EP3959041A1

EP3959041A1 - Component handling device for component handling, and injection-moulding machine equipped therewith

Info

Publication number: EP3959041A1
Application number: EP20722223.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jürgen Schulze
Original assignee: Sumitomo SHI Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH
Current assignee: Sumitomo SHI Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH
Priority date: 2019-04-25
Filing date: 2020-04-07
Publication date: 2022-03-02
Also published as: CN114364491A; WO2020216613A1; JP2022530120A; MX2021012806A; CA3138003A1; DE102019205940A1; US20220177237A1

Abstract

A component handling device for component handling in work machines or processing machines, in particular in injection-moulding machines, comprises - a base linear axis (T¹) extending outside or inside the handling space (HR) of the handling device, - a multiaxial arrangement (9) that is able to be moved in translation on the base linear axis (T¹) and has = a main axis of rotation (R¹) extending orthogonally to the base linear axis (T¹), = a secondary axis of rotation (R²) that is directed parallel thereto, is linked to the main axis of rotation (R1) via a first robot arm (11), and guides a second robot arm (12) in a pivotable manner over the handling space (HR), and = a vertical linear axis (T²) that is linked to the second robot arm (12) eccentrically with respect to the secondary axis of rotation (R²), and = a gripping device (5), linked to the vertical linear axis (T²), for a component (BT) to be handled.

Description

Component handling device for component handling and injection molding machine equipped with it

The present patent application takes priority of the German patent application DE 10 2019 205 940.6, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to a component handling device for component handling in working or processing machines, such as, for example, in injection molding machines, and an injection molding machine equipped therewith.

The problems of the prior art on which the invention is based will be explained in more detail using the example of an injection molding machine. The usual handling devices for removing components from injection molding machines, as they are currently also being used by the applicant, are usually based on 4-axis linear robots that have three translatory and at least one, but also up to three rotary axes . Such a handling s device, as it is also known, for example, as a portal robot for the supply of machine tools with work and workpieces from DE 41 27 446 A1, is shown in FIG. 8 in an application in which the handling s device 1 'is on the fixed tool platen 2 of an injection molding machine is saddled up. Of this injection molding machine only the movable platen 3 of the clamping unit without toggle lever and of the Spritzein unit only the nozzle connection 4 of the plasticizing cylinder is shown. In the following, both in the description of the prior art and of the invention, the corresponding axes are designated with “T ^x ” or “R ^x ” - T: translational axis, R rotary axis, x: position of the axis in the kinematic chain will. The 4- axial arrangement is thus designated, for example, with the axes T ¹ T ² T ³ R ¹ , as shown in FIG. 6. The translational axes are used to change the position of the gripping tool 5 'for the handling component BT in space, the rotary axis (s) R ¹ its change in orientation, for example for removing the component BT positioned upright in the open injection molding tool and storing it a horizontal beam 6 '. These handling devices are built above the injection molding machine and have a cubic work space

The aforementioned type of handling device has various disadvantages. The three translational axes T ¹ T ² T ^{3 are} usually designed as open guides with so-called loss lubrication, which carries a high risk of contamination of the tool or the components manufactured therein brings itself. This applies above all to the axes of the handling device 1 ′ located cyclically directly above and / or in the tool and component storage area. To achieve at least five degrees of freedom in this handling svor directions, two additional axes of rotation R 'R ^{2 are} required, which are arranged at the end of the kinematic chain of the three linear axes T ¹ T ² T ³ , ie on the third translational axis T ³ . These two rotation axes R ³ R ² must therefore be moved with each movement of the third translatory axis T ³ in the earth's gravity field, which leads to a high energy use with a correspondingly unfavorable energy balance.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the rotational axis (s) on the third linear axis leads to an increased tendency to vibrate due to a pen- deleffect, which may have to be counteracted by reducing the payload on the third translational axis.

If, in such a linear robot, the second translational axis T ^{2 is designed} as a rigid, on the first translational axis T ¹ displaceable Auser 7 ', on which the third translational axis T ³ moves vertically, there is a long time in particular in the vertical direction Components have a considerable risk of collision with this boom 7 'when the components are removed from the open injection molding tool. Such a collision situation between the hatched, elongated construction part BT with this boom 7 'is shown in FIG.

Furthermore, the limited cubic robot workspace of this handling s device 1 bleibt remains unchanged by adding further rotational degrees of freedom, so it cannot be increased because these rotational degrees of freedom only change the orientation of the gripping tool.

