EP3122520A1

EP3122520A1 - Robot arm and assembly set

Info

Publication number: EP3122520A1
Application number: EP15711741.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Raak; Felix BERGER
Original assignee: Igus GmbH
Current assignee: Igus GmbH
Priority date: 2014-03-24
Filing date: 2015-03-23
Publication date: 2017-02-01
Also published as: CN106132642A; TW201544276A; WO2015144613A1; US20170100844A1; KR20160136335A; DE202014101342U1; JP2017508635A

Abstract

The invention relates to a robot arm (1) having a modular structure and having directly driven arm joints (2). For simplification and easier assembly of the robot arm (1), it is proposed that the arm joints (2) each have a drive module (3) with a directly driven worm drive (31) for generating a torque that acts with respect to a rotation axis (a, a1, a2, a3, a4, a5) of the drive module (3), and a connection module (4), axially adjoining the drive module (3) with respect to the rotation axis (a), for transmitting the torque to an arm joint (2) that follows in the direction of a top-side end joint (21) of the robot arm (1) with respect to a drive sequence. The invention also relates to an assembly set (8) for the robot arm (1).

Description

Robotic arm and mounting kit

The invention relates to a robot arm with a modular design and with directly driven arm joints. The invention further relates to a mounting set for the robot arm.

A generic robot arm is described in DE8310067U1, wherein the drive is arranged in a tubular first rotary member, the non-rotatably with a

the preceding robot part is connected on the output side torque-transmitting with a coaxial to the first rotary member second tubular rotary member is connected. Such a robot arm has a complex, less flexible and not easy to assemble construction.

An object of the invention is the generic

Robotic arm develop so that it has a simpler structure and easier to install.

The stated object is achieved by the

Characteristics of claim 1 solved. advantageous

Further developments are described in the subclaims. The stated object is already achieved in that the arm joints each have a drive module with a direct

driven worm drive for generating a relative to a rotational axis of the drive module torque and an axis of rotation with respect to the drive module subsequent connection module for transmitting the

Have torque on a respect to a drive sequence to a head-side end joint of the robot arm subsequent arm joint.

It is suggested that the connection module torque transfer effective to arrange between two drive modules. The connection module closes with respect to the

Output sequence to the drive module of the assigned

Arm joints axially. The modules of the arm joint are arranged axially aligned. It is thus proposed a particularly simple and clear modular design, in which a module axially preferably connects directly to the subsequent module. Preferably, the robot arm is constructed up to the intended working head out of juxtaposed modules. The working head can be attached to a head end joint. The robotic arm may be a base abutment attached or fixed to a base

exhibit. The robotic arm, including the end hinges, can be constructed entirely of juxtaposed modules.

This consistent juxtaposition of modules also has the advantage, because of their clarity, that the risk of assembly errors can be largely reduced, so that it is possible for less trained fitters to assemble and assemble a proper robot arm. The axial juxtaposition of the modules

also allows a compact design of the robot arm. In particular, the drive module may be provided with a character, a mark and / or a color to indicate the drive sequence. In addition, this opens

Stringing the modules of the robot arm with respect to the respective associated axis of rotation structurally simple variations, which are explained below by way of example. The arm joints can thus be designed as swivel joints.

In a further simplification of the modular construction of the

Robot arm is proposed that the drive modules and / or the connection modules of the robot arm respectively

are identical. The construction similarity can also with the

the following modules are applicable. The drive module itself can also be a very

have a simple structure. For this purpose, the worm drive a drive motor, one by means of the drive motor

driven worm, the torque effective with a

Worm wheel is connected, with the worm wheel

advantageous in a radial-axial plain bearing to the

Rotary axis is movably mounted.

In a further development of the robot arm can be provided that by means of the connection module a specific

Anstellwinkel in which the axes of rotation of two on the

Connection module connected drive modules are employed, is given. Similarly, a certain distance to the axes of rotation can be specified via the connection module. This means that a desired distance and / or desired angle of attack can be achieved via the dimensioning of the connection module. The connection module can be designed as an angle piece with two legs, wherein the inclination of the legs to each other the angle of attack can be adjusted. The connection module and / or the drive module can each have a first connection surface on the drive side and a second connection surface on the output side for connection to the respective adjacent module. The connection module can, with its drive-side first connection surface, be provided on a second output side provided on the drive module

Connection surface are set. By means of this, the orientation of the connection module relative to the drive module can be changed in a simple manner via the relative rotational position of the two connection surfaces. This is particularly advantageous if the

Connection module is designed as an angle piece. It can thus the surface normal of the pads of the

Connection module are arranged at an angle to each other employed. Are, as exemplified below, two Connection modules between two drive modules, so the relative orientation of the two drive modules to each other and thus the driven side provided drive module can be changed crucial with its axis of rotation on the relative position of the two connection modules.

In a refinement of the robot arm, provision may be made for the angle of attack and / or the distance to be adjustable. The angle of attack can be less than or equal to 180 °

preferably less than or equal to 120 ° or in particular

be less than or equal to 90 °.

In a preferred arrangement of the modules of the robot arm can be provided that at least in an arm joint of the robot arm, the connection module on the drive side with the

Worm wheel of a driving drive module and

on the output side with the housing of the drive module of

subsequent wrist joint is connected. In this case, the connection module can be connected to the housing or to the worm wheel by means of flanging.

In another embodiment of the robot arm can be provided that at least two adjacent drive modules of the robot arm in the output sequence successively arranged connection modules are provided which are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed or indirectly rotatable manner via an extension module. The extension module can be used to increase the distance between two adjacent drive modules. Furthermore, about the relative rotational orientation of the two

Connection modules the relative position of the axes of rotation of the

Drive modules between which the connection modules are arranged to be adjusted. It is preferred that the two rotationally successively arranged connection modules are flanged to each other.

In a further simplification of the assembly can be provided that at least some connection modules and / or at least some extension modules can be installed from their connecting surfaces in any orientation towards the respective neighbor. It is envisaged that the size of the modules to the end member of the robot arm to change out, in particular from a first size to a second size down, so it is preferable

provided that this change in size in the

Connection module takes place. For this purpose, the connection module on its drive-side first connection surface, the first size and on its output side second

Pad have the second size.

Furthermore, in a further development of the robot arm

be provided that at least at an arm joint of the robot arm on the drive side and / or output side to

Connection module is arranged in each case an extension module. This allows further variations in the design of the arm joints of the robot arm with respect to the relative position of the axes of rotation of the affected drive modules. The extension module may be in an advantageous

Embodiment of the robot arm, a profile section, in particular a pipe profile section. This has the advantage that the profile section or the

Tube profile section even on site from a

Profile bar can be cut to a certain length.

Advantageously simple, the profile section can preferably be rotationally fixedly connected at both ends, in each case by means of a provided plug-clamp receptacle, with the respectively associated connection modules or with the associated connection module and drive module.

In a further solution to the problem set out above, it can be provided that the robot arm has at least one module, in particular an extension module, whose output end is provided with at least two connection points. Thus, the robot arm can be split into two side arms at this point, for example, to be able to attack on the side of the workpiece to be machined end of the side arms from two sides. In this case, the at least two connection points can optionally be designed for one or in each case for a module to be connected, in particular for a connection module, extension module or drive module. Also in terms of a larger one

Variation width of the robot arm advantageous, can

be provided that the at least two connection points are arranged at a different angle to the pivot axis of the at least two connection points having module driving drive module. Preferably, at least one of the angle of attack is adjustable. The at least two connection points can be designed for the same or different sizes. You can to

Be designed connection of the same or different modules. If at least two connection points are provided on the output side of a drive module, an intermediate transmission can be provided on the output side of the drive module, by means of which the torque generated by the drive module can be selectively transmitted to one of the modules docked at the connection point or both docked modules. Advantageously, with regard to an extended movement space of the robot arm and a possible reduction in the mass of the robot arm to be moved, it may be provided that the sizes of the installed drive modules and / or the built-in connection modules decrease with respect to a direction toward the head end of the robot arm.

As an alternative to the object, a mounting kit for creating a robot arm according to one of the execution arms described above and below can be provided, wherein the mounting kit drive modules and Having connection modules. This mounting kit can be stored and used on site to assemble the robotic arm. It can be provided that the mounting kit has a certain number of identical drive modules and / or identical connection modules.

The mounting facilitating can be provided that vary in the mounting kit at least some of the drive modules and / or at least some connection modules each in terms of their size. In addition, the kit can advantageously also have extension modules. Of the provided in the kit

Extension modules can at least some in theirs

Frame size vary. The extension modules can be used as

Profile sections, in particular be designed as a tube profile sections. The kit can also have profile bars of a certain length and / or several specific lengths and / or cross-sectional sizes. Here, the profile bars may each have a same profile cross-section. This allows the profile bars to be cut to the required length on site.

The profile bars or pipe sections can each be made of a metallic material, in particular of aluminum. The connection modules can also be made of metal, but preferably of plastic. The connection modules can be made of plastic

Injection molding, preferably be made by laser sintering.

The present invention is described below with reference to an embodiment of the illustrated in a drawing

Robot arm explained in more detail. In the drawing show:

1 is a perspective view of a robot arm with different, constructed of modules arm joints, 2a and 2b are each a side view of the robot arm of FIG. 1,

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first

Embodiment of the wrist joint with a connected drive module,

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second

Embodiment of the wrist joint,

5a and 5b is a side view of the drive module with the housing open or a cross-sectional view of

Drive module according to Fig.5a,

6a and 6b show a further side view of the drive module according to FIG. 5a or a longitudinal sectional view of FIG

Drive module according to FIG. 6a,

Fig. 7 to 10 are each a longitudinal sectional view of a

Embodiment of a connection module of the robot arm,

11 shows three longitudinal sectional views of a tube profile as an example of an extension module,

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of another

Embodiment of the extension module with double end connection and

Fig. 13 shows a mounting set for a robot arm with

perspective individual representations of modules, some with different sizes.

Figures 1 and 2 are in different views, a robot arm 1 with a modular design with direct

driven arm joints 2 shown. The arm joints 2 each have a drive module 3 with a directly driven worm drive 4 for generating a respect to a

Rotary axis a of the drive module 3 effective torque. Furthermore, with respect to the axis of rotation a axially to the Drive module 3 subsequent connection module 5 to

Transmission of the torque to one with respect to a

Drive sequence to a head-end joint 21 of the

Robot arm 1 provided in subsequent wrist joint 2. Thus, the connection module 5 torque transfer effective between two drive modules 3 is arranged. The robot arm 1 is here completely made of modules, among others

Drive modules 3 and 5 connection modules built. In the figure 1 and 2, the end joint 21, only the

Drive module 3 shown as the output side of the drive module 3, for example, a working head could be mounted, which thus serves as quasi as Anstellmodul. It can also be deduced from FIGS. 1 and 2 that the modular design of the

Arm joints 2 could be continued by the end joint 21 and thus the invention is not limited to the number of arm joints shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In the figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a

Embodiment of the arm joint 2, this equal to the base joint 22 of the illustrated in Figure 1

Robot arm 1 is. The base joint 22 has the basic shape of an arm joint 2 with drive module 2 and subsequent connection module 4. In Figure 4 is also a

Longitudinal sectional view of the connection module 4 of the on

Base joint 2 subsequent wrist joint 2 and the

Drive module 3 of the subsequent wrist joint 2

shown.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the connection module 4 of FIG

Base joint 22 a bent at a right angle shape. This embodiment of the connection module 4 is further shown in Figure 7 in a longitudinal sectional view. This angled shape of the connection module 4 has the consequence that the axis of rotation al, a2 of connected via the connection module 4 drive modules 3 are employed in an angle β of here 90 °. The connection module 4 has On the drive side, a first connection surface 41 and on the output side, a second connection surface 42. In this case, the two surface normals of the connection surface 41, 42 are arranged in the angle of attack β of here 90 °. It can be seen directly from the drawing that the angle of attack β can be changed by an adjustment of the connecting surfaces 41, 42 which is angled, for example, to the axis of rotation a. The same applies to the other modules 3, 5, which exemplarily further down to another

Embodiment of the extension module 5 in Figure 12 is shown. Here, the angle of attack ß between the surface normals of the pads is 30 °.

Clearly visible in Figure 4 is one at the second

Pad 42 of the here lower connection module 4 protruding ring of screws 61 for the

Screw 6 with the drive element. The arm joint 2 has, in the output sequence below to its drive module not shown here, a rectangular connection module 4, the principle of which is shown in the longitudinal sectional view of the connection module 4 according to FIG. Following to this connection module 4 is an extension module 5 here in the form of a tubular profile section 51 with a circular

Provided cross-section over which a distance between the drive modules 3 can be made. This

Tube section 51 is also exemplified in Figure 11, in the three different lengths

Tube profile sections 51 are shown. This

Tube profile section 51 can, which is not special here

is shown, for example, be deflected from a corresponding pipe profile bar. In output sequence subsequent to the extension module 5, a further rectangular connection module 4 is provided, which has a same construction, but smaller size than the previous connection module 4. As can be seen directly from FIG. 4, the two connection modules 4 and the Extension module 5 achieves that the axes of rotation a2, a3 assigned to the arm joints 2 are spaced parallel

are arranged to each other. This spacing can be adjusted over the length of the tube profile section 51. The reference numerals of the rotation axis a of the robot arm 1 are provided with indices corresponding to their output sequence, wherein the base element 22, the rotation axis al and the

subsequent wrist 2 have the axis of rotation a2 and so on up to the end joint 21, which has the axis of rotation a6. Correspondingly, in FIG. 4, the axis of rotation a2 of the arm joint 2 following the base joint 22 and the axis of rotation a3 of the arm joint adjoining thereto and not shown in FIG. 4 are shown.

The following in the drive module 3 claim module 4 and the drive module 3 subsequent modules 4, 5 are rotatably connected to the associated drive module 3 and

rotatably connected with each other. Here it is the

Drive module 3 subsequent connection module 4 flanged via a screw 6 to the drive module 3, wherein the screws 61 each have an associated

Access channel 62 for their detachment or fixing

are accessible. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 5 and 6, the worm drive 31 has a

Drive motor 32 and a driven by the drive motor 32 screw 32. The worm 32 is coupled to a worm wheel 35 movably mounted in a radial-axial sliding bearing 34 about the axis of rotation a. The structure of the radial-axial slide bearing 34 is particularly good in Figure 6b removed. In this case, a connecting ring 36 and an intermediate worm wheel 35 arranged around connecting ring 36 spacer ring 37 forms a receptacle 38 for a housing ring 39, wherein the relative rotation of receptacle 38 on the housing ring 39 to the indicated in Figure 6b sliding elements 301 made of polymer plastic. The housing ring 39 is part of a Housing 302, which surrounds the drive module 3, wherein the connecting ring 36 with the output side second

Pad 42 protrudes beyond the housing 302. Parts of the housing 301 are omitted in FIGS. 5 and 6 to better reveal the worm drive 31. Such a radial-axial bearing is characterized in particular by low friction and zero maintenance. This is partly due to the favorable material pairing polymer (sliding element) / metal (Auflagerung), in particular

Attributed to polymer / aluminum. Incidentally, in

Connection with the radial-axial plain bearing on the

Utility Model DE 20 2013 101 374 Ul referenced, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated in particular in terms of the polymer sliding elements and their arrangement in the axial-radial slide bearing in the disclosure of this application.

Worm wheel 35, spacer ring 37 and connecting ring 36 are screwed together by means of a screw 6 rotatably. Escaping to this screw 6 is structurally simplifying the screw 6

provided, the drive module 3 with the following

Connection module 4 connected to the rotationally fixed connection with the drive module 3. Furthermore, the housing ring 39 is also flanged by means of a screw 6 to the housing 302. Similarly, the connection modules 4 are flanged by means of a screw 6 to the respectively associated drive module 3 and that at its output-side first connection surface 41.

As can be seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, a plug-and-clamp connection 7 is provided for the non-rotatable connection of the tube profile section 51 with the respectively assigned connection module 4. For this purpose, the respectively assigned

Connection module 4 a plug-in receptacle 71 for the

Pipe section 51 on, with provided lateral Clamping screws 72 are screwed radially against the tube profile section 51. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, for each clamping screw 72, a through hole 73 may be provided in the rough portion 51, through which the

Clamping screw 72 is guided in the plug-clamp connection 7, whereby the tube profile section 51 is held rotationally and non-displaceably in the plug-in receptacle 71.

FIGS. 8 and 10 show further embodiments of the invention

Connection module 4. According to FIG. 8, the plug-in receptacle 71 is arranged at an angle β of 45 ° to the associated axis of rotation a, which is equal to the longitudinal axis 1 of the connection module 4 here. According to FIG. 10, the plug-in receptacle 71 extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1. These two

Embodiments of the connection module 4 are intended

are exemplary that a wealth of variations in terms of the connection module is possible and that the invention is not limited to the embodiment of the connection module 4 shown here.

The extension modules 5 shown here are not limited to the embodiments shown here. By way of example, in FIG. 12, a branching section 52 is shown as part of an extension module 5, which in this case has three plug-in receptacles 71, each for receiving one

Tubular section 51 has. Here are two upper plug receptacles 71 and a lower plug receptacle 71st

provided, wherein the upper plug receptacles 71st

output side and the lower plug receptacle 71st

can be used on the drive side. It can also be provided more than two upper plug receptacles. According to FIG. 12, at the upper plug receptacles 71 of the

Branching section 52 exemplifies each one indicated here by dashed lines

Tube profile section 51 is provided so that the robot arm 1 can be split thereby to two side arms. These can, for example, each led to an end-side working head, not shown here. Furthermore, they can each be connected, for example via a Anstellmodul. However, it is also possible to connect one

Drive module and / or Anstellmoduls to the

Connection points.

Turning back to Figure 1, it can be seen that the construction of the base joint 22 with drive module 3 and subsequent Anstellmodul 4 is repeated in the arranged before the end joint 21 wrist joint, but the

Frame size of the base joint 22 is greater than that of the end joint 21 and the arm joint 2 arranged in front of the end joint 21. This makes it clear that it is envisaged that

Frame sizes of the arm joints 2 from the base joint 22 to the Armendgelenk 21 to decrease.

Exemplary of a mounting kit 8 for creating a robot arm 1 is in Figure 13, a collection of

differently shaped drive modules 3,

Anstellmodulen 4 and extension modules 5 in the form of tube profile sections 51 shown in such

Mounting kit 8 may be included. It is understood that this collection is merely exemplary, wherein the mounting kit 8 shown in Figure 13 includes the embodiments of the modules, which are necessary for the execution of the robot arm 1 according to Figure 1.

Robotic arm and mounting set Reference list

1 robot arm

2 wrist joint

21 end joint

22 base joint

3 drive module

31 worm drive

32 drive motor

33 snail

34 Radial-axial plain bearings

35 worm wheel

36 connection ring

37 spacer ring

38 recording

39 housing ring

301 polymer sliding element

302 housing

4 connection module

41 first connection surface

42 second connection area

5 extension module

51 pipe profile section

52 branching section

6 screw connection

61 screw

62 access channel

7 plug-in connection

71 plug-in receptacle

72 clamping screw

73 Through hole 8 mounting kit

a, al, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6 axis of rotation

1 longitudinal axis

ß angle of attack

Claims

Robotic arm and mounting kit

claims

Robot arm with modular design and with direct

Powered Wrist Joints (2), d a du r c h

In other words, the arm joints (2) each have a drive module (3) with one directly

driven worm drive (31) for generating with respect to a rotational axis (a, al, a2, a3, a4, a5) of

Drive module (3) effective torque and with respect to the axis of rotation (a) axially to the drive module

(3) subsequent connection module (4) for transmitting the torque to a relative to a drive sequence to a head end joint (21) of the robot arm

(1) have subsequent wrist joint (2).

