Why did you develop Triflex® R?

Hermey:
Nowadays, robots are essential in many production plants! However, guiding the power cables through to the "end" axis of many robot applications necessitates expensive and complex use of hoses, springs and special components etc. The aim was to develop a simple system to meet the more stringent requirements of the robot users. This is because existing solutions frequently require a high level of engineering or individual adaptation to the application, as well as a high maintenance effort, but are nevertheless frequently unsatisfactory since durability cannot be predicted or is inadequate.

Why is this?

Hermey:
Modern robots – specifically 6-axis robots – are able to perform very complex movements quickly. Generally, these movements comprise a combination of linear movements and many radial movements which occur in a confined space. While linear movements can now be coped with by using Energy Chain Systems®, radial movements make stringent demands of the power cables since, besides flexure, torsion also plays a major role. The fast movements result in high acceleration forces, which must be absorbed in a confined space. The ambient conditions are also frequently a challenge as far as the power supply goes.

Can you give us an example?

Hermey:
Welding robots in the automobile industry: dirt is produced as well as spatter. The robots are generally located in confined spaces, so-called welding lines. The welding tongs move quickly and in a complex manner from one welding point to the next while the heavy energy lines (electrical cables and coolant hoses etc.), loaded by high acceleration forces, must follow these movements. So what we needed to do was protect the supply conduits against external influences and stabilize them, i.e. reduce the forces occurring to such an extent that a trouble-free energy supply can be ensured for as long as possible on the one hand, and not restrict the flexibility of the robots on the other.

That brings us to the special features of the new system. What advantages does it offer?

Hermey:
Triflex^® R is a system with several special features:

You mentioned high variability despite only a few parts. How does this work?

Hermey:
By comparison with the conventional solution (length-matched hose, strain relief, central support, possibly spring elements and screw unions etc.), only one type of chain link is required, as previously mentioned. These links are connected to form carriers of any length. This modular design means that the length of the Triflex® R can be adapted at any time. Only one type of mounting bracket is required for attachment to the robot. These mounting brackets can be fitted to any chain link, can thus also serve as a center support if necessary and have an integrated strain relief function.

But differing operating requirements require different variants, don’t they? Do you plan to introduce further sizes?

Hermey:
Of course. On the one hand, we are working on a range covering several chain sizes, i.e. the chain size can be selected depending on quantity and volume of the cable and hose packages. Primarily, we have our sights on one size offering the required space for standard welding applications. In addition, we intend to adapt the outer sheath to the various operating requirements, and so we are also working on other variants here as well. We already have some other alternative options.  For example,"pick-and-place" robots are characterized by high speeds and even higher accelerations than the example mentioned above. Cable and hose packages are far smaller and external influences, such as dust or dirt, are far less. That is why we introduced the E-Z version: the outer sheath is designed to allow cables and lines to be added or replaced easily even when fitted. In addition, the condition of the supply lines and cables can be inspected externally at any time. One positive side-effect is the reduction in weight of the chain which reduces the acceleration forces. It is also possible to combine "closed" and E-Z chain links together in one chain. This would allow inspection openings in "closed" chains for instance.

You’ve already discussed a few fields of operation. What other possible applications do you see?

Hermey:
Basically, the entire range of applications covered by robots today. Besides welding robots, I also envisage, in particular, handling tasks and robots in materials handling and the packaging industry and automation etc. The Triflex® R is not necessarily only suitable for robot applications. Many applications also originate from customers and are only developed when searching for the optimum solution for the field of application for specific energy guide types. Of course, combinations of classic linear systems or the Twister circulating chain system with the Triflex® R are also conceivable.

Could you please give us an idea of your other future objectives?

Hermey:
Our aim is to build up a modular system so as to develop safe, reliable and long-life energy supply concepts at least possible cost and using several overall sizes, in fully enclosed versions, the E-Z variant and the new Light style, all with an intermatched system of mounting brackets and connection elements. In conjunction with our ReadyChain preassembled harnessed carrier service, the customer will be able to acquire a ready-to-use energy guide system requiring only minimum installation time and necessitating only plugging in the connectors or connection elements so as to be ready for operation.