White paper | Contactless Power and Data Transmission with NearFi Technology
Application examples
Robots Robotics enables a high degree of flexibility and rapid changeover times in industrial manufacturing and helps reduce process costs by shortening cycle times. At the same time, high-maintenance interfaces – such as connectors used during tool changes – lead to avoidable downtime. The use of NearFi couplers reduces these downtime costs through contactless, wear-free power and data transmission.
The Fast Startup feature also enables real-time connections to be reestablished quickly – in less than 500 ms – as power transmission and communication begin even as the couplers approach each other. This enables further optimization of cycle times, particularly in dynamic applications such as automated tool changes.
Robot tool change
Rotary table For surface finishing, workpieces are continuously rotated 360 ° using rotary tables with swivel units and fed sequentially to the stations for rough and fine grinding.
Until now, data transmission at the rotational axes of the three continuously rotating swivel units was handled by slip rings, which were costly and required regular maintenance.
NearFi coupler pairs have now been integrated in their place. These provide a contactless power supply to the PROFINET valve blocks for the sensors and actuators used in workpiece clamping, while also enabling latency- and wear-free transmission of PROFINET communication to the higher-level controller via an air gap.
Rotary table with swivel unit
Phoenix Contact 11