To prevent premature conductor fatigue and costly unplanned downtime, the Tsubaki KabelSchlepp Robotrax System deploys a specialized three-dimensional cable carrier engineered with a central steel cable, spherical link geometry, and active retraction units to absorb high tensile forces and manage complex industrial motion.
Engineering Multi-Axis Motion and Tensile Load Management
When robotic arms undergo rapid directional shifts and accelerations reaching up to 10 g, conventional cable carriers often transfer destructive operational stress directly onto internal electrical lines and hoses. This mechanical transfer leads to rapid insulation breakdown and conductor fatigue. Tsubaki KabelSchlepp counters this vulnerability by running a central steel cable through the core of every chain link in the Robotrax system.
That central steel cable absorbs primary tensile loads, isolating internal electrical and fluid lines from pulling forces and dramatically extending service life. Mechanics can easily calibrate and adjust system tension using an integrated clamping piece, maintaining consistent mechanical support across extensive operational cycles.
The structural foundation relies on open, single-piece plastic links featuring spherical snap-on connections on both sides. Depending on the specific model configuration chosen, this layout lets the carrier bend fluidly across three axes and delivers radial rotation reaching up to ±450 degrees per meter. Technicians can press cables directly into standard models (R040 through R100) without tools, reducing installation time. Meanwhile, larger configurations like the R140X incorporate swiveling crossbars with snap locks alongside vertical and horizontal dividers for customized interior partitioning.
Active Retraction and Environmental Adaptation
When robots operate across expansive work envelopes with high-speed movement paths, untethered cable carrier loops can sway and crash into the robot structure. Tsubaki KabelSchlepp eliminates these destructive collisions by integrating the Pull Back Unit (PBU). Operating as an active retraction mechanism, the PBU maintains optimal tension on the cable carrier throughout the entire motion cycle, preventing excess slack and eliminating interfering contours across complex movement paths.
External protectors can also be retrofitted onto individual chain links. To guard the chain structure against harsh external wear and keep the minimum bending radius from dropping too low and over-flexing, these tough impact shields are utilized. If wear occurs, technicians simply replace the modular protector rather than the entire cable carrier assembly.
Harsh industrial settings—ranging from automotive welding cells to high-speed machining centers—demand specialized protection. The Robotrax system accommodates these environments through a suite of tailored accessories:
- Heat Shields: Aluminum-coated textile fiber covers protect against radiated heat, hot weld spatter, and flying sparks.
- Protective Covers: Coated polyester sleeves shield sensitive lines against cutting fluids, hydraulic oils, paint overspray, and abrasive dust.
- LineFix Strain Relief: Cables are held firmly in place at both extremities by multi-tier clamping units, stopping any shifting along the axis during rapid operations.
The 30-Second Verdict for Plant Engineers
System integrators and plant engineers looking to boost robot uptime and cut total operating expenses will find a dependable solution in the Robotrax setup, thanks to its blend of active retraction, multi-axis flexibility, and central load absorption. As high-speed manufacturing automation continues to push mechanical limits, isolating internal cabling from multi-axis stress remains an essential engineering prerequisite for continuous production.
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