MECHANICAL COMPONENTS SPECIAL FOCUS Chain of command
Whether used on agricultural equipment or food processing machines, chains need to offer a combination of robustness and reliability
U
sed on machinery across industries, chains need to withstand a variety
of environmental conditions – ranging from extremes of weather if featuring on equipment used outdoors, to coping with the performance and hygiene demands of the food processing world, where a reliable solution that offers long service life is essential. Take agricultural machines as one
example. As these operate outdoors, not only are the chains used in them exposed to harsh conditions such as dust, dirt, cold and damp, but the equipment often stands idle for long periods in the winter, putting their reliability to the test. To help, OEMs can specify the Elite
brand of chains from iwis. Developed especially for the round balers of harvesters and available in a range of configurations, these versatile chains have an increased plate width which helps to improve their durability. In addition, the pins receive a special heat treatment which improves wear resistance, and the material combination of pin and bush has been optimised. The chains are also factory-lubricated with a high-performance German lubricant. iwis, in fact, operates an agricultural
machinery centre that is dedicated to meeting the special requirements of the industry. During the harvest season, for example, flexible production and dedicated stock levels ensure that spares are readily available for fast delivery. In addition, together with OEMs, iwis agrisystems develops and implements tailored drive solutions. As well as baler chains, iwis agrisystems offers intake and grain elevator chains, cutting chains with attachments for corn and maize headers, chains for silage and spreader trailers, roller chains with bent ‘K’ style plates, accessories such as sprockets and drive belt pulleys, as well as complete application kits for agricultural machinery production. The company also provides a full product range for all drive and conveying applications, which includes precision and high-performance roller
chains, conveyor chains, maintenance- free and corrosion-resistant chains, power and free conveyor chains, special-purpose conveyor chains, flyer chains, flat-top chains, modular belts, chains and accessories for agricultural machinery, and timing drives for the automotive industry. Another area of interest is the food
processing industry. Here, thermoforming packaging provides a fast and hygienic method of sealing food products before they are sent to the retailers – and reliability of the equipment is essential. The machinery is often designed specifically for the production line, and with so many machines requiring a bespoke design to accommodate the food product in question, manufacturing costs can quickly spiral. Here, gripper chains – measuring anything from
The Elite brand of chains from iwis meets the demands of machinery for the agricultural sector
four to 25m in length – are used to grab the plastic film and move it into position over the food product before it is sealed. The basic design uses spring-loaded attachments that open as the chain turns on the sprocket and then clamps the film before moving towards the filling section of the packaging process.
GET A GRIP Needing a reliable solution, many food processing companies are now using the Tsubaki range of gripper chain which has been specifically designed to offer improved reliability and increased service life at a lower purchase cost. The chain features a ‘side swivel’ feature
Many food processing companies are now
using the Tsubaki range of gripper chain
which means the mechanism opens vertically and then sideways, creating a larger opening – improving the engagement of the film and reducing the possibility of jamming. The design incorporates a coil spring with a square section and both the gripper surface area and spring are larger than most designs, making them less prone to breakage. The chain attachment is available with
many of the company’s high-quality, long-lasting chains, which are ideal for food packaging or other hygiene critical applications. Of additional benefit, Tsubaki offers a variety of high quality chain types and lubrication options, including USDA H1 approved food grade lubrication.
Iwis drive systems
www.iwis.com
Tsubakimoto
www.tsubaki.eu CLUTCH CONTROL KEEPS ME-MOVER MOVING!
Described as a step-driven fitness tool, the Me-Mover is a three wheeled hybrid between a bike and a scooter which allows its rider to generate power using a chain-driven drive system while remaining in an upright position. The pedals have an oscillating movement, which allows power to be generated using a stepping motion, and the force from each step is transferred from the pedals to another oscillating mechanism that, in turn, is connected to a rotating drive wheel. The drive wheel rotates in one direction only, so a freewheel is needed to connect the transmission and the drive wheel. However, unlike the freewheel on a bicycle which only overruns occasionally, the Me-Mover will constantly shift from overrunning to fixed – sometimes up to 100 cycles per minute. This puts a high demand on the freewheel. So, a compact overrunning clutch with instant locking/engagement was preferable to a traditional bike
freewheel. The clutch needed to offer a long service life with high resistance to wear and tear and the ability to function in all weather and environmental conditions. The CSK30 PP overrunning clutch from Stieber Clutch met demands. This is a sprag-type clutch integrated into a 62 series ball bearing. It is bearing supported, grease-lubricated and protected against dust particles of more than 0.3mm diameter. It provides instant locking/engagement when the clutch shifts from overrunning to engaged, with a maximum overrunning speed of 4,200rpm and a 102 lb.ft. (138Nm) torque capacity. The clutch keeps the drive wheel shaft from turning backwards, and keyways on both the inner and outer race prevent the bearing from rotating on the shaft. It also features ultra-hard Formchrome sprags which provide extra-long life, maximum wear resistance and lower maintenance costs.
Stieber / DESIGNSOLUTIONS
www.stieber.de DESIGN SOLUTIONS | NOVEMBER 2015 35
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