WO2016141494A1

WO2016141494A1 - Tool machine loading apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016141494A1
Application number: PCT/CH2015/000036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter Zulauf; Ernst Roth; Michael SCHEIDIGER; Alain KNUCHEL
Original assignee: Güdel Group AG
Priority date: 2015-03-06
Filing date: 2015-03-06
Publication date: 2016-09-15

Abstract

The invention refers to a tool machine loading apparatus (1), comprising an arm mounting unit (3), an arm (5) and a wrist (7). The arm (5) has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the arm (5) is mounted with its proximal end to the arm mounting unit (3) and is pivotable about a proximal pivot (4) arranged between the arm (5)'s proximal end and the arm mounting unit (3). The wrist (7) has a proximal end and a distal end (1 7), wherein the wrist (7) is arranged with its proximal end at the arm (5)'s distal end, wherein the wrist (7)'s distal end (17) is moveable with respect to the wrist (7)'s proximal end and wherein the wrist (7)'s distal end (17) is part of a handling unit for handling work pieces or is configured for receiving a handling unit for handling work pieces. The tool machine loading apparatus (1) further comprises an adjustment unit (6) mounted between the arm (5)'s distal end and the wrist (7)'s proximal end for moving the wrist (7)'s proximal end with respect to the arm (5)'s distal end in both directions along an adjustment axis (16) which is essentially horizontally aligned.

Description

Tool machine loading apparatus

Technical Field

The invention relates to a tool machine loading apparatus, comprising an arm mounting unit, an arm and a wrist. The arm has a proximal end and a distal end. The arm is mounted with its proximal end to the arm mounting unit and is pivotable about a proximal pivot arranged between the arm's proximal end and the arm mounting unit. The wrist has a proximal end and a distal end. The wrist is arranged with its proximal end at the arm's distal end, wherein the wrist's distal end is moveable with respect to the wrist's proximal end and wherein the wrist's distal end is part of a handling unit for handling work pieces or is configured for receiving a handling unit for handling work pieces. W

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Background Art

Tool machine loading apparatuses pertaining to the technical field initially mentioned are known. They allow loading work pieces on tool machines such that the work pieces can be processed by the tool machines. They further allow removing work pieces from tool machines once the work pieces are processed by the tool machines.

DE 10 2009 048 863 A 1 of Fanuc Ltd. for example describes a tool machine loading apparatus in the form of a robot for loading work pieces on a tool machine. This robot comprises a horizontally arranged linear axle, a carriage, an arm, a wrist and a gripper for holding a work piece. The gripper is mounted to the wrist's distal end while the wrist is arranged with its proximal end at the arm's distal end. The wrist comprises a pivot such that the wrist's distal end can be rotated about an axis as compared to the wrist's proximal end. Consequently, the wrist enables a movement of the work piece held by the gripper about the wrist's pivot.

The arm of the robot according to DE 10 2009 048 863 A 1 comprises a distal elongated element and a proximal elongated element. The distal elongated element carries the wrist at its distal end and is mounted with its proximal end with a pivot to the distal end of the proximal elongated element. The proximal elongated element is mounted with its proximal end to the carriage and is pivotable relative to the carriage about two axes which are oriented perpendicular to each other. The carriage is movable along the horizontally arranged linear axle. Thus, the arm with the wrist and the gripper can be moved along the linear axle together with the carriage. With this arrangement, the robot can pick up or put down work pieces at different places within a horizontal area.

The disadvantage of the robot according to DE 10 2009 048 863 A 1 is that each movable pivot or linear axle of the robot requires a construction having a certain weight. Thus, the more proximal a movable pivot or linear axle is arranged, the more massive it has to be constructed for moving the robot's mass located on the distal side of the specific pivot or linear axle. Consequently, the entire robot is rather heavy such that it consumes a large amount of energy when moving. In the above description of the known robot of DE 10 2009 048 863 A1 as well as in the context of the invention described in the present text, pivots are considered to have a defined geometrical axis or physical axle about which the respective pivot enables a pivotal movement. This pivotal movement enabled by the respective pivot is limited to a rotation in a plane perpendicular to the respective pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle. Thus, pivots are not considered to enable a pivotal movement about a single point in several different directions. Due to this meaning of the term "pivot", the orientation of any pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle defines an orientation of the respective pivot. Accordingly, an orientation of a pivot may be indicated in the present text. Such an indication refers to the orientation of the respective pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle. Similarly, orientations of other elements relative to a pivot may be indicated in the present text, referring to the other elements' orientations relative to the respective pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle. An example of such a pivot having a geometrical axis or a physical axle about which the pivot enables a pivotal movement is the proximal pivot of the tool machine loading apparatus pertaining to the technical field initially mentioned.

In the present text, the terms "horizontal", "horizontally", "vertical", "vertically", "above" or "below" refer the orientation of an object when the tool machine loading apparatus is assembled and ready for operation. In this reference system, a vertical line is parallel to the direction of gravitational force at the location of the tool machine loading apparatus, while a horizontal line is perpendicular to such a vertical line. The term "essentially horizontally" however means that an object is tilted less than 30°, preferably less than 1 5°, particularly preferably less than 5° as compared to a horizontal line. Similarly, the term "essentially perpendicular" means that two objects are oriented at an angle between each other in the range from 60° to 1 20°, preferably in the range from 75° to 105°, particular preferably in the range from 85° to 95°. Similarly too, the term "essentially parallel" means that two objects are oriented in an angle between each other being less than 30°, preferably less than 15°, particularly preferably less than 5°. For both terms "essentially perpendicular" and "essentially parallel", the angle between the two objects is the smallest angle measured between the orientations of the two objects. 201

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Summary of the invention

It is the object of the invention to create a tool machine loading apparatus pertaining to the technical field initially mentioned that consumes less energy when moving.

