Mechanical arm, also known as a Cartesian coordinate robot.
A Cartesian robot consists of three mutually perpendicular linear motion axes (X, Y, Z axes), and through the coordinated motion of these three axes, it can achieve arbitrary point positioning and trajectory control in three-dimensional space. Its structure usually includes linear motion units, drive motors, control systems, and end effectors.
Accurate linear motion is achieved through servo motors or cylinder drives, combined with transmission methods such as ball screws, synchronous belts, or gear racks, through a robotic arm. Its workspace is a rectangular prism or cube with a limited range of motion, but it has high positioning accuracy, a simple structure, and is easy to program and control.
The most common application of robotic arms is as auxiliary equipment for injection molding machines, used to quickly extract finished products or nozzles from molds and transport them to designated locations.
Because he is really quite complex, with similar appearances, but actually divided into single arm, double arm, single cut, double cut, and other types. Please explain these concepts below.
1. Single-arm robotic arm
Single-arm robotic arms typically have only one main arm and a relatively simple structure, making them suitable for performing relatively simple or repetitive tasks. For example, in injection molding machines, a single-arm robotic arm is often used to extract finished products and nozzles, suitable for situations with two plate molds. Its advantages lie in its simple structure, low cost, and easy maintenance, making it suitable for scenarios with limited space or simple tasks. Single-arm type refers to a robotic arm with a single rigid structure, consisting of only a continuous arm segment from the base (or rotating joint) to the end effector (such as a gripper), without any additional segments or telescopic structures.
2. Dual-arm robotic arm
A dual-arm robotic arm consists of a main arm and a secondary arm, which can perform two independent tasks simultaneously. For example, in a machining center, one arm is responsible for removing old knives, while the other arm is responsible for inserting new knives, thereby improving the efficiency of tool replacement. Its structure is more complex, but it has higher flexibility and efficiency, making it suitable for scenarios that require multi-task parallel processing. The main and auxiliary arms of the dual-arm robotic arm are suitable for switching between different modes to improve efficiency. The design of the auxiliary arm makes the water intake operation more convenient and improves work efficiency.
3. Single-section robotic arm
The structure of a single-section robotic arm is relatively simple, usually with only one joint, which can only perform linear movements up, down, left, and right, and cannot achieve complex grasping and placing actions. It is suitable for environments with high workshop height and large space, such as for taking out finished products and nozzles in injection molding machines.
4. Double-section robotic arm
A double-section robotic arm has two joints that enable more complex movements such as grasping, rotating, and placing. Its structure is relatively complex, usually connected by belts and bearings, which can achieve efficient operation in a limited space. For example, in an injection molding machine, a double-section robotic arm can simultaneously take out the finished product and the nozzle, saving top space.
Simply put, the single arm style is similar to a "straight arm", while the double arm style is similar to our arm (upper arm+forearm), with elbow joints. The former can only move in a straight line, while the latter can rotate and stretch.
Of course, it's not that the simpler it is, the worse it is; the more complex it is, the better it is. Only the production line that suits oneself is the most perfect.