The rapid replacement design of robot fixture accessories must focus on five core elements: mechanical interface, locking mechanism, power transmission, anti-interference capability, and modular design. This ensures efficient switching while maintaining stability and reliability.
Standardized and compatible mechanical interfaces are the foundation for rapid replacement. The connection between the fixture and the robot end effector requires a high-precision positioning structure, such as a combination of a tapered guide sleeve and locating pins, to enable rapid alignment and eliminate installation deviations. Interface design must adhere to industry standards such as ISO 10218 or VDI/VDE 2862 to ensure interchangeability between fixtures from different manufacturers. Furthermore, the interface should be self-cleaning, using seals or air purge to prevent dust and chips from entering, thereby preventing impurities from causing connection jams or signal interruptions.
The reliability and response speed of the locking mechanism directly impact replacement efficiency. Currently, mainstream solutions include ball, cam, and piston-pin locking. Ball-type locks achieve self-locking through spring preload and are suitable for light-load applications. Cam-type locks utilize mechanical leverage to amplify locking force and are suitable for heavy-load applications. Piston-type locks utilize pneumatic or electric actuators to extend and retract the pin, offering a higher degree of automation. Designs should ensure that the locking force matches the weight of the fixture. For example, for fixtures weighing less than 5 kg, the locking force can be controlled within 200-500 N to prevent loosening due to insufficient tightening or difficulty in disassembly due to overtightening. Furthermore, the locking status should be monitored in real time, using pressure or displacement sensors for feedback, to prevent safety incidents caused by locking failure.
Integrated power and signal transmission is key to rapid replacement. Traditional solutions require separate connections for air, electrical, and signal lines, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. Modern designs utilize integrated interfaces, integrating compressed air, power, and communication lines into a single connector. For example, the WOMMER quick-change plate utilizes built-in pneumatic slip rings and electrical contacts to achieve simultaneous air and electrical transmission, reducing changeover time to less than 3 seconds. Signal transmission must support high-speed communication protocols, such as EtherCAT or Profinet, to ensure that the control system can quickly identify and adjust parameters after fixture changes. For scenarios requiring force feedback, the interface must also integrate a torque sensor signal transmission channel to support precision assembly tasks.
Anti-interference design must address mechanical, electrical, and environmental aspects. Mechanically, the connection between the fixture and the robot end effector must possess torsional rigidity. For example, a cross-roller bearing structure must be used that can withstand torques exceeding 1000 N·m to prevent loosening due to eccentric loads. Electrically, the interface must be equipped with an electromagnetic shield to reduce high-frequency signal interference. For pneumatic systems, filters and pressure regulators must be added to the air path to prevent oil contamination or pressure fluctuations from affecting actuator operation. Regarding environmental adaptability, the interface must meet IP65 protection standards to resist corrosion from cutting fluids and coolants. High-temperature-resistant materials (such as PEEK) must be used to withstand high-temperature conditions such as welding.
Modular and scalable designs can reduce long-term operating costs. Robot fixture accessories should adopt a split design, with connection interfaces, locking modules, and functional components designed independently to facilitate individual replacement or upgrades. For example, pneumatic slip rings and electrical contacts should be designed as removable modules. When the contact wears, only that part needs to be replaced, not the entire interface. Furthermore, the interface should include expansion slots to support the integration of future functional modules (such as vision sensors or RFID readers), extending the equipment's lifecycle.
