DE10307559B4 - Device for automatic casting - Google Patents

Abstract

contraption for automated casting of castlings (2) single or multi-component potting compounds with mold clamping machines (4) and a manipulator (6) with tools for removing the castings (2), with tools for cleaning the molds and / or for applying Release agent in the molds, characterized by an optical system on the manipulator (6) for monitoring the casting process or forms.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for automated casting of molded parts with single or multi-component potting compounds made of plastic, such as for example cast resin, Silicone, polyethylene u. Like. Cast resin, according to the preamble of claim 1.

To the rational potting of cast resin so-called closing machines used in which the opening, the closing and keeping the molds closed before and after the casting process automatically, for example pneumatically or hydraulically.

It is also already known, the removal of the cast casting or casting from the open mold by means of a manipulator (robot). The casting will then stored and by blowing off with compressed air by means of an am Arm of the manipulator arranged nozzle cleaned. In the next step The manipulator can apply release agent to the opened mold. Last will be the closing machine automatically closed again, which starts the casting process again can.

From the JP 05 031 736 A a device having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known. The known device is used for casting and light curing lenses or other optical elements, wherein a robot is provided for removing the cured optical elements.

From the JP 61 094 713 A a similar pouring device for plastic parts is known.

Finally, out of the EP 1 189 054 A2 a device for optical monitoring of thermoformed plastic parts known, with a quality control device for the thermoformed plastic parts with respect to unauthorized thin spots.

adversely in these known devices is that still operators need to intervene, for example, the casting deburring, making a visual inspection of the cast part, Committee too Separate, for example. Good part and bad part in the appropriate To drop boxes. About that In addition, it may sometimes be necessary to use so-called inserts, i. Metal inserts, which are to be cast with, to insert in the open mold. This too has been required so far manually by the operator.

From that Based on the object, a device of the above Such a way that a practically automated and continuous casting operation is possible.

These The object is achieved with a device having the features of the patent claim 1 solved.

to solution the object is proposed to the manipulator an optical System for monitoring the casting process provided. Preferably, this can also for quality control of the casting and for monitoring the mold used before pouring become.

The Optics of the system works preferably in the visible range (photo or video camera), but can also be used in the infrared, ultraviolet or in the x-ray area work. Visible errors can be detected in the visible area become. In the infrared, for example the temperature and the heat distribution of the cooling casting be registered. In the UV or X-ray range, internal structures become and errors visible.

at Using a video camera, it is advisable to follow a computerized Evaluation. With a known frame grabber can from the Video taken a picture or "digged" and then digitized become. The digitized image can then also be known by means of Algorithms on matches or errors are evaluated. Deviations from given forms or imperfections of the products or residues in the molds can be so be recognized. The manipulator can be controlled in this way bad parts sort out or carry out new cleaning steps.

The optical surveillance system is preferably arranged so that it is in the open mold in the closing machine or looking into the mold or tool to optimally capture the casting process to be able to. This can be done automatically at a predetermined time by one Rest position are moved to a working position. Advantageous For example, the arrangement is at the hand of the manipulator. So the optical system can be programmed programmed.

To an execution According to the invention, the manipulator can also be designed to apply the cast part a certain place, for example, in a packaging container store and beyond to complete the packaging unit, for example by interposing of packing material between individual layers of castings.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the manipulator is adapted to remove inserts from a magazine and insert it into the mold. Possibly. the manipulator has separate sliding arms for this purpose. Also this radio tion is programmable and can be repeatedly reproduced by the manipulator with high precision. This results, for example in the manufacture of castings, which consist of a metal core and a surrounding plastic insulating sheath to extremely precise, always exactly the same workpieces, since the manipulator can position the cores more accurately to the intended location than an operator.

In an execution of the invention, the optical system, if it is not needed, for example, when filling and compacting the molds, in a protective position or position proceed or withdrawn where it is protected from contamination. Outside the casting areas it is thus protected against unintentional contamination with sticky cast resin. on the other hand it is by his automatic ancestor again after finishing the casting close enough to the scene to deliver meaningful images.

To Another idea of the invention is that the casting part from the manipulator first from the mold is removed and stored, then the closing machine or the casting tool to clean. This can be done by compressed air or mechanically. If by means of optical monitoring the cleaning carried out was not sufficient, a post-purification is carried out. The detection of inadequate cleaning can be achieved by simple algorithms the image recognition done. Remaining residues in the mold can be compared their generated shadows, light deflections or heat radiations automatically be recognized. The cleaning can not only be pneumatic, but also mechanically done with the advantage of higher and targeted personnel to be able to raise. As mechanical tools are, for example, scrapers, brushes o. Like. Into consideration.

To The cleaning is done by means of the robot, the release agent in the mold sprayed, if necessary an insert inserted, and the closing machine for casting the next molded part closed. While the new casting is cast, for example, the deburring and packaging of the previously cast casting at other stations of the device.

To a special, even independent According to the invention, it is provided that a plurality of mold closing machines, For example, three are arranged around a manipulator. Prefers this is done in the form of a U's. Also can more form closing machines, for example six, be arranged in the form of two U's, the one or the other Manipulators approximately in the middle of the two legs of the U or between the two U's are arranged. So can be a very productive casting machine in a relatively small space be installed while already of curing the first batch the next Pour the batch can and therefore high volumes possible power.