The solution of the invention is specified by the features of claim 1 . According to the invention, the tool machine loading apparatus comprises an adjustment unit mounted between the arm's distal end and the wrist's proximal end for moving the wrist's proximal end with respect to the arm's distal end in both directions along an adjustment axis which is essentially horizontally aligned. According to this solution, the adjustment axis defines a straight line in space along which the wrist's proximal end is movable with respect to the arm's distal end. If the arm is pivoted about the proximal pivot, the adjustment axis may be moved, too. Independent of whether the orientation of the adjustment axis changes or is maintained during such a pivotal movement of the arm, the adjustment axis remains essentially horizontally aligned.

In the context of the present invention, the wrist is located on the distal side of the adjustment unit and provides a portion configured for receiving a handling unit for handling work pieces or a portion which is part of a handling unit for handling work pieces. The wrist enables a movement of said portion relatively to the adjustment unit. This movement may for example be a pivotal movement about one or more pivots. It may however be a translatory motion, too. Nonetheless, the movement enabled by the wrist is preferably only a pivotal movement of the wrist's distal end as compared to the wrist's proximal end.

The wrist may comprise one or more proximal parts which are at the same time parts of the adjustment unit. If the wrist's distal end is part of a handling unit for handling work pieces, the wrist comprises one or more distal parts which are at the same time parts of the handling unit for handling work pieces. If the wrist's distal end is however not part of a handling unit for handling work pieces and is configured for receiving a handling unit for handling work pieces, the wrist's distal end does not comprise one or more distal parts which are at the same time parts of the handling unit for handling work pieces. In the latter case where the wrist's distal end is configured for receiving the handling unit, the handling unit can be mounted to the wrist's distal end to be arranged adjacent to the wrist's distal end.

Since the adjustment unit is arranged between the arm and the wrist, the adjustment unit only has to be able to carry the wrist, the handling unit for handling a work piece and a work piece held by the handling unit. The adjustment unit enables a movement and a positioning of the wrist together with the handling unit and a work piece along the adjustment axis. Thus, the tool machine loading apparatus only has to enable additionally a movement and positioning of the handling unit with a work piece along an axis oriented at an angle larger than zero degrees as compared to the adjustment axis in order to pick up or put down work pieces at different places within a horizontal area. Such a movement and positioning or the handling unit may for example be enabled by a pivotal movement of the arm around the proximal pivot or by a movement about any other pivot or along any linear axle. Thus, the tool machine loading apparatus may be constructed with fewer pivots, with fewer linear axles and with a light adjustment unit while still enabling picking up or putting down work pieces at different places within a horizontal area. Consequently, the solution according to the invention enables a lighter construction of the entire tool machine loading apparatus. Therefore, the solution according to the invention has the advantage that it enables a construction of the tool machine loading apparatus such that the tool machine loading apparatus consumes less energy when moving. Advantageously, the proximal pivot is the only pivot arranged between the arm and the arm mounting unit. Since there is thus no other pivot arranged between the arm and the arm mounting unit for pivoting the arm relatively to the arm mounting unit, the arm is only pivotable about the proximal pivot relatively to the arm mounting unit. This has the advantage that the mounting of the arm to the arm mounting unit can be constructed lighter. Consequently, the entire tool machine loading apparatus can be constructed lighter and thus less energy consuming when moving.

Alternatively, there may one or more other pivots than the proximal pivot arranged between the arm and the arm mounting unit.

Preferably, the proximal pivot is aligned essentially horizontally. This has the advantage that a pivotal movement of the arm about the proximal pivot enables a lifting and lowering of the wrist. Together with the wrist, a handling unit mounted to the wrist and a work piece held by the handling unit can be lifted and lowered by the arm's pivotal movement. Thus, such a movement enables to load a work piece on a tool machine or to remove a work piece from a tool machine. Consequently, no additional pivot or linear axle for lifting and lowering of the wrist is required. The tool machine loading apparatus can thus be constructed lighter and less energy consuming.

Alternatively, the proximal pivot may be aligned differently.

Independent of whether the wrist's distal end is part of a handling unit for handling work pieces or whether the wrist's distal end is configured for receiving a handling unit for handling work pieces, the tool machine loading apparatus preferably comprises a handling unit for handling work pieces, the handling unit being arranged at the wrist's distal end. In order to enable the handling of work pieces, the handling unit is constructed such that it can hold and release a work piece. The detailed technical construction of the handling unit is however irrelevant. In one example, the handling unit is a gripper for holding and releasing a work piece. In another example, the handling unit provides one or more vacuum cup for holding and releasing a work piece. In even another example, the handling unit may be some hooking means for holding and releasing a work piece as desired. These three examples are however not limiting. The handling unit may even be constructed differently, as long as it enables to hold and to release a work piece. Alternatively, the tool machine loading apparatus may not comprise a handling unit. This may have the advantage that the user of the tool machine loading apparatus may employ a handling unit according to his specific needs together with the tool machine loading apparatus. It is even possible that the user of the tool machine loading apparatus may construct the handling unit himself according to his needs. It is as well possible that there is one entity which constructs, produces and sells the tool machine loading apparatus while another entity constructs, produces and sells the handling unit.

