Vibration Modelling and the Difference Between Different Vibration Models for a Fewer-DOF Parallel Robot

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The accuracy of the vibration model used in the design process directly affects the vibration performance of a parallel robot in practice, which determines the machining accuracy and the surface finish of the manufactured products. Considering a drilling parallel robot with a passive branch and few degrees of freedom as the implementation object, a vibration modelling method is proposed in which Kane’s equation is utilized, and various commonly ignored factors, such as the passive branch, the joint clearances and gravity, are considered. To explore the effects of the passive branch, which was considered ideal in previous studies, two dynamic models are derived in which the passive branch is rigid or flexible. To explore the effects of the joint clearances, which were ignored in previous studies, two stiffness models of branches are derived, in which the joint clearances are considered or ignored. Finally, numerical examples are presented for analysing the effects of these commonly ignored factors on the vibration performance of the drilling parallel robot. Regarding to the effects of these commonly ignored factors, the findings of this paper can serve as a reference for designers in simplifying the vibration model in the design process of parallel robot.</jats:p>