Robot with cables extending at least partially on an outside

US6288512A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• KUKA Roboter GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Alwin Berninger · Augsburg, DE
• Georg Hartmann · Paderborn, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 15, 1999
• Grant date: Sep 11, 2001
• Expiry date: Apr 15, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S414/131
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A robot has a plurality of components which can pivot relative to each other, in particular robot arms. Changes in separation between individual points of the robot thereby occur. This must be taken into consideration when guiding the operation cables for robot elements and in particular robot tools. The cables must be capable of accommodating length changes while being loaded to as little extent as possible during motion of the robot so that they have high durability and are not prematurely damaged. In accordance with the invention, a robot having cables extending at least partially on the outside, in particular operation cables for robot tools such as a welding tool, has cables guided in a substantially circular loop at the height of a robot arm which can pivot about an axis of the robot.