In another state of the art, as it is given by the obvious prior use of the company Automations- und Qualität Systeme AG, Bendererstrasse 33, 9494 Schaan, FF in the form of the "AQS-P 120 rotary arm robot" handling device, a kinematic chain of a translatory axis, a rotatory axis rotatably arranged thereon, a second translational axis arranged thereon in the orthogonal direction to the first translational axis and at least two further rotational axes on the second translational axis ge forms. In short, this arrangement must be indicated with

T ^ T ^ R ³ . This results in similar disadvantages as with the first-mentioned arrangement T ¹ T ² T ³ R ¹ . The replacement of the second translational axis T ^{2 there} by the two parallel axes of rotation R ¹ and R ^{2 in} front of and behind the translational axis T ² has the effect that the arrangement of the second axis of rotation R ² on the vertical translational axis T ² again comparatively high masses have to be moved, which has an adverse effect on vibration behavior, energy balance and component load-bearing capacity of the arrangement. In addition, in this arrangement, only one orientation change of the gripping tool, but no change of position in space, is caused by a single rotation of R ² .

Further handling devices, in particular for use with a shaping machine, are shown in DE 10 2014 014 265 A1 and US 2012/0294961 A1. In these known devices, an axis arrangement with a translational, horizontal base axis T ¹ , two rotational axes R ¹ and R ² directed parallel thereto and a translational vertical axis T ² are used. In the first-mentioned print the axis sequence is T 'R' R ² T ² , in the second-mentioned print T ¹ T ² R ¹ R ² . Both constructions have in common that the two rotary axes R 'R ^{2 are} forcibly coupled around a horizontal axis to compensate for the position and orientation of the object to be gripped, so as far as no real separate degrees of freedom are created by the two axes of rotation. In addition, the handling space that can be covered by these handling devices is severely limited to the projection side of the boom that can pivot about the axes of rotation.

Another known handling device, as it is known in principle from US Pat. No. 5,802,201 A, is based on a so-called SCARA robot, in which two successive, parallel len rotary axes R ¹ and R ² a parallel to this axis ver slidable translational axis T ¹ and at least one further rotation axis R ³ follow. The translational axis T ^{1 is} centric to the third axis of rotation R ³ , which makes the use of round guides and ball screw spindles necessary for the movement of these two axes and these guide and drive elements are well suited for axial loads, but are mechanically sensitive Radial loads and impacts, such as those that occur particularly when handling components in injection molding tools. Furthermore, the mechanical stiffnesses, travel paths and speeds that can be achieved or required for the axis T ^{1 are} probably not sufficient, especially when used in injection molding machines.

As a further state of the art, reference is made to CN 108 544 482 A1, in which a linear vertical axis of a SCARA robot is driven by a chain instead of the usual design with a ball screw spindle.

With the SCARA robot known from US 2017/0239810 A1, the first arm of the robot can be lengthened or shortened as required by using connecting pieces. This means that the arms of the SCARA robot have different lengths.

The handling devices according to the two aforementioned printing documents bring no starting points for improvement with regard to the problem in connection with the component handling in injection molding machines. The discussion of the state of the art should be concluded with a reference to the possibility of using complex 6-axis industrial robots for component handling. These have a spherical working space and offer a wide range of payloads. However, in order to have comparable workspaces such as a linear robot, these robots must be selected to be relatively large in terms of their range, which means that these devices are then correspondingly difficult to adapt to small work machines (SGM). Furthermore, the operation requires a high level of training, so that use is usually only justified for complex tasks.

Applications of such industrial robots - in some cases with fewer axes - are shown, for example, in WO 2018 / 235430A1 in the form of a polishing system for railway wagons. JP 04115885 A discloses a handling system for workpieces with a manipulation arm having three rotary axes R 'R ² R' movable on a linear axis T ¹ . Since this device does not have a linear vertical axis, the cantilever arms, which are movably driven by the axes of rotation, must be made comparatively long for a sufficiently large handling space. This in turn leads to a higher construction effort for the weights of the arms to be controlled and, if necessary, losses in the load-bearing capacity of the handling s device.

Finally, DE 39 07 331 A1 shows a palletizing robot in which hanging on a translational axis T ¹ two rotary axes R 'R ^{2 are} connected to easily reach a lifting table placed underneath the cross member with the axis T ¹ for palletizing printed products to be able to. Such a construction, however, is used to handle workpieces, for example from an injection molding machine can not be used, as the space under the crossbeam is occupied by the mold plates of the injection molding machine.

