Columbus McKinnon (CMCO) optimizes circular tracks for sports and multi-purpose arenas

Pfaff-silberblau used its extensive drive technology expertise and its proven linear drive elements and control systems to implement individual lifting devices for track adjustment in several sports and multi-purpose arenas. Particularly in the case of “200 m” circular running tracks, the curves need to be raised in order to accommodate the high running speeds of the athletes. In order to provide the athletes with optimum conditions for their activities, Pfaff-silberblau supplied a solution that raises the curves at the apex by up to 1000 mm and at the same time ensures stepless transitions from the straight middle section of the running track to the segments of the two curve sections.

Around 60 to 70 SHE screw jacks are used in each curve for axial adjustment of the curve segments. The screw jacks offer a maximum lifting force of 50 kN and are equipped with self-locking trapezoidal threaded spindles. The even curve-rise and the curve-arc require different stroke lengths, transmission ratios and screw pitches on the SHE (Tr 47 x 7 to Tr 45 x 3.51). The reason for this is that all screw jacks must reach their respective end positions at the same time, i.e. within 50 seconds, despite different stroke lengths. For each curve, 14 three-phase standard motors with 4.5 kW drive power drive the worm gear screw jacks via the corresponding bevel gearboxes K11.13 and cardan shafts. These are mechanically coupled to each other by means of additional cardan shafts, so that an absolutely synchronized drive train is available in every curve.

The worm gear screw jacks are equipped with safety nuts and electrical nut breakage monitoring limit switches, which are mandatory for the operation of lowering devices and platforms. The tried and tested modular system of the screw jacks enables modification to the required technical standard without significant additional costs and delivery times.

Thanks to the recognized high quality, reliability and performance of its products, CMCO has already been able to implement several projects. The reference list includes the “Seidenstickerhalle” sports arena in Bielefeld, an athletics arena in Finland, the multi-purpose sports arena in Leipzig and Linz.

Linz sports arena: