Device for automated production of screw connections

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12202087-B2
Application number	US-202318322818-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	May 24, 2023
Priority date	Nov 25, 2020
Publication date	Jan 21, 2025
Grant date	Jan 21, 2025

Abstract

A device is provided for the automated production of screw connections, and includes an articulated robot with an output element and an end link. The output element is arranged on the end link so as to be rotatable around an effector axis (wE). A screwdriver tool is provided, and can be rotated around the effector axis (wE) by the output element. At least one gear may also be provided, where the gear has a direct operative connection to the output element and the screwdriver tool and is set up for transmission of a rotary speed between the output element and the screwdriver tool.

First claim

We claim:

1. A device for the automated production of screw connections, the device comprising:
an articulated robot with an output element and an end link, wherein the output element is arranged on the end link rotatable around an effector axis (wE);
a screwdriver tool rotatable around the effector axis (wE) by the output element; and
a planetary gear having a drive link connected to the output element and the screwdriver tool in a driving manner, the planetary gear transmitting a rotational speed between the output element and the screwdriver tool, the planetary gear further comprising:
a ring gear connected to the end link such that the ring gear and the end link are restricted from rotating relative to each other;
a sun gear; and
a planetary carrier with planetary gears,

wherein the drive link is formed by the planetary carrier and the output link is formed by the sun gear.

2. The device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the planetary gear features an airtight housing with a suction connection, and wherein the housing is connected to the end link such that the housing and the end link are restricted from rotating relative to each other.

3. The device in accordance with claim 2 , further including a suction pipe, which is accommodated on the housing in such a way that negative pressure is applied to the housing and the suction pipe via the suction connection, wherein the screwdriver tool extends axially in the suction pipe, and wherein the suction pipe features an opening for airtight application of a screw(S).

4. The device in accordance with claim 2 , wherein a suction channel extends axially all the way through the screwdriver tool, where the screwdriver tool is accommodated on the planetary gear in such a way that negative pressure can be applied to the housing and the suction channel via the suction connection, such that a screw(S) engages with and is held by the screwdriver tool by the negative pressure.

5. The device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the articulated robot includes six rotary axes, wherein the effector axis (wE) is formed by a sixth rotary axis, and wherein the end link can be rotated around a fifth rotary axis.

6. The device in accordance with claim 1 , further including a torque sensor or force sensor interacting with the screwdriver tool.

7. A device for the automated production of screw connections, the device comprising:
an articulated robot with an output element and an end link, wherein the output element is arranged on the end link rotatable around an effector axis (wE);
a screwdriver tool rotatable around the effector axis (wE) by the output element; and
a plurality of planetary gears arranged in series, each planetary gear including:
a ring gear connected to the end link such that the ring gear and the end link are restricted from rotating relative to each other;
a sun gear; and
a planetary carrier with planetary gears,

wherein a drive link of a first planetary gear is connected to the output element such that the drive link of the first planetary gear and the output element are restricted from rotating relative to each other, the drive link of the first planetary gear formed by the planetary carrier of the first planetary gear, and
wherein an output link of a last planetary gear is connected to the screwdriver tool such that the output link of the last planetary gear and the screwdriver tool are restricted from rotating relative to each other, the output link of the last planetary gear formed by the sun gear of the last planetary gear.

Assignees

• Hella Gmbh & Co Kgaa

Inventors

• Ammann Daniel
• Engler Ingo
• Gruene Ludger-Josef
• Jagow Frank
• Lebrato-Rastrojo Miguel
• Mattenklotz Matthias
• Roebbecke Thomas Albert

Classifications

• B25J15/0616

  with vacuum · CPC title

• B25J13/085

  Force or torque sensors (B25J13/082, B25J13/084 take precedence) · CPC title

• B25J9/1687

  Assembly, peg and hole, palletising, straight line, weaving pattern movement · CPC title

• B25B21/00

  Portable power-driven screw or nut setting or loosening tools; (details or components, e.g. casings, bodies, of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operation performed B25F5/00; {for mounting or dismounting wheels B60B29/006}); Attachments for drilling apparatus serving the same purpose (machines B23P19/06) · CPC title

• B25B23/08

  for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation · CPC title