The chain that would like a bar

1. Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik –
74889 Sinsheim
www.grob-antriebstechnik.de
Tel. +49 7261/92630
1 | P a g e
The chain that works like a bar – it pulls
and "pushes"
What seems like a contradiction at first glance is, on closer examination, an ingenious
solution in linear drive technology. There, materials are shifted, machines positioned,
platforms moved and goods put into storage and taken out again – to put it simply: linear
movements are called for. The "LinearChain" from Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik is the
technological basis here for continually fresh ideas for solving linear movements, cleverly, in
a space-saving manner and inexpensively.
A simple basic idea leads to an "endless" number of
possibilities.
A load can either be pushed or pulled. Suitable drive elements are either a cylinder or a
motor-driven chain. Both variants have disadvantages:
 "Normal" chains can only pull and need two drives for the to-and-fro movement.
 Cylinders are rigid, they can push and pull. However, they need space to retract, which
is equivalent again to the length of the transfer distance and extends along the same
line. Not only that: they must be twice as long as the distance and aren't flexible when
space is tight.
A combination of cylinder and chain without the disadvantages mentioned would be ideal.
That would be a happy medium that would be both universal and economical.
Such an all-rounder already exists. It is the LinearChain, which
is as flexible as a chain on the one hand and can perform the work
of a cylinder on the other.
In other words: it can pull and push – and it does so with only
one drive and without wasting space. The LinearChain is thus
actually the first and only chain that can "push" as well as pull!
It's obvious that this LinearChain has a myriad of possible uses.
So, of course, the question arises: how does it work?
LinearChain: the space-saving marvel
that can pull and "push"!

2. Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik –
74889 Sinsheim
www.grob-antriebstechnik.de
Tel. +49 7261/92630
2 | P a g e
The ingenious method of operation of the LinearChain –
the space-saving marvel
The LinearChain is a special product in linear drive technology, which shows its real
strength when space is tight. The LinearChain consists of specially formed, high-precision
mechanical chain links. The chain links engage positively with one another and mutually
support one other. The special feature of the LinearChain (as opposed to a "normal" chain) is:
it works in both directions – it can pull and "push".
In the drive housing of the LinearChain is a gear wheel that engages in the intermediate chain
links and moves it link by link – both forwards and backwards. The chain has two loose ends.
The load which is to be moved is attached to one end. The other end is guided freely and is
usually rolled up in a storage device. This saves an enormous amount of space and is at the
same time the main advantage of the LinearChain.
This is how the LinearChain works when it "pushes"
A pushing force is exerted on the chain links by the drive element, usually an electric motor.
The shoulders of the individual chain links now push against one another and form a rigid unit.
And with that they can lift or push the load. The chain thus becomes a bar that even outstrips
the cylinder in terms of reach, load capacity, speed and precision. Not only that, the LinearChain
can be practically "endless", whereas a cylinder cannot simply be extended.
Previous link
Introduction of
the force above
the chain axis

3. Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik –
74889 Sinsheim
www.grob-antriebstechnik.de
Tel. +49 7261/92630
3 | P a g e
This is how the LinearChain works when it "pulls"
Now it works like a normal chain. The part of the chain that is not under load,
however, is only half as long and need not be stored parallel to the direction of
movement. Instead, it can be diverted to where there is sufficient space. The
LinearChain can thereby be rolled up almost like a rope.
Main advantage: the LinearChain can be rolled up and stored where there is
space.
"Space-saving marvel" - the LinearChain conquers the
global market
The LinearChain is a purely mechanical movement actuator and is thus environmentally
friendly, reliable and requires little maintenance. In many cases the linear chain is the only
drive solution that makes sense for conveying and linear drive tasks. Here is a small selection
of the possible applications:
 Quick-clamping systems on press and punching systems.
The LinearChain moves a tool or means of clamping into the desired operating
position.
 The drive in a lifting table for raising and lowering the work plate.
 The stage platform in a theatre or concert hall.
 For feeding tempering furnaces.
 In refrigeration units.
LinearChain can be rolled
up like a rope!
"The part of the LinearChain that is not under load can be
rolled up like a rope and stored outside the work area.
That saves an enormous amount of installation space.
That is the main advantage of the LinearChain, in
addition to which customers value the possibility of being
able to implement practically "endless" strokes with the
LinearChain.
This allows us to realise solutions where conventional
linear drives are impossible due to the cramped spatial
conditions, or where hydraulic or pneumatic systems
are not desired.«
Eugen Reimche,
Managing Director, Grob
GmbH Antriebstechnik

4. Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik –
74889 Sinsheim
www.grob-antriebstechnik.de
Tel. +49 7261/92630
4 | P a g e
 In modern building services.
 When moving containers from trucks onto railway wagons.
 In driverless transport systems.
 In materials handling.
 In stage and exhibition technology for moving platforms and structures.
 In medical technology for moving examination tables.
 Movement of beds and treatment tables.
 Handling and positioning installations on oil and gas rigs.
 Material feeding in production plants.
 Load transfer in high-temperature zones.
 and much more ...
The ingenious method of operation of the LinearChain –
the space-saving marvel
The LinearChain is a special product in linear drive
technology, which shows its real strength when space is
tight. The LinearChain consists of specially formed, high-
precision mechanical chain links. The chain links engage
positively with one another and mutually support one
other. The special feature of the LinearChain (as opposed
to a "normal" chain) is: it works in both directions – it can
pull and "push".
In the drive housing of the LinearChain is a gear wheel
that engages in the intermediate chain links and moves it
link by link – both forwards and backwards. The chain has
two loose ends. The load which is to be moved is attached to one end. The other end is
guided freely and is usually rolled up in a storage device. This saves an enormous amount
of space and is at the same time the main advantage of the LinearChain.
LINEAR CHAIN: the space-saving marvel
that can pull and "push"!

5. Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik –
74889 Sinsheim
www.grob-antriebstechnik.de
Tel. +49 7261/92630
5 | P a g e
This is how the LinearChain works when it "pushes"
A pushing force is exerted on the chain links by the drive element, usually an electric motor.
The shoulders of the individual chain links now push against one another and form a rigid
unit. And with that they can lift or push the load. The chain thus becomes a bar that even
outstrips the cylinder in terms of reach, load capacity, speed and precision. Not only that,
the linear chain can be practically "endless", whereas a cylinder cannot simply be extended.
This is how the LinearChain works when it "pulls"
Now it works like a normal chain. The part of the chain that is not
under load, however, is only half as long and need not be stored
parallel to the direction of movement. Instead, it can be diverted to
where there is sufficient space. The LinearChain can thereby be
rolled up almost like a rope.
Main advantage: the LinearChain can be rolled up and stored where
there is space.
"The part of the LinearChain that is not under
load can be rolled up like a rope and stored
outside the work area. That saves an enormous
amount of installation space.
That is the main advantage of the LinearChain,
in addition to which customers value the
possibility of being able to implement
practically "endless" strokes with the
LinearChain.
This allows us to realise solutions where conventional
linear drives are impossible due to the cramped spatial
conditions, or where hydraulic or pneumatic systems
are not desired.«
LINEAR CHAIN can be
rolled up like a rope!
Eugen Reimche,
Managing Director Grob
GmbH Antriebstechnik

6. Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik –
74889 Sinsheim
www.grob-antriebstechnik.de
Tel. +49 7261/92630
6 | P a g e
"Space-saving marvel" - the LinearChain conquers
the global market
The LinearChain is a purely mechanical movement actuator and is thus environmentally
friendly, reliable and requires little maintenance. In many cases the linear chain is the only
drive solution that makes sense for conveying and linear drive tasks. Here is a small
selection of the possible applications:
 Quick-clamping systems on press and punching systems.
The LinearChain moves a tool or means of clamping into the desired operating
position.
 The drive in a lifting table for raising and lowering the work plate.
 The stage platform in a theatre or concert hall.
 For feeding tempering furnaces.
 In refrigeration units.
 In modern building services.
 When moving containers from trucks onto railway wagons.
 In driverless transport systems.
 In materials handling.
 In stage and exhibition technology for moving platforms and structures.
 In medical technology for moving examination tables.
 Movement of beds and treatment tables.
 Handling and positioning installations on oil and gas rigs.
 Material feeding in production plants.
 Load transfer in high-temperature zones.
 and much more ...

7. Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik –
74889 Sinsheim
www.grob-antriebstechnik.de
Tel. +49 7261/92630
7 | P a g e
The advantages of the LinearChain at a glance
 Loads can be positioned directly, precisely and with high repeatability.
 The chain links can be stored in the tightest of spaces.
 Only very little space is required to bridge long transport distances.
 Often the only solution where other drive solutions such as linear drives,
hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders, winches or gear racks are ruled out due to a lack of
space.
 Several chains can be coupled in parallel.
 The LinearChain can be extended to any length.
 Can be installed horizontally, vertically or inclined.
 Its function is purely mechanical.
 Robust, compact design, also suitable for special environments such as cleanrooms
or high-temperature zones.
 High reliability, long service life, low maintenance requirement.
 Standard stroke speed up to 250 mm/s; in special cases speeds of up to 1,000
mm/sec are even possible.
 Temperatures up to 250 °C; continuous temperatures of up to 550 °C are possible
with a special version.
 With an energy efficiency of 80 – 90%, the linear chain is a sustainable
investment, both ecologically and economically.
 Maximum lifting load of 35,000 N per linear chain is possible.
Company information
Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik is an internationally leading company in linear drive technology.
Its core competence is its high level of technical consulting expertise, which is
groundbreaking in this industry. The most important product is the linear drive in innumerable
variants. Further products are electrical cylinders, transfer gearboxes, linear actuators, screw
jacks and complete lifting systems. The company's most innovative product is the
LinearChain, which can both push and pull and needs very little space. The company has
published its own reference book, entitled "Grundlagen linearer Antriebstechnik" (Principles
of Linear Drive Technology) through the Springer Verlag publishing house.
Company contact
Grob GmbH Antriebstechnik
Eugen Reimche Email: ereimche@grob-antriebstechnik.de
Eberhard-Layher-Str. 5
D-74889 Sinsheim Web: http://www.grob-antriebstechnik.de
Phone: +49 (0)7261/92630