Especially Cheap it is when this U-shaped Arrangement is mirrored, leaving three mold clamping machines also in the form of a U on the opposite side of a turntable are each arranged with an associated manipulator. hereby Is it possible, to optimize the storage and packaging system flexibly shape. The working cycle of the manipulators and / or the loading of the Packaging can be done in common mode or push-pull. Also the entry and exit of full or empty is designed Pallets or receptacles very easy. Thus, in a specific embodiment, the discharge the pallets are made laterally.

Also It is conceivable according to the invention, a plurality of mold clamping machines or to arrange forms on a turntable or carousel, so that a fully automated system in the smallest space with short Can realize travel paths of the manipulator.

The Packaging units for depositing the castings are preferred at the open end of the U's, so that a very short cycle time for the production of a casting is realized.

To a particular embodiment of the Invention, it is provided that the storage boxes on a turntable or a carousel are arranged so that each box to be populated or Tray by turning the table into its the manipulator respectively nearest Position is driven. This also increases the working speed, because the travel paths are minimized.

Further Objectives, advantages, features and applications of the present Invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments based on the drawings. In this case, all described and / or depicted features alone or in any combination the subject matter of the present invention, also independent of their summary in the claims or their dependency.

It demonstrate:

1 a first device for automated casting

2 a second embodiment and

3 a third embodiment.

1 shows in outline three mold clamping machines 4 , which are set up in the form of a U's. Between the three form-locking machines 4 there is a manipulator 6 who is trained to manipulate his hand 8th in each of the three mold clamping machines 4 and fill and empty the machines. Next to the manipulator 6 There is a storage table 10 for just unused tools of the manipulator 6 and several tables 18 for depositing the castings 2 , On some tables 18 there are storage boxes 12 into which the castings taken out of the molds and possibly cleaned 2 be filed.

The manipulator 6 So the mold clamping machines can equip with new molds, castings or castings 2 remove from the molds and clean these or the molds. Because different filing boxes 12 The Manipulator can - if it comes with a program for detecting good and bad castings 2 equipped, the good parts in a specific filing box 12 and the bad or the nachzubearbeitenden parts in another storage box 12 lay.

With 16 is a stack of packing material (paper), from which the manipulator 6 after depositing a first layer of castings 2 in a box 12 hangs up a bow as an intermediate layer. This prevents the sticking of castings 2 the second layer at those of the first layer. It is also conceivable, of course, that the manipulator 6 the packaging material breaks off from a roll, cuts to length and inserts as an intermediate layer into the respective box.

In the embodiment according to 2 are accordingly too 1 again the three form closing machines 4 , the manipulator 6 and a storage table 10 intended for tools. Next to the storage table 10 are located in 2 three more tables, for example for storage boxes. Instead of the filing table 18 for the castlings 2 is a turntable 14 or carousel provided. With this turntable 14 The production can be further automated, since now by rotation of the table 14 filled storage boxes 12 from the grip area of the manipulator 6 away and new, empty storage boxes 12 in the grip area of the manipulator 6 can be brought into it. By 90 ° rotation in the direction of the arrow so a full storage box 12 from the manipulator 6 away to a new position (in 2 to the right), from which it is subsequently taken over by another system.

3 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in the six mold clamping machines 4 are placed in the form of two U's, with the respective open sides of the two U's facing each other. Between every three form closing machines 4 there is a manipulator 6 with the filing tables 10 for his tools. Between the two manipulators 6 there is a turntable 14 , by both manipulators 6 can be achieved, as the two gripped areas 20 demonstrate. On the turntable 14 are again filing boxes 12 for the castlings 2 , Full storage boxes 12 be from the turntable 14 brought into a position which is indicated by the dashed line. From there, the full storage boxes 12 then removed. In their place are empty storage boxes 12 then placed in the grip area if necessary 20 a manipulator 6 to be turned around.

2

casting

4

Mold closing machine

6

manipulator

8th

manipulator hand

10

tray table

12

storage box

14

turntable

16

packing material

18

table

20

grip area

Claims (10)

Device for the automated casting of castings ( 2 ) of single or multi-component potting compounds with mold-closing machines ( 4 ) and a manipulator ( 6 ) with tools for removing the castings ( 2 ), with tools for cleaning the molds and / or for applying release agent into the molds, characterized by an optical system on the manipulator ( 6 ) for monitoring the casting process or molds. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by an optical system for quality control of the castings ( 2 ). Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by a tool for depositing the castings in packaging and / or for introducing packaging material ( 16 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized through a tool for inserting inserts. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one tool for deburring and / or blowing off the castings ( 2 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by withdrawing the optical control device in a protective position. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a tool for post-cleaning and / or a mechanical cleaning tool. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that three or more mold clamping machines ( 4 ) are placed in one or more, preferably two, U-shapes. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized that several mold closing machines are arranged on a turntable or carousel. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a turntable ( 14 ) for storage boxes ( 12 ).