Proceeding from the problems of the prior art outlined, the invention is based on the object of a component handling

Device for component handling in work or process machines to indicate that without practical additional mechanical effort in terms of un different properties, such as lower susceptibility to

Lubricant contamination, lower risk of collision when removing components, greater flexibility when removing components, higher payload and energy efficiency, larger working space and much more is improved.

This object is achieved by a component handling device with the features specified in patent claim 1. Accordingly, the subject matter of the invention includes in its basic concept

- a basic linear axis running outside or inside the handling space of the handling device,

- a multi-axis arrangement that can be moved translationally on the basic linear axis

= a main axis of rotation running orthogonally to the basic linear axis,

= a parallel axis of rotation, connected to the main axis of rotation via a first robot arm, which guides a second robot arm pivotably over the handling area, and

= a vertical linear axis connected to the second robot arm eccentrically to the secondary axis of rotation, as well as - A gripping device connected to the vertical linear axis for a component to be handled.

In the axis nomenclature introduced at the beginning, the arrangement according to the invention with T ^ R ² ! ² to be specified. The second translational axis T ² in the arrangement T'T ² T ¹ R ^I described above is replaced by the two rotation axes R 'R ² , which are arranged parallel to one another over the first robot arm at a distance. Furthermore, he follows the arrangement of the second, vertical translational axis T ² in the inventive arrangement T ^ R ² ! ² by the second robot arm eccentric to the axis of rotation R ² , with which the translational axis can perform a generally circular movement about the second axis of rotation. In this way, a change in orientation of the gripping tool combined with a change in position is possible. This eliminates the need to use mechanically sensitive ball screw spindles as combined axial-rotation axes for a change in orientation of the gripping tool, as is the case with the SCARA robots described above.

Since in the arrangement according to the invention the second rotary axis R ² only leads the second linear axis T ² over the handling area, the number of open lubrication points there is in a ratio of 2 to 1 compared to the prior art, and thus the risk of contamination is considerable reduced.

In comparison to the kinematic chains T'T ² T ¹ R ^I and T ¹ R ¹ T ² R ² R ³ discussed at the beginning, the tendency to oscillate in the subject matter of the invention is due to the arrangement of the axis of rotation R ^{2 in} front of the translational axis T ² in the kinematic chain by the mentioned pendulum effect not increased and there is therefore no reduction in the payload on the translatory axis T ² . This brings an improved energy balance with it.

Due to the eccentric connection of the vertical linear axis T ² to the device according to the invention, there is no collision contour on the structure carrying the gripping tool, so that their handling cannot be disturbed, especially with long, vertical components.

Another advantage of the axis conception according to the invention lies in the expansion of the working area which, for example, compared to the kinematic chain T'T ^ T 'R ¹ can extend oval-shaped around the entire linear axis T ¹ , whereby the working area laterally and also to the rear is expanded without the basic dimensions of the robot structure having to increase.

From the above it is clear that the inventive design of the component handling s device with the kinematic chain T ^ R ² ! ² a large number of advantages can be achieved over the prior art handling robot concepts.

Preferred developments of the component handling device according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims. So the basic linear axis T ¹ expediently runs horizontally, whereby in the application of the handling s device for the removal of components from an injection molding machine, the basic linear axis T ¹ can be arranged in different arrangements to the workspace of the injection molding machine, such as transverse or parallel for the closing direction of the injection molding machine, on the operating or opposite side as well as on the fixed or in the area of the movable mold clamping plate. So is an optimal adaptability of the handling area to the spatial conditions in a workshop and accessibility of the handling area between the open mold clamping plates and to the side of it for storing the components removed from the mold.

In a preferred development of the subject matter of the invention, the effective length of the first robot arm can be a multiple, in particular at least three times, preferably at least four times, particularly preferably at least five times the effective length of the second robot arm. Due to this length, in connection with the displaceability of the first rotary axis along the first translatory axis, a comparatively large area can be covered by the handling device.

Advantageously, the vertical linear axis T ^{2 connected} to the second robot arm can also have a guide which is fixedly attached to the second robot arm and in which a vertical guide cross member is displaceably mounted. This effectively prevents a risk of collision between a component held on the gripping tool and a structure of the handling device.

