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Video: The Seventh Axis Does It
With the principle of the seventh axis, the complete robot moves on a linear axis close to the ground. Small to medium-sized robots with a payload of up to approximately 300 kg can be moved. Rollon mainly uses its Tecline-Rail profiles when assembling the linear axis. These prismatic roller or profile rail guides with rack and pinion drive guarantee high dynamics and are extremely resilient. Her main areas of application are robotics, machine linking, palletizing, and logistics. For example, a six-axis articulated arm robot can run parallel to a production line on the linear axis and thereby carry out manipulations. Due to the low weight of the Tecline Rail system, comparatively low ceiling loads occur,so that the solution with the seventh axis is also an option for production facilities with a basement.
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Individual linear axes can be made up to 12 m with profiles in one piece. For longer ranges, several beams can be connected in a shock-processed manner. Due to its large product portfolio, Rollon can offer the customer different, tailor-made solutions.
Increase the working area of the robot
In a current application, Rollon implemented the linear positioning of the robot in a welding cell with a seventh axis. A Kuka KR 16 arc HW (Hollow Wrist) is used as the robot. The robot weighs 245 kg and has a payload of 16 kg. The seventh axis extends the maximum range of the six-axis robot by 1636 mm by a stroke of 6 m. This increases his work area very economically. In this application, the robot can be moved on the axis at a speed of 1 m / s and an acceleration of 1 m / s 2. Travel speeds of up to 3 m / s are possible. It is also possible to use several robots on one axis. These can then work together on a workpiece, for example.
When designing the axis system, a clear distinction must be made between loading and unloading functions and active workpiece machining, for example by drilling or milling, in order to be able to precisely check and take into account the accuracy and rigidity requirements. For use in harsh environmental conditions, prismatic linear guides can also be used that can be operated without a lubrication system.
Easy on-site assembly
For the construction of the seventh axis, Rollon used a Tecline Rail system with two parallel Statyca portal profiles (170 mm × 120 mm) and a helical, hardened and ground precision rack. The grooves integrated in the profiles can be used as a simple mounting option for external components, whether mechanical components or electrical or sensors. There were also profile rail guides with a size 30 ball chain, which were supplied as a pre-assembled system solution with base plates and leveling screws for simple on-site installation and height adjustment. The customer then only needs to connect an axle system supplied with an energy chain and gearbox to his motor using the gearbox flange. The maximum repeatability of the system is ± 0.05 mm.
The Rollon engineers used their application experience in linear technology to develop the solution. The entire concept of the seventh axis offers greater flexibility than a robot OEM solution and is an economical alternative to steel construction for robots with a total weight of up to 1500 kg (payload + dead weight). The design of the gearbox and the servo motor is also part of the Rollon service. (sh)
Hannover Messe 2017: Hall 17, Stand C42
* Frank Thomas is sales manager for linear axes / systems at ROLLON GmbH in Düsseldorf
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