Inserting device for vacuum apparatus

Abstract

An inserter for vacuum installations has a two-part arm provided with a driving and, a single joint and an end for holding an object. The arm can turn in at least one horizontal plane about a vertical main axis disposed in the area of the driving end, and has at least one motor for moving the arm about the main axis and changing the angle between the parts of the arm at the joint. This inserter is constructed such that: (a) the main axis is surrounded by a housing in which an outer hollow shaft is rotatably disposed, with a central shaft coaxial therewith, the outer hollow shaft being co-rotational with the drive end of the lever and with the central shaft, there being a transmission mechanism which acts on a rotatable stubshaft belonging to the joint and supporting the outer part of the lever which has the holding end; (b) one independently operated motor is connected with the hollow shaft and another is connected with the central shaft for respective independent rotation of these parts; (c) the inner part of the lever is in the form of a hermetically sealed hollow body containing the mechanism that couples the central shaft to the subshaft; and (d) the bearings of the hollow shaft and stubshaft are sealed from the interior of the vacuum system by at least low-friction, preferably friction-free, sealing elements.