igus robust iglidur bearings help smooth ride - Lubricant-free polymer bearings require no maintenance by Rickshaw drivers
14/03/2011 igus UK Ltd
In Bangalore and many other Indian cities motorised taxi rickshaws are fitted with lubricant-free polymer bearings from igus. These are used as main hub bearings on the anti-dive device as well as at other bearing points.The three-wheeled vehicles have a special mechanism that prevents falling over during braking. This anti-dive device is a connection mechanism with four rods. The main hub at this connection is guided by an iglidur RN56 self-lubricating bearing.
The load on the bearing is the load of the vehicle plus the weight of the passengers and the inertia forces, making around three tonnes in total, with a pivoting motion. Previously, a bronze bushing with lubrication grooves and punched holes with graphite filling at the edge were being used. The drivers reported that lubrication regularly failed, which meant the bearings wore out quickly and the clearance increased. Other problems prevalent were loud noises, heavy juddering of the handlebars or even tilting of the rickshaw during braking.
The conditions in which the bearings have to function are shown in this fun film by igus, filmed on location in India: http://bit.ly/gNnq4M
igus UK Limited
51 Caswell Road
Brackmills Industrial Estate
Northampton
NN4 7PW
Tel: 01604 677240
Fax: 01604 677245
Email: sales_uk@igus.co.uk
Web: www.igus.co.uk
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