Advantageously, the tool machine loading apparatus comprises a stand for holding the arm mounting unit, the stand comprising a horizontal linear axle, wherein the arm mounting unit is mounted to the stand to be movable along the horizontal linear axle of the stand. This horizontal linear axle is tilted less than 30°, preferably less than 15° and particularly preferably less than 5° as compared to a horizontal line. The stand has the advantage that the arm can be moved together with the arm mounting unit along the horizontal linear axle. Thus, work pieces can be transported in horizontal direction over larger distances than it would be possible with the arm only. Furthermore, the stand may have the advantage that work pieces can be picked up or put down at different places within a horizontal area if the horizontal linear axle is arranged at an angle larger than zero degrees as compared to the adjustment axis.

Alternatively, the tool machine loading apparatus may not comprise such a stand for holding the arm mounting unit, the arm mounting unit being mounted to the stand to be movable along the stand's horizontal linear axle.

If the tool machine loading apparatus comprises the above introduced stand, the horizontal linear axle of the stand is preferably arranged overhead, while at least a main volume part of the arm mounting unit and at least a main volume part of the proximal pivot are arranged below an upper surface of the horizontal linear axle. Thus, the proximal pivot may for example be arranged on a side of the horizontal linear axle or below the horizontal linear axle. This has the advantage that the tool machine loading apparatus can be constructed to fit with its horizontal linear axle below the roof of a fabrication hall such that the area below the horizontal linear axle is reachable with the apparatus' wrist. If the tool machine loading apparatus does not comprise any vertical axle which overshoots the upper surface of the horizontal linear axle, this has the further advantage that the tool machine loading apparatus may be employed in fabrication halls with a low roof height.

Alternatively, the horizontal linear axle may not be arranged overhead.

Advantageously, the proximal pivot is oriented essentially perpendicular to the horizontal linear axle of the stand. This has the advantage that the proximal pivot can be arranged close to the horizontal linear axle while allowing a movement of the arm about the proximal pivot within a large range of movement. If the proximal pivot is additionally arranged horizontally, this has the advantage that the wrist can be moved vertically up or down by a combined movement of the arm about the proximal pivot and the arm mounting unit along the linear axle. Consequently, picking up work pieces and putting down work pieces is facilitated without requiring any vertically oriented linear axle which would make the tool W

8 machine loading apparatus higher and heavier and thus more energy consuming when moving. In a variant however, the proximal pivot may be oriented essentially perpendicular to the stand's horizontal linear axle while not being arranged horizontally.

Alternatively, the proximal pivot may be oriented differently than essentially perpendicular to the stand's horizontal linear axle.

Preferably, the adjustment axis is oriented essentially perpendicular to the horizontal linear axle of the stand. This has the advantage that the tool machine loading apparatus enables to pick up or put down work pieces at different places within a horizontal area without any further linear axle or pivot required. Thus, the tool machine loading apparatus can be constructed lighter and less energy consuming when moving.

Alternatively, the adjustment axis may be oriented differently.

Independent of whether the tool machine loading apparatus comprises the above introduced stand for holding the arm mounting unit or not, the adjustment axis is advantageously oriented essentially parallel to the proximal pivot. This orientation of the adjustment axis relatively to the proximal pivot enables a precise positioning within a horizontal area of the wrist and thus of a work piece held by a handling unit arranged at the wrist's distal side. The reason is that the wrist may be positioned with the help of the adjustment unit by a movement of the wrist along the adjustment axis. In a direction perpendicular to the adjustment axis however, the wrist may be positioned by a pivotal movement of the arm about the proximal pivot. For such a precise positioning, the wrist's proximal side is not required to be movable over a long distance in both directions along the adjustment axis with respect to the arm's distal end by the adjustment unit. Depending on the construction and the specific needs, movability over a short distance may be sufficient. Alternatively, the adjustment axis may not be oriented essentially parallel to the proximal pivot. independent of the adjustment axis' orientation as compared to the proximal pivot, a distance along which the wrist's proximal end is movable with respect to the arm's distal end in both directions along the adjustment axis by the adjustment unit is advantageously 30cm or less, preferably 20cm or less, preferably 10cm or less, particularly preferably 7cm or less. This has the advantage that the adjustment unit may be constructed compact and thus light weight while still enabling a precise positioning of the wrist along the adjustment axis. Thus, the arm and the proximal pivot can be constructed less massive while still enabling the movement of the arm, the adjustment unit, the wrist with a handling unit and a work piece held by the handling unit. Consequently, the entire tool machine loading apparatus can be constructed lighter and thus less energy consuming when moving.

The entire tool machine loading apparatus can be constructed particularly light and thus particular energy saving when moving if it comprises a stand for holding the arm mounting unit, the stand comprising a horizontal linear axle, wherein the arm mounting unit is movable along the horizontal linear axle of the stand, wherein the proximal pivot is oriented essentially horizontally and essentially perpendicular to the horizontal linear axle while the adjustment axis is essentially parallel to the proximal pivot and essentially perpendicular to the horizontal linear axle, wherein a distance along which the wrist's proximal end is movable with respect to the arm's distal end in both directions along the adjustment axis by the adjustment unit is 30cm or less, preferably 20cm or less, preferably 10cm or less, particularly preferably 7cm or less. Such an arrangement is as well particular advantageous in case the tool machine loading apparatus needs to transport work pieces essentially along a line. In this case, the horizontal linear axle may be arranged roughly along the line. The positioning of the stand and thus of the horizontal linear axle in a direction perpendicular to the line is however not required to be particularly precise, because any deviations from the line can easily be corrected with the help of the adjustment unit by moving the wrist's proximal end relatively to the arm's distal end.

