Security flange for robot arms - has plate which can slide apart to break vacuum created between them and cause power to robot to be switched off

摘要

Security flange for connecting a robot arm to a tool comprises two flange pieces each connected respectively to the arm and the tool. In a relaxed position the two pieces are held together and the hollow aeas (16) formed between them are evacuated by a vacuum source. Any relative movement between the pieces causes the vacuum to be broken and air to flow from outside into the areas (16). This change in pressure is recorded on a sensor device which immediately stops the power to the robot. The flange parts are plates held together with location pins and recesses (48) and sealed by sealing ring (24). Each plate is connected to its robot arm and tool by screw connections, bother plates are held in place by weak screws (50) which can easily break at pressure lower than the max pressure of the vacuum joint. USE/ADVANTAGE - Esp. for welding robots. Prevents damage to the robot arm and tool when the latter hits an abstructing article.