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Applications for bearings and energy supply systems in trucks
Find the right product for every installation point and requirement
Friction, wear, vibration, moisture and dirt are just some of the many requirements that need to be taken into account when selecting the right bearings and energy chains for commercial vehicles. Whether small vans or articulated lorries, dump trucks or trailers - the challenges can vary greatly. Using the example of a truck with a semi-trailer, we show which bearing materials and e-chains are best suited for which installation points.
Efficient power supply for your trailer
Slip ring-free cable reel e-spool flex
- No sliding contacts. No corrosion. No loss of conductivity.
- Extension length up to 15 metres
- Space-saving and universally assembly
- Easy replacement of the cable used, making it adaptable
Extra-strong heavy-duty bearings for up to 180MPa dynamic load
igutex fibre composite bearings and iglidur two-component polymer bearings
- Extremely resilient and high running performance with pulsating or point loads up to 140MPa dynamic: igutex TX1
- Extremely resilient for particularly high running performance with pulsating or point loads up to 180MPa: igutex TX3
- Wear-resistant on challenging mating surfaces such as HR carbon steel or 40Cr with pulsating or point loads up to 75MPa: iglidur W300E
- Highly wear-resistant with pulsating or point loads up to 75MPa: iglidur Q3E
Exterior
Swing axles
In swing axles on heavy-duty transporters, hydraulic cylinders bear the main load, but plain bearings in the longitudinal and transverse axles must withstand high static and dynamic loads, edge loads and weather effects (moisture, dirt, heat, cold). Our extra-strong fibre composite and two-component polymer bearings are the right choice here.
Successfully in use
Lubrication saved, production and maintenance costs reduced: Demarko was looking for durable plain bearings and thrust washers for the swing axles on its heavy-duty semi-trailers, with which maintenance costs could be reduced to a minimum. The solution: igus bearings made of the materials iglidur G and igutex TX1.
Telescopic semi-trailers
Large cable packages must be guided safely in telescopic semi-trailers and extendable low-loaders used for heavy transport. Our robust energy chains from the E4.1 and E4Q series take on this job – ideally in combination with chainflex cables, which are specially developed for moving applications.
Successfully in use
Goldhofer AG has presented a concept for an extra-long, 5-fold telescopic trailer for transporting oversized wind vanes. Three E4 series energy chains are used to ensure safe and stable guidance of the heavy cable packages.
Tail lift
Since tail lifts have to carry freight forwarders and heavy goods, particularly robust plain bearings designed for high edge loads must be used here. Contamination at the exposed bearing points must be tolerated, as must moisture and wet conditions. For safe energy supply, e-chains that are as compact as possible and operate reliably in dirty and corrosive environments are required.
Successfully in use
MBB Palfinger relies on iglidur Q290 plain bearings in the twelve bearing points of the hoists for its tail lifts for ambulances. The corrosion-resistant, durable material significantly reduces the risk of failure of the tail lifts. Poor lubrication and corrosion were a problem with the metal bearings previously used.
Tipping hydraulics
In dump trucks, the bearings installed on the telescopic cylinder carry a lot of weight. As with many pivot points in commercial vehicles, high forces act here due to edge pressure. Due to the proximity to the loose bulk material transported in the skip, a high dirt and dust load must be taken into account when selecting the bearing.
Successfully in use
iglidur plain bearings ensure a reliable tilt mechanism in the trucks operated by Librelato S.A. They replace the bronze bearings previously used, which were constantly clogged with dirt and dust and required regular maintenance and greasing.
Side tarp curtains
Since the forces exerted on side tarp curtains on trucks are low, factors other than high load capacity are important when selecting the right plain bearing or guide roller. These include the lowest possible coefficients of friction and low moisture absorption.
Rear wind deflector
The small but aerodynamically important wind deflectors are primarily exposed to wind forces and dirt loads. In addition, external weathering effects such as wetness are the determining factors that affect the choice of the right bearing.