As an alternative, the distance along which the wrist's proximal end is movable with respect to the arm's distal end in both directions along the adjustment axis by the adjustment unit is more than 30cm. Such an alternative has the advantage that the wrist is movable over a longer distance along the adjustment axis.

Independent of the adjustment axis' orientation as compared to the proximal pivot and the possibly existing horizontal axle of the possibly existing stand, a distance along which the wrist's proximal end is movable with respect to the arm's distal end in both directions along the adjustment axis by the adjustment unit is preferably at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2cm, particularly preferably at least 3cm. This has the advantage that the adjustment unit enables a minimal correction of the wrist's position along the adjustment axis.

Alternatively, the distance along which the wrist's proximal end is movable with respect to the arm's distal end in both directions along the adjustment axis by the adjustment unit may however be smaller than 1 cm.

Preferably, the tool machine loading apparatus comprises an adjustment pivot arranged between the arm's distal end and the adjustment unit for pivoting the adjustment unit about the adjustment pivot relatively to said arm. This has the advantage that the orientation of the adjustment unit in space may be corrected for a pivotal movement of the arm about the proximal pivot.

Alternatively, the adjustment unit may be mounted rigidly to the arm or may be mounted to be movable along a linear axle relatively to the arm.

Preferably, the arm comprises a first element and a second element, both elements each being mounted pivotably about a first axis and a second axis, wherein a distance between the first axis of the first element and the first axis of the second element is equal to a distance between the second axis of the first element and the second axis of the second element, and wherein a distance between the first axis and the second axis of the first element is equal to a distance between the first axis and the second axis of the second element, wherein the first axis and the second axis of the first element and the first axis and the second axis of the second element are arranged parallel to each other. Therefore, the first element and the second element are located at opposite sides of a parallelogram. The other two sides of this parallelogram may be formed by the arm's proximal end and the arm's distal end, respectively. It is however as well possible that one or both of the two other sides of the parallelogram are formed by other elements which do not belong to the arm. For example, one of these other two sides of the parallelogram may be formed by the arm mounting unit, while the other one of these other two sides of the parallelogram may be formed by a separate element or by a part of the adjustment unit, in case one side of the parallelogram is formed by the arm mounting unit, the first axis of the first element and the first axis of the second element both belong to the proximal pivot. Thus, the proximal pivot comprises in this case two separated parallel geometrical axes or physical axles. Yet, due to the parallel arrangement of the geometrical axes or physical axles, the proximal pivot's orientation in space or the proximal pivot's orientation with respect to some other object indicated in the present text remains the same as initially defined. In case one side of the parallelogram is however formed by the adjustment unit, the second axis of the first element and the second axis of the second element both belong to the above introduced, possibly existing adjustment pivot. Thus, the adjustment pivot comprises in this case two separated parallel geometrical axes or physical axles. Yet, due to the parallel arrangement of the geometrical axes or physical axles, the adjustment pivot's orientation in space or the adjustment pivot's orientation with respect to some other object indicated in the present text remains the same as initially defined. The advantage of the arm's first element and the arm's second element arranged as two sides of a parallelogram is that the orientation in space of the adjustment unit and thus of the wrist as well as of the handling unit and a work piece held by the handling unit remains the same if the arm is pivoted about the proximal pivot. Thus, the control of the tool machine loading apparatus is simplified.

Alternatively, the arm may not comprise such a first element and such a second element.

Apart from the possibly existing arm's first element and second element and their pivotal mounting, the arm is preferably constructed rigid. Consequently, the arm does preferably not comprise any further pivot, hinge, joint or linear axle. This has the advantage that the arm can be constructed lighter such that the proximal pivot can be constructed less massive, too. Consequently, the entire tool machine loading apparatus can be constructed less energy consuming when moving.

Alternatively, the arm may comprise further pivots, hinges, joints or linear axles. Preferably, the wrist comprises a first pivot around which the wrist's distal end is rotatable as compared to the wrist's proximal end. This has the advantage that with a movement of the wrist's distal end about the first pivot, an inclination angle of the wrist's distal end measured in a plane perpendicular to the first pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle can be corrected. Thus, the inclination angle of the handling unit and of a working piece held by W

1 2 the handling unit can be corrected by a movement of the wrist's distal end about the first pivot, too.

Alternatively, the wrist may not comprise such a first pivot.

If the wrist comprises a first pivot around which the wrist's distal end is rotatable as compared to the wrist's proximal end, the wrist advantageously further comprises a second pivot around which the wrist's distal end is rotatable as compared to the wrist's proximal end. This has the advantage that with a movement of the wrist's distal end about the first pivot and the second pivot, an inclination angle of the wrist's distal end measured in a plane perpendicular to the first pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle and an inclination angle of the wrist's distal end measured in a plane perpendicular to the second pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle can be corrected. Thus, the inclination angle of the handling unit and of a working piece held by the handling unit can be corrected by a movement of the wrist's distal end about the first pivot and the second pivot, too.

