Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum automatisierten Handhaben von Harzmatten bei der Herstellung von SMC-Teilen

A method and a device for the automated handling of resin-impregnated mats of differing shape and size during the production of SMC components, utilizes a suction gripper which can be manipulated multiaxially. A plurality of suction bells are distributed in a grid pattern on the suction gripper, each suction bell being actuable individually by a vacuum. The rigid suction bells, which are mounted via a flexible element, have a cup-shaped cross section with an edge that tapers to a point, and can be placed onto and form a seal with the resin-impregnated mats. Rotating brushes are provided for cleaning the suction bells. The suction gripper is combined with pivotable fixing spikes for securing the stack of mats at the uppermost layer of the stack. The suction bells can be raised and lowered to different levels via lifting cylinders and can be fixed in any desired intermediate positions by means of brakes.