A new approach to power supplies for robots

A cableless power supply system for multiaxis robots is proposed. As key components, it contains rotatable transformers placed in the joints of the robot. It consists of two halves of a ferrite pot core containing the primary and secondary windings, respectively. The energy is transferred to the movable parts of the robot through this transformer at a frequency of 25 kHz. This frequency allows a compact design of the transformer. A schematic representation of the new system is offered. Investigations of the steady-state and the transient behavior were carried out. Experimental results were obtained from an experimental setup with a 20 kVA, 650 V IGBT converter. >