Multi-axis system for positioning systems

Abstract

The invention relates to a positioning system which supplies test objects to a closed working area. The system comprises a Y-axis (20) which enables a linear movement in the Y direction within the working area, an X-axis (40) for movement in both X directions, and a Z-axis (70) which is fastened to the X-axis (40) and enables the vertical movement of a gripper or a receiving device. In the prior art, a plurality of external axes are required in order to feed test objects into the working area. The invention solves this problem by arranging a telescopic axis (30) below the Y-axis (20). This telescopic axis (30) makes it possible to guide test objects from outside the working area into the area, thus eliminating the need for additional external linear axes. This reduces the complexity of and space required by the system. The positioning system offers a solution that is optimised in terms of installation space for supplying test objects.

Description

[0001] P241800

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Multi-axis system for positioning systems

[0004] The invention relates to the field of positioning systems, in particular for feeding and positioning test objects in automated systems or work areas. Such systems are frequently used in laboratory environments or manufacturing processes where precise movement and placement of objects is required.

[0005] From DE 10 2006 045 301 A1, a positioning system is known that was developed for use in pick-and-place machines. This system serves for the linear movement of a placement head along an x-axis within a defined working area. Furthermore, a surface positioning system enables movements parallel to a placement plane defined by the x- and y-axes in order to precisely position electronic components.

[0006] However, expanding the system to include multiple feed points has disadvantages: Each additional feed point requires its own external linear axis. This leads to a multiplication of mechanical components, significantly increasing the installation space required, raising the costs for components, maintenance, and control systems, and making the system more complex to design.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a positioning system for feeding test objects into a closed working area, the complexity of which is reduced with regard to the mechanical components.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The positioning system according to the invention for feeding objects into an enclosed work area comprises a combination of axes that enable precise movement inside and outside the enclosed area. The Y-axis provides linear movement in the Y-direction and thus covers the entire inner work area. This is complemented by an X-axis that enables linear movement in the X directions or in both X directions relative to the Y-axis. The Z-axis can be attached to the X-axis, which enables the vertical movement of a gripper.

[0009] - 2 - which is implemented by a receiving device within the working area. One or more of the aforementioned axes are driven by linear motors that position the axis with high precision.

[0010] A telescopic axis extends the travel range in both X directions, enabling access to positions outside the enclosed work area. For example, the axis can reach through an opening in a housing and pick up objects from a conveyor belt running outside the housing. The telescopic axis reduces the need for additional external linear axes, resulting in a positioning system design optimized for complexity and space requirements. The telescopic axis can be positioned below the Y-axis.

[0011] According to an advantageous further development of the system, the telescopic axis is designed to allow the feeding of test objects from outside the enclosed work area. Unlike known solutions that require separate linear axes for transferring the test objects, the telescopic axis performs this function. This reduces the mechanical complexity of the overall system, as the need to provide axes corresponding to the number of transfer points is eliminated.

[0012] The positioning system can be additionally equipped with a clamping element, for example, in the telescopic axis. This clamping element prevents the telescopic axis from moving unintentionally when de-energized. This increases operational reliability, especially when the telescopic axis must remain in a stationary state. Such a clamping element ensures stable positioning of the telescopic axis, even when the power supply is switched off.

[0013] To ensure precise positioning, the positions of all axes of the positioning system can be monitored using a linear measuring system. The combination of linear motors and the linear measuring system enables high precision in the movement and positioning of the axes. This applies both to movements within the working area and to positions outside of it, which are accessible via the telescopic axis. P241800

[0014] - 3 -

[0015] The X-axis can be attached to the telescopic axis. This design allows for efficient use of the extended travel range of the telescopic axis. The X-axis thus ensures coverage of the entire inner work area while simultaneously enabling the connection of the telescopic axis for positioning outside the work area.

[0016] The Z-axis can be attached to the X-axis, enabling vertical movement of a gripper or holding device. The Z-axis allows for vertical movement both within and outside the work area. This integration of the Z-axis significantly expands the system's functionality, as it allows for precise picking up and placing of test objects at various positions.

[0017] The single figure shows a perspective representation of the positioning system.

[0018] The positioning system comprises an enclosed work area covered by a housing lid (not shown). The fixed base plate of the Y-axis 20 is located on the underside of the housing lid. The other components of the Y-axis 20 are attached to the underside of this base plate, enabling linear movement in the Y direction and thus covering the entire inner work area. A telescopic axis 30 is located below the Y-axis 20, providing additional travel in both X directions. This telescopic axis 30 allows access to positions outside the enclosed work area, eliminating the need for external feeding mechanisms.

[0019] An X-axis 40 is mounted on the telescopic axis 30. The X-axis 40 provides linear movement within the work area in both X directions, thus increasing the system's flexibility. A Z-axis 70 is attached to the X-axis 40, enabling vertical movement of the gripper 60 mounted on it. The Z-axis 50 allows for precise vertical movement both within and outside the work area, for example, for picking up or placing test objects. P241800

[0020] - 4 -

[0021] All axes are driven by linear motors (not shown), each consisting of a primary and a secondary part. These motors enable highly precise positioning of the individual axes with high dynamics. A linear measuring system (not shown) is provided for accurate monitoring of the axis positions, tracking the respective movements and positions in real time.

[0022] The telescopic axis 30 can optionally be equipped with a clamping element (not shown), which is, for example, located within the telescopic axis. This clamping element prevents unintentional movement of the telescopic axis when de-energized, thus increasing the operational reliability of the device.

[0023] The entire positioning system is designed to enable a compact construction. By positioning the telescopic axis 30 below the Y-axis 20, test objects can be fed from outside the enclosed work area without having to multiply external feeding mechanisms according to the number of feeding positions. This reduces the mechanical complexity and the installation space required by the system.

[0024] The gripper 50, 60, mounted on the Z-axis 70, serves as a holding device for the test objects. It can precisely grip the test objects, pick them up from the feed positions outside the working area, and place them at defined positions within the working area.

[0025] P241800

[0026] - 5 -

[0027] List of reference signs

[0028] 10 Case covers

[0029] 20 Y-axis

[0030] 30 telescopic axis

[0031] 40 X-axis

[0032] 50 grippers

[0033] 60 grippers

[0034] 70 Z-axis

[0035] 100 positioning system

Claims

P241800 - 6 - Patent claims 1. Positioning system (100) for feeding objects into an enclosed work area, comprising: • a Y-axis (20) that allows linear movement in the Y direction within the work area, • an X-axis (40) that allows linear movement in the X direction, • a Z-axis (70) that enables vertical movement of a gripper or receiving device, • Linear motors for driving at least one of the axes (20, 40, 70), characterized in that a telescopic axis (30) is arranged which enables an additional travel path in both X directions.

2. Positioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the telescopic axis (30) is configured to allow the feeding of objects from outside the working area.

3. Positioning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the telescopic axis is equipped with a clamping element which prevents unintentional movement of the telescopic axis (30) in the unpowered state.

4. Positioning system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the positions of the axes (20, 40, 70) are monitored by means of a linear measuring system.

5. Positioning system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the X-axis (40) and the telescopic axis (30) are attached to each other.

6. Positioning system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the Z-axis (70) is attached to the X-axis (40) and enables vertical movement inside and outside the working area.

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