In order to achieve five degrees of freedom with the inventive handling device, in contrast to the prior art kinematic chains T ¹ T ² T ³ R ¹ and T ¹ R ¹ T ² R ² R ^3, the addition of a swiveling axis of rotation is sufficient at the lower end of the vertical linear axis. With every movement of the latter in the earth's gravitational field, only this axis of rotation has to be moved, which in turn benefits an improved energy balance. The invention finally relates to an injection molding machine comprising an injection unit, a clamping unit with a fixed and a movable mold clamping plate and a handling device according to the invention discussed above.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic representation of a component

Handling device,

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the open tool clamping plates an injection molding machine with saddle-mounted component handling s device in an exemplary Aufbausi situation,

3 and 4 a side view and top view of the component handling device according to FIG. 2,

Fig. 5 is a side view of an injection molding machine with attached component handling s device during the component removal process,

Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of a handling s Vorrich device with drawn theoretical work space,

7 shows a compilation of top views analogous to FIG. 2 of various relative positions of handling s. direction to injection molding machine, and

8 shows a side view analogous to FIG. 5 with a component

Handling s device according to the state of the art.

As is clear from FIG. 1, the handling device 1 shown comprises a horizontal base linear axis T ¹ which is formed by a longitudinal guide 8. A type of SCARA robot is set up thereon as a multi-axis arrangement 9 so as to be translationally displaceable in the direction of this axis. The shift drive, not shown, takes place, for example, via electric motor-gear units in combination with toothed belts or racks or directly via linear motors in the longitudinal guide 8. The multi-axis arrangement 9 comprises a base head 10 in which the drive for a first vertical main axis of rotation R ^{1 is} housed is. Via a first robot arm 11, at a distance f from the main axis of rotation R ^1, a likewise vertical and thus parallel to the main axis of rotation R ¹ running secondary axis of rotation R ^{2 is} connected, which in turn can be pivoted by a corresponding drive via a second robot arm 12 in Fig. 1 in its horizontal extent indicated by hatched handling space HR leads.

A vertical linear axis T ² to be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 is connected to the second robot arm 12 with an eccentricity e, at the lower end 13 of which via a third, horizontal swivel-rotation axis R ³ a gripping tool 5 for a in FIG. 1 not shown construction part is connected.

With the aid of the handling device 1 shown in FIG. 1, a component can by means of the gripping tool 5 through a correspondingly programmed assisted path control can be maneuvered within the handling room HR in the gravity field g, for example to remove an injection molded component from an open mold and place it on a base, such as the carrier 6 'according to FIG.

2 to 5, the handling s device 1 is shown in a realistic design and application. It is saddled via a base 14 on the fixed platen 2 of the injection molding machine shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the base fine axis T ¹ running parallel to the platen 2 plane, ie transversely to the closing direction SR platen 2, 3. In the corresponding catch guide 8, the base head 10 is guided longitudinally displaceably by means of a corresponding drive motor 15. On the base head 10, the first robot arm 11 is mounted to pivot about the main axis of rotation R ¹ by means of a drive motor 16. At the free end of the robot arm 11, the secondary axis of rotation R ^{2 is} arranged, with which the second robot arm 12 is pivotably driven via a further drive motor 17. The effective catch Fn of the first robot arm 11 corresponds approximately to five times the effective catch Ln of the second robot arm 12.

The vertical fine axis T ^{2 is} arranged at the free end of the second robot arm 12. As is particularly clear from FIG. 3, the guide 18 of this fine axis T ² with its drive motor 19 is fixedly arranged on the second robot arm 12 and guides the vertical guide cross member 20 of the fine axis T ² . At the lower end 13 of this cross member 20, the pivot axis of rotation R ³ is finally attached, with the help of which the gripping tool 5 is pivotable about a horizontal axis to change the orientation of a component held by it. As is clear from FIG. 5, a component BT that is very projecting in the vertical direction can, for example, be gripped with the aid of the gripping tool 5 and moved upwards out of the space between the clamping plates 2, 3 without the risk of collision, since there is no part of the handling via the front of the guide cross-member 20 s device 1 protrudes. Overall - as indicated in Fig. 2 by two different positions of the multi-axis arrangement 9 and in Fig. 4 - by a corresponding control of the basic linear axis T ¹ in the X direction and that of the rotational axes R ¹ , R ² In the directions of rotation ai, ai, the handling space HR, outlined in hatched fashion in FIG. 2, can be reached by the gripping tool 5. This extends - unlike the handling space in handling devices 1 ′ according to the prior art - also to the side of the basic linear axis and to the rear side of the longitudinal guide 8.

FIG. 6 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 2 without the fixed clamping plate of an injection molding machine, the handling space HR then being guided around the rear of the longitudinal guide 8. This represents the maximum theoretical handling space HR of the handling device 1 shown.

In Fig. 7 A to E different arrangement s variants of the fiction, contemporary handling s device 1 relative to an injection molding machine with its fixed and movable platen 2, 3 are shown.

