Blickle ErgoMove® 1000 electric drive system in use

Cromatech, based in Gossau in the canton of St. Gallen, develops and builds systems and equipment for various industries - for example for the maintenance and servicing of trains and streetcars. Swiss Federal Railways AG (SBB) and many smaller regional railroad companies rely on the solutions of the company, which was founded in 1988. Cromatech currently employs around 20 people.

Cromatech's portfolio also includes trolleys and mobile filling systems for refilling the grit containers of trains so that, on the one hand, the wheels do not spin when starting up and, on the other, safe braking and efficient acceleration are ensured in snowy areas. Cromatech has been relying on Blickle wheels and casters for some time to safely and reliably move equipment weighing up to 1,000 kilograms from A to B on platforms and in railroad depots over long distances. However, moving and braking the equipment still required a great deal of effort.

Blickle had the ideal solution for this challenge with the ErgoMove® 1000 electric drive system . Suitable for loads of up to 1,000 kilograms, it reduces the force required to move off to a minimum - an integrated counter-current brake provides support when braking. ErgoMove® also offers steering assistance. The system is controlled via an ergonomic handle that transmits the operator's movements to the drive rollers.
The Blickle experts customized their solution for the Swiss company's service equipment to suit the specific operating environments: To avoid getting stuck in the railroad tracks, for example, the wheels had to be able to cross gaps up to 60 millimeters wide without any problems. Blickle therefore equipped the trolleys for the maintenance equipment with double casters.

Blickle also knew how to overcome the particular challenges posed by the many inclines in the area of use. The easy-to-operate locking device, which reliably blocks the casters, ensures that the equipment does not roll away on an incline. The integrated dead man's brake is only unlocked by activating the sensor hand detection, i.e. only when the operator intends it. During operation, the drive assistance makes it easier to negotiate inclines and a counter-flow brake makes it easier to brake on slopes. Blicke worked with Cromatech to determine how steep these inclines and declines can be in practice based on empirical values and configured the ErgoMove® system software accordingly. The batteries required for operation can be replaced quickly and easily, meaning that the devices are ready for use at any time and at all times.

Installation of the electric drives is child's play thanks to Plug & Play, and operation is intuitive for employees. Cromatech was able to integrate the Blickle technology into its existing trolley systems without any problems thanks to the individual cockpit connection to the respective application. For example, various transport trolleys and mobile filling systems for gritting sand have already been equipped with ErgoMove® systems.

The Swiss company can also fully rely on Blickle's support when it comes to after-sales and service. With ErgoMove®, the plant and equipment manufacturer benefits not only from a tailor-made solution, but also from a long-term partnership that goes far beyond the implementation of a single system.

• Ergonomic support for operating personnel with loads of up to 1,000 kg
• Simple installation thanks to plug-and-play
• Intuitive operation of the cockpit
• Comprehensive after-sales support
• Safe braking thanks to integrated dead man's brake