Door locking
Compared to many other installation points in commercial vehicles, the plain bearing installed in the espagnolette lock must work particularly clearance-free. Other requirements are determined by external environmental factors. Freedom from corrosion and high resistance to dirt are required.
Door hinge
Due to their exposed position on commercial vehicles, doors and side walls are not protected from external influences such as cold, moisture or dirt. Hinges and their bearings in particular must also be able to withstand high static loads over the long term.
Suitable bearing material:
iglidur G
Leaf spring suspension
Due to the high friction generated in the area of the leaf springs, the numerous bearing points must also be able to absorb high loads. Low clearance and low static friction are also desirable here, although the bearings must also be able to withstand high edge loads without any problems.
Brake system
The demands on bearing in the brake system are particularly high: high temperatures and loads, constant contact with dirt, water and lubricant must not lead to any loss of function.
Trailer support
Bearings in the lorry supports must be able to withstand high static loads. At the same time, moisture and dirt must not be a problem. Robust plain bearings with low moisture absorption are the right choice here.
Flap hinge
Doors and side walls of commercial vehicles are not protected against external influences such as temperature fluctuations, moisture or dirt. Hinges and their bearings in particular must also be able to withstand high static loads over the long term.
Suitable bearing material:
iglidur G
Front axle
The front axle is a crucial element for vehicle stability and safety. Plain bearings used here must be able to withstand high edge loads, should be dirt and oil-resistant and ideally have a vibration-dampening specification.
Front spoiler
One of the few places in the lorry where no plain bearing is used for movement is the variable front spoiler, which can be lowered while driving. The aerodynamic advantage is achieved with lead screws, which must be splash and salt water resistant and corrosion-free.
Suitable product:
dryspin lead screws with iglidur J lead screw nuts
Cab tilting mechanism
Plain bearings installed in the tilting mechanism must be able to withstand high edge loads over the long term. As moisture and particles can easily enter the area behind the radiator grille, the products must also be resistant to corrosion and dirt.
Suitable bearing material:
iglidur P210
Wind deflector system
The small but aerodynamically important wind deflectors are primarily exposed to wind forces and dirt loads. In addition, external weathering effects such as moisture are the determining factors that affect the choice of the right bearing technology.
Exterior mirrors
Some of the few bearing points that are not characterised by high edge loads are located on the side mirrors. Here, other aspects such as ease of installation and absolute freedom from maintenance take centre stage. So that the driver can concentrate fully on the road, the bearings must also not make any noise or vibrations.
Cabin dampening
The use of oil requires a high level of media resistance from components located near hydraulic dampers. Stronger vibrations also occur in this area, which must also be absorbed by the bearing points.
Suitable bearing material:
iglidur H4Interior and engine compartment
Seat adjustments
Plain bearings are often used in sheet metal for seat adjustments. Our clip bearings are easy to install and calibrate themselves during the e-coating process. For horizontal adjustments, our small energy chains and robust drylin W linear guides are the right choice. Thanks to the absence of external lubricants, no dirt sticks to the bearing points, wear is minimised and maintenance is eliminated.
Steering linkage
Steering systems must primarily operate lubrication-free, clearance-free and quiet. The choice of bearing is therefore particularly important here. In addition, there are shock loads when driving, which in the worst case can lead to increased wear of the bearing.
Suitable bearing material:
iglidur J
Gear lever
When it comes to gear shifting, the main requirements are smooth, fluid movement and the quietest possible adjustment of the gear lever. At the same time, the focus is on economic efficiency, e.g. built-in bearings must function reliably with the lowest possible maintenance effort.
Suitable bearing material:
iglidur J
Gearbox
In gearboxes, coupling joints must have a vibration-dampening specification and high strength due to the vibrations. In addition, high media resistance is required here, as oil and grease can increasingly occur.
Suitable product:
igubal coupling jointsOnline trade show stand and roadshows
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