Product Description

The TCS is a mechanical collision sensor that utilizes pneumatics for dynamic variability.

Benefits

Collision sensors minimize the potential for costly damage to the robot or tooling in the event of a crash and maximize uptime by automatically returning to within 0.0005” (0.013mm) of its starting position once it has been separated from the source of the crash. The TCS is a mechanical collision sensor that:

• Stop the robot* within 2 to 10ms of a collision to minimize costly damage to the robot and/or tooling. Collision sensors provide protection even if the robot itself is not moving.
• Absorb the crash energy without releasing the air pressure in the unit. Keeping the air in the unit prevents tooling ‘sag’ and eliminates the effects of compressed air being released into the environment.
• Automatically reset to within ± 0.0005” (0.013mm) in x, y, and z dimensions and to within ± 0.017 degrees rotationally to maximize uptime and eliminate the need for human intervention.
• Offer 8 degrees of angular compliance.
• Allow pneumatic adjustment so the user can easily change the amount of resistance the unit must encounter before signaling a collision.
• Have a compliance adjustment feature that lets the user determine the amount of deflection allowed before a signal is sent to your robot’s E-stop or controller.
• Can also be used on linear actuators, pick and place machines, and other automated equipment.

Operating Principle

Collision sensors work by establishing the minimal points of contact required to restrain all degrees of freedom (movement) in normal operation. When a collision occurs, external forces upset this balance thereby allowing angular, rotational, or compressive compliance. This motion opens a normally closed switch and sends a signal to your robot’s E-stop or controller.

Note:The collision sensors can be used as compliance (alignment) devices rather than collision sensors by simply mounting the unit without wiring it to the robot. NORMAL STATE ANGULAR COMPLIANCE ROTATIONAL COMPLIANCE COMPRESSIVE COMPLIANCE