Multidirectional Tool Changer

Big vehicle positions precisely

A new multidirectional tool changer from the special purpose vehicles manufacturer Hubtex was especially designed for the application at Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, for transporting and changing injection moulding tools.

The multidirectional tool changer adapts to a variety of tool sizes and injection moulding machines. (Photo: Hubtex)

This vehicle with a capacity of 50.000 kg is based on an existing design from Hubtex and has been further developed for the operation at the Volkswagen plant. Starting point for the new truck was the requirement for a flexible solution with a high positioning accuracy. Previously the injection moulding tools were transported by a railbound vehicle which could not be used anymore due to production expansion. The core of the development was the implementation of a safe docking process on the different machines as well as fast and safe tool changing.

The tool changer can be positioned exactly in front of the injection moulding machine in order to make the docking process as easy as possible for the operator. For this purpose the different docking situations at the machines, preheating stations and storage locations have been taken into consideration. The operator is supported by integrated sensor technology which makes the exact positioning possible. The tool changer is connected to the injection moulding machine by locking pins. Possible height differences are compensated by the mechanical levelling device.

The actual tool changing process starts with the data connection between the vehicle and the injection moulding machine. After the opening of the machine’s sliding doors the tool changing happens through a push or pull system. The shifting table is equipped with replaceable brass strips for the protection of the tools.

Anzeige

Due to the close cooperation between Volkswagen and Hubtex engineers during the development process the new vehicle was perfectly matched to the application requirements. Thus, for example, the gripping system can be remote controlled whereby the operator does not have to enter onto the transfer table area. The vehicle is also equipped with a laser supported security system that monitors dangerous areas of the truck at critical times to ensure user and bystander safety along with crash avoidance. A sensor-supported monitoring tool changing with a high leel of process reliability is implemented. pb

Anzeige

Das könnte Sie auch interessieren

Anzeige

Schubmaststapler

Schwere Lasten sicher manövrieren

Der neue Mehrwege-Schubmaststapler NexX von Hubtex ist ideal für den Einsatz in beengten Lagerräumen und schmalen Regalgängen. Anwender können mit dem Flurförderzeug neben Langgut auch Standardformate bis zu 3 t transportieren.

mehr...
Anzeige
Anzeige

Greiferbaukasten

Vorkonfigurierte Startersets

Mit dem PXT hat Schmalz im vergangenen Jahr eine neue Möglichkeit individueller Greifer auf den Markt gebracht. Für einen direkteren und schnellen Einstieg in die Welt des Greiferbaus sorgt der Vakuum-Experte nun mit zwei Starter-Sets.

mehr...
Anzeige
Anzeige
Anzeige
Anzeige

Handhabungstechnik

Die Brennstoffzelle im Griff

Die Brennstoffzelle ist eine ernstzunehmende Lösung für die emissionsfreie Mobilität. War sie lange von der Bildfläche verschwunden, etabliert sie sich mittlerweile als ein gangbarer Weg für Zero-Emission-Strategien.

mehr...

Produktionslogistik

Neue Verpackungslösungen

Auer Packaging hat mehrere Produktneuheiten und Erweiterungen vorgestellt. Die Produktpalette des Spezialanbieters für Lager- und Transportverpackungen reicht vom individuell definierbaren Sondermaßbehälter bis zur Bigbox.

mehr...