In case the wrist comprises a first pivot and a second pivot around which the wrist's distal end is rotatable as compared to the wrist's proximal end, the first pivot and the second pivot are preferably oriented perpendicular to each other. This has the advantage that a movement of the wrist's distal end about the first pivot does not change the inclination of the wrist's distal end measured in the plane perpendicular to the second pivot, while a movement of the wrist's distal end about the second pivot does not change the inclination of the wrist's distal end measured in the plane perpendicular to the first pivot.

In a variant, the first pivot and the second pivot may be oriented differently than perpendicular to each other.

Alternatively, the wrist my not comprise such a second pivot.

If the wrist comprises a first pivot around which the wrist's distal end is rotatable as compared to the wrist's proximal end and if the wrist comprises a second pivot around which the wrist's distal end is rotatable as compared to the wrist's proximal end, the wrist advantageously comprises a third pivot around which the wrist's distal end is rotatable as compared to the wrist's proximal end. This has the advantage that with a movement of the wrist's distal end about the first pivot, about the second pivot and about the third pivot, an inclination angle of the wrist's distal end measured in a plane perpendicular to the first pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle, an inclination angle of the wrist's distal end measured in a plane perpendicular to the second pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle and an inclination angle of the wrist's distal end measured in a plane perpendicular to the third pivot's geometrical axis or physical axle can be corrected. Thus, the inclination angle of the handling unit and of a working piece held by the handling unit can be corrected by a movement of the wrist's distal end about the first, the second and the third pivot, too.

In case the wrist comprises a first pivot, a second pivot and a third pivot around which the wrist's distal end is rotatable as compared to the wrist's proximal end, the third pivot is preferably oriented perpendicular to the first pivot and the second pivot. This has the advantage that a movement of the wrist's distal end about the first pivot does not change the inclination of the wrist's distal end measured in the plane perpendicular to the third pivot, while a movement of the wrist's distal end about the third pivot does not change the inclination of the wrist's distal end measured in the plane perpendicular to the first pivot. At the same time, a movement of the wrist's distal end about the second pivot does not change the inclination of the wrist's distal end measured in the plane perpendicular to the third pivot, while a movement of the wrist's distal end about the third pivot does not change the inclination of the wrist's distal end measured in the plane perpendicular to the second pivot. In a variant, the first pivot, the second pivot and the third pivot may be oriented differently with respect to each other.

Alternatively, the wrist my not comprise such a third pivot.

Advantageously, the proximal pivot comprises a proximal pivot actuator for actuating a pivotal movement of the arm around the proximal pivot relatively to the arm mounting unit, wherein the proximal pivot actuator is located on the proximal side of the proximal pivot to remain in a same position and orientation relatively to the arm mounting unit during a pivotal movement of the arm about the proximal pivot relatively to the arm mounting unit. This has the advantage that the proximal pivot actuator is not moved together with the arm during a pivotal movement of the arm. Consequently, less weight is to be moved during such a movement. Therefore, the proximal pivot together with the proximal pivot actuator can be constructed lighter such that the tool machine loading apparatus consumes less energy when moving.

Alternatively, the proximal pivot actuator may be located on the distal side of the proximal pivot or the proximal pivot may not comprise a proximal pivot actuator. Advantageously, the adjustment unit comprises an adjustment unit actuator for actuating a movement of the wrist's proximal end relatively to the arm's distal end in both directions along the adjustment axis by the adjustment unit, wherein the adjustment unit actuator is located on the proximal side of the adjustment unit to remain in a same position and orientation relatively to the arm's distal end during a movement of the wrist's proximal end relatively to the arm's distal end in both directions along the adjustment axis by the adjustment unit. This has the advantage that the adjustment unit actuator is not moved together with the wrist's proximal end during a movement of the wrist's proximal end. Consequently, less weight is to be moved during such a movement. Therefore, the adjustment unit together with the adjustment unit actuator can be constructed lighter such that the tool machine loading apparatus consumes less energy when moving.

Alternatively, the adjustment unit actuator may be located on the distal side of the adjustment unit or the adjustment unit may not comprise such an adjustment unit actuator.

Other advantageous embodiments and combinations of features come out from the detailed description below and the totality of the claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the embodiments show:

Fig. 1 an oblique view of a tool machine loading apparatus according to the invention, Fig. 2 a frontal view of the tool machine loading apparatus

Fig. 3a, b side views of the tool machine loading apparatus, Fig. 4 an oblique view of an adjustment unit and a wrist of the tool machine loading apparatus,

Fig. 5 an oblique view of another adjustment unit and the wrist of the tool machine loading apparatus and Fig. 6 an oblique view of yet another adjustment unit and the wrist of the tool machine loading apparatus.

In the figures, the same components are given the same reference symbols.

Preferred embodiments

Figure 1 shows an oblique view of a tool machine loading apparatus 1 according to the invention. This tool machine loading apparatus 1 comprises a stand 2, a carriage 3, a proximal pivot 4, an arm 5, an adjustment unit 6 and a wrist 7. The stand 2 comprises two pillars 10.1 , 10.2 and a horizontal linear axle 1 1. The horizontal linear axle 1 1 is arranged on top of the two pillars 10.1 , 10.2 and is horizontally aligned. A carriage 3 is mounted to one of the horizontal linear axle 1 1 's length sides to be movable along the horizontal linear axle 1 1 . The movement of the carriage 3 along the horizontal linear axle 1 1 is controlled and driven by a motor 1 2 arranged on the carriage 3.

The arm 5 is mounted with its proximal end to the carriage 3. Thus, the carriage 3 works as an arm mounting unit. Between the arm 5 and the carriage 3, the proximal pivot 4 is arranged such that the arm 5 is pivotable about the proximal pivot 4 relatively to the carriage 3. The physical axle of the proximal pivot 4 is oriented horizontally and perpendicular to the stand 2's horizontal linear axle 1 1. The arm 5 is therefore pivotable in a vertical plane oriented along the horizontal linear axle 1 1 . In the extension of the proximal pivot 4's physical axle, a motor 13 is arranged for controlling and driving the pivotal movement of the arm 5. At the arm 5's distal end, an adjustment pivot 14 is arranged with its physical axle oriented parallel to the proximal pivot 4. The adjustment unit 6 is mounted to this adjustment pivot 14 to be pivotable relatively to the arm 5. A linear axle 15 of the adjustment unit 6 enables a movement of the adjustment unit 6's distal end relatively to the adjustment unit 6's proximal end in both directions along an adjustment axis 16. The distance over which the adjustment unit 6's distal end is movable relatively to the adjustment unit 6's proximal end in both directions along the adjustment axis 16 is 6cm. Depending on the requirements of the tool machine loading apparatus 1 , this distance may however be smaller or larger.

The wrist 7 is attached to the adjustment unit 6's distal end. It is thus movable by the adjustment unit 6 along the adjustment axis 16. The wrist 7 comprises a first pivot, a second pivot and a third pivot. The first pivot is arranged at the wrist's proximal end. The second pivot is arranged on the distal side of the first pivot, while the third pivot is arranged on the distal side of the second pivot. The distal side of the third pivot forms the wrist 7's distal end. Since the first pivot, the second pivot and the third pivot are oriented perpendicular to each other, the wrist 7's distal end can be pivoted to face in all possible directions on a hemisphere facing away from the wrist 7's proximal end.

The wrist 7's distal end 17 is configured to receive a not shown handling unit for handling work pieces. Depending on the embodiment, the wrist 7's distal end may as well form a part of a handling unit.

Figure 2 shows a frontal view of the tool machine loading apparatus 1. In this figure, the stand 2's horizontal linear axle 1 1 is aligned horizontally from left to right in the illustration's plane. Thus, the construction of the proximal pivot 4, the arm 5 and the adjustment pivot 14 is clearly visible. In particular, it is visible that the arm 5 comprises a first element 5.1 and a second element 5.2. Both elements 5.1 , 5.2 have a longish shape and are mounted in their end regions to be pivotable about axes 18.1 , 18.2, 19.1 , 19.2. Namely, the first element 5. 1 is mounted with its proximal end to the carriage 3 to be pivotable about a first axis 18.1. This first axis 18.1 is a physical axle of the proximal pivot 4. Similarly, the second element 5.2 is mounted with its proximal end to the carriage 3 to be pivotable about a first axis 18.2. This first axis 18.2 is at the same time a physical axle of the proximal pivot 4. Both first axes 18.1 , 1 8.2 of the arm 5's first and second element 5. 1 , 5.2 are oriented horizontally and perpendicular to the horizontal linear axle 1 1. Thus they are oriented parallel to each other. Even though they both belong the proximal pivot 4 and are formed in the present embodiment by physical axles, the orientation of the proximal pivot 4 is in the present text indicated with reference to these first axes 18.1 , 18.2. This provides an unambiguous orientation of the proximal pivot 4 because the two first axes 18.1 , 18.2 are oriented parallel to each other.

The arm 5's first element 5.1 is furthermore mounted with its distal end to the adjustment unit 6 to be pivotable about a second axis 19.1. This second axis 19.1 is a physical axis of the adjustment pivot 14. Similarly, the arm 5's second element 5.2 is furthermore mounted with its distal end to a lever arm 21 of the adjustment unit 6 to be pivotable about a second axis 19.2. This second axis 19.2 is at the same time a physical axis of the adjustment pivot 14. Both second axes 19.1 , 19.2 of the arm 5's first and second element 5.1 , 5.2 are oriented horizontally and perpendicular to the horizontal linear axle 1 1. Thus, they are oriented parallel to each other and parallel to the arm 5's first and second element 5.1 , 5.2's first axes 18.1 , 18.2. Even though they both belong the adjustment pivot 14 and are formed in the present embodiment by physical axles, the orientation of the adjustment pivot 14 is in the present text indicated with reference to these second axes 19.1 , 19.2. This provides an unambiguous orientation of the adjustment pivot 14 because the two second axes 19.1 , 19.2 are oriented parallel to each other.

The first axes 18.1 , 1 8.2 of the arm 5's first and second element 5.1 , 5.2 are located at a same distance from each other like the second axes 18.1 , 18.2 of the arm 5's first and second element 5.1 , 5.2. Furthermore, the first element 5.1 's first axis 18.1 and second axis 19.1 are located at a same distance from each other like the second element 5.2's first axis 1 8.2 and second axis 19.2. Thus, the arm 5's first and second elements 5.1 , 5.2 form opposite sides of a parallelogram, while the carriage 3 and the adjustment unit 6's lever arm 2 1 from the remaining sides of the parallelogram. This arrangement of the first and second axes 18.1 18.2, 19.1 , 19.2 of the arm 5's first and second element 5.1 , 5.2 is responsible for maintaining the adjustment unit 6's orientation relatively to the carriage 3 during a pivotal movement of the arm 5 about the proximal pivot 4. Thus, there is no separate motor required for actuating the pivotal movement of the adjustment unit 6 about the adjustment pivot 14.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the arm 5's first element 5.1 is constructed more massive than the arm 5's second element 5.2. The reason is that the first element 5.1 has the function of carrying the weight of the adjustment pivot 14, the adjustment unit 6, the wrist 7, a handling unit mounted to the wrist 7 and a work piece held by the handling unit. Since the arm 5's first element 5.1 has this carrying function, the motor 13 for actuating the pivotal movement of the arm 5 about the proximal pivot 4 is arranged on the first axis 18.1 of the arm 5's first element 5.1. In contrast to the arm 5's first element 5.1 , the arm 5's second element 5.2 does not have a carrying function. It only has the function of maintaining the adjustment unit 6 in a same orientation relatively to the carriage 3 when the arm 5 is pivoted about the proximal pivot 4.

