Safe and flexible cable routing for multidirectional sideloaders from HUBTEX

Problem
HUBTEX Maschinenbau GmbH & Co KG designs and constructs solutions in the field of conveyor technology and logistics. A good example of such a machine is the so-called multidirectional sideloader. Unlike conventional forklift trucks, sideloaders are used in particular when long objects such as long wooden pallets need to be transported. These can then be manoeuvred more easily through halls than is possible with conventional forklift trucks.
In addition to a vacuum picking device, there are two driver's stands in this machine, which can not only be raised and lowered in height, but can also be flexibly rotated through 90°. This ensures that the machine operator always has a complete overview when transporting bulky goods.
For the cable routing, HUBTEX was looking for a particularly flexible solution that could follow the 3-dimensional movements of the gripper.

Solution
For the energy supply system, the machine specialist HUBTEX was primarily looking for a particularly flexible solution, but at the same time also for particularly reliable components.
After thorough research into the possible solutions for such an application, the company came into contact with the energy chain from igus® during the project planning phase.
Today, various two- and three-dimensional e-chain® from igus® are installed in the versatile multidirectional sideloaders, which can flexibly follow a wide variety of travel paths for a wide range of applications.
These are not only used for cable routing, but also fulfil the function of contact protection and at the same time serve to maintain the installation space. In addition to supplying energy, in this application they also guarantee the hydraulic and pneumatic cable routing from the generator units to the consumer units.