Partial image A corresponds to FIG. 2. The components are deposited on the opposite side of the machine, BGS.

In partial image B, the entire arrangement with the arrangement of the longitudinal guide 8 is transverse to the closing direction SR about the central axis of the injection molding machine mirrored so that the components are deposited on the operating side BS of the injection molding machine. The machine operator 21 indicated in the drawing is protected in this arrangement by appropriate measures, such as a grid housing or the like.

In the arrangement according to part C, the longitudinal guide 8 is positioned parallel to the closing direction SR of the injection molding machine on the opposite side of the operator BGS. This means that space requirements that are narrow in terms of width can be met.

In the partial figures D and E, the longitudinal guide 8 of the handling device 1 transversely to the closing direction SR in each case in the area of the open, movable platen 3 is elevated over this so that the handling space HR is either on the opposite side BGS (Fig. 7 D) or the operating side BS (Fig. 7 E) is sufficient. In the latter case, protective measures are again provided for the machine operator 21.

For the sake of completeness, reference is also made to FIG. 7 F, in which the handling device 1 according to the prior art shown in FIG. 8 is shown with its significantly smaller handling space HR ‘with a significantly larger space requirement of the multi-axis arrangement.

In summary, a multitude of advantages can be mentioned with the handling s device 1 shown, especially when used on plastic injection molding machines:

- Optimized component removal for small injection molding machines and low hall heights - No interfering contours over the plasticizing unit with the same level of personal safety

- higher payload (e.g.> 20%) on the vertical axis

- Greater flexibility through handling of the side and rear of the components

- Smaller dead areas of the handling s device due to the vertical arrangement of the drive motors 15, 16, 17

- Larger working space (e.g.> 46%) due to the overlapping axes according to the invention

- higher dynamics through a vectorial speed superposition in

X direction through the axes T 'R ¹

- The number of axes with open linear guides is significantly reduced with a corresponding reduction in the risk of contamination of the tool and the component storage area

- higher energy efficiency through lower material usage and the reduction of cyclically moving masses in the earth's gravity g.

Claims

1. Component handling s Device for component handling in working or process machines, in particular in injection molding machines, comprehensive

- a basic linear axis (T ¹ ) running outside or inside the handling area (HR) of the handling device,

- A multi-axis arrangement (9) which can be moved translationally on the basic linear axis (T ¹ )

= a main axis running orthogonally to the basic linear axis (T ¹ )

Axis of rotation (R ¹ ),

= A collimated to a first robot arm (11) to the main axis of rotation connected secondary (R ¹⁾ rotational axis (R ^2), which performs a second robot arm (12) pivotable about the handling space (HR), and

= one on the second robot arm (12) eccentric to the secondary

Rotation axis (R ² ) connected vertical linear axis (T ² ), such as

- A gripping device (5) connected to the vertical linear axis (T ² ) for a component (BT) to be handled.

2. Handling s device according to claim 1, characterized in that the handling space (HR) extends oval-shaped at least partially around the basic linear axis (TI), preferably around the entire basic linear axis (T ¹ ).

3. Handling s device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base linear axis (T ¹ ) extends horizontally.

4. Handling s device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 for the component removal from an injection molding machine, characterized in that the basic linear axis (T ¹ ) transversely or parallel to the closing direction (SR), on the operating or operating opposite side of the injection molding machine in particular special can be saddle-mounted on the fixed platen (2) or in the adjustment area of the movable platen (3).

5. Handling s device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the effective length (Ln) of the first robot arm (11) is a multiple of the effective length (Ln) of the two th robot arm (12).

6. Handling s device according to claim 5, characterized in that the effective length (Ln) of the first robot arm (11) is at least three times, preferably at least four times, particularly preferably at least five times the effective length (Ln) of the second robot arm (12) ) is.

7. Handling s device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the on the second robot arm (12) is linked vertical linear axis (T ² ) has a fixed on the second robot arm (12) attached guide (18), in which a vertical Guide traverse (20) is slidably mounted.

8. Handling s device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping device (5) is attached to one end of the vertical linear axis (T ² ) of the multi-axis arrangement (9) and orthogonal to this pivoting rotation axis (R ³ ) to the Vertical linear axis (T ² ) is connected.

9. Handling s device according to claim 8, characterized in that the gripping device (5) with the pivot axis of rotation (R ³ ) is arranged at the lower end (13) of the vertical linear axis (T ² ).

10. Injection molding machine comprising

- an injection unit, and

- a clamping unit with a fixed and a movable mold clamping plate (2, 3),

marked by

- A handling s device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims.