Adapter plate with integrated valves

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17th December 2009

Source: SCHUNK Intec Ltd

Schunk has developed new adapter plates for its quick-change system for the SWS series. These have up to 14 valves integrated in them, depending on the size. The adapter plates are mounted between the quick-change head and robot flange, establishing the connection between these two components. The new adapter plates contain all the valves that are needed for actuating the SWS, and are supplied with compressed air via a central connection. The valves are actuated by a central electrical connection which also allows interrogation of the locking and unlocking status of the SWS as well as the proximity switches of the grippers used. The adapter plates will in future be supplied in the complete package matching the particular adapter head. Future quick-change heads, however, will only be supplied in one new variant that is already prepared for connection to the new adapter plate. Nevertheless, the previous quick-change heads can be used together with the new adapter plate with only a little

Whereas the supporting parts of the adapter plate are made from aluminum, Schunk has produced the actual valve carrier from a weight-saving, laser-sinterized plastic. This special process makes it possible to manufacture extremely complex geometries which would be practically impossible to produce in any other way - and nevertheless it is possible to supply up to 14 valves in the valve carrier with air ducts that are screwed into pressed-in threaded bushes within the adapter plate.

The adapter plates are available in sizes 20, 21, 40, 41, 60 and 71 to match the size of the corresponding SWS change system, with the maximum permitted forces also corresponding to those of the particular change system.

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