Robot arm according to claim 1, d a du r c h

The drive modules are not available

(3) and / or the connection modules (4) of the robot arm

(1) are identical.

Robot arm according to claim 1 or 2, d a du r c h

characterized in that the worm drive (31) comprises a drive motor (32) and a worm (33) driven by the drive motor (32), the torque being effectively engaged in a radial-axial slide bearing (34) about the axis of rotation (a, al, a2, a3, a4, a5) rotatably mounted worm wheel (35) is coupled.

Robot arm according to one of claims 1 to 3,

because you hchgekennzeichnet that by means of the connection module (4) a certain angle (ß), in which the axes of rotation (a, al, a2, a3, a4, a5) of two connected via the connection module (4) drive modules

(3) are employed, and / or a certain distance between the axes of rotation (a, al, a2, a3, a4, a5) are given.

Robot arm according to claim 4, d a du r c h

e n c ia n e s, the s d a s s the connection module

(4) and / or the drive module (2) respectively

On the drive side, a first connection surface (41) and on the output side, a second connection surface (42) for connection to the respective adjacent module (2,4).

Robot arm according to claim 4 or 5, d a du r c h

However, the angle of attack (β) and / or the distance are adjustable.

Robot arm according to one of claims 4 to 6,

That is, the angle of attack (β) is less than or equal to 180 °, preferably less than or equal to 120 °, or in particular less than or equal to 90 °.

Robot arm according to one of claims 1 to 7,

d a s e c tio n s, d a s s

at least at an arm joint (2) of the robot arm (1), the connection module (4) on the drive side with the

Worm wheel (35) of a driving drive module (3) and the output side with the housing (302) of the

Drive module (3) of the subsequent arm joint (2) connected, in particular flanged.

Robot arm according to one of claims 1 to 8,

d a s e c tio n s, d a s s

between two at least two adjacent drive modules (3) two rotationally arranged one behind the other Connection modules (4) are provided which are directly against each other in a rotationally fixed or indirectly via a

Extension module (5) are rotatably connected with each other.

Robot arm according to one of claims 1 to 9,

d a s e c tio n s, d a s s

at least at an arm joint (2) of the robot arm (1) on the drive side and / or output side between

Drive module (3) and connection module (4) each have an extension module (5) is arranged.

A robotic arm according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said robot arm according to claim 9 or 10

Extension module (5) has a profile section, in particular pipe profile section, preferably

telescopic.

Robot arm according to claim 11, d a du r c h

In other words, the profile section at both ends in each case has an intended plug-in clamping receptacle (7) with its associated one

Connection modules (4) or with the associated

Connection module (4) or drive module (3) is rotatably connected.

Robot arm according to one of claims 9 to 12,

The extension module (5) has an output-side end at least two connection points optionally for one or in each case for a connection module to be connected (4) Drive module (3) or extension module (5)

having . 14. Robot arm according to one of claims 1 to 13,

Because of the fact that the sizes of the individual drive modules (3) and / or the remove individual connection modules (4) in one direction to a head end joint (21) of the robot arm (1).

Assembly set for creating a robot arm (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 with drive modules (3) and connection modules (4), wherein the mounting kit (8) a certain number of particular identical drive modules (3) and in particular identical

Connection modules (4).

Mounting kit according to claim 15, d a du c h

At least some of the drive modules (3) and / or connection modules (4) may vary in size, respectively.

Mounting kit according to claim 15 or 16, d a c h e c e s n e c e s t s, he s in addition s

Extension modules (5), of which at least some vary in their size and in particular as profile sections, in particular pipe profile sections (51) are formed.