“Robotrax” – revolutionary three-dimensional cable carrier from Kabelschlepp Metool

Industrial Robot

ISSN: 0143-991X

Article publication date: 1 April 2003

69

Keywords

Citation

(2003), "“Robotrax” – revolutionary three-dimensional cable carrier from Kabelschlepp Metool", Industrial Robot, Vol. 30 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2003.04930bad.003

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited


“Robotrax” – revolutionary three-dimensional cable carrier from Kabelschlepp Metool

“Robotrax” – revolutionary three-dimensional cable carrier from Kabelschlepp Metool

Keywords: Robots, Cables

Kabelschlepp Metool has launched “Robotrax”, the first truly three-dimensional cable carrier, desired specifically to carry power and control cables, hydraulic and air/water lines in robotic equipment, particularly six-axis robots with a repertoire of complex multi-directional movement (Plate 2).

Robotrax is suitable for most industrial robotic applications, including those used in automotive assembly plants. It is the first to solve the problem of performing both circular and multi-axial movements while delivering power and perhaps vacuum and coolant water to the robot’s “hand” for applications such as lifting or welding.

Plate 2 A typical robotic installation demonstrating the extreme three-dimensional flexibility of Kabelschlepp Metool’s new Robotrax cable carrier

Kabelschlepp’s revolutionary new design resembles a human spine composed of identical, circular polyoximethylene (POM) mouldings that snap together to form a continuous flexible assembly of any length, further strengthened by a steel wire “spinal cord”. This runs through a hole in the centre of each link and is secured at either end in order to withstand the high acceleration forces of robots, many of which move at considerable speed.

The “vertebrae” join together through an integral ball and socket arrangement that allows 4° rotation and bending movements with a radius of 150 mm. The power and service lines are carried in three chambers around the perimeter of each moulding, allowing easy access for installation, visual inspection and maintenance. Assembly is simply a matter of pressing cables and hoses into the appropriate compartment of the carrier via a longitudinal slit in its outer surface.

Another valuable feature, particularly for multi-axis robots, is the hinged clamping system which allows any Robotrax link to be fixed at the most appropriate point on each machine or application. This offers easy installation and removal should any major maintenance or harness change be required.

Robotrax is the first design to offer a complete solution to the problem of delivering power and control supplies to robots which, typically, rotate through 360° round their axis while also performing more complex “arm” and “hand” movements. Previous solutions have used a combination of systems, including corrugated tubing or conduits and often have a chain-type carrier. These have a number of significant disadvantages: cables have to be threaded through and are often tightly packed so risk chafing, visual inspection is impossible and if a cable needs replacing, the whole assembly has to be removed.

For further information, contact: Metool Products Ltd, Lilac Grove, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1PG, UK. Tel: +44 (0)115 922 5931; Fax: +44 (0)115925 9996.

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