Figure 1 Overview of Triflex® R
What is triflex®
The triflex® R is a the third generation 3-axis energy chains from igus® energy chain. The multiaxial energy supply system triflex® R has been specially developed for the sophisticated 6-axis robotic applications in harsh industrial environments. Some of the important design features are: Fiber rod option for the partial reinforcement of the triflex® R, approximately ±10° Torsion per chain link, high tensile strength through ball-and-socket joint. In the meantime, the triflex® R product range consists of more than 100 components, so that all requirements of large welding robots up to the small pallet robots can be met. triflex® R has received the iF design award.
Figure 2 Triflex® R Application
triflex® Rs is designed to cater different user’s requirement. From the user's point of view, an energy supply system for multiaxial industrial robots has a lot of requirements to be fulfilled. The possibility to program extremely multifaceted motion sequences - partly offline - during the designing frequently leads to extreme stressing of the used electric cables and hoses. Sometimes there is the risk of a premature failure, often with very high consequential costs from production downtimes. The aforementioned features, together with modular design and intelligent accessories, have been merged into the development of the triflex® R energy supply system since 2003.
Principle of triflex®
The energy supply system consists of rugged, single-piece, interlinked units. The material used in many linear applications is the tested and proven igumid NB. It provides excellent protection for cables against impact and abrasion on the robotic arm, and is also resistant against dirt, chips and many other liquids used in mechanical engineering. Similar to the trailer hitch principle on a car, the one-piece links are connected to each other with a "ball/cup" connection, the so-called "trailer principle".
This trailer principle combines the ability to absorb high tensile strengths with the option to detach and reattach the triflex® R energy supply system at any required point. And naturally without end-to-end (steel) cables or other supporting elements! The external stop dogs in the TRC and TRE models transform the buckling forces arising in the inner radius into tensile forces. Pull-back mechanisms such as balancers or springs accommodated externally around the hose are often used to work out 3D energy supply functions, particularly in industrial robots. Loop formations are minimised or the cables are routed around interfering edges with these pull-back mechanisms.
Figure 3 Triflex® R for Industrial Robot Application
Unique Property of triflex®: fiber rods and FlexBar
The triflex® R is used to easily implement pull-back mechanisms with integrated fibreglass rods. These give the triflex® R a directed camber. In combination with an integrated piece at the moving end, triflex® R offers manifold possibilities without fiber rods to conduct the cables to the robot's wrist.
To utilise the wide range of options of the triflex® R design, a comprehensively adapted product range of accessories is available for use on industrial robots in addition to the standard triflex® R e-chain system® and the preassembled fibre rod modules. The fastening and mounting of the fiber rod module in the ideal position possible on the robotic arm can be carried out with a universal assembly kit. In case of modifications or extensions of the robot program, the attachment can be realigned many times later and thus permanently adapted to the new conditions.
Difficult robotic movements with FlexBarExtreme industrial robot movements with various motion sequences are implemented with the FlexBar system. Combined with the universal assembly kit for FlexBar, almost any motion sequence can be realised. The loop formation on the robot head is avoided even in extreme motions by the very high retraction force of FlexBar's high-tech composite material. A realignment, for instance, necessitated by a program change can be undertaken any time at minor costs.
Due to this enormous advantage, triflex® R can be used for industrial robots, machine tools, 6-axle handling equipment, conveyor technology, general mechanical engineering and many more. Click here to learn more about triflex®
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