Linear axes and energy chains in Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) from KNAPP

What was needed: Cable guidance and linear axes in the lifting mechanism of Open Shuttles from KNAPP (AGVs)

Requirements: Little installation space, lubrication and maintenance-free, reliability in 24/7 operation

Industry: Material handling

Success for the customer: The drylin SLW lead screw linear tables save maintenance breaks on the AGV, as they work absolutely lubrication and maintenance-free. Thanks to the modular principle, it was possible to develop a customised configuration together with the customer. The E2 micro energy chain guides the cables in the stroke in the tightest of spaces, is lightweight, strong and easy to open.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) move precisely and automatically through warehouses, often up to 24 hours a day. To move goods, AGVs are often equipped with lifting technology and a tilting device.

This also applies to the Open Shuttle from KNAPP Industry Solutions. The Open Shuttles are particularly flexible transport solutions because, as autonomous vehicles, they can adapt to reorganisations in the warehouse and decide for themselves where to go.

In order to ensure lift, turning or tilting devices in the AGVs, for example, components such as axes, slewing ring bearings or cable guides are required that work absolutely reliably and cause the lowest possible maintenance costs. Lubrication also plays a role in maintaining movement. If lead screws and bearing points need to be lubricated, this means additional work and possible downtime costs that need to be avoided.

And since Open Shuttles often contain a lot of technology in a small installation space, bearing products and other critical components such as cable guides for data and energy must not take up too much space.

In the lifting mechanism, the Open Shuttle from KNAPP (see Figures 2 and 3) relies on two completely maintenance-free drylin SLW lead screw lifting tables with sliding nuts. The special feature: Equipped with self-lubricating polymer liners, the bearings ensure the lifting mechanism works without the need for external lubrication during their service life. This reduces maintenance costs and eliminates maintenance breaks.

Another advantage of polymer bearings is that they are up to 60% lighter than conventional metal bearings, which means that the shuttles require less energy.

In addition to being maintenance-free and lightweight, the modular principle of the drylin products also favours the system. Gregor Lebernegg, Product Manager/Sales at KNAPP Industry Solutions: "Thanks to the linear modular system, igus was able to adapt very well to our requirements when configuring the unit."

Finally, a solution was also found for cable guidance in tight installation spaces along the vertical axis movement: The E2 micro energy chain was specially developed for these requirements (see Fig. 4). It is lightweight, strong and easy to open. It also allows a small bend radius and has an inner height from five millimetres.