Figures 3a and 3b each show a side view of the tool machine loading apparatus 1 . In these views, the stand 2's horizontal linear axle 1 1 is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the illustration, while the proximal pivot 4, the adjustment pivot 14 and the adjustment axis 16 are oriented horizontally in the illustration's plane. It is thus visible how the carriage 3 is mounted on a length side of the horizontal linear axle 1 1 and how the arm 5 with its more massive constructed first element 5.1 and its weaker constructed second element 5.2 is mounted to the carriage 3.

The Figures 3a and 3b furthermore illustrate how the adjustment unit 6's distal end with the wrist 7 is movable with respect to the adjustment unit 6's proximal end. In Figure 3a, the adjustment unit 6's distal end with the wrist 7 is moved in the illustration to the left to a first end of the adjustment unit 6's linear axle 15. In Figure 3b, the adjustment unit 6's distal end with the wrist 7 is moved in the illustration to the right to a second end of the adjustment unit 6's linear axle 15. The arrows in both Figures 3a and 3b indicate the distance of the shown respective position of the adjustment unit 6's distal end and the wrist 7 as compared to a central position of the adjustment unit 6's distal end and the wrist 7. Thus, the distance over which the adjustment unit 6's distal end is movable with respect to the adjustment unit 6's proximal end in both directions along the adjustment axis 16 is the addition of both distances indicated in the Figures 3a and 3b. As already described above, this total distance is in the present embodiment 6cm. In different embodiments it may however be larger or smaller.

Figure 4 shows an oblique view of the adjustment unit 6 and the wrist 7, while the remaining tool machine loading apparatus 1 is not shown. In this Figure, the adjustment unit 6 is arranged above the wrist 7. it is thus visible that the adjustment unit 6's proximal end comprises a base 20. In the assembled state of the tool machine loading apparatus 1 , the arm 5's first element 5.1 is mounted to the base 20 to be pivotable about the first element 5.1 's second axis 19.1 such that the second axis 19.1 is arranged on this base 20 as indicated in the figure by a dashed line. As can be seen, the first element 5.1 's second axis 19.1 furthermore passes through one of the lever arm 21 's ends. With this end, the lever arm 21 is fixed to the base 20 such that it is not moveable with respect to the base 20. At the other end of the lever arm 21 , the arm 5's second element 5.2 is mounted in the assembled state of the tool machine loading apparatus 1 to be pivotable about the second element 5.2's second axis 19.2. The course of this second axis 19.2 is indicated in the figure by another dashed line.

Below the base 20, a plate 22 of the adjustment unit 6's linear axle 1 5 is arranged. This plate 22 is part of the adjustment unit 6's distal end and can be moved in both directions along the adjustment axis 16 indicated in the figure by a third dashed line. This movement is controlled and driven by a motor 24 via a worm gearbox 23 which form together an adjustment unit actuator. Both the worm gearbox 23 and the motor 24 are arranged at the base 20. They are thus not moved with the adjustment unit 6's distal end by a movement of the adjustment unit 6's linear axle 15. Therefore, the adjustment unit 6 does not have to move the weight of the worm gearbox 23 and the motor 24. Consequently, it can be constructed lighter.

Below the plate 22, the wrist 7 is attached with its proximal end to the plate 22. Thus, the wrist 7 is movable by the adjustment unit 6 in both directions along the adjustment axis 16. In Figure 4, the wrist 7's distal end 17 is located on the wrist 7's lower end. The wrist 7's distal end 17 may however be pivoted to any position on a down facing hemisphere by a pivotal movement about the first pivot, the second pivot and the third pivot of the wrist 7.

Figure 5 shows an oblique view of another adjustment unit 25 and the wrist 7, while the remaining tool machine loading apparatus 1 is not shown. This adjustment unit 25 comprises a different actuation than the adjustment unit 6 described in the figures before. It does not comprise a worm gearbox 23 with a motor 24 but a planetary gearbox 26 together with a motor 27 which form together an adjustment unit actuator. Again the planetary gearbox 26 and the motor 26 are arranged at the adjustment unit 25's base 28. Therefore, the adjustment unit 25 does not have to move the weight of the planetary gearbox 26 and the motor 27. Consequently, it can be constructed lighter. Figure 6 shows an oblique view of even another adjustment unit 29 and the wrist 7, while the remaining tool machine loading apparatus 1 is not shown. This adjustment unit 29 comprises a different actuation than the adjustment units 6, 25 described in the figures before. It does not comprise a worm or planetary gearbox 23, 26 with a motor 24, 27 but a linear cylinder 30 together with a motor 31 which form together an adjustment unit actuator. Again the linear cylinder 30 and the motor 31 are arranged at the adjustment unit 29's base 32. Therefore, the adjustment unit 29 does not have to move the weight of the linear cylinder 30 and the motor 31 . Consequently, it can be constructed lighter.

