temperatures exceeding 1,000°C (1832°F)? The Linear Chain is also ideally suited for this. Feel free to request a sample chain and see for yourself the unique properties of the Linear Chain. You benefit in four ways:

1. Temperatures above 1,000°C are possible.
2. High feed speeds – over 200 mm/s are achievable.
3. Reduction of space requirements to a minimum.
4. The chain storage can be placed at the desired location.