Practical example: Linear guide system in a fire engine

In collaboration with HAUTLE AG, our customer Lenggenhager Mechanik AG was faced with the challenge of attaching a retractable flipchart for command support to a command control vehicle, which can be used both indoors and outdoors.

The flipchart was to be attached to the partition wall above the seats so that it could be folded up to the ceiling and secured during the journey. During use, it can be folded down and pulled out of the vehicle thanks to its lightweight steel construction. This means that, depending on the weather, the command support can work inside or outside the vehicle. Maps, photos or operational sketches can be published directly on the flipchart, which weighs just under 30 kg. Thanks to its elevated position, good visibility is guaranteed during team meetings or larger command meetings.  

In order to move the flipchart outwards, a linear sliding option is required. HA-CO has both linear guides and heavy-duty runners. Depending on the slider design, linear guides can also be used to achieve an extension path of around 70% of the installation length and thus realize a partial extension. As weight was an important factor in this case in addition to cost, the decision was made to use a combination of recirculating ball bearing guide and non-locating bearing rail.

Another advantage of KUS recirculating ball bearing slides as partial-extension slides is that they can absorb both high tensile and vertical forces. The non-locating bearing rail with the roller carriages from the Compact Rail series ensures that the moments of the device are absorbed in the radial direction. Thanks to the non-locating bearing rail on this welded construction, it was possible to work with a “normal” one. The recirculating ball bearing guides require a very high degree of precision in the mounting structure, whereas roller guides are somewhat less demanding. However, the main loads are primarily absorbed by the KUS.

We would like to thank both companies for this exciting application and hope that it will make the work of the fire departments easier.