The invention is not limited to the above described tool machine loading apparatus 1. A tool machine loading apparatus according to the invention may be constructed differently. Several different embodiments and variants can be constructed by a person skilled in the art simply based on his or her skills in the art. For example, the horizontal linear axle 1 1 of the stand 2 may be arranged differently than overhead. Even more, a tool machine loading apparatus according to the invention may not comprise a stand 2 at all. Consequently, it may not comprise a carriage which has the function of an arm mounting unit. Instead, it may comprise a different arm mounting unit.

Independent of whether the tool machine loading apparatus comprises a stand with a horizontal linear axle or not, the proximal pivot and the arm may be constructed differently, For example, the arm may not comprise two elements forming two opposite sides of a parallelogram. Thus, the proximal pivot may not comprise two but only one geometrical axis or physical axle. For the same reason, the adjustment pivot may not comprise two but only one geometrical axis or physical axle. Even more, it is not required that a tool machine loading apparatus according to the invention comprises an adjustment pivot at all.

Independent on the other elements, the adjustment unit may be constructed differently than described above. Furthermore, the wrist may be constructed differently than described above. For example, it may comprise only a first and a second pivot, only a first pivot or no pivot at all.

In summary, it is to be noted that a tool machine loading apparatus is provided which pertains to the technical field initially mentioned which consumes less energy when moving.

Claims

1. A tool machine loading apparatus ( 1 ), comprising: a) an arm mounting unit (3), b) an arm (5) having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said arm (5) is mounted with its proximal end to said arm mounting unit (3) and is pivotable about a proximal pivot (4) arranged between said arm (5)'s proximal end and said arm mounting unit (3), and c) a wrist (7) having a proximal end and a distal end ( 17), wherein said wrist (7) is arranged with its proximal end at said arm (5)'s distal end, wherein said wrist (7)'s distal end ( 17) is moveable with respect to said wrist (7)'s proximal end and wherein said wrist (7)'s distal end ( 17) is part of a handling unit for handling work pieces or is configured for receiving a handling unit for handling work pieces, characterised by d) an adjustment unit (6, 25, 29) mounted between said arm (5)'s distal end and said wrist (7)'s proximal end for moving said wrist (7)'s proximal end with respect to said arm (5)'s distal end in both directions along an adjustment axis (1 6) which is essentially horizontally aligned.

2. The tool machine loading apparatus ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said proximal pivot (4) is the only pivot arranged between said arm (5) and said arm mounting unit (3).

3. The tool machine loading apparatus ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said proximal pivot (4) is aligned essentially horizontally.

4. The tool machine loading apparatus ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised by a handling unit for handling work pieces, said handling unit being arranged at said wrist (7)'s distal end ( 17).

5. The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised by a stand (2) for holding the arm mounting unit (3), said stand (2) comprising a horizontal linear axle (11), wherein said arm mounting unit (3) is mounted to said stand (2) to be movable along said horizontal linear axle (11) of said stand (2).

6. The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that said proximal pivot (4) is oriented essentially perpendicular to said horizontal linear axle (11) of said stand (2).

7. The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that said adjustment axis (16) is oriented essentially perpendicular to said horizontal linear axle (11) of said stand (2).

8. The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said adjustment axis (16) is oriented essentially parallel to said proximal pivot (4).

9. The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that a distance along which said wrist (7)'s proximal end is movable with respect to said arm (5)'s distal end in both directions along said adjustment axis (16) by said adjustment unit (6, 25, 29) is 30cm or less, preferably 20cm or less, preferably 10cm or less, particularly preferably 7cm or less.

10. The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised by an adjustment pivot (14) arranged between said arm (5)'s distal end and said adjustment unit (6, 25, 29) for pivoting said adjustment unit (6, 25, 29) about said adjustment pivot (14) relatively to said arm (5).

11. The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that said arm (5) comprises a first element (5.1) and a second element (5.2), both elements (5.1, 5.2) each being mounted pivotably about a first axis (18.1, 18.2) and a second axis (18.1, 18.2), wherein a distance between said first axis (18.1) of said first element (5.1) and said first axis (18.2) of said second element (5.2) is equal to a distance between said second axis (19.1) of said first element (5.1) and said second axis (19.2) of said second element (5.2), and wherein a distance between said first axis (18.1) and said second axis (19.1) of said first element (5.1) is equal to a distance between said first axis (18.2) and said second axis (19.2) of said second element (5.2), wherein said first axis (18.1) and said second axis (19.1) of said first element (5.1) and said first axis (18.2) and said second axis (19.2) of said second element (5.2) are arranged parallel to each other.

The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that said arm (5) is constructed rigid.

The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that said wrist (7) comprises a first pivot around which said wrist (7)'s distal end (17) is rotatable as compared to said wrist (7)'s proximal end.

The tool machine loading apparatus ( 1 ) according to claim 13, characterised in that said wrist (7) comprises a second pivot around which said wrist (7)'s distal end (17) is rotatable as compared to said wrist (7)'s proximal end.

15. The tool machine loading apparatus (1) according to claim 14, characterised in that said wrist (7) comprises a third pivot around which said wrist (7)'s distal end (17) is rotatable as compared to said wrist (7)'s proximal end.