Guide rollers: types, applications

The designs of furniture, warehouse equipment, garages and small building structures often require the presence of guide rollers. This element provides the possibility of a convenient movement of the object without harm to its base and floor covering. In this case, there are different approaches to the manufacture of such elements, taking into account the operational features. So, the rollers for the cabinet require a smooth running, and the models for the gate must withstand the mechanical stresses.

Where are the videos used?

The main scope of application of such accessories covers furniture production. Small size, reliability and accuracy of the layout - just those qualities that are appreciated by manufacturers of tables, wardrobes, sofas and armchairs. The presence of rollers in the construction of such an object makes it convenient to move it, control the doors and drawers. And this applies not only to home furniture, but also to professional equipment. In particular, guide rollers are used as part of warehouse shelving and commercial technical support. Separate categories of such devices are used by manufacturers of portal sections. Such models of rollers differ more massive sizes, increased wear resistance and sparing influence on the floor covering.

Furniture casters

Objects of furniture are supplied with pivoted fixed mechanisms, as well as wheels with a brake. For each of these systems, special rollers are used. So, to perform a complete fixation of an object in one place, devices with a wheel lock and a rotary mechanism are used. But this does not mean that the videos remain immobilized forever. By simple manipulation, the user can unlock and move furniture. On this principle, the guides for the compartment-cabinets, in the equipment of which sliding bearings or ball elements are used. This arrangement allows you to save the operational life of the working parts of the cabinet and at the same time make the piece of furniture more functional and practical. However, the wheels can be different and the higher their durability and the more stable the smoothness of the stroke, the longer the main object will last.

Rollers for doors

Depending on the characteristics of the door structure, its accessories can have guides with a different number of gutters. In addition, such mechanisms are also divided according to the principle of location, not to mention the division into radial and direct devices. Kupeynye doors on rollers usually provide the lower position of the guides, in which the canvases are integrated. The upper rails in this case only correct the vertical arrangement of the sections. As for the mentioned number of gutters in the guides, in most cases it corresponds to the number of movable flaps in the span.

For sliding configurations, guides with one groove are used, since the movement of their section occurs in the same plane. In one set, doors on rollers can be supplemented with lower and upper rails. The peculiarities of such systems include the fact that they serve the work of just two canvases, rather than one leaf, as in the classical design. At the same time, sections in normal operation do not go into each other's work areas.

Rollers for sliding gates

In the composition of the wheels for the gate, the so-called end rollers or rollers are usually used. These are removable elements that are fixed to the guide profile. In addition to the beam stroke, such wheels ensure a smooth closing of the flaps. There is an additional roller with a plug in the general design of the running part of the sliding gates, which prevents dirt, snow and other foreign elements from entering the guide mechanism. It is important to emphasize and the performance characteristics, which differ rollers for sliding gates already in standard designs. Such details have high rates of wear resistance, temperature protection and, of course, a considerable margin of safety. These qualities are conditioned not only by materials of manufacture, but also by structural elements - in particular, this may be the presence of stiffeners and lateral stops. Depending on the design of the gate, the system can also include the addition of the running gear in the form of side rails, as well as special catchers for soft wheel locking.

Models with inner cage

Models of this type are recommended to be used when higher loads are expected. Usually they are rollers, the diameter of which varies from 6.2 to 25 cm. With the correct installation of accessories with the holder, the guide can withstand an axial load of about 215 kN. With high wear resistance, such structures are easy to maintain. In particular, the guide rollers with the inner clip are easy to dismantle and replace. The thread and the size of the landing points have a standard format, which makes such rollers universal in use. However, this does not in any way eliminate the need for an individual selection of a roller for a specific running gear.

Rollers with trunnion

Such models have a diameter varying from 2.6 to 20 cm. In small support systems they use two complete sets of single-row ball bearings. Large elements of this type are used in tapered roller bearings. Modifications with increased strength are also suitable for use in cantilever and standard mechanisms. All guiding rollers with a trunnion are also offered in the market with eccentric elements. Such models are usually marked with the letter "E" in the description for the roller. The merits of such devices include the possibility of vertical movement along the cam, during which a constant interaction with the rolling surface is maintained.

Which material is preferable?

A universal material from which rollers could be made for different applications, of course, no. In the production of office furniture, for example, use polyamide and polyurethane elements. Such products retain the optimum characteristics of the contact layer, and at the same time, sufficient strength is ensured. For home furniture usually used beech guide rollers, which, in addition to technical and physical qualities differ in external appeal. It is important to understand that monolithic devices for such purposes are not practically manufactured - the combination of a strong base and an elastic outer coating of rubber or the same plastics is considered optimal. Of course, for warehouse equipment and gates, rollers with higher resistance to loads are required. In this case, high-tech polymers reinforced with fiberglass are used to complete the facilities. The most durable models are made of steel, which can withstand loads of more than 1 ton.

Mounting of rollers

If the installation of the guide rails is carried out without difficulty with the help of special hardware, then the rollers can be completely non-separable. But, there are exceptions to the rules. For example, in the support mechanisms of sliding-door wardrobes, experts consider lower rollers to be a weak spot. The fastening function in the rollers is performed by screws, latches or flags, which are fixed in the corresponding holes. But it is important not to confuse these elements with regulators. For dismantling, you only need to remove the non-working element of the hardware and install a new one in its place. In this case, the replacement of the guide roller must be accompanied by adjustment. In the case of the same closet, adjusting usually requires a gap between the furniture wall and the door with the help of the mounting screws.

Conclusion

In the selection of furniture and its operation, the fittings are not always noticeable. Usually, only decorative elements are selected, and details with a practical function are left without due attention. It is these elements that include the guides for furniture doors that hide in working rails, but they perform very important tasks. The breakage of this accessory can render the entire cabinet unsuitable for use - at least in such situations repair can not be avoided. Equally important is the role of guide rollers in mounting structures, gates, racks and other mechanisms. Careful maintenance of this fittings will extend the life of its components and increase the working life of the main facility.