Close to the robot's arm - "Triflex RS" for compact cable guidance

Plastic corrugated tubes used in robotic applications can bend and tear because they cannot absorb torsional movements very well. The Cologne-based energy chain expert igus GmbH has developed "Triflex R",; the multi-dimensional energy chain system with complete freedom of movement in the X-, Y- and Z-axes. Now, there is a new universal module available called "Triflex RS" especially for robotic applications in cramped conditions. The system guides the energy chain close to the robot arm, and avoids any looping.

	Triflex RS	..
	Photo igus GmbH

The "Triflex R" energy chain, winner of several industrial prizes, is a product family for robot users and manufacturers and the range comprises more than one hundred components already. Thanks to this modular approach, the manufacturer igus guarantees that any application can be realized, from large-scale welding robots to small handling robots. "Triflex R" works using the ball & socket principle (“trailer hitch”). Once locked in place, the ball and socket form an extremely mobile connection which combines smooth movements in all three axes and an optimum frictional connection, thus guaranteeing a high tensile strength. Longitudinal axis torsion of up to +/- 380° per meter is possible, and thanks to the integrated stop system, the energy chain provides a minimum bending radius that prevents cables being overstressed during both radial and torsional movements. Finally, the general flexibility of the whole system makes robot teaching simple.

Simple installation

	universal module "Triflex RS"	..
	Photo igus GmbH

The newly developed universal module "Triflex RS" has been designed mainly for applications that have to be realized in very little space. "Triflex RS" can be mounted directly to all standard fastening holes most robots. Project planning is not necessary: the required free-moving length of energy chain is added to the front area of the robot and fastened to the sixth axis by means of a mounting bracket. Thanks to its compact design height, the system can even be used if there is a valve cluster or distributor box above the third axis, for example.


No looping

The lubricant-free "Triflex-R" energy chain is integrally spring-loaded. Thanks to the use of fibre rods inserted in the chain, pre-tension is generated automatically. The spring mechanism works in a similar way to a fishing rod and maintains tension in the energy chain. This means that the chain is always kept close to the robot arm even during complex movements, and chain loops and around the robot head are avoided.

Source igus GmbH

Article Reference : 020114