US 7,125,244 B2 · In-line robot mount

Abstract

A method and apparatus for mounting an in-line robot includes structure and/or steps for mounting a beam having an axis of travel. The in-line robot is preferably mounted on an injection molding machine. At least two mountings are provided, with a first mounting provided on a stationary platen of said injection molding machine, and a second flexible mounting provided on a portion of a clamping assembly. Preferably, the second flexible mounting is provided on a clamp block. The flexible mounting includes a first structure for fastening to a portion of the clamping assembly, and a second structure for fastening to the beam. The flexible mounting also includes a spacer extending between the first and second structures for fastening, and the spacer is attached to the first and second structures for fastening by first and second connectors, respectively. The flexible mounting permits secure fastening of the beam to the clamping assembly regardless of any changes in the position of the clamping assembly with respect to the beam.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A robot flexibly mounted on an injection molding machine comprises:

an injection molding machine comprising;
a first stationary machine component;
a moving platen;
and second stationary machine component;
a plurality of tiebars;
and
said plurality of tiebars interconnecting said first stationary machine component and said second stationary machine component of said injection molding machine;
a robot;
a mounting assembly;
said mounting assembly including a beam and a flexible mount;
said robot mounted on said beam and said beam mounted to said first stationary machine component of said injection molding machine;
and
said flexible mount intermediate said beam and said second stationary machine component wherein said flexible mount is flexible about a vertical axis for maintaining parallel alignment in response to horizontal relative movement.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

In-line robot mount

Life of this patent

In-line robot mount

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26